Irvine Ranch offers a premium, safe environment with top-tier schools and extensive green spaces, but comes at a significantly higher cost. Lakewood Ranch provides a more affordable option with excellent schools and community amenities, though it may have traffic congestion issues and lacks readily available crime rate data.
| Attribute | Irvine Ranch, California | Lakewood Ranch, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | Around $1.6 million (May 2025). Median sold price of $1,591,749 in May 2025. Median listing home price in May 2025 was $1.8M. | Median home price is approximately $625,000 as of May 2025. Prices have shown a slight decrease compared to the previous year, with some sources indicating a drop of around 5.7% to 7.3%. Homes are selling for an average of 2.32% below the asking price. |
| Types of Homes Available | Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and ranch-style homes are available. | Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and villas. |
| HOA Fees and Included Amenities | HOA dues in Irvine range from $300 to $500 per month in sought-after planned communities. | HOA fees vary depending on the village, ranging from $100 to $800 monthly, but most fall between $200 and $300 per month. Fees generally cover village amenities, common area maintenance, lawn care, and irrigation. Some villages include landscaping and internet services in their HOA fees. Amenities often include pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, sports courts, and recreational facilities. |
| Property Taxes (effective rate) | Approximately 1.11%. Base property tax rate in Orange County is about 1% of the assessed value. Additional local assessments typically bring the effective tax rate to around 1.05-1.15%. | The effective property tax rate in Lakewood Ranch is around 1.06% to 1.13%, which is slightly higher than the national median but lower than the Florida state median. Median annual property tax bills can range from approximately $5,800 to $19,151, depending on the assessed value of the home. |
| School District Ratings | Known for its top-rated public schools. | Lakewood Ranch is known for its excellent schools, which receive high ratings for their academic programs and extracurricular activities. Notable schools include Lakewood Ranch High School, B.D. Gullett Elementary, and R. Dan Nolan Middle School. |
| Crime Rate (per capita) | Recognized as one of the safest big cities in America. | Not available |
| Proximity to Major Employers | Near major business hubs. | Lakewood Ranch's thriving business sectors focus on biotech, finance, retail, healthcare, and technology. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance helps connect people within its member companies. Its location east of I-75 provides access to employment options in Manatee and Sarasota counties. |
| Access to Healthcare Facilities | Generally expected to be good in a well-planned city like Irvine. | Not available |
| Availability of Parks and Green Spaces | Irvine has 16,500 acres of dedicated open space. Nearly 40,000 acres of open space on the historic Irvine Ranch have been designated a Natural Landmark. Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks encompass almost 50,000 acres. | Lakewood Ranch dedicates approximately 40% of its acreage to open space and recreation. There are over 150 miles of multi-use trails and bike lanes. The community has numerous parks, including Bob Gardner Community Park, Greenbrook Park, and Lakewood Ranch Park, offering various amenities like sports fields, playgrounds, and nature trails. |
| Community Events and Activities | Irvine Ranch Conservancy provides recreational activities and learning opportunities, including hiking, biking, fitness programs, classes, and special events. The City of Irvine also organizes events at the Great Park. | Lakewood Ranch hosts a wide array of community events and activities. Examples include farmers' markets, trivia nights, concerts, and family-friendly events. |
| Transportation Options (public transit, highways) | Public transit includes the Metrolink and OCTA buses. Irvine Transportation Center serves Amtrak and Metrolink. The iShuttle service is being discontinued in June 2025. | Lakewood Ranch is located east of Interstate 75, providing highway access. Upcoming infrastructure improvements aim to increase connectivity and ease traffic congestion. Expanded public transit options are planned for added convenience. |
| Walkability and Bikeability | Features over 301 miles of on-road cycling lanes and 63 miles of off-road bike trails. | Lakewood Ranch is designed to be a walkable and bikeable community, with pedestrian-friendly streets and abundant green spaces. The extensive trail system connects neighborhoods and provides safe routes for exercise and commuting. |