Esplanade at Azario 55+ Homes — Lakewood Ranch | Floor Plans, Prices & Resort Living

If you're exploring 55+ communities in Lakewood Ranch, Esplanade at Azario deserves a serious look. Built by Taylor Morrison under their acclaimed Esplanade brand, this resort-style community sits within the Azario village — one of Lakewood Ranch's newest and most desirable neighborhoods. With an 18-hole championship golf course, a lakefront clubhouse, on-site dining, and over a dozen floor plans ranging from the low $400s to well over $1 million, Esplanade at Azario delivers the kind of retirement lifestyle most communities only promise.

I've walked these models, toured the amenity center, and helped buyers compare this community against every other 55+ option in the market. Here's everything you need to know before scheduling your visit.

What Is Esplanade at Azario?

Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is a gated, active-adult community developed by Taylor Morrison, one of the nation's largest homebuilders. The Esplanade brand is Taylor Morrison's signature 55+ product line, and the Azario location is their flagship Lakewood Ranch community. When complete, the community will include over 1,500 homes across attached villas, detached villas, and single-family residences.

The community is situated within the Azario village of Lakewood Ranch, which is the largest planned community in the United States. Azario itself features rolling landscapes, preserve views, and a network of trails and green spaces that connect residents to the broader Lakewood Ranch ecosystem. The gated entrance, staffed gatehouse, and well-maintained streetscapes give the neighborhood a polished, resort-caliber feel from the moment you drive in.

Floor Plans and Pricing

Esplanade at Azario currently offers 12 to 13 active floor plans organized into two main collections: Villas and Single-Family Homes. Every home is single-story, features an attached two- or three-car garage, and is designed with the open-concept layouts that today's active-adult buyers want.

Villa Collection

The villa collection ranges from approximately 1,533 to 2,080 square feet. These homes typically offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an optional den or flex space, and a two-car garage. Villas are ideal for buyers who want low-maintenance living with enough space to host guests comfortably.

Ibis — 2 bed / 2 bath, 1,533 sq ft. The most accessible entry point in the community, starting from the mid-$400s. A smart choice for buyers prioritizing the lifestyle and amenities over square footage.

Roma — 2 bed / 2 bath, 1,689 sq ft, from the low $580s. A step up in living space with a more generous great room and lanai.

Azzurro — 1,886 sq ft. A popular mid-range villa with a well-proportioned layout and flexible bonus space.

Arezzo — 3 bed / 2 bath, 1,926 sq ft, from the low $620s. A versatile villa floor plan that adds a third bedroom and a study — perfect for buyers who need a dedicated home office.

Single-Family Home Collection

The single-family collection ranges from approximately 1,800 to 3,502 square feet, with two to five bedrooms, up to three full bathrooms, and options for both golf-view and waterfront homesites. These larger homes feature volume ceilings, expansive lanais, and designer kitchens with premium finishes.

Ambra — 3 bed / 3 bath, 2,296 sq ft, from the mid-$750s. One of the best-selling single-family plans, offering a generous owner's suite and a well-designed guest wing.

Pallazio — 3–4 bed / 3 bath, 3,004 sq ft, from the low $910s. The estate-caliber floor plan for buyers who want the largest living spaces in the community, with a true chef's kitchen and a multi-slide glass door opening to the lanai.

Pricing across all collections currently ranges from the mid-$400s for entry-level villas to well over $1 million for estate homes on premium golf and water lots. Taylor Morrison frequently offers incentives — recent promotions have included up to $60,000 toward a new pool. Pricing changes regularly, so contact me for the most current numbers on any floor plan.

Resort-Style Amenities

The amenity package at Esplanade at Azario is among the strongest in the Lakewood Ranch market. The centerpiece is the lakefront clubhouse, a stunning facility that functions as the social hub of the entire community.

The Clubhouse

The clubhouse features a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, a dedicated group exercise studio for yoga, Pilates, and spin classes, and a full wellness spa for massage and personal care services. Multiple gathering rooms accommodate everything from card games and book clubs to large-scale community events.

Outdoor Recreation

Outside, you'll find a resort-style swimming pool and spa, dedicated pickleball courts, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a network of walking and biking trails that weave through the community's preserves and green spaces. A fenced dog park is also on-site for pet owners.

Golf

The 18-hole championship golf course is a defining feature. Residents can choose between golf-deeded homes that include a bundled membership and non-golf homes for those who prefer the resort lifestyle without the course commitment. The course is beautifully maintained and weaves through the community, providing scenic views even for non-golfers.

On-Site Dining and Lifestyle Programming

One of the standout features that separates Esplanade at Azario from most 55+ communities is the on-site dining. The Culinary Center houses the Barrel House Tap Room & Bar for casual meals, craft cocktails, and socializing, as well as the Barrel House Bistro and Patio for a more elevated dining experience. Having restaurant-quality food and drink inside your community gates — without getting in the car — is a genuine lifestyle upgrade that residents consistently cite as one of their favorite perks.

A full-time lifestyle director manages the community's social calendar, organizing clubs, interest groups, fitness classes, chef-hosted culinary events, holiday celebrations, and themed social gatherings throughout the year. Active clubs include bocce, golf, pickleball, tennis, wine tasting, book clubs, and more. The calendar stays full, but participation is always optional — it's your retirement, your pace.

