Top Things to Know About Relocating to Lakewood Ranch, Florida

by Adam Miller

Top Things to Know About Relocating to Lakewood Ranch, Florida

If you're considering relocating to Lakewood Ranch, you’re making an excellent choice. This award-winning, master-planned community is one of the most sought-after places to live in Florida. With top-rated schools, a thriving real estate market, abundant amenities, and an unbeatable lifestyle, it’s no surprise that Lakewood Ranch has been ranked one of the best-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. year after year.

The 941 Lifestyle Group

Whether you're moving for work, retirement, family-friendly neighborhoods, or the warm Florida sunshine, Lakewood Ranch offers a diverse range of housing options, excellent healthcare, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

As residents and real estate experts, Jessica and I, along with The 941 Lifestyle Group, have helped countless individuals and families relocate to Lakewood Ranch. If you're thinking about making the move, here’s everything you need to know about living, working, and finding your dream home in Lakewood Ranch. (well not everything 😊)

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1. Lakewood Ranch is One of the Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities in the U.S.

One of the most impressive aspects of Lakewood Ranch is that it’s not just another suburban development—it’s a carefully designed, thriving community built with residents' lifestyles in mind.

Why is Lakewood Ranch So Popular?

#2 Best-Selling Master-Planned Community in the U.S. (2024) – With 2,210 home sales last year, Lakewood Ranch continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in Florida.
33,000+ Acres of Land – Spanning over 58 square miles, Lakewood Ranch is one of the largest master-planned communities in the country.
72,000+ Residents & Growing – The population has steadily increased due to the strong housing market, job opportunities, and quality of life.

Unlike many developments that expand without proper infrastructure, Lakewood Ranch is designed with a long-term vision. Every neighborhood is strategically built with schools, parks, shopping centers, and green spaces woven into the community, making it one of the most well-planned places to live in Florida.

The 941 Lifestyle Group

If you're looking for a home in Lakewood Ranch, The 941 Lifestyle Group is here to help you navigate the market and find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle.

2. A Family-Friendly Environment with Top-Rated Schools

If you’re moving to Lakewood Ranch with kids, you’ll be happy to know that this community is designed with families in mind. It offers safe, walkable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Why Families Love Lakewood Ranch:

Top-rated schools that consistently receive high marks in academics and extracurricular programs.
Safe, well-maintained neighborhoods with low crime rates.*(please do your own due diligence)
Abundant parks, playgrounds, and sports fields for kids of all ages.
Family-friendly events and activities year-round, from outdoor movie nights to farmers’ markets.

Lakewood Ranch Schools:

Lakewood Ranch is part of the Manatee County School District, which provides excellent public education. Some of the most highly rated schools include:

Robert Willis Elementary School – One of the highest-ranked elementary schools in Manatee County.
R. Dan Nolan Middle School – Offers strong STEM programs and extracurricular activities.
Lakewood Ranch High School is known for its 95% graduation rate and excellent college prep programs.

In addition to public schools, there are several private and charter schools, as well as higher education institutions, making Lakewood Ranch a great place for students of all ages.

If you're relocating and want to be near the best schools in Lakewood Ranch, The 941 Lifestyle Group can help you find a home in top-rated school zones.

3. A Prime Location with Easy Access to Tampa, Sarasota & Beyond

One of the biggest perks of relocating to Lakewood Ranch is its unbeatable location. Situated just east of I-75, the community offers quick access to major cities, airports, and some of Florida’s best attractions.

Distances from Lakewood Ranch:

Sarasota (30 minutes away) – A vibrant city with beaches, art galleries, fine dining, and cultural events.
Tampa (1 hour away) – Home to professional sports teams, major concert venues, and an international airport.
Orlando (2 hours away) – Perfect for a weekend trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, or other theme parks.
Florida Gulf Coast Beaches (45-60 minutes away) – Easy access to Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Anna Maria Island.

Lakewood Ranch’s central location makes it easy to enjoy the best of Florida without dealing with big-city congestion.

If you're looking for a home with easy access to work, travel, and entertainment, The 941 Lifestyle Group can help you find the ideal home in the perfect location.

4. Diverse Housing Options for Every Budget & Lifestyle

One of the biggest advantages of relocating to Lakewood Ranch is the variety of housing options available. Whether you’re looking for a luxury estate, a golf course home, a townhome, or a 55+ active adult community, there’s something for everyone.

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Types of Homes in Lakewood Ranch:

Single-Family Homes – Ranging from starter homes to expansive estate properties.
Townhomes & Villas – Maintenance-free living with modern designs and community amenities.
Luxury Estates – Custom-built homes in gated communities with private pools and golf course views.
55+ Communities – Designed for active adults who want resort-style living with social clubs and amenities.

Current Housing Market in Lakewood Ranch:

Home prices start in the $300s and go up to over $6 million.
Average home price (January 2025): $641,000.
New construction and resale homes are available.

As local real estate experts, The 941 Lifestyle Group has exclusive access to listings, off-market opportunities, and builder relationships to help you find the best home for your budget and lifestyle.

5. No State Income Tax & Cost of Living Benefits

One of the biggest financial advantages of relocating to Florida is the lack of a state income tax. Instead of paying state income tax, Florida generates revenue through sales tax and tourism-related taxes, making it a great place to maximize your earnings and retirement savings.

Additional Financial Benefits:

Lower overall tax burden compared to many northern states.
Homestead exemptions are available for primary residents to reduce property taxes.
A strong economy with job opportunities in healthcare, technology, and hospitality.

If you’re relocating from a high-tax state like California, New York, or Illinois, moving to Lakewood Ranch can significantly improve your financial well-being.