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    Category: Press Releases

    REX JENSEN HONORED WITH THE 2023 LEGEND AWARD BY BUILDER

    Posted on by SparkDev

    Zonda has announced Rex Jensen as the 2023 recipient of its Legend Award, presented by BUILDER, today at the Future Place event at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, Florida. 

    “The Legends Award honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the planned-community sector,” said Jeff Meyers, chief executive officer of Zonda. “Rex Jensen’s career is an inspiration for everyone in the industry, let alone the tens of thousands of people who have built their lives in his communities.”

    Jensen is the president and chief executive officer of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR), a company he joined in 1990 as vice president of planning. SMR is the developer of Lakewood Ranch, a 27,000-home master plan comprising more than two dozen unique villages.

    “It’s been gratifying to look back at the results,” Jensen told BUILDER in a feature interview. “Sometimes when you’re in the heat of it, when you’re wondering if you are going to be allowed to continue developing or when you hit a large economic downturn as we did in 2007 – which was an economic quagmire or ‘great extinction’ where 90% of our industry died – those were not particularly enjoyable experiences. But, you know, we have come through them, and overall, it’s been a tremendous ride.”

    Jensen will be honored at the conference and featured on the cover of the October edition of Builder Magazine with the “Ground for Growth” feature story by Leah Draffen. Previous winners of the Legends Award include Fred Balda of Hillwood Communities, Larry Johnson of Johnson Development, and Emile Haddad of FivePoint Holdings.

    “Rex has played a crucial role in ensuring Lakewood Ranch stays innovative and up to date with the latest design, development, styles, trends, and business models – reflecting his dedication to delivering high-quality, modern, and desirable communities,” said John Cannon, president of John Cannon Homes, which has been building custom homes in Lakewood Ranch since its inception. “Besides his forward-thinking, he is in tune with enhancing the human experience by understanding the importance of intertwining green spaces, various recreational areas, and modern conveniences within the community. By including these elements in the planning and development of Lakewood Ranch, he has made it the successful master-planned community it is today.”

    About Zonda

    Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the homebuilding industry. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.

    ###

    Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market Named No. 1 in Florida

    Posted on by SparkDev

    The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch was recently named No. 1 in Florida as part of the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC), sponsored by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition. The event ran from June 19 to Sept. 18, during which the public voted on their favorite markets. The Market was also ranked 22nd in the nation. 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 sixth 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 has become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, and 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, games, and storytelling; and a Community Supported Agriculture program each fall and winter in partnership with Honeyside Farms.

    The Market also works with Transition Sarasota 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.

    For more information about The Market, contact Nicole Hackel at 941-757-1520 or visit lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/.

    # # #

    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 112,000 square feet of 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 64,000 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’s Waterside Place Adds Two New Tenants; Announces New Openings

    Posted on by SparkDev

    Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling master-planned community for all ages, recently announced two new tenants for the Waterside Place town center – a retail, services, dining, and entertainment destination. Both are scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year.

    Eatalia will be an Italian market that will specialize in imported meats, cheeses, olives and nuts, homemade bread, build-your-own charcuterie boards, fresh pasta and other grocery items, as well as a cold bar with various salad items. Eatalia will be for people who are “passionate about Italian cuisine, or anyone looking for a quick, quality- made bite on the go.” 

    The Wellness Space will offer an array of services, including mentoring and meditation with different modalities to create clarity. There will also be private and group coaching services for individuals, couples, family and children, as well as corporate services.

    The newest dining spot at Waterside Place is Osteria 500, which opened at the end of July. Osteria 500 is an Italian restaurant featuring antipasto, salads, meat and fish entrees, and pasta dishes made fresh and in house. There are also numerous pizzas and paninis from which to choose. Osteria 500 has an extensive wine list, as well as specialty cocktails.

