Both Lakewood Ranch and Bridgeland are master-planned communities offering a variety of amenities and housing options. Lakewood Ranch stands out for its established healthcare access and lower property tax rates, while Bridgeland is notable for its proximity to parks and strong community engagement. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding cost of living, community features, and access to urban centers.
| Attribute | Lakewood Ranch, Florida | Bridgeland, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Approximately $652,500 (other sources: $617,000 - $625,000). New homes range from $300,000s to over $2 million. | Approximately $549,000 (June 2025), but varies across sources (e.g., $500,000 median sale price, $639,451 in the last 30 days, $526,070 average home value) |
| Average Property Tax Rate | Around 1.06% to 1.13%. Median annual tax bill is approximately $5,800 to $19,151. New construction estimate: 1.5% of purchase price (including CDD fees). | Ranges from 3.43% to 3.59% of the property's value annually |
| Number of Homes | Over 50,000 homes sold or under lease. More than 23,500 for-sale and rental homes built or under construction. | Planned for 20,000 homes |
| HOA Fees (Monthly) | Typically range from $100 to $800, most between $200 and $300. Varies depending on village, size, maintenance level, and amenities. | Two yearly fees: $555 plus an additional maintenance fee between $642 and $700. Varies depending on the village. Some sources claim average HOA fees are about $1,500 a month. |
| School District Rating | Consistently receive high ratings from the Florida State Board of Education. | Primarily served by Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD). Some newer areas are zoned to Waller ISD. |
| Crime Rate (per 1000 residents) | 4.571 (Lakewood Ranch is considered very safe, ranking in the 99th percentile for safety). | Violent crime rate: 1.606 per 1,000 residents. Property crime rate: 4.422 per 1,000 residents. |
| Distance to Nearest Major City | Near Bradenton and Sarasota. Approximately 1 hour 54 minutes from Bradenton by bus. About 14 minutes driving to Downtown Sarasota Historic District. | Located northwest of Houston |
| Walkability Score | The Green is more car-oriented. Waterside Place and Main Street are pedestrian-friendly and very walkable. | Every home is strategically located no more than 0.25 miles from a park |
| Access to Healthcare Facilities | Access to top-tier healthcare professionals and facilities, including Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER at Lakewood Ranch. | Memorial Hermann constructing a medical office building, scheduled to open by May 2026, offering emergency services, primary care, pediatrics, and sports medicine. |
| Availability of Community Amenities (e.g., pools, parks, gyms) | Numerous amenities including golf courses, tennis facilities, fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, and nature trails. Most villages offer amenities accessed with HOA fees. | Lakes, parks, trails, pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, activity centers (Lakeland Activity Center, Dragonfly Park Activity Center, and Josey Lake) |
| Types of Homes Available (e.g., single-family, townhomes, condos) | Apartments, condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and senior living facilities. | Single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments |
| New Construction vs. Resale Homes | Both new construction and resale homes are available. | Includes both new construction and resale homes |