UNIVERSITY PARK
MOVING / RELOCATION GUIDE

UNIVERSITY PARK: OVERVIEW

University Park has earned its reputation as one of the premier master-planned communities in the Sarasota area. It’s located just four miles from the heart of downtown Sarasota and offers easy access to first-class dining, shopping, cultural experiences, and the area’s top-rated healthcare providers.

The University Park community features 32 unique neighborhoods, a lush natural landscape, and an award-winning country club. Many residents refer to living here as a true “experience.”

If you’ve been thinking about moving to University Park, here are a few of the most important things you need to know.

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UNIVERSITY PARK WEATHER

Many people move to University Park for the beautiful weather. The summers here tend to be long and hot, while the winters are short and mild. On average, the lows are around 53° in the winter and the highs are around 90° in the summer. The most pleasant times to be outdoors are late February to mid-May and late October to early December.

Rainy season in University Park typically runs from early June to late September. During this time, the chance of rain is about 42% on any given day. The peak occurs in August, when the area gets an average rainfall of 5.6 inches.

UNIVERSITY PARK SCHOOLS

Residents of University Park have access to some of the best schools in the Sarasota County School District. This includes 139 preschools, 68 elementary schools, 59 middle schools, and 42 high schools. Of the schools located here, 300 are public district schools, 6 are public charter schools, and 147 are private schools.

The top-rated schools in the area include:

  • Lakeview Elementary School
  • Ashton Elementary School
  • Southside Elementary School
  • Sarasota Suncoast Academy
  • Suncoast Polytechnical High School

The are also several colleges and universities nearby including The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Keiser University, Everglades University, SCF Lakewood Ranch, Suncoast Technical College, New College of Florida, and Arizona College of Nursing.

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AVERAGE PROPERTY VALUE IN UNIVERSITY PARK

As of November 2022, the average home prices in University Park were up 24.0% year-over-year. The median sale price is approximately $694,750. The market here is considered very competitive, with many homes getting multiple offers. On average, homes in University Park sell in about 14 days for around 2% below the asking price. Hot homes tend to sell for around the listing price and go pending in around five days.

COST OF LIVING IN UNIVERSITY PARK

The average cost of living in the University Park area is approximately 8% higher than the national average and 7% higher than the average across the state of Florida. Housing here is 15% above the state average and 17% above the national average, while health care is 9% higher than the state average and food is 8% higher than the national average. Utilities in University Park are less expensive, coming in 5% lower than the state average and 3% lower than the national average.

The median household income in University Park is $96,824, which is significantly higher than the average for Manatee County ($59,963). Approximately 17% of households here make more than $200,000 per year, which is also significantly higher than Manatee County’s 6.3%.

UNIVERSITY PARK DEMOGRAPHICS

University Park spans 3.4 miles and has a population of 3,695, which equates to approximately 1,080 people per square mile. The median age here is 69.4, with 59% of the population being aged 65 and older. Approximately 39% of the population is between the ages of 18 and 64 and 12% is under the age of 18.

The demographics here are primarily white (93%), followed by Hispanic (4%) and Black (2%). There are more females (54%) here than males (46%) and 77% of the population is made up of married couples. The residents here tend to be well educated, with 96.5% having a high school diploma or higher and 66% having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

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UNIVERSITY PARK CRIME STATISTICS

The University Park area is considered safer than the average U.S. city and has an overall crime grade of A-. It falls into the 78th percentile, which means that 22% of zip codes across the U.S. are safer and 78% are more dangerous.

The crime rate in University Park is 17.56 per 1,000 residents. Generally, the southwest part of the area is considered the safest. Here, your chances of being a victim of crime are around 1 in 66 while in the northwest area, it may be closer to 1 in 53. 

TRANSPORTATION IN UNIVERSITY PARK

Many people who move to University Park find that it’s very easy to get around. The community is located just one mile west of I-75. It’s also just four miles from Sarasota’s bustling downtown, 6.4 miles from Lakewood Ranch, and a short drive from the area’s gorgeous beaches.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is just 15 minutes away, while the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), are both approximately one hour north.

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UNIVERSITY PARK DINING, Shopping, and Entertainment

The University Park area is renowned for its shopping, dining, and cultural attractions as well as a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The club itself has a 27-hole, four-star rated golf course, a fitness center, 11 lighted Har-Tu tennis courts, and croquet.

Nearby, you’ll also find the internationally recognized Nathan Benderson Park, the acclaimed St. Armand’s Circle, and the famous Ringling Museum. The city of Sarasota also offers incredible restaurants, a spirited arts community, a wealth of museums, shops, and more. Many residents love the feeling of being in an oasis that is far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle while still being able to enjoy an exciting urban vibe.

Trust Happy Helpers Moving Co. for Your Move to UNIVERSITY PARK

When you’re ready to start planning your move, don’t forget that choosing a great moving company will make all the difference. The experienced professionals at Happy Helpers Moving Co. will take care of all the details for you. We offer a full suite of moving services in the University Park area including…

If you’re looking for efficient, reliable movers in University Park you’re in the right place! Give us a call today at 941-267-0733 to request a quote. We look forward to showing you how we’ve earned our reputation for providing “Smiles for Miles.”