Lakewood Ranch is the best-selling master-planned community in the United States, and it has earned that title by delivering something most planned developments promise but rarely produce: a genuinely complete place to live. Built across more than 33,000 acres in eastern Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Lakewood Ranch has over 50,000 residents, 17 distinct villages, 150 miles of trails, a functioning town center, farmers markets, and a cultural calendar that rivals much smaller cities. The median home price in early 2026 sits around $619,000, and the range stretches from townhomes in the $300,000s to estate homes well above $2 million.
The question buyers ask is not whether Lakewood Ranch is a good community — it clearly is — but whether it is the right fit for their life and budget. That answer depends heavily on which village you are looking at, what stage of life you are in, and what tradeoffs you are willing to make on commute time, HOA fees, and CDD assessments. This guide covers what Barrett Henry has observed working the Lakewood Ranch market and the broader Manatee County area over more than two decades.
If you are relocating to Tampa Bay and want a community that is already built out, walkable within its borders, and family-oriented, Lakewood Ranch belongs at the top of your list. If you are a buyer who wants a more urban lifestyle or a shorter commute to Tampa or St. Petersburg, it is worth understanding the tradeoffs first.
Lakewood Ranch Villages and Price Ranges
Lakewood Ranch is not a single neighborhood — it is 17 villages with distinct personalities, price points, and amenity packages. Understanding which village matches your needs is the first step in any Lakewood Ranch home search.
Amber Creek is the entry point for most buyers, offering townhomes starting in the mid-$300,000s at around 1,674 square feet. This is the most affordable option for buyers who want the Lakewood Ranch address without the higher price tags of the single-family villages.
Sapphire Point, built by Pulte Homes, runs from the $400,000s to the $800,000s and offers resort-style amenity packages including a pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. This is one of the most popular villages for families with school-age children.
The Isles, a Toll Brothers community, offers executive floor plans from 2,200 to 3,400 square feet starting in the mid-$400,000s, with estate floor plans from 2,700 to 4,100-plus square feet at higher price points.
Star Farms, developed by D.R. Horton and Homes by WestBay, is a gated resort-style community with prices ranging from the high $400,000s to over $2 million. The amenity package is one of the most extensive in the area, with multiple pools, a fitness center, sports courts, and event spaces.
Monterey, another Toll Brothers offering, caters to the luxury buyer. Floor plans range from 2,517 to 4,987 square feet and prices start in the mid-$700,000s. This is a private, gated community with finishes and architecture that justify the premium.
Del Webb Catalina is the active adult option, with over 1,000 homes in a mix of villas and single-family floor plans. Built specifically for buyers 55 and older, it includes a dedicated fitness center, resort-style pool, clubhouse, and pickleball courts. This is one of the best-executed 55-plus communities in the Tampa Bay region — comparable in quality to what you find in the broader 55-plus communities in Tampa Bay.
Edgewater is one of the older, more established sections of Lakewood Ranch, with condos, carriage homes, and single-family options in multiple sub-neighborhoods. This area offers more resale inventory relative to the newer villages.
Looking further ahead: Lakewood Ranch Southeast, a 4,120-acre expansion, has been entitled for up to 5,000 homes. Builders are expected to begin marketing there in 2027, which will add significant new inventory to an already deep market.
Lakewood Ranch Real Estate Market Overview (2026)
The Lakewood Ranch market in early 2026 reflects the same broad correction seen across Manatee and Sarasota Counties — prices have pulled back from the peak 2022 values, and buyers are finding real negotiating room on resale homes with extended days on market. The median home price of $618,000 to $640,000 is down from peak, and sellers are increasingly offering incentives on new construction to move inventory.
Cash sales remain elevated — Manatee County-wide, 61.5 percent of transactions closed cash in early 2026, which reflects continued investor and retiree demand. Sellers are achieving approximately 91 to 93 percent of original list price in this environment, which means buyers who are patient and work with a knowledgeable agent have real room to negotiate.
New construction buyers face a different calculus. Builders are offering financing incentives — rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and structural upgrades — to move spec inventory. These deals can be genuinely valuable but often require you to use the builder’s preferred lender and close on the builder’s timeline. Get independent representation before walking into any builder’s sales office. How to buy a home in Tampa Bay walks through the full process.
