Lakewood Ranch New Construction Communities By Price Point | 2024 Buyer's Guide

Lakewood Ranch offers diverse new construction communities with homes starting from the $300,000s to luxury estates exceeding $3 million. Each neighborhood provides unique amenities, with options ranging from maintenance-free villas and townhomes to expansive single-family homes. Communities in the southern Waterside area offer proximity to Sarasota and beaches, while northern communities feature amenity-rich environments with golf courses, resort-style pools, and social activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lakewood Ranch New Construction

What are the most affordable new construction communities in Lakewood Ranch?

Aurora, Azario, Lorraine Lakes, Star Farms, and Avanti in Waterside offer townhomes and villas starting in the $300,000s. These communities provide various amenities including pools, maintenance services, and Tot Lots, with HOA fees typically under $200 monthly for most affordable options.

Which Lakewood Ranch communities offer the best amenities?

Azario Esplanade offers the most comprehensive resort-style amenities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, bar, culinary center, tennis, pickleball, and a full-time lifestyle activities director. Other amenity-rich communities include Lorraine Lakes, Star Farms, and the luxury communities of Lake Club and Wild Blue.

Are there 55+ communities in Lakewood Ranch?

Yes, Cresswind by Del Webb is a dedicated 55+ community in Lakewood Ranch. It features a social lifestyle with amenities including tennis, pickleball, and a recently opened sales center. Star Farms also has a section specifically designed for active older adults with paired villas and resort-style amenities.

Which Lakewood Ranch communities are closest to beaches?

Communities in the Waterside area (southern Lakewood Ranch) offer the best proximity to Sarasota beaches. These include Avanti, Nautique, Windward, Shellstone, Lake House Cove, and Kingfisher Estates. Waterside communities are in Sarasota County and provide easier access to both beaches and downtown Sarasota.

What are the HOA fees like in Lakewood Ranch communities?

HOA fees in Lakewood Ranch vary widely based on the community and amenities offered:

Most affordable: Communities like Aurora and Avanti have HOAs under $200 monthly
Mid-range: Communities such as Star Farms, Sweetwater, and Emerald Landing range from $200-$300 monthly
Higher-end: Amenity-rich communities like Azario non-deed golf are approximately $300-$400 monthly
Luxury/Golf: Communities with golf memberships or extensive amenities can exceed $600 monthly

What is the average price of a new construction home in Lakewood Ranch?

New construction home prices in Lakewood Ranch start at around $300,000 for townhomes and range up to $3+ million for luxury estates. Single-family homes typically begin in the mid-$400,000s at communities like Avalon Woods and Solera, with the average new construction single-family home in the $600,000-$800,000 range depending on community, size, and features.

Which builders are constructing homes in Lakewood Ranch?

Lakewood Ranch features a diverse selection of builders ranging from production to luxury custom builders:

Production builders: Lennar, DR Horton, Ryan Homes, Taylor Morrison
Semi-custom: Neal Communities, M/I Homes, Homes by Towne, David Weekley
Luxury custom: John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington, Stock, Arthur Rutenberg

New Construction Communities Starting in the $300,000s

Aurora: Affordable Townhome Living in Northern Lakewood Ranch

Aurora represents one of the most affordable entry points into the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle. Developed by Lennar, this non-gated community is situated in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, between State Road 70 and 64, east of I-75.

Key Features of Aurora:

Home Types: Townhomes and single-family homes
Price Point: Townhomes starting in the $300,000s
Amenities: Community pool, Tot Lot (playground)
HOA: Less than $200 monthly with lawn maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch with convenient access to main roads

Aurora offers an excellent value proposition for first-time homebuyers or those seeking an affordable maintenance-free lifestyle. While not featuring the extensive resort-style amenities of higher-priced communities, Aurora provides essential amenities including a community pool and playground, with the added benefit of included lawn maintenance at a very reasonable HOA cost.