HOA and CDD Fees

Understanding the fee structure is critical for budgeting. At Esplanade at Azario, monthly HOA fees currently range from $336 to $405 per month for non-golf-deeded homes, and $597 to $612 per month for golf-deeded homes. HOA fees include lawn care and exterior maintenance — a huge benefit for buyers who are tired of yard work.

The annual CDD (Community Development District) assessment is $1,592.67 for FY2026, which breaks down to about $133 per month. The CDD covers community infrastructure including roads, drainage, and common area maintenance. CDD fees are assessed by the district and appear on your property tax bill.

Combined, a non-golf homeowner can expect approximately $470 to $540 per month in HOA and CDD fees. Golf-deeded homeowners will pay approximately $730 to $745 per month. These numbers are competitive with comparable resort-style communities in the area.

Location Within Lakewood Ranch

Esplanade at Azario is located in the eastern corridor of Lakewood Ranch, with easy access to the major destinations that make this area so appealing for retirees and active adults.

UTC Mall and Waterside Place are both a short drive away, offering world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. Waterside Place has become the social gathering spot for Lakewood Ranch residents, with lakeside restaurants, a farmers market, and community events throughout the year.

I-75 access puts you within 30 to 40 minutes of Sarasota, and Gulf beaches like Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Anna Maria Island are about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and season.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is roughly 25 minutes from the community, making travel convenient for snowbirds and frequent flyers.

Healthcare and Schools

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, a full-service acute care hospital, is located just minutes from the community at 8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. It's a Joint Commission-accredited facility with emergency services, surgical capabilities, cardiology, and orthopedic care. The broader Lakewood Ranch area also has a growing network of urgent care centers, specialist offices, and outpatient facilities.

For buyers with grandchildren who visit frequently, the Lakewood Ranch area is served by highly rated Manatee County schools, including top-performing elementary, middle, and high schools. Several private and charter school options are also available within a short drive.

How Esplanade at Azario Compares

Lakewood Ranch has become the most competitive market for 55+ communities in Southwest Florida. Here's how Esplanade at Azario stacks up against the other major players.

Vs. Cresswind Lakewood Ranch (Kolter Homes): Cresswind offers a more traditional 55+ experience with its award-winning F.R.E.E. lifestyle program and solid amenity package. Homes start at a slightly lower price point. However, Cresswind doesn't have an on-site golf course or the dining options you'll find at Esplanade. If golf and on-site restaurants matter to you, Esplanade has a clear advantage.

Vs. Del Webb Catalina (Pulte Homes): Del Webb Catalina is a newer development with contemporary home designs and the trusted Del Webb brand behind it. Pricing and floor plan sizes are comparable. The key difference is the amenity depth — Esplanade's established clubhouse, golf course, and dining facilities are already built and operating, while some newer communities are still completing their amenity buildouts.

Vs. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch (Original): The original Del Webb community in Lakewood Ranch is more established with a proven resale market. Average home prices at Del Webb LWR run around $686,000 compared to approximately $788,000 at Esplanade at Azario. Del Webb offers a strong amenity package but lacks the golf course and on-site dining that define the Esplanade experience.

Resale Value Considerations

New construction in Lakewood Ranch has historically held its value well, and Esplanade at Azario benefits from several factors that support long-term appreciation. The Lakewood Ranch master plan continues to attract new development, retail, and healthcare — all of which drive demand. The Esplanade brand carries national recognition and a premium perception in the 55+ market, which helps at resale.

Homes on golf-view and waterfront lots typically command the strongest premiums at resale. If you're purchasing with future resale in mind, I generally recommend investing in the homesite location over interior upgrades — water and golf views are the features that buyers pay the most for on the secondary market.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you own a home in Esplanade at Azario 55+ Homes, get your free home valuation to find out its current market value.

Is Esplanade at Azario a 55+ community?

Yes. Esplanade at Azario is designed and marketed as a 55+ active-adult community. At least one resident in each household must be 55 or older. The community is built around the lifestyle preferences of active retirees and pre-retirees.

Do I have to join the golf club?

No. Golf membership is optional. You can purchase a non-golf home and still enjoy all the other amenities — the clubhouse, pools, fitness center, dining, pickleball, tennis, and social programming are available to all residents. Golf-deeded homes include a bundled membership with monthly dues reflected in the higher HOA fee.

What is included in the HOA fee?

The HOA fee covers lawn care, exterior home maintenance, gated community security, and access to all community amenities including the clubhouse, fitness center, pools, and sports courts. Golf-deeded homes also include golf club membership in their HOA fee.

Can I build a pool?

Yes. Many homeowners add a private pool and spa to their lanai. Taylor Morrison frequently offers pool incentive promotions for new construction buyers. Check with the sales center for current offers.

How far are the beaches?

The Gulf beaches — including Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Anna Maria Island — are approximately 45 minutes to one hour from the community. Many residents make regular beach trips, especially during the cooler months.

Can I use a buyer's agent when purchasing new construction?

Absolutely. I work with buyers purchasing in Esplanade at Azario and can represent your interests throughout the process. Having a local agent who knows the community, the builder's contracts, and the current market conditions is a significant advantage — especially when it comes to homesite selection, negotiating incentives, and understanding the CDD structure.

Ready to Tour Esplanade at Azario?

If you're considering 55+ communities in Lakewood Ranch, I'd love to walk you through the models at Esplanade at Azario and help you compare your options. Whether you're relocating from out of state or moving from another part of the Sarasota-Bradenton area, I can provide the local market insight you need to make a confident decision. Contact me today to schedule a private tour.