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 southernmost part, it is actually a Sarasota County area with its own neighborhoods.
So, what are some similarities and differences between both of them?
Similarities
Both Lakewood Ranch and Waterside are expanding in the construction housing market, offering amenity-rich homes and expanding the Sarasota lifestyle.
On one side, we’ve got Lakewood Ranch expanding to the northernmost areas with new communities like Star Farms and Sweet Water, while on the other side, we have Waterside brimming with communities like Nautique at Waterside, Wild Blue, and Emerald Landing.
These two areas are receiving new and incredible communities offering the best of the best for their future residents.
Differences
School Zoning
One main difference between Lakewood Ranch and Waterside is their school systems.
Lakewood Ranch is part of the Manatee County School System while Waterside is part of the Sarasota County School System, and knowing what specific schools or counties you are in may play a part when setting your preferences of living.
Community Gatherings
Another main difference is their community gathering spots.
At Lakewood Ranch, Main Street is the community hotspot and offers easy access for all while in Waterside, residents tend to move towards Waterside Place for their local events and gatherings, even though both have a lot of activities going on regularly.
Golf courses are also a main difference factor.
Lakewood Ranch offers multiple neighborhoods with golf courses, while in Waterside, you will not find any golfing community areas.
Location
The last main difference is their location.
At both Lakewood Ranch and Waterside, it takes around 10 min to 20 minutes to go from the north side to the southernmost side of the area. This location change can simply mean that your lifestyle may look different depending on where you reside.
With it, we can conclude that Waterside is a part of Lakewood Ranch, but the lifestyle between the two may differ a bit.
If you don’t know where to go, make sure to download my Lakewood Ranch vs Waterside comparison sheet by clicking here, I’m sure it will help you a lot.
Either way, with everything these areas have to offer, you’re not going to regret experiencing the magic that is living in Sarasota, Florida.
If you’re looking for a house, or want more specific information about Sarasota and its areas & neighborhoods, you can reach out to me at
Email - info@mattleicht.com
Cel - 941.256.3321
You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for more updates on Lakewood Ranch, Waterside, and all about life in Sarasota, Florida.
Posted by Matt Leicht on
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