CDD fees are a critical line item for any Lakewood Ranch new construction purchase. These are annual assessments that appear on your tax bill alongside property taxes and fund the community’s infrastructure bonds. In Lakewood Ranch, CDD fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 per year depending on the village and lot. See our complete CDD fee guide for how these work and how to evaluate them.
Schools in Lakewood Ranch
The Manatee County School District serves most of Lakewood Ranch, with the Sarasota County School District covering the southern portions. School quality in the Lakewood Ranch corridor is generally strong and is one of the primary drivers of family demand for homes in the area.
Lakewood Ranch High School earns an A- from Niche and is ranked the number 2 best public high school in Manatee County. With 53 percent math proficiency and 68 percent reading proficiency, and a 23:1 student-teacher ratio, it is a solid public high school option. Families relocating from high-performing suburban districts will generally find the academic environment competitive.
At the middle school level, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School earns an A- from Niche. R. Dan Nolan Middle School holds an 8 out of 10 on GreatSchools.
For elementary schools, Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary shows 84 percent math proficiency and 78 percent reading proficiency — well above state averages. Gullett Elementary and Willis Elementary both hold historical A ratings.
Charter school options include Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy (K-12, 2.83 out of 5) and Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch (PK-8, B- from Niche). These give families additional flexibility if the traditional public school assignment does not fit their needs.
Families moving from the northeast and midwest consistently report that the public school quality in the Lakewood Ranch corridor meets or exceeds what they left. The combination of A- and B+ rated schools across multiple grade levels makes this one of the stronger public school corridors in the Tampa Bay metro.
Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Life
Lakewood Ranch has 10 community parks totaling hundreds of acres, plus 150 miles of multi-use trails and bike lanes that connect the villages. Forty percent of the community’s total acreage is designated open space or recreation — a ratio most planned communities do not come close to achieving.
Bob Gardner Community Park is the community’s flagship green space, with a mile-long park trail, soft trails, sports courts, a frisbee golf course, a gravity rail for children, and separate large and small-breed dog parks.
Greenbrook Adventure Park offers an inline skating track, multiple sports fields, basketball courts, a paw park, exercise stations, and nature trails — a genuinely active park that gets heavy use from families in the nearby villages.
Waterside Park is an 8-acre island park at Waterside Place with a splash park, playground, sand volleyball court, and picnic pavilion. This is the anchor for the Waterside development, the community’s newest walkable district.
Nature-oriented parks include Heron’s Nest Nature Park (110 acres with trails, Heron Lake, and 27-acre Summerfield Lake) and Braden River Nature Park with unpaved trails around Trophy Lake and Otter Lake. These give residents genuine Florida nature access without driving off the ranch.
Dining and Shopping in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch has developed real dining options — not just the chain restaurants that populate most suburban master-plans. The community’s town centers include a mix of local and regional concepts worth knowing.
GROVE on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard is a modern American restaurant with seasonal ingredients and a menu that changes with local availability. This is the go-to for a quality dinner that feels like something you’d find in Tampa or Sarasota proper.
Selva Grill brings Latin-inspired fusion to the area — the Maya Shrimp Ceviche, Andean Rack of Lamb, and Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna are signature dishes. Station 400 operates inside a converted railway depot and is known for its Stuffed French Toast at brunch and a solid dinner menu. Agave Bandido at Waterside Place does artisan tacos, fajitas, and margaritas with a following that keeps the patio busy on weekends.
The Capital Grille, Libby’s Brasserie, and Tandoor (Indian cuisine) round out a surprisingly solid restaurant ecosystem for a community of this size.
Shopping centers include The Green (37-acre walkable center with two dozen-plus businesses and a fitness center) and Waterside Place (the regional waterfront destination with retail, restaurants, a Sunday farmers market, Ranch Nite Wednesdays, and regular live music). Downtown Lakewood Ranch includes Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape.
Active Builders and New Construction Communities
Lakewood Ranch remains one of the most active new construction markets on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Active builders include D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes, M/I Homes, John Cannon Homes, Neal Communities, Toll Brothers, Ryan Homes, and Pulte Homes. This mix of national production builders and regional custom builders gives buyers more options at more price points than almost any other community in the Tampa Bay area.
