Bev Murray Neighborhoods Home Buying

If you’re considering a move to Sarasota from Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Canada, or the UK, University Park is often the community that checks every box: beautifully landscaped neighborhoods, a welcoming gated environment, and a lifestyle that appeals to both luxury homebuyers and seasonal residents seeking dependable sunshine. Among Sarasota’s many gated golf communities, few are as established and consistently appealing as University Park.

Over the past 25 years, Bev Murray has helped hundreds of relocating buyers compare Sarasota’s luxury neighborhoods and choose the right fit. Her boutique, concierge-style approach — supported by her experience in residential construction and development — gives newcomers a clear, practical sense of long-term value during one of life’s biggest transitions.

What daily life looks like when you move to University Park

For most relocation buyers, the contrast between Sarasota and their previous lifestyle feels immediate. Instead of navigating long commutes, icy roads, or seasonal shutdowns, mornings often begin with a walk under University Park’s shaded tree canopy, a bike ride along quiet streets, or coffee on a lanai overlooking a lake or preserve.

Buyers relocating from Chicago, Westchester, Long Island, Toronto, or London frequently tell Bev that University Park is the first place they’ve lived where daily life feels calm, warm, and balanced. With UTC, Whole Foods, Benderson Park, and I-75 just minutes away, errands that used to require planning suddenly become quick and simple. Evenings outdoors replace long winters indoors — a shift she hears clients describe again and again.

Why new residents settle into University Park quickly

One of the biggest questions for anyone relocating is whether they’ll feel connected in a new setting. University Park makes that transition surprisingly easy. Many residents arrived from the Northeast, Midwest, Canada, or the UK, which creates a natural sense of shared experience.

The University Park Country Club acts as the community’s social center. Golf leagues, tennis and pickleball mixers, fitness classes, wine dinners, and year-round events give newcomers plenty of ways to meet neighbors. Clients often say they felt welcomed even before moving day thanks to Bev’s introductions and thoughtful guidance — a theme echoed in reviews describing her as warm, patient, and a steady source of support.

How northern buyers experience Sarasota’s cost of living

When relocating from Illinois, New York, or other high-cost states, buyers naturally compare expenses — and most are pleasantly surprised. Florida’s no state income tax is a major benefit for both professionals and retirees. Property taxes in University Park are often lower than in Cook County, Westchester, or Long Island, and homestead exemptions further reduce costs for full-time residents.

Bev walks buyers through the details that can feel unfamiliar at first: insurance factors like roof age and wind mitigation, HOA responsibilities, and how Florida utilities differ from Northern systems. Many clients say her clear, steady guidance helped them feel confident about the financial side of their move. For most, overall costs become not just manageable, but pleasantly predictable.

Why University Park homes fit what northern buyers are searching for

Northern buyers — especially those from Chicago, New York, Toronto, and London — tend to gravitate toward homes that feel well-built, open, and private. University Park delivers exactly that. Tile roofs, light-filled floor plans, generous garages, and expansive lanais designed for true indoor-outdoor living are common across the community.

Bev’s construction background allows her to help buyers evaluate the elements that matter in Florida: roof types, lanai engineering, long-term maintenance, and renovation potential. Clients often share that this perspective was invaluable during virtual showings or short visits to Sarasota when decisions had to be made quickly.

The Sarasota conveniences residents love about University Park living

University Park offers one of the best combinations of privacy and convenience in the region:

• 7 minutes to University Town Center
• 10–12 minutes to Whole Foods
• 10 minutes to Benderson Park
• 5–7 minutes to I-75
• 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota
• 25–30 minutes to Lido or Siesta Beach

Remote professionals appreciate the easy access to SRQ Airport and Tampa International Airport, which makes hybrid or travel-heavy careers fully workable from Sarasota.

Having lived and worked here since 1999, Bev has watched this part of Sarasota evolve into one of Florida’s most desirable corridors — yet University Park has maintained its calm, beautifully maintained character.

What out-of-state buyers should know about purchasing in Sarasota

The Florida buying process differs from what many buyers know in Illinois, New York, the UK, or Canada. Bev’s long experience with relocation clients helps simplify each step — from understanding insurance and inspections to evaluating flood zones and HOA structures.

For those considering future updates or custom building, her construction experience provides added clarity on what’s feasible and what will add the most long-term value. Clients describe her as a calm, knowledgeable partner who keeps the process organized and predictable, especially when they’re purchasing from out of state or viewing homes remotely.

A University Park home that’s ideal for relocators and seasonal residents

Many relocation buyers and seasonal residents want a home that allows them to enjoy Sarasota immediately — with water views, a spacious lanai, and a layout suited for hosting friends and family. One of our newest University Park listings reflects these priorities beautifully.

View the full property details here

Who chooses to live in University Park and why

In her 25 years serving Sarasota’s luxury market, Bev has seen University Park consistently appeal to:

• Relocators seeking a welcoming, well-managed gated community
• Remote workers who value easy access to amenities
• Snowbirds seeking an effortless winter home
• Retirees prioritizing beauty, walkability, and club activities
• Buyers planning a future move to Sarasota waterfront or a custom build

These residents appreciate refined living without pretension and amenities that elevate everyday life — qualities University Park delivers reliably year after year.

Why University Park buyers and sellers rely on Bev Murray

Bev’s long-standing experience in the Sarasota market, combined with her background in construction and development, gives buyers and sellers clear, practical guidance rooted in decades of local knowledge. Her clients often describe her as responsive, strategic, and genuinely invested in their goals — important qualities for anyone navigating a relocation or representing a home from afar.

As part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Bev pairs boutique, personalized service with the confidence of a globally respected brand. BHHS’s world-class marketing infrastructure provides exposure across more than 1,000 real estate websites, while her one-on-one approach ensures each client receives attentive, individualized support.

Planning a move to Sarasota or a seasonal home in University Park

Whether you’re considering Sarasota as a full relocation, a winter retreat, or a long-term investment, Bev’s 25 years of local insight — paired with thoughtful, concierge-style service — helps make the transition smooth and enjoyable. Clients often remark that they felt “supported from the first conversation to closing,” which is exactly the experience Bev aims to provide.

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Contact Bev Murray

(941) 724-4995