While everyone flocks to well-known communities like Waterside and Esplanade, savvy buyers are discovering incredible value in lesser-known neighborhoods throughout Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park. These six underrated communities offer the same resort-style amenities, quality construction, and Florida lifestyle at more accessible price points, with homes starting in the $300s.
Introduction
When people think of master-planned communities on Florida's Gulf Coast, names like Waterside, Esplanade, and Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club immediately come to mind. These flagship communities have earned their reputation, but they also come with premium price tags that put them out of reach for many buyers. What if you could enjoy the same resort-style lifestyle, top-tier amenities, and quality construction without paying the "headliner" markup?
The good news is that several exceptional new construction communities are flying under the radar in both Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park. These neighborhoods offer early-phase pricing, diverse housing options, and amenities that rival their more famous counterparts. Whether you're looking for non-age-restricted communities, 55-plus active adult living, or upscale options with premium locations, this guide covers the best-kept secrets in Southwest Florida's premier master-planned communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underrated Communities in Lakewood Ranch & Wellen Park
What makes these communities "underrated" compared to more well-known neighborhoods?
These communities offer similar resort-style amenities, quality builders, and lifestyle programming as headline neighborhoods like Waterside or Esplanade, but at lower price points. Many are in early development phases, which means better value and more home for your money before prices increase as the communities mature.
Are the amenities in these underrated communities comparable to the more expensive options?
Absolutely. Communities like Star Farms feature four separate amenity centers, while Del Webb Catalina will have the largest Del Webb amenity center in all of Florida. These neighborhoods include resort pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, pickleball courts, restaurants, bars, and extensive social programming that match or exceed what you'll find in pricier communities.
What price range should I expect in these communities?
Home prices in these underrated communities start in the $300s for townhomes and villas, with single-family homes available from the high $400s. Even the "stretch pick" premium options start in the $600s, which is significantly less than comparable homes in more publicized neighborhoods.
Are these communities good for families, or just retirees?
This guide covers options for everyone. Four of the six main communities are non-age-restricted and perfect for families, young professionals, or anyone seeking Florida's Gulf Coast lifestyle. Two communities (Del Webb Catalina and Brightmore) are specifically designed as 55-plus active adult neighborhoods with age-restricted amenities and social programming.
How developed are these communities, and when will amenities be completed?
Development stages vary by community. Some, like Palmera and Boca Royale, have amenities opening in early 2026. Others, like Palm Grove and Star Farms, are in earlier phases with amenities under construction. Early buyers benefit from lower prices but need to visualize the completed community vision, while more established options offer immediate amenity access.
What's the advantage of buying in the early phases of these communities?
Early-phase buyers typically receive better pricing, more lot selection, and stronger builder incentives before prices increase as the community develops. You're essentially getting in on the ground floor of what will become full resort-style neighborhoods, often saving tens of thousands compared to later buyers.
How do Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park differ as master-planned communities?
Lakewood Ranch is the more established of the two, spanning over 33,000 acres between Sarasota and Bradenton with multiple villages and town centers. Wellen Park is newer and located further south near Venice, offering a similar master-planned lifestyle with modern amenities. Both provide easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, excellent schools, and comprehensive resort-style living.
Lakewood Ranch: Underrated New Construction Communities
Palm Grove: The Newest Entry Point into Lakewood Ranch
Builder: Neal Communities
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Villas, townhomes, and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s for townhomes, high $400s for single-family homes
Palm Grove represents one of the most exciting new opportunities in Lakewood Ranch. As the only Lakewood Ranch community located north of State Road 64 near Uline, this brand-new village is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the significant commercial development happening along this corridor.
What Makes Palm Grove Special?
The community offers the full Neal Communities lifestyle programming that has made their other neighborhoods so successful throughout Florida. When complete, residents will enjoy resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, pickleball courts, and a resort pool that creates a vacation-like atmosphere every day.
The real advantage here is value. While other Lakewood Ranch communities command premium prices due to their established reputations, Palm Grove offers a lower entry point with excellent builder incentives. You're getting the same quality construction and lifestyle programming, just in a newer village that hasn't yet been "discovered" by the masses.
