Solera
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Solera, Lakewood Ranch, FL Map
Overview
Solera at Lakewood Ranch: Affordable Family Living, Storm Ready Construction
For families seeking the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle without stretching their budget, Solera delivers D.R. Horton's winning formula of quality construction and genuine value. This non-gated community offers something increasingly rare in Lakewood Ranch: attainable pricing on new construction homes that don't compromise on the features today's families need most.
Every home at Solera benefits from D.R. Horton's commitment to storm-ready construction, with full concrete block construction on both the first and second floors, not just at ground level like many Florida builders. This superior building method provides enhanced hurricane protection, significantly improved noise reduction between floors, better energy efficiency, and superior insulation.
Additionally, all homes come equipped with D.R. Horton's Home is Connected smart home technology package, allowing residents to control thermostats, garage doors, front door locks, and lighting directly from their smartphones.
Solera's amenity package focuses on family-friendly recreation without unnecessary extras that inflate HOA fees. The resort-style community pool with adjacent cabana provides year-round gathering space for residents. At the same time, two well-equipped tot lots with covered pavilions give young families safe play areas close to home. Perhaps most significantly, Solera includes lawn care service for every homeowner.
Whether you're buying your first home or seeking affordable Lakewood Ranch living without compromise, Mike Novak ensures you make informed decisions throughout the journey.
Solera Lakewood Ranch FAQs
D.R. Horton offers two distinct product lines at Solera, each serving specific buyer needs and budgets:
Express Homes Series:
- Target buyer: First-time homebuyers, young families, buyers prioritizing affordability
- Size range: Approximately 1,463 to 1,828 square feet
- Bedroom count: Typically three to four bedrooms
- Design approach: Efficient, open-concept layouts maximizing livable space
- Included appliances: Complete package, including range, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer
- Customization level: Limited design choices through curated packages, keeping costs down
- Construction timeline: Faster build schedules (typically 4-6 months from contract)
Tradition Homes Series:
- Target buyer: Growing families, multigenerational households, move-up buyers
- Size range: Approximately 1,672 to 3,975 square feet
- Bedroom count: Four to five bedrooms, often with flexible den/office spaces
- Design approach: Expanded layouts with dedicated spaces for various activities
- Included appliances: Range, microwave, and dishwasher (refrigerator and laundry optional upgrades)
- Customization level: More design flexibility and structural options
- Special offerings: The popular Camden multigenerational floor plan with separate living quarters
Both series include concrete block construction on all floors, Home is Connected smart home technology, granite countertops, and lawn care service. The primary difference lies in square footage, layout, and included appliance packages.
Yes, Solera stands out among Lakewood Ranch communities by including lawn care service for every homeowner.
What's included in lawn care service:
- Regular mowing of front and back yards
- Edging along sidewalks, driveways, and landscaped areas
- String trimming around obstacles and tight spaces
- Grass clipping removal or mulching
- Basic landscape bed maintenance
- Residents remain responsible for home exterior maintenance.
Solera students attend Manatee County public schools, with specific assignments that should be verified with the Manatee County School District, as boundaries occasionally adjust.
Typical public school assignments:
- B.D. Gullett Elementary School (approximately 3.4 miles) serves PK-5 and is highly rated within Manatee County
- Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (approximately 3.2 miles) serves grades 6-8, a newer facility that opened to serve eastern Lakewood Ranch
- Lakewood Ranch High School (approximately 4.1 miles) serves grades 9-12, consistently ranked among Florida's top high schools
Lakewood Ranch's eastern location provides access to educational alternatives, including Sarasota Military Academy (public military charter), Out-of-Door Academy (prestigious private PK-12), Providence Community School (private Christian PK-12), Sea of Strengths Academy (private specialized education), and various other private, Montessori, and charter schools within 15-20 minutes.
The proximity to University Town Center, Main Street, and Premier Sports Campus means families have convenient access to tutoring centers like Mathnasium and Kumon, enrichment programs in arts and STEM, youth sports leagues and camps, and community education programs throughout Lakewood Ranch.
D.R. Horton builds every Solera home with concrete block construction on both the first and second floors, a significant upgrade over many Florida builders who use concrete block only on ground levels.
Hurricane and storm protection:
- Superior wind resistance compared to wood-frame construction
- Enhanced protection against windborne debris during hurricanes
- Better structural integrity during severe weather events
- Peace of mind in Florida's hurricane-prone climate
Noise reduction:
- Dramatically reduced sound transfer between floors in two-story homes
- Quieter interior spaces block outside traffic and neighborhood noise
- Better privacy for family members in different areas of the home
- Particularly valuable for multigenerational households with varying schedules
Energy efficiency advantages:
- Superior insulation properties keep conditioned air inside
- More stable interior temperatures with less HVAC cycling
- Lower cooling costs during Florida's long, hot summers
- Reduced environmental impact from decreased energy consumption
Long-term durability:
- Resistance to termites and wood-boring pests
- Better moisture resistance that reduces mold and mildew concerns
- Lower maintenance requirements over the home's lifetime
- Enhanced resale value from superior construction quality
While individual insurance rates vary based on multiple factors, concrete block construction often qualifies for better rates than wood-frame homes due to superior storm resistance and reduced risk.
Every Solera home includes D.R. Horton's Home is Connected smart home technology package at no additional cost. It’s technology typically found in luxury communities at much higher price points.
Included smart home features:
- Smart thermostat: Control temperature settings remotely, set schedules, monitor energy usage, and adjust climate before arriving home.
- Smart garage door: Open/close garage remotely, receive alerts when opened, check status from anywhere, and grant access to service providers.
- Smart front door lock: Lock/unlock remotely, create temporary codes for guests or service providers, receive alerts when a door opens, and eliminate worrying about forgotten keys.
- Smart lighting: Control designated lights remotely, set schedules for security when traveling, and create automated routines.
Before closing, homeowners can add ADT security system integration, creating comprehensive smart home security combining locks, cameras, sensors, and monitoring through coordinated systems.
Solera homeowners can make various exterior modifications, though all changes require HOA approval and must comply with community architectural guidelines.
Fence policies depend on the lot location and type. Extended or screened lanais are usually permitted with approval. Always submit modification requests to the HOA before making changes or hiring contractors.
Unapproved modifications may require expensive removal or corrections.