A "multi-generational lifestyle community" with almost 70,000 residents
Lakewood Ranch is one of the premier master-planned communities in the United States. In fact, more than 50 percent of its residents come from outside of Florida. Technically a census-designated place with a population approaching 70,000, Lakewood Ranch has become a mini-metropolis. It features dozens of amenities-filled neighborhoods spread across more than 50 square miles that bridge two counties. The community has its own hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, multiple town centers, and a variety of educational options, both public and private. “It just offers something for everyone,” says Tami Cashi, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker in Lakewood Ranch. “It’s a multi-generational lifestyle community. It has amazing schools and tons of golf. They’re working on a third Main Street, and they all have activities at no additional cost. It offers the best of the downtown areas of Sarasota and Bradenton in a more suburban environment.”
Lakewood Ranch is a vibrant and master-planned community known for its picturesque landscapes.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center serves the Lakewood Ranch community.
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Waterside is the newest section of this ever-expanding community
Lakewood Ranch is made up of more than 30 neighborhoods, which are called villages. The largest villages, including The Country Club and Country Club East, are built around golf courses and lakes. Most villages are developed by a single builder, which helps maintain a standard aesthetic. Luxury villages are the exception. Sought-after destinations such as The Isles, The Lake Club and Wild Blue feature large, custom homes in exclusive settings. Wild Blue, which is part of the Waterside section that expanded the community’s boundaries outside Manatee County and into Sarasota County, was developed by five builders. “The concept is to make it more walkable, bikeable and community-oriented,” Cashi says. All villages have HOA fees that vary depending on amenities and CDD fees that pay for the upkeep of roadways and other infrastructure. The median home price is slightly more than $600,000. That includes condos and townhouses that typically range from the high $200,000s to around $900,000. Most single-family housing ranges from the low $300,000s to around $1 million. Custom luxury homes range from $1 million-plus to nearly $5 million. “If you go to Bradenton or Sarasota, you’ll find homes built in the ‘60s, maybe the ‘80s, but in Lakewood Ranch, everything is relatively new,” Cashi says. “It’s also more affordable because you’re away from the water. Buyers will look at homes near the water and then come here, see what they can get for the same price, and say, ‘That’s amazing!’” The community is far enough inland that flooding is not an issue. However, it’s close enough to the Gulf Coast that wind damage can be a major factor during hurricane season, and insurance rates are likely to reflect this.
The Lake Club homes reside in the pristine Lakewood Ranch neighborhood.
Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch is a pristine area lined with retailers and restaurants.
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Lakewood Ranch High School, Out-of-Door Academy are top-rated options
Lakewood Ranch is part of the Manatee County School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Lakewood Ranch High, rated A-minus by Niche, is the anchor school of the community. It offers dual enrollment courses in conjunction with several area colleges. The school's softball and golf teams regularly compete for state titles. To keep up with growth, a new community school, Lake Manatee K-8, will open for elementary students in 2025 and middle school students in 2026. There are also plans to open a second high school in 2027. Out-of-Door Academy Middle & Upper School is a featured private option. Beyond the Spectrum is a small private school that serves special needs students in kindergarten through seventh grade.
Lakewood Ranch High School is known for its commitment to academic excellence.
The Out-Of-Door Academy is an option for Lakewood Ranch students.
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Lakewood Ranch Country Club has three golf courses; largest villages have lifestyle directors
Amenities are spread throughout the community. Each village has its own recreational features, and the largest villages have lifestyle directors. There’s athletic courts, pools and playgrounds. Walking paths, nature preserves and lakes. Each village’s amenities are for residents only, but Lakewood Ranch offers plenty of public spaces. Lakewood Ranch Country Club is the highlight of the community’s resort-style offerings. Two of its three public courses were designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer. In all, there are nine courses that offer public, private and semi-private options. Greenbrook Adventure Park, which features an inline skating rink, and Premier Sports Campus, which is home to more than 20 multi-purpose fields, are popular community destinations. The Sarasota Polo Club and Nathan Benderson Park are Sarasota attractions located just outside the community. Sarasota’s Gulf beaches are about 30 minutes from the community’s south side, and Manatee County’s barrier island beaches are about 45 minutes away from the north side.
