The Meadows is more than a golf community. Located just east of downtown Sarasota, this master-planned development spans over 1,600 acres and includes miles of trails, nature preserves, wellness facilities, and retail access. Residents experience a steady pace of life supported by well-maintained green space, a dedicated community association, and activity options that extend far beyond the fairways. The Meadows Sarasota lifestyle includes walking access to parks, dining, fitness, and long-term neighborhood continuity.
This guide focuses on often-overlooked aspects of daily life in The Meadows, offering a clear picture of what it’s like to live there without focusing solely on golf amenities.
The Meadows Shopping Village
The Meadows Shopping Village is located in the center of the community and includes a collection of independently operated businesses, cafés, and service providers. Residents visit the Village for everyday needs such as hair appointments, dental visits, and office supplies. It also hosts a rotating group of wellness services, including massage therapy, acupuncture, and Pilates studios.
There is no need to leave the community to grab coffee, sit down for a casual lunch, or pick up basic household items. The layout includes shaded walkways, outdoor seating, and direct access to bike and pedestrian paths. This setup allows easy access without car dependency, making it a practical part of the daily rhythm.
There is no need to leave the community to grab coffee, sit down for a casual lunch, or pick up basic household items. The layout includes shaded walkways, outdoor seating, and direct access to bike and pedestrian paths. This setup allows easy access without car dependency, making it a practical part of the daily rhythm.
Walking and Biking Trails
The Meadows includes over 14 miles of trails designed for walking and biking. These trails connect residential streets, natural preserves, lakes, and open green corridors. Depending on the section, the surfaces are paved or packed shell, and many are wide enough for side-by-side walking. The community association posts maps at intervals.
Morning and evening hours see regular trail use by residents walking pets or using the space for fitness. Several trails run adjacent to water features or wooded buffers, offering shade and a steady breeze. This network makes movement through the neighborhood feel consistent and integrated, supporting the active side of The Meadows Sarasota lifestyle.
Morning and evening hours see regular trail use by residents walking pets or using the space for fitness. Several trails run adjacent to water features or wooded buffers, offering shade and a steady breeze. This network makes movement through the neighborhood feel consistent and integrated, supporting the active side of The Meadows Sarasota lifestyle.
Nathan Benderson Park Access
One of the unique features of The Meadows is its proximity to Nathan Benderson Park. Residents can bike or drive just minutes to reach the park’s entrance, which includes a 400-acre lake, rowing facility, and over three miles of perimeter trail. The park is open daily and offers easy access to kayak launches, workout stations, and scheduled events.
The connection to Benderson Park enhances the outdoor component of life in The Meadows, offering expanded space for larger group activities, individual training, or low-key movement by the water. It also serves as the venue for regional and international rowing competitions, which many residents attend or volunteer for throughout the year.
The connection to Benderson Park enhances the outdoor component of life in The Meadows, offering expanded space for larger group activities, individual training, or low-key movement by the water. It also serves as the venue for regional and international rowing competitions, which many residents attend or volunteer for throughout the year.
Community Pool and Fitness Center
The Meadows Community Association operates a member-access pool and fitness center. The pool area includes lap lanes, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a patio space accommodating casual conversation and seasonal gatherings. The fitness center includes cardio machines, weights, resistance equipment, locker rooms, and instructor-led classes.
The fitness center schedules yoga, strength training, and wellness sessions open to residents of different ability levels. Both facilities are kept in consistent working condition, and the membership system supports a sense of accountability and shared upkeep. These resources add daily structure and support wellness without requiring an outside gym.
The fitness center schedules yoga, strength training, and wellness sessions open to residents of different ability levels. Both facilities are kept in consistent working condition, and the membership system supports a sense of accountability and shared upkeep. These resources add daily structure and support wellness without requiring an outside gym.
Restaurants and On-Site Dining
Dining at The Meadows includes convenient options both within the community and nearby. The Centre Court Lounge, located inside The Meadows Country Club, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. The menu includes sandwiches, grilled items, flatbreads, and rotating chef specials. The lounge features indoor and patio seating with views of the tennis courts and nearby water features.
Just outside the community gates, two popular dining spots add to the local flavor. Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant on 17th Street is a casual, family-run eatery offering classic pasta dishes, pizza, and house-made desserts. Rincon Cubano on Lockwood Ridge Road delivers a focused Cuban menu with staples like ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and black bean soup.
