If you want to keep your Sarasota home purchase under half a million, you’re in luck. At that price you’ll find superior well-designed homes all over town. Out on the keys your selection will be more limited—condos mostly—and they will be smaller and older. Downtown apartments in this price range will likewise be smaller, though if you look around you’ll find some with million-dollar views. Let’s take a look at three current listings, all priced around $450,000.

Sarasota | $445,000

4139 Via Mirada

This three-bedroom, two-bath home has all the features people want in a classic Florida home: a water view, a great pool and outdoor living area with summer kitchen, and a sunny, informal feeling. It’s located in a gated community—Marbella—in the southern part of town, and although it was built in 1991, it has many updates. You’ll find a formal dining room, a large kitchen with an eating area, wooden floors throughout—even the bedrooms—and a spacious master bath. The location, right near Prestancia, is convenient to the beach, and there’s great golf and shopping nearby. Listed by Diana Otis Stirling of Michael Saunders & Company, (941) 320-4261.

Sarasota | $444,000

800 N. Tamiami Trail, No. 1009

Downtown it’s all about the view, and this one-bedroom unit—plus den—in the Alinari has one of the best. High up on the 10th floor, you get a panorama of the bay and the city lights to the south. The large kitchen opens to the living area, and there is a balcony that can also be accessed from the bedroom. The den could also be used as a guest room; there’s a bath and a half. The Alinari is a short walk from the downtown action and is famous for its elaborate amenities: In addition to the usual pool and spa, there’s a concierge, a great fitness center, wine room, in-house movie theater, even a Zen garden. Listed by Gabriele Charity of Charity and Weiss, (941) 685-6649.

Longboat Key | $449,000

4500 Gulf of Mexico Drive, PH 3

This two-bedroom, two-bath top-floor unit on Longboat Key also has a lovely view, out to a wide expanse of greenery and Sarasota Bay. The lanai has been enclosed, adding to the living area. The kitchen and baths have been recently updated and there is new porcelain tile flooring. The apartment is being sold furnished. Although the complex (Windward Bay) is an older one, it has been well-maintained and offers spacious grounds, two pools, tennis courts and deeded beach access. Boat slips are available for a fee. This is Longboat Key the way it used to be—nostalgically peaceful and a great value. Listed by Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker, (941) 387-1840.