Wellen Park vs. Lakewood Ranch: What You Must Know

Every week, I receive calls from people looking to move to Lakewood Ranch. And almost every time, the next question is: "What about Wellen Park? How does it compare?" If you're trying to decide between these two thriving communities in Sarasota County, this guide is for you.

Today, we’re diving deep into what sets Wellen Park apart from Lakewood Ranch—covering everything from downtown attractions to neighborhoods, builders, golf cart accessibility, and home prices.

Downtown & Lifestyle

One of the first things people ask when considering a move is: "Where's the best dining, shopping, and entertainment?"

• Wellen Park: The heart of the community is downtown Wellen Park, where you’ll find restaurants, boutique shops, and a beautiful waterfront. Residents can enjoy kayaking, yoga on the lawn, live music, and frequent community events.

• Lakewood Ranch: Given its larger size, Lakewood Ranch has multiple downtown areas, including Waterside Place, which offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, shopping, and social spaces.

While Lakewood Ranch has a greater variety of downtown spots, Wellen Park offers a more centralized and intimate setting where everything is within easy reach.

Golf Cart Accessibility

One major lifestyle difference is the use of golf carts.

• In Wellen Park, residents can drive their golf carts outside of their communities to downtown events and nearby amenities.

• In Lakewood Ranch, golf cart use is restricted within individual neighborhoods.

For those who love the convenience of a golf-cart-friendly town, Wellen Park is the clear winner.

Location & Proximity to the Beach

Wellen Park is located in southern Sarasota County, near Venice and North Port. This means:

• 15-20 minutes to Manasota Key Beach or Venice Beach

• Easy access to coastal activities like boating and fishing

Lakewood Ranch, on the other hand, is farther inland. If beach proximity is a top priority, Wellen Park has a distinct advantage.

Neighborhoods & Home Prices

When it comes to housing, both communities offer a range of options from townhomes to luxury estates.

• Lakewood Ranch has 43+ neighborhoods and a larger housing inventory.

  • 700+ homes currently on the market

  • Median home price: $748,000

  • Homes range from $250K townhomes to $7M luxury estates

• Wellen Park is smaller, with 15 neighborhoods.

  • 400+ homes currently on the market

  • Median home price: $542,000

  • Homes range from $250K townhomes to $3M luxury homes

While Lakewood Ranch offers more variety and high-end properties, Wellen Park provides a boutique-style community with more affordable luxury options.

Builders & New Developments

Both communities share many of the same builders, including Toll Brothers, Neal Homes, Pulte, Lennar, Mattamy, and David Weekley. However, Wellen Park also features exclusive builders like:

• Sam Rogers Homes, known for high-end homes in Grand Place

• ICI Homes, building in the new Palmera neighborhood

For those seeking something unique, Wellen Park’s smaller-scale developments offer a different aesthetic compared to the larger communities in Lakewood Ranch.

55+ Communities

Active adult communities are a big draw for many homebuyers.

• Lakewood Ranch has three 55+ communities: Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, Del Webb Bayview, and Cresswind.

• Wellen Park features Brightmore, developed by Mattamy Homes, which includes resort-style amenities and a strong sense of community.

Both offer exceptional amenities, but Wellen Park’s Brightmore stands out for its proximity to the beach and relaxed atmosphere.

Luxury Living: Wellen Park vs. Lakewood Ranch

For high-end homebuyers, both areas have exclusive communities with luxury builders.

• Wellen Park: Everly (homes starting at $1M, going up to $3M)

• Lakewood Ranch: Wild Blue (homes starting at $2M, going up to $7M)

Wild Blue offers larger amenities, while Everly provides a boutique luxury feel.

Golf & Country Club Living

If you're a golfer, both communities have fantastic options.

• Lakewood Ranch: Lakewood National Golf & Country Club (sold out), Calusa Golf & Country Club (new development)

• Wellen Park: Wellen Park Golf & Country Club, offering similar luxury amenities

Both communities provide Lennar-built resort-style golf living, so it really comes down to location preference.

Key Takeaways: Wellen Park vs. Lakewood Ranch

Which One is Right for You?

The best way to decide is to visit both communities and see which one feels like home. If you love easy beach access, a boutique-style community, and golf cart convenience, Wellen Park is a fantastic option. If you prefer a larger community with more downtown areas, upscale shopping, and proximity to Tampa, Lakewood Ranch might be the better fit.

If you need help finding the right home in either community, feel free to reach out. My team and I specialize in buying, selling, and investing in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Wellen Park, Venice, and Bradenton.