As the barrier island that features the most dazzling white-sand beaches in the world, Siesta Key is one of the most special housing markets in the Sunshine State. Most people are familiar with the northern end of Siesta Key, which connects to Downtown Sarasota by means of the Siesta Drive causeway; the southern end of the island, however, is where home buyers will find a well-kept real estate secret.

Turtle Beach Village is a subdivision of Siesta Key where residents enjoy plenty of nature and solitude. Visitors and tourists do not usually venture this far south on Midnight Pass Road and thus end up missing this charming neighborhood. Getting here from the Stickney Point Bridge is just a matter of turning north instead of heading south towards Casey Key. Low-rise condominiums compete with most impressive and hidden waterfront mansions in Southwest Florida.

This small beachfront community is pretty active in terms of real estate sales. Cozy condominium units routinely come on the market listed under $250K, but they tend to attract multiple bids and sell very quickly. Penthouse units with private elevators, ample parking and exclusive dock space can be listed for a million dollars, and the same goes for single-family residences built on generous lots just a couple of blocks from the beach.

Residents of Turtle Beach Village have a public beach and a small park with picnic area virtually all to themselves. A restaurant, a pub and a convenience store are within walking distance, but all other suburban comforts are just minutes away across the Stickney Point Bridge. School-age residents of Turtle Beach Village can enroll at Gulf Gate Elementary, Sarasota Middle and Riverview High Schools.