What are the main differences between Palmer Ranch of Lakewood Ranch? Which has better public schools? (Sarasota: townhomes)

[TimDaCodet]

What are the main differences between Palmer Ranch of Lakewood Ranch?

Which has better public schools?

If all other factors were equal, which would you choose?

[MattMN]

You'll get better answers than mine. I've never lived in either, but explored both quite a bit when shopping around for homes.

They are both great areas. They are both made up of smaller neighborhoods that were sold to different builders. Each neighborhood will differ in home size, price, amenities, style (basic, luxury, families, retirees, single-family homes, townhomes), etc., plus will differ in land mass itself (100 homes vs 1000 homes in the neighborhood).

Palmer Ranch is much closer to the beach. So if you want a 15-20 min drive to the beach, that will be a big plus, but you may pay more $ for that convenience.

Lakewood Ranch is a 40+ minute drive to the beach. MUCH bigger land mass. Many more neighborhoods, and they are still expanding it.

I believe schools are decent in both, when compared to Florida schools in general. LWR is in the Manatee County school district, Palmer Ranch in Sarasota County school district. So they are managed by different entities, but I won't get into any differences of the boards.

Which would I choose?
Depends of whether you need to drive anywhere and how often. Traffic is so horrible, I'd prioritize 'close to work' over either of those. Palmer Ranch is a great location if you want beach. Otherwise LWR has so many neighborhoods and homes, you'll certainly find something you like there. Can't go wrong.