Azario Townhomes: Affordable Entry to a Premium Community

Azario, developed by Taylor Morrison, has become one of Lakewood Ranch's most successful communities. While the Esplanade section is known for its upscale golf lifestyle, Azario also offers a separate townhome section with prices starting in the $300,000s.

Key Features of Azario Townhomes:

Home Types: Townhomes
Price Point: Starting in the $300,000s
Amenities: Pool and dog park in the townhome section
HOA: Under $200 monthly
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

The townhome section of Azario provides an affordable entry point into this popular community. Residents enjoy a neighborhood pool and dog park, though these amenities are separate from the more extensive offerings in the Esplanade section. With an HOA under $200 monthly, these townhomes represent excellent value for those wanting the Azario address without the higher price point.

Lorraine Lakes: Family-Friendly Amenities with Affordable Options

Lorraine Lakes is a large Lennar community offering a comprehensive amenity package at a still-accessible price point. For those seeking an amenity-rich environment for families, Lorraine Lakes stands out as an exceptional value.

Key Features of Lorraine Lakes:

Home Types: Townhomes, villas, and single-family homes
Price Point: Townhomes and possibly villas starting in the $300,000s
Amenities: Bar and restaurant, tennis courts, pickleball courts, resort-style pool, playground
HOA: $400-$500 range
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch between SR-70 and SR-64, east of I-75

What distinguishes Lorraine Lakes is its wealth of family-oriented amenities. The community features a bar and restaurant, tennis and pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, and playgrounds, making it perfect for active families. While the HOA fees are higher than some other communities at this price point ($400-$500 range), the extensive amenities justify the cost for many buyers seeking a comprehensive lifestyle package.

Star Farms: Multi-Builder Community with Diverse Options

Star Farms is a distinctive master-planned community featuring multiple builders, including DR Horton, Homes by WestBay, and John Cannon Homes. This diversity of builders creates a more varied architectural landscape than single-builder communities.

Key Features of Star Farms:

Home Types: Townhomes, villas, and single-family homes
Price Point: Townhomes and potentially villas starting in the $300,000s
Amenities: Multiple amenity centers, including sections targeted to different demographics, restaurant, bar, resort-style pool, pickleball
HOA: $200-$300 range with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

A standout feature of Star Farms is its thoughtfully designed amenity centers targeting different demographics. There's a dedicated section for active older adults with paired villas and appropriate amenities, a family-focused section, and a main amenity center accessible to all residents featuring a restaurant and bar. The community is gated and includes maintenance services, with an HOA that runs slightly lower than Lorraine Lakes due to the larger number of homes sharing costs.

Avanti in Waterside: Southern Location with Beach Proximity

Avanti in Waterside stands out from other communities in this price range due to its location in the southern part of Lakewood Ranch, situated in Sarasota County rather than Manatee County.

Key Features of Avanti:

Home Types: Townhomes
Price Point: Starting in the $300,000s
Amenities: No dedicated community amenities, but proximity to Waterside Town Center
HOA: Under $200 with maintenance included
Location: Southern Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota County) with closer proximity to beaches and downtown Sarasota

The primary advantage of Avanti is its strategic location. Being in the Sarasota County portion of Lakewood Ranch means residents are closer to the beaches, downtown Sarasota, and the Waterside Town Center, which features restaurants, a brewery, and Sunday farmers markets. While Avanti doesn't offer dedicated community amenities, its affordable HOA (under $200) includes maintenance, and residents benefit from the broader Waterside area attractions.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $400,000s

Avalon Woods: Entry-Level Single-Family Homes

Avalon Woods, built by Ryan Homes, offers one of the most affordable single-family home options in all of Lakewood Ranch. This community focuses on affordability rather than extensive amenities.

Key Features of Avalon Woods:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $400,000s
Amenities: Limited to a dog park and Tot Lot (playground)
HOA: Affordable
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Avalon Woods represents the entry point for single-family homes in Lakewood Ranch. Ryan Homes, similar to DR Horton and Lennar, focuses on building affordable homes with good warranties rather than luxury finishes. While amenities are minimal, the community provides essential outdoor spaces including a dog park and playground. For buyers prioritizing a single-family home at the lowest possible price point in Lakewood Ranch, Avalon Woods is a strong contender.

