Forest Lakes Country Club in Sarasota is one of the many golf communities that Southwest Florida has to offer. Unlike the hyper-exclusive golf and tennis country clubs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Forest Lakes offers a more down-to-earth ambiance that attracts golf enthusiasts, retirees and young families alike. The 18-hole course at Palms Club at Forest Lakes went through a recent period of disrepair due to the sudden downturn of the economy, but it has been renovated.

Most of the single-family homes in Forest Lakes were developed at a time when the Florida ranch-style homes were in vogue. This means that house hunters can expect spacious home sites ranging from 2,538 to 4,023 square feet. A three-bedroom and three-bathroom home goes for $259K. A five-bedroom and three-bathroom estate with ample space for landscaping and mature trees on the property can be negotiated for $570K. Real estate values at Forest Lakes tend to hold up well, and thus the housing turnover is not as pronounced as in other areas of Florida.

Forest Lakes is not far from the busy commercial and business districts that surround Downtown Sarasota, but the neighborhood inspires peace and quiet thanks to the layout of the property, as well as to the abundance of mature trees and its natural boundaries. Homes on the western side of the neighborhood are tucked away in meadows near a creek; other homes feature lush landscaping and golf vistas. Homeowners have taken exceptional care of their properties, and to this end some lucky home shoppers can find enclosed swimming pools, renovated tile roofs and elegant Florida rooms.

School-age residents will find Wilkinson Elementary, Brookside Middle and Sarasota High Schools located nearby.