Sarasota vs Lakewood Ranch
Are you considering moving to Sarasota but are pulling out your hair because you don't know where to live? On this episode of Live to Give, we're going to help you out by comparing two great communities: Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. From location, lifestyle, and a variety of homes, you’ll have all the information you need to know to make the best decision possible.
Lifestyle
The first area we’ll compare is lifestyle. Because Sarasota was built in the 1920s east of the Gulf of Mexico, it's closer to the beaches. If you're a beach lover, this city may just be your place. No matter where you are in the city, it’s about a 10 to 15-minute drive to get to ocean waves and sandy beaches. Living in Lakewood Ranch is a bit different. Getting to the beach will take you about 30 to 45 minutes. Despite the little bit of distance from the ocean, Lakewood Ranch is very close to a major artery, which is perfect for frequent travelers. Whether you need to go north or south, Lakewood Ranch will get you there fast.
Home Styles And Schools
Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch both have excellent schools, though 83% of homes in Lakewood Ranch have school-aged children in them versus 49% in Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community with 10,000 homes, which began construction in the 1990s. In recent years, an additional 10,000 homes have been permitted to be built—with that construction happening right now. The average lot size of Lakewood Ranch homes is slightly smaller than Sarasota at 7,500 sq. ft., with a more homogenous architecture. If you like new construction, however, this would be the place for you.
Different Yet Similar
While they have a variety of differences, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch do have a few things in common. In both Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, single-family homes with three bedrooms and two baths will run in the mid-$300,000s, with rents for both areas at approximately $1,200 per month. If you're looking for a short term furnished rental, the closer you get to the Gulf of Mexico the more likely you'll find what you're looking for.
Another similarity is that both are affluent areas, with the median age of citizens around 48-49 years old—which is fairly young for Floridian demographics. Whether Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch appeals more to you, I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about either community. Please feel free to
reach out
and I’ll be happy to help!
If you’re interested in learning more about Sarasota living, make sure to subscribe to my videos and emails to get the latest information. Stay tuned to the next episode of Live To Give to see which Sarasota area we feature next! And remember, as Winston Churchill once said, "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give."
If you’re interested in learning more about Sarasota living, make sure to subscribe to my videos and emails to get the latest information. Stay tuned to the next episode of Live To Give to see which Sarasota area we feature next! And remember, as Winston Churchill once said, "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give."
Are you thinking of selling your house and want to try to do it on your own? In this episode of Live2Give, I’m going to show you four things to consider when selling property on your own. While shows on HGTV make real estate look fun and easy, this is the information you need to know before you list your home.
Are you looking for privacy, tranquility, and a low key lifestyle? In this episode of Live2Give, we’re going to explore our last and final Island off the coast of Sarasota: Longboat Key. We’ll also look at the similarities and differences of Longboat Key to Siesta and Lido Key so you can choose the best area for you.
Are you looking to live an outdoor, active lifestyle in a relaxing, island setting? In this episode of Live2Give, we’re going to explore another island off the coast of Sarasota called Lido Key. With two ways to enjoy the beach and plenty of activities to take advantage of, Lido Key is one island you have to check out.
Did you know that islands have personalities? In this episode of Live2Give, we're going to explore Siesta Key to see why it's been rated the #1 beach in America time and time again. If you’re thinking of moving to the Sarasota area and are wondering which island is right for you, this 3-part series will explore the three Barrier Islands—starting with Siesta Key.
Did you know that you can enjoy a tasty, healthy treat while giving back to girls in communities all over the world? In this episode of Live2Give, I’m going to introduce you to Nutty Girl, a local Florida company that creates delicious gluten-free, soy-free, vegan granola and bars. We’ll chat with owner and founder Molly Moore to learn all about how she started this company as well as her mission to give back.
Have you decided to sell your house but are wondering what comes next? In this video, I'm going to explain the three stages of the home selling process so you know exactly what to expect. By understanding the timeline of selling your home, you can relieve some stress and be better prepared for each stage.
Do You Want to Make a Difference?
Are you looking to move to Sarasota but don't know which neighborhood is right for you? In this episode of Live To Give, we're going to explore the top 3 neighborhoods in Sarasota. Whether you’re looking for a community with great boating options, top-rated schools, or country club amenities, these 3 neighborhoods offer the best of Florida living.
Did you know that Sarasota, Florida gets an average of 251 days of sunshine every year? I’ve had a 30-year love affair with this city and that love just continues to deepen! On this episode of Live To Give, I’m going to give you all the pros and cons of living here in Sarasota. If you're thinking about moving here but want to know more about it, than this video will help you decide if it’s right for you.
Are you thinking about selling your house but don't know what route to use to sell it? Is it even worth using a realtor or can you sell it on your own? We’re about to find out! Hi, I'm Sherri Mills with Michael Saunders & Co. and today, I’m going to walk you through the process of selling a home so that you can decide if hiring a real estate agent is right for you. HAT 1- An Educator As a former educator, I am just the person to help you understand market conditions, how your home compares to others on the market and keep you informed through every step of the selling process. Hat 2- Home Designer Once we come up with a plan of action that fits your specific situation, I’ll get to work. First, we need to begin preparing the property for the market so we need to become your home designer. Next, I’ll help you determine what in your home needs to be addressed and what doesn’t and I’ll be there to schedule any vendors we may need to bring in to ensure your home is ready to show in its best light. Getting top dollar only happens if we do this step right! Hat 3- Marketing Guru Eventually you’ll get your property ready to list and then we become your marketing guru. Selling a house takes a lot more than just putting a sign in the yard and listing it on the MLS, you need to position and market it correctly. You can find me shouting from the rooftops to let everyone know that your property is for sale. Hat 4- Ambassador And it’s during the time that your house is being actively marketed, I become your ambassador. It’s not only my job to sell your house, but I need to make people fall in love with it. This includes finding information about the schools, shopping, and even commute times. Hat 5- Negotiator And once we do get an offer on your property, I become your negotiator. This is where the magic happens. You see you don't want some push over type of agent, you want someone who is going to fight for every penny. But, it doesn’t have to be like WWIII during this period! I use my soft skills too to get you exactly what you want! Hat 6- Therapist Once we are under contract, I’ll become your therapist... because you’re going to need it. Especially if you are buying and selling at the same time or doing so long distance. My job is to worry about the details so you don’t have to. Hat 7- Firefighter Things will happen and when they do it’s my job to put that fire out… so we can get you the house you deserve! Hat 8- Closer My last job is that of The Closer! I coordinate all the professionals such as the appraiser, inspector, closing agent, buying agent, etc. to make sure we get you to closing day! Not to mention, mounds of paperwork! Selling real estate doesn't have to be stressful but selling your home is a big deal and shouldnt be taken lightly. You want to make sure that who you hire to sell your home can wear these hats seamlessly. Thanks for watching another episode of Live2Give and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!
Michael Saunders & Company - Licensed Real Estate Broker