    Other recently opened businesses include SHACK yoga + Fitness, Marmalade, featuring home décor, furnishings, and women’s apparel and gifts; Modish Salon, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, and Williams Parker Attorneys at Law. These recently opened businesses at Waterside Place join tenants Korê Steakhouse and cocktail lounge, Good Liquid Brewing company, O&A Coffee Supply, CROP Juice, Bay Area Aesthetics, Body Bar Pilates, 3Form Fitness, Kilwins, Paint Nail Bar, Lakewood Ranch Medical Group, Smith Law, Man Cave for Men, a luxury modern barber shop; Monkee’s, an upscale women’s boutique; Florida Provisions Co., a retail and bar concept; Forked, a breakfast, lunch, brunch and cocktails establishment; the John Cannon Model Experience Center, M/I Homes Design, M/I Homes Financial, and M/I Homes Title Agency.

    Still to open are Agave Bandido, a Mexican-American restaurant and tequileria; Deep Lagoon, a seafood & oyster house; Good Liquid Distilling Co., Duck Donuts, Cileone Jewelers, The Black Dog store, which will sell resort wear, and La Chic Boheme, offering spa services and treatments.

    “Waterside Place is rapidly becoming a retail and dining destination with the recent openings we have had,” said Kirk Boylston, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial. “We have gathered the best of the best in local and regional retailers and restauranteurs into a truly unique setting. There is a tremendous amount of waterfront dining, and community spaces for sitting and relaxing, whether you’re having a drink from one of our restaurants, working remotely, or just hanging out with family and friends. It is rewarding to all involved with this project to see all of the spaces activated and used for the many purposes that we were trying to accommodate. A number of additional openings will occur during September and October; the majority of the tenants will be open for business by year’s end.

    “Our events continue to have a robust following and are continually fine-tuned and enhanced by our great events and marketing team,” Boylston said.

    Recently named the “Best Lifestyle Program in the U.S.” by the National Association of Homebuilders, Waterside Place is already active with festivals, music, and sporting activities. It is home to the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, with more than 100 vendors offering organic produce, baked goods, pet products, and prepared food, etc. Ranch Nite Wednesdays, “your favorite weeknight hangout,” runs every Wednesday October through May, and features food trucks, live music from local artists, a weekly night market, and the second largest cornhole league in the nation, hosted by MVP Sports & Social. There is also live music on the plaza Friday and Saturday nights, and Waterside Place is home to the new “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place” music and arts series.

    For more information about Waterside Place, visit www.WatersidePlace.com. For more information on Lakewood Ranch, please contact Lisa Barnott at 941-757-1542.

    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 112,000 square feet of 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 35,000+-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 64,000 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 REMAINS #1 TOP SELLING MULTI-GEN COMMUNITY IN THE NATION BRISK SALES FAR OUTPACE NATIONAL AND REGIONAL COMPETITION

    Posted on by SparkDev

    Lakewood Ranch continues to be the best-selling community for all ages in the U.S., according to national real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2023 mid-year survey. The Ranch secured 1,227 new home sales through the end of June of 2023, beating last year’s numbers by 20% percent, and keeping it in the No. 1 position for more than five consecutive years.

    Lakewood Ranch also distanced itself from other regional master-planned communities (MPCs), with more than two-and-a-half times the sales of Babcock Ranch, and almost three times as many sales as Wellen Park, the only other two MPCs in Southwest Florida to rank in the top 15 positions on the list.

    “Post pandemic, we continue to see buyers attracted to Lakewood Ranch because of our lifestyle, multi-generational appeal, and diversity of neighborhoods,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities, LLC. “In 2023 we introduced three new entry-level villages and two new luxury villages to round-out our segmentation. This provided a boost to sales.

    “The move-up and active adult markets continue to perform exceedingly well even in this high-interest rate environment,” Cole continued. “Builders have helped buyers get across the finish line by assisting with closing costs.”

    There is no question that the new home market has benefited from low inventories in the resale market, Cole pointed out, but she doesn’t feel that this advantage will be dampened when interest rates drop. “There is great pent-up demand within Lakewood Ranch for new homes.”

