Funny i remember when Lakewood Ranch first broke ground back in like 95. I was a student at Ringling at the time and clearly remember seeing the first roads, plots of land and homes being built across i75 off University drive. We use to drive thru assessing the new builds. Not every day you see and entire city section being build, then again.. back then it was kinda common as it preceded the housing boon. Back then Sarasota was still very much off the nations radar. Only those who were in the know, knew, which made it a fantastic place to live, and real estate at the time was unimaginably affordable. Most locals were looking to move out ironically seeking the big money in the larger states. A quaint beautiful and yet sleepy town. the same could be said for Tampa Saint Pete and clearwater, of which i would also live a few decades later. Now the region is THE go to for people coming to Florida. In many ways i do kinda frown at it, as these were the same people who just a few years ago were quick to put down Florida, noses high in the air. but just as soon as their greed surpassed their means, did they then come to the conclusion that Florida was all of a sudden a great place to relocate too.
I prefer Hallandale beach Florida you got Gulf Stream Park there and Atlantic Village nice restaurants and bars, then you got the beach with beautiful restaurants and clear water.
what is the probabilistic risk of flooding in a hurricane storm surge - being that this is 10 miles inland? one of our neighbors is moving here from GA
Lakewood Ranch is in flood zone X which is the highest in the state (least likely to flood) and they are not in a mandatory evacuation zone for any storm surging. So it's as safe as you can get.
It is, but because Lakewood Ranch is a multigenerational community they also hold the title for the best selling community that is not a 55+ community.
It's a bit more established with more mature landscaping and large lakes. I think it's more manicured and it has an outstanding clubhouse. The Isles is the younger sibling :)
