Leafy old neighborhoods with atmospheric names like Bay Point Park, Harbor Acres, Bungalow Hill, McClellan Park, Cherokee Park, the Flowers Streets, Oyster Bay, and The Landings comprise thee very desirable West of the Trail area. Long a magnet for attorneys and doctors because of its proximity to the courthouse and hospital, West of the Trail is convenient to excellent shopping, schools, medical facilities and parks, and Sarasota Bay is at its doorstep. A construction boomlet is producing dozens of new custom and spec homes.

Location: West of Tamiami Trail (hence the name) and south from Mound Street to Stickney Point Road.

Range of Home Prices: From $150,000 for a mid-1940s single-family home in Pine Shores needing TLC to $9 million waterfront properties.

Type of Inventory: All single-family, except for The Landings, which has a lot of condominiums; part of Central Park and the 12-unit Hudson crossing adjacent to Selby Gardens.

Architectural Styles: Florida Cracker to mid-century ranch to Med Rev to ultra-modern.

Things to Do: Strolling Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, fishing and boating from your backyard, restaurants galore . and all kinds of shopping.

Why the Museum District: "The location is so close to everything," says Louis Wery. "Close to downtown, the bay, all the lovely Southside Village shopping and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The neighborhood has so much charm with historic homes and lush landscaping."

Photos: Louis Wery