Moving from one state to another can be a daunting decision, filled with excitement, apprehension, and a multitude of considerations. If you’re thinking about relocating from Southern California to Florida, particularly to Lakewood Ranch, you’re not alone. Many have made this transition, drawn by a variety of compelling reasons. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five reasons why Lakewood Ranch, Florida, stands out as an ideal destination for former Californians.
1. The Allure of Weather
Sunshine and Warmth
One of the most significant factors for those moving from Southern California to Lakewood Ranch is the weather. Southern California is known for its sunny skies and mild climate, but Florida, especially Southwest Florida, offers an equally appealing climate with a unique twist.
Lakewood Ranch enjoys a generally warm climate throughout the year, with mild winters and hot summers. This consistent sunshine makes it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape colder climates. Winter evenings in Florida are cooler, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities that might be less enjoyable during California’s more temperate winter nights. Whether it’s enjoying your pool, lighting a fire pit, or dining outdoors, the weather in Lakewood Ranch plays a pivotal role in enhancing your lifestyle.
Summer Showers and Lush Landscapes
Summers in Florida bring warmer temperatures along with some humidity and occasional afternoon showers and storms. While humidity might be unwelcome for some, these weather patterns contribute to the lush, beautiful tropical landscapes that characterize the area. The vibrant greenery and frequent rains help maintain the region’s natural beauty, offering a refreshing contrast to the often dry climate of Southern California.
2. Shopping and Dining Experiences
Contemporary Shopping Hubs
Lakewood Ranch is home to numerous well-positioned contemporary shopping hubs and plazas. These centers offer a blend of retail outlets, dining establishments, and various services. Major centers like Main Street, Waterside Place, and The Green present a wide range of choices for entertainment, shopping, and dining.
The University Town Center (UTC)
A standout shopping destination in the area is the University Town Center (UTC), which features high-end brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Apple, Microsoft, Banana Republic, Crate & Barrel, and Sonoma. Alongside the shopping experience, UTC will soon host the future Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, adding an educational and recreational dimension.
Diverse Dining Options
Dining options at UTC and around Lakewood Ranch range from fine dining to casual eateries. Restaurants like Salvage, Yard House, Ford’s Garage, J.Rocco’s Tacos, Seasons 52, and The Capital Grill cater to a variety of tastes and occasions. The abundance of grocery stores, including Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Fresh Market, ensures that residents have convenient access to high-quality food and ingredients.
3. Rich Cultural Scene
Sarasota’s Cultural Hub
Lakewood Ranch is located just 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota, considered by many as the cultural capital of Florida. Sarasota boasts well-known venues like the Ringling Museum, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Orchestra, and the Opera House. These venues contribute to a rich and eclectic cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events further elevating the city’s vibrant landscape.
Festivals and Events
Lakewood Ranch itself hosts concerts and art festivals on Main Street and Waterside Place throughout the year. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Venice Coral, Venice Symphony, and Venice Theatre offer additional cultural experiences. St. Petersburg, about 30 minutes north, features the Salvador Dali Museum and a lively downtown area with great restaurants and bars.
Proximity to Tampa
About an hour north, Clearwater and Tampa provide even more cultural pursuits. Attractions such as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tampa River Arts District, the Morean Arts Center, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Ruth Eckerd Hall offer diverse experiences. Sports enthusiasts can catch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium or the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena.
4. Stunning Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Award-Winning Beaches
With a combined 60 miles of beautiful shoreline, Sarasota and Manatee counties boast several stunning beaches, each with its distinctive character and charm. Renowned for its 99% pure quartz sand, Siesta Beach is a top choice for beachgoers seeking a world-class beach experience. Lido Key Beach and Manatee Public Beach offer family-friendly atmospheres and convenient locations.
Hidden Gems and Natural Beauty
For those seeking a more natural and serene coastal experience, beaches like Fort De Soto and Caspersen Beach provide unique settings. Fort De Soto offers undeveloped beachfront with smooth water entrances, while Caspersen Beach is famous for its seashells and shark teeth, making it ideal for shell collecting.
Boating and Marinas
Marina Jack in Sarasota has evolved into a multifaceted establishment offering waterfront dining, boat rentals, sightseeing cruises, and event hosting. This caters to the diverse needs of boaters and visitors, providing a perfect spot for waterfront dining and boating activities.
5. Diverse Real Estate Options
A Master-Planned Community
Lakewood Ranch has garnered acclaim as one of the best-selling communities in the United States for multiple consecutive years. This master-planned, multigenerational community spans 33,000 acres, with 48% designated for open space and preserves. It boasts over 150 miles of trails, top-rated schools, healthcare facilities, and abundant resident amenities.
Varied Housing Options
The community is comprised of over two dozen unique villages, each featuring distinctive homes and amenities to suit various lifestyles. Some villages offer golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, wellness and spa facilities, community pools, dining, and entertainment. Housing options range from single-family homes to townhomes, villas, and apartments, with prices starting from the $400s to well over $2 million.
Tailored Real Estate Services
As of January 2024, the average home price in Lakewood Ranch was around $678,000, with a median sale price of $645,000 in December 2023. The average sale price per square foot is around $300, but luxury homes can range from $400 to over $600 per square foot. New construction homes from some of the best national and local builders are available, ensuring a variety of choices for potential residents. A preferred realtor can assist you in making your visit productive, tailoring a home itinerary to your needs, and providing essential market and local information to help you make the most well-informed decisions.
Why Lakewood Ranch Florida from California?
Relocating from Southern California to Lakewood Ranch, Florida, offers numerous advantages, from the sunny and warm weather to diverse shopping, dining, cultural experiences, stunning beaches, and varied real estate options. Lakewood Ranch stands out as a vibrant, well-planned community that caters to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a change of scenery and a higher quality of life. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural pursuits, or a serene place to call home, Lakewood Ranch has something to offer everyone.
Also read: Sarasota Manatee: Real Estate Market Update for Homebuyers and Investors
At Zachos Realty & Design Group, we are not just Realtors but storytellers of the Gulf Coast’s charm, encompassing Sarasota (Venice, etc.), Manatee (Lakewood Ranch, etc.), Pinellas, and Charlotte Counties!
Our services go beyond traditional real estate; we’re a network of experts and specialists in multiple services. We are buyer/relocation specialists, neighborhood experts, offering unparalleled seller representation, property management, and interior design. Our collaboration with renowned names like HGTV, DIY, and Good Housekeeping highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation in the real estate world.
Our YouTube channel means getting the insider’s view of Gulf Coast, Florida living. We bring you the opinions and insights of those born and raised here, sharing our love for this sun-kissed coast.
Contact us: https://www.zachosre.com/contact-us
Free Relocation Guides: https://www.zachosre.com/free-guides
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/zachosrealty
