If you're considering relocating to the Sarasota/Bradenton area of Florida, you're likely weighing your options between the well-established master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch and the up-and-coming Wellen Park development. Both offer unique advantages, and understanding their evolution and future plans is crucial in making an informed decision. Additionally, within Lakewood Ranch itself, certain districts like Waterside have emerged as prime locations, especially for young professionals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into how to navigate Lakewood Ranch, explore Wellen Park's infancy stage, highlight the allure of the Waterside District, and unveil the hottest neighborhoods for new construction in 2024.

This article was derived from my full-length YouTube video. You can view it at the bottom of the page.

How to Shop Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch, the number one multi-generational master-planned community in the United States, can seem overwhelming at first glance. Spanning a vast area from State Road 64 down to Fruitville Road, a drive across the community could take up to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. However, the key to unlocking its potential lies in understanding the grid system and quadrants.

Parallel roads like Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and Lorraine Road serve as arteries, connecting you to essential amenities, highways, and surrounding areas. The conversation has shifted from proximity to downtown Sarasota to embracing Lakewood Ranch as a self-contained city with its own vibrant offerings.

When shopping for a home in Lakewood Ranch, consider your priorities: Are you seeking a particular school district? Do you value walkability to downtown areas? Or is proximity to University Town Center, a central hub for shopping and dining, more important? The northeastern expansion, with its multi-generational communities and golf courses, caters to a different demographic than the southern waterside district, which offers a walkable downtown experience.

Wellen Park's Infancy

Wellen Park, located in Venice and Northport, is rapidly emerging as a contender in the master-planned community arena. While Lakewood Ranch may have initially captured your attention, Wellen Park's allure lies in its potential for growth and investment opportunities.

The West Villages district, once the sole focus, is now nearly sold out, making way for the second phase: the Playmore district. This area boasts new construction communities like Lakes Spur, Everly, Wellen Park Golf and Country Club, Sunstone, Brightmore, Antigua, Wisteria, Solstice, and Avelina. However, the true excitement surrounds the hundreds of acres of land south of Playmore, poised to become the third phase of Wellen Park's expansion.

With plans for major developers to invest in this untapped territory, homebuyers who seize the opportunity now could witness significant equity growth in the coming years. Esplanade by Taylor Morrison has already staked its claim, and the existing ACAP Pines Golf Club presents an enticing prospect for renovation, akin to Neal's transformative work at Boca Royale.

Investing in Wellen Park during this infancy stage could yield substantial returns, especially for those seeking a golf cart-friendly community within a 15-20 minute drive from the beach.

Why I Love Waterside District

For young professionals under 40, with or without children, the Waterside District in southeast Lakewood Ranch stands out as a compelling option. As a 35-year-old resident with a 2-year-old, the combination of urban amenities and suburban comfort makes Waterside an ideal choice.

Nestled between two major highways, Fruitville Road and University Parkway, Waterside offers unparalleled accessibility while maintaining a walkable, vibrant atmosphere. The district boasts a multitude of restaurants, resale spaces, gyms, outdoor recreational facilities, splash pads, playgrounds, and a lively events calendar featuring farmers' markets, live music, and food trucks.

Waterside's proximity to downtown Lakewood Ranch and University Town Center adds to its appeal, providing a wealth of dining, shopping, and entertainment options just minutes away. Plans for a bridge connecting Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to Cattlemen Road will further enhance the area's connectivity.

While the school situation is still catching up to the rapid development, with nearby options like Tatum Ridge Elementary and a proposed school site near Shell Stone, Waterside's advantages outweigh this temporary inconvenience for families with young children.

For those seeking an urban lifestyle within a suburban setting, Waterside offers a diverse range of new construction options, from affordable townhomes priced between $350,000 and $550,000 to luxury single-family homes exceeding $1 million. The seamless integration of golf cart accessibility throughout the community further adds to its appeal.

2024 Favorite Neighborhoods

Emerald Landing by David Weekly

Offering a truly unique blend of walkability and new construction, Emerald Landing presents a rare opportunity within the Waterside District. With a variety of floor plans, including two-story townhomes, luxury three-story townhomes with lake views, cottage-style homes, and single-family residences on spacious lots, this community caters to various lifestyles and budgets. Amenities like a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, a fire pit, and a kayak/paddleboard launch enhance the waterfront living experience. Additionally, the water taxi service and proximity to downtown Waterside's restaurants, festivals, and events create a vibrant, social atmosphere.

Grace Water

Situated northeast of SRQ airport, Grace Water stands out for its affordability and accessibility. Ideal for commuters or those seeking a second home, this community offers a prime location just 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota while avoiding the suburban homogeneity often associated with new construction. With diverse housing options surrounding the community, Grace Water promises a unique living experience while remaining within reach of Sarasota's renowned beaches and attractions.

Wellen Park (Lakes Spur and Sunstone)

For those seeking affordability and proximity to the beach, Wellen Park's Lakes Spur and Sunstone communities are worthy contenders. With builders like Pulte, Lennar, and Madame offering two-story single-family homes ranging from $500,000 to $750,000, these neighborhoods cater to families seeking spacious accommodations within a multi-generational setting. Newly opened amenities, including a contemporary clubhouse, event lawn, fitness center, resort-style pool, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and dog parks, enhance the overall living experience.

Bayview in Parish

Formerly considered the "redheaded stepchild" to Lakewood Ranch, the Bayview area in Parish is poised for a remarkable transformation. Currently home to Aisles of Bayview by Syntex and Dell Webb Bayview (55+), the area will soon welcome Sun Chase at Bayview (Dell Webb's next 55+ community), a Coulter 55+ community, and potentially a multi-generational Dell Webb development. Additionally, Metro's Sea Air community and a lagoon project promise to breathe new life into this once-desolate region, making it an attractive option for families seeking affordability and a central location between St. Petersburg and Tampa.

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Whether you're drawn to the established prestige of Lakewood Ranch or the untapped potential of Wellen Park, the Sarasota/Bradenton area offers a wealth of opportunities for prospective homebuyers. By understanding the nuances of each community, their future expansion plans, and the unique advantages of districts like Waterside, you can make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and investment goals. With a diverse array of new construction neighborhoods catering to different demographics and price points, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for those seeking their dream home in this vibrant region of Florida.