Azario Esplanade: Villa Living with Resort Amenities

The Esplanade section of Azario offers villa homes starting in the $400,000s, providing access to what many consider the best resort-style community amenities in Lakewood Ranch.

Key Features of Azario Esplanade:

Home Types: Villas (at this price point) and single-family homes at higher prices
Price Point: Villas starting just under $500,000
Amenities: 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, bar, culinary center, tennis, pickleball, resort-style pool, full-time lifestyle activities director
HOA: Varies between deed and non-deed golf options (non-deed approximately $300-$400, deed golf options approximately double)
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Azario Esplanade offers an exceptional value proposition for those seeking a resort lifestyle with maintenance-free living. The community features both deed and non-deed golf options, with the former including golf membership in the HOA fees. The amenities are truly comprehensive, featuring not only an 18-hole championship golf course but also a restaurant, bar, culinary center, tennis and pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, and a full-time lifestyle activities director coordinating social events. For active adults seeking luxury amenities at a relatively accessible price point, Azario Esplanade villas represent one of the best options in Lakewood Ranch.

Cresswind: 55+ Living with Del Webb

Cresswind by Del Webb provides a dedicated 55+ community experience with single-family homes potentially starting in the high $400,000s (though final pricing may push slightly above $500,000 with lot premiums and upgrades).

Key Features of Cresswind:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Base prices advertised in the $400,000s (likely finishing higher with lot and upgrades)
Amenities: Tennis, pickleball, and other age-appropriate amenities (no restaurant/bar)
HOA: $200-$300 range with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Cresswind offers a social 55+ lifestyle with appropriate amenities including tennis and pickleball courts. The community is gated with maintenance included, providing the convenience many active adults seek. One notable difference from some other Del Webb communities is the absence of a restaurant or bar within the community. However, the more affordable HOA ($200-$300 range) reflects this difference, and many residents appreciate the social atmosphere Del Webb communities are known for creating.

Sapphire Point: Boutique Community with Full Amenities

Sapphire Point by Pulte Homes offers a more intimate community setting with fewer homes than many neighboring developments, while still providing comprehensive amenities.

Key Features of Sapphire Point:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting around $400,000 for smaller models (likely higher with lot and upgrades)
Amenities: Fitness center, resort-style pool
HOA: $200-$300 monthly with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

The smaller scale of Sapphire Point is appealing to those seeking a less crowded community environment. While not offering the spectacular water features or resort bars of communities like Azario or national brands, Sapphire Point provides the essential amenities most buyers seek, including a fitness center and resort-style pool. The community is gated with maintenance included, and Pulte Homes is known as a quality builder. The HOA falls in the moderate $200-$300 monthly range, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced approach to amenities and costs.

Solera: Affordable Single-Family Homes by DR Horton

Solera offers one of the most affordable entry points for single-family homes in Lakewood Ranch, built by national builder DR Horton.

Key Features of Solera:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $400,000s
Amenities: Resort-style pool, clubhouse, playground (Tot Lot)
HOA: Affordable with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Solera provides a non-gated community option with the essential amenities most families seek, including a resort-style pool, clubhouse, and playground. Maintenance is included in the HOA fees, adding convenience for busy households. As a DR Horton community, buyers should expect builder-grade finishes rather than luxury or custom options, but the homes represent excellent value for those prioritizing space and affordability over premium finishes.

Sweetwater: Elevated Finishes with Villa Options

Sweetwater by M/I Homes offers an attractive middle ground between builder-grade and luxury communities, with elevated finishes and a dedicated villa section.

