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In this comprehensive guide, we're taking an insightful journey through the various aspects of buying property in Lakewood Ranch. We will give you a framework for how to identify and understand your needs, what unique features of the different communities matter most to you, and ultimately streamline your process to finding your perfect Lakewood Ranch neighborhood. Buying a property in Lakewood Ranch provides more than just a new home—it's the first step towards an enriched lifestyle in a welcoming community. We speak from firsthand experience. Living here, you can make the most of every moment. Every day is an opportunity to live fully, surrounded by positivity and progress.  Lakewood Ranch Communities: Understanding Your Needs Lakewood Ranch is home to over 45 uniquely crafted villages, Before diving headfirst into the property market, stepping back and defining your needs and priorities is essential. You're not just investing in a physical space but a lifestyle that mirrors your preferences and goals. By “Lifestyle”, think morning walks, grocery runs, interactions with neighbors, work/life balance, etc. Basically, everything you envision your daily life to consists of. Understanding your intended lifestyle and what you seek from your new home will guide you toward the right community in Lakewood Ranch. Defining Your Lifestyle and Priorities Whether you're a retiree seeking a tranquil neighborhood, a family looking for a vibrant and child-friendly environment, or a young professional yearning for a lively and accessible location, each person's lifestyle and priorities will significantly influence their community choice. For instance, if you're a golf enthusiast, you might prefer a community with easy access to a golf course. Similarly, families with children might prioritize access to good schools and parks. Take a moment to consider what facets of your lifestyle are most important to you and how your new home can best support them.  Importance of Location and Proximity to Facilities Location is a key factor in real estate, particularly when choosing among the Lakewood Ranch communities. While all communities in the area offer access to amenities like parks, health centers, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, their proximity to these facilities varies. If you're a person who likes to have restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues within walking distance, Lakewood Ranch communities near the town center might be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter lifestyle, a community nestled further away from the hustle and bustle may be more appealing. Additionally, consider your daily commute. If you work outside the home, consider the distance and time it takes to travel to your workplace. By defining your lifestyle and priorities, identifying your desired amenities and features, and considering the location and proximity to facilities, you're setting a strong foundation for your home-buying journey in Lakewood Ranch.  Identify Essential Features in a Home Beyond the broader lifestyle considerations, it's equally important to identify the essential amenities and features you desire in your home. These range from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to specific details like a spacious backyard, a modern kitchen, or a home office.
Identifying these features will help you narrow down your choices when exploring properties.  Do you want Community Facilities and Amenities? The quality of life in your new home extends beyond your property line. Are you an avid golfer? Then communities with a golf course may hold particular appeal. For families with young children, facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and access to top-rated schools might be key considerations. Do you want a vibrant social scene within your community? How about exercise facilities? Community Pools? Gated entry? Walking trails… etc.  Long-term Growth and Development Prospects of the Community Look beyond the present and into the community's future. Is the community you're considering in a growing area of Lakewood Ranch? What are the development plans for the next five to ten years? A community with solid growth potential and robust development plans can be a smart investment, boosting your property's value over time. Remember, you're not just buying a property but investing in a lifestyle and potentially your financial future. Consider all these factors to make the best choice for you and your family.  Next Steps - What to Expect and How to Prepare Buying a property in Lakewood Ranch is a comprehensive process that requires proper planning and informed decision-making. Before diving into the property market, it’s imperative to understand how you’ll be purchasing the home.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes is a must, as it defines your budget and strengthens your position as a buyer. Understanding Real Estate Contracts and Negotiations Real estate contracts can be complex, involving several terms and conditions that buyers must understand. The agreement stipulates the purchase price, contingencies (such as financing and inspection), closing date, and more. Familiarize yourself with contract language in advance, so when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, you’re not scratching your head trying to understand terms and conditions.  Should You Work with a Realtor? The role of a licensed real estate agent is crucial in the property-buying process. Realtors guide buyers through each stage, providing invaluable insight, advice, and assistance. They help buyers find properties that match their needs and budget, negotiate the best prices, and ensure all paperwork is handled correctly. They facilitate the process from start to finish, and are your advocate working towards a common goal. Choosing the right (or wrong!) real estate agent can make all the difference. Partnering with someone with extensive local market knowledge and a proven track record is essential. This is where Sold by Chenkus comes in. We understand the importance of listening to clients' needs and working tirelessly to find properties that meet and exceed expectations. We are well-versed in the intricacies of the local real estate market and are dedicated to providing exceptional service. You need a realtor who knows the area like the proverbial ‘back of their hand.’ Sold by Chenkus are top producing Lakewood Ranch real estate agents. We are an experienced husband and wife team in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. With a combined experience of over 24 years in the field, we are known for our exceptional service, helping clients navigate the dynamic local market. We live in Lakewood Ranch and have enjoyed every moment in this fantastic community. We appreciate and understand the value this community has brought to our personal and professional lives, and we cannot wait to introduce you to your home in Lakewood Ranch. Our impressive track record speaks volumes about our expertise and commitment.  Parting Thoughts Choosing the right community in Lakewood Ranch is paramount in home-buying. It's not just about finding a house; it's about discovering a place that resonates with your lifestyle and aspirations and makes you feel at home even before you move in. Each village in Lakewood Ranch has its unique character and amenities, and experiencing them firsthand will allow you to find the one that truly suits you and your family. For example, The Lake Club, is known for its luxury residences, grand clubhouse, and meticulously manicured landscapes. In contrast, Country Club East has private golf courses, resort-style amenities, and various home styles. On the other hand, Greenbrook appeals to many buyers with its access to top-rated schools, parks, and nature trails. Buying property in Lakewood Ranch is not just a real estate transaction; it's an investment in a lifestyle you will enjoy for years. It's an opportunity to become a part of vibrant, diverse, and welcoming communities that offer more than just beautiful homes - they offer a sense of belonging and a quality of life that is hard to match. And remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Regardless of what stage your home buying process is at, whether you’re just starting to think about moving, or are well on your way, The Sold by Chenkus team is here to help guide you through the process. We are ready to use our passion, knowledge, and expertise to help you find the perfect community and home for your needs. If you're ready to start your journey toward finding your perfect community in Lakewood Ranch, don't hesitate to contact the Sold by Chenkus team today. We’re excited to assist you in turning your dream of living in one of the most upscale and vibrant regions in Florida into a reality. 
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Lakewood Ranch has become a prime destination for those looking to settle down in sunny Florida. With gorgeous open green spaces, bustling town centers, and charming neighborhoods, and access to major cities and beaches, Lakewood Ranch is not just a place to live but to truly thrive. There are 43 different neighborhoods with homes for sale in Lakewood Ranch. But what about rentals? Is there a strong rental market? What are the options? And does renting make more sense than buying for you? Renting affords flexibility, freeing you from the responsibilities of home ownership. It also provides an excellent opportunity to get a taste of life in Lakewood Ranch before committing to a property purchase. Renters in Lakewood Ranch enjoy all the benefits of living in a vibrant growing Florida master planned community, without the commitment of a long term mortgage, taxes, etc. The rental market offers an impressive range of options regarding property types, locations, and amenities, ensuring that every renter can find something that fits their preferences and budget. So, whether you're planning to move for work, looking to escape the chill of the northern winters, or seeking a vibrant community for your retirement, renting in Lakewood Ranch opens the door to a life filled with sunshine, relaxation, and endless opportunities for enjoyment. Houses in Lakewood for Rent: Types of Rentals Available  No matter your lifestyle or preferences, there's a place that feels like home waiting for you here in Lakewood Ranch. Apartments Apartments in Lakewood Ranch range from efficient studios to expansive multi-bedroom units, many of which have fitness centers, swimming pools, and community spaces. If you value convenience and a low-maintenance lifestyle, these apartments will not disappoint. Single Family Homes Single-family homes offer the ideal rental solution for those seeking more space and privacy. From cozy three-bedroom houses to sprawling properties with private pools and lush yards, these rental homes provide plenty of room for families and the added benefit of living in a residential neighborhood. Townhouses Townhouses strike the perfect balance between apartment living and single-family homes. They offer multi-level living, complete with private entrances and, in many cases, attached garages. If you want the feel of a home with some amenities like a community pool or playground, a townhouse might be your best choice. Luxury Rentals Lastly, the luxury rentals of Lakewood Ranch cater to those with a taste for the finer things in life. These properties, often located within gated communities, provide top-tier amenities such as high-end appliances, spacious floor plans, and premium finishes, concierge services, lobby attendees, private parking, and more. So, whether you're a single professional looking for a stylish apartment, a family seeking a spacious home, or someone with a desire for luxury, there are many options for houses and apartments in Lakewood for rent that can easily accommodate your needs. Pricing Trends for Rentals in Lakewood Ranch In the ever-evolving rental market of Lakewood Ranch, understanding pricing trends is key to finding your ideal home at a price that aligns with your budget. On average, (as of writing this in July 2023) rental prices in Lakewood Ranch vary significantly depending on the property type. A standard one-bedroom apartment, for example, may range from $1,500 to $1,800 per month. A two-bedroom apartment may range from $1,650 to $3,000, depending on the location and the amenities. A three-bedroom single-family home or townhouse can fetch anywhere from $2,800 to over $5,000, with an average rental of around $3,500. As for luxury rentals, these properties command higher prices, typically starting at $4,000 and going up, reflecting their superior amenities and prime locations. Factors Affecting Rental Prices Several factors influence these rental prices. The size and condition of the property, its location within Lakewood Ranch, proximity to amenities like schools or shopping centers, and the current state of the rental market all play a role in determining the price. For example, a modern, newly-renovated townhouse close to a highly-rated school may demand a higher rental price than a similar property in a less coveted location. Lakewood Ranch is big, and where you live within Lakewood Ranch has a direct correlation to rental rates! When compared to nearby areas, Lakewood Ranch rentals are often pricier, given the area's high standard of living, excellent amenities, and well-maintained surroundings. However, many find the difference in price to be well worth the unique lifestyle benefits that Lakewood Ranch provides. Remember, these prices are subject to fluctuation and should be used as a guideline rather than a definitive cost. Amenities and Features of Lakewood Ranch Rentals Whether it's a relaxing dip in the pool after a long day at work or a convenient in-home washer and dryer, the amenities and features of rentals in Lakewood Ranch truly add to the overall appeal of living in this vibrant community. Common Amenities in Apartment Complexes Apartment complexes in Lakewood Ranch are known for their well-thought-out amenities to enhance your living experience. These commonly include modern fitness centers for those fitness enthusiasts, serene swimming pools for a quick cool-off, and sometimes even business centers for those work-from-home days. Additionally, many apartment communities offer added conveniences such as in-unit laundry facilities, secure parking, and pet-friendly policies, creating a comfortable living environment. Features of Single-Family Homes and Townhouses Single-family homes and townhouses in the area often offer their own set of appealing features. These may include spacious yards perfect for kids or pets, garages providing extra storage or safe car keeping, and often updated kitchens with modern appliances. Many homes boast desirable features like walk-in closets, ensuite bathrooms, and open floor plans for easy entertaining. Unique Features of Luxury Rentals Meanwhile, luxury rentals in Lakewood Ranch offer a lifestyle that's a cut above the rest. These high-end properties may boast gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, resort-style pools, expansive outdoor living spaces, and designer finishes. Some luxury rentals even include unique features like home theaters, wine cellars, and smart home technology, allowing residents to experience an elevated standard of living. From the standard to the superior, the offerings in Lakewood Ranch rentals cater to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets, making it easier to find a home that checks all your boxes. Community Amenities and Lifestyle Living in Lakewood Ranch extends far beyond the walls of your rental property. The community boasts a rich array of amenities and lifestyle opportunities, making it a place to live and thrive. Proximity to Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment One of the many advantages of renting in Lakewood Ranch is the proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. From upscale boutiques to grocery stores, everything you need is just a short drive or even a walk away. The Main Street and Waterside district, in particular, are a popular destination, with their collection of unique shops, varied dining options, and a cinema. Foodies will appreciate the variety of restaurants, from casual eats to fine dining experiences. Access to Parks and Recreational Facilities In terms of recreation, Lakewood Ranch does not disappoint. Many parks offer open spaces for outdoor activities, and miles of nature trails provide a scenic backdrop for a morning jog or an evening stroll. For golf enthusiasts, several top-notch courses are scattered throughout the community. Fitness centers, tennis courts, and waterfront parks are readily accessible, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. A busy social calendar enhances the sense of community at Lakewood Ranch. Various community events, from farmers' markets to music festivals, are regularly organized, providing residents with plenty of opportunities to mingle and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Choosing a rental in Lakewood Ranch means opting for a lifestyle enriched by convenience, activity, and a sense of community. Whether you're drawn to its recreation, food scene, or social life, it's where you can truly feel at home. The Rental Process in Lakewood Ranch Embarking on the rental journey in Lakewood Ranch involves a series of steps that, while straightforward, require careful consideration to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle. How to Search for Rentals Your first task in the rental process will be to search for available properties. There are several online platforms, like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com, where you can browse listings based on your preferences, such as property type, price range, and number of bedrooms. Working with a local real estate agent specializing in rentals is also beneficial. We can connect you with the right agent for your needs, so don’t hesitate to give us a call or email. 941-348-2653. [email protected] Understanding Lease Agreements Understanding your lease agreement is another crucial step. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your rental, including the rent amount, duration of the lease, and rules and regulations of the property. It's essential to read it carefully and clarify any unclear points before signing. It's a legal document, and you and the landlord are bound by its terms once signed. Tips for Prospective Renters For prospective renters, a few handy tips can make the process smoother.
Navigating the rental process in Lakewood Ranch might seem overwhelming. And that is where we (Sold by Chenkus) come in. With 24 years of full-time real estate service, our expert insights and exceptional service have helped countless clients find their perfect homes in the beautiful Lakewood Ranch, FL area. We are enthusiastic about introducing prospective renters and buyers to a region that offers an incredible mix of sand, sun, and community fun. Parting Thoughts Renting a property in Lakewood Ranch is more than just signing a lease; it's about becoming a part of a vibrant community that celebrates life in all its richness. With so many rental options at various price points, you’ll definitely find the perfect fit for your rental needs. Lakewood Ranch is a thriving community, and it’s just waiting for you to call home! Remember that a reliable partner can make all the difference when navigating the Lakewood Ranch rental and real estate market. We're here to help you find the perfect houses in Lakewood for rent. From understanding your needs to helping you discover the property that matches your lifestyle and budget, put our experience to work for you. We are here to help make your Lakewood Ranch rental journey into a rewarding experience. Ultimately, the houses in Lakewood for rent are not merely properties; they are a place where you can make a true home here in Florida. Your dream rental in Lakewood Ranch is well within reach. Embark on your Lakewood Ranch rentals journey today with Sold by Chenkus, and discover a life where every day is a celebration of the sunny Florida community spirit.