Important Considerations
As with any early-phase community, the amenities are currently under construction. Early buyers need to be comfortable visualizing what the completed community will look like and be patient as these features come online. However, for those willing to take this minor leap of faith, the reward is significant savings and the satisfaction of being part of a community from its very beginning.
The Bottom Line: Palm Grove is one of the best new ways to get into Lakewood Ranch at an accessible price point.
Star Farms: Lakewood Ranch's Next Resort Mega Village
Builders: Multiple, including DR Horton and WestBay
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Townhomes, villas, and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s for townhomes, $400s for villas and single-family homes
If you're looking for amenities, Star Farms might just be the most impressive community in all of Lakewood Ranch. This massive resort-style village in northeast Lakewood Ranch includes several subsections and features not one, not two, but four different amenity centers throughout the community.
What Amenities Can You Expect at Star Farms?
The amenity package at Star Farms is truly comprehensive:
- Multiple clubhouses serving different neighborhoods
- Resort-style pools perfect for relaxation and socializing
- Dog parks for your four-legged family members
- Sports fields for active recreation
- Golf simulator for year-round practice
- Primary fitness campus with traditional gym equipment
- Second fitness campus with CrossFit-style training areas
- Walking and biking trails throughout
This variety ensures that no matter your interests or fitness level, you'll find activities and facilities that match your lifestyle.
Why Star Farms Is Underrated
Despite offering a lifestyle that rivals anything else in Lakewood Ranch, Star Farms remains in its early phases, which means pricing hasn't yet caught up to the incredible value being offered. As a major master-planned community within the larger Lakewood Ranch ecosystem, Star Farms will eventually be recognized as one of the area's premier addresses—but right now, you can still get in at attractive pricing.
The combination of multiple quality builders, diverse housing types, and extraordinary amenities makes Star Farms an exceptional choice for families, young professionals, or anyone seeking an active Florida lifestyle.
The Bottom Line: Star Farms is Lakewood Ranch's next resort mega village, offering unmatched amenities at early-phase prices.
Del Webb Catalina: The Best Del Webb in Florida
Builder: Pulte Homes (Del Webb)
Age Restriction: 55-plus
Home Types: Villas and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s for villas, $400s for single-family homes
For active adults seeking the Del Webb lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch, there's exciting news: Del Webb Catalina represents the newest and most impressive iteration of this beloved 55-plus brand. While the original Del Webb Lakewood Ranch has been extremely successful and is now built out, Catalina offers a fresh, modern take on active adult living.
What Makes Del Webb Catalina Stand Out?
Del Webb Catalina will feature the largest Del Webb amenity center in the entire state of Florida. This isn't just marketing speak—the planned amenity complex will be truly impressive, including:
- Expanded clubhouse with multiple gathering spaces
- Resort-style pools for relaxation
- Lap pools for fitness swimming
- Pickleball and tennis courts (because what's a Florida 55-plus community without pickleball?)
- Comprehensive fitness center with modern equipment
- On-site restaurant and bar for dining and socializing
- Packed social calendar with clubs, classes, and events
- Dedicated spaces for arts, crafts, and hobbies
Why It's Often Overlooked
Del Webb Catalina is sometimes overshadowed by Lakewood Ranch's golf communities like Azure or even the original Del Webb. However, this newer community offers more modern floor plans, updated finishes, and that spectacular amenity center that will set a new standard for Del Webb communities nationwide.
For active adults who want the Del Webb lifestyle but prefer newer construction and more contemporary design, Catalina delivers everything you're looking for without the premium pricing of golf communities.
The Bottom Line: Del Webb Catalina is Del Webb 2.0 in Lakewood Ranch and will be the best Del Webb in Florida.
Bonus Pick - Shellstone: Premium Location with Upside Potential
Builders: Homes by Towne (primary), plus custom options by Lee Wetherington
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Single-family homes
Starting Price: $600s
While Shellstone represents a higher price point than the other communities discussed, it deserves mention as an underrated option for buyers seeking premium quality and location. This is our "stretch pick" for Lakewood Ranch—a step up in price but offering significant advantages that justify the investment.