Buyers considering new construction here should also understand the HOA structure. Each village has its own community HOA on top of the master Lakewood Ranch HOA. Monthly fees typically range from $150 to $400 depending on the village, amenities, and home type. Add the CDD annual assessment and you can be looking at $3,000 to $5,000 or more per year in community fees on top of your mortgage payment. This is normal for the market — but it needs to be in your monthly budget calculation.
Buyers interested in Bradenton proper or further east toward Parrish will find different price-to-size ratios. Parrish’s master-planned communities like North River Ranch offer Lakewood Ranch-style amenities at lower price points and with fewer CDD layers, which is why the area is growing so rapidly.
Commuting from Lakewood Ranch
Commute times are the most common objection buyers have to Lakewood Ranch. The community sits on the eastern edge of the metro, and getting anywhere requires surface road travel before accessing I-75 or University Parkway (SR-70).
To Sarasota: 20 to 30 minutes depending on your destination in the city. This is manageable for daily commuters.
To Bradenton: Approximately 19 minutes, though specific village location matters significantly.
To Tampa: Approximately 55 minutes in normal conditions. Rush hour (7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.) and peak season (December through April) can push this significantly higher, especially on University Parkway. Daily commuters to downtown Tampa should plan for 70 to 90 minutes in realistic peak conditions and evaluate whether that tradeoff works for their lifestyle.
Tampa International Airport is roughly 55 minutes. Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) is 20 to 25 minutes and increasingly useful for direct flights to major hubs.
Who Should Buy in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the right choice for buyers who prioritize a complete community lifestyle over urban access. Families with school-age children benefit most — the combination of A-rated schools, extensive parks and trails, safe streets, and built-in neighbor community is genuinely rare.
Retirees and active adults have excellent options with Del Webb Catalina and the growing resort amenity packages. Remote workers who do not commute daily find Lakewood Ranch one of the most livable places in the Tampa Bay metro.
Buyers who work in Tampa five days a week, who want urban nightlife and walkability outside the community, or who are sensitive to monthly fee obligations should look carefully at the full carrying costs before committing. Barrett is direct about this because it is the thing that most new residents say they wish they had thought through more carefully before buying.
The Real Cost of Living in Lakewood Ranch
Understanding the full cost of homeownership in Lakewood Ranch requires adding up four separate line items that many buyers initially overlook: mortgage payment, HOA fees, CDD assessment, and property taxes. Getting all four numbers right before you submit an offer is not optional — it is the difference between a home that works in your budget and one that does not.
On a $620,000 home with 20 percent down and a 6.5 percent mortgage rate, your principal and interest payment runs approximately $3,130 per month. Property taxes on a $620,000 home in Manatee County with a homestead exemption will typically run $6,500 to $8,000 per year, or roughly $540 to $665 per month. Homeowner’s insurance in Florida has increased significantly in recent years — budget $3,500 to $6,000 per year ($290 to $500 per month) depending on the home’s age, construction type, and flood zone. If you are in a higher flood risk area, add separate flood insurance at $1,000 to $3,000 per year.
HOA fees in Lakewood Ranch range from roughly $150 to $400 per month depending on the village. Newer communities with more amenities trend toward the higher end. The master HOA fee and the village HOA fee are both charged separately in some communities, so confirm both amounts with the listing agent before making an offer.
CDD fees of $1,500 to $3,500 per year are in addition to all of the above and appear on the property tax bill. On a $620,000 home in a mid-range village, the total monthly carrying cost — mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA, and CDD — typically runs $4,500 to $5,500 per month. This is normal for the market, but buyers who calculate only the mortgage payment before budgeting are often surprised when the real number comes in 30 to 40 percent higher.
Florida has no state income tax, which partly offsets these carrying costs for buyers relocating from states with high income taxes. The effective tax savings for a couple earning $200,000 moving from California or New York can run $15,000 to $25,000 per year — a real number that changes the calculus on what you can afford to spend on housing.
Healthcare, Employment, and Services
Lakewood Ranch is served by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency services, surgical capabilities, and a growing specialty care campus. Sarasota Memorial Hospital, one of the top-rated hospitals in Florida, is approximately 30 to 35 minutes to the south. HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton is 20 to 25 minutes north. The healthcare infrastructure in the immediate area is strong and continues to expand as the residential population grows.
