[2025] LAKEWOOD RANCH FLORIDA | A-to-Z Guide

Introduction

Why is Lakewood Ranch, Florida still turning heads in 2025?

This master-planned community has been a powerhouse in real estate for decades and has held the ranking of the #1 all-age master-planned community in the United States for seven years running.

But the real kicker? Lakewood Ranch isn’t resting on its laurels. Even after 30 years of development, the community is still evolving, with new neighborhoods, lifestyle enhancements, and infrastructure improvements that continue to shape it into a premier destination for homebuyers.

So, is this your next home base? In this 2025 Lakewood Ranch A to Z Guide, I’ll share the latest breaking information on:

✔ Residential real estate
✔ New developments
✔ Lifestyle & amenities
✔ Schools & education
✔ Cost of living & market trends

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Lakewood Ranch is your ideal Florida destination or if it’s just another spot on the map.

Where is Lakewood Ranch, Florida? And Why Does It Matter?

Lakewood Ranch is a massive, master-planned community spanning over 33,000 acres, sitting in a prime location within Florida’s Gulf Coast region.

• Northeast of Sarasota
• One hour south of Tampa Bay
• 1.5 hours north of Fort Myers
• 2 hours north of Naples
• 30-45 minutes from world-class beaches like Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, Lido Key, and Longboat Key

Air Travel Accessibility

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 20 minutes away
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 60 miles away
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 90 miles away

Highway Access

• I-75 runs just west of Lakewood Ranch, making travel to other parts of Florida convenient.
• Orlando (Disney, theme parks) – Under 2 hours away
• Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach – 3 to 3.5 hours away
• St. Augustine and Amelia Island – 4 to 4.5 hours away

Lakewood Ranch strikes a balance between the cultural charm of Sarasota and the big-city opportunities of Tampa Bay, creating a "Goldilocks" effect—not too urban, not too remote.

What’s New in Lakewood Ranch for 2025?

Lakewood Ranch isn’t just growing—it’s booming. Let’s dive into the latest new developments and what’s coming soon.

New Neighborhoods (Villages) in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch currently has 41-46 total villages, with over half of them actively selling new homes. Some of the newest and most exciting communities include:

1. Bungalow Walk

• Located in the Northeast Waterside District, near Starbucks and Libby’s
• Compact, urban-inspired homes with a coastal aesthetic
• Ideal for investors, first-time buyers, or empty nesters

2. Calusa Country Club

• Next-generation of Lakewood National (Lennar-built)
• Affordable, deeded golf course community with resort-style amenities
• Similar to Sarasota National and Wellen Park Golf & Country Club

3. Del Webb Catalina (New Expansion)

• A fresh take on the Del Webb brand (Pulte-built)
• 15 acres of resort-style amenities, including a 70-acre lake
• Eight covered pickleball courts, clubhouse, wellness center, and food service

4. Palm Grove

• Built by Neal Communities
• Features townhomes, villas, and single-family homes
• Offers affordable price points with a focus on multi-generational living

5. Waterbury Park

• A Neal Signature Homes community
• Semi-custom, larger estate homes
• Boutique-sized neighborhood above Waterside District

Coming Soon: Major Expansion Plans

• Southeast Lakewood Ranch Expansion
• Biggest expansion ever: 4,100 acres, 5,000 new homes
• Builders include Pulte, Neal, Taylor Morrison, Toll Brothers
• Seven additional villages (new neighborhoods)
• Enhanced road access and infrastructure
• First homes expected by 2027

This new southeast quadrant will offer even more variety—from luxury homes to affordable starter options—while improving access to central Sarasota.

Real Estate & Cost of Living in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch offers a wide range of home prices and styles, from entry-level townhomes to multimillion-dollar luxury estates.

Real Estate Prices (2025)

✔ Townhomes & Villas: Starting in the $300K-$500K range
✔ Mid-Range Single-Family Homes: $500K-$900K (Most common)
✔ Luxury Homes: $1.2M - $3.5M+
✔ 55+ Communities: Del Webb, Cresswind, Catalina (Pulte-built)

 ✔Median Home Price:  $642,000

HOA & Property Taxes

• HOA Fees: $200-$300/month (higher for golf communities)
• Property Taxes: 1.0-1.1% of home price
• CDD Fees: $1,000-$2,000 annually (for infrastructure improvements)

Schools & Education

Lakewood Ranch has some of the best-rated schools in Florida, including:

✔ Lakewood Ranch High School (A-rated for five years)
✔ BD Gullett & Robert E. Willis Elementary (Top-rated)
✔ Charter Schools: Imagine Schools, Lakewood Ranch Prep
✔ Private Schools: Out-of-Door Academy, Risen Savior, Sarasota Christian

New schools opening:

• Lake Manatee K-8 (2025)
• New high school (2027)

Outdoor & Recreation

✔ 150+ miles of walking/biking trails
✔ Golf courses: Lakewood National, Esplanade, Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
✔ 13 parks & playgrounds
✔ Pickleball & tennis courts in nearly every village

Shopping & Dining

✔ Waterside Place: A vibrant new downtown with restaurants, breweries, and lakefront dining
✔ UTC Mall & Center Point: Upscale shopping & dining options
✔ Lakewood Ranch Main Street: Boutique shops, entertainment, and weekly farmer’s markets

Community Events & Social Scene

✔ #1-ranked Farmers Market in Florida (Waterside Place)
✔ Polo matches, concerts, and food festivals
✔ Golf tournaments & community events year-round

Final Thoughts: Is Lakewood Ranch Right for You?

✔ Modern, well-planned, and full of amenities
✔ Variety of home options across different price points
✔ Proximity to Sarasota, Tampa Bay, and Florida’s best beaches
✔ Tight-knit, community-driven atmosphere

Next steps:
📌 Download the Lakewood Ranch 2025 Relocation Guide [here] 
📌 Sign up for my monthly Florida Real Estate email update (only one per month!)
📌 Looking to buy, sell, or invest? Contact me for expert guidance.

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