[2025] WILD BLUE at Waterside Lakewood Ranch | A-to-Z Guide (What you need to know)

Introduction



If you’ve been tracking Lakewood Ranch, Florida, for any length of time, you know the area’s been booming with new construction. But Wild Blue is different.


This isn’t just another neighborhood. From the builder lineup to the oversized lots to its unique location tucked into the southern end of the Waterside District, Wild Blue feels like it’s in a category of its own in 2025.

Let’s walk through exactly where it is, what makes it special, who’s building here, who it’s right for (and who it’s not), and what kind of price point you’re really looking at.


1. Where Exactly Is Wild Blue?


Wild Blue is located in the southern portion of the Waterside District in Lakewood Ranch—an area already loaded with amenities, including over 50 communities across 30,000 acres.

It sits just minutes from Waterside Place, the new “downtown” of Lakewood Ranch. We’re talking waterfront dining, coffee shops, event spaces, and Florida’s top-ranked farmers market.


Plus:

  • You're close to the new Center Point plaza
  • Just a short ride to University Town Center
  • 5 to 10 minutes to I-75, depending on your exit
  • Around 25 minutes to downtown Sarasota
  • Roughly 3.5 miles from the beaches

The location is strategic—not just now, but especially as Eastern expansion continues.


2. What Makes Wild Blue Stand Out?


Here’s where things get interesting:

  • Luxury meets new construction in a way that’s increasingly rare. This isn’t spec-heavy, cookie-cutter development.
  • Larger homesites—starting at 64 feet wide and going up to 100+ feet. That’s practically unheard of in Florida new construction.
  • Semi-custom and custom builders only. No national production builders here. Each home has flexibility in layout, style, and design.
  • Fewer than 600 homes total when built out. So, it feels more private, more curated.
  • Genuine water views. A massive natural lake runs through the center, giving the entire community a more organic, upscale feel compared to the usual retention ponds.


3. Who’s Building Here?


There are four main lot sizes (64’, 78’, 90’, and 100’), and different builders work on each tier.

Here’s a quick breakdown:


64’ Lots


  • Lee Wetherington Homes: Local, custom, quality-focused. Average homes are around 3,200 sq ft and range from $2M to $2.5M.
  • Stock Development: Builds on all lot sizes and has a deep inventory. Often the most affordable entry point, starting closer to $1.8M.


78’ Lots


  • Arthur Rutenberg: Offers several packaged tiers (Executive, Signature, Platinum). Floorplans start at 3,200 sq ft. Expect $2.1M+ before your lot.
  • Lots themselves start around $400K and can climb into the $600Ks depending on water and preserve views.


90’ Lots


  • John Cannon Homes: Deep roots in Lakewood Ranch. These homes tend to be 4,000 sq ft and up. Entry pricing (with lot) is around $3M. Seven lots currently available.


100’ Lots


  • Anchor Builders: Ultra-luxury, hyper-custom. You’re looking at 4,000–6,000+ sq ft homes with prices between $3M–$6M+. These are some of the largest non-acreage lots in the region.

Overall, Stock Development remains the most versatile builder here, active on all lot sizes and offering the quickest availability.


4. Who Shouldn't Buy in Wild Blue?


Let’s be real—Wild Blue isn’t for everyone.

  • Price Point: The starting line is around $1.8M. That alone narrows the field.
  • It's still early: Some streets are mid-construction, landscaping is immature, and full completion is 1–2 years out.
  • High Monthly Costs: Expect $800+/month in HOA plus a CDD fee layered on top. If you’re not using the amenities, that could be a tough pill.
  • Limited Builder Flexibility: If you want a specific home on a specific lot and your preferred builder isn’t matched to it, it might be a no-go.

The takeaway? You need to be intentional to live here. But if it clicks, it really clicks.


5. Final Takeaway: Who Is Wild Blue For?


Wild Blue is for someone looking to anchor their life in one of Florida’s top small-town metros—with layered quality and long-term appeal.

You’re inside:

  • The Sarasota metro
  • The Waterside District of Lakewood Ranch
  • A tucked-away section with limited homes and no production builders


It's a lifestyle choice. Whether full-time, seasonal, or somewhere in between, this is a community for people who are deliberately choosing views, privacy, and a level of quality that’s becoming harder to find in new construction.


Next Steps


If Wild Blue feels like it’s speaking your language, and you’re interested in learning more, I can help. My name is Adam Hancock, and I run a full-scale residential real estate brokerage in Southwest Florida. We specialize in relocation, new construction, and helping buyers make smart, long-term decisions.

We offer:

  • Custom video consults
  • Monthly market newsletters
  • Relocation guides
  • Title and mortgage assistance

Thanks for reading!

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