If you’re thinking about moving to Lakewood Ranch, Florida, you’ve probably heard the hype — award-winning master-planned communities, stunning homes, and a lifestyle that blends resort amenities with a neighborly small-town feel.
As a local real estate expert who helps buyers relocate here every day, I’ve seen first-hand what makes Lakewood Ranch special — and what you should consider before making the move.
This honest guide will walk you through the top 5 pros and cons of living in Lakewood Ranch so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
If you’re considering moving to Florida, you’ve likely heard of Lakewood Ranch. This master-planned community located in Manatee County has a lot to offer, but as with any community, there are both pros and cons to living here. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why you might want to live in Lakewood Ranch, as well as some potential drawbacks to consider.
Situated just east of Sarasota and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, Lakewood Ranch offers quick access to award-winning beaches like Siesta Key, Lido Beach, and Longboat Key. You’re also within driving distance of downtown Sarasota’s arts and cultural scene, as well as major hubs like Tampa and St. Petersburg via I-75. This location combines the peaceful feel of suburban living with the conveniences and attractions of nearby cities.
Lakewood Ranch has plenty of amenities to offer its residents, including championship golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, community pools, fitness centers, and miles of walking and biking trails. The area features two vibrant village centers — Main Street and Waterside Place — where you’ll find boutique shopping, waterfront dining, farmers markets, and year-round events. From morning yoga in the park to evening concerts under the stars, there’s always something to do here.
In short, Lakewood Ranch has some of the best weather in the country! While the summers can be hot for some, it’s also a benefit for others. During the rest of the year enjoy comfortable warm weather and mild winters.
If you love sunshine and warm temperatures, Lakewood Ranch is the place for you.
Lakewood Ranch is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the area, including Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. You can feel confident that you’ll receive top-quality care when you need it.
Lakewood Ranch is also a short drive to Tampa where you’ll find more world class hospitals and healthcare facilities.
One of the biggest draws to Lakewood Ranch is the sense of community. Residents can join a variety of clubs, hobby groups, and fitness classes, or attend regular community events like polo matches, outdoor concerts, wine tastings, and seasonal festivals. Whether you’re new to Florida or moving from across town, it’s easy to meet people and get involved.
With the community’s rapid growth comes increased traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times. Plan accordingly if you’re commuting or driving frequently in the area. Also keep in mind that during the busy tourist season (December to April) congestions increases due to tourists and snowbirds.
That said, even at its busiest, Lakewood Ranch traffic is nowhere near the gridlock you’ll experience in major Florida metros like Tampa or Orlando. If you’ve driven in those cities, you’ll likely find Lakewood Ranch’s traffic far more manageable.
Florida is known for its hot and humid weather, and Lakewood Ranch is no exception. Be prepared for long stretches of high heat, especially during the summer months. The Gulf Coast of Florida is also susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly in the summer and fall seasons.
However, Lakewood Ranch’s inland location, higher elevation compared to many coastal areas, and newer-built homes offer some advantages. These factors can reduce flood risk and ensure modern construction that meets current hurricane safety codes — giving many residents extra peace of mind during storm season.
As with many areas of Florida, Lakewood Ranch is home to a variety of insects and wildlife. You may encounter mosquitoes, alligators, and other critters from time to time — especially near water or natural areas.
The upside is that the abundance of wildlife is part of what makes Florida’s ecosystem so unique and beautiful. Many neighborhoods in Lakewood Ranch are thoughtfully designed with nature preserves, lakes, and walking trails, so you can enjoy birds, turtles, and other native species right in your backyard — while HOA maintenance and local pest control help keep the less-welcome visitors in check.
While Lakewood Ranch has plenty of amenities to offer, it’s not a bustling city with all the excitement of a major metropolitan area. Some residents may miss the energy and activity of a larger city.
The good news in that Lakewood Ranch is easily commutable to either Tampa or Saint Pete and is under a 2hr drive to Orlando.
When living in Lakewood Ranch, you’ll encounter homeowner association (HOA) fees and community development district (CDD) fees. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget. Contact us for more information on HOA & CDD fees for the community you’re interested in.
If you’re intrigued by all that Lakewood Ranch has to offer, why not contact us today? We can help you find the perfect home in this vibrant community. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home or a cozy condo, we can help you find the ideal place to call your own. Don’t wait – start your Lakewood Ranch adventure today.