Lakewood Ranch is a more expensive community with top-rated schools and extensive green space, but it also has a higher crime rate. Tradition is more affordable and safer, but it has a lower-rated school district and is car-dependent. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding budget, education, safety, and lifestyle.
| Attribute | Tradition, Florida | Lakewood Ranch, Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $429,000 (May 2025), $407,662 (average home value), $432,322 (median sale price), $441,833 (April 2025) | Around $634,489 (June 2025). Other sources list median values such as $665,000, $625,000, and $580,000. |
| Average Property Tax Rate | Not available (nearly 2%, CDD fees influence overall tax) | Approximately 1.06% in Manatee County and 1.13% in Sarasota County |
| HOA Fees (Monthly) | Cadence at Tradition: $338-$358, Seville: $530, Esplanade at Tradition: $482 | Range from $100 to $800 per month, but most fall between $200 and $300. Sweetwater HOA fees range from $219.56 to $227 per month, while Windward HOA fees range from $235 to $431 per month. |
| Number of Homes | 2,400-5,000 | Over 50,000 homes are currently sold or under lease. More than 23,500 for-sale and rental homes either built or under construction. |
| Available Home Styles | Single-family homes, townhouses, villas, apartments, zero lot line patio homes, active adult 55+ neighborhoods, condominiums | Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, attached villas, and apartments. |
| Community Amenities | Clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, game rooms, Tradition Square (shops, restaurants, entertainment), parks, green belts, lakes, waterways, biking paths, walking trails, gated security, dog parks, tennis, pickleball, basketball, bocce ball, horseshoe pits | Golf courses, parks, pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis courts, walking trails, and shopping and dining options. |
| School District Rating | B-minus (St. Lucie Public Schools) | Served by both the Sarasota County School District and the Manatee County School District, both of which are known for their top-rated schools. |
| Crime Rate (per 1000 residents) | Violent crime: 2.551, Overall crime: 9.838 (safer than 99% of neighborhoods), Port St. Lucie: 1 | 4.571 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime at 25.5 and property crime at 46.6. |
| Distance to Nearest Major City | Not available | Approximately 10-15 miles from Sarasota and about 50 miles from Tampa. |
| Walkability Score | Tradition: 3/100, Tradition Parkway: 24/100, Atlantic at Tradition: 33/100 | Varies within Lakewood Ranch. |
| Percentage of Green Space | Over 300 acres | More than 14,000 acres certified as "green". |
| Builder Reputation | Mattamy Homes, D.R. Horton | Homes from a variety of reputable builders. |