The Truth About Living in Lakewood Ranch in 2025

by Adam Miller

Thinking about moving to Lakewood Ranch?

You’re definitely not alone.

Every week, I talk to families, retirees, and remote workers who are eyeing this place as their dream destination. And I get it - on the surface, Lakewood Ranch checks every box. It’s clean. It’s safe. It’s newer than most areas around Sarasota. And if you’ve spent any time browsing brochures or watching builder videos, you’ve probably seen the resort-style pools, the golf carts, the scenic trails, and the immaculate homes.

But let’s pause for a second.

Because if no one else is going to tell you the full story… I will.

Let’s Start with the Obvious: This Place Isn’t Cheap

Lakewood Ranch is beautiful, but it's not exactly a budget-friendly community. Even resale homes in older neighborhoods like Greenbrook or Summerfield are typically in the $600K–$700K range, and if you're leaning toward something new, with all the upgrades and energy-efficient features, expect to be in the $800K-$900K zone before you know it. Luxury homes? Think $2M–$5M and beyond.

But that’s just the start.

Every community here comes with an HOA. Most also come with a CDD - a Community Development District fee that acts like a second property tax to cover roads, utilities, lighting, and other infrastructure. Combine that with rising insurance costs, lawn care, rising property taxes, and you start to realize... that "affordable Florida dream" might cost more than you expected.

You’re Also Moving Into a Construction Zone

Here’s something most people don’t realize until after they’ve moved in: Lakewood Ranch isn’t done. Not even close.

New communities like Star Farms, Sweetwater, and sections of Waterside are still being built - and that means noise, dust, traffic, and uncertainty. Roads are still under construction. Commercial plazas are going up. Apartment complexes are breaking ground in places that were quiet fields a few months ago.

And while the brochures show peaceful walking trails and serene lakes, what they don’t show are the dump trucks, the beeping forklifts at 6:45 a.m., or the crews jackhammering concrete just a few doors down from your lanai.

There’s no clear timeline for when it will all be “finished.” Some people are okay with that. Others… not so much.

Oh - And You’re Not Living at the Beach

A lot of people moving here from out of state pull up the map and think, “Wow, the beach is only a few miles away!” And while that’s technically true, what the map doesn’t show you is the traffic, the bottlenecks, the lack of parking, and the sheer headache it can be to get there.

It might take you 40 minutes to reach Siesta Key or Lido on a good day. On a bad one, especially during season, it could be over an hour. That spontaneous “let’s hit the beach!” energy usually dies out by month two.

And if beach life was your #1 reason for moving to Florida? You might feel a little tricked.

Life Here Comes With A Lot of Rules

Lakewood Ranch looks like a resort - and in many ways, it is. That’s part of what people love about it. It’s orderly. It’s clean. It’s consistent.

But that consistency is maintained through rules. Lots of them.

You’ll have a homeowners’ association that regulates everything from the color of your house to how often your garage door can be open. Want to put up a swing set? Better check the list. Want to paint your door something other than beige or gray? Probably not going to happen.

If you’re used to making your home your own - quirky landscaping, backyard chickens, maybe an RV parked in the driveway - Lakewood Ranch might feel more like a place you’re renting, not owning.

waterside place lakewood ranch

What Happens After Dark? Not Much.

If nightlife is your thing, I’ll save you the trouble: Lakewood Ranch shuts down early.

By 8:30 p.m., most places are closing up. You won’t find any rooftop bars, late-night taco spots, or comedy clubs here. It’s not built for that. It’s built for families, retirees, and early risers.

If you’re craving energy or culture or a place to unwind after a long week, you’ll probably end up heading to downtown Sarasota. Or St. Pete. Or Tampa. And while those options are great, they’re not exactly next door.

And Then There’s “Season”

If you’re not familiar with Florida’s snowbird season, let me introduce you to it.

From November through April, Lakewood Ranch fills up fast. Restaurants are packed, roads are clogged, and community amenities feel less like your neighborhood pool and more like a public resort. It’s not bad… but it’s different. And if you’re someone who loves peace, privacy, and convenience? Season might push your patience.

So… Should You Still Move Here?

Here’s the thing: Lakewood Ranch is an amazing place to live — for the right person.

If you’re looking for safety, newer homes, clean design, and a community feel? It might be perfect. But if you're someone who values freedom, character, or a walkable, urban lifestyle… you might find it a little too polished.

That’s why I have these conversations - because moving here is a big deal. And I’d rather help you figure out now if this is really your place… instead of hearing six months from now that you regret the move.

Want Help Deciding?

If you’re still on the fence, I put together a free relocation guide - packed with the real details I wish more people had before they made the move.

Or, if you’d rather talk it through, you can book a 15-minute discovery call with me. No pressure. Just the honest conversation you deserve.

Schedule a 15-Minute Discovery Call

Lakewood Ranch might be exactly what you're looking for.
Or it might be a $900K mistake dressed up in palm trees.
Either way, let’s figure that out before you buy.