Lakewood Ranch Scored a Zero! A ZERO!

by Adam Miller

Exploring the Walkability and Living Options in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch, a renowned planned unit development in Florida, offers an impressive array of amenities, housing options, and lifestyle benefits. However, when it comes to walkability, this community surprisingly scored a zero on WalkScore.com. This score indicates that almost all errands in Lakewood Ranch require a car, which might be surprising considering the community's extensive planning and development.

Understanding the Walkability Score

The WalkScore rating system evaluates communities based on their walkability, meaning how easily residents can access daily necessities without a car. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating better walkability. For Lakewood Ranch to score a zero is particularly notable, given its reputation as a premier living destination in Florida.

While Lakewood Ranch boasts a wide array of amenities and a well-planned layout, the walkability of the area leaves much to be desired. As highlighted in the video, even though there are miles of trails and three distinct downtown areas, the need for a car is almost inescapable. The three main areas—The Greens, Main Street, and Waterside Place—do offer some walkable spots, but these are largely confined to residents living in very close proximity. For most people, running errands or enjoying the town’s amenities still requires a vehicle.

Housing Options and Neighborhoods

Despite its low walkability score, Lakewood Ranch boasts several neighborhoods and housing options that cater to different lifestyles. Some of these communities offer convenient access to key locations, making them more walkable compared to others.

Edgewater Village is a prime example, offering diverse housing options across three neighborhoods: Edgewater Sound, Edgewater Cove, and Edgewater Point. These neighborhoods provide single-family homes, carriage homes, estate homes, and 326 custom residences. The Moorings and WaterCrest in Edgewater offer luxury condos with stunning views of Lake Uihlein for those seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle.

lakewood ranch with the 941 lifestyle group

The Lofts on Main Street is another notable option for those desiring a town-living experience. Located near the vibrant Main Street Town Center, these lofts provide easy access to boutiques, restaurants, cinemas, and the Medical Center. The lofts, built in 2006, feature modern amenities, elevator access, and picturesque views of the bustling shopping district. However, as pointed out in the video, the concept of walkability here might vary depending on one's definition—walking to Publix might be feasible, but it could be a two-mile trek.

Waterfront at Main Street is perfect for those interested in condo living with the convenience of walking to local attractions. This gated community, featuring condos built between 2016 and 2017, offers a pool, hot tub, and some units with stunning lake views.

The video further discusses the upcoming Lakeshore Townhomes, which will be another addition to the housing options, offering luxury living with amenities such as a Tiki bar, swimming pool, and fitness center. These townhomes, while luxurious, may also reflect the overall trend in Lakewood Ranch—great living spaces with limited walkable options.

Lakewood Ranch continues to expand its housing options with new developments. Waterside’s Emerald Landing offers homes ranging from 1,496 to 3,249 square feet, with resort-style amenities such as a pool, pickleball courts, and a dog park. Residents can also enjoy the convenience of a water taxi service to Waterside Place. Although this development is still under construction, the proximity to Waterside Place could make it one of the more walkable communities in the area.

waterside in lakewood ranch

Shoreview at Lakewood Ranch Waterside and Kingfisher Estates provide luxurious waterfront living options, with homes priced from $1 million to over $3 million. These communities offer exclusive amenities such as a resort-style pool, kayak launch, fitness center, and trails to Waterside Place. Despite the luxury, as highlighted in the video, even these neighborhoods may require a car for most activities, reaffirming the overall lack of walkability in the area.

Nautique offers a more affordable option within Waterside, with townhomes and single-family homes starting in the $400s. The community amenities include a tropical cabana, heated pool, dog park, playground, and pickleball courts, adding to the appeal for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle. However, the video emphasizes that while walkability to downtown Waterside Place might be possible, it is not always convenient or realistic, further contributing to the area's low walkability score.

While Lakewood Ranch's overall walkability may be low, certain neighborhoods and communities offer more accessible and walkable options. With its diverse housing choices, ongoing developments, and abundant amenities, Lakewood Ranch remains a highly desirable place to live, even if most errands require a car.

For those considering making Lakewood Ranch their home, it’s essential to explore the various neighborhoods to find one that suits your lifestyle needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of Main Street or the luxury of Waterside, Lakewood Ranch has something to offer everyone. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that, despite the beauty and planning, the need for a car remains a significant aspect of life in Lakewood Ranch.

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