Master-planned community leads nation in housing starts

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Lakewood Ranch led the nation in housing starts for the second quarter of 2019, according to research and consulting firm Metrostudy.

Lakewood Ranch’s 1,561 new home starts exceeded those in other top-selling communities in Florida, Texas, Nevada and California, according to a press release. 

The 31,000-acre master-planned community in Sarasota and Manatee counties has more than 36,000 residents. 

Prices in Lakewood Ranch range from $200,000 to more than $1 million for condominiums, paired villas and single-family homes.

"With a broad offering of new homes for every stage of your life coupled with a long standing reputation for amenities and lifestyle, Lakewood Ranch became the ‘Most Active Community’ in the United States for new housing starts as of 2Q 2019, surpassing The Villages for top spot," says Tony Polito, director of the Tampa/Central Florida region of Metrostudy, in a statement. 

Recent additions to Lakewood Ranch include two community parks, two shopping centers and 1.1 million square feet of commercial development.

Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch has spearheaded more than 28 miles of road expansions, added a new sheriff sub-station on State Road 70 and introduced a new Town Hall for residents, a press release says. 

“Lakewood Ranch’s sales — and subsequent starts success — is a result of its exceptional location, multi-generational approach and diversity of neighborhoods, as well as an ever-growing list of daily conveniences and social engagement opportunities,” says Laura Cole, senior vice president of LWR Communities LLC, in a statement.

Earlier this month, Lakewood Ranch was named the second fastest-selling community in the U.S. in real estate consulting firm RCLCO’s 2019 Mid-Year Ranking.