 Experience the best of Florida living in Arbor Grande at Lakewood Ranch-SOLD- Welcome to your future Lakewood Ranch, Florida home, loaded with well appointed upgrades within the gated village of Arbor Grande! The Summerville's open floorplan is highly sought-after for its functionality and flow, featuring 3 beds, 3 baths, and a 3 car garage. Step inside the double door entry of this gorgeous Florida home and take in the tranquil view of your private pool oasis. At the front of the home, the Summerville features a secondary bedroom and full bathroom. French doors open to the bright and airy office for a work-from-home space, or flex room to use your creativity. The expansive kitchen is the star of this home with an oversized island that seats 4 and is perfect for entertaining. Built in stainless steel GE appliances and a gas cooktop make this a chef’s dream. With an additional dining space and expansive great room, there is no shortage of room for everyone. An additional guest suite down the hallway offers an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The laundry room opens to the large 3-car garage, perfect for extra storage. Tucked away in the back corner is the spacious owner’s suite and bathroom with a huge walk-in shower, dual vanities, and two walk-in closets complete with custom built-in organization systems and shelving. 10 foot ceilings and 8 foot doors throughout give the home elevated a luxurious feel, with nearly 12 foot tray ceilings in the great room and owner’s suite, and crown molding throughout. This home features technology upgrades fit for today's modern day and devices. The appliances and thermostat are wifi enabled. There is a Ring system is installed for both security and convenience. And, the great room has built in surround sound speakers, as well as a Smart Home hub. An amazing outdoor living area is a must-have here in Florida, and this home does not disappoint! Cook a gourmet meal at the outdoor kitchen which features a Bull stainless steel grill and hood, as well as hot/cold sink. Take a break and enjoy the Florida sunshine in your private, heated, salt-water pool. And for those cool winter nights, there is pre-plumbed gas line in the lanai ready for a firepit! This home also provides peace of mind with a whole-home gas generator and automated hurricane shutters for the lanai sliders. COMMUNITY FEATURES* Arbor Grande is a gated, maintenance included village in Lakewood Ranch where you can truly enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Amenities include a beautiful resort-style community pool, fitness center, and clubhouse, as well as volleyball and bocce courts, walking trails, and easy access to Bob Gardner Community Park. Also nearby are top-rated Lakewood Ranch schools; Gullett Elementary and Mona Jain Middle. It’s just a short drive to Main Street Lakewood Ranch and Waterside place for shopping, dining, Farmer’s Markets, and community events. Located near gorgeous Gulf coast beaches, downtown Sarasota and St. Petersburg, Sarasota International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and the ever expanding shops at University Town Center Mall. This is the perfect spot to call “home”. Schedule your showing today! Interested in Lakewood Ranch? Let's have a conversation about your real estate goals!  Parks In Lakewood Ranch: Florida’s Top Selling Master Planned Community Parks and Nature Preserves7/14/2023 Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community in southeastern Manatee County and northeastern Sarasota County on the west coast of Florida. Known for its beautiful landscapes, parks and trails, Lakewood Ranch is a place where active outdoor living is a way of life. The local parks play a major role in Lakewood Ranch’s global appeal. People from across the country and world are flocking to Lakewood Ranch Florida to join in on this incredible lifestyle. In this blog, we're spotlighting the best parks located right here in Lakewood Ranch… so let’s get started… Importance of Parks for Active Living Local parks promote active living, physical health, and community engagement. The parks in Lakewood Ranch provide space for people to engage in activities such as sports, yoga, cycling, and running. Lakewood Ranch's commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting active living makes it an ideal community for those seeking a healthy active lifestyle. The top park selections on our list each offer unique landscapes and environments. For instance, Greenbrook Adventure Park features a playground, roller hockey rink, soccer fields, and basketball courts, making it a hub for sports enthusiasts. On the other hand, Bob Gardner Community Park has walking trails, bird-watching areas, and nature trails that encourage peaceful outdoor activity amid natural surroundings. Overall, the top parks in Lakewood Ranch cater to all age groups, fitness levels, and interests. Regardless of your fitness level, you will find a park that suits your needs on our selection list. Summerfield Community Park Summerfield Community Park is a popular destination for Lakewood Ranch residents. The park is located in the village (neighborhood) of Summerfield. There are options for every age group. The playground is top notch with swings, slides, and climbing walls. There are several sports facilities, including basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, where you can socialize with neighbors over a pick-up game or league play. The park also has open fields and a multi-purpose trail, making it an ideal spot for running, walking, or cycling. Summerfield Community Park is also well-suited for group activities and community events. The large picnic shelters and open spaces for play or leisure are an ideal location for events like birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Tennis lessons, fitness classes for all ages, and a fishing competition hosted annually are just some of the Lakewood Ranch community events residents can participate in at Summerfield Community Park. Greenbrook Adventure Park Greenbrook Adventure Park is one of Lakewood Ranch's most iconic parks. Nestled in the Greenbrook Village neighborhood, and covering five acres of open space, there are a variety of facilities for all kinds of outdoor fun. There are basketball and volleyball courts, as well as soccer and lacrosse fields for team sports. Residents can also use the outdoor gym equipment for cardio and strength-building exercises. Greenbrook Adventure Park is also home to several miles of multi-purpose trails, providing visitors with stunning views of the adjacent preserve while hiking, jogging, or biking. Visitors can also relax in the park's picnic areas or bring their canine friends to the dog park designed for various dog sizes for socialization and exercise. Lakewood Ranch residents participate in bingo, vegetable growing lessons, nature walks, community campouts, concerts in the park, and more throughout the year at Greenbrook Adventure Park. Bob Gardner Community Park Bob Gardner Community Park is one of the most prominent and renowned spots in Lakewood Ranch, covering over 140 acres.. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Bob Gardner Community Park offers several trails for hiking, jogging, or biking through nature, with beautiful views. The grassy open fields are ideal for picnics, with available reserved spaces for private events. Sports enthusiasts love the top-tier facilities for soccer, baseball, and tennis. Bob Gardner Community Park also has several amenities you won't find in other parks, such as a BMX track and a dedicated disc golf course. The park also features several shaded pavilions and amphitheaters for hosting concerts, festivities, and community. Residents can take art lessons, play kickball, learn how to play disc golf, and meet neighbors at the Newcomer Meetups hosted by Lakewood Ranch at Bob Gardner Community Park. Braden River Nature Park Braden River Nature Park is a hidden gem among the parks in Lakewood Ranch known for its natural beauty and preservation of natural wildlife. Situated on the banks of the Braden River, the park offers a unique experience for visitors to connect with nature. The park has well-maintained trails ideal for hiking, nature walks, and cycling, leading to scenic views of the river and an opportunity to observe migratory birds during winter. The park's location provides a great sense of calm and mindfulness while promoting an active lifestyle. Braden River Nature Park has a fishing pier and covered picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings, outdoor birthday parties, and picnicking with serene lake views. Lakewood Ranch Park Lakewood Ranch Park is one of the largest parks in Lakewood Ranch, dedicated to sports and fitness enthusiasts. The park's sprawling 115-acre area adjacent to Lakewood Ranch High School boasts several sports facilities that accommodate almost any sport you can think of, making it an ideal destination for individuals and teams. This park is an athlete's dream, with fields for softball, soccer, football, volleyball and basketball courts. And don't forget to check out the top-notch fitness center at the local YMCA which is right next door. For families, there is a playground equipped with innovative play structures as well as splash pads that keep children cool and entertained. Lakewood Ranch Park's vast open space allows for numerous trails for hiking, jogging, or cycling jaunts throughout this expansive park. The park features multiple picnic pavilions and shelters for family activities and social gatherings, providing a perfect place for grilling, crafts, and games. Waterside Park The newest park in Lakewood Ranch located at Waterside Place offers residents unique options to explore. This park is on an 8-acre island with sand volleyball courts, a huge playground, exercise stations around the lake, and more. Families will enjoy the splash pad and picnic pavilions opening soon. You can grab a bite in Waterside Place and then enjoy a day in the park! Tons of events for residents take place at Waterside Park like yoga classes, field bocce, stroller fitness classes, sunset volleyball, and more.
 Parting Thoughts
The parks system within the Lakewood Ranch area is an amazing asset. The parks in Lakewood Ranch offer opportunities for local residents and visitors to be active, connect with others, and promote wellness. The developers of Lakewood Ranch understood that living an active life is not only good for physical health but also great for mental and emotional well-being. With its blend of vibrant outdoor life, top-rated parks, dynamic food scene, and all of the amenities that make life worthwhile, this community attracts people from all walks of life. And when it comes to finding your dream home here, we have you covered! With our thorough understanding of the local market and a keen eye for properties that match your lifestyle, we will turn the typically stressful process of house hunting into a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood close to the parks or a quiet retreat with a culinary hotspot nearby, we are your go-to real estate guides for residential options here in Lakewood Ranch. **UPDATE** Since we posted this initially, a few things have changed on Main Street Lakewood Ranch. Here is a quick recap of what’s going on: Sofia’s unfortunately has closed their doors on Main Street. We aren’t entirely sure what’s coming next in this building, but we will keep you posted as we learn more about it! Craft Growlers to Go was sold and re-opened as the Peculiar Pub. The owner redesigned the inside and changed the menu to include some interesting bites & brews! They gave large screen TVs to catch all of your favorite local sports, and always showcase local talent with live music on the weekends. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Lakewood Ranch area! The Peculiar Pickles make a great snack! Power Meals to go has also closed its doors and hopefully a new business venture is on the horizon! All of Main Street also got a nice facelift with new, more neutral colors and brand new landscaping! Be sure to visit it in person to see the changes since this video doesn’t portray the new look! ---------------------------- Lakewood Ranch is a beautiful and growing community located in the heart of sunny Florida. There are many reasons it is the #1 selling multi generation master planned community. One of the biggest draws is Lakewood Ranch’s vibrant food scene. We have loads of options all within the boundaries of Lakewood Ranch , from casual to fine dining and even ethnic. Ask any resident and they’ll likely tell you that food and dining are essential to the community experience here in Lakewood Ranch. So… we have taken on the delectable challenge of putting together a handpicked list of our top restaurant picks that you can use as a jumpstart to explore and savor all the best of the Lakewood Ranch food scene. Places to Eat in Lakewood Ranch: What Makes a Great Restaurant? Owen's Fish Camp - The newest addition to Lakewood Ranch's Restaurant Scene We picked our best places to eat in Lakewood Ranch, based on some simple yet crucial factors. First, the food has to be made with top-notch quality ingredients, preferably local. As for the menus, we like when a restaurant has some level of variety… something for every foodie out there. Another factor we considered is the ambiance. A great restaurant should have a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The vibe can make your meal extra memorable. Also, service can make or break a restaurant. Who doesn't like friendly, savvy staff who can walk you through the menu or suggest something new? The last factor we considered, we have actually eaten at each of the locations we list below! Nothing worse than a review or a blog that isn't written from first hand experience, right?! So, here goes! These restaurants are mentioned in no particular order. However, we have categorized them on the basis of whether they are fine dining, casual or ethnic. Upscale Local Dining Cassariano Italian Eatery Cassariano Italian Eatery, with roots in Italy and New York, has found a new home here in San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch. Serving contemporary Italian cuisine with a nod to tradition, Cassariano is the embodiment of fine dining with a warm, Italian heart. The decor exudes elegance, balancing chic, modern elements with a welcoming ambience that feels just like Italy. The service? Exceptional. With owners hailing from Italy, the staff embodies that famous Italian hospitality, making you feel right at home while expertly guiding you through the menu. The food is an absolute delight, with each dish beautifully crafted to showcase the depth and diversity of Italian cuisine. A key highlight of Cassariano is its Wine Down Wednesdays, when you can enjoy any bottle of wine at an amazing 50% off - a perfect midweek treat. Add to that a full bar, and you've got all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Cassariano Italian Eatery is not just about food and wine. It's a dining experience that celebrates its Italian roots while offering a contemporary twist, an aspect that has made it a standout in the local culinary scene. With its commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation, it's no surprise that Cassariano is quickly becoming a favorite destination for foodies in Lakewood Ranch.  Paris Bistrot Paris Bistrot, nestled in the heart of downtown Lakewood Ranch, offers a slice of Parisian charm right here in Florida. Since 2008, it has been the go-to place for authentic French cuisine in an environment that effortlessly transports you to a café in Paris. The atmosphere at Paris Bistrot is both cozy and chic, blending the vibrant café culture of Paris with the relaxed Florida lifestyle. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant creates a truly Parisian dining experience, complete with the sights and sounds that make the City of Light so special. But, it's the food that truly sets Paris Bistrot apart. Here, patrons can indulge in timeless classics such as Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Normandy, and Pork Marco Polo, among others. The food is an ode to French culinary traditions, yet each dish is infused with a contemporary twist that keeps the menu fresh and intriguing. No French dining experience is complete without wine, and Paris Bistrot doesn't disappoint. With a carefully curated wine list that complements the cuisine, the restaurant celebrates France's rich wine culture in the heart of Lakewood Ranch. Monthly food-and-wine pairings further elevate the dining experience, offering patrons a chance to explore new dishes and wine combinations from France. Adding to the Paris Bistrot experience is the delightful array of handcrafted desserts that perfectly round off any meal. Paris Bistrot's commitment to authenticity, quality ingredients, and innovative cuisine has made it a top dining destination in Lakewood Ranch.A visit here is more than just a meal - it's a culinary journey to France, right from the heart of Main Street in Lakewood Ranch Florida.  Sofias Sofia's Mediterranean Restaurant, a fairly recent highlight on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, offers a captivating blend of authentic Mediterranean cuisine and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance at Sofia's is both warm and inviting, with an open kitchen that adds to the restaurant's vibrant and interactive atmosphere. The service is simply impeccable and to top it off is their Chef's special that changes daily based on the freshest of ingredients available. These daily specials add an exciting element of surprise, each inspired by seasonal ingredients, the whims of the weather, and the chefs' creative flair. The carefully created menu is full of enticing appetizers, delectable main courses and mouth-watering desserts. What makes Sofia's really special isn't just that they use great locally-sourced ingredients - be it the farm-fresh eggs, organic tomatoes, freshly caught fish, or free-range beef gracing their dishes. It's also about the heart of the place - the open kitchen. You can watch as food goes from fresh ingredients to delicious meals right before your eyes, making eating here extra fun. Plus, the owner is always around, making sure everything's cooked up just right and each plate captures what Sofia's is all about. The restaurant's commitment to locally sourced ingredients, innovative Mediterranean interpretations, and an ever-evolving menu has earned it a spot as a go-to dining destination in Lakewood Ranch. Add in a private room featuring a Chef's table for an elevated, intimate dining experience, and it's no wonder Sofia's is a hit among both locals and visitors alike. Casual Local Dining Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie is a popular restaurant that offers modern American cuisine with a sophisticated twist. The ambiance at Libby's is casual, chic, and elegant, with a contemporary decor that adds to the restaurant's upscale setting. The service is stellar with friendly staff making your meal truly memorable. Try one of their signature dishes, like crispy pork belly with pickled veggie slaw and grilled artichoke with lemon aioli. Libby’s also puts unique twists on staples like gourmet burgers, seafood dishes, and salads. Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie has won numerous awards and recognitions, including "Best American Restaurant" from Sarasota Magazine. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative cuisine has earned it a reputation as one of the top dining destinations in Lakewood Ranch.  Lucky Pelican Bistro Step into the Lucky Pelican Bistro - the neighborhood seafood hub at Lake Osprey Drive that has everyone in Lakewood Ranch talking. With a distinctive twist of New England culinary flair, it offers a unique dining experience that's simply unmatched. Inside the Lucky Pelican, skilled chefs work their magic, taking advantage of a wide selection of the finest fish. Each day, they come up with innovative ways to bring out the most delightful flavors from the sea. From the famous Fish Tacos to the freshly shucked Lobster Roll, the dishes are a tantalizing adventure for your taste buds. But, the Lucky Pelican isn't just about seafood. With a menu that includes a house favorite take on the New England Clam Bake and universally loved sweet potato fries, there's something to satisfy every palate. Plus, boasting the area's only local raw bar, the freshness and quality of the seafood truly stand out. To top off the dining experience, the Lucky Pelican offers a full bar and an extensive wine list. And let's not forget the daily happy hour, marking it as the place to be for some real good times. At the Lucky Pelican, it's not just about serving real food; it's about providing an unforgettable dining experience.  Owens Fish Camp The latest culinary addition to the Lakewood Ranch neighborhood, Owen's Fish Camp, recently opened its doors at the Center Point development. This new venue joins the original and beloved Owen's Fish Camp located in Sarasota's Burns Court, yet establishes its own unique atmosphere in the burgeoning food scene of Lakewood Ranch. Owen's Fish Camp is renowned for its dedication to seafood, serving up an array of dishes that honor the bounty of the ocean. The restaurant's offerings extend beyond exquisite dining, boasting a full-service bar where guests can enjoy a range of beverages, from classic cocktails to a diverse selection of wines and beers. One standout feature of this new location is the outdoor backyard area, which promises to be a hub of entertainment and relaxation. This space is set to host a variety of live music performances on its dedicated stage, infusing the dining experience with energy and excitement. The backyard also includes an oyster bar, adding another dimension to its seafood offerings. Owen's Fish Camp embodies a delightful fusion of the old and the new, capturing the nostalgic charm of a family lake house while offering a fresh, engaging dining experience.  