Lakewood Ranch is a thoughtfully designed community spanning across parts of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Offering a wide variety of lifestyle options and one of the most appealing settings on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
For those considering a move, here are some of the things Lakewood Ranch provides that can make or break your decision.
A Master-Planned Community That Feels Personal
Unlike many master-planned communities, Lakewood Ranch does not feel generic. Each village has its own style and pace, offering everything from family-friendly areas to quiet enclaves designed for those seeking privacy. The attention to detail in planning, architecture, and community amenities helps each area feel distinctive, while still being part of a cohesive whole.
While it’s often associated with newer construction and planned growth, it also integrates elements of Florida’s natural environment. There are over 150 miles of trails and dozens of parks, making it easy to stay active and connected with nature. Whether it's walking your dog, taking an early morning bike ride, or enjoying a sunset picnic, the outdoors plays a big role in daily life.
Location and Lifestyle Come Together
Lakewood Ranch sits just east of Sarasota and north of Venice, placing it near top-rated schools, health care facilities, and cultural institutions. Shopping, dining, and entertainment are all within easy reach, and the community hosts frequent events, festivals, and markets that bring neighbors together.
It offers the convenience of urban living, without the stress of traffic or the pressure of fast-paced city life.
The LWR Farmers’ Market: A Weekly Favorite
One of the best examples of what makes Lakewood Ranch special is the Sunday Farmers’ Market at Waterside Place. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it features over 100 local vendors. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, plants, and handmade crafts.
Waterside Place itself is a lively, walkable town center with restaurants, shops, and lakefront views. Families bring their kids. Neighbors stop and chat. Musicians play while people sip coffee and browse. It captures the kind of lifestyle that many are looking for, but rarely find in one place.
A Community Worth Exploring
Lakewood Ranch continues to expand, with new neighborhoods and commercial spaces still in development. It has become a recognizable name in the region and plays a role in the larger Sarasota-Bradenton area’s growth.
For buyers looking for more than just a home, it offers a setting where every detail has been considered. From the trails to the town centers, from the Sunday market to the neighborhood events, life here feels intentional, and that is what sets it apart!
Kelli Eggen
