Lakewood Ranch vs Waterside: Which Sarasota Area Is The Best Place To Live?


With the brand new waterside communities popping up in Sarasota, many of my clients are having some confusion about the difference between Lakewood Ranch and Waterside.

Are they related or are they the same?

I’m here to clarify that for you by providing some similarities and differences while navigating a little into these areas.

Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community of over 33,000 acres and 30 different neighborhoods, and we can even say that it is its own town with the majority of it located in Manatee County.

Waterside, on the other hand, is an extension of Lakewood Ranch, being almost a neighborhood of it but, since it is located in the…

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Navigating the Sarasota Housing Market: A 2023 Recap and 2024 Predictions

As 2023 came to an end, the Sarasota housing market presented a mix of surprises, trends, and predictions for the future. Despite a tumultuous start, the year ended on an unexpected note, leaving many to wonder what 2024 holds for real estate in Sarasota, Florida.

Here's a comprehensive look at the year in review and what to anticipate in the coming months.

2023 Market Overview

The journey through 2023 was nothing short of a rollercoaster for the housing market. Initially, the market experienced a modest 5% increase through the first three quarters. However, the final stretch saw an impressive surge, closing the year with an overall 12% increase in prices. This…

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Why You Should Move To Sarasota FL Instead of Tampa

If you’re considering moving to Florida and staying on the Gulf Coast, you are probably comparing Tampa and Sarasota as a few of your options.

I know living in Tampa has its appeal, but I’m here to share with you the seven reasons why you’re going to love living in Sarasota more than Tampa.


Tampa is ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in America and there are huge benefits of living in a major metro city like it.

With a large population, you can tell Tampa is a one-stop-shop where you can mix work, play, and life perfectly all in one area.

You also have the benefits of places like Tampa Riverwalk, Water Street, Downtown, and much more, besides the easy access to St…

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Living in Waterside Lakewood Ranch: What It's Really Like

Waterside Place, nestled in the vibrant Lakewood Ranch community, isn't just a location; it's a lifestyle. As I recently discovered, you don't need to live here to experience its allure.

I set up a tent and lived here for the night to get the full experience. Even this short amount of time offered a glimpse into the exceptional life one could have here.

In this blog post, I'll take you through the amazing Waterside Place, its neighborhood amenities, and, most importantly, the diverse real estate options available.



A Morning at Waterside Place

Picture this: waking up to the stunning views of King Fisher Lake, where a water taxi can whisk you from your neighborhood marina…

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Discovering Sarasota's Marine Wonders: A Family Adventure at Mote Marine

I'm always looking for things to do with the family in Sarasota, and I've got something great to share with you. Today, we are talking all about something that is perfect for families in Sarasota.

It’s Mote Marine, a place that's not just a marine research facility but a treasure trove of family adventures.



Sarasota's Family Gem: The Allure of Mote Marine

As a dad who loves taking my kids on educational adventures, I’m thrilled about what Mote Marine is bringing to our community. The upcoming Mote SEA is a game-changer for family activities in Sarasota. Imagine exploring over a million gallons of seawater exhibits with your kids, delving into the mysteries…

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Palmer Ranch vs. Waterside: A Comprehensive Comparison of Sarasota's Top Masterplanned Communities

Having lived in Sarasota for over two decades, I've witnessed the evolution of its residential landscapes. Among them, two areas stand out for their unique charm and lifestyle offerings: Palmer Ranch and Waterside.

But which one truly holds the edge? In this post, I'll delve deep into each community's location, lifestyle, and real estate aspects to help you make an informed decision.


Palmer Ranch was once a highly popular part of Sarasota, but then Lakewood Ranch emerged, offering many new homes. Within Lakewood Ranch, there's a new development called Waterside, and this is the subdivision we’ll be comparing to Palmer Ranch.

Location…

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If you've been keeping an eye on the real estate market lately, you've likely been bombarded with mixed messages. "Now is the worst time to buy," some say, pointing to the dismal market conditions. Others argue the opposite, urging you to "buy now before interest rates soar even higher!"

A glance at the housing section's front page in FORTUNE magazine shows just how polarized these opinions are. On one side, we have the CEO of Fannie Mae painting a grim picture of the current market. On the other, industry expert Barbra Corcoran advocates that it's an opportune time to make a purchase.

This dichotomy became even more personal to me earlier this week during a chat with an acquaintance. "Matt, have you heard the rumors?" they asked. "The word on…

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With Sarasota home prices skyrocketing the past few years, many buyers feel priced out of new construction.

But this brand new Waterside community, Nautique, offers some of Lakewood Ranch’s most affordable new homes starting under $500,000.

I’ll take you on an tour of Nautique at Waterside, looking at the location, lifestyle, real estate options, and prices. 

After 20+ years in Sarasota real estate and helping dozens buy new construction, I’ll share with you my honest opinion on whether Nautique delivers on its value or not.

Where's Nautique Located? And What’s Nearby? 

Waterside at Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community located in the eastern part of Sarasota.

Nautique is a new sub-community in this area with a great…

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10 things to do at waterside place

You’ve probably heard about Waterside Place, and it’s likely you’ve been to the Sunday Farmers Market or grabbed a bite to eat at Good Liquid Brewing Company. But let me tell you, Waterside Place is a lot more than simply being home to the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market.

Waterside Place Lakewood Ranch

If you’re not already familiar with this new entertainment hotspot, let me fill you in. Waterside Place is located barely East of I-75 off Lakewood Ranch Blvd. It is South of University Blvd and North of Fruitville Rd, residing within Lakewood Ranch’s popular new residential area of Waterside. In fact, Waterside Place is really the heart of the Waterside community. It's a hub right in the center of a residential area. An outdoor plaza, a town…

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Waterside place lakewood ranch

There’s a lot of buzz about Waterside Place. It opened in 2020 and its popularity and hype hasn’t faded since opening! Rather, it has become even more of a hotspot as expansion has continued. New businesses continue to make Waterside Place their home, and the area itself is still in the works of being completed. I think Waterside is going to be a permanent place of entertainment, a true hub for the East Sarasota community… and it’s only getting started.


Waterside Place Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch loves a good community get together. I mean, Lakewood Ranch has been designed around this principle. With schools, shopping, dining, businesses, and community intertwined amongst its real estate; Lakewood Ranch has remained a popular residential…

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