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
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Video By
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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 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lakewood Ranch, FL over the last 12 months is $575,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A Step Above The Rest in Lorraine Lakes, this model-perfect, move-in-ready home offers 2,239 square feet of elegant living space with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a formal dining room, a larger breakfast nook, and a spacious three-car garage. Inside, you will find a gracious foyer leading to an open-concept family room that flows seamlessly into a modern kitchen complete with white cabinets and
Welcome to 7760 U.S. Open Loop, an exquisite luxury home located in the Lakewood Ranch Country Club community, where elegance meets convenience. This stunning property offers an unparalleled lifestyle, just moments from Florida's award-winning beaches, the vibrant UTC Mall, and a variety of top-tier golf courses. With the trendy new hotspot of Waterside just seven minutes away, you’ll be
Welcome to 6215 Warbler Lane, a beautifully updated lakefront retreat in the highly sought-after Greenbrook Crossings community of Lakewood Ranch. Offering over 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence perfectly blends luxury, comfort, and everyday functionality while capturing peaceful waterfront views from one of the community's most desirable
Welcome to one of the most unique opportunities in Lorraine Lakes at Lakewood Ranch! This professionally decorated Trevi model home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2,032 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, and showcases the resort-style Florida lifestyle with a private heated pool and spa.Owned by an investor and never occupied, this home has been maintained as a builder
Welcome home to this thoughtfully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence featuring a versatile bonus room and high-end ceramic tile flooring throughout. Conveniently located within minutes of grocery stores, restaurants, and everyday services, you'll also enjoy easy access to I-75 and University Parkway in approximately 10 minutes, with the Gulf Coast's renowned beaches just 35 minutes away. What
$50,000 OFF! Luxury Living at and Incredible New Price! Welcome to Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch. Living in Esplanade means access to a lifestyle unlike any other, offering three resort pools, two clubhouses and fitness centers, a spa, salon, two dog parks, walking trails and many social clubs and a vibrant calendar of social events. Dining options include The Bahama Bar and The Barrel House Bistro
Welcome to Aurora at Lakewood Ranch, where contemporary design meets maintenance-free Florida living. This beautifully designed Atlanta floor plan offers an open-concept layout with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious 2-car garage, providing the perfect combination of comfort, functionality, and style. The first floor features a bright and inviting living space that seamlessly connects the
Location, location, location! Experience the lock-and-leave ease of luxury condo living in one of the most convenient and sought-after locations in Lakewood Ranch. Nestled within the highly desirable gated waterfront community of The Moorings at Edgewater, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and resort-style living.Thoughtfully
Welcome to Harmony at Lakewood Ranch, where maintenance-free living meets comfort and convenience! This beautifully maintained end-unit townhome offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a versatile loft/flex space, and a two-car garage. With all bedrooms and the laundry room located upstairs, the thoughtful floor plan provides both functionality and privacy.The open-concept main living area is perfect
PRICED TO SELL. PROPERTY IS OFFERED FULLY FURNISHED AND TURNKEY. Enjoy resort-style living in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. Whether you’re seeking a full-time residence or a seasonal retreat with easy, low-maintenance living, Lakewood National Golf and Country Club offers an exceptional lifestyle. Home to two stunning Arnold Palmer
Nearly new and beautifully upgraded, this exceptional Tiller floor plan is nestled within the upscale and highly sought-after LakeHouse Cove at Waterside, one of the premier neighborhoods in Lakewood Ranch. Thoughtfully designed and impeccably maintained, this residence offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage with professionally finished flooring, all positioned on a desirable
Introducing this gorgeously staged grand residence in the elegant Sweetwater at Lakewood Ranch—where refined design meets effortless luxury. This exceptional, model-quality home is a true showcase of sophistication, with every detail thoughtfully curated to deliver a high-end, turnkey living experience.From the moment you enter, you’re welcomed by a striking foyer adorned with designer wall
Experience relaxed, resort-style living in this beautifully appointed Carolina model, ideally situated in one of Lakewood Ranch’s most sought-after resort communities. This top-floor residence offers breathtaking panoramic views of the fairway, tranquil pond, and surrounding conservation area—creating a serene and private retreat.Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this home includes a spacious
