Sarasota
DeSoto Acres in Sarasota
This 850-acre neighborhood in north Sarasota is zoned for one home per two acres and allows horses, with single-family homes on large natural lots near University Parkway.
At a glance
DeSoto Acres at a glance
This 850-acre neighborhood in north Sarasota is zoned for one home per two acres and allows horses, with single-family homes on large natural lots near University Parkway.
- Median asking price
- $925K
The area
Living in DeSoto Acres
Overview of DeSoto Acres
About DeSoto Acres
DeSoto Acres is a neighborhood of large lots in north Sarasota County near University Parkway. It covers more than 850 acres and is zoned RE-1, one home per two acres, the largest area with that zoning in the county. Horses are part of the neighborhood, and many lots keep their natural landscaping.
The area began as Van Dame Estates, established in 1921 by William Van Dame, and became DeSoto Acres when the county re-platted it in 1945. Most homes went up in the 1950s and 1960s, followed by the 1970s, and styles vary from lot to lot. Homes run from about 2,200 to about 5,900 square feet, and prices over the last two years ran from about $849,000 to $2.25 million.
The DeSoto Acres Association, Inc. organizes residents around preserving the neighborhood's character. County zoning allows one accessory dwelling of up to 750 square feet on each lot. The airport, University Parkway shopping and downtown Sarasota are all a short drive away.
What to know before you buy in DeSoto Acres
- I will confirm the HOA and any CDD fees, what they cover, and whether a transfer fee applies at closing.
- If you may want to rent the home out, I will review the rental and lease rules with you.
- We will look at drive times to work, to SRQ, and to the beaches at the hours you would actually travel.
Buying in DeSoto Acres? I would be happy to walk you through everything before you make an offer. Email me or call me at (813) 394-3313.
DeSoto Acres FAQ
Where is DeSoto Acres?
DeSoto Acres is in north Sarasota County near University Parkway, in ZIPs 34234 and 34243. The original land ran between the railroad and Lockwood Ridge Road, south of University Parkway, so the airport, the University Town Center area and downtown Sarasota are all a short drive away.
How large are the lots in DeSoto Acres?
DeSoto Acres covers more than 850 acres and is zoned RE-1, one home per two acres, the largest area of that zoning in Sarasota County. Many lots are naturally landscaped, and horses are part of the neighborhood. County zoning also allows one accessory dwelling of up to 750 square feet per lot.
How old is DeSoto Acres?
It began as Van Dame Estates, established in 1921, and took the name DeSoto Acres when the county re-platted the area in 1945. Most homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, followed by the 1970s, with some newer homes since.
What sells in DeSoto Acres?
Single-family homes of about 2,200 to about 5,900 square feet on large lots are what sell here. Prices over the last two years ran from about $849,000 to $2.25 million. On any property you like, I will help you check the lot size, any barn or paddock, and how water and sewer are supplied.
Do you have a question about DeSoto Acres that is not answered here? I would be glad to help. Email me or call me at (813) 394-3313.
Climate
Weather, month by month
Average high and low in °F, and rain in inches, for each month.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Janhigh 72.5°low 52.3°2.8 in
- Febhigh 74.9°low 54.6°1.9 in
- Marhigh 78.2°low 58.1°2.9 in
- Aprhigh 82.5°low 62.7°2.5 in
- Mayhigh 87.5°low 68.2°2.6 in
- Junhigh 90.0°low 73.6°7.1 in
- Julhigh 91.1°low 75.2°7.4 in
- Aughigh 91.5°low 75.3°9.1 in
- Sephigh 90.2°low 74.1°6.0 in
- Octhigh 86.3°low 68.3°2.8 in
- Novhigh 80.0°low 60.1°1.8 in
- Dechigh 75.2°low 55.2°2.3 in
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/); June through September is the rainy season, with most afternoons bringing a short thunderstorm.
NOAA climate normals, 1991 to 2020, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals), as reproduced in the Sarasota, Florida climate table (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota,_Florida); read 2026-10-04.
Nearby
More communities in Sarasota
Sarasota
Sarasota
For sale now
DeSoto Acres homes for sale
I would be glad to send you new DeSoto Acres listings as soon as they come on the market, often before they reach the major portals. Ask Janelle
Updated October 13, 2026
Market now, as of October 13, 2026
- Homes for sale
- 5
- Median asking price
- $925K
Every quarter
Prices in DeSoto Acres
These are the homes sold in DeSoto Acres from July to September 2026, by closing date.
- Homes sold
- 5
- Median sale price
- $700K
- Median price per sq ft
- $288
- Lowest to highest sale
- $340K to $1.25M
On October 13, 2026, 5 homes were for sale in DeSoto Acres, at a median list price of $925K and a median $405 a square foot.