Key Features of Sweetwater:

Home Types: Villas in the $400,000s, single-family homes at higher price points
Price Point: Villas starting in the $400,000s
Amenities: Multiple amenity centers (main center plus dedicated villa section amenities), clubhouse, pool, pickleball, Tot Lot
HOA: $200-$300 monthly with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

M/I Homes is known for offering more elevated finishes than entry-level builders, incorporating features like marble and quartz as standard in many models. Sweetwater's villa section has its own dedicated amenity center with a pool, in addition to access to the main community amenities. Unique features include a BMX-style bump track for children and an elevated lawn area used for community movie nights, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. The community is gated with maintenance included, making it particularly appealing to those seeking a smaller, tight-knit community experience with more premium finishes than entry-level options.

Nautique in Waterside: Boutique Community with Southern Location

Nautique, also by M/I Homes, offers a smaller community experience in the desirable Waterside area of southern Lakewood Ranch.

Key Features of Nautique:

Home Types: Townhomes and single-family homes
Price Point: Single-family homes potentially starting in the $400,000s
Amenities: Pool, Tot Lot, pickleball courts, dog park
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: Southern Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota County) with proximity to downtown Sarasota and beaches

Like Sweetwater, Nautique benefits from M/I Homes' more elevated finishes. However, its standout feature is the location within Waterside, providing easier access to downtown Sarasota and beaches. Despite its smaller size, Nautique offers comprehensive amenities including a pool, playground, pickleball courts, and a dog park. Maintenance is included in the HOA, adding convenience. For those prioritizing location and seeking a more intimate community setting, Nautique represents an excellent option in the $400,000s price range.

Windward Villas: Gated Waterside Living

Windward by Neal Communities stands out as the only gated community in the Waterside area of Lakewood Ranch, offering attached villas starting in the $400,000s.

Key Features of Windward:

Home Types: Attached villas at this price point, single-family homes at higher prices
Price Point: Villas starting in the $400,000s
Amenities: Comprehensive amenity package including pickle ball, tennis, resort-style pool, fitness center
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: Southern edge of Lakewood Ranch at the corner of Lorraine and Fruitville, providing excellent access to downtown Sarasota and beaches

Windward's unique position as a gated community in Waterside adds security and exclusivity to its already desirable location. The community offers a comprehensive amenity package including pickleball and tennis courts, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center, though no restaurant or bar. Its location at the corner of Lorraine and Fruitville provides excellent access to downtown Sarasota and beaches, while still being close enough to enjoy Waterside Town Center via golf cart. Neal Communities is a respected builder known for quality construction, making Windward villas an attractive option for those seeking maintenance-free living in a prime location.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $500,000s

Azario Park East: Single-Family Homes Adjacent to Golf

Azario Park East represents the opportunity to purchase a single-family home in the Azario community at a more accessible price point than the Esplanade section.

Key Features of Azario Park East:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $500,000s
Amenities: Limited community amenities (pool) but proximity to Esplanade Azario's extensive offerings
HOA: More affordable than Esplanade section
Location: Adjacent to Esplanade Azario

While Park East doesn't offer the extensive amenities package of the Esplanade section, it provides the opportunity to purchase a Taylor Morrison single-family home at a more attainable price point. Taylor Morrison is known for delivering a more elevated product than entry-level builders like DR Horton or Lennar, making Azario Park East an excellent middle ground between builder-grade and luxury homes. The community includes a pool, and while other amenities are limited, its location adjacent to Esplanade Azario puts residents in close proximity to that community's extensive offerings.

Sweetwater Single-Family Homes: Elevated Finishes in a Boutique Setting

As mentioned in the $400,000s section for villas, Sweetwater also offers single-family homes starting in the $500,000s with M/I Homes' more elevated finishing standards.

Key Features of Sweetwater Single-Family Homes:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $500,000s
Amenities: Multiple amenity centers, clubhouse, pool, pickleball, Tot Lot, unique BMX track
HOA: $200-$300 monthly with maintenance included
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Sweetwater's single-family home options continue the community's approach of offering more elevated finishes than entry-level builders, with features like marble and quartz as standard in many models. The community's unique amenities, including the BMX-style bump track and movie lawn, create a family-friendly atmosphere with social opportunities. The gated community with maintenance included appeals to those seeking convenience combined with a more boutique community experience.