The Shellstone Advantage
Location matters in real estate, and Shellstone's geography is exceptional. Situated in the Waterside and Sarasota County area of Lakewood Ranch, residents enjoy:
- Outstanding access to downtown Sarasota and its cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options
- Proximity to Sarasota's renowned beaches, including Siesta Key and Lido Beach
- Low-density development that creates a more spacious, upscale feel
- Premium finishes from quality builders like Homes by Towne
- Strong resale potential thanks to the desirable Sarasota County location
Why Consider the Higher Price Point?
Buyers choosing Shellstone aren't just paying for a home—they're investing in a lifestyle and location that offers long-term value. The Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch provides easier access to the areas that make the Gulf Coast so desirable: beaches, downtown Sarasota, and all the cultural amenities that come with a city recognized as one of America's best small cities.
The Bottom Line: Shellstone is where you go when you want premium Lakewood Ranch access with tons of upside and wonderful geography.
Wellen Park: Underrated New Construction Communities
Sunstone: Modern Resort Living Without the Markup
Builder: Mattamy Homes
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Villas and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s
Sunstone represents one of the best values in all of Wellen Park. This Mattamy Homes community offers resort-style living at prices that are significantly more accessible than some of the area's more hyped neighborhoods.
What Does Sunstone Offer?
Don't let the attractive pricing fool you—Sunstone delivers a comprehensive amenity package that rivals more expensive communities:
- Two separate amenity centers serving different sections of the neighborhood
- Resort-style pool perfect for Florida's year-round sunshine
- Clubhouse with gathering spaces and event areas
- Pickleball courts (essential for any modern Florida community)
- Fitness center with quality equipment
- Walking and biking trails throughout the community
Location Benefits
Sunstone enjoys a central location within Wellen Park, positioned just minutes from downtown Wellen and CoolToday Park (the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves). This means easy access to dining, shopping, entertainment, and sports—all without the traffic hassles of more congested areas.
Why Sunstone Offers Exceptional Value
Mattamy Homes is known for smart floor plans and quality construction at competitive prices. At Sunstone, you're getting exactly that: well-designed homes built to last, with finishes and features that look far more expensive than the price tag suggests.
The community is priced noticeably below more publicized neighborhoods like Solstice, yet offers equally strong lifestyle appeal. For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on amenities and quality, Sunstone checks all the boxes.
The Bottom Line: Sunstone delivers modern resort living without the markup.
Palmera: Big Options, Big Lifestyle
Builders: Multiple, including Homes by Towne, David Weekley, M/I Homes, Mattamy Homes, Neal Communities, and ICI (custom)
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Townhomes, coach homes, and single-family homes
Starting Price: $400s
Palmera is a personal favorite that deserves far more attention than it receives. This diverse community offers something truly special: the variety and options typically found across an entire master-planned community, all within a single neighborhood.
The Palmera Difference
With over 1,200 homes planned, Palmera provides a boutique feel within a larger neighborhood setting. The variety of builders means you can tour multiple product types, floor plans, and price points without leaving the community.
Builder Options Include:
- Homes by Towne: Upscale finishes and thoughtful design
- David Weekley: Known for personalization and quality
- M/I Homes: Great value and smart layouts
- Mattamy Homes: Excellent construction and modern features
- Neal Communities: Proven Florida builder with lifestyle focus
- ICI Homes: Custom options for those wanting something unique
Amenities Coming Soon
The Palmera clubhouse is scheduled for completion in early 2026, and it promises to be spectacular:
- Resort-style pool designed for both relaxation and activity
- Comprehensive fitness center
- Restaurant and bar for on-site dining and socializing
- Extensive social calendar with events and activities
- Multiple gathering spaces throughout the clubhouse
This will be one of the most impressive amenity centers in all of Wellen Park, creating a true resort-style atmosphere for residents.
Why Palmera Is Underrated
Despite offering incredible builder variety, diverse housing options, and upcoming world-class amenities, Palmera is often overshadowed by bigger marketing campaigns from other Wellen Park neighborhoods. This works to the advantage of informed buyers who recognize the exceptional value being offered.
The community provides something for everyone—from first-time buyers looking at townhomes to move-up buyers seeking single-family homes with custom touches. It's hard to find this level of choice within a single neighborhood anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.
