Learn More About Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Part of the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Area, Lakewood Ranch is an upscale, master-planned community located in the southeastern part of Manatee County, Florida. It is a family-friendly community covering some 17,500 acres of land around the Gulf Coast of Florida and containing both residential and commercial development.
Lakewood Ranch currently stands on what used to be a timber ranch belonging to the members of the Uihlein family from Milwaukee. Access to good transportation system, including waterways, roadways and railroads, helped to drive a rapid growth in the number of residents in the 1920s. But the first neighborhood development, Summerfield, did not emerge until 1995. Further expansion in the area led to the creation of Lakewood Ranch as a master-planned community.
Today, this family-friendly community plays host to more than 10 villages with housing units catering to different groups and tastes. Options range from single-family units to townhouses and custom, luxurious private estates. These are enveloped by scenic landscapes and wetland preserves that play host to numerous species of local wildlife. Lakewood Ranch is the sort of community where people can enjoy an amazing sense of kinship. The 34202 ZIP Code Tabulation Area, which the unincorporated community falls into, has almost 20,000 residents as of 2010 census.
One of the appealing qualities of Lakewood Ranch is that it is one of the top green-certified communities in the United States – it is even considered the largest of such. That should be a great thing if you happen to be one of the people that truly care about the natural environment. Villages built in recent years were constructed using “green” materials and techniques, thus supporting a friendlier, safer environment while also promoting efficient use of energy.
Lakewood Ranch boasts of several highly-rated schools, with these further making it more fitting for families. Public schools here include Robert Willis Elementary School, Braden River Elementary School, R. Dan Nolan Middle School, Braden River Middle School and Lakewood Ranch High School. But if you’d rather prefer private education for your children, you will probably be pleased to learn that the community is also home to private schools, including Out-of-Door Academy and Pinnacle Academy. Colleges around here include the State College of Florida and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This beautiful community has grown to become a busy town of sort, with several neighborhoods, schools, distinctive shops and boutiques. The quaint Main Street is a popular place for retail shopping, great dining and colorful events. Lakewood Ranch boasts scenic sidewalks, trails, lakes and nature preserves as well as community parks. Plus, it offers easy access to beautiful beaches around.
Lakewood Ranch is well supplied with recreational facilities. Championship golf can be enjoyed at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. The Ancient Oak Gun Club, Sarasota Polo Club and The Premier Sports Campus are also worth checking out when looking to unwind.
With a beautiful natural environment and several highly-rated schools, Lakewood Ranch is without doubt a family-friendly community. It has a wide range of recreational facilities and over 150 miles of trails and sidewalks. It is just the perfect choice for people who love nature.