Practice your swing at the golf course at Lakewood Ranch.
Greenbrook Adventure Park - Inline Skate Park offers fun in Lakewood Ranch.
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Main Street, Waterside Place are centers of commerce, activity
The community’s three town centers are Main Street, The Green and Waterside Place. Main Street is an attractive European-style shopping district that features outdoor cafes and restaurants that serve up international flavors. The Green offers a more laidback commercial setting anchored by grocers such as Publix and Fresh Market. Several villages have their own Publix. Waterside Place was designed as a luxury shopping and dining destination to serve the community’s newest villages. A water taxi provides transportation between Waterside’s commercial center and its villages. “The community is really growing,” Cashi says. “They just brought a Tommy Bahama’s to the south side. Owens Fish Camp and Ruth’s Chris are here, and Fleming’s is coming. All the big names you would find in downtown Bradenton or Sarasota are moving into Lakewood Ranch.” Two of the town centers host several of the community’s regular events. Music on Main Street is a long-running event that takes place on the first Friday of each month. The block party-style celebration features food trucks and children’s rides. Ranch Night Wednesdays is a similar seasonal event at Waterside Place. But its signature event is the Sunday Farmer’s Market, where vendors sell fresh goods amid live music and children’s entertainment. University Town Center is a sprawling contemporary mall just south of the community. Downtown Sarasota is known for its cultural attractions, which include museums and performing arts venues near the waterfront.
Sunday's Farmers Market at Waterside Place is a popular outing for locals in Lakewood Ranch.
A fountain with dolphins adorns the point of Bayfront Park in Downtown Sarasota.
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Car-dependent community with access to I-75
Lakewood Ranch is car-dependent. Sarasota International Airport is a 10-mile drive down University Parkway, the main road on the community’s south side. Interstate 75 forms the community’s west side and provides access to regional points of interest, including St. Pete and Tampa to the north.
Low crime rates in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is a mix of gated communities with private entrances and non-gated communities with general access. Its overall Cap Index score of 2-out-of-10 signifies low crime rates.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Leila Sally
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Lakewood Ranch, FL sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood Ranch, FL over the last 12 months is $599,819, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 8009 Bounty Lane. A masterfully designed estate offering 4,484 square feet of refined living space, ideally positioned in one of Bradenton’s prestigious gated communities. This three-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence embodies a seamless blend of elegance, comfort and modern function, enhanced by a private pool, whole-house generator, and carefully selected upgrades throughout. From the
Looking for the perfect blend of modern luxury, prime location, and total peace of mind? You’ve found it in this stunning water front villa in Lakewood Country Club. ****.This beautifully maintained home offers worry-free living with a brand new tile roof, newer A/C (2024) , and newer water heater — so you can focus on enjoying the Florida lifestyle.**** Inside, you’ll love the elegant tile
Welcome home to the resort-style Watercrest Condominium, where a beautifully landscaped entrance welcomes you with sweeping views of the 160-acre Lake Uihlein and the Legacy Golf Course. For the discerning buyer, the highly sought-after end unit Sanctuary model is now available. This residence is tucked within an intimate, private six-unit building surrounded by impeccably maintained grounds and
Welcome to your dream home in the maintenance-free Harmony community of Lakewood Ranch — a beautifully appointed residence boasting 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and over 2,600 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Step inside to discover an open, light-filled floor plan featuring newly installed luxury plank vinyl flooring, designer lighting, and upgraded finishes throughout. The main-level
