Month: June 2024
Ideal-LIVING Magazine Unveils the 2024 Top 100 Amenity Communities in its “Best Places to Live” Issue
Wilmington, NC – June 18, 2024 – Ideal-LIVING magazine, a leading publication for those seeking to find their ideal destination, life, and home, is thrilled to announce its 2024 “Best Places to Live” issue. This special edition unveils its Top 100 Amenity Communities across the nation and abroad, based on reader surveys’ desired amenities.
“Each year, we leverage valuable insights from our readers to identify the most desirable locations and the amenities that truly elevate their quality of life,” says Kelly Godbey, editor of Ideal-LIVING magazine. “This year’s Top 100 Amenity Communities cater to a wide range of preferences, from stunning mountain retreats and sun-kissed coastal escapes to exciting international destinations.”
Ideal-LIVING’s research process considers the goals of its readership, many of whom seek an escape from high taxes and a yearning for a more favorable climate and a heightened quality of life. Whether your dream involves picturesque mountain vistas, breathtaking coastlines, or venturing beyond U.S. borders, the “Best Places to Live” issue offers a wealth of possibilities to spark your relocation journey.
Beyond the magazine, Ideal-LIVING provides a robust online presence at https://ideal-living.com/best-places, allowing you to explore the Top 100 Amenity Communities in detail.
For over 35 years, Ideal-LIVING magazine has empowered its readers with valuable resources and insights for a successful relocation. The magazine is part of RPI Media, a leading media group that offers a comprehensive suite of resources for those considering a move. This includes the in-depth Ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide and the highly regarded Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows held throughout the year.
Explore the 2024 “Best Places to Live” issue and the Top 100 Amenity Communities list at ideal-LIVING.com/best-places today!
Help Keep Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market No. 1 in Florida!
Last year, the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch was named No. 1 in Florida as part of the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC), sponsored by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition. This year, voting runs from June 1 to July 31, during which the public is invited to vote on their favorite markets. “We are deeply honored to have been voted the #1 farmers’ market in Florida last year,” said Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our vendors, the hard work of our Market team, and the unwavering support of our visitors. As we look ahead, we are eager to retain our top position in Florida and are excited about the opportunity to become the #1 farmers’ market in the nation this year.”
The AFMC is the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the U.S. as voted on by the public.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, which is about to enter its seventh season, is home to more than 100 curated vendors of the region’s best food and flavors, and is located at Waterside Place – Lakewood Ranch’s newest town center. Open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, The Market is a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, specialty items and gifts.
Other activities on Market Sundays include yoga at 9 a.m. at the adjacent Waterside Park, weekly live music, Kids’ Corner crafts and games, and a Community Supported Agriculture program each fall and winter in partnership with Honeyside Farms.
The Market also works with Community Harvest SRQ as part of the Suncoast Gleaning Project. Among other efforts, volunteers pick up leftover vegetables from the farmers weekly and take them to food banks to make meals for those in need, thereby helping diminish food waste while providing nutritious produce to diverse populations.
“The Farmers’ Market has become the heart of our community, serving as a cherished weekly gathering space,” Hackel said. “It’s where we come together to connect with friends and neighbors, bring our families and furry friends, and enjoy live music set against the stunning backdrop of Kingfisher Lake. This vibrant atmosphere embodies the spirit of Lakewood Ranch, fostering connections and celebrating local talent and vendors. We are deeply grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm that makes our market a special place for everyone.”
For more information about The Market, contact Nicole Hackel at 941-757-1520 or visit lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/.
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About Waterside Place
Waterside Place serves as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offers an elevated community experience that extends beyond that of a traditional town center. Situated on a 36-acre peninsula overlooking the mile-long Kingfisher Lake, the development blends entertainment with unique in-line and freestanding commercial, retail and office space; diverse dining options; an eight-acre park; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-up” spaces, and more.
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 70,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, three town centers, and countless shopping and dining experiences. For more information visit www.lakewoodranch.com.
Lakewood Ranch Enhances Community Engagement with Innovative New App
Lakewood Ranch has launched the new myLWR, the first integrated digital platform for resident engagement and community management. Developed by property technology firm Cecilian Partners, this groundbreaking tool underscores Lakewood Ranch’s commitment to creating an exceptional resident experience.
“Lakewood Ranch is the fastest-selling multi-generational community in the nation because of their commitment to resident experience and innovation,” said Philip Worland, co-founder and chief product officer at Cecilian. “With this new platform, residents will have access to information and features that allow them to more easily engage with their complex community.”
The myLWR app and website bring all the critical elements of the resident experience into one place. The app and website have the same user login credentials; no matter which way users engage with the platform, they have full access.
Users can access everything from a full calendar of events to information on parks and community facilities. Other highlights of myLWR include connection with organizations in Lakewood Ranch, including clubs hosted by Community Activities; and opportunities to volunteer in the community through the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
When residents register with their home address, they are linked to their HOA contact information and provided specific utility service information. Residents also receive special pricing for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ signature events, like the Parks and Rec programs, and reservations for park spaces.
Although some features were designed with residents in mind, users do not have to live in Lakewood Ranch to register for the app and website.
“With MyLWR, we’re excited to provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for our community,” said Keith Pandeloglou, president and CEO of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. “In just a few short months, there are upwards of 4,000 residents and 1,500 nonresidents registered – our goal is every resident, whether you own a home here or rent!
“MyLWR.com is a game-changer for our operations,” Pandeloglou continued. “We’re now able to make data-driven decisions to help continue to improve our community amenities and programs.”
The launch of myLWR follows last year’s implementation of the interactive map tool at Lakewood Ranch’s Information Center at Main Street.
The tool allows users to learn about the region, get the “big picture” of Lakewood Ranch and where community features like parks, schools, and town centers are located; explore the features that are important to them, such as golf, parks and trails, etc.; and narrow down prospective villages that match their search criteria.
“We continually strive to evolve with our prospective and current residents, and that’s why we have introduced new technologies and tools,” said Sandy Shahinian, vice president of marketing for Lakewood Ranch Communities. “Our interactive map and the myLWR platform bring Lakewood Ranch to your fingertips, making it easier than ever to discover and experience all we have to offer.”
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 70,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.
About Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is the 33,000+-acre award-winning master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties on the West Coast of Florida. Just minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches and cultural assets in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is already home to more than 70,000 residents and features top-rated schools, the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the Sarasota Polo Club, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, and three town centers that include theaters, shopping, and dining. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.