    Lakewood Ranch also benefitted from being in the nation’s fastest growing state as well as in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, which continually appears in national and international rankings for its high quality of life. 

    RCLCO has been ranking master-planned communities since 1994; for more information, visit www.rclco.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 67,000 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.

    LAKEWOOD RANCH INTRODUCES NEW SIGHTS AND SOUNDS ARTS PROGRAM

    Posted on by SparkDev

    LWR Communities is proud to announce the formation of the “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place” performing and fine arts series.

    The program is meant to introduce arts and culture into the rich array of lifestyle offerings at The Ranch, which will help expand the relationships between these organizations and the residents, and the arts’ patrons and contributors.

    The series is part of Lakewood Ranch’s signature programming, led by Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager for LWR Communities. “With performances to be held at the pavilion at Waterside Place, Sights and Sounds will bring arts and organizations that are part of our Cultural Coast to Lakewood Ranch,” Hackel said, “which will be a mutually beneficial partnership for our community and the local arts organizations.”  

    It began as individual events, which were successful with both audiences and the performing arts groups, and morphed into a permanent series, with events scheduled into next year.

    Upcoming performances include Easterseals “Rock the Spectrum” in July, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe in September; the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company in October, Asolo Repertory Theatre in November, Out-of-Door Academy’s group concert featuring sounds of the season from chorus, band and orchestra students in December; and Jazz Under the Stars in February of next year … with more to be announced.

    The events are free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants.

    For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/.

    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 64,000 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.

    Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Launches its Builders Give Back Program

    Posted on by Rachel Gray

    LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (May 16, 2023) – The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund (LWRCF) is pleased to announce the launch of its Builders Give Back program, through which builders make a $100 donation per closing to the LWRCF in the name of the new homeowner. The builders currently participating are Anchor Builders, AR Homes, Homes By Towne, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Pulte Homes, and Stock Luxury Homes. The program is further supported by Lakewood Ranch Communities, which will donate a matching $100 per closing to the LWRCF.

    The new program benefits the LWRCF by both developing engagement with homeowners in their community and introducing them to local philanthropy, which in turn will help create support for the LWRCF into the future.

    “This program allows new residents to experience the welcoming and giving culture of Lakewood Ranch right when they move in,” said Adrienne Bookhamer, executive director of the LWRCF. “Our builders understand that the lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch is unique, and they are supporting that by participating in Builders Give Back. There is no better way to thank new residents than by contributing to the community and helping the LWRCF make an impact here.”

    The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund has a “live here, give here” approach, Bookhamer explained. “We are supporting local life-changing nonprofit organizations and causes embedded in the area. This program brings new residents into the fold when they move in and provides them with an opportunity to give back themselves. By engaging our new residents early, we are hoping for more involvement from the community to make an even bigger impact locally.”

    The mission of the LWRCF, which is financed fully by residents and businesses, is to support the nonprofits that are doing impactful work in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas in Manatee and Sarasota counties. As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, the needs of the community – including human services, education, animal services, and arts and culture – will also grow.

    Bookhamer added, “During COVID, we gave out more than $75,000 in grants to help nonprofits that were directly impacted by the pandemic, and after Hurricane Ian, we partnered with Lakewood Ranch Communities and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and raised $10,000 to grant to nonprofits affected by the hurricane.”

    For more information, visit lwrfund.org or call (941) 208-6799.

    ###

    The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit devoted to enhancing the quality of life in and near the Lakewood Ranch, Florida community by promoting philanthropy, responding to community needs, and granting funds. Since its founding in 2000, the fund has granted over $1.5 million to more than 100 nonprofit organizations to directly improve the lives of Lakewood Ranch residents.

    LAKEWOOD RANCH REPORTS ROBUST FIRST QUARTER SALES

    Posted on by Rachel Gray

    LAKEWOOD RANCH REPORTS ROBUST FIRST QUARTER SALES

    Lakewood Ranch closed the first quarter of 2023 with 580 sales, a 17% increase over the same quarter in 2022. In March alone, builders reported 236 sales, which was a 33% increase over the same month in 2022, as well as a 33% gain over the previous month (February of 2023).

