Master-planned Communities: Have You Heard?
If you’re looking to purchase property in Florida and you haven’t heard of The West Villages or Lakewood Ranch (LWR), get with it, people! These two master-planned communities are neck and neck in the national real estate rankings.
The History…
The West Villages
Formerly Berry Ranch and Taylor Ranch, the land of West Villages was utilized to grow citrus, watermelon and for cattle ranching. The family owners dedicated themselves to responsible agricultural operations for more than 70 years. In 2014, a partnership that includes Mattamy Homes and locally-owned Vanguard Land, purchased the remaining land. Located between Venice and North Port, this 9,650-acre community is full of neighborhoods that appeal to buyers from across the nation.
Lakewood Ranch
Purchased by the Uihlein family in 1922, the area was residentially developed in the late 1970s. The family began exploring other uses for the land after years of operating it as ranching and agribusiness Schroeder-Manatee Ranch (SMR). In 1994, SMR announced the groundbreaking of Lakewood Ranch. Now, LWR has turned into a spectacular community that has caused national real estate recognition with its over 31,000 residents.
The Rankings…
Although both master-planned communities are noteworthy, Real Estate consultant, RCLCO, announced a midyear home sales scorecard listing Lakewood Ranch as second, with 824 sales, and West Villages as third, with 679 sales. According to SMR, Buyers in Lakewood Ranch come from
Florida as well as New York and New Jersey, (which account for nearly a quarter of all out-of-state buyers). Additionally, a growing number of buyers have been coming from Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and California. According to Metrostudy, the 31,000-acre LWR community, which spans Manatee and Sarasota counties, beat out The Villages in central Florida by 11 home starts for the lead.
The Conclusion…
Both of these amazing communities are worth investigating when looking to buy in SW Florida. From polo matches and baseball games to quaint restaurants and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Looking forward, as both LWR and The West Village development expands, it will be intriguing to see how each of them continue to draw buyers from all across the nation.
If you have any questions, we’re happy to help! Contact us directly at BrandyCoffey941(at)gmail(dotted)com or 941.404.4737.