Good Liquid Brewing Company Good Liquid Brewery and Kitchen is a testament to the love of great beer and delicious food. Nestled comfortably in the scenic Waterside Place, with its beautiful lake views and breathtaking sunsets from the patio, this brewpub has made a name for itself as a popular spot in Lakewood Ranch. What sets Good Liquid Brewery and Kitchen apart is its approach to brewing. By marrying traditional brewing techniques with the use of unique ingredients and, of course, a lot of love, they've crafted award-winning beers that are sure to delight any brew aficionado. But that's not all. Alongside an impressive beer list, they serve up classic American fare with a twist, ingeniously reinvented to pair seamlessly with the unique brewing style of their head brewmaster. From hearty meals to light bites, there's something for everyone on their menu. For those who prefer spirits to suds, the skilled bartenders at Good Liquid Brewing Company are also adept at crafting refreshing cocktails, offering a wide variety of wines and spirits. In essence, this spot caters to all tastes. What truly sets the stage for an unforgettable experience is the brewery's setting. Its comfortable waterfront location provides a backdrop with stunning fountain and sunset views. A casual eatery at heart, it features outdoor amenities like cornhole games, adding a layer of fun to your visit. When you're at Good Liquid Brewing Company, good times, good food, and of course, good liquid are always on the menu. So why not pull up a seat and soak in the relaxed atmosphere, the breathtaking views, and of course, the unforgettable flavors. Ethnic Restaurants Thai Spice & Sushi Situated in the bustling San Marco Plaza, Thai Spice & Sushi has been a cornerstone of the Lakewood Ranch dining scene for over 15 years. Known for their authentic Thai and sushi offerings, the restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that mirrors the hospitality of the community it proudly serves. Committed to providing a delightful dining experience, Thai Spice & Sushi blends traditional Thai culinary techniques with fresh, quality ingredients, resulting in dishes that truly satisfy. From aromatic Thai curries to the precision of sushi rolls, every meal is a testament to the expertise and passion poured into it. At Thai Spice & Sushi, the phrase "Spice up your life" takes on a literal and gastronomic meaning. With a menu that spans the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to the delicate artistry of sushi preparation, there's an exciting culinary journey awaiting every guest. Amidst the backdrop of Lakewood Ranch, the restaurant promises a unique dining adventure that pays homage to authentic Thai cuisine and the subtle sophistication of sushi.  Inkawasi Peruvian Restaurant Inkawasi stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Peruvian cuisine, delivering traditional dishes and innovative tapas in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The food at Inkawasi is a delightful fusion of various cultural influences, ranging from the flavors of "aji panka and aji amarillo" utilized by the ancient Incas to the refined techniques of Japanese fish preparation embodied in their world-renowned Ceviche. Inkawasi is not just a place to dine; it's a venue to celebrate. The restaurant offers catering for a variety of private events such as weddings, business lunches, dinners, and cocktail receptions. The team at Inkawasi is enthusiastic about making memorable events even more special with their culinary expertise. Inkawasi takes pride in sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets, ensuring that each dish is as flavorful and wholesome as possible. Inkawasi knows how to keep things interesting with their food specials and a happy hour that patrons eagerly look forward to. They also host specialty wine dinner nights for those seeking a more curated dining experience. Live music sometimes graces the restaurant, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the atmosphere. Inkawasi presents an immersive dining experience, embodying the essence of Peruvian food and culture, right in the heart of Main Street, Lakewood Ranch.  Koré Steakhouse Embracing a unique culinary concept, Koré Steakhouse is a standout dining spot in Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place. A fusion of Korean influences and traditional steakhouse fare, the establishment has artfully merged Eastern and Western flavors to create an eclectic menu that appeals to diverse taste preferences. The intriguing feature of Koré Steakhouse, however, is the innovative tabletop grilling experience. Patrons are invited to take part in their meal's preparation, offering an engaging and interactive twist to the dining adventure. Here, the act of cooking morphs into a form of culinary entertainment that's sure to delight guests. Their chef, backed by two decades of expertise in the kitchen, ensures each dish served is of top-notch quality. Though Koré is a steakhouse at its heart, it's not limited to just that. A selection of non-grill dishes are also available for those seeking other taste experiences. To complement the meal, a full bar is available, featuring an array of drinks to enhance the flavors of your self-grilled meats. Their staff are committed and attentive, and strive to provide their guests with an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. For a fun, interactive, and flavorful meal, Koré Steakhouse offers a unique spin on the traditional dining experience that's well worth a visit. Other Noteworthy Restaurants in Lakewood RanchWhile we narrowed down our top restaurant choices in Lakewood Ranch, there are several other noteworthy restaurants worth checking out. Here are some of them... 1. Main Street Trattoria This cozy Italian restaurant on Main Street Lakewood Ranch offers delicious pasta dishes with homemade sauces, pizza, and a great wine selection. The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting, providing a friendly and casual dining experience. 2. Pinchers For seafood lovers, Pinchers on Main Street Lakewood Ranch is another excellent spot. With a variety of fresh seafood options, it's the perfect place for a weekend brunch or a casual dinner with friends. The outdoor seating area is a great place to enjoy the Florida breezes while sipping on one of their signature cocktails. 3. Station 400 (Lakewood Ranch) Known for its specialty brunches, Station 400 offers a wholesome dining experience with organic, locally-sourced ingredients right here on Main Street. Their French toast and waffles are simply divine, while their coffee is one of the best in town. 4. Truman’s Tap & Grill This family owned restaurant is located on State Road 70 and is a fantastic place for American fare with an elevated spin. For a local bar & grille type restaurant, Truman’s elevates their menu above what you’d expect to see. Their mac n’ cheese, burgers, and wings are top notch. With a great bar area and many TVs to catch the games, a separate dining room for a more casual sit down experience, you truly can’t go wrong at Truman’s! Our Parting Thoughts Lakewood Ranch has a lot to offer regarding dining experiences… and these were just some of the many great options! We created this guide to help you jump start your culinary experience and give you a basis to explore the many other culinary gems that this amazing community has to offer. Beyond the amazing food, Lakewood Ranch is also a great spot to hang your hat and keys! Our Sold By Chenkus website is a great resource to learn more about Lakewood Ranch. If you'd like to explore residential options in Lakewood Ranch, contact us! We are here to help and provide personalized, expert guidance. Allow us to put our 22 years of full-time real estate experience to work for you! Just like the hundreds of satisfied Sold By Chenkus customers, we’ll help you live the lifestyle you've always wanted here in Lakewood Ranch.
 Imagine a place where sunny skies meet cultural richness. Now imagine that place looking like it belongs in a Hollywood movie. … That's Lakewood Ranch Florida. Situated on Florida's scenic Gulf coast, this master-planned community is known for its perfectly curated streets, community centers, neighborhoods, lively lifestyle, recreational activities, and robust cultural scenes. As much as we all love the great outdoors and the many things to do here in Lakewood Ranch, when it’s time to take a break from the Florida sunshine what better way to do so than going to the movies? With many movie theaters scattered across the area, each boasting unique characteristics, movie-going options in this area are as diverse as the stories these screens tell. Here is our personalized guide to the best cinema experiences in and around Lakewood Ranch.   Lakewood Ranch Cinemas: The Heart of the Community's Movie Scene Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is the premier destination for movie-goers in the community. This state-of-the-art facility is located at the heart of Lakewood Ranch at 10715 Rodeo Dr., or more often referred to as Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Lakewood Ranch Cinemas offers world-class amenities and excellent service that makes movie-going an unforgettable experience. The cinema has twelve screening rooms with luxurious leather seating, all-digital projection, and high-quality sound systems. The theater's lobby design is sleek, and the concession stand offers an array of delicious treats ranging from traditional popcorn and soda to gourmet pizza and craft beer on tap. Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is the only cinema in the area that shows a variety of films, from major Hollywood productions to independent films. You’re covered, whether you're interested in the latest blockbuster movies or off beat foreign films. The cinema also offers special sensory-friendly screenings and discount days for selected movies. The quality of community events and specialty screenings they host sets Lakewood Ranch Cinemas apart from other cinemas. The cinema frequently holds movie-themed events, special marathon screenings, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors. They also participate in community events, like 'Movies Under the Stars,' where they screen outdoor movies for free in various locations around town.  Regal Hollywood Sarasota: Modern Comfort and Variety The Regal Hollywood Sarasota is located at 1993 Main St in Sarasota, about 25 minutes from Lakewood Ranch, and is easily accessible for moviegoers. One notable feature is RealD 3D. Viewers can enjoy their favorite films with added depth and detail, making the movie experience immersive. Additionally, the theater offers features like reclining seats. The Regal Hollywood offers a variety of concessions like popcorn, hotdogs, candy, and other classic movie snacks. Pair up your snacks with the selection of beverages available, including sodas, beers, and Wine. They also offer ticket deals like the Regal Value Days, which comes with discounted prices for select films at specific times on weekdays, usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  AMC Bradenton 20: A Destination for the Latest Hits The AMC Bradenton 20, also about 15-20 minutes from Lakewood Ranch, is a leading movie theater in the Bradenton area, located on 53rd Ave E. It offers an impressive lineup of films, amenities, and services, making it one of the region's most popular choices for moviegoers. When you enter AMC Bradenton 20, you'll be greeted with various services and features to enhance your movie-going experience. One unique feature of the theater is its selection of premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema. These technologies offer incredible image quality and sound clarity, making it a terrific way to experience blockbuster movies and other popular films. You can secure your favorite spot ahead of time, ensuring a relaxed, enjoyable cinema experience every time you visit. Community events and personalized screenings are also available. The theater has wheel-chair accessible spaces for anyone who’d need it. You can also explore the place to host events, whether for business or a social gathering with friends and family. Theater rentals are available.  Regal Oakmont: The Blockbuster Experience Regal Oakmont, about 35 minutes from Lakewood Ranch, offers a wide range of features that make it a go-to destination for film enthusiasts. It is located at 4801 Cortez Rd. W, Bradenton. Regal Oakmont has it all. No matter your movie preference, they've got you covered. From regular screenings to 3D and IMAX options, this theater ensures a top-notch cinema experience. It has a full-service bar where you can enjoy a selection of snacks and drinks while watching the movie. The seats are also cozy and comfortable, so you can fully relax and enjoy your movies more comfortably. One of the unique things that Regal Oakmont offers is its rewards program called Regal Crown Club, where they offer rewards for regular movie-watchers. It’s a great way to earn points and redeem them for free tickets, concessions, and other perks. The concessions are not your average cinema fare. They go the extra mile offering a range of snacks, meals, and candies available to choose from, along with soft drinks, beer, and wine.  Burns Court Cinema: For the Indie Lovers Burns Court Cinema is an excellent choice for movie-buffs looking for something outside the mainstream. Located on 506 Burns Ct in downtown Sarasota, it's not far from Lakewood Ranch and is a hidden gem for cinema-loving residents. Burns Court Cinema prioritizes independent, foreign, and art films you can't find in typical theaters. Whether a foreign language film or an independent production, Burns Court is a haven for film enthusiasts seeking a more personal cinema experience. The cinema hosts various film festivals throughout the year, including the Sarasota Film Festival, which features a range of local talent and the best in independent cinema. The cinema also has Q&As with filmmakers after selected screenings, where you can engage with the filmmakers discussing their productions.  CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key: Dinner, Drinks, and a Movie For people looking for a fantastic dinner and cinematic experience, the CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key is an excellent option. Located at 3501 S Tamiami Trail Suite 1100, Sarasota, about 25-30 minutes drive from Lakewood Ranch, the theater offers a combination of dining experience and movie-watching. The CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key aims to provide an outstanding dining experience, with an extensive menu. From delectable entrees and appetizers to crave-worthy desserts, there's something for everyone. Comfort and luxury are the hallmark of The CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key. The seats are designed with plush leather and equipped with individual tray tables and a service buzzer to ensure an undisturbed viewing experience. Sit down to a delicious meal before, during, or after the movie, and complement it with a cocktail, wine, or beer from the extensive bar list. The idea is to have a full-course dining experience where guests watch their favorite movies while being waited on and served delicious food and drinks. The in-theater service is especially popular, where attendants take your order and serve you at your seat. In terms of movie selection, the cinema offers a variety of films, featuring both the latest blockbuster films and classic movie productions.  Special Mention: The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater One of the most exceptional theaters in the region is The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater, which stands out for its cultural and historical significance. The Asolo mainly features live theatre performances, but also has periodic screening events where they showcase on screen movies and independent film. This is definitely a different location that those mentioned above! You won’t see any Tom Cruise blockbusters at the Asolo! The Asolo Theater was built in Italy in the late 18th century and dismantled before it was relocated brick by brick to Sarasota, Florida, in the early 20th century. Since then, it has become one of the most historically significant theaters in the United States since it's the country's only theater of its kind. Visiting Asolo Theater is an opportunity to soak up the magical ambiance of old-world Europe in America. In addition to its cultural value, the Asolo Theater is within the Ringling museum which showcases the life and art of John Ringling, the circus man himself! The theater's live performances are like no other; the venue attracts some of the US's most celebrated contemporary performing artists, showcasing everything from chamber music concerts and one-man shows to circus-theater performances. Regarding the visitor experience, you couldn't ask for a better one. The staff is friendly, the seats are comfortable, and the ambiance is majestic.
 Our Parting Thoughts As we pull back the curtains on our cinematic tour of Lakewood Ranch and its neighboring areas, it's clear that the film-watching culture here is as diverse and vibrant as the community itself. From the independent art house offerings at Burns Court Cinema to the blockbuster line-ups at Regal Hollywood Sarasota and AMC Bradenton 20, a theater and a tale await everyone in this charming locale. If you dream of a lifestyle that harmoniously blends outdoor vibrancy, cultural richness, and comfort, then Lakewood Ranch is the place for you. It's more than just a place to live. It's a thriving community where you can create your own story. With beautiful parks for those nature-infused weekends, a dynamic food scene for the culinary explorers, a variety of cinemas for the movie buffs, and a wealth of amenities, life in Lakewood Ranch is a beautiful blend of relaxation and adventure. Don't just take our word for it. Come and experience it for yourself! We're are here to help you find your perfect home in this fantastic community. With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for matching clients with homes that fit their lifestyle, we make finding your dream home an exciting journey rather than a stressful task. Let us make your dream of a remarkable Lakewood Ranch life a reality. Enjoy browsing our Sold By Chenkus blog and website to learn more. And it's never to soon to Contact Us and start your journey towards an unforgettable living experience! -SOLD- Brand new, never lived in Alys floorplan in the highly desirable 55+ community of Cresswind at Lakewood Ranch. This 3 bedroom plus den, 3 bathroom, 3 car garage home has all of the upgrades you would want on a private preserve lot. Enter through the foyer into this light and bright home with 10 foot ceilings throughout. The beautifully upgraded kitchen features roll out shelves, soft close doors & drawers, Cambria quartz countertops, and GE Cafe appliances, with a large pantry and island. The kitchen overlooks a welcoming dining and Great Room, appointed with large windows and sliding glass doors leading out to a large covered lanai. The lanai is ready for a summer kitchen, with water, gas and electrical, including additional outlets, and a privacy wall. With plenty of space to add a pool, this is the perfect area to enjoy your outdoor Florida living! The large open gathering spaces are perfect for entertaining guests, both indoors and out. Two secondary bedrooms in opposite corners of the home provide privacy for you and your guests. The den makes an ideal home office or flex space, and the large Primary Suite is a private retreat tucked away off the Great Room. It features a large walk-in closet, dual shower heads in the en-suite bathroom, upgraded cabinets, and Cambria Brittanica quartz countertops. There is also a separate luxury laundry room space with upgraded cabinets for storage and quartz countertops next to the laundry sink. A brand new top load washer & gas dryer are included! Other upgrades include Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout main living areas and Den, upgraded carpet in bedrooms, upgraded cabinets and quartz countertops in all bathrooms, 8 foot interior doors, in-wall pest tubes, added lighting throughout the home, epoxy garage floor, tankless hot water heater, and a 10 year transferable structural warranty. With almost 2, 400 sq feet of living space, this Alys has it all! COMMUNITY FEATURES --- Cresswind at Lakewood Ranch is a 55+ active adult community. Gated entry from both Uihlein Road and Rangeland Parkway. Exterior lawn and landscape maintainence is included in your HOA fees. Residents also can enjoy use of the clubhouse, state of the art fitness center, lifestyle director, dog park, PICKLEBALL, tennis, bocce, arts & crafts, community pool, and more! With quick access to shopping centers, interstate, Main Street Lakewood Ranch and the UTC Area for all of your dining and shopping needs, this is a terrific spot in Lakewood Ranch! Monthly HOA fees include Cable & Internet.  Welcome to Lakewood Ranch, a vibrant and thriving master planned community located in the picturesque Sarasota-Manatee County region of Florida. Our intent in writing this Guide is to showcase our experience, and provide some first-hand personal insight to all the things that we think make this area an incredible place to call home. We live here and we love it here! Trust us when we say that Lakewood Ranch, Florida is a place that truly has it all! From diverse neighborhoods and world-class amenities to a strong sense of community and a focus on sustainability, there's something for everyone in this paradise we call home. In this ultimate guide to Lakewood Ranch we showcase the best restaurants, top-rated schools, quality daycare centers, and so much more, all found within the beautiful and welcoming confines of Lakewood Ranch. We can't wait to share all the things that we love about our remarkable community... So... let's get started... 
