Lakewood Ranch VS Parrish

Thinking about moving to Southwest Florida? For years, Lakewood Ranch has been the go-to spot, but lately, I’ve been getting more and more questions about Parrish.

A few years ago, Parrish wasn’t really on the radar for most homebuyers. I remember when we first moved to this area, we checked out Parrish. That was almost 10 years ago and frankly at that time, there wasn’t much there. So, we bought in Lakewood Ranch instead.

But that’s changing fast. With new communities popping up and home prices often more affordable than Lakewood Ranch, many of my clients are starting to ask: Is Parrish the next big thing?

So, is it worth paying a premium to live in an established master-planned community like Lakewood Ranch? Or does Parrish offer a better long-term value?

In this guide, we’ll compare Lakewood Ranch vs. Parrish—breaking down home prices, schools, healthcare, shopping, dining, airport access, beaches, and more—so you can decide which spot is the right fit for you.

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🌇Design & City Planning

If you have read some of my past blog posts, you may know that my career before selling real estate was in urban planning for the City of Indianapolis. I planned and zoned for residential and commercial development.

Good planning helps protect property values while ensuring a quality of life. For instance, a fast-food restaurant next to a residential neighborhood can negatively impact the adjacent houses.

Residents will have to deal with smells from grease and cooking food, ongoing noise from cars waiting in drive-throughs, and light pollution. Those instances can cost an owner a lot of money when it’s time to sell his/her house.

Master-planned communities are rare because not all contiguous land is typically owned by one person or entity. Controlling what goes where and when can not only preserve land values but prevent over-development.

Lakewood Ranch Planning

Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community. What does that actually mean? A master-planned community is a large-scale area designed from the beginning.

What makes Lakewood Ranch unique is that one entity, Schroeder-Manatee Corporation, owned a massive piece of land (over 33,000 acres), allowing them to design an entire community from scratch.

This kind of large-scale planning is uncommon, which is why most areas grow in a patchwork, with a mix of neighborhoods, commercial developments, and public amenities.

Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods and commercial areas have the same look and feel, creating a cohesive design. For example, drive through Lakewood Ranch, and you will not see high commercial signage.

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Parrish Planning

Parrish is planned like most US cities. The county oversees future growth and development with a comprehensive plan. The plan outlines general zoning and infrastructure guidelines but doesn’t shape every neighborhood detail. As a result, the community doesn’t have a cohesive look with development guidelines and aesthetics.

Since numerous people own the land, you are more likely to have sporadic development as owners sell off their land to developers.

Plus, more owners may request changes to the zoning ordinances to allow a different use than the county plan calls for.

That is where issues with the protection of property values can be impacted.

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📍Location & Accessibility: Lakewood Ranch VS Parrish

When choosing between Lakewood Ranch and Parrish, location plays a significant role in determining which area best fits your lifestyle. Both are located in Manatee County and offer access to major highways, but they differ in proximity to key destinations, traffic patterns, and overall convenience.

Lakewood Ranch has well-established roads within the community, allowing easy access within Lakewood Ranch and to Sarasota.

Get the List of Parrish 55+ Communities Here

Parrish is an up-and-coming area with growing infrastructure and more room for expansion. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each location.

Lakewood Ranch Location

Lakewood Ranch is ideally situated just east of I-75, making it one of the most accessible communities in Florida. With multiple entry points to major highways, it is easy to get to Sarasota, Bradenton, and beyond.

Benefits of Lakewood Ranch’s Location

• Easy Access to Major Cities: Lakewood Ranch is about 30 minutes from downtown Sarasota, 45 minutes from St. Petersburg, and 60 minutes from Tampa. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to commute or want quick access to metropolitan areas.

• Well-Planned Road Network: With multiple access points to I-75, University Parkway, State Road 70, & State Road 64, making it easy to get around, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially around the mall area & St. Rd 70.

• Abundance of Parks & Outdoor Spaces: Nature lovers will appreciate the variety of parks and trails in and around Lakewood Ranch, including Bob Gardner Park, Waterside Park, and the extensive trails within Premier Sports Campus. These green spaces offer walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and sports fields.
  • A new aquatic park is coming to Lakewood Ranch next to the Library. There will be a competition-size swimming pool, geothermal yard, therapy pool, and 24 pickleball courts.