Welcome to one of the most sought-after homes in Harmony Reserve, a private gated community in Lakewood Ranch with only 71 exclusive residences. Beautifully maintained, this move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with loft offers 2,370 square feet of stylish living space, a 2-car garage, and exceptional indoor-outdoor living. Inside, you’ll find wood-look plank tile flooring throughout the main
Welcome to an exceptional opportunity in Polo Run one of Lakewood Ranch’s most sought-after gated, Solar-Powered, maintenance-free single-family home communities. This extensively upgraded (Main house) 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath pool home offers a rare blend of luxury, flexibility, and long-term value. Designed with modern living in mind, the home features solar power, and a thoughtfully designed floor
Welcome to this breathtaking Palazzio GOLF DEEDED model with exquisite design. The west front exposure lot (with easement) allows additional space between you and your neighbors and a panoramic vista of the 3rd and 7th fairways. The open floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms plus den and is designed for refined living and exceptional entertaining. Enter this home through the gorgeous French
THIS PROPERTY QUALIFIES FOR A 1% LENDER INCENTIVE IF USING OUR PREFERRED LENDER! Welcome to this beautifully maintained SPLIT-BEDROOM villa in the highly sought-after Lorraine Lakes at Lakewood Ranch, perfectly positioned on a CORNER LOT WITH SERENE LAKE VIEWS and just a short walk to the community’s resort-style amenity center. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence with a 2-car garage offers a
Experience the perfect family home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Lakewood Ranch’s Solera neighborhood, set on a serene waterfront lot with a fountain that glows beautifully at night and breathtaking sunset views over the lake. High ceilings and an open layout create a bright, airy atmosphere, giving everyone in the family space to relax, unwind, or entertain. Whether it’s a cozy evening in the living
Your last chance to own a Never Lived in Builder Model Home in Lorraine Lakes. This Monte Carlo Floor Plan is a 5 Bedroom, Bonus Room, Loft, 3 Bathroom, 3 car Garage home that is decorated, furnished and ready for you to move in. Lorraine Lakes has it all! Clubhouse, Bar, Restaurant, 24 Hr Fitness, tennis, basketball, arcade, volley ball and so much more! Splash Pad and 2 Swimming pools along
Welcome to the popular Halyard floor plan, thoughtfully designed with 2 bedrooms, a den, 2 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage. Rich in custom detail, the home features shiplap accents, tray ceilings, and walk-in closets in both bedrooms, blending coastal elegance with everyday functionality. Bathed in natural light, the open-concept layout creates a bright and inviting atmosphere ideal for both
Welcome to your ideal family retreat in Lakewood Ranch’s sought-after Solera neighborhood. Perfectly positioned on a peaceful waterfront lot, this home captures breathtaking water views, highlighted by a fountain that glows beautifully in the evening—creating a picturesque and tranquil backdrop. High ceilings and an open-concept design fill the home with natural light, offering a bright, airy
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 2022 Meritage Homes Jade, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a dedicated den/home office, and a rare 3-car garage—all set on a premium nature preserve lot in the gated community of Savanna at Lakewood Ranch. With 2,493 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, this home blends modern efficiency, elegant finishes, and peaceful privacy in one of the nation’s
This one looks like a model home with stunning lake and golf course views plus upgrades throughout, designer paint colors, quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, 42" tall kitchen wall cabinets, white shaker style kitchen cabinets, a large kitchen island and sink, crown molding throughout, 9-foot ceilings, and large format ceramic tile. Your screened balcony is your front row seat to
SPECIAL PRICING STARTING MAY 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 28, 2026 IF YOU BOOK FOR 6-8 MONTHS AT $3,500 EACH MONTH, FOR 3-5 MONTHS AT $3,800 EACH MONTH, FOR 1-2 MONTHS AT $4,000 EACH MONTH --- LAKEWOOD NATIONAL --- TURNKEY FURNISHED 3 BEDROOM 2 FULL BATH COACH HOME (2nd Floor) 2 CAR GARAGE --- High Season: $9,000/month (utilities included; electric capped at $100/month) --- Low Season: $4,500/month +
