Nature preservation and green building are two important factors that make Sarasota a great place to live. Quality of life is what ultimately attracts home shoppers to the Southwest Florida regional housing market, and Longwood Run is a pioneering neighborhood in this regard.

Development of Longwood Run began in the 1980s with the important decision of setting aside 50 percent of the land as nature preserves. The residences, roads, amenities, and common areas were built around the nature preserves, taking advantage of the small lakes, ponds and natural landscaping. Some of the first green building standards of residential construction in Florida were implemented in Longwood Run. This development would eventually inspire the many neighborhoods of Lakewood Ranch.

The Longwood Run subdivision is made up of: Callista Village, Del Sol Village, Griffon Woods, Magnolia Place and Riviera Club. Each section has its own architectural style and real estate pricing, as well as its own neighborhood association. The Riviera Club, for example, consists of Mediterranean-style villas while Callista Village is made up of 21 spacious single-family residences that follow the Key West style of home building.

Along with the different architectural styles at Longwood Run, house hunters have many affordable plans to choose from. A two-bedroom and two-bathroom home with 1,306 square feet of living space starts at $130,000. A four-bedroom and three-bathroom house built on a generous parcel measuring 3,226 square feet is typically listed at $335,000.

Each neighborhood has a network of walking trails and playgrounds for children. Many residents of the Longwood Run neighborhoods are members of the private Longwood Run Athletic Club, a fitness center that has 18 tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a restaurant, and a clubhouse.