Both Lakewood Ranch and Nocatee are master-planned communities in Florida that offer a high quality of life with numerous amenities and a focus on community. Lakewood Ranch provides more specific details regarding property taxes and HOA fees, while Nocatee is distinguished by its water park amenities and strong sense of community. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences regarding location, specific amenities, and housing costs.
| Attribute | Lakewood Ranch, Florida | Nocatee, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Lakewood Ranch, Florida | Nocatee, Florida |
| Median Home Price | Approximately $634,489 (June 2025), with other sources listing around $625,000 to $649,900 (May 2025) and $647,982 (April 2025) | $605,000 - $725,000 (May/June 2025) |
| Average Property Tax Rate | Ranges from 1.06% to 1.13% | Not available |
| HOA Fees (Monthly) | Generally range from $100 to $800, but most fall between $200 and $300 per month. Some HOAs range from $100 to $650 depending on the village. | Not available |
| Number of Homes | Windward at Lakewood Ranch has 780 homes | Planned to have 14,200 dwellings; Approximately 1,000 new homes are sold each year. |
| Available Home Styles | Condos, townhomes, attached villas, and single-family homes | Single-family homes, townhomes, villas, apartments, custom-built homes, assisted-living units (potentially) |
| School District Rating | Excellent schools; Robert Willis Elementary School (9/10), Braden River Middle School (5/10), Lakewood Ranch High School (7/10) | St. Johns County School District (generally well-regarded, one of the best in Florida); some portions may be covered by Duval County Public Schools |
| Community Amenities | Golf courses, tennis facilities, fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds, parks, and trails. Many villages have their own amenities, including pools, clubhouses, and fitness centers. | Water parks (Splash Water Park and Spray Park), multiple pools, parks and green spaces, fitness centers and trails, dog parks, tennis and pickleball courts, sports fields, kayak launch, community centers, playgrounds, zip lines, electric vehicle paths |
| Distance to Major Cities | Approximately 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota, 45 minutes from St. Petersburg, and 60 minutes from Tampa | Located between Jacksonville and St. Augustine |
| Walkability Score | Car-Dependent (0/100) | 31-41 out of 100 (car-dependent) |
| Crime Rate | 4.571 per 1,000 residents (relatively low) | Low crime rate compared to state and national averages; 68% lower than the national average; Violent crimes are 67% lower than the national average; Chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 136 |
| Percentage of Green Space | Over 150 miles of trails and over 10,000 acres of lakes, parks and nature preserves | 60% committed to preservation; Over 5,000 acres dedicated to parks and nature preserves |
| Builder Reputation | Neal Communities (over 55 years in Southwest Florida), Kolter Homes (known for outstanding designs) | David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Providence Homes, Toll Brothers |
| Pros | Excellent schools, Extensive park and trail system, Low crime rate, Convenient access to shopping centers, restaurants, and healthcare facilities, Vibrant community with many events, clubs, and activities | Extensive amenities, Well-regarded school district, Low crime rate, Significant green space, Strong sense of community, Well-maintained landscaping and infrastructure, Numerous social events, clubs, and gatherings |
| Cons | Slightly higher property tax rate than the national median, Car-dependent neighborhood, HOA fees can be relatively high | Car-dependent, Median home price is relatively high, Median sale price of homes in Nocatee has decreased by approximately 6.9% to 9.4% compared to the previous year. |