Welcome to your dream new construction home with a pool and hot tub in the highly sought-after gated community of Lorraine Lakes in Lakewood Ranch! This stunning house boasts 3 spacious bedrooms, 3 baths, and a versatile office/den. Enjoy the convenience of a 2-car garage, complete with electric vehicle charging station. Step outside to your private lanai, complete with sparkling pool and
SPECIAL PRICING OF $2,100 EACH MONTH IF YOU BOOK FOR AT LEAST 2 MONTHS BETWEEN MAY - OCTOBER 2026 --- LAKEWOOD NATIONAL --- TURNKEY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATH CONDO --- High Season (December-April): $6,000/month (utilities included; electric capped at $100/month) --- Low Season (May- November): $2,750/month + Guest reimburses for electric. Experience living at 17520 Gawthrop Dr #401, a
Live the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle in this beautifully upgraded Avery floor plan townhome by Lennar located in the highly desirable Aurora at Lakewood Ranch community. This modern 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers a spacious and thoughtfully designed layout with premium upgrades throughout and peaceful lake views from the home. Inside, you’ll immediately notice the upgraded flooring and stylish
Luxury Twin Villa in Lorraine Lakes – Resort-Style Living in Lakewood Ranch Welcome to 15810 Sunny Day Dr, a beautifully designed luxury twin villa in the highly sought-after Lorraine Lakes community of Lakewood Ranch. This elegant home offers the perfect combination of low-maintenance living, modern finishes, and access to world-class resort amenities. The thoughtfully designed open floor plan
Beautiful End Unit. Townhome with large and long 1 Car Garage. Fresh and Bright and Screened in Lanai. Pet Friendly. Amenity Rich community in Lakewood Ranch School district.
Who wants to play golf on the BRAND NEW golf course of Calusa Country Club and have a great condo with a view of the Greens and pond? If so...this GATED COMMUNITY condo is UP FOR GRABS to lease IMMEDIATELY! This new Ariana floor plan with 2 Beds / 2 Baths PLUS a Den/Study and 2 Car garage and comes UNFURNISHED so you can lease while yours is being BUILT! OR MAYBE...you just need to come for FL to
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Located on a premium lot in Mallory Park, this spacious two-story home offers 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms, along with an extended covered lanai and beautiful backyard.As you enter the bright and welcoming foyer, you are greeted by an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the gathering room, dining area, and kitchen—all overlooking the
FURNISHED Annual Rental (Non Furnished $2,495)- Owner Occupied- Available with 30 day notice- Pets case by case- Welcome to Aurora at Lakewood Ranch! 2024 Newly built Townhome with modern finishes, hurricane windows/doors, central location and a relaxed lifestyle community. Community Pool and Playground. Internet and Grounds maintenance included. Spacious 3 bed, 2.5 bathroom with a one care
Unfurnished 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom. Oversize 2.5 underneath garage parking. Amazing Unobstructed Water and Golf Course Views from screened Lanai! Upgraded Kitchen. Crown Molding. Laundry room with washer and Dryer. Primary suite with water views, French doors to the lanai, and 2 walk in closets. Watercrest subdivision is a private, gated community with an elevator and resort-inspired, two-story
SPECIAL PRICING STARTING JUNE 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 28, 2026 IF YOU BOOK FOR 6-7 MONTHS AT $2,200 EACH MONTH, FOR 3-5 MONTHS AT $2,400 EACH MONTH, FOR 1-2 MONTHS AT $2,600 EACH MONTH --- LAKEWOOD NATIONAL -- TURNKEY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM + DEN, 2 FULL BATH VERANDA ---- Enjoy your morning coffee on one of the two screened in porches where you will have a view of the golf course and beautiful
SPECIAL PRICING STARTING MAY 1, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 28, 2026 IF YOU BOOK FOR 6-8 MONTHS OR MORE AT $2,100 EACH MONTH, FOR 3-5 MONTHS AT $2,300 EACH MONTH, FOR 1-2 MONTHS AT $2,500 EACH MONTH --- CALUSA COUNTRY CLUB --- TURNKEY FURNISHED 2 BEDROOM + DEN, 2 FULL BATH VERANDA --- 1 CAR DETACHED GARAGE-- High Season (Dec-April): $6,500/month (utilities included; electric capped at $100/month) ---
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