Waterside Bungalow Walk: University-Side Lakewood Ranch

Bungalow Walk by Dream Finders Homes offers single-family options in a strategic location within the Waterside area, closer to the University Parkway side.

Key Features of Bungalow Walk:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: $500,000-$700,000 range
Amenities: Pool, Tot Lot with maintenance included
HOA: Under $200 monthly
Location: Waterside area (Sarasota County) with excellent access to UTC mall area, downtown Lakewood Ranch, and Waterside Town Center

Bungalow Walk's location provides a strategic advantage, positioned near University Parkway for easy access to the University Town Center (UTC) shopping and dining district, while still being within reach of both downtown Lakewood Ranch and Waterside Town Center. While not offering the extensive amenity packages of some communities, Bungalow Walk provides the essentials with a pool and playground, all with a very reasonable HOA under $200 monthly that includes maintenance. For those prioritizing location and accessibility over extensive amenities, Bungalow Walk represents an excellent value proposition.

Emerald Landing: Boutique David Weekley Community

Emerald Landing represents a small boutique community by respected builder David Weekley Homes in the Waterside area.

Key Features of Emerald Landing:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $500,000s
Amenities: Pool, dog park, pickleball courts
HOA: $200-$300 monthly with maintenance included
Location: Waterside area (Sarasota County) with proximity to both downtown Sarasota and downtown Lakewood Ranch

David Weekley Homes is positioned as a smaller, more quality-focused builder than national production builders, offering a middle ground between production and custom homes. Emerald Landing provides essential amenities including a pool, dog park, and pickleball courts, with an HOA in the moderate $200-$300 range that includes maintenance. The community's location in Waterside offers the benefits of Sarasota County residency with proximity to beaches and downtown Sarasota, while still being close to downtown Lakewood Ranch amenities.

Windward Single-Family Homes: Gated Waterside Living

Building on the Windward community described in the $400,000s section for villas, Neal Communities also offers single-family homes in this community starting in the $500,000s.

Key Features of Windward Single-Family Homes:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $500,000s for smaller models, ranging well above $1 million for larger estates
Amenities: Comprehensive amenity package including pickleball, tennis, resort-style pool, fitness center
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: Southern edge of Lakewood Ranch at the corner of Lorraine and Fruitville, providing excellent access to downtown Sarasota and beaches

Windward's unique position as the only gated community in Waterside adds security and exclusivity to its prime location. The community offers a wide range of home sizes and prices, starting with smaller single-family models in the $500,000s and extending well above $1 million for larger estate homes. The comprehensive amenity package includes pickleball and tennis courts, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center, though no restaurant or bar. Its strategic location provides excellent access to downtown Sarasota and beaches while still being close enough to enjoy Waterside Town Center via golf cart.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $600,000s

Azario Esplanade Single-Family Homes: Resort Living at Its Finest

Building on the Azario community described earlier, the Esplanade section also offers single-family homes starting in the $600,000s, providing access to what many consider the most comprehensive resort amenities in Lakewood Ranch.

Key Features of Azario Esplanade Single-Family Homes:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $600,000s, ranging up to nearly $2 million for larger models
Amenities: 18-hole championship golf course, restaurant, bar, culinary center, tennis, pickleball, resort-style pool, full-time lifestyle activities director, day spa
HOA: Varies between deed and non-deed golf options (non-deed approximately $300-$400, deed golf options approximately double)
Location: Northern Lakewood Ranch

Azario Esplanade's single-family homes provide the full resort lifestyle experience with access to the community's extensive amenities package. The community offers both deed and non-deed golf options, with corresponding differences in HOA fees. Taylor Morrison delivers a more elevated product than entry-level builders, with attention to detail and quality finishes. For those seeking a true resort lifestyle with comprehensive amenities and a strong social component, Azario Esplanade represents one of the premier options in Lakewood Ranch, with home prices starting in the $600,000s and ranging up to nearly $2 million for larger models.

