[2025 Update] PALM GROVE | Neal Communities Lakewood Ranch FL New Homes

Introduction

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the Florida Relocation Guide! I’m your host, Adam Hancock, and today we’re diving into another exciting new construction community—Palm Grove. If you’re not completely familiar with it, here’s a quick frame of reference: we’re back in Sarasota, Florida, in the master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch has been the best-selling multi-generational development in the U.S. for seven consecutive years, making it a significant player in new construction. So, where does Palm Grove fit within the 500+ new developments in the metro as of February 2025? Let’s break it all down.

The Evolution of Family-Centric Communities in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch began development in 1995, making it relatively new, yet it has gone through multiple phases. Some of the original neighborhoods, like Summerfield and Greenbrook, were the foundation, and as the area expanded north beyond State Road 70, new communities emerged.

A few key milestones:

• Central Park & Mallory Park introduced a fresh wave of family-focused developments.
• Lorraine Lakes by Lennar and Mallory Park by Pulte became standout options for families.
• Sapphire Point & Sweetwater followed, adding more choices to the market.
• Most notably, these newer communities began offering larger homes with four or five bedrooms, filling a gap in the market that previously catered to an older demographic.

Now, Palm Grove steps in as the next phase in this northeastern quadrant of Lakewood Ranch, just north of State Road 64. This community continues the trend of affordable, spacious family homes while maintaining accessibility to key amenities.

Location & Geography of Palm Grove

Palm Grove is located in the northeastern quadrant of Lakewood Ranch, just above State Road 64. Understanding the area’s grid system is essential:

• Major east-west roads: Fruitville, University Parkway, State Road 70, and State Road 64.
• Everything in Lakewood Ranch has been expanding northward, making Palm Grove one of the newest additions to this growth corridor.

Distance to Key Locations:

• Waterside Place: 11 miles (20 minutes)
• Downtown Lakewood Ranch: 10 miles (20 minutes)
• University Town Center (UTC Mall): 12 miles (20 minutes)
• Downtown Sarasota: 23 miles (40 minutes)
• Lido Beach: About 27 miles (~45 minutes)
• Siesta Key Beach: ~30 miles (~50 minutes)

If you’re considering Palm Grove, one key factor is that it’s a bit farther northeast than some of the more established communities. However, this also means more house for your money compared to developments closer to Sarasota.

Homes & Floor Plans in Palm Grove

Palm Grove is being developed by Neal Communities, a builder with a strong reputation in Lakewood Ranch. They’ve previously built Windward, Indigo, Grand Park, Grand Palm, Wysteria, and Avelina, following a consistent approach to home design and layout.

Housing Options:

• Townhomes – Two floor plans starting in the $320K - $330K range
• 1,800+ sq ft, 3 beds, 2.5 baths, garage
• Villas – 2-3 bedroom attached homes starting in the low $400Ks
• Similar to single-family homes but slightly more compact
• Single-Family Homes (three collections)
• Coral Collection: Smaller lot, 2-car garages, 4-5 bedroom homes starting at $545K
• Celebration Collection: Mid-sized lots, first 3-car garage options
• Cove Collection: Largest homes, 3-car garages, premium waterfront & conservation lots

Cost Considerations:

• Base Price: The advertised price does not include lot premiums, structural upgrades, or design finishes.
• Lot Premiums: Vary from $9K to $50K based on location within the community.
• Structural Upgrades: Pools, extended patios, and layout modifications impact price.
• Design Upgrades: Flooring, countertops, cabinets, and other finishes typically add 15-20% to the final price.
• Estimated Final Pricing: A home advertised at $570K could end up closer to $700K with all costs factored in.

Palm Grove is currently one of the only actively selling new construction communities with these types of homes in Lakewood Ranch.

Community Amenities

Palm Grove offers a balanced suite of amenities, typical for new master-planned communities:

• Clubhouse & Community Center
• Resort-Style Pool & Fitness Center
• Pickleball & Shuffleboard Courts
• Yoga & Workout Lawn
• Children’s Playground & Open Green Spaces

Additionally, Lakewood Ranch as a whole offers top-tier recreational facilities nearby:

• Premier Sports Complex – Hosts youth soccer, flag football, and other activities.
• New Public Library – A state-of-the-art facility for families.
• Aquatic Center – Currently in development for expanded recreational options.

Schools in the Area

Palm Grove is zoned for well-rated public schools within Lakewood Ranch:

• Gene Witt Elementary (8/10 GreatSchools rating)
• Carlos E. Haile Middle School (7/10 GreatSchools rating)
• Parrish Community High School (6/10 GreatSchools rating)

These schools offer strong academic programs, with additional private and charter options available nearby.

Final Thoughts: Is Palm Grove Right for You?

Palm Grove is a fantastic option for those looking to maximize their home value within the Lakewood Ranch community. While it sits slightly further northeast, it offers larger homes at more affordable prices compared to communities closer to Sarasota.

Why Consider Palm Grove?

? More space for the money compared to other Lakewood Ranch communities ? Strong builder reputation with well-thought-out home designs ? Balanced amenities without excessive HOA fees ? Proximity to new recreational developments in northeast Lakewood Ranch

If you’re considering a move, I encourage you to reach out! My team and I have extensive experience working with builders like Neal Communities, and we can help you navigate incentives, pricing, and home selection.

?? For more information, contact us anytime – Call, text, or email. Also, be sure to subscribe to our monthly email list for real-time market updates and insights.

?? Check out the Sarasota Florida Relocation Guide (2025 Edition) – A downloadable resource covering top neighborhoods, restaurants, and things to do in the area!

Thank you for reading, and as always, I appreciate your time. Stay tuned for more updates, and I’ll see you in the next blog!