Windward at Lakewood Ranch

If swaying palm trees, barefoot elegance, and a carefree active lifestyle sound appealing, Windward is an absolute must-see. Located conveniently near Fruitville and Lorraine Roads in Sarasota County, this gated community blends stunning British West Indies and coastal architecture with an incredibly robust list of resort-style amenities.

• The Vibe & Amenities: You will never run out of things to do here. The neighborhood features a massive resort pool with a beach entry, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a beautiful clubhouse. For the sports enthusiasts, there are tennis courts, pickleball courts, and open sports fields. There is also a dog park, miles of trails, a playground for the kids, and a full-time Lifestyle Director to keep the social calendar packed.

• The Builders: Neal Communities is the award-winning builder bringing Windward to life. They offer a massive variety of floor plans through their different home series, including maintenance-assisted attached villas and expansive single-family homes.

• The Price Point: Because of the wide variety of home styles, there is a great range of pricing here. The attached villas generally start in the $390,000s to $400,000s. Single-family homes start in the high $400,000s and can go well over $1.3 million for the largest luxury models.

• The Schools: Windward residents fall under the Sarasota County school district, which includes options like Tatum Ridge Elementary and Booker High School.

• The Details: Windward offers a lot of flexibility. The HOA fees run approximately $200 to $400 per month depending on your specific home type, with maintenance-included so you can spend less time doing yard work and more time at the beach.