The Lakewood Ranch area has become a major employment center in its own right, not just a bedroom community. Major employers include Sarasota County and Manatee County school districts, the healthcare system at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, PGT Innovations (windows and doors manufacturing), and a growing base of professional services firms that have relocated to take advantage of the talent pool and quality of life. The University Parkway corridor from I-75 to US-41 has added multiple corporate office parks and medical offices over the past decade.
Shopping and services within the community are now comprehensive. Besides the restaurants covered above, Lakewood Ranch has multiple grocery options, specialty food retailers, fitness studios, medical offices, dental practices, financial services, and the full complement of services that a self-sufficient community requires. Most daily errands are achievable without leaving the ranch.
Lakewood Ranch vs. Other Tampa Bay Planned Communities
Buyers who research the Tampa Bay area typically compare Lakewood Ranch to several other master-planned communities. Wesley Chapel to the north of Tampa, Land O Lakes, and Parrish in north Manatee County each offers a meaningfully different value proposition.
Compared to Wesley Chapel, Lakewood Ranch is more expensive but more established and offers better school quality overall. Wesley Chapel has faster access to Tampa employment and is closing the amenity gap, but does not match Lakewood Ranch’s 150-mile trail network, park system, or cultural programming.
Compared to Parrish, Lakewood Ranch is more expensive (median $618,000 vs. $438,000-$514,000) and more complete — more restaurants, more retail, more trails, more parks. Parrish buyers are essentially buying a Lakewood Ranch-level development at an earlier stage, accepting the growing pains in exchange for a lower entry price.
Compared to the established Brandon and Riverview submarkets east of Tampa, Lakewood Ranch is more expensive and the commute to Tampa is significantly longer, but the school quality, community planning, and lifestyle amenities are different in kind — not just degree.
Seasonal Considerations for Lakewood Ranch Buyers
Lakewood Ranch, like all of Florida, has a distinct seasonal market rhythm that affects pricing, competition, and negotiating leverage throughout the year.
Peak season runs from December through April, when snowbird residents arrive and the community’s population swells. Competition for homes is highest during these months, traffic on University Parkway is significantly worse, and sellers have more leverage. The Sunday farmers market at Waterside Place, the ranch events, and Ranch Nite Wednesdays all run at full capacity during this period, giving the community its most energetic feel.
The summer months — June through September — see reduced demand from seasonal residents and buyers relocating from colder climates. This creates a genuine buyer’s window. Days on market increase, price reductions are more common, and sellers are more motivated. For buyers who work with a local agent and are prepared to make offers in the off-season, this is often when the best deals happen.
Hurricane season runs June through November. Lakewood Ranch’s inland location means it does not carry the same storm surge risk as coastal communities, and its newer construction generally meets current Florida building codes, which are among the most stringent in the country for wind resistance. Flood risk is generally low in Zone X, but buyers should always verify the specific lot before purchasing.
Resale vs. New Construction in Lakewood Ranch
One of the ongoing decisions Lakewood Ranch buyers face is whether to buy new construction or resale. Both have real advantages depending on your situation.
New construction gives you a home built to current Florida building codes with a builder warranty, no deferred maintenance, and the ability to choose finishes. Builder incentives in 2026 — rate buydowns, closing cost credits, structural upgrades — can represent real value. The tradeoff is that you are often buying in a community still under construction, with ongoing noise, construction traffic, and uncertainty about adjacent lots.
Resale homes in established Lakewood Ranch villages give you mature landscaping, known neighbors, and a clear view of what the finished community looks and feels like. Older homes may need roof replacement (Florida roofs typically have a 20 to 25 year lifespan), HVAC updates, or other capital expenses. But resale sellers in the current market are accepting 91 to 93 percent of list price, giving buyers meaningful room to negotiate.
Barrett can help you model both scenarios with current market data so you can make the comparison that matters — not just sticker price, but total 10-year cost of ownership. Florida’s closing costs guide covers what you will need to bring to the table on top of the purchase price regardless of which route you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood Ranch
Is Lakewood Ranch a good place to live?
Yes, for the right buyer. Lakewood Ranch delivers on its promise of a complete community — trails, parks, schools, dining, and entertainment all within the development. Families and retirees consistently rate it among the best master-planned communities in Florida. The caveat is that the monthly costs (HOA plus CDD) are real and need to be part of your budget from the start.