Just outside the community gates, two popular dining spots add to the local flavor. Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant on 17th Street is a casual, family-run eatery offering classic pasta dishes, pizza, and house-made desserts. Rincon Cubano on Lockwood Ridge Road delivers a focused Cuban menu with staples like ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, and black bean soup.
Wildlife and Nature Preserves
The community is home to multiple small lakes, creeks, and forested buffers that support birdwatching and daily interaction with wildlife. Species such as herons, sandhill cranes, turtles, and small mammals are seen frequently throughout the year. Certain areas within The Meadows are protected green space, with signage explaining native plants and restoration efforts.
Benches are placed at intervals near lakes and shaded corridors. These passive-use spaces support quiet activity, photography, or small-group outdoor time without structured events. The design of The Meadows preserves visual access to undeveloped land, contributing to a low-noise, low-traffic experience throughout the neighborhood.
Benches are placed at intervals near lakes and shaded corridors. These passive-use spaces support quiet activity, photography, or small-group outdoor time without structured events. The design of The Meadows preserves visual access to undeveloped land, contributing to a low-noise, low-traffic experience throughout the neighborhood.
Tennis and Pickleball
The Meadows Country Club features a comprehensive racquet sports facility, offering 15 Har-Tru™ tennis courts — 12 lighted for evening play. The facility also includes a stadium court and dedicated viewing areas for tournaments and special matches. Members have access to a year-round schedule of events, including team tennis, round robins, clinics, and social mixers.
The certified professional staff offers private lessons, group clinics, and competitive programs for all skill levels. Pickleball is also thriving, with eight new courts added to meet growing demand. The Meadows schedules open play in the mornings, reserved court time in the afternoons, and structured instruction.
The certified professional staff offers private lessons, group clinics, and competitive programs for all skill levels. Pickleball is also thriving, with eight new courts added to meet growing demand. The Meadows schedules open play in the mornings, reserved court time in the afternoons, and structured instruction.
Proximity to University Town Center
The Meadows is less than ten minutes from the University Town Center (UTC) area, a regional commercial and entertainment hub. This includes The Mall at UTC, independent boutiques, national retailers, and over 80 restaurants within a concentrated corridor. The area also provides fitness studios, banks, and a seasonal night market.
Residents often pair local routines with short trips to UTC for events, appointments, or upscale shopping. In addition, Sarasota’s downtown arts venues (such as The Ringling, Sarasota Opera, and Asolo Repertory Theatre) are a 20-minute drive from The Meadows, extending the community’s access to curated cultural programming without compromising its residential character.
Residents often pair local routines with short trips to UTC for events, appointments, or upscale shopping. In addition, Sarasota’s downtown arts venues (such as The Ringling, Sarasota Opera, and Asolo Repertory Theatre) are a 20-minute drive from The Meadows, extending the community’s access to curated cultural programming without compromising its residential character.
Golf at The Meadows
Golf remains a central part of the experience for many residents at The Meadows. The Meadows Country Club offers 54 holes of golf across three distinct courses: The Meadows, The Highlands, and The Groves. Each course has its layout and rhythm, allowing for variety throughout the week. The Meadows course provides a classic championship experience, while The Highlands features narrower fairways with subtle elevation changes. The Groves is a shorter course that focuses on strategy and short game.
All three courses are walkable and supported by a full-service practice facility, including a driving range, putting green, and short-game area. Lessons, clinics, and league play are scheduled throughout the season, and tee times are managed through a streamlined member portal.
All three courses are walkable and supported by a full-service practice facility, including a driving range, putting green, and short-game area. Lessons, clinics, and league play are scheduled throughout the season, and tee times are managed through a streamlined member portal.
Move to The Meadows with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl
If you’re looking to buy or sell in The Meadows, Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl offer the expertise, insight, and personalized service you need. This award-winning team delivers a high standard of real estate guidance, combining decades of experience with a deep understanding of the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch markets. With over $1 billion in combined sales and a commitment to working directly with every client, Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl provide tailored service and consistent results.
Connect with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl today to make your next move with confidence.
Connect with Sheldon, Gettel & Dahl today to make your next move with confidence.