These figures are closed sales of homes (no land) in Stellar MLS, in the places this page's home search covers. Medians and the lowest and highest sales require at least 3 homes.
I update these figures every quarter from MLS sales. This is the July to September 2026 quarter, and the next update is in January 2027.
Keep reading
Guides from Janelle
· 5 min read
Relocating, Downsizing, or Moving Remotely to Sarasota: Your Questions Answered
My answers to the questions people ask most about downsizing to a condo, selling and buying at the same time, and buying a Sarasota home by video call.
· 4 min read
Selling in Sarasota or Bradenton: Pricing, Marketing, and Strategy Questions
How I price a Sarasota or Bradenton home, help you sell a vacation home you have owned for years, and market a luxury listing, answering the questions sellers ask me most.
· 5 min read
Homes for Sale in Sarasota FL: What Your Budget Buys in 2026
Homes for sale in Sarasota FL: what single-family homes, townhomes, and condos cost in 2026, where to look, and how I would begin your search.
· 6 min read
Living in The Founders Club, Sarasota: A Guide for Buyers
What life in The Founders Club in Sarasota is like: the gate, the homes, what they sell for, the club decision, and how I would approach your search.
New listings
Get new DeSoto Acres listings first
New DeSoto Acres listings often sell within days. Tell me what you are looking for, and I will send you new and coming-soon homes as soon as they come on the market, often before they reach the major portals. If you would rather talk, call or text me at (813) 394-3313.
Reviews
What clients say
-
Janelle is fantastic. We recently were able to sell our home in one week at 1% over asking price. I believe that the professional photos and staging coupled with Janelle helping us price competitively led to this success. We closed in one month and are so very grateful for Janelle and her help with the sale of our property.
Google, October 7, 2026Sold a home
-
I highly recommend Janelle Mertins She is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. She is also very responsive and even made herself available after hours when needed. After working with several agents in the Sarasota area, Janelle truly stood out. Her professionalism and dedication made all the difference.
Google, April 7, 2026 -
Janelle did a great job selling our house. We have worked with 4 realtors over the past 19 years in FL, and she was by far the best. She is very knowledgeable about the real estate market, and was great at communicating with us throughout the sales process. Her responses to our emails and texts were very detailed and timely. She was also very proactive with recommendations on how to get our house ready for sale, and she went above and beyond to make sure our house was sparkling clean and staged appropriately to make sure our house stood out compared to others. The video she created for our...
RateMyAgent, July 20, 2025Sold a home in Bradenton
Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte
Areas served
Sarasota 97 communities
The Founders Club, Laurel Oak Estates, Artistry, Paver Park, Rivo Lakes, Skye Ranch
Lakewood Ranch 57 communities
Monterey at Lakewood Ranch, Lake Club, The Isles, Country Club East, Country Club at Lakewood Ranch, EverCreek at Lakewood Ranch
Venice 37 communities
Aria, Sawgrass, Gulf View Section of Venice, Waterford, Golden Beach, Venezia Park
Bradenton 81 communities
The Concession, Shaws Point, Waterlefe Golf & River Club, Legends Bay, Rosedale, SeaFlower
Parrish 51 communities
Aberdeen, Ancient Oaks, Aviary at Rutland Ranch, Bella Lago, Broadleaf, Canoe Creek
Islands & Beaches 80 communities
Palmer Ranch 33 communities
Hammock Preserve, Arbor Lakes, Arielle, Bella Villino, Botanica, Cobblestone
Wellen Park 26 communities
Everly, Antigua, Avelina, Boca Royale, Brightmore, Esplanade at Wellen Park
Lido Key 8 communities
Lido Shores, Lido Beach Club, Orchid Beach Club, Lido Surf and Sand, L'Elegance on Lido Beach, Key Tower South
Siesta Key 24 communities
Siesta Isles, Ten35 Seaside, Point of Rocks, Sanderling Club, Siesta Breakers, Siesta Gulf View
Punta Gorda 6 communities
Babcock Ranch, Pirate Harbor, Harbour Heights, Burnt Store Isles, Punta Gorda Isles, The Estates on Peace River
Longboat Key 31 communities
Sabal Cove, Sleepy Lagoon, Corey's Landing, Longbeach Village, Country Club Shores, Veinte
Port Charlotte 4 communities
Riverwood, South Gulf Cove and Harbor West, Grassy Point Estates, South Bayview Estates
Anna Maria Island 15 communities
Casanas, Bay Palms, Ilexhurst, Key Royale, Luana Isles, Cortez Beach
Englewood and Cape Haze 10 communities
Cape Haze, Anglers Club at Boca Grande, Palm Island Estates, Placida Harbour Club, Don Pedro Island, Englewood Shores
Janelle Mertins · Compass
Would you like to see DeSoto Acres in person?
Call or text me directly whenever it suits you, or send me a note about the home, community, or move you have in mind.