*READ The Pros & Cons of Living in Lakewood Ranch Here*

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Parrish Location

Parrish is located just 15 minutes north of Lakewood Ranch along US-301, offering a convenient location with easy access to I-75 via Moccasin Wallow Road and Erie Road.

While it may not be as developed as Lakewood Ranch, Parrish is closer to downtown Bradenton, making it a great option for those who want a more suburban feel while still near a larger city.

Pro’s of Parrish’s Location

• Convenient Commute to Tampa & St. Pete: Parrish provides a more direct route to Tampa and St. Petersburg than Lakewood Ranch, with easy access via I-75 and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This makes it an attractive option for entertainment that larger cities offer with a suburban lifestyle.

• Less Congestion & More Open Space: Compared to the traffic-heavy roads of Lakewood Ranch, Parrish has wider open spaces, and fewer traffic bottlenecks—at least for now, as development continues.
  • The county is working on road improvements since many are considered “country roads.” Infrastructure is coming, and more is planned for growth.

• Close to Natural Preserves & Parks: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to Little Manatee River State Park, Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, and Fort Hamer Park, which offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas. Parrish’s scenic landscape is perfect for those who enjoy a more rural feel while still being close to city conveniences.
  • You hike and kayak through Little Manatee River State Park. There are also equestrian and multi-use trails.
  • Fort Hamer Park has a boat ramp, pavilion rental, and rowing facility.

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🏖️Beaches Near Lakewood Ranch & Parrish

Our area is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine—key reasons why so many people choose to live here.

Some of the best beaches in the United States, including Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island, are just a short drive away. If you’re considering moving to Lakewood Ranch or Parrish, you might wonder which location offers better beach access.

While both communities provide the coveted Florida lifestyle, some key differences regarding reaching the coast exist.

Let’s compare how far Lakewood Ranch and Parrish are from the nearest beaches and what that means for your weekend getaways!

Lakewood Ranch to the Beaches

Lido Key is the closest to Lakewood Ranch. It is roughly 20 miles to the beach from Lakewood Ranch. However, you have to drive through some fairly congested areas to get to Lido Beach. So, it may take you roughly 45 mins to an hour depending on the time of day you visit.

Holmes Beach is just a little further, but you have 1 road, and it’s a direct shot from St. Rd 64 onto Anna Maria Island. Again, timing is everything. If you don’t beat the crowds getting onto the island, you may sit in traffic for an hour or more.

I recommend leaving early in the morning and having breakfast nearby one of the beaches. Holmes beach still has a pavillion that serves morning breakfast on the beach. That way you have secured your parking spot for the day and enjoy your morning coffee by the beach.

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How Far is Parrish to the Beaches?

Parrish to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island is 22 miles. Honestly, I thought it would be farther away. The drive from Parrish to Holmes Beach isn’t as congested compared to Lakewood Ranch. So, travel time may be quicker.

You have other beach options if you don’t want to fight the crowds on Anna Maria Island. Apollo Beach is 19 miles from Parrish, and Snead Island is only 14 miles away. Snead Island is a straight shot on US 301 and will only take about 20 mins to get there, depending on where you live in Parrish.

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🏘️Lakewood Ranch VS Parrish-Which Offers the Best Value

If you are house-hunting and have landed here, you are probably wondering about the differences in costs between real estate in Lakewood Ranch and home prices in Parrish.

And if Parrish is lower, why?

Overall, housing prices are lower in Parrish than in Lakewood Ranch.

Because the prices are lower, is it a better buy in Parrish?

The above charts show the median sold sales price for zip code 34219 in Parrish (which is one of the fastest selling areas in the U.S. & primarily all new construction.) and Lakewood Ranch zip code 34211 which is fairly established with some new construction.

You can see that Lakewood Ranch has a much higher median sales price than Parrish. Of course, you must compare home sizes and other amenities to evaluate accurately.

Let’s also compare real estate differences in Lakewood Ranch vs Parrish.

Lakewood Ranch Real Estate

One big reason Lakewood Ranch tends to be more expensive is that it is a master-planned community, which comes with perks. Well-maintained amenities such as parks, trails, large aquatic centers, and golf courses add value to the surrounding neighborhoods, driving up home prices.