    Sales have been climbing month over month since September of 2022, but March represented the largest jump in sales since the pandemic housing boom occurred, in late 2020/early 2021.

    The growth in sales was attributable, in part, to builders doing a good job in “finding the market” in the more challenging entry-level and family move-up villages, by offering special financing, flex cash and closing cost contributions.

    The luxury market also saw increases, including the opening of Wild Blue, a new luxury home neighborhood in Waterside.

    Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities, LLC, said that Florida is still seeing a great deal of in-migration from other states, but more recently, the Ranch has been experiencing increasing moves from within Florida, mostly from high-priced, congested regions.  The Ranch’s ongoing sales successes are due to the variety of neighborhoods, home styles, and price points that continue to be offered to various buying segments. The introduction of neighborhoods with more attainable price points in 2023 will round-out and drive additional sales.

    Also, rentals have become a major source of new home buyers – a number of new apartment and build-for-rent communities have opened or are nearing completion. “Many people want to move to Lakewood Ranch but haven’t made a final purchase decision,” Cole said, “or want to give Lakewood Ranch living a test drive. We are able to offer options for potential buyers, no matter where they are in their decision making.”

    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 63,000 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.

    Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place Adds Nationally Acclaimed Retailer; Announces New Openings

    Posted on by Rachel Gray

    Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling master-planned community for all ages, recently announced a new tenant for its newest town center, the 36-acre Waterside Place – a retail, services, dining, and entertainment destination. The Black Dog store, which will sell resort wear, including T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, hoodies, and shorts, among other things, started in Martha’s Vineyard with stores mostly in the northeast, with the only other Florida location on St. Armand’s Circle.

    The most recently opened businesses at Waterside Place include Man Cave for Men, a luxury modern barber shop; Monkee’s, an upscale women’s boutique; Florida Provisions Co., a retail and bar concept; Forked, a breakfast, lunch, brunch and cocktails establishment; the John Cannon Model Experience Center, M/I Homes Design, M/I Homes Financial, and M/I Homes Title Agency.

    Between now and May, additional planned openings include SHACK (a yoga studio), Capstan Financial, Marmalade, featuring home decor and furnishings along with women’s apparel and unique gifts; Modish Salon, Good Liquid Distilling Co., Osteria 500, an Italian restaurant; and Shore Rejuvenation, offering spa services and treatments.

    Tenants expected to open in the third and fourth quarter of 2023 include Agave Bandido, a Mexican-American restaurant and tequileria; Deep Lagoon, a seafood & oyster house; Duck Donuts, Platinum Palm Properties, Cileone Jewelers, and Williams Parker Law.

    The new businesses will join the currently operating Korê Steakhouse and cocktail lounge, Good Liquid Brewing company, O&A Coffee Supply, CROP Juice, Bay Area Aesthetics, Body Bar Pilates, 3Form Fitness, Kilwins, Paint Nail Bar, Lakewood Ranch Medical Group, and Smith Law.

    “Waterside Place has truly become a hub of activity for Lakewood Ranch,” said Kirk Boylston, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial. “The design, layout and most of all, the tenants who are occupying the project, are providing a place that can be enjoyed by everyone who goes there. It is a great place to simply hang out and enjoy the water view, find an outdoor space to work, enjoy some great shopping or dining or participate in one of the many activities that are happening there.

    “The turnout for the Farmers’ Market, Ranch Nights and music on the weekend evenings has surpassed all our expectations,” Boylston continued. “The majority of the project is leased with a large number of business openings planned for 2023, which will provide many new dining and shopping options for our guests. It has been extremely gratifying for everyone who has made this project come to life see so many people there meeting new and old friends, shopping, dining, listening to music, or participating in events at Waterside Place. It has turned out to be the place that we hoped it would.”

