It’s a big year for Lakewood Ranch. For one, the master-planned community is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. What’s more, The Ranch has maintained its No. 1 ranking among master-planned communities nationwide for the sixth consecutive year, according to independent real estate consulting firm RCLCO.
“Lakewood Ranch’s stellar performance this past year is a testament to its dynamic market segmentation strategy, superior marketing, appealing lifestyle, great execution and the professionalism of the development team,” said Gregg Logan, managing director at RCLCO, in a statement.
And, despite higher interest rates, Lakewood Ranch achieved the second-highest sales year in its history in 2023, logging 2,257 sales — a 22% gain over 2022. What is noteworthy is that more than a third of the new homebuyers were already living in Lakewood Ranch or elsewhere in Manatee or Sarasota counties.
“Many of these sales were attributed to renters seeking permanent residency after experiencing limited choices during the pandemic,” says Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch. “Other local sales came from buyers who experienced a life change, precipitating the desire or need for a new home in our community.”
In just 30 years, Lakewood Ranch has grown to more than 66,000 residents on approximately 33,000 acres. Residents are attracted to The Ranch for its nature parks and recreational programs, top-rated schools, an acclaimed medical center, lively retail and dining spots, a sports campus, the Sarasota Polo Club and three town centers — Main Street, The Green and Waterside Place.
Some of the newest neighborhoods are being developed around Waterside Place, a 36-acre lakefront town center that features upscale retail and dining, a performing arts and music series, a bustling farmers market and an 8-acre park with nature trails.
In March, Lakewood Ranch newcomer Dream Finders Homes plans to break ground in Waterside on a project called Bungalow Walk. The development’s “lock and leave” single-family homes are targeted at young professionals and affluent empty nesters, says Joe Sabella, Tampa Division president.
With porches in front of the houses, Dream Finders wants to create a community where neighbors interact with each other and socialize in dog parks and landscaped open areas with benches.
Bungalow Walk is just one of the up-and-coming developments in Waterside. Others currently selling are Avanti by Pulte Homes, Emerald Landing by David Weekley Homes, Shellstone by Homes by Towne, Kingfisher Estates by John Cannon Homes and Wild Blue, which features single-family homes by some of the area’s most acclaimed builders, including Anchor Builders, AR Homes, Lee Wetherington, John Cannon and Stock Luxury Homes. (See summary on page 38.)
With Emerald Landing, David Weekley Homes is stressing easy accessibility to retail, dining and entertainment at Waterside Place.
“Emerald Landing is convenient to Waterside Place whether residents choose to walk, bike or travel by the soon to come water taxi,” says Jennifer Cole, senior marketing director of David Weekley.
Avanti at Waterside
The basics: 166 homesites offering the opportunity to own a high-quality, cost-effective home in Lakewood Ranch
What’s special: Walking distance to Waterside Place and easy access to I-75 and University Avenue
Where is it now? 101 homes sold; 65 remaining, including 28 single-family homes and 37 townhomes.
Contact: Pulte.com
Emerald Landing
The basics: 193 townhomes, rear-load cottages and front-load single-family homes ranging from 1,496 square feet for cottages to 3,249 square feet for lakeside residences
What’s special: Pool, pickleball courts, fire pit, dog park, boat dock with water taxi to town center walking and jogging trails
Where is it now? Townhomes and single-family lakeside homes now selling. Cottage model is open for tours.
Contact: DavidWeekleyHomes.com
Shellstone at Waterside
The basics: Set on approximately 400 acres, the initial phase of Shellstone is under construction and will include 345 home sites on a mix of 52-foot and 65-foot widths.
What’s special: Shellstone is located on an approximately 250-acre lake. Amenities include a sports park with tennis and pickleball courts, dog parks and a lawn. There is also a resort-style pool and a clubhouse with a fitness center.
Where is it now? Pre-sales began at the end of January.
Contact: HomesByTowne.com
Wild Blue at Waterside
The basics: A 550-acre waterfront community featuring single-family luxury homes and estate homes ranging in size from over 2,300 square feet to over 4,500 square feet
What’s special: A verdant waterfront environment, quality design and construction, and abundant amenities, including a resort-style clubhouse, sports complex and lots of outdoor activities
Where is it now? After a successful first phase, Phase 2 was recently released with 71 additional homesites. The first on-site models will be open in February.
Contact: WildBlueLWR.com