What are CDD fees in Lakewood Ranch?
Community Development District fees in Lakewood Ranch typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 per year depending on the village, and they appear on your annual property tax bill — not your HOA payment. They are separate from HOA dues and fund the infrastructure bonds used to build the community’s roads, utilities, and amenities. They decline over time as the bonds are paid off. See our full CDD fee guide.
How does Lakewood Ranch compare to Parrish and Bradenton?
Lakewood Ranch is more established, more amenity-rich, and more expensive. Parrish offers a similar master-planned lifestyle at lower price points (median $438,000-$514,000) with newer construction. Bradenton proper has more urban character, older neighborhoods, and a wider range of price points. Which is right depends heavily on your priorities around commute, school district, and community feel.
What is the best village in Lakewood Ranch?
There is no single best village — it depends on your life stage and budget. Families with young children often prefer Sapphire Point or The Isles for the school access and amenity packages. Active adults gravitate toward Del Webb Catalina. Buyers who want newer construction with strong builder incentives should look at Star Farms. First-time buyers or those who want to get into Lakewood Ranch at the lowest possible price should start with Amber Creek.
Are Lakewood Ranch schools really good?
Yes, relative to most Florida suburban markets. Lakewood Ranch High earns an A- from Niche. Elementary options like McNeal (84 percent math proficiency) and Gullett and Willis (historical A ratings) are well above state averages. The Manatee County School District overall earned its highest ever B grade in 2025, with 25 schools at the A level.
How far is Lakewood Ranch from Tampa?
About 55 minutes in normal traffic from central Lakewood Ranch to downtown Tampa. Rush hour and peak tourist season (December through April) can push this significantly longer. Remote workers and retirees generally find it manageable; daily Tampa commuters often find it more challenging than expected.
How far is Lakewood Ranch from the beach?
Lido Beach and Siesta Key in Sarasota are roughly 30 to 40 minutes south. Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach are 30 to 45 minutes to the northwest. Both are accessible weekend trips — Anna Maria Island is particularly popular with Lakewood Ranch families. The Anna Maria Island real estate guide covers that market in detail.
Is Lakewood Ranch expensive?
Compared to the broader Tampa Bay market, yes — the median at $618,000-$640,000 is well above the metro average. Compared to equivalent master-planned communities in South Florida or coastal California, Lakewood Ranch is reasonably priced for what you get. The real cost to evaluate is total monthly carrying costs including HOA, CDD, insurance, and property taxes, which can add $1,500 to $2,500 per month above the mortgage payment depending on the home and village.
Is it a good time to buy in Lakewood Ranch in 2026?
Buyers have more leverage in 2026 than at any point since 2019. Resale sellers are accepting 91 to 93 percent of list price on average, and new construction builders are offering meaningful incentives including rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. This environment favors patient, prepared buyers who are not competing in multiple-offer situations. The long-term demand fundamentals — population growth, strong schools, community quality — remain solid.
What should I know about flood insurance in Lakewood Ranch?
Much of Lakewood Ranch is in FEMA flood Zone X, the lowest-risk category, which means flood insurance is not typically required by lenders. However, some lower-elevation lots near retention ponds or natural drainage areas may be in higher-risk zones. Always check the specific FEMA flood map for any property you are seriously considering. See our Florida flood zones guide for a full explanation of the zone designations.
Does Lakewood Ranch have good restaurants?
Better than most master-planned communities of its size. GROVE, Selva Grill, Station 400, and Agave Bandido are genuine independent or regional concepts worth a drive. The Waterside Place and The Green retail and dining districts continue to add new tenants. For a night out, most residents supplement with trips to Sarasota’s downtown or UTC/Benderson area, which is 15 to 20 minutes west.
What is Ranch Nite Wednesday?
Ranch Nite Wednesday is a free weekly outdoor event at Waterside Place running most of the year. It features live music, food trucks, vendors, and community gatherings. It is one of the signature events that gives Lakewood Ranch a genuine social fabric — something most master-planned communities try to create but rarely achieve with this level of consistency.