The Bottom Line: Palmera offers big options and a big lifestyle in one exceptional community.
Brightmore: Luxury 55-Plus Living Without the Luxury Price Tag
Builder: Mattamy Homes
Age Restriction: 55-plus
Home Types: Villas and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s
For active adults seeking a vibrant 55-plus community in Wellen Park, Brightmore delivers everything you'd expect from a luxury age-restricted neighborhood—but at surprisingly affordable prices. This is Mattamy Homes' answer to communities like Renaissance and Wellen Park Golf and Country Club, but without the premium pricing.
What Makes Brightmore Special?
Brightmore offers the full active adult lifestyle package in a gated community setting:
- Comprehensive clubhouse with spaces for every interest
- Resort-style pool for leisure swimming
- Lap pool for fitness swimming
- Pickleball stadium (yes, an actual stadium) for leagues and tournaments
- Yoga studios for mind-body wellness
- Spa facilities for pampering and relaxation
- Walking and biking trails throughout the community
- Restaurant and bar for dining without leaving home
- Packed social calendar ensuring you're as busy as you want to be
Location Advantages
Brightmore enjoys easy access to downtown Wellen, where you'll find shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The community is also located right next to CoolToday Park, home to the Atlanta Braves spring training facility. The little tiki bar at the park is open year-round, providing a fun spot for grabbing a drink and watching baseball (or whatever sporting event is happening).
The Value Proposition
Here's what makes Brightmore truly underrated: it directly competes with more expensive 55-plus options like Renaissance and Wellen Park Golf and Country Club, but at a significantly lower price point. You're getting the same lifestyle, the same quality of construction, and the same comprehensive amenities—you're just paying less for it.
For active adults who want to maximize their retirement budget while enjoying an exceptional Florida lifestyle, Brightmore represents one of the smartest choices on the Gulf Coast.
The Bottom Line: Brightmore delivers luxury 55-plus living without the luxury price tag.
Bonus Pick - Boca Royale: Wellen Park's Elegant Hidden Gem
Builders: Multiple builders in Phase 2
Age Restriction: None
Home Types: Villas and single-family homes
Starting Price: $300s
Boca Royale is perhaps the most overlooked community in all of Wellen Park, which is exactly what makes it such an intriguing option. This unique neighborhood combines the charm of an established golf and country club with the excitement of new construction opportunities.
What Makes Boca Royale Unique?
Boca Royale offers something you don't often find: a mature, established community with lush landscaping and large trees, combined with brand-new construction options in the recently opened Phase 2. The community has a gated golf and country club atmosphere that feels refined and upscale.
While technically part of the Wellen Park master plan, Boca Royale currently feels somewhat removed—giving it a more private, intimate feel. This will change as future road connections are completed, but for now, residents enjoy a sense of seclusion while still being part of the larger Wellen Park amenity package.
Comprehensive Golf and Country Club Amenities
Don't let the accessible $300s starting price fool you—Boca Royale offers a full complement of country club amenities:
- Full-service restaurant and bar for casual and fine dining
- Championship golf course with optional memberships
- Tennis and pickleball courts for racquet sports enthusiasts
- Comprehensive fitness center with modern equipment
- Resort-style pool and pool deck for relaxation
- Clubhouse with multiple gathering and event spaces
The Optional Membership Advantage
One of the most appealing aspects of Boca Royale is the optional golf membership. If you love golf, you can join and enjoy the course. If golf isn't your thing, you're not forced to pay for amenities you won't use. This flexibility makes Boca Royale attractive to a wider range of buyers.
Why It's Overlooked
Boca Royale gets overshadowed by newer, shinier developments like Brightmore and Wellen Park Golf and Country Club. However, for buyers who appreciate established charm combined with new construction convenience, Boca Royale offers the best of both worlds. The mature landscaping, large trees, and refined atmosphere typically take decades to develop—but here, you can enjoy them immediately while still purchasing a brand-new home.
The Bottom Line: Boca Royale is Wellen Park's elegant hidden gem, offering established country club living with new construction options.
Why These Underrated Communities Deserve Your Attention
The communities featured in this guide share several important characteristics that make them exceptional values:
Early-Phase Pricing: Many of these neighborhoods are still in their development stages, which means you can buy before prices increase as the communities mature and gain recognition.
