LAKEWOOD RANCH

Lakewood Ranch, Florida is a master-planned community located in Manatee and Sarasota counties in southwest Florida. With its beautiful natural landscapes, world-class amenities, and rich cultural offerings, Lakewood Ranch is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for both visitors and residents alike.

History of Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch was originally developed in the late 1990s by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR) as a 5,500-acre master-planned community. SMR was founded in the 1920s by the Schroeder and Taylor families and has been a leading land developer in the area for over 90 years.

The development of Lakewood Ranch was guided by a vision to create a vibrant, sustainable community that would provide residents with a high quality of life. Today, Lakewood Ranch is home to over 40,000 residents and continues to grow rapidly.

Lakewood Ranch Location and Climate

Lakewood Ranch is located in southwest Florida, just east of the Gulf of Mexico. The community is situated between the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton and is just a short drive from Tampa.

The climate in Lakewood Ranch is typically warm and sunny throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. The area is also known for its frequent afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months.

Lakewood Real Estate

Lakewood Ranch offers a wide range of real estate options to suit any lifestyle and budget. Whether you're looking for a single-family home, townhome, or condominium, there is something for everyone in this thriving community.

Homes in Lakewood Ranch range in price from around $200,000 to over $5 million. The community features a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Lakewood Ranch include:

Country Club East: This gated community features luxurious single-family homes and villas surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and world-class amenities.
The Lake Club: This exclusive community offers custom-built homes with private pools, gourmet kitchens, and stunning lake views.
Waterside at Lakewood Ranch: This is one of the newest developments and will consist of 14 total neighborhoods.

Lakewood Ranch Amenities and Activities

Lakewood Ranch is known for its world-class amenities and diverse range of activities. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, or shopping and dining, there is something for everyone in this vibrant community.

Some of the top amenities and activities in Lakewood Ranch include:

Golf: Lakewood Ranch is home to several award-winning golf courses, including the Legacy Golf Club and the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.
Parks and Trails: The community features over 150 miles of walking and biking trails, as well as several beautiful parks and nature preserves.
Arts and Culture: Lakewood Ranch is home to several arts and cultural organizations, including the Sarasota Opera, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and the Sarasota Orchestra.
Shopping and Dining: Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of shopping and dining options, from local boutiques and cafes to national retailers and chain restaurants.

Lakewood Ranch Schools

Lakewood Ranch is served by several highly-rated public and private schools, offering a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and specialized services to meet the needs of students at all levels.

Lakewood Ranch Elementary Schools

Lakewood Ranch has several highly-rated public elementary schools, including:

B.D. Gullett Elementary School: This K-5 school is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch and offers a comprehensive academic program that focuses on the core subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. The school also offers a range of enrichment programs, including art, music, and physical education.
Braden River Elementary School: This K-5 school is located just south of Lakewood Ranch and offers a strong foundation in core academic subjects, as well as a range of enrichment programs and specialized services for students with special needs.
Robert E. Willis Elementary School: This K-5 school is located in nearby Lorraine and offers a comprehensive academic program that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized instruction.

Lakewood Ranch Middle Schools

Lakewood Ranch has two highly-rated public middle schools, including:

Nolan Middle School: This 6-8 school is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch and offers a rigorous academic program that prepares students for high school and beyond. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and theater.
Braden River Middle School: This 6-8 school is located just south of Lakewood Ranch and offers a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The school also offers a range of specialized services, including gifted and talented programs and support for students with special needs.

Lakewood Ranch High Schools

Lakewood Ranch has one highly-rated public high school, including:

Lakewood Ranch High School: This 9-12 school is located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch and offers a comprehensive academic program that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a range of extracurricular activities. The school has a strong athletic program, with varsity teams in football, basketball, soccer, and other sports.

Private Schools in Lakewood Ranch

In addition to its public schools, Lakewood Ranch is also home to several highly-rated private schools, including:

The Out-of-Door Academy: This independent school serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and offers a challenging academic program that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and a range of extracurricular activities. The school also offers a strong arts program, with classes in music, theater, and visual arts.
The Classical Academy of Sarasota: This private school serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and offers a classical liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and character development. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.