Village-by-Village Price Guide
Lakewood Ranch’s 17 villages deliver meaningfully different product tiers and price points, which matters when you are searching a market where $618,000 is the median and the range runs from the mid-$300,000s to well over $2 million. The key villages by tier:
Entry tier: Amber Creek offers townhomes starting in the mid-$300,000s at approximately 1,674 square feet — the most accessible price point for a community address in Lakewood Ranch. The townhome format provides HOA-managed exterior maintenance and community amenities at a lower commitment level than the single-family villages.
Core single-family tier: Sapphire Point (Pulte Homes) ranges through the $400,000s and $800,000s, with resort-style pool, clubhouse, and fitness center. The Isles (Toll Brothers) starts in the mid-$400,000s with executive homes from 2,200 to 3,400 square feet and estate homes from 2,700 to 4,100-plus square feet.
Luxury tier: Star Farms (D.R. Horton and Homes by WestBay) runs from approximately $570,000 to over $1 million in a gated, resort-style community. Monterey (Toll Brothers) starts in the mid-$700,000s with homes from 2,517 to 4,987 square feet in a private gated setting — the top production-builder luxury product within Lakewood Ranch.
Active adult: Del Webb Catalina is the 55-plus community within Lakewood Ranch, with over 1,000 homes (villas and single-family), a dedicated fitness center, clubhouse, pool, and pickleball courts. Del Webb Catalina draws buyers who specifically want the Lakewood Ranch community infrastructure alongside an age-qualified social environment.
Future development: Lakewood Ranch Southeast, a 4,120-acre extension with up to 5,000 planned homes, is in the pipeline with builders expected to begin marketing in 2027. For buyers who are thinking about the long-term growth trajectory of the community, the Southeast expansion extends the Lakewood Ranch footprint significantly eastward.
Dining in Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch has developed a legitimate dining scene across its town centers — not just national chains, but restaurants with distinct culinary identities that serve the community’s affluent, food-oriented demographic:
GROVE (Downtown Lakewood Ranch): Modern American with seasonal ingredients — the community’s most chef-driven dining option and the restaurant where residents go when they want something more thoughtful than the casual waterside options.
The Capital Grille: Dry-aged steaks (18 to 24-day aging) in a clubby setting — the special-occasion steakhouse that draws residents from across the Bradenton-Sarasota metro.
Selva Grill: Latin-inspired fusion — Maya Shrimp Ceviche, Andean Rack of Lamb, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna — one of the most distinctive culinary identities in the Lakewood Ranch restaurant community.
Agave Bandido (Waterside Place): Artisan tacos, fajitas, and margaritas in Lakewood Ranch’s waterfront retail and dining district — the casual dining anchor of the Waterside Place development.
Station 400: Housed in a historic railway depot, with the Stuffed French Toast establishing its brunch reputation. The architectural character distinguishes it from the new-construction restaurant fabric that defines most of the community.
Libby’s Brasserie: Modern American comfort food, reliable and popular with the community’s resident base. Tandoor covers Indian cuisine (saag bhaji, butter chicken, naan) for the community’s international demographic. Thai Spice & Sushi rounds out the Asian options with fresh fish rolls and Thai curries.
Parks and Trails: The 150-Mile System
Lakewood Ranch designates 40 percent of its land to open space and recreation — a commitment that produces a parks and trails system unlike anything available at comparable price points in the Tampa Bay metro. The 150 miles of multi-use trails and bike lanes are the backbone, but the individual parks have identities worth knowing:
Waterside Park: An 8-acre island park at the Waterside Place development, with a splash park, playground, sand volleyball courts, and a picnic pavilion positioned on the water. It functions as the social hub for the eastern part of the community and the anchor for the Waterside Place retail and restaurant district.
Heron’s Nest Nature Park: A 110-acre nature park with trails around two lakes — Heron Lake (12 acres) and Summerfield Lake (27 acres). The scale and natural character of Heron’s Nest is unusual for a master-planned community; it functions more like a state park annex than a community amenity.
Greenbrook Adventure Park: An inline skating track, sports fields, paw parks, basketball courts, exercise stations, and nature trails — the active-recreation hub for the families and fitness-oriented residents who are Lakewood Ranch’s primary demographic.
Bob Gardner Community Park: A mile-long community park with walking paths, soft trails, sports courts, frisbee golf, and a gravity rail play structure for children alongside dog parks. The length of the park — a mile of continuous green space — gives it a different quality than the individual pocket parks that master-planned communities typically scatter across their footprint.
