Windward at Lakewood Ranch has become a standout community in the southern end of Lakewood Ranch. It gives residents the best of both worlds—quick access to Sarasota and the stability, amenities, and convenience that Lakewood Ranch is known for.
Built by Neal Communities, Windward stands out for its clean architectural style, its calm and elegant atmosphere, and its ability to offer a premium lifestyle without the luxury-price bump found in many Waterside neighborhoods. For anyone who wants the Sarasota lifestyle but prefers the newer feel and predictability of Lakewood Ranch, Windward often becomes the clear top choice.
Windward naturally appeals to people who want to be close to Sarasota’s dining, culture, and waterfront, but still prefer the structure and predictability of a modern master-planned community. Many residents are professionals and active adults, along with a steady mix of relocators who appreciate the polished environment and the neighborhood’s refined, relaxed feel.
Although Windward attracts residents from a variety of backgrounds and life stages, it does tend to appeal more to those who prioritize location and convenience. Families who want to be zoned to public Manatee County schools often look a bit farther north in Lakewood Ranch, but Windward still draws plenty of full-time residents who value its access to Sarasota above all else.
The lifestyle in Windward could best be described as quiet, upscale, and thoughtfully designed. The community’s resort-style pool immediately sets the tone: beautifully landscaped, spacious, and intentionally calmer than the high-energy amenities you find in larger, family-heavy communities. This isn’t a party pool or a spring-break scene. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, read a book, swim laps, or enjoy a peaceful gathering with friends.
The clubhouse mirrors that same character. It’s modern and well-equipped, offering a fitness center, social spaces, and recreation areas, but it rarely feels crowded. That quietness isn’t a drawback—in fact, it’s one of the reasons so many buyers choose Windward. They want the amenities, but not the stress or noise that sometimes comes with them. This creates a community atmosphere that feels more elegant and refined, which fits the lifestyle of many of its residents.
Outside the pool and clubhouse, Windward includes miles of trails, parks, dog parks, pickleball courts, tennis, and shaded green spaces. Everything is maintained to a high standard, which gives the entire neighborhood a clean, cohesive feel.
Neal Communities offers a wide range of homes in Windward, from paired villas to larger single-family homes. Villas generally start in the mid–$400s to mid–$500s, making them attractive to downsizers, seasonal owners, or anyone looking for a low-maintenance Florida home. Single-family homes range from the $600s to $1.5 million or more, depending on the series, lot, and structural options.
One of Windward’s biggest advantages is its overall value. In Waterside—where many new communities are trending toward high-end builders, premium lots, and elevated price points—Windward remains comparatively accessible without sacrificing design or lifestyle. Neal Communities delivers good quality at the price point, with well-planned floorplans, functional layout options, and a smooth construction process that buyers appreciate.
If you want a modern home, a refined community feel, and great long-term resale potential without the seven-figure commitment of some nearby neighborhoods, Windward consistently checks the boxes.
Related: The Top 10 Mistakes New Construction Home Buyers Make
Windward includes both an HOA and a CDD, similar to most modern communities in Lakewood Ranch. HOA fees usually fall between $250 and $500 per month, depending on the size of the home and lot. The CDD varies but is straightforward, with no hidden fees or unexpected assessments. Overall, the monthly carrying costs are competitive for the area, especially considering the level of amenities and the community’s premium location.
The location is the single strongest selling feature of Windward, and it’s the reason many buyers choose it over other villages. The community sits closer to Sarasota than any other major Lakewood Ranch neighborhood, giving residents remarkably quick access to restaurants, shopping, arts venues, and beaches.
From the community entrance, you can reach Waterside Place, UTC, and I-75 in about 10 minutes. Downtown Sarasota is roughly a 20-minute drive, while beaches like Siesta Key, Lido, and Longboat Key take about 30 minutes depending on traffic. For anyone who spends time in the city—or simply enjoys having that lifestyle nearby—Windward offers an unmatched level of convenience.
There’s also a hidden advantage worth mentioning: Windward allows buyers to enjoy a high-demand location with newer construction and well-maintained amenities, all at a price that often undercuts surrounding Waterside communities. It’s not just a lifestyle play—it’s a strong long-term value play.
Related: Is Lakewood Ranch a Good Place to Live?
Most Windward buyers also explore Palm Grove, LakeHouse Cove, Shellstone, and Emerald Landing. Each community has its strengths, but Windward consistently stands out for its proximity to Sarasota and its resort-style, low-key feel.
Palm Grove offers excellent value farther north, but doesn’t match Windward’s easy access to downtown Sarasota and the arts district. LakeHouse Cove is one of the landmarks of Waterside, with incredible outdoor amenities and walkability, but buyers who want a quieter pool environment or more customization options often prefer Windward’s approach.
Shellstone offers attractive pricing and a modern aesthetic, but without the same level of refinement or location advantage. Emerald Landing at Waterside provides beautiful architecture, and it’s one of the best options for Waterside walkability—but it still sits farther from Sarasota’s core than Windward, and the overall feel is more compact and urban.
In short, Windward is often the community that delivers the best blend of convenience, design, and value for people who want a direct connection to Sarasota.
If your ideal Florida lifestyle revolves around Sarasota—whether for dining, arts, waterfront experiences, fitness studios, or entertainment—Windward is one of the strongest choices in Lakewood Ranch. It offers a peaceful, elegant environment, a stunning resort-style pool, and modern homes built by a respected builder, all wrapped into a location that’s closer to Sarasota than almost any other community in the area.
If school zoning is your absolute top priority, or you’re looking for the lowest possible price point in Lakewood Ranch, other villages might make more sense. But for lifestyle-focused buyers who value convenience, beauty, and long-term desirability, Windward delivers in a way few communities can match.
If you’re considering Windward—or simply exploring Lakewood Ranch and aren’t sure where to start—I’d be happy to guide you. Every buyer’s situation is different, and understanding the nuances between communities is where you gain the most confidence in your decision.
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Yes, Windward features gated entries for enhanced privacy and peace of mind.
Windward offers a mix villas and single-family homes across several home series.
As of 2025, Most residents pay between $250 and $500 per month.
Yes, which is typical for modern master-planned communities in Lakewood Ranch.
Downtown Sarasota is about 20 minutes away; beaches are generally 30 minutes depending on the route and traffic.