Lakewood Ranch vs Palmer Ranch for family renting 2-3 years (Tampa: apartment complexes, rental)

[shamrock17]

We will be moving from Toeldo, OH to the Sarasota, FL area this June(-ish) My husband is currently working along the west coast of Florida & this area seems to be central for his territory. We have explored both Palmer Ranch & Lakewood Ranch, & like both. We are very concerned with safety (as he travels a lot), great school district (our sons are 4 & 8) access to 75, not "too far" to beaches, activities, etc. & a great community feel. We will be renting for 2-3 years, & it seems that there is far more rental options in LWR. We are also looking for pre-K for our 4yo. Which area would you recommend & why?
Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[photoman_6]

job location should be a prime criteria for a 2-3 year period. Either place is fine, both are large communities with many established developments in them. Both have many amenities nearby, so either should do well

[shamrock17]

Thanks. He will actually be traveling from North Tamp to Naples to Orlando, so we are very flexible in where we can make our new home.

[bbronston]

As you noted, Lakewood Ranch has many options including single family homes, condos, and several newer apartment complexes. Schools are also A-rated. Both areas are solid choices and Palmer Ranch definitely gets the edge on proximity to beaches.

[MattMN]

Schools and safety should be comparable in both areas. If it's really important to be close to the beach, Palmer Ranch is the best option with about a 10-15 min drive to Siesta Key. LWR will be 30-45 min drive to the beach. Otherwise, LWR should should give you many more rental options and at a lower price. Palmer Ranch is obviously closer to Naples, but is approximately 20 minutes south of LWR. Therefore if he'll be going to Tampa / Orlando areas 2/3 of the time, you'd be much better off at LWR. There's also multiple I75 freeway options into LWR vs only 1 (Clark Rd) for Palmer Ranch. I think given all the factors, Lakewood Ranch may be the best choice for you.

[shamrock17]

Thank you so much. That is what we were thinking. One very inmportant factor that I neglected to mention is that we need to be somewhat close to a decent hospital or ER. We have a heart kiddo that is stable, but I feel much better knowing we are not too far away from medical care.

[mba]

Originally Posted by shamrock17

Thank you so much. That is what we were thinking. One very inmportant factor that I neglected to mention is that we need to be somewhat close to a decent hospital or ER. We have a heart kiddo that is stable, but I feel much better knowing we are not too far away from medical care.

Did you look at Johns Hopkins All Children's for pediatric specialists? I have a medical kiddo too - Arnold Palmer is in Orlando, but too far for frequent appointments IMO

[Beach44]

Isn't there a Johns Hopkins Childrens Hospital in St Pete?