    Recently named the “Best Lifestyle Program in the U.S.” by the National Association of Homebuilders, Waterside Place is already active with festivals, music, and sporting activities. It is home to the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, with more than 100 vendors offering organic produce, baked goods, pet products, and prepared food, etc. Ranch Nite Wednesdays, “your favorite weeknight hangout,” runs every Wednesday through May 31, from 6-9 p.m., and features food trucks, live music from local artists, a weekly night market, and a vintage mobile bar hosted by Cornerstone and Co., and the second largest recreational cornhole league in the nation, hosted by MVP Sports & Social. There is also live music on the plaza Friday and Saturday nights, and is home to the new “Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place” music and arts series.

    For more information about Waterside Place, visit www.WatersidePlace.com. For more information on Lakewood Ranch, please contact Lisa Barnott at 941-757-1542.

    # # #

    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 112,000 square feet of 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 Waterside Village

    Waterside Village will feature more than 5,000 for-sale and rental homes in a variety of neighborhoods ranging from $400k to over $3M. All neighborhoods are connected to Waterside Place via trails and many homes will benefit from an upcoming water taxi to the town center. To date, over 1,400 homes have been sold or leased in Waterside’s Shoreview, Lakehouse Cove, The Adley, Botanic, and Grande Living neighborhoods. For more information visit lwrwaterside.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 63,000 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 RANKS NO. 1 IN THE NATION FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

    Posted on by Rachel Gray

    Lakewood Ranch was recognized as the best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the country for the fifth year in a row by RCLCO and John Burns, two independent real estate consulting firms.

    The Ranch saw 1,846 new home sales in 2022. Although sales were down from a record-breaking 2021, Lakewood Ranch exceeded 2019 sales, the last year there was a balanced real estate market.

    Lakewood Ranch benefitted from being in the nation’s fastest growing state as well as the Sarasota/Bradenton area which increasingly appears in national and international rankings for its high quality of life.  While the Florida real estate market fared better than most, in the second quarter of 2022 buyers became more cautious, narrowing their search to well-established communities with a proven track record. 

    “For nearly three decades, Lakewood Ranch has fostered a sense of place, community, and belonging.  Our diversity of experiences, access to nature and services, and top-quality schools and healthcare are all here to be enjoyed TODAY.  That is reassuring for home buyers in this more uncertain market,” said Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities, LLC.

    Cole also attributes Lakewood Ranch’s sales success to the variety of neighborhoods, home styles, and price points offered to buying segments, including multi-gen, entry-level, family move-up, retiree and active adult, and luxury/custom buyers.  

    “In this market, communities that create the most certainty for the buyer will outpace the others. Lakewood Ranch performed, and is well-positioned to continue to do so,” Cole said. “Our multigenerational appeal remains our largest differentiator; we are opening seven new neighborhoods this year priced from the $300s to $1 million+. We are also opening a number of new apartment and build-for-rent communities.” 

    Rentals have become a major source of new home buyers. “Many people moved to Lakewood Ranch in the past few years but couldn’t buy a home due to limited supply, so they rented and are now ready to buy,” Cole said.

    Tourism has been another sales driver. “Hurricane Ian has drawn buyers and tourists from the affected areas and other coastal markets to our area, and more specifically to Lakewood Ranch,” Cole said. “Also, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s exponential growth has opened many new markets via the addition of numerous direct flights.”

    Cole also pointed to lifestyle shifts that occurred during the pandemic as benefitting sales, including suburban preferences, multi-generational moves, and increased outdoor recreation.

    One of Lakewood Ranch’s best sales’ resources continues to be Ranch residents themselves, Cole said. “Friends and family who visit and enjoy activities, such as Music on Main or the Farmers’ Market at Waterside,” she said. “They’re able to experience the lifestyle, the camaraderie, and the diversity of amenities for themselves. Many end up coming back to rent or purchase their own home. We have many families who have three generations living in the same village or the greater Lakewood Ranch community!

    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 60,000 residents and features A-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.