Introduction

There’s something satisfying about a comeback. Especially when it’s a community that quietly reclaims relevance in a market full of shiny new competitors. That’s what I think is happening with Windward by Neal Communities in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. This neighborhood isn’t brand new. It had its moment in the spotlight a few years ago, fell into the background a bit, and now—it’s back. And possibly stronger than ever.

A Quick Backstory and Why Geography Is Everything

When Windward first hit the scene, it was a standout. Not because it was flashy or luxurious, but because it made sense. It was priced right. It had a clear identity. You could explain it in one sentence, which made it super easy to compare to other communities. And then, it lost some of that momentum.

Part of that was because of the competition. More neighborhoods got built around it. Pricing changed. People lost sight of how valuable Windward’s location actually was. But here’s the thing: geography never goes out of style. You can’t replace it. And Windward’s proximity to downtown Sarasota and the beaches is still one of the best in the region.

It sits in Sarasota County, just off Fruitville Road, about 9.5 miles to downtown Sarasota, 13 miles to Lido Key, and roughly 15–16 miles to Siesta Key. That’s rare access when you’re talking about new construction suburbs with amenities.

What You Get: Homes, Layouts, and the Community Itself

Windward breaks down into four collections of homes—three single-family and one paired villa series:

• Paired Villas: Think low-maintenance, two homes connected by a shared wall, each with a 2-car garage. Great for affordability with the look and feel of a single-family home.
• Cruz Series (33 ft wide): More narrow homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 sq ft, including two-story options like the Dream or Honor models.
• Celebration Series (40 ft wide): Includes six floor plans like the Triumph and Applause, stretching closer to 3,000 sq ft.
• Coastal Series (60 ft wide): This is the flagship. Spacious, single-story layouts like the Savannah 2 and Kiowa, often with 3-car garages and pool-ready backyards.

Neal Communities leans toward mid-tier production—solid build quality without full custom flexibility. But what makes Windward special is the blend of suburban ease with town proximity. It’s not a country club, but it’s amenity-rich: a 10,000+ sq ft clubhouse, resort and lap pools, fitness center, walking trails, and play areas.

And here's the key detail: only 25 homes are left in the Coastal Collection (60-ft wide), which are essential if you want a truly spacious, open single-story floor plan. Once those are gone, your options shrink to narrower homes with either upstairs square footage or smaller communal areas.

Who Windward Is Right For

Here’s the sweet spot of who might love Windward:

• Those looking under $1 million but still wanting quality, space, and a pool without major trade-offs.
• People who want Sarasota access without pushing into niche areas like Parrish, Venice, or east of the interstate.
• Buyers who value walkability or golf cart lifestyle. This area is one of the few non-age-restricted zones where you can realistically live that golf cart life.
• Fans of Neal’s track record. You can walk through past and present versions of Windward in nearby communities like Grand Park and Grand Palm. What you see is pretty close to what you get.

And Who It Might Not Be Right For

Let’s flip it. There are definitely some scenarios where Windward could fall short:

• Buyers seeking semi-custom or higher-end builders might hit a ceiling with what Neal offers.
• Those wanting larger homes or wider lots. Once the Coastal lots are gone, there’s no replacement. Your 60-ft wide option becomes 40-ft or less.
• Families with young kids relying on public schools. The zoning here doesn’t match the more established Lakewood Ranch schools, and Sarasota County hasn’t caught up to the growth yet. Private school may be necessary in the short term.



Final Takeaway

So where does that leave us?

Windward launched as a value neighborhood. It lost attention, but it never lost its location. And now, while newer developments are popping up further and further from town, Windward is quietly sitting in a pocket that still makes a ton of sense. It’s not the flashiest, but it could be one of the smartest moves a buyer could make in 2025—especially if you catch this final phase before it’s completely built out.

Whether you’re a few months out or a few years, feel free to reach out. We’ve helped dozens of folks through this exact decision tree. Sometimes it just takes a conversation to save months of backtracking.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you in the next one.