This week we’re taking a close look at Southgate, the granddaddy of all Sarasota housing developments. Dating back to the 1950s, it’s full of classic Florida ranch homes, some in original condition, some nicely updated. When I first moved here, it was strictly for the little old ladies. Well, those days are over. Today it’s hip and cool, with a wide mix of residents, the perfect location, and some of the best buys in town.

The Jennings house.

Take this house on Jennings, for example. It’s the cheapest MLS listing in Southgate, at $164,900. It hasn’t been updated and is a little shabby inside but it seems like a solid, well-built house, and God knows the price is right. Nice layout, three bedrooms (good size) and two baths, with original tile. Terrazzo floors, one-car garage, nice back yard. This house could easily be updated by the new buyer with just a little help from Home Depot. Here’s your chance to get into Southgate at a great price. (P.S. – I checked out some others costing $20,000 or $30,000 more and they weren’t any nicer.) Call Roger Piro at Town and Country Real Estate.

2064 Botany Ave.

By now most of the homes in Southgate have been remodeled, but few as well as 2604 Botany Avenue. It’s a classic 1950s ranch with Colonial details. Its owners fixed it up not as a flip but as their own house and the attention to quality shows. They spent $30,000 on the kitchen alone. Great bathrooms. It’s a 3/2 split plan, and the landscaping is beautiful: a manicured front lawn and what is known here in Sarasota as a “Selby Gardens backyard” – oaks and ferns, very shady and tropical. The asking price is $294,900 and the lister is Deborah McLaughlin at 321-5174.

3330 Pembrook Drive