Welcome to this exceptional deeded golf home in the gated Azario community, Enjoy Lock-and-Leave Luxury, Resort Lifestyle, & Waterview.Perfect as a second home or seasonal retreat, offering just under 1,700 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space and over $125,000 in upgrades. Situated on an extra-large premium waterview lot, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence also features a
Perfectly positioned on a premium waterfront homesite near a quiet cul-de-sac inside the gated community of Sapphire Point, this extensively upgraded residence offers over 5,328+ square feet of thoughtfully designed luxury with 6 bedrooms, 6 custom bathrooms, a private office, media room, oversized loft, dedicated fitness studio, and a second kitchen, a floor plan ideally suited for entertaining,
Virtually Staged. Available September 9 2026! Experience luxury living in this beautifully appointed Pallazio model located in the highly sought-after, resort-style community of Esplanade at Azario in Lakewood Ranch. This exceptional home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a private den, offering the perfect combination of comfort, style, and functionality. Designed with an open,
Located on the northern edge of the highly sought-after Lakewood Ranch master-planned community in Florida, Eventide Apartments offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a fitness center, and EV charging stations. Known for its award-winning design and high quality of life, Lakewood Ranch features an exciting mix of shopping, dining,
Beautiful Turnkey Furnished Condo located in highly sought after Village at Town Center. Recently updated with new kitchen and baths. New vinyl plank flooring throughout. Three bedroom, two bath with office space for those that work from home. Attached one car garage for additional security. Decorated with earth tones so very serene feel to the unit. The community pool is just steps away for easy
At SOTA75, you’ll surround yourself in coastal charm – seaside inspired scenery with a touch of modern and sophisticated living. Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, between the land + sea, you’ll find your new tranquil oasis.
ALL NEW! Freshly painted throughout ceilings, doors, trim and walls. Brand new appliances: refrigerator with ice, stove/microwave, dishwasher, washer /dryer, hot water tank. Be the first to use everything! NO carpet, brand new luxury vinyl flooring in both bedrooms. Do you love your privacy? Love playing golf? Then this beautiful condo in the heart of Lakewood Ranch is the right place for you.
As one of the leading communities in Bradenton, the Oasis at Lakewood Ranch features plenty of indulgences. Get ready for your staycation right from your new home!From our incredible array of amenities to the elegant interior details, you'll be proud to call us home.
Turnkey Furnished Short-Term Rental Available May thru December. Designer decorated just bring your toothbrush and your golf clubs - South facing condo featuring an oversized lanai with views of the lake and golf course. Open floorplan with bar seating and eat in kitchen. Flex space available for office/den. Granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances and wood cabinets make the kitchen a
Suburban living has never felt more luxurious. At Marlowe Lake Manatee, our prestigious community amenities and interior details include all the fine frills you require. Luxuriate at one of our poolside cabanas or mingle with friends at our lively courtyard. Cook up something delectable in your own high-end kitchen. Or let your furry friends socialize with their neighbors at our dog park. Write
Welcome to this beautifully designed four-bedroom, two-bath home in LakeHouse Cove at Waterside. Set on a peaceful preserve lot, the home offers privacy, natural views, and modern Florida living. The open-concept floor plan is bright and inviting, featuring high ceilings, ceiling fans in every bedroom, ambient wall lighting in the primary suite, and a well-appointed kitchen ideal for everyday
Enjoy TWO MONTHS FREE + Reduced Pricing!* Brea Lakewood Ranch offers one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments in Lakewood Ranch, FL near Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and Sarasota's premier shopping and dining destinations. Our upscale apartment homes feature designer interiors alongside resort-style amenities, including a relaxing saltwater pool, fitness center, co-working
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Single Family Home located in the highly desirable community of Aurora at Lakewood Ranch. This spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a modern layout, stylish finishes, and low-maintenance living in one of the area’s fastest-growing locations. Step inside to an open-concept floor plan featuring a bright and airy living space, perfect for both relaxing and
Welcome to the pinnacle of luxury living in Lakewood Ranch! Our exclusive community presents an unparalleled lifestyle, featuring a 13,000 sq ft 2-story Clubhouse with a Coffee Lounge, Clubroom, Game Bar lounge, Library, Game Arcade Room, Golf Simulator, and more. Stay active in our 24/7 Fitness Center, unwind by the Infinity Edge Heated Pool, or enjoy outdoor activities like Sand Volleyball and
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