We went to Lakewood Ranch a couple of years ago to visit the Del Webb community there. Del Webb was (and still is) building out, and there were about 300 homes sold there at the time we visited. So, it wasn't exactly a hustling/bustling community. But we liked it. No golf course at Del Webb Lakewood Ranch if that's your interest, but there are other home communities in Lakewood Ranch that do have golf.
We're planning on going back this spring to visit the new Kolter "Cresswind" community that's in the early stages of being built. Kolter/Cresswind and Del Webb are the only 55+ - limited communities in Lakewood Ranch at present. The others are open to anyone who can pay.
As far as other things, Lakewood Ranch goes east about 13 miles inland from the gulf / Sarasota. You're fairly close to Siesta Key beach, for example. I like that it's inland enough so as to (hopefully) not absorb direct hurricane hits that would come up the west coast, but still close enough to get to the water. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch is on the farthest eastern (inland) side of Lakewood Ranch, and is a straight-line distance of about 13 miles from Siesta Key. As with many things Florida, there is no straight-line driving, however, so it's about 21 miles to drive.
There's shopping mall areas not far from LR, right near I-75, probably 15 minutes by car depending upon which part of Lakewood Ranch you're coming from.
Del Webb, by the way, has a "stay and play" option where you can pay for a 3-day stay on the premises with all access to amenities. That would give you plenty of time to go out and explore other communities in Lakewood Ranch, as well.
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