Sunrise Preserve

Pros

• Shannon is highly recommended for making the buying process easy and for paying close attention to details.
• Wade Geissler is described as a fabulous builder who provided exceptional care throughout the process.
• Sunrise Preserve is portrayed as a beautiful, well-built community with professional staff and impeccable homes.
• Chelsea and the Sunrise Preserve sales team are top-notch, going above and beyond to answer questions and assist buyers (including those out of state).
• The community amenities are up-to-date, clean, and feel resort-like, with a standout pool and modern clubhouse.
• Neighbors are friendly and respectful, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Overall, Mattamy Homes and Sunrise Preserve are associated with quality construction and strong customer care.

Cons

• A reviewer states that Project Manager Kevin is an awful representation of the Mattamy Brand.
• A reviewer claims Harmony's homes nearly all required new roofs after recent hurricanes, describing the craftsmanship as horrible.
• A reviewer notes Sunrise Preserve is not kid-friendly, with teens requiring parental supervision in all common facilities.
• A reviewer observes the community operates as 55+, with resistance to creating space for kids to play sports.
• A reviewer describes the playground as listed in amenities but not constructed, calling it false advertisement.
• A reviewer calls the situation a bait and switch.
• A reviewer mentions that some residents post anonymous complaints about kids.
• A reviewer highlights that the area is loud due to interstate traffic.

Review

Sunrise Preserve at Palmer Ranch, developed by Mattamy Homes, presents a spectrum of experiences that many buyers find compelling, even exhilarating, while others raise nagging concerns about inclusivity and long-term livability. On the positive side, the community is repeatedly praised for its beautiful homes, thoughtful layouts, and a location that many describe as hard to beat in the Sarasota area. Buyers highlight open, modern floor plans, energy efficiency, and a sense of luxury that shows in the clubhouse, pools, and fitness amenities. Several reviewers emphasize that the overall feel is welcoming, with friendly neighbors and a supportive sales team that makes the buying and closing process smoother than expected.

A cornerstone of Sunrise Preserve's appeal is the exceptional treatment that buyers report from the sales side. Shannon Ford, in particular, earns multiple raves: "10/10 highly recommend Shannon! She made my buying experience so easy by going above and beyond expectations and really paying attention to ALL of the details." Others recount similar experiences, noting that Shannon stayed connected, helped with printing documents, and made themselves available even when she wasn't on the clock. Chelsea is likewise singled out for her patience and helpfulness, with many reviewers describing her as incredibly informative and friendly - often going "above and beyond" to ensure buyers feel comfortable and informed. Even Wade Geissler, the builder, is repeatedly described as fabulous - a key factor in the positive sentiment around the build process.

Quality construction and a resort-like lifestyle emerge as recurring themes. Reviewers repeatedly call the homes "beautiful" and "well built," and they praise the community's amenities, calling them "amenities galore" that make residents feel as though they live in a resort. The activity center, gym, tennis courts, bocce, pickleball, and the clubhouse are all cited as strong draws, alongside a location that offers easy access to beaches like Siesta Key and major routes such as I-75. The sense of community is reinforced by comments about friendly, respectful neighbors and straightforward, professional on-site staff. For many buyers, Sunrise Preserve delivers not just a house, but a comprehensive living environment that blends quality construction with a vibrant, amenity-rich lifestyle.

However, not every note is celebratory. There is a thread of concern regarding the community's approach to families with children. Several reviewers describe Sunrise Preserve as not being kid-friendly, with a 55+ vibe dominating many common spaces and rules that appear to disincentivize or limit children's activities. One reviewer explicitly states that "Kids lives matter!" and laments the difficulty of making a case for more kid-friendly spaces, despite petitions and requests. The sentiment is reinforced by specific points: a playground listed among an amenity on contract materials that had not been constructed by July 2022, and a claim that the playground would not be built as advised by a regional sales manager. The recurring accusation of "false advertisement" around playgrounds and common spaces underscores a tension between what prospective buyers believed they were getting and what they eventually encountered.

