Master planned communities in Florida are flourishing, even despite the mass chaos caused by COVID-19. Recent data released from real estate advisory firm RCLCO shows that many master planned communities (MPCs) in the state of Florida have actually performed better in the first half of 2020 than they did during that same period in 2019. Some communities are up an astounding 40 percent, as more Millennials move to the suburbs and transplants from the Northeast flock to the state of Florida.
Wellen Park, among the newest of Florida’s master-planned communities, has skyrocketed up the charts to become the third best-selling MPC. Ranking only behind the two long-standing and massively popular MPCs, the Villages and Lakewood Ranch, newer entry Wellen Park has much in store as it continues to grow. Builders within Wellen Park sold 683 homes during the first half of 2020, up from the previous year. This number is expected only to rise, as development begins on over 7,000 vacant acres.
What is Wellen Park?
Wellen Park is situated in south Sarasota County, near Venice and North Port, Florida. Wellen Park was previously referred to as the West Villages. Recently, developers elected to name the entire MPC district Wellen Park, while keeping West Villages as a district within the MPC. Other districts will include the Playmore District and Downtown Wellen.
The name Wellen comes from the Dutch word for “wellness” and the German word for “waves.” Both terms encompass the overall focus of Wellen Park on community, nature, fitness, and fun. West Villages currently includes nine developments in which 7,500 people reside: Grand Palm, Gran Paradiso, Island Walk, Sarasota National, Renaissance, Oasis, the Preserve, Tortuga, and Boca Royale. The newly developed Playmore district will feature homes by Neal Communities, Toll Brothers, Sam Rodgers, Lennar, and Mattamy Homes, among others. These housing communities are nestled among the gorgeous new Atlanta Braves training facility.
Eagerly anticipated is the completion of the massive Downtown Wellen project. Downtown Wellen, which will offer shopping, entertainment, and outdoor fun, is anticipated to be completed in early 2022. Downtown Wellen will feature 175 lakefront acres to include waterfront dining, upscale shopping, a children’s splash pad and playground, town hall, a food truck kiosk, and a massive lake where residents can rent paddleboards and kayaks. E-bikes will also be available to ride around the downtown area and fitness trails. Wellen Park has also been voted a top eco-friendly community for its focus on the environment, demonstrated by the preservation of 26 live oaks in Downtown Wellen.
Anyone who is considered the move to a master-planned community should come find out more about Wellen Park. The Welcome Center, which will serve as a cafe offering Venetian Coffee Roasters coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and craft beer from 3 Bridges Brewing, is coming this October. In the meantime, give us a call and we will be happy to show you this exciting new community! You can reach our team at (941) 408-6144 or send us an email to wesellsrq@gmail.com.