Southwest Florida Gulf Coast offers pristine beaches, striking wildlife, fresh seafood, and wonderful weather – and Lakewood Ranch sits at the heart of it all. With an impressive variety of attractions, parks, trails, and shopping destinations nearby, Lakewood Ranch provides an exclusive destination worth consideration by individuals, growing families, first-time buyers, and luxury buyers alike.
Now a thriving mini-city, this expansive master-planned community spans approximately 55 square miles of picturesque lands in Manatee and Sarasota counties. More than 77,000 residents, spread throughout 30-plus distinctive villages, built a life here. In January 2026, Lakewood Ranch ranked as the No. 1 multigenerational planned community for the eighth consecutive year, as well as ranking the No. 2 overall master-planned community based on new home sales due to consistent demand, even as other markets have slowed. Housing options range from stylish villas and maintenance-free townhomes to luxurious golf course homes and waterfront estates.
Reasons to Move to Lakewood Ranch
- Lakewood Ranch ranked as best-selling master-planned community eighth consecutive years.
- Lakewood Ranch offers real estate at all price points and fresh modern homes design.
- Lakewood Ranch is a top-tier golfing community with numerous private and public courses.
- Lakewood Ranch offers resort-style living.
- Lakewood Ranch provides year-round recreation.
- Lakewood Ranch includes a convenient coastal location.
- Lakewood Ranch is a top retirement community.
- Lakewood Ranch features long-term value and excellent livability.
- Lakewood Ranch offers a strong sense of community and entertaining events.
Location and Lifestyle
Perfectly positioned between the Sarasota and Manatee County line, Lakewood Ranch stretches across tens of thousands of acres surrounded by it blends of striking residential villages with abundant outdoor attractions including parks, lakes, and 150 miles of trails that invite outdoor exploration. Lakewood Ranch residents enjoy quick access to downtown Sarasota, the UTC mall, Waterside, and LWR’s own Main Street – with vibrant boutiques, popular restaurants, and a weekly farmer’s market. The area’s dining scene has expanded, with many of Sarasota’s popular restaurants opening second locations in the greater Lakewood Ranch area. Favorites such as Selva Grill, Blu Kouzina, Owen’s Fish Camp, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House now bring their signature flavors closer to Lakewood Ranch. BLU Kouzina is also opening a new location in the west district at UTC offering fresh house-made Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
Beyond day-to-day convenience, other nearby attractions include St. Armands Circle, Lido Key, Longboat Key, celebrated beaches, and the famous Mote Marine. Sarasota’s renowned arts and culture scene only adds to the appeal.
Lakewood Ranch Neighborhoods
Subdivisions within Lakewood Ranch create a mosaic of more than 30 distinct villages each with their own unique character, benefits, and lifestyle. An array of home types can be found within the different villages – from low-maintenance, gated enclaves to prestigious estate communities on golf course or preserve homesites. Many villages offer a blend of villas or townhomes and a moderate mix of luxury single-family homes which provides plenty of options and price points to choose from no matter what meets your needs and lifestyle. The active real estate market of Lakewood Ranch continually draws residents from all over the country due to the resort-style amenities, A-rated public schools, and multiple sports complexes. Buyers often discover that Lakewood Ranch exceeds the offerings of other well-known Florida destinations. The diversity of Lakewood Ranch makes it one of the best places to buy real estate.
New and Emerging Residential Villages
New and emerging villages stand front and center for 2026 buyers, with fresh inventory and lifestyle-driven amenities reshaping the Lakewood Ranch experience. Emerald Landings at Waterside debuts this year by introducing three-story city homes, two-story townhomes, and single-family residences with open-concept layouts and modern finishes. Hallmark features of this new development include a resort-style pool with lap lanes, cabana, fire pit lawn, dog park, and pickleball courts, as well as offering a boat dock offering water taxi service directly to Waterside Place. The plans for Waterside itself call for roughly 5,000 homes with Lakehouse Cove, Shoreview, and future enclaves connected by scenic trails to the waterfront town center. Ongoing phases of this project will add homes around seven lakes with expanding access to community, dining, and art events. For buyer-facing conversations, 2026 seems well-positioned as a “sweet spot” year that blends brand-new product with still-rising amenities and multiple lifestyle niches appealing to golfers and active adults and to those seeking a waterfront or lock-and-leave lifestyle. Without question, these villages deserve a look for anyone in the market to find a new home.
Exclusive Golfing Opportunities - A Standout Amenity
Ten golf courses within Lakewood Ranch provide golfers with exciting, challenging options all set amidst scenic, lush landscaping. For the golf enthusiast, another 82 golf courses await within approximately 20 miles of Lakewood Ranch. Local golf courses and clubs offer an array of amenities such as clubhouses, meeting spaces, cafes, restaurants, and pro shops. Frequent social events also energize the golfing community. One membership at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country club gives you access to four separate championship courses, totaling an impressive 72 holes of play in a single community. One neat detail: several Lakewood Ranch layouts were designed or co-designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, so golfers embark on courses shaped by one of the game’s all-time greats.
Notable golf courses recognized in Lakewood Ranch
- Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club – Cypress Links Course
- Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club – King’s Dunes course
- Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club – Royal Lakes Course
- Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch
- Lakewood National Golf Club
- Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch
- Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch
- Calusa Country Club at Lakewood Ranch
- Rosedale Gold & Country club
Ready to make your move?
Relocating to Lakewood Ranch means embracing a high-quality of life in a picturesque Florida setting. The abundance of live performances, community events, local music, diverse restaurants, and quality healthcare – all in close proximity – makes this community unbeatable. Whether you are seeking a lock-and-leave villa, a family-friendly neighborhood, or a luxury golf estate, Lakewood Ranch offers an exceptional range of choices and long-term appeal.
With my extensive experience selling in Lakewood Ranch, please allow me to answer any questions you may have about the exclusive and exciting community and real estate there. If you are interested in buying a home in the near future, please call me today at 941.266.0529 or search for properties in your desired neighborhood from my homepage.