Shellstone: New Waterside Community with Dual Builders

Shellstone is a brand-new community in the Waterside area featuring two builders: Homes by Towne and Lee Wetherington.

Key Features of Shellstone:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $600,000s
Amenities: Extensive amenities package (everything except restaurant/bar)
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: Southern Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota County) near Waterside Town Center

As a new community just getting underway, Shellstone offers the opportunity to get in early at potentially better pricing. Homes by Towne will deliver the more affordable options, while Lee Wetherington will focus on higher-end models. The community will feature extensive amenities, lacking only a restaurant and bar to complete the resort package. Its location in Waterside provides excellent proximity to both the Waterside Town Center and, more broadly, to downtown Sarasota and beaches. As the community matures, early buyers may benefit from appreciation as amenities are completed and the neighborhood establishes itself.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $700,000s

Monterey: Toll Brothers Luxury on Fruitville

Monterey represents Toll Brothers' eastward expansion along Fruitville Road, offering luxury homes in a gated community setting.

Key Features of Monterey:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $700,000s
Amenities: Lifestyle director, pool, clubhouse, dog park
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: East of I-75 on Fruitville Road

Toll Brothers has established a reputation for quality luxury homes, and Monterey continues this tradition. The community will feature a comprehensive amenities package including a lifestyle director coordinating social activities, pool, clubhouse, and dog park. While its location east of I-75 might initially seem remote, it's comparable to the distance of many northern Lakewood Ranch communities and offers the advantage of Fruitville Road access to downtown Sarasota and beaches. The community will be gated with maintenance included, focusing exclusively on single-family homes rather than including townhomes or villas, which appeals to many luxury buyers seeking a more uniform neighborhood composition.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $800,000s

The Isles: Toll Brothers Luxury on University

The Isles is Toll Brothers' established luxury community along University Parkway, positioned as a sister community to Monterey.

Key Features of The Isles:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $800,000s, with many homes exceeding $2 million
Amenities: Similar to Monterey - lifestyle director, pool, clubhouse, dog park
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: East on University Parkway

The Isles offers the same quality construction and amenities package as Monterey, with the key difference being its location along University Parkway rather than Fruitville Road. This positioning provides excellent access to the University Town Center (UTC) shopping and dining district, which may be preferable for some buyers over Fruitville's more direct route to downtown Sarasota. The community features exclusively single-family homes with no townhomes or villas, creating a more uniform luxury neighborhood experience. Homes range from the $800,000s starting point to well over $2 million for larger models.

Lake House Cove: Waterside Living with Multiple Builders

Lake House Cove in Waterside is approaching completion, with only a few remaining lots available primarily through Homes by Towne.

Key Features of Lake House Cove:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $800,000s
Amenities: Proximity to Waterside Town Center, ferry service
HOA: Maintenance included
Location: Within Waterside, very close to Waterside Town Center

Lake House Cove was developed with multiple builders including Homes by Towne, Lee Wetherington, and John Cannon, creating architectural diversity rather than a cookie-cutter appearance. Its standout feature is the proximity to Waterside Town Center, accessible by walking, biking, or even a small ferry service. As an almost completed community, buyers benefit from established landscaping and amenities without ongoing construction, though limited lot availability may restrict options. The location in Sarasota County provides the advantages of proximity to downtown Sarasota and beaches, making Lake House Cove an attractive option for those seeking a more established Waterside community.

New Construction Communities Starting in the $900,000s

The Alcove: Boutique Lakefront Community

The Alcove by Neal Signature Homes offers an exclusive, intimate community experience with just 47 homes situated on a lake within Waterside.