In addition, builders in Lakewood Ranch must follow specific material and design requirements, which means homes are often built with higher-end finishes, adding to the cost of construction. Since most of the neighborhoods are nearing completion, buyers also have the advantage of knowing exactly what they’re getting.

Another key factor is that shopping and conveniences are already in place. Lakewood Ranch has established commercial areas with grocery stores, restaurants, and shops woven into the community. Plus, it’s just a few minutes from the shopping corridor along University Parkway.

Conveneinces cost money and many people don’t want to wait a couple of years for amenities to catch up with their needs. This makes Lakewood Ranch an attractive area to buy without the risk of the unknown.

But with risk, there can be rewards.

⬅️Keep in mind Lakewood Ranch looked like this 7 years ago. I remember when my husband and I moved here.

You could see open fields and cows in the pastures. We had to drive miles to go out to eat, and there were only a few restaurants around. Things changed quickly.

💻Search Homes for Sale in Lakewood Ranch

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Parrish Real Estate

Parrish has exploded in popularity over the past few years and for good reason. Some buyers are getting priced out of Lakewood Ranch, while others simply prefer more house for their money.

But beyond the price tag, there are some differences in how homes are built. A couple of differences I have noticed in Parrish real estate vs Lakewood Ranch are the materials used by some of the builders.

For example, in Parrish, homes often feature shingle roofs instead of cement tiles. Shingle roofs are cheaper to install and have a shorter life span than concrete tiles.

In addition, some neighborhoods have smaller lot sizes than Lakewood Ranch.

Land in Parrish is generally less expensive than Lakewood Ranch because you won’t see large-scale community projects like new libraries and aquatic facilities driving up prices (yet).

But that doesn’t mean Parrish lacks amenities. Many subdivisions make up for what the town doesn’t offer.

Larger, newer neighborhoods will have on-site amenities such as large pools, pickleball and tennis courts, a clubhouse, and private restaurants. This gives residents a social, active lifestyle without the higher costs of a fully master-planned community.

🧐Search Homes for Sale in Parrish

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📚Schools in Lakewood Ranch VS Parrish

How do the schools compare if Lakewood Ranch is more expensive than Parrish?

Great schools attract families, support property values, and create a sense of connection. They’re often at the heart of neighborhood events, sports, and even local pride—so it’s always worth taking a closer look.

Even if you don’t have school-age kids, schools play a big role in shaping a community

Lakewood Ranch Schools

Lakewood Ranch, FL, has several elementary schools serving the community. Here’s an overview of the elementary schools in Lakewood Ranch, their ratings, and information about new schools under construction:

Existing Elementary Schools in Lakewood Ranch:

1. Robert E. Willis Elementary School
   • Rating: Highly rated with strong academic performance.
2. B.D. Gullett Elementary School
   • Rating: Consistently receives high ratings for academic excellence.
3. McNeal Elementary School
   • Rating: Known for its strong curriculum and student engagement.
4. Freedom Elementary School
   • Rating: Well-regarded for its teaching staff and student outcomes.
5. Tara Elementary School
   • Rating: Recognized for its supportive learning environment.

New Schools Under Construction Lakewood Ranch

• Lake Manatee K-8 School
  • This new school is under construction on a 40-acre site south of State Road 64 and east of Uihlein Road.
  • The elementary portion is expected to open in August 2025, while the middle school section will be completed by February 2026.
  • The school will have a capacity of 1,620 students, with potential expansion for an additional 250 students.

Existing Middle Schools in Lakewood Ranch:

1. Dr. Mona Jain Middle School
   • Overview: Opened in August 2019, this school serves grades 6-8 and is designed to accommodate over 1,100 students. ​
   • Rating: Recognized for fostering a safe and creative learning environment. 
2. R. Dan Nolan Middle School
   • Overview: Established in August 2004, Nolan Middle School offers a rigorous academic curriculum complemented by fine arts, vocational, and athletic programs. ​
   • Rating: Known for its dedicated staff and commitment to student success.​
3. Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school managed by Charter Schools USA, offering grades K-11 as of 2023, with plans to expand to grade 12 by the 2025-2026 school year. ​
   • Rating: Participates in the Schools for Brain Health program, emphasizing student well-being.​
4. Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch
   • Overview: A public charter school serving grades K-8, focusing on individualized learning and character development.​
   • Rating: Offers a supportive learning environment with a commitment to academic excellence.​
5. The Out-of-Door Academy (Uihlein Campus)
   • Overview: An independent, college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12, emphasizing a liberal arts curriculum.
   • Rating: Known for its rigorous academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs.​

