Welcome to Lakewood Ranch
When it comes to Lakewood Ranch, there are many things that make it one of the most popular places to live. This exclusive community lies in two counties—Sarasota and Manatee—and offers a diverse scene of home architecture, a prime location, and an eclectic collection of eateries serving up some of the most mouthwatering dishes in Florida. Sunshine, elite shopping, and picture-perfect beaches are around every corner in this master-planned community. Affluent, gated communities with modern mansions can be found inside The Lake Club and Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club while upscale townhomes and single-family homes are hugging well-paved, tree-lined streets in neighboring villages with views of natural wetlands.
What to Love
- 130-acre polo club with a laid-back atmosphere
- Master-planned community surrounded by nature preserves
- Convenient location with easy access to major roadways
- Short commute to Sarasota or Bradenton
Local Lifestyle
Lakewood Ranch's prosperous villages offer its residents country-club living, close-knit neighborhoods, and amenities unique to their community. Year-round recreation and a serene atmosphere allow for relaxing days by the pool or traversing along Lakewood Ranch's 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, many of which interconnect.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Find contemporary versions of international and regional cuisine at GROVE, an airy bistro highlighting a spacious terrace and ballroom event space. Signature flatbreads, comforting soups, jambalaya, Thai beef, and jumbo crab cakes are all available on this restaurant’s menu. Build your own taco, burrito, quesadilla, or bowl at nearby Urban Taco. This lively eatery provides fresh, flavorful ingredients in a modern space perfect for gathering with friends and family. And don’t worry—-the restaurant makes handcrafted, urban margaritas to end your dining experience on an incredible note. Enjoy seafood Florida-style at Pinchers, a local favorite offering a daily happy hour and two-for-one drinks. Start the meal off right with an appetizer of crab rangoons before ordering a dozen of peel and eat shrimp. End your visit with a delicious slice of key lime pie. For an evening of locally-crafted beer with friends, head over to Good Liquid Brewing Company. This modern brewpub features a sizeable menu of on-tap beer and cornhole games for a fun, memorable time.
Things to Do
Take the whole family to Nathan Benderson Park for an entertaining day of kayaking, picnicking, and more, but be sure to time your visit so you can watch the US Rowing Team take on the watercourse for a day of training. Lakewood Ranch is home to Sarasota Polo Club for a laid-back day of polo-watching with friends. Nights can be just as fun with Ranch Nite Wednesdays, a weeknight event featuring food trucks, live music, and backyard games at a town center.
Festivals, festivals, festivals, oh my! Lakewood Ranch is home to some of the biggest community festivals in the area. Its annual BooFest takes the stage every Halloween with dance performances, concerts, pumpkin decorating, and more. Its holiday counterpart, Holidays Around the Ranch, puts visitors in the festive spirit with hot cocoa, horse-drawn carriages, Santa visits, and more. Wine aficionados head to the annual Suncoast Food and Wine Fest in droves for a sunny afternoon of wine sampling and food tasting from a collection of restaurants and wineries as well as cooking demonstrations, live music, and giveaways.
Schools
Lakewood Ranch is served by the Manatee County School District and Sarasota County Public Schools. Several distinguished schools include:
- Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, a pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade primary school, has frequently ranked as an “A” school by the Florida Department of Education
- Braden River Middle School, a public institution serving grades sixth through eighth, is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for its outstanding academic achievement