 The Community of Lakewood Ranch Florida: A Magical Blend of Experiences and Amenities We begin by highlighting the distinctive features that make Lakewood Ranch an exceptional place to live, work, and play Master Planned Community Concept Lakewood Ranch is a shining example of a master planned community done right. Spanning over 31,000 acres (twice the size of Manhattan and bigger than Disney World!) this carefully designed development has considered every detail to ensure a harmonious blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice the meticulous planning that went into creating a comfortable and convenient environment for residents to live, work, and play. Environmental Sustainability and Green Initiatives The developers know how important it is to protect our environment and preserve the natural beauty that surrounds us. That's why Lakewood Ranch strongly emphasizes environmental sustainability and green initiatives. The community is dedicated to preserving its wetlands, habitats, and wildlife by implementing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, energy-efficient building standards, and sustainable landscaping. In fact, Lakewood Ranch is proud to be one of the largest green-certified communities in the United States, setting the bar for sustainable living. Different Villages and Neighborhoods One of the most appealing aspects of Lakewood Ranch is the variety of villages and neighborhoods, each offering its unique character and charm. There's something for everyone, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or an active retiree. From the serene surroundings of Esplanade Golf & Country Club to the family-friendly atmosphere of Summerfield, you're sure to find the perfect neighborhood (we call them 'villages') to call home. Lakewood Ranch started building in 1995, so there are plenty of established villages to discover. And there are newly developed areas like the Waterside district, Lakewood Ranch Northeast (Taylor Ranch and East River Ranch), and Lakewood Ranch Southeast that offer new construction opportunities, stunning waterfront properties, and an exciting new town center. Sense of Community and Social Events Living in Lakewood Ranch means more than just enjoying beautiful homes and top-notch amenities; it's about being part of a close-knit community where neighbors become friends, and memories are made. This is where social events and activities abound, from farmers' markets and outdoor concerts to sports leagues and art festivals. You'll find a wealth of clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests and passions. We can speak from firsthand experience that there's never a dull moment in Lakewood Ranch. The sense of belonging and camaraderie is truly something special.  Best Restaurants in Lakewood Ranch: A Culinary Adventure Awaits Lakewood Ranch is not only a haven for nature lovers and families, but it's also a foodie's paradise. With an impressive array of dining options and culinary experiences, you'll never run out of places to satisfy your taste buds. Upscale dining options For those special occasions or when you simply want to indulge in a memorable dining experience, Lakewood Ranch has a selection of fine dining establishments sure to impress. Enjoy an elegant evening at Cassariano Italian Eatery in San Marco Plaza, where you can savor exquisite cuisine and an extensive wine list. Or, head to Paris Bistrot for a sophisticated authentic French meal in a refined setting complete with sidewalk dining. Looking for a steak and American fare locale? Try the B&B Chophouse and Market for an authentic American steakhouse experience. Also nearby are amazing national chain restaurants like The Capital Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Casual eateries If you're in the mood for something more laid-back, there's no shortage of casual eateries in Lakewood Ranch. Grab a mouthwatering burger at GROVE, a popular gastropub that offers a diverse menu and a lively atmosphere. Head to Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie for American fare and craft cocktails. For a relaxed dining experience focusing on fresh ingredients, visit Station 400, where you'll find an array of delicious breakfast and lunch options. Other local cuisine options include The Granary, Pinchers, Another Broken Egg Cafe, and Speaks Clam Bar... all fantastic in their own right! Ethnic cuisine Looking to embark on a culinary journey around the world? Lakewood Ranch has you covered with a variety of international dining options. Savor authentic Mexican dishes at Casa Maya. Indulge in flavorful Thai cuisine at Thai Spice and Sushi, Try the unique flair and flavors of Inkawasi Peruvian Restaurant, grab your chopsticks for a bite at Hana Sushi Lounge, or experience the rich flavors of Mediterranean fare at Sofia’s. Don't Just Take our Word For It! With so many excellent restaurants, it's hard for us to pick favorites. So here are some local hotspots that consistently receive rave reviews online from residents and visitors alike. Check out Good Liquid Brewing Company at Waterside Place for waterfront dining with a great menu and stunning lake views. Don't miss Nancy's Bar-B-Q, where you can feast on a mouthwatering, slow-cooked barbecue in a casual setting. And for an authentic taste of Florida, head to Lucky Pelican Bistro, where you'll find an impressive selection of fresh seafood dishes. Unique and "Out of the Ordinary" Restaurants Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas also offer a variety of unique dining experiences that cater to different preferences and occasions. Kore, located in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place, is a Korean Steakhouse which features a unique tabletop grilling experience. If you're a fan of farm-to-table dining, you'll love the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at Indigenous in Sarasota, which focuses on sustainable and seasonal fare. For a truly unforgettable experience, venture to nearby Sarasota for waterfront dining at Ophelia's on the Bay, a classic waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine while taking in the stunning views of Sarasota Bay. Some parts of Florida have a reputation for 'not-so-good' food... Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota put an end to that reputation! We can confidently say that you’ll never have a hard time finding GREAT food, and a variety of experiences to enrich your culinary life here in Lakewood Ranch! Buon appétito!  Top Schools in Lakewood Ranch: Cultivating Excellence in Education When providing the best education for your children, Lakewood Ranch exceeds expectations with its diverse range of top-rated schools. Here, we'll explore the educational landscape and highlight some of the standout schools in the area, as well as the specialized programs and extracurricular activities that make them truly exceptional. Overview of the Education System in Lakewood Ranch Public schools: Lakewood Ranch's public schools are part of the Manatee and Sarasota County School Districts, which are known for their commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Students in the area benefit from well-maintained facilities, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for success. Private schools: Besides public schools, Lakewood Ranch is home to several reputable private schools offering a more individualized approach to education. These schools often provide smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and a strong focus on character development. Charter schools: For families seeking an alternative to traditional public and private schools, Lakewood Ranch has several charter schools offering innovative curriculums and educational philosophies. These tuition-free schools are publicly funded but operate independently, providing unique learning opportunities for students. Standout Schools in the Area Elementary schools: At the elementary level, Lakewood Ranch schools stand out for their academic achievements and nurturing environments. One such school is B.D. Gullett Elementary, known for its rigorous academic program and a strong emphasis on technology integration. Other top choices are Robert E. Willis Elementary and Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, which boast a supportive learning community and a focus on developing well-rounded students. Middle schools: For middle school students, Nolan Middle School is a popular choice, offering a challenging curriculum and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and clubs. Mona Jain Middle School is another standout, with its innovative approach to learning and commitment to fostering a love of lifelong learning. High schools: Lakewood Ranch High School is a shining example of educational excellence at the high school level. With its advanced academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment courses, students are well-prepared for college and future careers. The school also offers a wealth of extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and clubs to suit various interests. Specialized Programs and Extracurricular Activities Lakewood Ranch schools recognize the importance of providing their students with diverse learning opportunities and experiences. As such, many schools offer specialized programs such as gifted and talented programs, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and career academies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and culinary arts. In addition to academic offerings, schools in the area provide a wide range of extracurricular activities to foster personal growth and develop well-rounded individuals. Students can participate in sports teams, join clubs focused on their interests, or explore their creativity in the arts. These enriching experiences enhance students' educational journeys and help build lifelong skills and friendships. With its commitment to providing top-notch educational opportunities and nurturing environments, Lakewood Ranch ensures its students and community a bright future. Daycare and Early Childhood Education: A Strong Foundation for Lifelong Learning Laying a solid foundation for your child's education begins with high-quality daycare and early childhood education programs. In Lakewood Ranch, you'll find an array of exceptional daycare centers and preschools dedicated to nurturing young minds and setting them up for success. In this section, we'll explore the importance of quality early education, spotlight some of the top facilities in the area, discuss the key features to look for when choosing a daycare or preschool and share testimonials from satisfied parents. Importance of Quality Early Education Quality early education is crucial for a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Research has shown that children who receive high-quality early education are more likely to succeed academically, have better social skills, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems later in life. By providing a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning, daycare centers and preschools in Lakewood Ranch set the stage for a lifetime of achievement. Top Daycare Centers and Preschools in the Area Lakewood Ranch is home to various esteemed daycare centers and preschools, each offering unique programs and educational philosophies. Some of the top facilities in the area include: The Goddard School: Known for its play-based learning approach, The Goddard School provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive. With a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, this preschool prepares young minds for a bright future. Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center: Focusing on holistic child development, Primrose School offers a research-based curriculum that balances academics, character development, and extracurricular activities. The nurturing environment and dedicated staff ensure children receive individualized attention and support. Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch: Kiddie Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing cognitive, emotional, and social development. With various age-appropriate programs and activities, children at Kiddie Academy grow and learn at their own pace. Features to Look for in a Daycare or Preschool When selecting a daycare or preschool for your child, consider the following features to ensure the best possible experience:
By choosing a top-notch daycare or preschool in Lakewood Ranch, you can rest assured that your child is receiving the best possible start in life, setting them up for a bright future full of learning and discovery.  Recreational Facilities and Amenities: Promoting an Active Lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch offers a wealth of recreational facilities and amenities catering to diverse interests and fitness levels. From picturesque parks and nature trails to world-class golf courses and state-of-the-art sports facilities, residents of this vibrant community can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. In this section, we'll explore the various recreational opportunities available at Lakewood Ranch, highlighting the top parks, golf courses, fitness centers, and community spaces contributing to the area's unparalleled quality of life. Parks and Nature Trails Lakewood Ranch is home to numerous parks and nature trails that allow residents to connect with the great outdoors. Some of the most popular parks and trails in the area include:
Golf Courses and Country Clubs Golf enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Lakewood Ranch, thanks to its array of challenging public golf courses and luxurious country clubs. Some of the top golf destinations in the area include:
Fitness and Sports Facilities Lakewood Ranch boasts a variety of fitness centers and sports facilities that cater to a diverse range of interests and abilities. Whether you prefer group classes, individual workouts, or organized sports, you'll find plenty of options to help you stay active and healthy:
Community Centers and Event Spaces Lakewood Ranch offers numerous community centers and event spaces as hubs for social and cultural activities. These venues host a variety of events, from art exhibitions and live performances to community gatherings and private celebrations:
 Shopping and Entertainment Options: Discovering the Vibrant Lifestyle and Culture of Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch offers diverse shopping and entertainment options that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From local shopping centers and retail outlets to movie theaters and performing arts venues, there's always something to see, do, and experience in this thriving community. This section will delve into the many shopping and entertainment opportunities available in Lakewood Ranch, highlighting top local destinations, art galleries, cultural institutions, and annual events that contribute to the area's dynamic and engaging lifestyle. Local Shopping Centers and Retail Outlets Lakewood Ranch boasts an impressive selection of shopping centers and retail outlets, making it a shopper's paradise. Some of the most popular shopping destinations in the area include:
Movie Theaters and Perfoming Arts Venues For those who enjoy the arts, Lakewood Ranch offers several movie theaters and performing arts venues that showcase a variety of films, live performances, and cultural events:
Art Galleries and Cultural Institutions Lakewood Ranch is home to several art galleries and cultural institutions that celebrate the area's rich artistic and cultural heritage:
Annual Events and Festivals Throughout the year, Lakewood Ranch hosts a variety of annual events and festivals that bring the community together and celebrate the area's vibrant culture: Suncoast Food & Wine Festival: This popular annual event features food and wine tastings from local restaurants and wineries, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival: This annual art festival showcases the work of local and regional artists, offering a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and more. Music on Main: As mentioned earlier, this monthly event takes place on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street, and features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, providing a lively atmosphere that showcases the community's spirit.  Healthcare in Lakewood Ranch: Exceptional Care and Wellness for the Community In Lakewood Ranch, residents have access to top-quality healthcare services, ensuring their well-being is well cared for. With the state-of-the-art Lakewood Ranch Medical Center at its core, the community also boasts a range of specialized healthcare facilities and services. Additionally, numerous wellness initiatives and community programs contribute to the community's overall health. In this section, we'll provide a detailed overview of the healthcare options available in Lakewood Ranch, emphasizing the exceptional care and wellness resources residents can enjoy. Overview of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility that serves as the cornerstone of healthcare services in the community. The 120-bed acute care hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including: Emergency care: The medical center features a 24/7 emergency department, providing prompt and efficient care for urgent medical situations. Surgical services: With a state-of-the-art surgical center, the hospital offers a variety of surgical procedures, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and minimally invasive procedures. Diagnostic and imaging services: The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and imaging technologies, such as MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound, ensuring accurate and timely patient diagnosis. Women's health services: The medical center provides comprehensive care for women, including maternity services, gynecological care, and breast health services. Cardiology services: The hospital offers a full range of cardiovascular services, including diagnostic testing, treatment, and rehabilitation. Specialized Healthcare Facilities and Services Outpatient rehabilitation services: The medical center also offers outpatient rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to help patients regain their independence and quality of life after an injury or illness. Cancer care: Residents have access to specialized cancer care facilities, such as the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, which offers advanced treatments and clinical trials for various types of cancer. Urgent care centers: For non-life-threatening medical needs, urgent care centers like Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care at Lakewood Ranch provide convenient and accessible care without needing an appointment. Wellness Initiatives and Community Programs Lakewood Ranch is committed to promoting health and wellness within the community. Various initiatives and programs are in place to encourage residents to stay active and healthy: Fitness and wellness classes: Many community centers, fitness centers, and parks in Lakewood Ranch offer a variety of fitness and wellness classes, such as yoga, Pilates, and group exercise classes. Health and wellness events: The community regularly hosts health and wellness events, including health fairs, workshops, and seminars, to educate residents on various health topics and encourage healthy living. Community support groups: Lakewood Ranch offers various support groups for residents dealing with specific health issues or life challenges, providing a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and learn from others. Healthcare in Lakewood Ranch is comprehensive, accessible, and focused on promoting the well-being of its residents. With exceptional healthcare facilities, specialized services, and a strong emphasis on wellness initiatives and community programs, residents can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle in this vibrant community.  Real Estate and Housing Options in Lakewood Ranch: Discover Your Dream Home Lakewood Ranch is renowned for its diverse real estate offerings and carefully designed neighborhoods, catering to various preferences and budgets. The community provides various residential property options that suit different lifestyles, from single-family homes to condos and townhomes. In this section, we'll delve into the types of properties available, discuss affordability and housing market trends, and share some valuable tips for prospective homebuyers looking to make their dream of living in Lakewood Ranch a reality. Types of Residential Properties Available Single-family homes: Lakewood Ranch offers an extensive selection of single-family homes in various neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm. Whether you prefer a traditional, Mediterranean, or contemporary-style home, you'll find many designs and floor plans. There are a mixture of gated and non-gated communities, as well as a variety of amenity options within each. Additionally, many homes boast scenic views of the community's natural surroundings, golf courses, or lakes. Condos and townhomes: For those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, condos, and townhomes are popular in Lakewood Ranch. These properties offer the convenience of shared amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses, while still providing ample living space and privacy. Many condo and townhome communities also feature gated entrances and professional management services for added peace of mind. Rental Apartments and Homes: There are a variety of rental options available here in Lakewood Ranch. From apartments, to condos, single family rentals, full-time or seasonal spaces, you'll be able to find the right fit for your needs The rental market here in Lakewood Ranch is very different and somewhat separate from the traditional purchase and resale market that we specialize in. We don't directly work in the rental space, but we can provide recommendations of professionals that do. If you need a great rental agent, we can connect you with someone to help! Contact Us Affordability and Housing Market Trends Lakewood Ranch's real estate market is known for its stability and long-term growth potential. While property prices may vary based on location, size, and amenities, the community offers options to suit various budgets. As the demand for quality housing in Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, the area has experienced a steady appreciation in property values. The in-demand aspect of Lakewood Ranch can certainly be seen as a positive for prospective homebuyers and investors. Lakewood Ranch's real estate market continues to project long term growth and sustainability. Tips for Prospective Homebuyers Evaluate your priorities: Before beginning your home search, list your priorities, such as the number of bedrooms, outdoor space, school proximity, and community amenities. What do you imagine your daily life will look like in Lakewood Ranch? This will help you focus on finding a property that meets your needs and preferences. Research neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch has unique characteristics and amenities. Before committing to a property, it's crucial to research the different neighborhoods to find one that aligns with your lifestyle preferences, budget, and desired amenities. The "Lakewood Ranch Villages" page on our website breaks down each neighborhood within Lakewood Ranch, showcasing current homes for sale and detailing all the amenities that are included. It's a great resource to get started familiarizing yourself with the various options. Work with a local real estate agent: (PS... That's us.) We're proud to be one of the top rated real estate agents in Lakewood Ranch thanks to our years of experience assisting clients in this amazing community, and being a part of it, ourselves. We truly live, work, and play here in Lakewood Ranch. It's crucial to have someone represent you that that specializes in Lakewood Ranch and can provide valuable insight into the community, housing market trends, and available properties. You'll benefit from professional guidance throughout the homebuying process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Reach out using your preferred contact method. We are here to help. Contact Us One final tip... Be prepared for a competitive market: With the growing popularity of Lakewood Ranch, the real estate market here can be competitive. It's essential to be prepared to act quickly when you find a property that meets your criteria. Take the necessary steps to get your finances in order. If paying cash, be sure to have proof of funds available to accompany an offer to purchase. If you intend to finance the purchase, we can connect you with local mortgage professionals to obtain a pre-approval in advance, so you're ready to make a firm offer when you find the right home. By following the tips outlined above and working with an experienced local real estate agent (that’ us :-) , you'll be well on your way to discovering the perfect property here in Lakewood Ranch! Parting Thoughts: Lakewood Ranch offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community that sets it apart from other residential areas. We hope this ultimate guide has inspired you to discover all that Lakewood Ranch offers and consider making it your own personal paradise. Our goal is to welcome, assist, and guide future Lakewood Ranch residents, helping them find the right home and neighborhood that aligns with their priorities and values. Whether you're looking to relocate, invest in real estate, or simply enjoy a visit, there is truly something for everyone here in Lakewood Ranch. So, give us a call at 941-348-2653 or send us an email [email protected] We'd love to chat about Lakewood Ranch and are here to help!
