Are you thinking about relocating to Lakewood Ranch, Florida? You are not alone. In recent years, Lakewood Ranch has become one of the most coveted places in Southwest Florida. Before moving, here are a few things you should know about this growing community.

It is no secret that many people are looking to relocate to Florida. The state has a lot to offer, including great weather, beaches, and a growing economy. Many people immediately jump to Orlando or Miami when considering relocating to Florida. However, there is another option that is often overlooked. Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community in Manatee and Sarasota Counties that is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Florida.

A master-planned community is a large, multi-use neighborhood planned and developed from the ground up. All the necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and parks, are put in place before any homes are built. This allows for a well-organized neighborhood that has a high-functioning community with better schools and more interest than surrounding areas. Lakewood Ranch is one of the most successful master-planned communities in the country and is regularly ranked as a top community in Florida. Lakewood Ranch was developed to create a self-sustaining community with everything residents need close by. The community is designed with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

Lakewood Ranch spans more than 33,000 acres and features 10,000 acres of lakes, 25 villages with different architecture, 150 miles of trails, a convenient town center, top-rated schools, and more. The 25 villages offer unique luxury real estate options, with the number of homes ranging from 250 to 1,500. The luxury community has been under the direction of the same family for more than 100 years and is home to approximately 60,000 residents.

Lakewood Ranch is located in the greater Tampa Bay area, approximately 20 minutes from downtown Sarasota and an hour from Tampa. The community is located near  the Gulf coast and 15 miles from world-class beaches like Siesta Key, Ana Maria Island, and Lido Key. Residents looking to travel or homeowners who do not live in the community full-time can easily access airports with the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and the Tampa International Airport nearby.

Lakewood Ranch is a great place to live for many reasons, but one of the most appealing aspects is the lifestyle. The community is designed for all ages and stages of life. There are plenty of things to do for families with young children, retirees, and everyone in between. The amenities and events the community offers are top-notch, and there is always something going on. Whether you are looking for an active lifestyle or a more relaxed vibe, you can find it in Lakewood Ranch. There are a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique amenities. For example, some neighborhoods have their own private golf courses, while others have residents’ clubs with tennis courts and swimming pools.

If you are looking for a golf community, Lakewood Ranch might be the place for you. The master-planned community has nine golf courses; three are part of the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, and four are located in the villages. Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club is an exclusive establishment with luxury amenities like a 20-court tennis center, heated pools, award-winning clubhouses, and three championship golf courses. Golfers can also enjoy a premier golf academy and two practice facilities. There are many homes for sale in Lakewood Ranch located near or on the golf course for easy access and an active golf lifestyle. The area also features many additional clubs from the 36 hole Lakewood National - Host of the PGA TOUR’s LECOM Suncoast Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour to Esplanade Golf & CC and Azario Esplanade - featuring many homes and condos for sale - from new construction to well established communities, Lakewood Ranch has many options for the golfer.

Lakewood Ranch was designed as a sustainable community with many features and activities for residents and locals to enjoy. The community has three town centers with more than 300 shops and restaurants, from casual spots to fine dining options. Lakewood Ranch also has 12 parks and 150 miles of trails for biking and walking. Nearly half of the community is designated for recreation and open spaces so that residents can enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Some outdoor amenities include a splash pad, dog park, disc golf, bike lanes, boardwalks, and more.

Finding a home can often be easier than merging into an established community, but there are vast opportunities to get involved with neighbors and organizations at Lakewood Ranch. The community has more than 60 clubs and groups, such as mom groups, bingo, bridge, trivia groups, running clubs, wine clubs, genealogy clubs, and much more.

Education is a pillar of Lakewood Ranch. Before laying the foundation for residential communities, the master-planned area made space for public and private primary and secondary education establishments. Lakewood Ranch houses 16 private and public preschools, 10 higher education institutions, and more than a dozen elementary, middle, and high schools. The public schools in the community are part of the Manatee County Schools and Sarasota County Schools.

Lakewood Ranch has 25 villages with beautiful homes and amenities. Each village has a distinct character and offers a unique lifestyle and views. One of the most appealing aspects of Lakewood Ranch is the variety of real estate options. Whether you are looking for a villa, townhouse, single-family home, or sprawling estate, you can find it in Lakewood Ranch. The community is also home to a number of new construction homes if you are looking for a brand-new home.

Lakewood Ranch is a growing community, and the real estate market is booming. If you are considering relocating to Lakewood Ranch, working with a local real estate agent can make the process seamless. A local agent will have insight into the community as a whole and the different villages. They will also be familiar with the builders and the new construction homes.

Steve Slocum is a Lakewood Ranch real estate agent and a top-producing realtor in the Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Steve was also just named the “Top Agent in Bradenton” for 2023 by RateMy Agent! The 941Team is passionate about helping clients buy and sell homes with less stress and successful outcomes. Find your Lakewood Ranch home and enjoy the stunning community.