Living in Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch: What Residents Love

Star Farms has quickly earned its place as the number-one selling community in Lakewood Ranch, and it is easy to see why. Spanning 1,300 acres with plans for 2,800 homes, this is the largest village in the entire Lakewood Ranch master plan. With six different builders offering everything from townhomes in the high $300,000 range to custom estates exceeding $2 million, Star Farms gives buyers more choice under one roof than almost any other community in Southwest Florida.

Community Overview

Developed by Forestar Group, a D.R. Horton company, Star Farms broke ground in March 2021 and has been growing at a remarkable pace ever since. The community sits in northeastern Lakewood Ranch, bordered by State Road 64, 44th Avenue East, Uihlein Road, and Bourneside Boulevard. A November 2024 expansion called Saddlestone added 570-plus acres and 1,300 additional homesites, further cementing Star Farms as a major player in the region.

What sets Star Farms apart from most master-planned communities is the sheer number of builders. D.R. Horton serves as the primary builder with nearly two dozen floor plans. Homes by WestBay brings the Artisan and Masterpiece series starting in the $760,000 range. Perry Homes entered the community in August 2025, bringing their Texas pedigree to the Florida market. John Cannon Homes, AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg, and Lee Wetherington Homes round out the roster with custom and luxury options.

Home Options and Pricing

The variety at Star Farms is exceptional. Townhomes and paired villas start in the high $300,000 range, making homeownership in Lakewood Ranch accessible to a broader audience. D.R. Horton single-family homes begin around $499,990 and range from 1,463 to 3,975 square feet with three to five bedrooms. Homes by WestBay's Artisan Series spans $768,000 to $1.3 million, while their Masterpiece Series ranges from $1 million to $1.5 million. Custom estate homes from builders like John Cannon and Lee Wetherington can exceed $2 million.

All D.R. Horton homes feature concrete-block construction on both floors and come with smart home packages including doorbell cameras and remote monitoring. The community is all-ages with no age restrictions, making it ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Four Resort Campuses

Star Farms takes a unique approach to amenities by planning four separate resort campuses rather than relying on a single clubhouse. The Resort Club opened in April 2024 and features a resort-style pool and spa with cabana seating, the Star Fit Wellness Complex, Trade Route Coffee Shop, and The Palm Bar, a poolside bar and grill that opened in June 2025. Additional amenities include a pet park, basketball court, baseball field, beach volleyball, and four-square courts. Golf cart parking is available throughout.

Three additional campuses — Junction Place, Adventure Retreat, and Cabana Corner — are in various stages of planning. Adventure Retreat is expected to include amenities targeted toward active adult residents. Each campus will have its own Lifestyle Director coordinating events, fitness programs, and social activities.

Schools and Location

One of the biggest draws for families is Lake Manatee K-8, a brand-new school located directly adjacent to Star Farms that opened for kindergarten through fifth grade in August 2025, with middle grades phasing in during 2026. The school is walkable and bikeable from most parts of the community. B.D. Gullett Elementary, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Lakewood Ranch High School also serve the area and all carry strong ratings.

Star Farms is about 15 to 20 minutes from Lakewood Ranch Main Street and Waterside Place, with the University Town Center mall roughly 25 minutes south. A Publix grocery store is five to ten minutes away, with additional retail planned nearby.

Is Star Farms Right for You?

Star Farms is a strong fit for buyers who want options. Whether you are looking for an affordable townhome, a mid-range single-family home, or a custom estate, you can find it here without leaving the community. The adjacent K-8 school makes it particularly compelling for families, while the four-campus amenity approach means you will never feel like you are fighting for pool chairs.

To schedule a tour of Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch or to compare builders and floor plans side by side, reach out to John Belt with Keller Williams On The Water. John knows every corner of Lakewood Ranch and can help you navigate the options to find the right home at the right price.