There are so many great options in Lakewood Ranch to eat & drink, or just hang out with friends.
From a full sit-down meal, to healthy options you can take with you, Main Street Lakewood Ranch offers a bit of everything. This one street has such an array of cuisine that we wanted to highlight all of the options for food & drink on Main Street Lakewood Ranch in a fun walking tour. So, let’s take a walk down Main Street. Station 400 – We start on the corner at Station 400. This local family owned breakfast and lunch spot has two locations. The LWR one is inspired by a railroad depot building, similar to their downtown Sarasota location, but with a modern feel. From pancakes and mimosas, to delicious sandwiches and beer, Station 400 offers something for everyone! Our personal faves: French Toast Bites and the Station 400 Chipotle Club Sandwich Learn more about Station 400 here: http://www.station400.com/lwr-main-street
Starbucks – This one is pretty self-explanatory, I think. There are quick food & snack options, coffee, tea, and other beverages. Also, you can use free WiFi and a spot to sit and do work or read a book while you watch the Main Street traffic go by. You can also order on the app and pick it up in the store for a quick coffee run!
Our personal faves: Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte with Bacon & Gruyere Egg Bites GROVE – –Grove Lakewood Ranch features locally inspired dishes with fresh ingredients and happy hour deals daily from 3-7PM. Their vibe is Contemporary American cuisine, with house-made specialties including dishes like seared Ahi Tuna Nachos and Beef Brisket Poutine. Their patio is huge, with gas fire places and sofas, and this is usually a pretty happening spot so they do take reservations. Grove Lakewood Ranch also has a large ballroom to host events, such as Yoga in the Ballroom and Wines Around the World pairing nights. They also offer brunch on Saturdays & Sundays! Our personal faves: Brisket Sliders and the Grouper Piccata Learn more about the Grove here: https://www.grovelwr.com/ 
GROVE Lakewood Ranch - Wines Around the World Event
Inkawasi – Inkawasi is a Peruvian Restaurant in Lakewood Ranch offering traditional Peruvian food and tapas. They have food specials and wine & beer specials during happy hour Monday to Friday from 3-7PM. The food and service is always incredible, with an emphasis on a unique fusion of flavors from Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have live music on the weekends and recommend making a reservation if you plan to dine here on Friday or Saturday nights. They also offer Wine Pairing dinners and those are really a special treat! Our personal faves: The beef empanadas (SO GOOD) and the Tallarin Saltado / Flamed noodles. Michael is more adventurous and loves the Octopus in Anticucho Sauce / Pulpo a la Parrilla. Learn more about Inkawasi here: https://inkawasirestaurant.com/ 
Inkawasi Lakewood Ranch - Beef Empanadas and Ceviches
Remy’s on Main – This is a relatively new family-owned restaurant and bar, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu offers a modern take on American comfort food along with a few family delicacies, including a bulgogi benedict, a Korean twist on eggs benedict. Remy’s has live music outside occasionally and the owners are usually around to make sure you have an amazing experience. Our personal faves: Bulgogi Nachos and the NY Strip Learn more about Remy’s here: https://www.remysonmain.com/
Sofia’s- This is also a relatively new spot on Main Street, offering modern Mediterranean cuisine in a really cool setting. This building was formerly a teaching kitchen as part of the USF Culinary program, so the new owners left the open kitchen and transformed the space into a dining experience reminiscent of being welcomed into a home. All of the ingredients are local and there are daily specials inspired by the season. They have live music and special events planned periodically, and feature a private room for parties or cooking classes you can book separately! Our personal faves: I could list a few… Burrata, Arancina, Salmon Limoncello, Pappardelle with Prawns & Scallops…this is making me hungry! Learn more about Sofia’s here: https://www.sofiasrestaurantlwr.com/ Hana- Hana Sushi Lounge is a great spot for traditional Asian cuisine with a modern take on the execution, as well as some fusion flavors. They offer sushi roll and drink specials in the bar Monday-Thursday from 5-6:30PM for Happy Hour, and a new secret cocktail each day (ask about it)! Their menu is extensive, so you are sure to find something for everyone. Our personal faves: Sizzling Teriyaki and the LWR Roll :) Learn more about Hana here: https://hanasushiloungelwr.com/ Casa Maya– Casa Maya Mexican Restaurant has delicious authentic Mexican food with some modern cuisine. They offer discounted Margaritas during happy hour, along with beer and wine specials, daily from 4-6PM. This is a great spot to sit outside or in and enjoy a bite! We love visiting Casa Maya! Our personal faves: The nachos are my personal favorite and everything is so fresh when you order it. Michael loves their Mole sauce, which is not easy to make (believe me, I have tried!) And of course, the margs! Learn more about Casa Maya here: https://casamayalwr.com/ 
Casa Maya Mexican Restaurant Lakewood Ranch
McGrath’s- Every community needs an Irish pub (in my opinion), and McGrath’s Irish Ale House is a great one to check out! Experience a true taste of Ireland with their mix of family recipe inspired dishes and traditional European offerings.
They have happy hour every day from 3-6 with terrific food & drink specials. They also have events throughout the week, like Ladies Night, Bingo, and live Irish music. McGrath’s hosts a street-wide St. Patrick’s Day event every year that you won’t want to miss! Our personal faves: Scotch Egg, Corned Beef Rueben, and McGrath’s Smoked Old Fashioned is really fun! Learn more about McGrath’s here: https://www.mcgrathsirish.com/ Pinchers – Pinchers on Main Street, Lakewood Ranch is a small Florida-based Family owned seafood restaurant chain. They have a large menu featuring many seafood items and Florida classics. They also offer some great deals with Happy Hour food and 2-for-1 drink specials from 3-6PM every day. Their covered patio is a terrific place to dine, rain or shine! Our personal faves: Pincher’s Crab Cake and Grouper Tacos Learn more about Pincher’s here: https://www.pinchersusa.com/ Ed’s- Ed’s Tavern in Lakewood Ranch is a sports pub and a great place to catch a game. They have a large menu with something for everyone and great Happy Hour deals daily from 4-7PM. They also do live music on weekends, various Trivia nights, special sporting event nights (Go Lightning!), and more! There is always something to do at Ed’s! Our personal faves: Fried Pickles and the Big Cowboy Burger Learn more about Ed’s here: https://www.edslakewoodranch.com/ 
Fine Wine on Main – Fine Wine & Tastings on Main is a wine bar and shop with over 450 wines and snacks, too. They offer Happy Hour specials on glasses of wine Tuesday to Friday from 5-7PM. They also hold monthly wine tastings, wine walks, and other special events which are always a blast. You can also buy a few bottles to take home and enjoy later!
Our personal faves: We love the charcuterie combination board! Paired with a few red wines when we make our own tasting, of course. The wines change frequently so there is always something new to try! Learn more about Fine Wine & Tastings here: https://www.finewineandtastings.com 
Fine Wine & Tastings on Main, Lakewood Ranch
Main Street Trattoria – Main Street Trattoria in Lakewood Ranch is a casual Italian restaurant with bar bites and drink specials daily from 3-7PM and Sunday all day. They have a cool service window to the outside and seats along the sidewalk where you can listen to live music on certain nights.
Our personal faves: Margherita Flatbread and Gnocchi Vodka Learn more about MST here:https://mainstreettrattoria.com/ Paris Bistrot – Take a trip to France, right here on Main Street when you dine at Paris Bistrot. The setting feels like a true Parisian café, and the food it consistently delicious. This is always one of our favorite date night spots. Definitely worth a visit! Our personal faves: French Onion Soup, Canard à l’Orange, St Marteen Crepe Learn more about Paris Bistrot here: https://www.parisbistrotlwr.com/ Craft – Craft Growlers to Go serves cold pints, tasting flights, beer to go, and delicious food on Main Street. They have a huge selection of beer on tap that is always changing, plus some other options for the non-beer drinkers. They offer great bites and snacks, pizzas, sandwiches, and more. Grab a game to play and stay awhile, or catch some live music while you sip. We love a stop at Craft! Our personal faves: The Cuban sandwich and deviled eggs. Learn more about Craft here: https://www.craftgrowlerstogo.com/ 
Craft Growlers to go Lakewood Ranch
Power Meals- Power Meals is newer to Main Street and offers a quick service option for those on the go. They create delicious and healthy paleo meals prepared for you, so you can preorder, grab and go, or get an event catered. The menu changes weekly and you can order online to pick up what you want.
Full disclosure- we haven’t personally tried this one yet! Learn more about Power Meals here: https://mypowermeals.com/ ------------------------ With all of these amazing options on Main Street, you certainly won’t go hungry! We didn’t even begin to describe all of the other incredible restaurants throughout the Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota area. If we did, this would be a VERY long post. Needless to say, there are endless options for great food in the Lakewood Ranch area! For more personal recommendations or any questions about Lakewood Ranch, contact us! We are always happy to help! 941-348-2653 [email protected] 
We all know life can get pretty hectic, right? Juggling work, family, and some well-deserved me-time isn't always a walk in the park. That's why high-quality daycare centers are so vital. They're kind of like superheroes for busy families, offering a safe and super fun space for the kids to learn and grow, while giving parents that much-needed peace of mind to tackle whatever life throws at them. Read on if you're searching for the best daycare centers in and around Lakewood Ranch. We've got you covered. What Should You Look For When Selecting A Daycare Center? When you are looking for the perfect daycare center, what exactly should you be looking for? Consider the following:
Top 5 Daycare Centers in and around Lakewood Ranch Based on the most important factors that parents often consider, we have listed the top 5 daycare centers in and around Lakewood Ranch. 1. CapoKids Preschool Well-known for its friendly atmosphere and emphasis on play-based learning, CapoKids Preschool is a family-owned daycare center for kids between 6 weeks and 5 years old. They also offer a martial arts program, which sets them apart from other daycare centers. The center's unique features include a low student-teacher ratio, individualized attention, and a home-like atmosphere.
Here’s what the Tepper family had to say about CapoKids Preschool (This is a real review on Google):
2. Primrose School At Primrose School, your child can benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that caters to their needs from as young as 6 weeks old to 5 years of age. The center stands out for its research-based curriculum, balanced learning approach, and emphasis on character development.
3. The Goddard School The Goddard School provides an exceptional play-based curriculum for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. At this center, your child can enjoy a unique learning experience with a focus on STEAM education (that's science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), that helps in fostering their creativity and building their confidence. The center's curriculum is designed to give children a well-rounded learning experience.
4. The Learning Experience The Learning Experience sets itself apart with its proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum, which emphasizes early literacy, language development, and cognitive growth. Catering to kids aged 6 weeks to 5 years, the center focuses on character building. They take pride in providing a secure and comforting environment for children, which is evident from the glowing reviews of parents.
5. Kids R Kids Kids R Kids is a large, well-established daycare center that offers a comprehensive curriculum for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. The center focuses on STEAM education, a balanced approach to learning, and is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Comparing Costs and Affordability of Daycare Centers in Lorraine Lakes Now that we have listed the top 5 daycare centers in the area, let us also discuss costs and affordability. It is important to find a place that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket, yet also does not compromise on quality. Average Cost of Daycare in Lakewood Ranch The average cost of daycare can range between $800 and $1,200 per month in the Lakewood Ranch area . These are just ballpark figures, and costs can vary from one daycare center to another, as well on certain factors that we've mentioned below. Factors affecting Daycare Costs
Tips for Finding Affordable Daycare Options
Questions You Should Ask When Checking Out A Prospective Daycare Center Here are some questions you should be asking when checking out a daycare center.
