Top 5 Reasons WELLEN PARK Tops LAKEWOOD RANCH for 2024 (?? investment, ?? cost, ???♂?lifestyle...)
The Sarasota area offers many excellent neighborhoods and master-planned communities to call home. Two prime locations under the microscope are Wellen Park in Venice and the ever-popular Lakewood Ranch. This blog post will analyze the pros and cons of each area across factors like geography, economics, lifestyle perks, and more to crown a winner for the best 2024 choice.
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Geography
In terms of location, Wellen Park holds excellent positional advantages over sizable and sprawling Lakewood Ranch. The most obvious perk is proximity to Gulf beaches, with Wellen Park nestled just 15-18 minutes from shorelines in Venice, Englewood, and Manasota Key. The shape of southern Venice naturally lends itself to easy beach access from nearly any neighborhood. Wellen Park residents also remain only 40ish minutes from downtown Sarasota while gaining closer access to quaint downtown Venice. For families with high schoolers struggling to find convenient Sarasota public schools, neighborhoods in the Venice area sit closer to highly-rated options like Venice Senior High School.
Lakewood Ranch undoubtedly delivers closeness to desired Sarasota locales for amenities, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment thanks to its sheer size. Certain tradeoffs emerge for individuals deeper into the 50+ square mile expanse, however, when judging commute times to the beach, competing with seasonal traffic, and navigating the disjointed layout. Schools follow curious county lines as well, forcing some families to lengthy drives to established options. For those coveting quick trips to the shoreline above all else, Wellen Park holds the geographic edge.
Value & Economics
Dollar for dollar, Wellen Park provides an attractive value proposition and ripe conditions for rapid home valuation increases in the years ahead. Current price per square foot averages shake out to roughly $340 in Lakewood Ranch against just $286 in Wellen Park. Waterside districts closer to Lakewood Ranch command higher premiums more on par with Wellen Park’s offerings, presenting a paradigm where individuals gain community amenities and a downtown locale for tens of thousands below comparable Lakewood neighborhoods.
Well-known national builders like Toll Brothers highlight the savings at play. Model homes of similar size and build quality run $100-200k less in southern Venice than Lakewood Ranch when controlling for brand reputation. And opportunities exist across all price points, whether seeking luxury or a more affordable abode. With Lakewood Ranch nearing full buildout, Wellen Park offers a welcome next development with room to grow in a sought-after zip code without overpaying simply due to popularity. Alongside eye-catching home pricing, investors and end-users alike stand to win big on market upticks in property valuation as the area continues expanding. All signs point toward the early phases of growth and gentrification taking place in Wellen Park neighborhoods closest to the downtown district. Don’t sleep on seizing value before the secret gets out to the masses.
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The Vibe
Another common refrain from Lakewood Ranch residents looks beyond pure economics and geography when affixing hopes on southern Venice. Reports abound of Lakewood Ranch feeling a touch too busy, hectic, and inconvenient during the seasonal boom when snowbirds flock south and clog up roadways. What promised as a peaceful suburban oasis now bursts with big city energy at inopportune times. Hence the appeal of embracing Venice’s small town charm before it also evolves in the same fashion.
Additionally, Lakewood Ranch’s nearly built-out status ensures new residents miss the exciting phase of growth, communal bonding, and ability to imprint their own vision on a neighborhood. Wellen Park conversely remains full of optimism as more individuals discover the opportunity emerging in Venice’s stead. The vibe leans toward creating something new rather than fitting into something already established. And the downtown district delivers walkable events, social gatherings, and lifestyle perks found lacking in Lakewood Ranch’s further flung developments. When prioritizing community and the feel of a place above all else, Venice sets the table for crafting life by the Venice rules rather than adhering to the seasonal chaos up the road.
Active Adult Living
Active adult communities typically fall into two buckets: resort-style living or scaled-back practicality. Individual preferences dictate home types, but best-in-class amenities paired with sensible economics look most appealing through the lens of an active lifestyle. Hence why Mattamy Developers’ Brightmore community rates as hottest in show for 2024. It’s the only dedicated 55+ community in the Wellen Park footprint, located closest to the downtown district with easy golf cart access to daily conveniences. Outdoorsy residents will absolutely adore the adjacency to Atlanta Braves Spring Training grounds, replete with a tiki bar, walking paths, concerts, and special events almost year-round to enjoy. Home pricing also sweetens the value proposition next to Lakewood Ranch’s comparable Cresswind 55+ development. More spacious floor plans cost upwards of $100k less in Brightmore while builder Mattamy leaves nothing on the table amenities-wise. Last but not least, early buyers gain premium choice of home sites and customization not available deeper into construction. Everything about Brightmore screams perfect place to spend your golden years living actively amongst friendly neighbors.
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Lakewood Ranch clearly secured its place atop Sarasota’s most coveted suburb over the last decade-plus of growth. Yet the success inevitably invites neighborly one-upmanship. Our host believes the Wellen Park footprint holds every capability of replicating Lakewood Ranch’s formula by delivering residents investment upside, ideal geography, and access to area conveniences without compromise. The downtown district lays groundwork for a second model suburban village with culture and character all its own. Early adopters stand to benefit most handsomely from the à la carte lifestyle menu. Young families may rightfully angle interest toward Lakewood Ranch for school district familiarity and reputation, but individuals within range of retirement should absolutely tour Wellen Park neighborhoods to appreciate its full-fledged ‘city within a city’ vision unfolding before their very eyes. With ample construction momentum and openings for new residents to make their imprint on this emerging Venice community, we wholeheartedly recommend placing Wellen Park atop the hot sheet for retirees and those simply seeking more bang for their buck in Florida real estate. The future looks decidedly bright just off Venice’s southern border. It’s only a matter of time before the secret truly gets out.
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