Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch: Community Review

Housing Options for Every Lifestyle

One of the most appealing aspects of Star Farms is the diverse selection of homes available. Whether you're looking for an affordable townhome, a luxurious custom estate, or something in between, you'll find it here.

"Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch offers a diverse range of homes from several builders including D.R. Horton, Homes by WestBay, Lee Wetherington Homes, and John Cannon Homes. The community features single-family homes, townhomes, and villas ranging from approximately 1,500 to 5,000 square feet, with prices starting from the low $400,000s to over a $1 million. Specific models available include:

• D.R. Horton: Offers homes like the Allex (3 bed, 2 bath, 1,504 sq ft), Darwin (3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,961 sq ft), Elston (4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,260 sq ft), and Robie (5 bed, 3 bath, 2,447 sq ft), among others.

Homes by West Bay are semi-custom and will be over a million.

• Lee Wetherington Homes: Known for high-quality modern ranch designs like the Solstice Model Home, which spans 3,500 sq ft.
• John Cannon Homes: Custom builder offering environmentally efficient, luxury homes tailored to specific client needs."

Single-Family Homes DR Horton offers single-family homes ranging from $600,000 to over $800,000 Variety of floor plans and sizes, including a unique multi-generational floor plan Prices range from $600,000 to $700,000 for a 3,000 square foot home

For those seeking a high-end living experience, Star Farms features a section of custom homes built by prestigious local builders such as John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, and AR Homes, with prices ranging from $2,000,000 to over $5,000,000. Additionally, WestBay builds semi-custom homes priced between $750,000 and $2,000,000, providing a middle ground between the entry-level and multi-million dollar options.

Location and Surroundings

 Star Farms is situated in the northeast corner of Lakewood Ranch, a suburban area that continues to grow and develop. While it is located within Lakewood Ranch, it is closer to Parrish, Florida. The community is conveniently located near everyday necessities, with retail shops, restaurants, and grocery stores carefully integrated into the Lakewood Ranch master plan. "Star Farms is closer to Anna Maria Island than Lido in Sarasota.

 It's about 45 minutes away from St Pete's Beaches and 50 minutes away from Tampa's International Airport. This is more convenient for direct flights as compared to the SRQ airport."

Amenities and Community Features

One of the highlights of Star Farms is its impressive array of amenities. "Star Farms is designed with resort-style living in mind, featuring extensive amenities across four themed campuses:

1. The Resort Club: Includes a hospitality-staffed clubhouse, pools, trails, and sports courts.
2. Junction Place: Focuses on family-friendly amenities such as outdoor activities for children and social spaces for families.
3. Adventure Retreat: Tailored for active adults, with a wellness center, private pool, and social spaces for activities like gaming and group exercises.
4. Cabana Corner: Features a covered outdoor pavilion and intimate resort pool.

Additionally, residents can enjoy greenways and trails for walking and biking, pet parks, and a variety of clubs and social events."

The community boasts a pool with a restaurant, walking trails, a library, and a farm-like atmosphere with picket fences and stables-inspired architecture. Residents can also enjoy a coffee shop, a state-of-the-art gym with a CrossFit training facility, and a golf simulator. Future plans include three more pools, a restaurant and bar, ball fields, and sports courts.

Schools and Family-Friendly Environment

Star Farms is a family-oriented community, with brand-new schools nearby, including Gullett Elementary, Jain Middle School, and Lakewood Ranch High School, all part of the highly-rated Manatee County school system. The community's amenities and events cater to families, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.

Outdoor Recreation

Residents of Star Farms have access to numerous walking and biking trails within the community and several nearby parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities.

HOA and Fees

Like many master-planned communities, Star Farms has a Homeowners Association (HOA) in place. "The specific HOA and CDD fees for Star Farms are designed to cover the extensive amenities and services provided in the community. While exact fee amounts can vary based on the type of home and location within the community, it is important for prospective buyers to confirm these details with the sales office or their real estate agent. Generally, the fees are structured to maintain the high standard of living and resort-style facilities offered."

The HOA fees vary based on the specific sub-community and home price but generally range from $300 to $350 per month. Additionally, residents pay CDD (Community Development District) fees, which are approximately $2,000 to $2,350 annually for both DR Horton and WestBay homes, with custom homes incurring higher fees.

Investment Potential and New Construction Benefits

Investing in Star Farms can be a smart decision, as the affordable prices and potential for appreciation make it an attractive option. New construction homes offer several benefits, including:

• Built to the latest hurricane codes
• Energy-efficient features
• Lower homeowner's insurance rates
• Reduced maintenance costs

Comparison to Other Lakewood Ranch Communities

While Star Farms offers affordable living within Lakewood Ranch, other nearby communities like Waterside by Lakewood Ranch, Skye Ranch, North River Ranch, and Wellen Park are also worth considering. These areas are newer and may provide similar amenities and lifestyle options.

Builder Incentives and Inventory Homes

D.R. Horton and other builders in the area often offer incentives, especially on inventory homes. These move-in-ready properties feature designer-selected finishes and upgrades, making the home-buying process more streamlined for those who don't want to be too involved in the design process.

Importance of Home Inspections and Warranties

When purchasing a new construction home, it's crucial to have a thorough inspection performed before closing and again before the warranty expires. New homes come with a one-year warranty on everything, a two-year warranty on electrical, AC, and water heater, and a ten-year structural warranty.

Commuting

For those who need to commute to downtown Lakewood Ranch or Sarasota, Star Farms offers a relatively convenient location. Travel times will depend on traffic conditions and the specific destination within each city.

Conclusion

Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, offers an affordable and charming living experience with a variety of housing options, impressive amenities, and a family-friendly environment. Its proximity to Sarasota attractions, new construction benefits, and investment potential make it an attractive choice for homebuyers seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle in the desirable Lakewood Ranch area.

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