Conclusion Finding the right daycare center may seem like a challenging affair, but, as a parent, it certainly is worth your while since it sets the stage for your little one's future growth and development. Plus, a well-chosen daycare center can significantly alleviate the daily pressures faced by busy parents. As you search for that perfect daycare near Lakewood Ranch, don't forget to consider factors like licensing, staff qualifications, curriculum, safety, cleanliness, and, of course, those all-important parent reviews. Also consider this - Will the daycare center be able to keep up with your child's changing needs as they grow older? Are there opportunities for them to socialize and learn, and prepare for their future academic and social endeavors? And while costs can be a big consideration, remember that there are ways to find affordable options without sacrificing quality. Happy daycare hunting, and here's to a bright, fun-filled future for your little superstar and your family here in Lakewood Ranch, Florida! 941-348-2653 [email protected] What's the Commute Like From Azario To Nearby Cities like Sarasota, Saint Petersburg, and Tampa?3/23/2023  
Esplanade at Azario is a luxurious, amenity-rich golf community in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Even with all the amazing, self-contained amenities within Esplanade at Azario, we highly recommend you venture out and explore all the nearby culture hubs in cities like Sarasota, Bradenton, Saint Petersburg, and Tampa. So, what’s the commute like if you plan to travel, work, or dine in one of these cities? Let’s take a closer look! How Easy is Commuting from Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch? If you are heading over to Main Street in Sarasota, commuting from Esplanade at Azario is very convenient since it is just 15 miles northeast of downtown Sarasota. Depending on traffic conditions, you’ll typically need 25-30 minutes by car to reach the restaurant and theater district on Main Street from Esplanade. In addition, Esplanade at Azario is also conveniently located for those who need to travel to St. Petersburg and Tampa. Its location near major highways, including I-75, I-275, and US-301, provides easy access for commuters to these cities. While it is easiest to drive from Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, with some advance planning, you can also choose from private transportation options and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. With either option, plan your commute accordingly and allow a little extra time for potential delays (a red light here and there could tack on an extra 3 minutes each! ). But no worries, you'll enjoy the commute. The roads are lined with palm trees, the sky is sunny… you’ll get used to it. As we mentioned, there are so many amenities to support your lifestyle within the gates of Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, and you can absolutely experience all of life’s pleasures without leaving the gates! Sarasota and other major cities are just a short drive away if you are looking to enjoy a more urban lifestyle, premium shopping, and amazing dining options, providing a perfect blend of lifestyles. Healthcare and the Commute from Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch A huge part of relocating is finding new doctors. We get it because we did it ourselves! It can feel daunting to contemplate where to go, who to trust, and how far away a good medical facility is. Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch offers easy access to several healthcare facilities in the surrounding area and major hospitals and clinics in Sarasota. The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is just a few miles from the community, providing residents easy access to primary care physicians, urgent care, imaging services, and more. For major procedures and medical specialists, residents can also visit the nearby Manatee Memorial Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital. These hospitals provide various services, including cancer care, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, and more. At Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, you can enjoy living in a peaceful and serene environment while having the convenience of top-notch healthcare facilities just a short drive away. What Are the Educational Opportunities near Esplanade at Azario? We get calls all the time from prospective home buyers who place a high importance on the quality of the local schools here in Lakewood Ranch. Esplanade at Azario is ideal for families with school children as many schools and colleges are nearby. The neighborhood is zoned to Manatee County schools; all A-rated and in high demand. Some excellent schools near Azario include Gullet Elementary School, Mona Jain Middle School, and Lakewood Ranch High School. Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy is a nearby charter school as well serving grades K-12. For higher education, LECOM College of Medicine is on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, and several other colleges like the University of South Florida, and the State College of Florida are nearby. What Other Factors Affect the Commute from Esplanade at Azario? Florida's weather conditions can significantly impact the commute from Esplanade at Azario. If you’ve seen some of our YouTube videos, especially the one we did about SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton airport, then you have seen what heavy summer rains look like here! During the summer, there is a higher chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain. It is always important that you check the weather conditions before heading out and adjust your commute time accordingly. Continued Growth near Azario Our area and the road infrastructure continues to grow. 44th Avenue East, which borders Azario to the south, has plans to be extended east and west. The westerly extension of this road will be a bridge over Interstate 75, connecting East and West County and providing a new route to several of Bradenton and Sarasota’s beaches. This will be a game changer for the entire region! Parting Thoughts Esplanade at Azario provides an unmatched lifestyle with access to world class golf, top-notch amenities, and social activities. Its convenient location close to major cities like Sarasota, Bradenton, Saint Petersburg, and Tampa, allows access to a world of culture and opportunities. From Azario, it is easy and convenient to commute for work, study, healthcare, and enjoyment due to the short distance and access to the highway. Want to explore the opportunity to own your dream home at the Esplanade at Azario? Our extensive experience helping clients find their dream homes in Lakewood Ranch has earned us a top-rated reputation. Give us a call at 941-348-2653, or send an email to [email protected], and let's discuss how we can assist you in finding your perfect home.  Retiring in a golf community can be a dream come true for active seniors and retirees. Golfing provides not just an excellent way to stay active and healthy, but also opportunities to forge social connections and lasting friendships. But maybe you’re not ready to make the leap into a 55+ community? Are you looking for a golf community in Southwest Florida that caters to all age demographics, while still giving you that retirement-paradise vibe? Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is the perfect option.  Esplanade at Azario boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed to highlight the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The course offers challenging but playable terrain, pristine fairways, and various hazards that will test your skills. But what truly separates Esplanade at Azario is the incredible value you get with a bundled golf home. Many private golf clubs in the Lakewood Ranch area have limited open space for new members, requiring significant down payments and monthly dues. At Esplanade at Azario, the golf membership is included in the purchase price of your home, making it an unbeatable value. Furthermore, the HOA fees provide access to all amenities, including golf, without additional costs aside from a per round minimal cart fee. (note: there are some homes within Azario that do not include a golf membership) With unbeatable value, excellent golfing facilities, and a wide range of retiree-friendly amenities, Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch has everything covered. A Quick Overview of Esplanade at Azario Nestled in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, Esplanade at Azario is a picturesque golfing village that offers its residents an array of world-class amenities. The community has been designed to cater to the needs of those who love to stay active and socialize. Esplanade at Azario is spread over 1,000 acres of lush greenery, with plenty of open space and scenic water features. The community's centerpiece is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by award-winning architect Chris Wilczynski, who has incorporated classic Florida golf course design elements. The community offers many amenities besides golf, including a tiki bar, culinary center, restaurant, resort-style pool and spa, fitness center, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a fire pit. The community's clubhouse is a hub of social activity, with plenty of events and activities organized by the social lifestyle committee. Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch also features walking trails, parks, and plenty of green space for outdoor activities. Located in Lakewood Ranch, one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the country, Esplanade at Azario is in a prime location. The community is just a short drive from Sarasota and Bradenton, as well as St. Petersburg and Tampa, which all offer world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Golf is a low-impact sport that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. It provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Golf also provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and Florida sunshine . The other key benefit is the sense of community and social opportunities that come with the golf lifestyle. Esplanade at Azario offers a wide range of activities and events organized by the social lifestyle committee. Residents can participate in everything from fitness classes and art workshops to holiday parties, providing plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends and neighbors.
In addition to the championship course, Esplanade at Azario also offers a variety of practice facilities. Golfers can practice putting on an expansive putting green or work on their drives on a grass turf driving range. Chipping and bunker practice areas are also available for those looking to perfect their short game. If you’re looking for more than just a casual round of golf, Esplanade at Azario hosts golf events and tournaments. These events provide an excellent opportunity to test your skills against others in the community and make new friends. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, the golf courses and facilities at Esplanade at Azario offer a fantastic place to play and improve your game.
The community is designed to promote active and healthy living, with numerous amenities and activities to suit residents of all ages and interests. The community's wellness center is a hub for health and fitness activities, offering a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, and aerobics room. There is also an on-site spa where residents can relax and unwind with a range of pampering treatments. Social activities are a vital part of life at Esplanade at Azario. The community's dedicated social lifestyle committee plans events and activities to keep residents engaged and connected. Something is always happening in the community, from book clubs and card games to wine tastings and cooking classes. Lifelong learning opportunities are also available through the community's continuing education program, which offers courses on various topics from art and music to history and science.  Real Estate Options and Opportunities in Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch A wide range of homes are available at Esplanade at Azario, including single family homes, single family villas, and paired villas. There are nine floor plans for new construction, each offering different lifestyle options to suit residents' needs and preferences. The homes are designed to be low maintenance, providing residents with more time to enjoy the community's amenities and activities. There are resale options occasionally, though they don’t often appear since everyone who lives in Esplanade at Azario loves it there! Our Parting Thoughts Retiring in a golf community offers numerous benefits, including a healthy lifestyle, social opportunities, and a sense of community. Esplanade at Azario, located in Lakewood Ranch, Southwest Florida, is an ideal retirement destination for golf enthusiasts. In addition to its 18 hole championship golf course, Esplanade at Azario is a hub for wellness, social activities, and lifelong learning opportunities, - it is a great place to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Thinking about retiring at Esplanade? Reach out to Sold By Chenkus today! We’re one of the top-rated real estate agents in Lakewood Ranch for good reason, with years of experience helping clients find their Lakewood Ranch dream home. Give us a call: let’s talk about starting your retirement journey! 941-348-2653 [email protected]
 Today we're going to answer one of the most common questions that we hear and that most real estate agents hear from just about everybody, and that's: How is the market? Is the market hot? Is it slow? Are things selling? How quickly are they selling? I pulled some key data in a very specific neighborhood that gives a great measure for how Lakewood Ranch is doing overall. We will take it back six months from the last quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of 2023, and show you what's going on. Looking At Metrics For Country Club A great way to figure out what's happening in Lakewood Ranch is to focus on one neighborhood in particular, and that's Country Club. The reason that I say that is Country Club is a fully built out neighborhood. There is no more new construction there, and it's very, very large. It's one of the biggest neighborhoods in the entire area. So by taking metrics of the entire neighborhood for the last six months, we can see how resale is doing, what the price point is, the average price per square foot, what's selling, and what's not. The Absorption Rate At Country Club And then there's this little measure that the real estate industry uses called the absorption rate, and that is going to tell us how quickly homes sell and whether it's a buyer's market or a seller's market. I looked up absorption rate calculator in Google and found this article on Rocket Mortgage's website, and it's pretty self-explanatory...
Link to full article A market with an absorption rate above 20% is typically called a seller's market and below 20% is a buyer's market. Another way to look at it is how long does it take to sell the current inventory? Generally speaking, six month's worth of inventory is considered a balanced market. It's neither buyer nor seller. What Does The Current Market Tell Us? The goal here is to figure out that number, as it relates to Country Club in Lakewood Ranch. In Country Club, right now there are 33 active listings, 33 properties total that are for sale. That includes primarily single family, but there are some villas, which are side by side units. There are also some townhomes or condos. For the purpose of this exercise, we are using all the current listings. The average sale is a three bed, three bath house, 2,755 square feet. The average list price of these active listings is $1.14 million, and the average days on market as of today is 60. Now let's take a look at what's currently pending... all properties that are for sale right now within Country Club that have an executed sales contract, they are "under contract". Going back six months, 180 days.. we have 17 homes in Country Club under deposit. The average is 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,700 square feet, which sounds familiar to the active listings. $1.13 million is the average list price of those homes that are under contract.. S just under $400 a square foot, and it looks like the average days to contract is between 40 and 50. Canceled And Expired Listings All right, now let's look at canceled, withdrawn, and expired listings. There's a total of 20, from the last quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023, there's only 20, which is not much. The expireds tell a better story of failure, for lack of a better word because those properties tried to sell, and did not give up. They just didn't sell. Canceled and withdrawn listings could be a little bit different and might have unique circumstances of the seller; maybe they decided they just didn't want to sell any longer and took the property off the market. But for this exercise, I'm not going to differentiate. We're just going to count this number: 20 total properties that did not sell over the last six months that were on the market for sale. Pulling It All Together: What Do These Numbers Tell Us? Now let's look at the sold properties over the last six months in Country Club... Okay, so we have 55 total properties. The average was a 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,678 square foot Average list price just under $1.1 million Average close price looks like it was just under $1.05 million. This all seems pretty consistent with the other data. The average days on market shows 42 to contract and 92 days to the closing. All very good statistics for a seller. The Real Markey Measure: The Absorption Rate - Q1 of 2023 Now, let's dig a little deeper into those numbers and put them in relation to each other so we could see what the absorption rate is. To calculate the absorption rate, we take the total number of homes sold over the last six months in Country Club... which was 55, and divide that by six months. (55/6 = 9.16) So 9.16, or just over nine homes per month sold in Country Club over the last six months. Currently, there are 17 active listings. So... The final question is "How long will take to sell those 17 homes given the absorption rate of 9 homes per month?" The current 17 homes will only take two months to sell! Another way to calculate the absorption rate is to put it into a percentage. And 9 divided by 17... ... puts the absorption rate at 53%. Typically if the absorption rate is between 15 to 20%, that would be a more neutral market. Anything over 20% indicates a seller’s market. We are at 53%, so the Lakewood Ranch market is still seriously HOT and not slowing down. Lakewood Ranch: Upwards Growth Trajectory In A HOT Seller’s Market The proof is in the data. Sometimes it's easier just to focus on the numbers, which is why I wanted to do this exercise with you. Lakewood Ranch is going to continue to grow, especially east and south. We're currently only 65% built out, so there are options and opportunities for new construction and there's plenty of options for resale. If you're considering a move to Lakewood Ranch, give us a call. We'd be happy to chat with you, provide some guidance, answer any questions that you have, and we can work together to find the perfect home for you. 941-348-2653 [email protected] 
VIEW THE VIDEO BELOW FOR OUR LATEST AUGUST 2024 UPDATE!
Below is an archived post from 2023 that covers different membership tiers and more details, but be sure to refer above for the most recent pricing structure!
In today's post, we wanted take an opportunity to talk about the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, which is a private membership only club that includes golf, a fitness membership, and also a social membership.
If you want more information on the membership tiers and the 2023 fees, click the button at the bottom of this post to download the fee chart... We've had a lot of questions about this recently, so we're going to dive into that in this video and explain each tier and also where things stand in terms of membership... the when, if and how much it would cost for you to join. Where is the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club? First, let's talk about what the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is, where it is, what it entails. One of the biggest misconceptions is that it's a private golf club and membership club for the communities of Country Club and Country Club East ONLY, and that's not the case. It is open for anyone to join.
What does the club offer?
There are three different golf courses. Two of them are in Country Club, which is considered the 'original' country club. Some people call it Country Club West. And then we have one golf course within Country Club East. You have 20 tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a 20,000 square foot fitness center, Eight lane Junior Olympic pool and one resort style pool as well. There's fitness classes that are included in the membership. In the Country Club East portion, there's an addition to the fitness where they built 16 additional pickleball courts, which is all the rage lately. Total pickleball courts is 20... 16 in Country Club East 4 in Country Club. And remember, you don't have to live in these communities in order to be able to join. 
