University Park Homes for Sale & Living Guide
University Park is a gated golf community in Manatee County, just west of I-75 near Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Whether you're buying, selling or relocating, we're Eric and Traci Bolen of Sand + Sea Homes with eXp Realty, and we'd love to help.
University Park at a glance
Market Snapshot
Median Sale Price
$689,672
+4.9% YoY
Homes Sold
43
+52.4% YoY
Days on Market
75
+7 days YoY (median)
Sale-to-List
95.6%
−1.5 pt YoY
Living here
Life in University Park
University Park sits in Manatee County, just west of Exit 213 off I-75. The community is built around University Park Country Club, a semi-private club with a 27-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, croquet, a fitness center and dining. For neighboring areas, see our Lakewood Ranch guide and our Sarasota guide.
Living here
Neighborhoods
University Park is made up of 32 neighborhoods, many with golf course, water or conservation views. Every homeowner belongs to the University Park Community Association, and Country Club membership is mandatory for owners who bought after January 1, 2008, so factor club costs into your budget.
Market
Home Types and Prices
You'll find single-family golf and lake homes, villas and some condos.
As a reference point, Redfin reported a median sale price of $689,672 for University Park in September 2026, up 4.9% from a year earlier. There were 43 homes sold that month, with a median of 75 days on market (7 more than a year earlier), and homes sold for about 95.6% of list price on average. Those medians mix home types, so ask us for comps on the exact neighborhood.
Selling? See our selling page or get a free home value estimate.
Before you buy
HOA, Club Fees, Flood and Insurance
Associations and club. Expect community association dues plus required Country Club membership costs. Ask for current figures on any home.
Flood zones. Check each property's FEMA flood zone, elevation certificate and claims history, and get flood quotes before you make an offer.
Insurance. Get quotes early. See whether Florida home insurance rates are coming down.
Full cost picture. See the hidden costs of buying a home in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte County.
Education
Schools
Public schools zoned for homes in University Park, from the official district zone maps and locators (checked Oct 20, 2026):
Elementary: Willis Elementary School
Middle: Braden River Middle School
High: Braden River High School
Districts: the School District of Manatee County.
Manatee County's new elementary and middle school zones took effect in 2026-27; new high school zones take effect in 2027-28, so the high school shown here may change. Manatee County families can also apply through the district's Controlled Open Enrollment (School Choice) window for programs such as IB at Johnson K-8 and Southeast High and AICE at Palmetto High. Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto is a public charter school for grades 6-12 with its own application. Which school a home is zoned for depends on the exact address, and boundaries change, so always confirm with the district before you buy.
Commute & travel
Getting Around
University Park is just west of I-75 Exit 213, which makes it easy to reach Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. Most residents drive.
Your local team
Why Work With Sand + Sea Homes
We're Eric and Traci Bolen, a husband-and-wife team of REALTORS with eXp Realty. We help buyers compare University Park neighborhoods and their association and club costs with nearby Lakewood Ranch options, and we help sellers price well. If you're new to the area, our buying page walks you through the process, and our step-by-step buying timeline shows what to expect.
Sand + Sea Homes · eXp Realty
Ready to explore University Park? Call or text Eric & Traci at (941) 352-2121, search the homes above, or get your home's value.
Questions
University Park FAQ
Where is University Park, FL?
University Park is a gated golf community in Manatee County, just west of Exit 213 off I-75.
How much does a home cost in University Park?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $689,672 for University Park in September 2026, up 4.9% from a year earlier. Prices vary by neighborhood and home type.
Do I have to join the club to live in University Park?
Yes, for most buyers. Under the community's covenants, University Park Country Club membership is mandatory for owners who purchased a home after January 1, 2008.
Do I need flood insurance in University Park?
It depends on the property. Homes in FEMA high-risk flood zones with a mortgage typically need flood insurance. Check the flood zone and get quotes before you make an offer.
Which schools serve University Park?
Zoned public schools in University Park include elementary: Willis Elementary School; middle: Braden River Middle School; high: Braden River High School (official district zone data, checked Oct 20, 2026). The assignment depends on the exact address, so confirm with the district.