Schools: The Specific Picture
Lakewood Ranch’s school situation is the primary reason many families choose this community over comparable-price alternatives in Manatee County and the broader metro area. The school performance metrics for the specific schools serving Lakewood Ranch:
Lakewood Ranch High School earns a Niche grade of A- and ranks #2 among public high schools in Manatee County, with 53 percent math proficiency and 68 percent reading proficiency. The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is in line with large suburban high schools.
Dr. Mona Jain Middle School earns a Niche grade of A-, placing it among the district’s strongest middle school options. R. Dan Nolan Middle School carries an 8/10 rating on GreatSchools. At the elementary level, Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary posts 84 percent math proficiency and 78 percent reading proficiency — well above state averages — and Willis Elementary and Gullett Elementary both carry historical A ratings.
{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is Lakewood Ranch a good place to live?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, for the right buyer. Lakewood Ranch delivers on its promise of a complete community — trails, parks, schools, dining, and entertainment all within the development. Families and retirees consistently rate it among the best master-planned communities in Florida. Monthly costs (HOA plus CDD) are real and need to be in your budget from the start.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What are CDD fees in Lakewood Ranch?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “CDD fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 per year depending on the village and appear on your annual property tax bill separate from HOA dues. They fund infrastructure bonds for roads, utilities, and amenities and decline over time as the bonds are paid off.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How does Lakewood Ranch compare to Parrish and Bradenton?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Lakewood Ranch is more established, more amenity-rich, and more expensive. Parrish offers a similar master-planned lifestyle at lower price points with newer construction. Bradenton proper has more urban character and a wider price range. The right choice depends on priorities around commute, school district, and community feel.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is the best village in Lakewood Ranch?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “It depends on your life stage and budget. Families often prefer Sapphire Point or The Isles. Active adults gravitate toward Del Webb Catalina. Buyers wanting newer construction with builder incentives should look at Star Farms. First-time buyers can access Lakewood Ranch most affordably through Amber Creek townhomes starting in the mid-$300,000s.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are Lakewood Ranch schools good?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. Lakewood Ranch High earns an A- from Niche. Elementary options like McNeal (84% math proficiency) and Gullett and Willis hold historical A ratings. The Manatee County School District overall earned a B grade in 2025 with a record 25 schools at the A level.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How far is Lakewood Ranch from Tampa?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “About 55 minutes in normal traffic. Rush hour and peak season (December through April) can push this significantly longer. Remote workers and retirees generally find it manageable; daily Tampa commuters often find it more challenging than expected.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How far is Lakewood Ranch from the beach?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Lido Beach and Siesta Key in Sarasota are 30-40 minutes south. Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach are 30-45 minutes northwest. Both are accessible weekend trips popular with Lakewood Ranch families.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is it a good time to buy in Lakewood Ranch in 2026?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Buyers have more leverage in 2026 than at any point since 2019. Resale sellers are accepting 91-93% of list price and new construction builders are offering incentives including rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. Long-term demand fundamentals — population growth, strong schools, community quality — remain solid.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What should I know about flood insurance in Lakewood Ranch?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Much of Lakewood Ranch is in FEMA flood Zone X (lowest risk), so flood insurance is typically not required by lenders. However, some lower-elevation lots near retention ponds may be in higher-risk zones. Always verify the specific FEMA flood map for any property under serious consideration.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is Lakewood Ranch expensive?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Above the Tampa Bay metro average, with a median around $618,000-$640,000. Total monthly carrying costs including HOA, CDD, insurance, and property taxes can add $1,500-$2,500 per month above the mortgage payment depending on village and home type.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does Lakewood Ranch have good restaurants?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Better than most master-planned communities of its size. GROVE, Selva Grill, Station 400, and Agave Bandido are notable independent or regional concepts. Waterside Place and The Green continue to add new tenants. Most residents supplement with trips to Sarasota’s downtown or UTC area 15-20 minutes west.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is Ranch Nite Wednesday?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “A free weekly outdoor event at Waterside Place featuring live music, food trucks, and vendors, running most of the year. It is one of the signature events that gives Lakewood Ranch a genuine social fabric that most master-planned communities try to create but rarely achieve consistently.” } } ] }