Resort Living in Lakewood Ranch FL
As a Realtor with Avalon Group Realty in St. Petersburg, I’ve had the privilege of exploring some of Florida’s most desirable communities. But when it comes to balancing luxury, convenience, and a true sense of community, few places compare to Resort Living in Lakewood Ranch FL.
Widely recognized as one of the best-selling master-planned communities in the United States, Lakewood Ranch has become a symbol of modern Florida living. With resort-style amenities, diverse neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and an active year-round lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many families, retirees, and professionals are drawn to this vibrant community.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Lakewood Ranch is a true Lakewood Ranch Paradise, with insights from Avalon Group’s very own Broker Aaron Hunt and Realtors Yvette Kim, Pam Amante, and Nora Sturgill.
Why Lakewood Ranch is a Lakewood Ranch Paradise
“Lakewood Ranch offers a lifestyle balance that’s rare,” says Aaron Hunt, Broker at Avalon Group Realty. “It combines resort-style amenities with suburban comfort. Clients tell me they feel like they’re on vacation every day.”
That feeling of a permanent vacation is exactly what defines Lakewood Ranch Paradise. This community isn’t just about beautiful homes; it’s about creating a lifestyle that blends leisure, convenience, and connection.
Quality of Life: Dozens of clubs, community events, and festivals bring residents together.
Amenities Galore: Golf courses, fitness centers, pickleball, pools, and 150+ miles of trails.
Education First: Top-rated public and private schools, plus proximity to colleges and universities.
Perfect Location: Near Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, with easy access to Siesta Key and Lido Beach.
Healthcare Access: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers high-quality care right in the community.
Housing Options: From Condos to Luxury Estates
“Lakewood Ranch has something for everyone,” says Yvette Kim, Realtor with Avalon Group Realty. “From low-maintenance townhomes to sprawling estates, it truly caters to every stage of life.”
Options include:
Family-Friendly: Summerfield, Greenbrook, and Riverwalk feature parks and schools.
Luxury Living: The Lake Club and The Concession offer grand estates with exclusive amenities.
Active Adult: Del Webb Catalina features resort-style 55+ living.
Trendy & Mixed-Use: Waterside Place brings together shops, dining, and waterfront condos.
For those buying a home in Lakewood Ranch, the range of styles and price points means there’s a perfect fit for nearly every budget and lifestyle.
Amenities & Resort Lifestyle
“Every weekend feels like a festival here,” shares Pam Amante, Realtor with Avalon Group Realty. “Between polo matches, golf, and music on Main Street, there’s never a dull moment.”
Golf & Polo
6 golf courses within Lakewood Ranch + 76 nearby.
Sarasota Polo Club hosts matches from December–April, complete with tailgating and halftime entertainment.
Premier Sports Campus
140 acres with soccer, cricket, rugby, and lacrosse.
Coming soon: 24 pickleball courts, 14 tennis courts, and a new aquatics complex.
Parks & Trails
150+ miles of trails.
Dog parks, splash pads, kayak launches, fishing lakes, and nature preserves.
“Families love the parks here,” adds Nora Sturgill. “They seal the deal for so many of my clients.”
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Main Street: Dining, boutique shopping, wine bars, and “Music on Main.”
The Green: Car-friendly plaza with Fresh Market, gyms, and fast-casual dining.
Waterside Place: Pedestrian-friendly hub with yoga studios, restaurants, weekend markets, and lakefront trails.
“Waterside Place is the crown jewel,” says Aaron Hunt. “It’s where dining, shopping, and entertainment all come together.”
Healthcare & Education Excellence
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center: 120-bed hospital + outpatient services.
Urgent Care & Specialists: Cardiologists, orthopedics, pediatrics, and memory care.
Schools: Lakewood Ranch High School (A-rated) + excellent private academies.
Lifestyle Benefits of Resort Living in Lakewood Ranch FL
Lakewood Ranch is alive year-round, unlike seasonal coastal towns. Residents enjoy farmers’ markets, food truck rallies, live concerts, and dozens of social clubs.
“Lakewood Ranch is a true year-round community,” says Pam Amante. “It doesn’t clear out in summer, which makes it feel like home every day.”
The Future of Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Homes
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch is already a premier golf destination, with a championship Tom Fazio-designed course and luxury clubhouse. Now, plans are in motion for 100 luxury multi-family residences spread across 52 acres.
“This will be a game-changer,” says Yvette Kim. “Buyers will get Ritz-Carlton prestige tied to their homes—perfect for those wanting lock-and-leave convenience.”
Residents will enjoy their own private amenities center, continuing the Ritz-Carlton tradition of service and sophistication.
Neighborhood Spotlights
The Lake Club
Ultra-luxury estates with Tuscan-inspired architecture, resort pools, and a private clubhouse.
The Concession
Exclusive golf community with estate homes and wide-open views.
Waterside Place
Lakefront living + shops, dining, and entertainment. Perfect for professionals and young families.
Summerfield & Greenbrook
Family-focused neighborhoods with top-rated schools and parks.
Del Webb Catalina
A 55+ resort-style community with pools, clubs, and social events.
Each village has its own identity, but together they make Lakewood Ranch one of the most versatile and attractive places to live in Florida.
Cost of Living & Real Estate Market
Median Home Prices (2025):
Townhomes/Condos: $350K–$500K
Single-Family Homes: $550K–$800K
Luxury Estates: $1M–$5M+
HOA Fees: Typically $150–$400/month, depending on the village.
Compared to Naples or Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch offers better value for luxury buyers, with slightly lower costs of living and property taxes.
Lakewood Ranch vs Sarasota/Naples
| Feature | Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota | Naples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Master-planned, family + luxury | Arts & culture hub | Ultra-luxury, retiree-heavy |
| Median Home Price | ~$650K | ~$720K | $1M+ |
| Schools | A-rated | A-rated | Mostly private |
| Beaches | 20 mins | 10–20 mins | 5–10 mins |
| Lifestyle | Golf, polo, clubs | Arts, dining, beaches | Luxury, beaches, golf |
Pros & Cons Recap
Pros
Master-planned design + amenities
Strong sense of community
Housing diversity
Excellent schools & healthcare
Lower hurricane risk
Cons
Higher HOA fees
Spread-out design
Seasonal traffic
Expanded FAQ
Is Lakewood Ranch good for retirees?
Yes. With 55+ villages, golf, and active lifestyle amenities, it’s one of Florida’s best retirement destinations.
How far is it from the beach?
About 20 minutes to Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and Anna Maria Island.
Are there luxury homes?
Yes—The Lake Club, The Concession, and the upcoming Ritz-Carlton residences offer luxury living.
Is Lakewood Ranch walkable?
Certain villages (like Waterside Place) are highly walkable, but overall, a car is helpful.
What is the weather like?
Mostly sunny, warm, and ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
From its family-friendly neighborhoods to luxury golf estates, Resort Living in Lakewood Ranch FL offers something for everyone. Whether you’re raising a family, retiring in style, or seeking an active lifestyle, Lakewood Ranch provides the perfect balance of community, amenities, and convenience.
As Aaron Hunt puts it: “Lakewood Ranch isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. Once people move here, they rarely want to leave.”
If you’re considering buying a home in Lakewood Ranch, the Avalon Group Realty team is here to help you find your own slice of Lakewood Ranch Paradise.
About the Author
Rob Johnson is a Realtor with Avalon Group Realty in St. Petersburg, FL. Avalon Group is known for concierge-level service, expert negotiation, and client-first results.
📞 Contact Aaron Hunt, Broker: 727-262-7920
🌐 AvalonGroupTampaBay.com
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