FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RCLCO mid-year ranking reflects buyer confidence in Lakewood Ranch’s dynamic lifestyle and long-term value.

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (July 30, 2026) — Lakewood Ranch has once again earned the No. 1 ranking among multi-generational master-planned communities in RCLCO Real Estate Consulting’s Mid-Year 2026 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities survey, ranking No. 2 overall nationally behind The Villages. With 1,035 new-home sales at mid-year, Lakewood Ranch continued to outperform broader national and regional trends.

The ranking comes at a time when buyers are more deliberate about where they choose to live and are weighing not only home price and mortgage rates, but also long-term value, lifestyle, schools, healthcare, amenities and confidence in the community itself. In that environment, Lakewood Ranch’s track record and continued investment remain important differentiators.

“In uncertain markets, proven places stand apart,” said Karl Pischke, Principal, RCLCO. “Lakewood Ranch is a trusted, high-performing community with the planning discipline, lifestyle infrastructure and long-term momentum to give buyers confidence in their decision.”

At mid-year, sales are exceeding Lakewood Ranch’s 2026 forecast, which anticipated a more measured year as new villages ramp up, eight villages move through sell-out, and new Sarasota County villages prepare to open in 2027. Demand remains broad, with move-up and multi-generational buyers continuing to lead the market and active adult and retiree buyers posting the strongest year-over-year growth. Sales above $1 million also strengthened compared with last year, while the entry-level market remained more cautious despite available options in the high $200s.

That depth of demand is helping drive the next phase of community investment. Projects underway or on the horizon include the new Athletic and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus, Emerson Lakes Continuing Care Retirement Community, Life Time Fitness, Rangeland High School, a new Manatee County high school, expansion of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and continued expansion of the Gulf Coast Trail system.

Lakewood Ranch’s town centers are also strengthening. Main Street has received a fresh reinvestment and, together with Waterside Place, now offers more than 68 restaurants and shops, along with events, entertainment, and gathering places that continue to reinforce the community’s lifestyle appeal.

A hallmark of Lakewood Ranch’s success is its commitment to investing ahead of growth. Through the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, more than $200 million is currently being invested in roads, bike lanes, multi-use trails, parks, and essential community services to support both existing neighborhoods and future villages. By planning and delivering infrastructure to ultimate build-out conditions, Lakewood Ranch protects long-term value while reinforcing the connectivity and quality of life that continue to set the community apart.

Lakewood Ranch gives buyers something especially important in today’s market: confidence,” Laura Cole, Senior Vice President of Lakewood Ranch, added. “Residents are choosing a community with a successful track record, continued investment, and the amenities, services, connectivity, and housing choices to support every stage of life.”

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About Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch is one of the nation’s largest and most successful master-planned communities, spanning more than 35,000 acres across Manatee and Sarasota counties on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Developed by Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the community includes neighborhoods, town centers, parks, trails, schools, healthcare, employment centers, shopping, dining and lifestyle amenities serving more than 80,000 residents.