Key Features of The Alcove:

Home Types: Single-family homes
Price Point: Starting in the $900,000s
Amenities: None within the community itself, but lakefront setting
HOA: Approximately $400 monthly with maintenance included
Location: Within Waterside on a lake

The Alcove stands out for its small size and lakefront setting, offering exclusivity for those seeking to avoid larger master-planned communities. Neal Signature Homes is the luxury division of Neal Communities, providing more customization options and higher-end finishes than their standard offerings. The community lacks dedicated amenities like pools or fitness centers, which some buyers may see as a drawback given the approximately $400 monthly HOA. However, this HOA does include maintenance, and the community's intimate scale (just 47 homes) ensures a quieter, more exclusive environment with beautiful lake views and proximity to Waterside's broader amenities.

Luxury Communities Starting at $1 Million+

The Lake Club: Established Luxury with Venetian Flair

The Lake Club has long been Lakewood Ranch's premier luxury address, with Stock Development currently completing the Genoa section of this established community.

Key Features of The Lake Club:

Home Types: Luxury estate homes
Price Point: Starting around $1.5 million
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, tennis facility, pickleball facility, comprehensive luxury amenities
HOA: Premium with maintenance included
Location: Eastern Lakewood Ranch

The Lake Club is characterized by its distinctive Venetian aesthetic, featuring cobblestone pathways and vineyard-inspired landscaping creating an old-world luxury atmosphere. While there is no golf course within the community, The Lake Club offers virtually every other luxury amenity, including a bar and restaurant, tennis and pickleball facilities, and a generally grand environment. Stock Development's Genoa section represents the "affordable" entry point to The Lake Club, with homes starting around $1.5 million, while the broader community includes some of Lakewood Ranch's most expensive custom estates. For those seeking established luxury with a distinctive aesthetic, The Lake Club remains Lakewood Ranch's signature luxury address.

Wild Blue: Waterside's Premium Luxury Community

Wild Blue represents the luxury frontier in the Waterside area, featuring multiple premium builders including Stock, Arthur Rutenberg, John Cannon, Anchor, and Lee Wetherington.

Key Features of Wild Blue:

Home Types: Luxury estate homes
Price Point: Starting around $1.9 million for Stock homes on water, with custom options reaching much higher
Amenities: Being developed to include pickleball, tennis, bar, restaurant, comprehensive luxury amenities
HOA: Premium with maintenance included
Location: Southern edge of Waterside along University Parkway

Wild Blue brings together virtually every premium custom builder in the Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch area, creating architectural diversity and high-end offerings. Stock Development represents the entry point at around $1.9 million for waterfront homes, with custom options reaching much higher price points. The community is still developing its amenities package, which will eventually include comprehensive offerings similar to The Lake Club. Its location in the Waterside area provides the benefits of Sarasota County residency with proximity to beaches and downtown Sarasota. For luxury buyers specifically seeking the Waterside area, Wild Blue represents the premium option.

Ultra-Luxury Communities Starting at $3 Million+

Monarch Acres and Kingfisher Estates: John Cannon's Exclusive Enclaves

At the very pinnacle of Lakewood Ranch luxury lie two small, exclusive communities by renowned local luxury builder John Cannon Homes: Monarch Acres and Kingfisher Estates.

Key Features of Monarch Acres:

Home Types: Ultra-luxury custom estate homes
Price Point: Starting at $3 million+
Amenities: Large lots, exclusivity with very few homes
HOA: Several hundred dollars monthly
Location: Gated enclave within Lakewood Ranch

Monarch Acres offers the ultimate in exclusivity, featuring a tiny community of extremely high-end custom homes on large lots. John Cannon Homes is one of the region's most respected luxury custom builders, delivering truly bespoke estates with premium finishes and custom features. The community is gated, though amenities focus on privacy and exclusivity rather than shared facilities. For ultra-luxury buyers seeking a truly custom estate home within the Lakewood Ranch umbrella, Monarch Acres represents one of the pinnacle options.