High Schools in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch, Florida, offers a selection of high schools serving its community. Below is an overview of these institutions, including their ratings and key details:

1. Lakewood Ranch High School

• Overview: A public high school located at 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211. It serves approximately 2,368 students across grades 9-12.
• Ratings:
  • U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #2,485 nationally and #149 in Florida.
  • GreatSchools: Scores 7 out of 10, indicating above-average performance.
  • Niche: Holds an overall grade of A-, with a 3.8 out of 5 rating based on 454 reviews.
• Performance: Consistently maintains an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education, reflecting strong academic achievements.

2. The Out-of-Door Academy (Uihlein Campus)

• Overview: An independent, college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12. The Uihlein Campus is situated in Lakewood Ranch.
• Ratings: Recognized for its rigorous academics and comprehensive extracurricular programs.

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Parrish Schools

Parrish, Florida, is home to several elementary schools that serve its growing community. Here’s an overview of these schools, including their ratings and key details:

Elementary Schools In Parrish

1. Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School

• Overview: A public elementary school located at 3404 Fort Hamer Rd., Parrish, FL 34219, serving grades PK-5.
• Ratings:
  • GreatSchools: Rated 6 out of 10.
  • Niche: Holds an overall grade of A-.
  • U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #432 in Florida Elementary Schools.
• Performance: Demonstrates strong academic performance, with 79% proficiency in math and 73% in reading.

2. Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School

• Overview: Located at 8610 115th Ave. E, Parrish, FL 34219, this public school serves grades PK-5.
• Ratings:
  • GreatSchools: Rated 7 out of 10.
  • Niche: Holds an overall grade of B+.
  • U.S. News & World Report: Recognized for its academic performance.
• Performance: Reports 76% proficiency in math and 66% in reading.

3. Parrish Charter Academy

• Overview: A public charter school located at 8605 Erie Rd., Parrish, FL 34219, serving grades K-8.
• Ratings:
  • GreatSchools: Rated 5 out of 10.
  • SchoolDigger: Ranked 1,266th out of 2,256 Florida elementary schools.
• Performance: Exhibits proficiency rates of 40-44% in math and 55-59% in reading.

New Elementary Schools Planned or Under Construction Parrish

1. Rye Ranch Elementary (Planned)
   • Overview: A new elementary school is planned for construction on a site south of Rutland Road and North Rye Road.
   • Status: Scheduled for design funding in FY 2024–2025 with potential opening in August 2026.
   • Purpose: Will help relieve overcrowding at Barbara A. Harvey and accommodate future residential growth.

Parrish Middle Schools

There is currently only one middle school in Parrish. However, many students attend the middle school, Buffalo Creek, in Ellenton.

Existing Middle Schools in Parrish

1. Buffalo Creek Middle School
   • Overview: The primary zoned middle school for much of Parrish, located just west of U.S. 301. Serves grades 6–8.
   • Rating: GreatSchools gives it a 4/10. While academics are average, the school is recognized for its extracurricular offerings and a strong athletic program.
   • Note: This school has faced capacity challenges in recent years due to rapid area growth.
2. Parrish Charter Academy(K–8)
   • Overview: A tuition-free public charter school serving grades K–8. Offers smaller class sizes and a more personalized academic approach.
   • Rating: GreatSchools rates it 5/10. Scores are stronger in reading than math. Parents appreciate the smaller environment, though test scores vary by grade.

New Middle Schools Planned or Under Construction Parrish

1. New Parrish Middle School (Unnamed)
   • Overview: A new traditional middle school is planned to help relieve overcrowding at Buffalo Creek and accommodate growth in the area.
   • Status: Slated to open in August 2025. Location and final school name to be announced by the School District of Manatee County.
   • Purpose: This school will provide additional capacity as thousands of new homes are being built in Parrish and surrounding communities.

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📈Impact on Population Growth and Schools

Both Lakewood Ranch and Parrish have seen explosive population growth over the past few years, largely due to new home construction, increased migration to Florida, and their appeal to young families. As a result, their school systems are feeling the strain.

