Star Farms

Star Farms features both production and custom builders, creating options across every price point:

- D.R. Horton (approximately 1,300 homes):
- Express Series: 1,463-1,673 sq ft, 3-4 bedrooms, starting from the high $300s. - Affordable entry-level homes with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and 8-foot ceilings
- Express Modern Series: Similar sizing with contemporary interior/exterior styling and modern finishes
- Freedom Series: 2,200-2,500 sq ft, mid-level finishes, flexible floor plans including NextGen multigenerational layouts
- Emerald Series: 2,300-3,200 sq ft, upgraded tile roofs, paver driveways, 9-foot ceilings, enhanced cabinetry
- Premium Series: 2,500-4,000 sq ft, 3-car garages, 9-foot ceilings, crown molding, luxury finishes throughout

Custom/Semi-Custom Builders:
- Lee Wetherington Homes: Sarasota's premier custom builder offering modern ranch designs from 3,500-5,000+ sq ft. - Known for spacious great rooms, gourmet kitchens, and sophisticated finishes. Homes start above $1 million.
- John Cannon Homes: Award-winning custom builder specializing in environmentally efficient, luxury homes from 3,000-5,000 sq ft with extensive personalization.
- AR Homes (Arthur Rutenberg): Custom designs with architectural variety and high-end features.
- Homes by WestBay: Semi-custom homes starting over $1 million with professional design team support.

D.R. Horton also offers attached villas (2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garages) and townhomes (1,464-1,800 sq ft, 3 bedrooms) for buyers seeking lower-maintenance, more affordable options while still accessing all amenities.

Star Farms' four-campus approach ensures every resident finds spaces matching their lifestyle, with each campus featuring distinct programming and facilities:

The Resort Club (main campus, all residents have access):
- Hospitality-staffed clubhouse with social lounges and gathering spaces
- Resort-style pool with lap lanes and spa
- Tradewinds Coffee Shop serves Starbucks-style drinks, fresh pastries from Mademoiselle Paris Bakery, and brunch menus
- The Palm Bar (under construction, opening 2026) with poolside food and drink service
- State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio equipment, weights, and group classes
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Basketball court
- Sand volleyball
- Baseball field with dugouts and bleachers
- Outdoor grilling areas and fire pits
- Dog parks with separate small and large dog areas
- Tot lots and playgrounds

Junction Place (family-focused campus):
- Second resort pool with extensive splash pad features for children
- After-school programming and kids' clubs
- Family event lawn for community gatherings
- Playground and activity zones designed for young families
- Lifestyle director organizing family-focused events and activities

Adventure Retreat (active adult campus):
- Private pool reserved for active adult residents
- Wellness center with specialized fitness equipment
- Indoor gathering spaces for cards, games, and clubs
- Social programming, including group water aerobics and fitness classes
- Quieter atmosphere designed for 55+ lifestyle preferences

Cabana Corner (intimate social campus):
- Covered outdoor pavilion for shade and weather protection
- Intimate resort pool ideal for relaxation and small gatherings
- Designed for residents seeking convenience and downtime
- More casual, laid-back vibe compared to The Resort Club

Beyond the four campuses, Star Farms features over 20 miles of sidewalks and private walking/biking trails winding through three interconnected loops.

Gated and exclusive to residents, these trails connect neighborhoods with paths along scenic views of lakes, wetlands, and preserved natural areas.

Yes, Star Farms is a maintenance-included community where the HOA handles exterior upkeep, creating lock-and-leave convenience for busy families and retirees alike.

Residents remain responsible for home exterior maintenance (roof, paint, structural repairs), pool maintenance if your home has a private pool, and interior systems.

Lake Manatee K-8 is literally adjacent to the community. Many residents can walk or bike in minutes. This brand-new, state-of-the-art facility opened kindergarten through fifth grade in August 2025, with middle school grades phasing in progressively (sixth grade in 2026, seventh grade in 2027, and eighth grade in 2028).

Star Farms is also zoned to B.D. Gullett Elementary School (3.4 miles), Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (3.2 miles), and Lakewood Ranch High School (4.6 miles).

All three schools consistently receive high ratings for academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.

Star Farms distinguishes itself through sheer scale and amenity density. At 1,300 acres with 2,800 homes and four resort campuses, it's significantly larger and more comprehensive than boutique villages like Monterey (113 homes) or Nautique (164 townhomes), while still feeling intimate and navigable.

Compared to golf communities like Lakewood National or Country Club East, Star Farms offers resort-style amenities without mandatory golf memberships, keeping costs $500-800 lower monthly for families who don't golf. Compared to 55+ communities like Del Webb or Cresswind, Star Farms welcomes all ages, fostering multigenerational vibrancy while still offering targeted active-adult amenities at Adventure Retreat.

Star Farms actively offers both new construction and resale opportunities. D.R. Horton continues building across multiple series with quick move-in homes (already under construction, 180-day closings) and to-be-built homes where buyers select lots and personalize finishes through D.R. Horton's design process. The newly announced Saddlestone expansion adds fresh inventory, including additional townhomes, villas, and single-family homes, ensuring Star Farms remains an active new-construction community through 2026 and beyond.

Mike Novak tracks both new and resale inventory daily, helping buyers compare true costs and opportunities across all Star Farms options.

Star Farms occupies northeastern Lakewood Ranch at State Road 64 and Uihlein Road.

Beaches:
- Siesta Key Beach: 25-30 minutes (18 miles) via I-75 and Stickney Point Road
- Anna Maria Island: 30-35 minutes north via I-75 and Manatee Avenue
- Lido Key and Longboat Key: 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic
- Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach: 30-40 minutes

Shopping and Dining:
- University Town Center (UTC): 25 minutes (11.2 miles), major mall with dining and entertainment
- Lakewood Ranch Main Street: 15-20 minutes, boutique shops and restaurants
- Waterside Place: 20-25 minutes, lakefront town center with 300+ shops and restaurants
- Publix and everyday shopping: Within 5-10 minutes, with an additional Publix planned near Star Farms

Airports:
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): 15-20 minutes (10 miles) via I-75
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): 50-60 minutes north, offering more direct flight options for frequent travelers

Other Locations:
- Premier Sports Campus: 1 mile (5 minutes), 140-acre facility hosting youth sports tournaments
- Downtown Sarasota: 35-40 minutes (20.9 miles) for arts, culture, and waterfront dining
- Downtown Bradenton: 25 minutes for Riverwalk, restaurants, and Manatee River access
- I-75: Less than 5 miles to exits 220 or 213, among the closest communities for commuters

Each of the four campuses has dedicated lifestyle directors, who are professionally trained staff whose full-time job is curating events, organizing clubs, coordinating fitness classes, and fostering community connections.
Residents consistently describe Star Farms as feeling like a vacation resort where something's always happening, but participation remains optional.