Lakewood Ranch reported a record-setting 189 home sales for the month of August, up from 115 in 2019. "The Ranch," as its known, also reported 1,197 new home sales through the end of August 2020, beating last year’s numbers by 8 percent. The luxury market is performing especially well, Laura Cole, senior vice-president of LWR Communities, said in a release.

Cole added that many buyers have noted that low interest rates and the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated life plans to re-establish roots in an environment that affords a more connected and active lifestyle, especially those coming from larger cities. Many buyers have been purchasing homes sight unseen, with the help of interactive chats and virtual community presentations from the Lakewood Ranch Information Center, as well as builders’ virtual tours.