FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

press@lakewoodranch.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — January 9, 2026 — Lakewood Ranch has been ranked the No. 1 multigenerational master-planned community in the United States for the eighth consecutive year based on new home sales, according to independent research from RCLCO and Zonda. The ranking reflects continued homebuyer demand as new home sales have slowed in many U.S. markets.

Since first reaching the top position, Lakewood Ranch has averaged more than 2,000 new home sales annually, maintaining its lead across multiple housing cycles.

“The consistency is what’s most meaningful,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of Lakewood Ranch. “Year after year, buyers continue to choose Lakewood Ranch because it was designed to support people across different stages of life and interests. It’s built through careful planning, high standards, and a long-term focus on what residents truly desire and need.”

Industry analysts point to shifting buyer priorities as a key factor influencing performance among leading master-planned communities.

“In an analysis of the past 10 years of RCLCO data, one of the most consistent themes we’ve seen across top-performing master-planned communities is the emphasis on amenities, placemaking, and lifestyle,” added Gregg Logan, managing director of RCLCO. “Homebuyers today are thinking beyond the next move and are seeking communities that provide open space, walkability, daily conveniences, and long-term flexibility. That alignment helps explain why Lakewood Ranch continues to perform well, even amid softness in the broader housing market.”

Now in its 32nd year, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 77,000 residents and features established schools, healthcare facilities, employment centers, and retail services that meet daily needs within the community. Homes range from the high $200,000s to more than $1 million.

The eighth consecutive No. 1 ranking underscores the role of long-term planning and consistency in shaping housing decisions as market conditions continue to evolve.

ABOUT LAKEWOOD RANCH 

Developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch is the 55-square-mile, award-winning master-planned community located in Sarasota and Manatee counties on Florida’s west coast. Just a few miles from the region’s white-sand beaches and offering a robust mix of cultural assets, Lakewood Ranch is home to more than 77,000 residents. It has ranked as the nation’s top-selling multigenerational master-planned community for seven consecutive years and serves as a major economic engine for the region, with more than 22,000 people employed across a growing mix of businesses, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers. The community also features top-rated schools, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the 75-acre Premier Sports Campus, Sarasota Polo Club, and three vibrant town centers with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Lakewood Ranch is a place where individuals and families can put down roots, build careers, and find community. For more information, visit lakewoodranch.com.