Key Features of Kingfisher Estates:

Home Types: Ultra-luxury custom estate homes
Price Point: Starting at $3 million+
Amenities: Large lots, exclusivity with very few homes
HOA: Premium
Location: Within Waterside, non-gated (due to Waterside regulations)

Kingfisher Estates offers a similar ultra-luxury proposition to Monarch Acres, with the key distinction being its location within the Waterside area of Lakewood Ranch. This positioning in Sarasota County provides the proximity to beaches and downtown Sarasota that many luxury buyers prioritize. Unlike Monarch Acres, Kingfisher Estates is not gated due to Waterside development regulations. However, it maintains exclusivity through its small size, large lots, and ultra-premium price point. For those seeking the ultimate in custom luxury home building within the southern portion of Lakewood Ranch, Kingfisher Estates represents the premium option.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lakewood Ranch Home

When evaluating new construction communities in Lakewood Ranch, several key factors should guide your decision-making process:

1. Location Within Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch spans a large area across two counties, with significant differences between locations:

Northern Communities (Manatee County): More established with easier access to I-75, downtown Lakewood Ranch, and medical facilities
Waterside Communities (Sarasota County): Closer to beaches, downtown Sarasota, and often preferred by those seeking Sarasota County schools

Your daily routine, workplace location, and lifestyle preferences should heavily influence which area you target.

2. Amenities vs. HOA Costs

Communities with more extensive amenities generally command higher HOA fees. Consider which amenities you'll actually use:

If you're an avid golfer, communities like Azario Esplanade with golf courses may justify higher fees
Families might prioritize playgrounds, pools, and social events found in communities like Lorraine Lakes or Star Farms
If you rarely use community amenities, a more basic package with lower fees might be preferable

3. Builder Reputation and Quality

Lakewood Ranch features a spectrum of builders from production to custom luxury:

Production Builders (Lennar, DR Horton, Ryan Homes): Affordable pricing with standard finishes
Mid-Tier Builders (Taylor Morrison, M/I Homes, Neal Communities): More elevated finishes and semi-custom options
Luxury Custom Builders (John Cannon, Lee Wetherington, Stock): Premium customization and finishes

Your budget and priorities regarding customization and finish quality should guide your builder selection.

4. Home Type and Lifestyle

Different home types suit different lifestyles:

Townhomes: Lowest maintenance and most affordable, ideal for part-time residents or those seeking simplicity
Villas: More space than townhomes while still offering maintenance-free living
Single-Family Homes: Maximum space and privacy, with varying lot sizes and configurations

Consider your current and future needs, as well as how much maintenance responsibility you're willing to assume.

5. Community Size and Character

Communities range from intimate enclaves like The Alcove (47 homes) to large master-planned communities with thousands of residences:

Smaller communities often offer quieter environments with more exclusivity
Larger communities typically provide more comprehensive amenities and social opportunities
Multi-builder communities like Star Farms or Wild Blue offer architectural diversity compared to single-builder neighborhoods

Your preference for community scale and social atmosphere should factor into your decision.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Lakewood Ranch Community

Lakewood Ranch offers an extraordinary diversity of new construction communities spanning every price point from the $300,000s to well over $3 million. This master-planned development continues to expand eastward, with new communities continuously being announced and developed.

The right community for you will balance location, amenities, builder quality, home type, and community character in alignment with your lifestyle needs and budget constraints. While northern communities offer established infrastructure and amenities, Waterside communities provide proximity to Sarasota's cultural offerings and beaches. Similarly, while luxury communities offer premium finishes and features, more affordable options still provide access to the coveted Lakewood Ranch lifestyle.

As new construction continues to evolve in Lakewood Ranch, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can provide invaluable guidance on community specifics, builder reputations, and timing opportunities within these developing neighborhoods.

Ready to Explore Lakewood Ranch?

If you're considering relocating to Lakewood Ranch or anywhere else on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the Zachos Realty & Design Group is here to help. With over 40 years of local expertise and a unique combination of real estate knowledge and award-winning design vision, we can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle needs.

Contact us today:

Phone: 941-500-5457
Email: [email protected]
Sarasota Office: 205 N Orange Ave Suite 202, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Venice Office: 217 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285

Visit our YouTube channel "Relocation Experts | Florida's Gulf Coast" for more insider guides to Florida's Gulf Coast communities.