The tension around kids and the HOA is further reflected in the community's culture. While many residents praise the friendliness and courtesy of their neighbors, there are also mentions of anonymous complaints about children and a perceived resistance to altering rules to accommodate younger families. The juxtaposition of a warm, collaborative environment with a sense of exclusion for families with kids can feel jarring to someone weighing Sunrise Preserve against other options. Some buyers note that the community feels welcoming and safe, yet the lack of dedicated spaces for kids and the friction around youth activities temper the otherwise glowing portrait with a practical caveat about long-term livability for families with teenagers or active children.

Noise and environment also surface as practical considerations. A reviewer mentions being able to hear interstate traffic, indicating that even in a new, polished development there can be a trade-off between location desirability and acoustic comfort. The broader Sarasota area's appeal - near beaches, shopping, and major highways - is part of the package, but it isn't without its irritants for some residents. In short, the same features that attract buyers - urban proximity, resort-like amenities, and stylish homes - also come with noise and traffic realities that some residents choose to overlook, while others find it a more persistent irritant than anticipated.

There's a notable contrast within the Mattamy portfolio itself. While Sunrise Preserve is celebrated for its modern designs and the sale experience, another Mattamy community in the area - Harmony in Lakewood Ranch - draws a different set of concerns. A reviewer describes Harmony as having significant roofing issues after recent hurricanes, with claims that nearly every home needed a new roof and that craftsmanship suffered in comparison to nearby subdivisions. That perspective highlights a broader industry challenge - quality and maintenance standards in some communities can become a point of contention when extreme weather tests the integrity of construction. It also serves as a reminder that experiences can differ markedly from one Mattamy project to another, influencing how potential buyers weigh brand reputation and long-term value.

Ultimately, Sunrise Preserve appears to be a strong choice for buyers who prize location, design quality, and a robust set of amenities, coupled with the reassurance of a strong sales experience and attentive builders. The overwhelmingly positive testimonials about Shannon, Chelsea, and Wade suggest that at the point of sale and during the build, customers feel supported and valued. Yet for families with children or teenagers, there are legitimate concerns about whether the community truly supports a kid-friendly lifestyle or would require changes to HOA rules and shared spaces to feel like a fully welcoming home for a growing family. As some reviewers look forward to potential changes from an upcoming HOA board, the long-term picture will hinge on whether Sunrise Preserve can reconcile its luxury, amenity-rich appeal with an inclusive, family-friendly environment that lets kids and teens thrive as part of the community.

This area of Sarasota, Florida offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to retire in a vibrant community. With several physician offices, pharmacies, and hospitals located within a few miles, residents have easy access to medical care and services. The variety of restaurants nearby cater to different tastes, from fast food options like McDonald's to more upscale dining at Paddy Wagon Irish Pub. The presence of cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread provide opportunities for socializing or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Additionally, the local theaters offer entertainment options for those who enjoy movies. Places of worship such as St Thomas More Catholic Church and Sarasota Baptist Church offer spiritual support for seniors seeking a religious community. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks in the vicinity where residents can enjoy nature walks and recreational activities. Overall, this area of Sarasota provides a well-rounded environment with amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and engaging retirement lifestyle.

Physicians

• Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota (1 miles)
• Sarasota Wellness MD, Dana Fabiani MD (1.7 miles)
• Ramon E Colina (1.8 miles)
• Paradise Dermatology (2.4 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Group Urgent Care (2.4 miles)
• Sterling Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PA (2.7 miles)
• Milam Bogart Dermatology (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (1 miles)
• Gecko's (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Paddy Wagon Irish Pub (1.8 miles)
• Jalisco Mexican Grill (2.3 miles)
• Wendy's (2.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Specialty Care of Sarasota (1.2 miles)
• Homesights Consulting (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Munchies Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.2 miles)
• First Watch #112 (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sarasota 12 (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas More Catholic Church (2.7 miles)
• Sarasota Baptist Church (3.1 miles)
• Church of the Palms (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Urfer Family Park (2.9 miles)
• Osprey Junction Trailhead (4 miles)
• Phillippi Estate Park (4.2 miles)
• Oscar Scherer State Park (5.5 miles)