What are the Country Club Membership Levels? So top tier, we have the Premier Golf membership. The second tier, is the Sports membership, and then there is the Social membership. So you could do social only, you could do sports which would include the social, or you could do golf which includes all three; Golf, sports, social, The social membership gives you access to the restaurants and the bars that are in both of the respective facilities. In Country Club, they have their main facility, banquet Hall, restaurant Bar, cigar Room. In Country Club East, we have The Lodge, which is the main restaurant and bar. Both communities are gated, and if you join the membership, then you get a special fob that allows you to enter in and out of the gates to access the club. How much does it cost to be a member? Okay, now let's talk money, because this is the part that everybody's been asking. What does it cost? How do you join? What does it take? Is there a wait list? Premier Golf membership, which gives you access to all three courses, plus the fitness, plus the social... The initiation fee is $45,000. It is a non-refundable initiation fee. The monthly dues at this point as of 2023 are $973 a month for a family membership. Or, if you are a single person joining one person only, it would be $826 a month. What you would need to do in order to get on the wait list for the golf membership as of right now? You would put down half of the initiation fee. And it is non-refundable. That puts you on the wait list. So we're talking about a little over $24,000 with the taxes and the fees. Joining the second tier (Sports), which would get you the fitness and social membership, requires a $12,000 non-refundable initiation fee (plus tax). The monthly dues for fitness/social are $315 for a family membership. How does the wait list work? So let's say you put yourself on the wait list for Golf and you put your $28,000 down... ... and you also say, "I want to join the sports and enjoy the social aspect as well"... So you pay $12,000 down to become a Sports member. When your name on the Golf waitlist comes up, you will only owe the remainder of whatever you've already paid. So it's, it's about $24,000 left for the final piece of that initiation fee. If you're a member of the fitness and social, they're going to credit you the $12,000 towards that balance that you have already paid. It's a nice setup so that if you join the fitness and then your time finally comes for golf, you're not double paying. What about just the social membership? Now the final tier is the social only membership, that also is on a wait list right now. That's about 34 people on that list. The social membership just as it is, is $5,000 initiation non refundable, plus there's tax with that. And then the monthly dues are $138 per family. There is no single membership, so that's it. It's $138 per household. There are no minimum spends at the restaurants or the bars, and that's different from other clubs like say Esplanade or River Strand, where there are minimum spends to be a part of the membership. For more information on the fees and membership tiers, download the forms here, or contact us with additional questions! Things change often, so check back with us if you'd like a more up-to-date status on all this information! Cheers! 941-348-2653 [email protected] -SOLD- BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE WAIT! Set on a quiet cul-de-sac street in the Lakewood Ranch village of ‘Indigo’, this 4 bedroom POOL HOME can be yours today. Indigo is conveniently located adjacent to A-RATED elementary and middle SCHOOLS, Bob Gardner Park, and two Publix grocery plazas. Indigo provides its residents with robust amenities including gated entry, two community pools, a fitness center, pickleball courts, playground, sidewalks throughout, and an on-site lifestyle director to plan events for residents. This newly constructed “Heritage” is a 2 STORY, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car garage home, featuring a main floor owner's suite and a list of fantastic upgrades! As you enter the main foyer, your eye will turn to the spacious Great Room with TRAY CEILING and sliders that lead out to the screened in POOL and LANAI. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living space makes for a designer feel and cohesive look throughout. The eat-in kitchen features a brand-new GAS RANGE and dishwasher, and a walk-in PANTRY for additional storage. With room for 3 or more at the oversized ISLAND, and a café area adjacent, you have the perfect seating arrangement to enjoy dinner and entertain. The MAIN FLOOR OWNER'S SUITE has sliding glass doors that lead out to the EXTENDED COVERED LANAI, dual sink vanities in the bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a large corner shower. Once upstairs, you have a large LOFT SPACE that can be utilized in a multitude of ways… think recreation room, second living room, study, or flex space. The three remaining bedrooms are also located upstairs, with a second full bathroom featuring dual vanities. Additional windows have been added to bedrooms 2 and 3 bringing in the Florida sunshine and extra natural light. The oversized backyard is pie-shaped, facing a landscaped lush berm, creating a private oasis. The brand new saltwater POOL and screen enclosure, with its large covered outdoor living space, are an incredible find in today’s market! LOW HOA fees of only $261 per month include all the amenities Indigo provides, plus your exterior lawn maintenance and irrigation!  *Guide Now Updated for 2023! Download your free Guide here to start your search, today! When you decide to move to an area like Lakewood Ranch there are a lot of choices as far as different neighborhoods, different types of homes; they have different amenities, there are different fees associated with them and all of that information can be overwhelming if you're not familiar with it. So, we've developed a guide to help you through this process and that's what I'm going to go over today. I'm going to share with you how to download this free guide and how you can use it to help narrow down your choices and find the best fit for you within Lakewood Ranch! Anytime you decide to move to a new place you probably start by looking on the internet... looking up different cities, towns, neighborhoods, possibly even different states. If you’ve done all of that exploring and research, maybe you have narrowed it down to Lakewood Ranch, Florida. What you may not realize is, Lakewood Ranch is twice the size of Manhattan and bigger than Disney World, so just choosing that location still leaves you a LOT of space to figure out where you want to live. One of the questions we get asked most often from buyers looking in this area is: How do I know which neighborhood to choose? Well, there are a few factors that go into that and that's what we're going to help you work through with this guide to narrow down the focus and choose the right village in Lakewood Ranch. 1. Type of House? The first question you want to consider depends on the type of house. Do you only want New Construction? Do you want to build from scratch? Or are you okay with a resale home in a neighborhood? (Now remember, Lakewood Ranch is only 27 years old so the oldest home was built in the mid 90’s and isn’t too old, just needs some modernization) In the first part of this village guide, we break down all of the villages in Lakewood Ranch based on whether they are currently building and still have home sites available. And then the resale villages where new construction is complete, but there are opportunities to buy. Watch the two videos we provide links to in order to get a feel for the various villages. Depending on those videos, you would choose the villages that make the most sense for you based on which type of home you're looking for. 2. Amenities? The next important question to consider is: which amenities are most important to you? Most villages offer some type of amenities, but some Villages offer much more than others. Some include golf, some only have a pool, so knowing those differences will help you determine which ones might work best for what you're looking for.. If you want to golf everyday, then a golf community where the HOA covers your membership might be a great option for you. That would be our Esplanade villages and Lakewood National Golf Club. If that is not on the top of your list, then focus on the villages without golf memberships to keep your fees down. As a side note, the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club is a members-only club that you can join from anywhere, so if you want golf or tennis, but it isn’t available in the village you love most, you can always join the club separately and have that option. 3. HOA Fees? We also share an HOA comparison chart so you can better understand how costly your fees will be each month and take that into consideration as you narrow down your choices. Some villages have fees under $200/month and some are well over $350/month, so that should factor in to your budget. Which leads us to the next question.... 4. What is your Budget? Knowing the price range you can comfortably stay within is very important and may immediately rule out some of the villages. We share a chart showing the different pricing brackets of the villages to help you understand which ones will make the most sense to focus in on. *If you are worried about getting pre-approved too early because you don’t plan to move for a while, I still recommend talking to a lender in order to get a better idea of the price range you want to look in. This is an immensely important factor, so the sooner you understand your numbers, the easier it will be to find the right location for your future home* After reviewing all of those comparisons, you should be able to narrow down the village choices to a Top 5 List (or Top 3). These are villages that will have the type of home you want, with the amenities you want, in the price range you are looking for. Once you have that list, you are ready to contact a realtor, plan a visit, and start looking for your home in Lakewood Ranch! We are happy to help you with this process and lead your search, so please contact us to share the villages you are most interested in within Lakewood Ranch! Download your free Guide here in order to start your search, today! Contact us! Email: [email protected] Phone: (941) 348-2653  Welcome home to 7531 Windy Hill Cove, Lakewood Ranch Listed for $1,049,000 This elegant 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offers the perfect SPLIT FLOORPLAN in one of Lakewood Ranch's most desirable neighborhoods; Country Club East. The Neal Signature-built residence offers over 2,500 square feet of living space and a beautiful outdoor lanai space with heated PRIVATE POOL and LAKE VIEWS. As you step inside, you immediately notice the open great room leading to a beautiful chef's kitchen, with gas cooktop, large SPACIOUS ISLAND, quartz countertops, and separate breakfast nook looking out to the lanai and lake view. The engineered hardwood flooring flows throughout are a key design feature of the space. This “Verona II’ plan by Neal Signature perfectly captures the Florida sunshine making a light, bright, and inviting atmosphere throughout. The right side of the home features 2 bedrooms and a DEN/OFFICE, as well as two full bathrooms and a laundry room with extra storage. The sizeable owner's suite located on the opposite side of the home, features TWO WALK-IN CUSTOM CLOSETS, a large bathroom with DUAL VANITIES, and a soaking tub. Lounge outside on the peaceful lanai while soaking up the sun and lake views. Grill at the outdoor kitchen or just enjoy the HEATED POOL with a recently re-screened cage. The two-car garage is epoxy coated and includes convenient custom storage options. “Windy Hill” is a quaint CUL-DE-SAC neighborhood within Country Club East with close proximity to one of the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club’s restaurant facilities, “The Lodge”, its pickleball courts, and one of its three golf courses (all available through separate membership which is not a requirement to live in CCE). Country Club East ownership provides all residents the use of three community pools, a fitness center, community clubhouses, member coordinated social events, and gated entry. Windy Hill is also in a MAINTENANCE-FREE section of CCE, so your lawn, shrub, and irrigation maintenance are included in the HOA. Conveniently located in an A+ RATED SCHOOL DISTRICT (Willis Elementary, Nolan Middle, Lakewood Ranch High), and a short drive away to Lakewood Ranch Main Street, the new Waterside Place, shopping or dining at UTC, and easy access to I-75, don't miss this opportunity to call Country Club East "home"! 941-348-2653 [email protected] Pools in Florida | What We Did RIGHT and What We Did WRONG! | Our Lakewood Ranch Pool Story1/26/2023 Our pool video that we posted a few years ago had some great information, but a lot has changed since then. It's been four years almost since we bought the house and put the pool in, and we've learned quite a bit. We wanted to share the things that we've learned, the things that we did right, some things that we now wish we did differently, and show you how to take care of the pool here in Florida. So let's go to pool school, part two. Our Pool It's about 26 x 14. It's rectangular, not quite perfect. There are some Bubblers in the sun shelf. We have two bowls in the back that spill water, four jets surrounding the various walls, and then we have two lights as well. We also have a little umbrella holder in the the sun shelf, too. It's a travertine decking, which is a little expensive, but in our opinion, well worth it. And we did a panoramic screen cage, so there is a 30 foot piece in the middle, and then two 10 foot pieces on the side, so you have an uninterrupted view. We designed all of that and we are still happy with those choices! But.... here are some of the decisions we made that maybe we would do differently. The thing that we kind of really wish we did was add a spa. We thought about adding one after the fact and got a price for it, and it was $50,000. Which if you remember our last video, we barely paid more than that for the entire pool.... So pricing has changed a little bit... But the bigger issue was they have to rip up the decking to add it and there was a caveat that it may damage the pool, which would cause us to have to redo the ENTIRE thing, so we decided not to take on that risk. Initially we thought that a hot tub would be pointless since it is hot in Florida, but it would be really nice to use in these winter months when it cools down!  Top 10 Questions - Revisited! In our last video on pools, we answered 10 common questions about Florida pools. We wanted to revisit those with some additional insight, now. 1. Do I really need my own pool? Our answer today: Yes We use our pool all the time, or as often as possible. It's like our retreat at the end of the day. If you have a family, if you have children, kids love the pool. I would say yes, you do need your own pool unless your living situation or the size of your property just doesn't afford it, or you're really close to the community pool and you think you wanna use that. But if you want your own private little oasis, Yes. 2. How much does it cost to add a pool? Well, that certainly has changed in four years... I would say the cost has doubled, if not almost tripled. And I know that's not good news, but it's the truth. Our pool when we went to contract to build it cost us around maybe $75,000. Right now, this is easily a $150,000 to $175,000 pool at this point, simply based on cost of materials, cost of labor, and all the things that have happened over the last few years. 3. Saltwater versus chlorine pools? I would stick with salt water. We love it. It makes it really simple to care for. The water feels nice. Yes, I would stick with salt water, but there's nothing wrong with a chlorine pool. So whichever you decide would work for you is fine! 4. Why do I need a cage? Spend half an hour outside without a cage at sunset, and you'll have that answer. The bugs are relentless, especially at sunset. The cage also just keeps things really clean and simple. So the cage is fantastic and it creates this oasis as added living space. It does give you some SPF protection, as well. 5. How much does it cost to maintain and care for the pool? We do our own pool care, so the only cost is really the chemicals and salt we need to buy a few times a year and the time and energy to clean it.. so maybe $250. Then the decking needs to be power washed because we have Travertine, which is porous and gets algae in it, so a couple hundred dollars a year for that. If you pay a pool company to maintain the pool for you, most likely it will cost between $100-200/month depending on how often they come and what they do.  6. Do pools add value? Absolutely it does. Probably close to a hundred percent of the people we have sold houses to since we made that first video either bought a house with a pool or added one after they closed. If your house is for sale and so is your neighbor's, and the houses are similar but yours has a pool, it's worth more. It's that simple! 7. How much does it cost to heat my pool and what type of heater should I get? The type of heater depends on how you plan to use the pool and if you have a spa or not. We have an electric heat pump, which takes a much longer time to heat the entire pool. In the summer, it's very cost effective because it just maintains the warmer temps, but in the winter it can get costly so we shut it off for a few months. Our friends have a gas heater and a hot tub. If it's really cold in the winter, it can cost about $50 to use that gas heater, but it costs about $10 on average every time he heats up the hot tub. 8. How do I keep the pool safe? The main aspects of this have not changed... there is a safety gate you can put around the pool, or a pool alarm on your doors and windows. If you are not having someone come to maintain the pool for you, keep your lanai screen doors closed and locked, as well. 9. How long does pool equipment last? It is going to vary, and you do have to put some maintenance into the equipment, but here is how ours held up so far: Cage - no issue at all, even in the hurricane thankfully! Heater - the switchboard shorted at one point and AquaCal came out to fix it. Under warranty, luckily, so that was an easy fix. Salt Cell- we have replaced once, also under warranty which was easy Filter - keep it clean and it shouldn't have any issues! 10. Can I use the pool all year round? In theory, yes! But it depends on if you have a spa, heater, or how tolerable you are of colder water. :) Caring for your Florida Pool
Watch the video for a detailed demonstration of each item and some safety tips! Here are the main things you need to do to care for and maintain your Florida pool. 1- Get the water tested to see what the pH is and if anything needs to be added. 2- Clean the filter so it is free from debris and dirt 3- Clean the salt cell so the calcium doesn't build up in there 4- Clean out the skimmer basket in the pool 5- Brush the pool with a metal wire brush occasionally to scrape away any algae build up 6- Vacuum it! **We are by no means pool professionals and are only speaking from our personal experience. If you have questions, or want to chat about moving to Florida, contact us... we are here to help! 941-348-2653 [email protected] #1 – Florida is big… massive If you have been saying “I want to move to Florida” be sure to keep in mind how big Florida really is. It takes 3 hours or so to drive across the state, 13 hours to drive from the Keys to the Panhandle. And those are best case scenarios…. with no traffic. Which leads us to # 2… #2 –The Traffic In the last three years, it seems like everyone including their cousin’s sister’s dog walker have moved to Florida. And with that, we’ve personally noticed an uptick in the traffic. So If you’re planning to drive somewhere here in Florida, give yourself a cushion… For instance, driving to Disney World from where we live takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes door to door. The LAST time we drove to Disney, the ride took 3 hours and 15 minutes! Just the mere mention of I-4, and Floridian’s immediately start to question their life goals… “Maybe I’ll just stay home and clean the bathrooms with a toothbrush”… “I was thinking I’d cut the grass, with scissors all while laying on top of a fire ant mound”…  #3 – The grass kinda sucks Gone are the days of leisurely barefoot walks through beautiful cool, soft bluegrass… There are a couple of common lawn grasses here in Florida… St Augustine grass, which feels like walking on crusted needles. And Zoysia grass, which can be beautiful and lush under your feet, if and when it cooperates… Keeping a nice lawn here, even in the maintenance free communities, is not so simple. #4 – The bugs Inevitably you’ll move here and it will happen… You’ll walk barefoot on that not so nice grass… and then BAM! A fire ant barely bigger than the tip of your pen takes hold in between your toes… And in that moment you’ll contemplate jumping in the pool… Fully clothed… With your phone and your wallet still in your pocket. Seriously, the bugs in Florida are not like the bugs where you are from. And we tell everyone this… they were here first. We’ll never win the war on bugs. We learn to live in harmony and give them their space. And as long as they’re not inside your house… you’re winning.  #5 – Beach Time vs. Mother Nature Ok… let’s talk about Florida and the beaches… If you love sunshine, Florida is the place to be.. let’s look at our area as an example… According to stats from bestplaces.net... ... The Sarasota area gets 251 days of sunshine per year on average. So 69% of the year… Sunny. But what about the other 31% of the year? 106 days, or 29% of the year, it rains. 69 % + 29 % = 98% Apparently the remaining 2% of the year Florida is in total darkness and enters the space-time continuum? The point is, it rains a good amount here too, especially in the summer. And that rain comes down hard and fast… It’s accompanied by thunder and lightning like you can’t imagine… So those outdoor beach plans may not happen quite as often as you think, depending on the weather and the traffic to get there… In Conclusion… Even with all the “negative” stuff we just rattled off… there is no where else we would rather be. We can poke fun at some of this stuff because we live here and truly love it here, regardless. If you’re thinking about making the move, call us. We can share all the pros and cons, but mostly pros! 941-348-2653 [email protected] The Alcove at Waterside Lakewood Ranch Florida | Luxury Waterfront Real Estate - NOW SELLING!12/28/2022 Michael got a phone call from the Neal Signature sales team that we could preview the lots for The Alcove, their newest Waterside at Lakewood Ranch village, and he jumped on it! In this video, we show you the perspective on the ground level of these amazing water views, and share all the details we currently have on The Alcove... -What is it? -Where is it located? -What's nearby? -Who is the builder? -What's Included? ... and anything else we can tell you! Interested in The Alcove? Use the contact form below, or give us a call at 941-348-2653 First up, and always the most important thing in the world of real estate… The Location. The Alcove is located just East of I-75 and west of Lakewood Ranch Blvd. It’s in the Sarasota County portion of Lakewood Ranch and it’s part of the Waterside district. So if you want to think of it in up/down/left/right context, if you're looking at the map of Lakewood Ranch, it’s in the lower left part of the Waterside district. As we made this video, we realized just how convenient this location is! What do we mean by convenience? Here’s what’s nearby…