Lakewood Ranch:

• Challenges:
  • Overcrowding in popular elementary and middle schools like B.D. Gullett and Dr. Mona Jain.
  • Increased class sizes and limited availability in zoned schools.
  • Strain on infrastructure as more families move into newer neighborhoods like Waterside and Lakewood Ranch Southeast.
• Response:
  • The district has opened several new schools in recent years, including Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (2019).
  • A new K-8 school (Lake Manatee School) is under construction, with the elementary portion opening in 2025 and the middle school in 2026.
  • Charter options like Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy provide additional relief.

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Parrish:

• Challenges:
  • Rapid development has outpaced school capacity.
  • Buffalo Creek Middle and Barbara A. Harvey Elementary are experiencing serious overcrowding.
  • Limited number of existing schools to absorb the influx of new families.
• Response:
  • The school district is actively working on a new middle school set to open in August 2025.
  • A new elementary school is planned in Rye Ranch, expected to open in 2026.
  • Parrish Charter Academy (K–8) helps absorb some of the demand, but it’s not enough to cover the volume.

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🏆 Which Community Is Managing Better?

Lakewood Ranch currently appears to be ahead in handling the pressure. Here’s why:

• They’ve already opened new schools in recent years.
• The new K–8 school in progress is well-timed with projected growth.
• More charter and private school options exist to ease public school enrollment.
• The community has more established infrastructure and planning in place.

Parrish, on the other hand, is playing catch-up. Growth happened fast, and the school district is reacting rather than leading. With multiple new schools on the horizon, they’re moving in the right direction—but families moving in today may still face longer waitlists, school rezoning, or being placed outside their preferred zones.

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✈️Proximity to Airports: Lakewood Ranch VS Parrish

Let’s be honest—most people living in Lakewood Ranch or Parrish aren’t originally from Florida. Whether you’re a snowbird, retiree, or someone who travels for work, easy access to airports is a big deal.

And if you’ve got family flying in for the holidays or grandkids popping in for spring break, you’ll want to know how far you are from the nearest runway. So, let’s break down which community makes jet-setting (or guest-wrangling) a little easier.

Both Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offer convenient access to several airports, facilitating travel for residents and their visiting families. Lakewood Ranch is notably closer to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, while Parrish has relatively easy access to both Tampa International and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airports

Airports Close to Lakewood Ranch

Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• Distance from Lakewood Ranch: ~11 miles
• Drive Time: ~30 minutes
• Overview:
  SRQ is small but growing fast. It’s super easy to get in and out of, and parking is a breeze. It’s a local favorite for its convenience.
• Popular Flights:
  • Nonstop service to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and New York
  • Served by Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze, and Avelo

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)

• Distance from Lakewood Ranch: ~54 miles
• Drive Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Overview:
  A very small airport served almost exclusively by Allegiant Air. If you’re flying to/from smaller cities or on a budget, this might be worth a look.
• Popular Flights:
  • Nonstop service to places like Indianapolis, Knoxville, Allentown, and Columbus

If I can’t get a flight out of SRQ, I always check Punta Gorda Airport before driving to Tampa.

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Airports Servicing Parrish

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

• Distance from Parrish: ~44 miles
• Drive Time: ~55 minutes (via I-75 N, depending on traffic)
• Overview:
  Tampa International is the largest and most popular airport in the area. It’s modern, easy to navigate, and has a good reputation for efficiency. The airport has a main terminal connected to four airside satellites via trams.
• Popular Flights:
  • Nonstop to Atlanta, New York (JFK & LGA), Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Charlotte, Washington D.C.
  • International flights to Canada, the UK (London), Frankfurt, Cancun, and some Caribbean islands
  • Frequent service from American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Breeze, and Spirit

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

• Distance from Parrish: ~49 miles
• Drive Time: ~1 hour (via I-275 S)
• Overview:
  Smaller and more low-key than TPA, PIE is served mainly by budget airlines. It’s a convenient option if you’re looking for cheap domestic flights and shorter security lines.
• Popular Flights:
  • Allegiant Air offers nonstop service to many smaller U.S. cities like Asheville, Lexington, Knoxville, and Grand Rapids.
  • Mostly domestic routes with a focus on Midwest and East Coast destinations.

Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• Distance from Parrish: ~22 miles
• Drive Time: ~40 minutes

Lakewood Ranch and Parrish are just 12 miles apart, which means residents and visitors in either community enjoy the same convenient access to multiple airports.

Whether heading out for a quick domestic trip or flying internationally, you’ll find several airport options within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ) is the closest and easiest for regional travel, while Tampa International (TPA) offers the most flight options overall. With major airports just a short drive away, travel to and from this area is surprisingly easy.

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🏥Healthcare/Hospitals Parrish & Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center-located in downtown Lakewood Ranch.

• Beds: 120
• Type: Acute care hospital
• Opened: 2004
• Ownership: Private, operated by Universal Health Services (UHS)

Services Offered:

• 24/7 emergency care
• Cardiology
• Orthopedics
• Surgery
• Women’s health and maternity care
• Imaging and diagnostics
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Wound care center

In addition to the hospital, Lakewood Ranch is home to a wide range of supporting medical services. You’ll find numerous primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care clinics, and outpatient centers conveniently located throughout the community.

Many doctors affiliated with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center have offices nearby, offering everything from dermatology and orthopedics to cardiology and women’s health. The area also includes imaging centers, physical therapy clinics, and lab testing facilities—making it easy for residents to manage their healthcare without leaving the neighborhood.

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Hospitals in Parrish

Parrish currently does not have a hospital. However, serveral are in the process of construction. Here are the descriptions and time to complete.

BayCare Hospital Manatee

• Status: Construction began in October 2024, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
• Size and Facilities: The hospital will feature 154 private patient rooms, with plans to expand to 207 beds as the community grows. The $548 million project also includes a 45,000-square-foot medical arts building.
• Services Offered: General, orthopedic, and specialty surgery; urology; gastroenterology; cardiology; diagnostic and interventional imaging; emergency care; obstetrics; and neonatology.
• Notable Features: This will be Manatee County’s first not-for-profit hospital and the only one located north of the Manatee River.

HCA Florida Hospital at North River Ranch

• Status: HCA Florida purchased land for the hospital in October 2022. Specific construction and opening dates have not yet been announced.
• Size and Facilities: Planned to include at least 150 beds, an emergency room, and an acute treatment center. Adjacent buildings will house approximately 125,000 square feet of medical offices.
• Services Offered: While full service details haven’t been released, plans include comprehensive acute care services and 24/7 emergency care.

While Parrish, Florida, currently lacks a full-service hospital, residents have access to several emergency healthcare services:

Nearby Hospitals: In cases requiring comprehensive emergency care, the following hospitals are accessible:​

Manatee Memorial Hospital: Located about 15 miles southwest in Bradenton, providing extensive emergency services.

📋Summary

✅ Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned community with a cohesive design, upscale amenities, and mature infrastructure. Parrish is rapidly expanding with new neighborhoods and increasing investment in roads, amenities, and commercial spaces.

✅ Lakewood Ranch offers better internal road systems and access to Sarasota. Parrish has a more direct route to Tampa and St. Pete with less local congestion—for now.

✅ Homes in Parrish generally offer more space for the price, with many new construction options and amenity-rich neighborhoods. Lakewood Ranch homes tend to feature higher-end finishes, with more expensive housing prices than Parrish.

✅ Lakewood Ranch has more substantial school options, including A-rated public, charter, and private schools. Parrish schools are improving but must catch up to meet rapid population growth.

✅ Both areas offer access to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches; Parrish may have faster travel times despite being slightly farther due to lighter traffic.

✅ Lakewood Ranch has a full-service hospital and comprehensive healthcare options. Parrish has two hospitals under construction but currently relies on nearby facilities.

✅ Each location provides easy airport access, with Lakewood Ranch closest to SRQ and Parrish offering direct routes to Tampa International and St. Pete–Clearwater.

Both Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offer great options for those looking to settle in Southwest Florida, but they appeal to slightly different lifestyles. Lakewood Ranch is more established, with a polished feel and a wide range of amenities. It’s ideal if you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and healthcare immediately.

Parrish, on the other hand, is still evolving. It has a more rural, open feel, but that’s changing quickly as new communities, retail centers, and infrastructure pop up. Because it’s less developed, there may be more opportunity to build equity over time as the area grows. If you’re someone who likes getting in early on the next up-and-coming area, Parrish might be a smart move.