Find the right part of the Gulf Coast for you.
I live in Lakewood Ranch and work across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Each area has a different feel, price range and set of costs to check. Start with the quick facts below, then let's talk about what fits your life and budget.
Compare the areas at a glance
| Area | Population (2020 Census) | Median value, owner-occupied homes (ACS 2020–2024) | Owner-occupied rate (2020–2024) | Language other than English at home (2020–2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Ranch CDP* | 34,877 | $678,200 | 80.0% | 15.6% |
| Sarasota (city) | 54,842 | $463,000 | 57.5% | 18.7% |
| Bradenton (city) | 55,698 | $309,400 | 56.0% | 23.0% |
| Palmetto (city) | 13,323 | $313,400 | 68.8% | 20.8% |
| Manatee County (for Parrish**) | 399,710 | $391,400 | n/a | 19.8% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
* The Census "Lakewood Ranch CDP" covers only part of the master-planned community. The community itself reports more than 80,000 residents across Manatee and Sarasota counties (Lakewood Ranch fact sheet, data as of March 31, 2026).
** Parrish is an unincorporated area of Manatee County. QuickFacts didn't return a Parrish profile today, so the county figures are shown.
Note: "median value" is what owners estimated in the Census survey over 2020–2024. It is not a current sale price. For today's prices, ask me for recent sales in a specific neighborhood.
Explore each community
Lakewood Ranch
Master-planned neighborhoods east of I-75, with trails, parks and town centers.
Explore Lakewood Ranch →
Sarasota
Arts, dining and Gulf beaches nearby.
Explore Sarasota →
Bradenton
Riverfront city on the Manatee River, close to the Gulf islands.
Explore Bradenton →
Parrish
Fast-growing north Manatee County with newer neighborhoods.
Explore Parrish →
Palmetto
Small city on the north bank of the Manatee River.
Explore Palmetto →Photos via Wikimedia Commons, cropped and color-adjusted: Bradenton Riverwalk by Sanibel sun (CC BY-SA 4.0); Ringling Bridge and downtown Sarasota by Gregory Urbano (CC BY 2.0); Palmetto Historical Park by Upstateherd (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Browse by lifestyle: 55+ Communities · Golf Communities · New Construction · Waterfront Homes · Low-HOA & No-CDD Homes · All lifestyle guides
What to check in any area
- Flood zone: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- Property taxes and exemptions: Manatee County Property Appraiser or Sarasota County Property Appraiser
- HOA and CDD fees: ask for the HOA budget and check the tax bill for CDD or special-district assessments.
- Insurance: get a quote early. Wind mitigation and the roof's age affect the price.
Want to see what's for sale in Manatee and Sarasota counties?
Tell me your price range and must-haves and I'll send homes that match. Prefer to talk first? Book a free 15-minute call.
Luis Odon, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Coastal Living II · 5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Suite 100, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 · (941) 993-8311 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Census figures: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Market conditions change; ask me for current local sales data.
Moving to Lakewood Ranch & the Sarasota-Bradenton area
Thinking about a move to Florida’s Gulf Coast? My free guide compares Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish and Palmetto, and explains the Florida details that change what a home really costs.
What’s inside
- Five areas compared: feel, prices and trade-offs, side by side.
- Florida costs, explained: property taxes and the homestead exemption, HOA vs. CDD fees.
- Flood, insurance & hurricanes: flood zones, insurance quotes and storm prep.
- Your moving timeline: a month-by-month checklist, plus how I help out-of-state buyers with live video tours.
La guía está en inglés. ¿Prefiere ayuda en español? Choose it under “Preferred language” and I’ll follow up in Spanish.
Luis Odon, Realtor® · Keller Williams Coastal Living II · Edition October 2026. Figures change; verify current details. · Privacy policy