And then you have three international airports as options nearby. Sarasota International is 18 minutes... Tampa International is 55 minutes... Fort Myers airport is about 70 minutes away. Not to mention, you’re just down the road from the new Center Point plaza that will include high end restaurants, an organic grocery store, banks, gas stations, and more. What a great spot!  So we covered the location, what’s nearby, now let’s talk about,, THE BUILDER: Neal Signature Homes Neal builds throughout Southwest Florida. They’re a local, family-owned company, not publicly traded on the stock market, and their customer focused business model really shows. We could go on and on about why we really love this builder and the quality of home they provide… If you’d like to chat and learn more about Neal and how they compare to other builders... Give us a call…. It’s a conversation we love to have. 941-348-2653 Neal Signature Homes built similar homes in sections of Country Club East here in Lakewood Ranch, and The Alcove will have that same aesthetic and design. There are 5 floorplans to choose from in the Alcove. They range from 3-4 bedrooms, 2,500 sq ft give or take, up to 3,300 sq ft for the two story plan. And have 2 or 3 car garages. There are a multitude of structural options to choose from, like outdoor kitchens, privacy walls, and modifications to interior layouts etc. It’s not 100% custom… more like a pre-curated plan with custom options. The overall motif of the neighborhood will be Coastal, with clean lines and a modern flair. Neal Signature includes a design studio as part of your process where you can select all your interior options, tile, appliances, etc etc. This statement on their website is really great and something most builders don’t highlight clearly… The base price of the home is shown, and then you will factor in about $200-$400k additional for the cost of the lot and any structural and design options, depending on how intricate you get. That’s up to you. To put that into simple terms… you’re looking at around $950k-$1.5 million for these homes, depending on which plan, which lot, and the options you select.  Let’s cover The Amenities next… This one is pretty simple…. There won’t be a clubhouse, gym, or pool. The community also will not be gated, just like all of the other Waterside villages. If you’re thinking "gee that stinks"… we understand, but hear us out… Many times we’ve had buyers who said they want all of those amenities... must haves, only to hear from them years later that they actually never use the amenities. In the end, it’s a personal choice. If robust amenities are a must have for you, then The Alcove isn’t a good fit… If that’s the case, give us a call and we can help you narrow down your search to communities that have all the amenities you desire. 941-348-2653 However the location, the water views, and the floor plans in The Alcove are top notch. There will be a community fire pit, kayak launch, and pier. Plus, maintenance will be included in this community, covering your lawn, irrigation, shrubs, reserves for roads and infrastructure. And you are just minutes away from Waterside Place, so if that sounds like a good fit, then The Alcove is it! Last but not least, let’s cover the homesites. As you can see from the site map, there are 47 planned homes. And every single one of those sites is on water. Long water views. Not the tiny ponds some “water views” claim to be!  Michael went on site in the video to show you… Michael has been dubbed the “lot guru” by many of our clients. He knows the direction, the sun exposure, how to orient the house and flip it if needed to best capture the value of the Florida sun! Ok… so that wraps up this overview of The Alcove by Neal Signature. We included a contact form below… If you’d like more info on this neighborhood as it progresses, or you’re interested in learning more about the Lakewood Ranch area, send us a message! We are here to help! 941-348-2653 [email protected] This post and video is an exciting one… we’ve been working on gathering info for a few months about a brand new luxury community (also known as a Village) here in Lakewood Ranch. In this video we cover the key elements… - where it is - what it’s near - what kind of homes we can expect to see - who the builders will be - planned Amenities - and also what steps you can take now to make this new village your future home! So, let’s get into it…. THIS IS WILD BLUE at WATERSIDE in LAKEWOOD RANCH FLORIDA. Location Wild Blue is in the Waterside district of Lakewood Ranch, on the East side of Lorraine Rd. across from the Polo fields. There will be several entrances to the community. Two from University Pkwy, and two from Lorraine Rd. If you’re from the area or have been here before, you may have driven down Lorraine Rd and not even realized this land and its massive lakes are there. From site maps we’ve obtained, the lakes have been named Lake Merganser and Lake Curlew. They sport some long water views…. Upwards of one mile across…. So we’re talking BIG lakes.  What is nearby? There are the shops at the corner of University and Lorraine, where you have a Publix, Aldi Grocer, Libby’s Restaurant and Bar, Banks, Dentist, CVS, UPS and other businesses… all the necessities basically… About 8 minutes to Main St Lakewood Ranch, 7 minutes to Waterside Place, and 11 minutes to the UTC mall area. If you’re familiar with all those places I just named… you know that basically within 11 minutes of Wild Blue, you have literally everything you could ever need! The nearest city is Sarasota… Main Street is about a 30 minute ride down Fruitville Rd. And the beaches… You’re looking at about 37 minutes to Lido Key, or depending on the day and time, with traffic it’s realistically about 45 minutes. Plus you have your choice of Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island… Can’t beat that! The Builders We know that Stock Development is developing the entire community and also will be building custom and semi-custom homes. So that means they’re not only moving the dirt, putting in the roads and sewers etc, they’re also fully invested as a builder from start to finish. Stock builds beautiful communities. They’re most known in this area for developing The Lake Club… And they have another Wild Blue community down in Estero near Fort Meyers about 2 hours from here. It’s important to note that the Wild Blue in Lakewood Ranch is totally different… If you’re researching this online, you’ll find lots of WildBlue Estero info… make sure you don’t get them confused! We can’t stress that enough! THE BUILDERS in Wild Blue at Waterside Lakewood Ranch will be Stock Signature, like we said… Arthur Rutenberg which is a local franchise custom builder John Cannon Homes, also a well known custom builder in this area. Lee Wetherington Homes, another custom builder.. And also Anchor Builders, another local custom builder… Fun fact… Anchor built the one and only Dick Vitale’s custom home… Yea… that Dick Vitale! The Amenities Let’s talk about the amenities planned for Wild Blue… What’s planned for Wild Blue is for lack of a better word… awesome… Here’s just some of what’s planned…
The Wild Blue clubhouse will feature:
 Last thing to go over in this video… The Homesites When they’ll be available What they’ll look like And what steps you need to take to make Wild Blue your next home... The release will be Phased… likely 3 phases over the next several years. Phase 1 is official and recorded on the land records, so we can confidently say … here it is… 94 home sites, most with long water views This is the site map we have so far for Phase 1 BUT… That doesn’t mean you can’t reserve your lot now. Getting in early on a community like this has a huge advantage… So call us and let’s talk… We have our finger on the pulse of what’s happening and when… 941-348-2653 [email protected] Hurricanes in Florida are a fact of life, but there are ways to be prepared for the storm!
In this video, we share 5 Tips to help you prepare for a Hurricane. We mention some resources in Sarasota and Manatee county, specifically for Lakewood Ranch, but these websites and guides can be used for all of Florida. Be sure to check with your local county government for updates and information on impending storms. 1. County Resources Visit your local county websites for Emergency Management resources. This will include preparedness guides, evacuation zone maps, emergency shelter locations, and more. Manatee County: mymanatee.org Sarasota County: scgov.net 2. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Locate your CERT Team, either on Facebook or through the county website, to get additional updates on storm warning and watches for your community. They offer classes you can take if you would like to become a part of this community team, as well. 3. Hurricane Kit Checklist.. Build it! It would be ideal to have a Hurricane Kit ready to go at the start of each season. If you need to get one together quickly, you can download the checklist here. Knowing you have the items you may need in a disaster will make you feel much more prepared. 4. Physical Prep for your Home Remove any loose items outside or by your pool cage, put up Hurricane Shutters if necessary, make sure your house is free from any items that could become flying debris in high winds, and prepare to hunker down should you need to. Also, have a plan in case you need to evacuate or head to an emergency shelter. 5. Building a New Construction Home? Have faith in the builder They will do what they can to make sure your home, and all homes or homesites, are as secure as possible to prevent damage. Should anything happen, they will do what is necessary to fix it. Just worry about keeping yourself safe and let them handle the house! It is important to be prepared! Follow the steps in this video to make sure you are. Here are additional helpful links: https://manatee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/index.html https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/build_a_disaster_kit https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/emergency-management-4420 https://lwrcert.org/ Download your own Disaster Supply Checklist: https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan--prepare/2022-disaster-supply-kit-checklist---final-1.pdf Please reach out with any comments and questions. We are always here to help! 941-348-2653 [email protected] Windward at Lakewood Ranch is a beautiful Neal Community village near Waterside Place in the Sarasota County section of Lakewood Ranch.
Their brand new amenity center is NOW OPEN and in the video above, we take a tour of the amazing space with Ryan Zimmerman, one of the salespeople for Neal Communities. Residents at Windward can enjoy endless activities with: - Event lawn - 2 dog parks - Pickleball & tennis courts - Playground - Clubhouse with catering kitchen - Lifestyle Director on staff - Fitness center and studio - 2 pools, one with lap lanes and one with a splash zone - Covered pool cabanas - Clubs & Activities ......and more!! All of this for under $350/month HOA fees, including exterior lawn and landscape maintenance! Homes at Windward Lakewood Ranch range in size from paired villas at 1,400-1,500 square feet, to single family homes from 1,500-3,600 square feet. There are different series of Single Family homes, as well, with different lot sizes and pricing. CORAL HOMES SERIES 1,434 - 1,524 SQ FT. FROM UPPER $400's CRUISE HOMES SERIES 1,531 - 2,428 SQ FT. FROM MID $500's CELEBRATION HOMES SERIES 2,064 - 2,936 SQ FT. FROM MID $600's COASTAL HOMES SERIES 2,453 - 2,907 SQ FT. FROM $800's They have inventory available and lots to purchase and build. Their design studio is terrific and you can make all of your interior design choices if you build from scratch, along with a pool from Waterscapes. There is truly something for everyone at Windward! To learn more about pricing and availability, give us a call! 941-348-2653 [email protected] Michael visited Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch to showcase a brand new community that's being built by Taylor Morrison here in Southwest Florida that includes a golf membership for most of its homes. The Esplanade brand really focuses on lifetyle. That's what Esplanade is about: living the life. There is a very, very robust amount of amenities that are planned and they're all in progress as we speak. Pickleball and tennis courts, resort style pool, full service spa, wellness and fitness center, tiki bar and restaurant, and more! The largest amenity here in Esplanade is its 18 hole championship golf course. So Michael decided to play the whole thing and film what he can of each hole to show you some of the houses along the way that border the course and give you more details about living in Azario. To get a feel for what the amenities will look like. We'll show some of the existing amenities at Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Similar to what's planned for Azario. Homes are available now with golf deeded memberships. Watch the video for more details on the course and if you're ready to buy, give us a call today! We can help you start living that Esplanade Lifestyle in Azario at Lakewood Ranch! 941-348-2653 [email protected] Have you ever searched for Lakewood Ranch homes for sale on Zillow and been totally overwhelmed with info, numbers, pop-ups, Zestimates, and pesky real estate agents who don't actually know anything about the property?! Sadly, Zillow is probably the most well known real estate search portal, yet has the worst user interface and doesn't actually provide useful info to assist buyers on a truly local, expert level. Well, who needs Zillow anyway!? This post is all about making your Lakewood Ranch, Florida home search easy. I'm going to share a secret that I tell all of our clients that helps them make their home search simple and organized in their minds. So when they're online, looking at YouTube or Facebook, Instagram, Zillow, or Trulia, and trying to figure out what's the best neighborhood for them, this Tip is going to make it all easy. Let's start by recapping the Lakewood Ranch map  As you can see here... Lakewood Ranch is huge. This piece of paper, this map, it really doesn't express how large it is. From top to bottom driving time is about a 20 minutes, across is 15- 20 minutes as well. It's really huge. Let's break this down into zip codes, because Lakewood Ranch sits within three different zip codes. It's that big! An easy way to think of it is there's: Top middle bottom. We have the top zip code, middle, and the lower zip code is actually part of Sarasota county. But I'll get into that in a second.   Let's start at the top, the zip code on the Northern side, which would be between state road 70 and state road. 64 is 34211. This encompasses a very large area, like I said, and is where most of the new construction is occurring right now. There's a street called Bourneside, which is the Eastern border currently of Lakewood Ranch. They're talking about going a little bit further across Bourneside and building a new Del Webb, which would be a 55+, and also a Lakewood National 2, so a new golf course community, which is kind of cool. But it hasn't even begun. It's just cows. How many houses are for sale in 34211, the Northern part of Lakewood ranch? As of July 7th, which is just a couple of days ago, there are 227 active listings... that doesn't include property that's under deposit. It's not recently sold. It's just everything that's currently available that you can view, make an offer on, and purchase. The median number is a really good number to use because it kind of takes the large, big, expensive house and the cheaper houses and disregards those so that you can understand where's that sweet spot in the middle. And that is $619,000 in this zip code, this data I pulled myself from the MLS. This zip code includes probably about 50% of completely built out neighborhoods like Central park, Mallory park, Arbor Grande and it also includes new construction, like Star Farms, Sweetwater, etc. So if you're looking for new construction and your price point is in that $600k to $800k range, this is the area for you. Of course there's more expensive properties than that in the zip code, but, as a whole, the data shows 600 to 800. That's probably where we're at now in July of 20 22, in 34211.   Now let's go to the center zip code of Lakewood ranch. This is the original zip code when Lakewood ranch began and sold their first house. And I think it was in 1995 for $88,000. I'm close...Don't quote me, but it's something like that. Summerfield, Greenbrook, Country club, Riverwalk, and Edgewater. And then you have The Lake Club, Country Club East, the Ritz Carlton golf membership that that's just a golf course. That's privately owned. And then you have Del webb, The Isles, and another portion of Greenbrook. That's 34202. You can see just from glancing at this that it is a bit smaller in land area than 34211. And there's less neighborhoods. They're bigger neighborhoods. There's definitely a different aesthetic and a different feel from the two zip codes as you travel down, just simply because of when they were built and this zip code 34202, has the most established resale. There's 131 active listings as of July 7th. This is from MLS data that I pulled. The median price is $815,000. So you could see it's a little higher. 34202 has slightly different school zoning than 34211 and there's some differences in terms of the aesthetic of the neighborhoods, just simply because these were developed as very, very large neighborhoods with individual communities and villages like Country Club East and Country Club. They each have sub neighborhoods, in comparison to say a Mallory Park, which that's just one neighborhood Mallory Park.   The Southern portion of Lakewood ranch, which is from University Parkway down to Fruitville road is actually in Sarasota county. This is the area of Lakewood ranch where Waterside place is. And if you haven't heard of Waterside place, it's a town center that was built on this massive lake. So there's apartments and shops and restaurants. It's become a really cool cultural center for the residents to enjoy The shape of Lakewood ranch and the land that was actually owned and/or acquired by the original family, doesn't have as much of a consistent shape to it. So as you can see here, it goes across. And then down Lorraine road and stops where you see the village Windward. Turning to the statistics of this particular zip code, 34240 in Sarasota. Now this is eye opening because like I said, it's a huge area. Huge and only a little portion of it is Lakewood ranch. But these numbers, this isn't just Lakewood ranch. This is for the entire zip code. So of that entire vast area, there's only 55 houses for sale. The data's gonna be a little more difficult because this area is simply just not as developed. Waterside is still developing and there's a lot of residential opportunities still coming. Shoreview is there, LakeHouse Cove, but then there's the Alcove being built by Neil Signature, Avanti by Pulte.... All of this is under development right now.
There's a few resale here and there, but every one of these neighborhoods are pretty much brand spankin' new. And that brings me to my final point. And it's a word of wisdom. It's a tip. It's something to really keep in mind when you're shopping online, looking browsing homes on realtor.com or Zillow. What you see is simply what has been listed. So if it hasn't been inputted into the MLS, or if someone hasn't manually inputted this property for sale in that website, within their database, it's not going to show. You won't even know that it exists. Each of these builders have inventory that you just wouldn't be aware of. Unless you have a resource here with boots on the ground to gather that information and make sure you get it right away. And that's us! So, if you're considering any of these neighborhoods in all three of the zip codes of Lakewood Ranch, give us a call and let's have a conversation. It's our job to work with you and guide you to the very best decision to match the right neighborhood, the right floor plan, help you select all your options and design and make sure that when you choose a home and make an offer, it's the right fit for you. To get a better visual of each neighborhood and zip code we mentioned, watch this video. If you like this video, don't forget to subscribe to our channel for weekly updates and click. Contact us with any questions about Lakewood Ranch and moving to Florida! 941-348-2653 [email protected] |
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