One of the most aptly named communities in Sarasota County is Hidden Forest. Southwest Florida home builders have a history of being ecologically conscious developers, and Hidden Forest is perhaps one of the earliest neighborhoods that has earned every right to be called a “green community.”

Hidden Forest started being developed in the late 1970s, a few decades before green construction standards were enacted in the Sunshine State; nonetheless, early homeowners who chose to build here made it a point of planting numerous trees. Unlike the cookie-cutter neighborhoods that have become predominant in Southwest Florida in recent decades, Hidden Forest stands out for its architectural diversity. As expected, there are fine examples of Mediterranean revival and Florida ranch-style homes, but home shoppers will also find modernist and contemporary residential designs.

To find Hidden Forest, you must first locate DeSoto or Gocio Road in North Sarasota; the neighborhood sits just east of North Lockwood Ridge Road. All homes are surrounded by thick patches of oak, pine and palmetto, and there are no sidewalks to be found in this unique community; only nature trails. The earliest properties are Florida ranch-style homes, but there are many spec homes as well. Most houses feature three or more bedrooms and at least 2,000 square feet of living space.

Just because Hidden Forest is tucked away and discreet does not mean it is isolated. Supermarkets such as Winn Dixie, Publix and The Fresh Market are only a couple of miles away, and the same goes for shopping centers. Downtown Sarasota is only 10 minutes away, and the famous beaches of Siesta Key are only a few more miles to the west.

Homeowners in Hidden Forest tend to grow attached to their properties, and thus house hunters should work closely with an experienced real estate agent so that they can be quickly notified when new listings become available. Prices may range between $200K and $800K.