Living in Esplanade at Azario: Resort-Style Retirement

For buyers who want a golf-focused, resort-style lifestyle in Lakewood Ranch without the sticker shock of a six-figure club initiation fee, Esplanade at Azario by Taylor Morrison occupies a unique niche. This gated community within the Azario village of Lakewood Ranch pairs an 18-hole championship golf course with upscale amenities, all built around a bundled membership model that eliminates traditional country club buy-in costs.

Community Overview

Taylor Morrison began construction on Esplanade at Azario in 2020, with the golf course unveiled in May of that year. The community is planned for approximately 1,400 homes and sits in northeast Lakewood Ranch near the intersection of State Road 64 and Lorraine Road. While Esplanade at Azario is often listed on 55-plus community websites, it does not carry a formal age restriction. Instead, it is designed as an active adult resort community that attracts the 55-and-over demographic through its lifestyle programming, golf amenities, and single-story home options.

Home Options and Pricing

Taylor Morrison offers 12 floor plans ranging from 1,533 to 3,502 square feet with two to five bedrooms. Both single-family homes and attached villas are available. Base pricing for new construction starts in the high $400,000 range, though homes with golf-course views, lake frontage, or premium lot positions command significantly higher prices. Resale homes currently range from approximately $700,000 to over $2 million for golf-deeded properties with custom upgrades.

The community commands a 25 to 30 percent premium over the broader Lakewood Ranch median, reflecting the golf amenity and resort infrastructure. Villa HOA fees cover lawn care, irrigation, and exterior maintenance.

Championship Golf Without the Buy-In

The defining feature of Esplanade at Azario is its 18-hole championship golf course, a par-72 layout stretching up to 7,007 yards designed by Chris Wilczynski of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Golf Advisor has ranked it among the top 18 courses in Florida. What sets it apart from traditional golf communities is the bundled membership model. Golf-deeded homeowners pay monthly fees of approximately $597 to $612 that include full golf privileges with no initiation fee. In communities where initiation fees can run $50,000 to $100,000 or more, this represents substantial savings.

Non-golf homeowners pay lower monthly fees of $336 to $405 and still receive full access to the clubhouse, fitness center, pools, and all non-golf amenities. CDD assessments run approximately $1,500 to $2,700 per year depending on lot size.

Resort Amenities Beyond the Course

The grand clubhouse features a full-service restaurant, the Bahama Bar for casual dining and drinks, and a culinary center for cooking demonstrations and classes. A modern fitness center includes group exercise studios, and there is a dedicated wellness and spa center on site. The resort-style pool provides a relaxing alternative to the golf course, and residents also have access to tennis and pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking paths through natural areas. A full-time lifestyle director organizes social events, fitness classes, and community outings throughout the year.

Location and Nearby Attractions

Living in the Azario village puts residents within easy reach of Waterside Place, which offers more than 30 curated retailers and restaurants along the waterfront. University Town Center, Lakewood Ranch Main Street, and downtown Sarasota are all accessible within a short drive. Gulf Coast beaches including Siesta Key and Lido Key are roughly 30 to 40 minutes west.

Is Esplanade at Azario Right for You?

Esplanade at Azario is the right choice for buyers who want a golf-centered lifestyle without the financial barrier of a traditional country club initiation fee. The bundled model keeps monthly costs predictable, and the non-golf option provides flexibility for households where only one member plays. If you value a nationally-ranked course, on-site dining, and the Lakewood Ranch location, Azario delivers at a compelling value.

To explore available homes at Esplanade at Azario or compare golf communities across the region, reach out to John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water. John can provide current pricing, inventory updates, and a side-by-side comparison of every golf community in the Lakewood Ranch area.