Quality Builders: From established national builders like Mattamy Homes and Pulte (Del Webb) to respected regional builders like Neal Communities and Homes by Towne, these communities feature construction you can trust.
Comprehensive Amenities: Resort-style pools, fitness centers, pickleball courts, clubhouses with restaurants and bars, social programming—these communities don't skimp on lifestyle features.
Diverse Housing Options: Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance villa, a townhome, or a single-family home with a yard, these communities offer multiple product types to match your lifestyle needs.
Strategic Locations: Both Lakewood Ranch and Wellen Park offer easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, excellent schools, healthcare facilities, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Strong Resale Potential: These master-planned communities are located in some of the fastest-growing areas of Florida, with strong demographic trends supporting long-term property values.
How to Choose the Right Community for You
With so many excellent options, how do you decide which community is the best fit? Consider these factors:
Age Restriction Preference: Do you want a diverse, multi-generational community, or do you prefer the active adult 55-plus lifestyle? This guide includes options for both.
Budget and Home Type: Starting prices range from the $300s to the $600s, with options including villas, townhomes, coach homes, and single-family homes. Determine your budget and preferred home style first.
Amenity Priorities: If amenities are crucial, focus on communities like Star Farms (four amenity centers), Palmera (spectacular clubhouse), or Del Webb Catalina (largest Del Webb amenity center in Florida).
Location Within the Region: Do you want to be in established Lakewood Ranch closer to Sarasota, or in newer Wellen Park closer to Venice? Both offer excellent Gulf Coast access but have different characters.
Development Stage: Some buyers prefer move-in-ready communities with completed amenities. Others are comfortable with early-phase developments in exchange for better pricing. Know which camp you're in.
Golf vs. No Golf: Communities like Boca Royale offer optional golf memberships, while others focus on resort-style amenities without golf. Consider whether golf is important to your lifestyle.
The Smart Approach to Buying in These Communities
If you're seriously considering any of these underrated communities, here's the approach that will serve you best:
Tour Multiple Options: Don't settle for the first community you see. Visit several neighborhoods to compare builders, floor plans, amenities, and overall feel.
Ask About Builder Incentives: Early-phase communities often offer significant builder incentives—closing cost assistance, upgrades, or rate buy-downs. These can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Consider Future Development: Understand what's still being built in and around the community. Future phases and nearby commercial development can impact your daily life and property values.
Evaluate the Builder's Reputation: Research the builder's track record in Florida. Look at customer reviews, warranty service, and the quality of their completed homes in other communities.
Think Long-Term: These are communities you'll want to live in for years or decades. Consider not just your current needs but how well the community will serve you as your life evolves.
Work With a Local Expert: The Gulf Coast real estate market is complex, with nuances that out-of-state buyers might miss. A local agent who knows these communities inside and out can be invaluable.
Conclusion
While headline communities like Waterside, Esplanade, and Azure deservedly receive attention for their exceptional offerings, the underrated neighborhoods featured in this guide provide equally compelling lifestyle options at more accessible price points. From Palm Grove's new village atmosphere to Boca Royale's elegant country club setting, from Star Farms' four amenity centers to Brightmore's comprehensive active adult programming, these communities deliver the Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle without the premium markup.
The key advantage of discovering these neighborhoods now is the opportunity to buy in early phases before prices rise as the communities gain recognition. Whether you're relocating to Florida for the first time, downsizing for retirement, or simply seeking a lifestyle upgrade, these six communities (plus two bonus picks) represent some of the smartest investments on the Gulf Coast today.
The resort-style living, quality construction, comprehensive amenities, and strategic locations you'll find in these neighborhoods rival anything available in the region's more publicized communities. The difference? You'll pay less and get more value for your investment.
Ready to Explore These Hidden Gems?
If you're considering relocating to Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park, 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.
Our team has closed over 400 real estate transactions totaling more than $150 million in sales, and we're in the top 5% of agents nationwide. We know these communities inside and out—not just from marketing materials, but from years of helping buyers just like you discover the right neighborhood for their unique situation.
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, including video tours of these underrated neighborhoods and many others throughout the region.