Welcome to Lakewood Ranch
An active, welcoming community offering something for everyone
For the past five years, Lakewood Ranch has seen tremendous growth and is listed among the top-selling communities in the U.S. for all ages.
Twenty distinct neighborhoods make up Lakewood Ranch, each with its own parks, nature trails, gathering places, and amenities. Housing options in the area vary drastically, from condominiums and townhomes to single-family homes and gated mansions. The nearby highly-rated school system draws many families to the area.
Lakewood Ranch is cyclist-friendly, with miles of bike lanes providing scenic rides and easy commutes. Nearby Interstate 75 provides north and south access to other areas of Florida, providing Lakewood Ranch residents with immediate access to some of Florida’s most iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment. First-rate arts and cultural offerings from major cities are around every corner, and the Gulf of Mexico’s beautiful beaches are less than 30 minutes away.
Since its inception in 1994, Lakewood Ranch has maintained a strong focus on community. The area offers many festivals, events, and activities geared toward inclusivity and engagement. From parades, annual festivals, and weekly classes to parks, clubs, and first-class shopping and dining, Lakewood Ranch offers a high quality of life for all who live there.
What to Love
- Active social events calendar
- Close to museums and beaches
- Upscale amenities
- Cyclist and pedestrian-friendly
- Dynamic town center
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Lakewood Ranch enjoy a healthy lifestyle with endless opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities. The region boasts four Audubon International Sanctuary-certified golf courses, a central location close to the white sandy beaches of Sarasota, an award-winning trail system, and numerous parks and outdoor spaces. The community is welcoming, and everyone seems eager to know one another and create lifelong friendships. Residential streets are busy yet quiet, boasting joggers, dog walkers, bikers, and neighborhood children playing in front yards.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Main Street in Lakewood Ranch is home to chic boutiques, locally owned restaurants, specialty stores, and more. Take a scenic stroll through the neighborhood to explore numerous fashion shops, locally-owned staples, and excellent restaurants.
The Mall at University Town Center in nearby Sarasota has more than 100 contemporary specialty stores, some of which include Michael Kors, Boss, Brooks Brothers, and Robert Graham, and a wide variety of eateries.
The Capital Grille is among the 20 restaurants attached to the mall and sees a steady stream of customers daily. The upscale steakhouse offers enormous steaks served in a tranquil refined setting. Inside Saks Fifth Avenue,
Sophie's Sarasota features a luxurious outdoor terrace and an innovative fine-dining experience.
One neighborhood favorite is
Remy's on Main. Voted the 2022 People's Choice winner for the Bradenton Herald, the family-owned restaurant serves classic comfort food with a twist. At
Antoine's Restaurant in Sarasota, guests can enjoy an elegant continental menu in a sophisticated setting. Everything is prepared in-house, from the bread to the desserts, with elaborate seafood dishes served as house specialties.
GROVE is the newest restaurant to join the area’s award-winning Pier 22 waterfront destination. The fine-casual eatery offers house-made meals, an extensive wine list, and a dessert menu.
Real Estate and Housing in Lakewood Ranch
Overview of Lakewood Ranch's Housing Market
Lakewood Ranch's housing market has seen various trends in recent times. In October 2023, the median home price in Lakewood Ranch was $589K, marking a 9.79% decrease from the previous year. However, the median listing home price was trending up at $674K, a 5.8% increase year-over-year. The median sold price was slightly higher at $624,857, indicating a subtle market growth of 0.7%. The average home value in the area is $677,999, with homes typically going to pending in around 27 days. These figures suggest that Lakewood Ranch is a seller's market, where prices are higher and homes sell faster​​​​​​​​.
Tips for Home Buyers and Renters
For those looking to buy or rent in Lakewood Ranch, it's important to stay informed about the latest market trends and be prepared for a competitive market. Buyers should be ready to act quickly on properties they are interested in, given the relatively fast pace of the market. Renters should be aware of the average rental prices and availability in the area to find the best options for their needs and budget.
Parks and Recreation in Lakewood Ranch
Local Parks and Green Spaces
Lakewood Ranch is home to a variety of parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors numerous outdoor activities. The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District is committed to providing an active lifestyle with pristine beaches and extraordinary parks. Sugar Sand Park, a 132-acre facility, offers walking paths, sports courts, a frisbee golf course, and a gravity rail for kids. Burt Aaronson South County Park features the Sunset Cove amphitheater, Canine Cove, Coconut Cove water park, and the Osprey Point golf course. James A. Rutherford Park, known for its serene and shady environment, is another local favorite​​​​​​​​.
Recreational Activities and Sports Facilities
Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of recreational activities and sports facilities for community members. The Bob Gardner Community Park provides walking paths, sports courts, a frisbee golf course, and recreation pavilions. Greenbrook Adventure Park caters to those with an adventurous side, offering an inline skating track, sports fields, paw parks, and miles of trails. With over 150 miles of multi-surface trails and 10,000 acres of lakes, parks, and nature preserves, residents have ample space to run, play, hike, or wander​​​​​​​​.
Arts and Culture in Lakewood Ranch
Cultural Venues and Events
Lakewood Ranch's arts and culture scene is vibrant and diverse. The community celebrates arts and culture with local events showcasing artists, music, film, and performing arts. Events like the Ringling International Arts Festival, Sarasota Film Festival, and Village of the Arts, along with the offerings from the ArtCenter Manatee and the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota Manatee, enrich the cultural life of Lakewood Ranch residents​.
Local Art Galleries and Exhibits
Art enthusiasts in Lakewood Ranch can explore a range of galleries and exhibits. The community hosts various art events, such as the Lakewood Ranch Holiday of the Arts Festival, which features a diverse palette of original, handmade arts, crafts, and specialty products by artisans from across America. These events provide an opportunity to immerse in a captivating array of original creations and support local and national artists​​​.
Things to Do
Lakewood Ranch is home to world-class polo, with the
Sarasota Polo Club offering 22 fields on its 130-acre property. Crowds cheer on local players as they compete against avid international players every Sunday afternoon at this stunning venue. Residents of Lakewood Ranch run to
the Sarasota International Cricket Club to watch members from 11 countries partake in a competitive game of cricket.
The
Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch provides 28 playing fields for football, soccer, and lacrosse. It is also home to the annual Labor Day soccer tournament, which attracts thousands of spectators from around the state.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club is a premier private club offering three championship golf courses, two award-winning clubhouses, and a state-of-the-art golf academy. There are 12 pickleball courts, a 20-court tennis center, a 24-hour fitness center, bocce ball and tournament croquet courts, two heated pools, and a full social calendar for members located here.
Lakewood Ranch boasts a full calendar of events for residents to enjoy. Annual highlights include the Holidays Around the Ranch Festival, which offers horse-drawn carriage rides and delicious cocoa. Monthly musical performances occur on
Main Street, along with art festivals, farmer's markets, and more throughout the year.
Schools
Lakewood Ranch is served by the Manatee County School District and Sarasota County Schools.
- Robert E. Willis Elementary, public, Grades K-5, high proficiency scores
- Dan Nolan Middle School, public, Grades 6-8, among the best schools in Manatee County
- Lakewood Ranch High School, public, Grades 9-12, one of the best high schools in Manatee County
- The Pinnacle Academy, private, Grades PK-12, a low student-teacher ratio of 5:1
- New Gate Montessori, private, Grades 7-12, ranked #2 best private high school in Sarasota County
Search All Homes
