Living in Lakewood Ranch, Florida provides a great lifestyle for young professionals, families with children, and retired snowbirds who visit in the winter. Over a dozen different villages boast custom estate living, single-family homes and townhomes that share dramatic landscapes with wetland and forest preserves and hundreds of species of native wildlife.

There are countless opportunities to enjoy the nature of Florida living, including education, beaches, culture and sports. Some of the best reasons include:

Cost of living

Healthcare, food, and housing are less expensive in Florida than other places in the United States. Climate. Lakewood Ranch is sunny and warm, with over 250 days of sunshine each year.
Taxes. There is no state income tax in Florida, although sales tax is 6 percent. Property taxes are moderately reasonable, and there are no inheritance or estate taxes.

Depending on your budget, finding the perfect home is possible with the numerous Lakewood Ranch homes for sale in sunny Florida. Here are some of my favorites:

Country Club East

Country Club East is a private, secluded and gated community offering a variety of neighborhoods. Nature preserves, lakes and 18 holes of Rick Robbins-designed golf surround the community areas of Windy Hill, Highlands, Haddington, Seacroft and Collingtree.

Central Park

The distinct villages of Forest Park, Piedmont Park, Gramercy Park, Claremont Park and Longview Lake Park surround the 10-acre Central Park. All single-family homes are certified green, and residents have access to a ball field, tennis courts, play areas, dog parks, walkways and a splash park.

Greenbrook

All homes in Greenbrook meet Florida Green Building Coalition standards, and a superbly preserved natural habitat encompasses the neighborhoods overlooking numerous lakes. Walking trails connect Heron’s Nest Nature Park and Braden River Nature Trail to the Braden River Preserve.

Summerfield

This village of single-family homes is designed with families in mind. Next to the Braden River, Summerfield features numerous large lakes and two community parks, and elementary and middle schools are within walking distance. Summerfield is a short drive to more fun in Bradenton and ever-popular Sarasota.

Edgewater

The Lake Vista Residences of Edgewater highlight a charming Mediterranean theme with lush landscaping, elegant architecture and private walking paths. The 160-acre Lake Uihlein and Main Street at Lakeland Ranch are within walking distance for top-notch restaurants, upscale shopping and a movie theater.

Riverwalk

The sidewalks, trails and parks of Riverwalk promote a natural hometown atmosphere amidst a single-family home setting. The Braden River Nature Trail joins the 100-acre Heron’s Nest Nature Park with two large lakes. Riverwalk embodies some of the most remarkable and elegant homes in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.

A Home and Community for Everyone

In addition to these neighborhoods, other Lakewood Ranch communities include:

Bridgewater – a private, gated, maintenance-free community of single-family homes

Del Webb ­– the largest green-certified, master-planned community in the U.S. with over 150 miles of trails and sidewalks

Esplanade – an active lifestyle village of maintenance-free villas and single-family homes

Harmony – maintenance-free townhomes and single-family homes

The Country Club – gated community of single-family homes offering 36 holes of private golf and 18 holes of daily fee golf

The Lake Club – detached villas and custom luxury homes in a private, gated community with lush landscaping, scenic lakes and parks
Explore the many benefits of luxury living.

Regardless of which neighborhood you choose, everyone shares a sense of community in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.