Lakewood Ranch .... (2013, schools, zip code)

[bbronston]

You'll find LWR is a great mix of just about everything. Esplanade would certainly match your criteria but so would just about every other community. Also, there will be a new over 55 Dell Webb community opening soon and that might be worth getting in on the ground floor, so to speak.

[photoman_6]

Originally Posted by StEt0417

Lakewood ranch is beautiful and its really not that far of a drive to the beach about 25 minutes. I have a friend who lives i there and they love it but hoping to buy a house in Parrish.

where is this 25 minute beach. I live on University and Tuttle and it takes us 30 minutes or so to go to Lido Beach. i can't imagine AMI or Siesta taking less time. I don't mind the drive, but it just doesn't figure

[photoman_6]

Originally Posted by StEt0417

Lakewood ranch is beautiful and its really not that far of a drive to the beach about 25 minutes. I have a friend who lives i there and they love it but hoping to buy a house in Parrish.

Why oh why don't i note the dates of original posts.

[bbronston]

Originally Posted by photoman_6

where is this 25 minute beach. I live on University and Tuttle and it takes us 30 minutes or so to go to Lido Beach. i can't imagine AMI or Siesta taking less time. I don't mind the drive, but it just doesn't figure

We are in Summerfield. It's about 35-40 minutes for us.

[tzais01]

Jini, I can't speak about LWR as a whole, but Esplanade is perfect for retirees. As I said in the other post, most are in their 60s, but a good amount in their 50's and younger (and some older). The newer golf club homes are larger and this has brought many younger families to the neighborhood, some with children. I will say the the "active" lifestyle is not geared towards children.

You mentioned the vast amount of clubs in LWR. For most of us within Esplanade, there are so many groups and activities just in Esplanade, we are not involved in the greater LWR activities.

[Luby162]

My sister is building now in Esplanade as a snow bird, she is mid 60s and we are in Central Park... Esplanade has an activities director which is really cool. It is geared towards older demographics but some families are moving there, we thought about it and i still do like it there but waiting to see if more young families move there. Building another pool area with a staffed Tiki bar too which looks awesome.. You would be surprised how many retirees/empty nesters live here in Central Park too, Esplanade definitely has more amenities though, but higher fees go with that as well.

[dpbarr2000]

You need to be careful if you are buying in a community with a dining facility or "tiki bar".

These are well funded amenities by the builder but when the HOA takes over, the costs to manage them usually results in a huge increase in HOA fees down the road.

[Luby162]

Originally Posted by dpbarr2000

You need to be careful if you are buying in a community with a dining facility or "tiki bar".

These are well funded amenities by the builder but when the HOA takes over, the costs to manage them usually results in a huge increase in HOA fees down the road.

Possibly, but generally speaking the people that live there can afford it.

[fldoeok]

For a family, cross LW ranch off. Sarasota is old-folks-ville. Fishhawk is the far better choice, well if you are brave enough to reside in Florida anyway.

[Luby162]

LWR is about 85% 65 or younger, and their are tons of families here as well as some empty nesters but the families outweigh the empty nesters in general. We have a 9 yr old, next door is 10 yr old twins, 2 doors down 4 boys all under 10... watch the communities you buy in also, do you want a community pool ?? makes it easier to meet people and kids make friends easier as well... buy in community that is zoned for schools you want to go to, etc....