Many house hunters arrive in Southwest Florida looking specifically for waterfront properties tend to drive right past communities such as Park Trace in Osprey without even noticing the gorgeous homes and great values therein. The Park Trace neighborhood is surrounded by Florida state parks and nature preserves, which makes an ideal place for home shoppers looking for privacy and serenity.

Each of the 138 homes in Park Trace was built in this century following the green building codes that the Sunshine State is known for. Most residences are custom-built and spacious; floor plans range from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet and start around $388,000 to under $525,000. The homes feature a diversity of architectural designs, which include the Mediterranean and Key West revival styles seen all over Sarasota County. Meticulous landscaping surrounds all homes, and some properties have views of small lakes and ponds.

Many parents move to Park Trace due to its proximity to the prestigious Pine View School, a Sarasota County public institution that rivals many private academies in all grades. There’s also Laurel Nokomis nearby for elementary and middle school students as well as Venice Senior High. The pristine Oscar Scherer State Park is within walking or biking distance, as is the Historic Spanish Point and the Legacy Trail.

Park Trace is a bit hidden but by no means secluded. Downtown Venice, the Sarasota Square Mall and the Casey Key Marina are just a short drive away, and getting to the white-sandy beaches of Siesta Key takes only 15 minutes. This is a very active neighborhood in terms of real estate transactions, which makes it ideal for home shoppers who expect adequate property value appreciation with their acquisitions.