Palmer Ranch East, Hi Hat Ranch & Lakewood Ranch SE: East Sarasota's Next Wave

Blog › East Sarasota Growth
Three more massive projects are coming right behind 3H Ranch — adding over 23,000 more homes to eastern Sarasota County. Here's where each one stands and what it means for buyers.
Tana Showalter, Broker/Owner · Rogue Realty | Updated March 2026 | 9 min read
3H Ranch is the most advanced of east Sarasota's new developments — but it's far from alone. Three more projects are moving through the pipeline behind it, and together they will transform what is currently open land into a fully realized population center. Understanding each one helps buyers figure out where the right opportunity is for their goals and timeline.
Palmer Ranch East
Hi Hat Ranch
"Hi Hat Ranch is designed for people who want to live in a community surrounded by nature — not in spite of growth, but because of how thoughtfully that growth was planned."
Lakewood Ranch Southeast
How These Four Projects Work Together
What makes east Sarasota genuinely unusual right now is that all four projects are active at the same time. Each adds homes, commercial space, and residents to the corridor. Each new project strengthens the case for the others: more residents mean more retail, more services, better schools, and higher property values across the board.
For buyers, the question isn't just which project is best — it's which phase matches your timeline and goals. Early buyers in 3H Ranch and Lakewood Ranch SE get first access at opening prices. Palmer Ranch East offers a slightly later entry with strong commercial density potential. And Hi Hat Ranch is the long-game play for buyers thinking in decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palmer Ranch East?
Palmer Ranch East is a large-scale planned development in east Sarasota County with approximately 5,700 homes and up to 1.48 million square feet of commercial and office space. Key approvals are expected in 2026.
What is Hi Hat Ranch in Sarasota?
Hi Hat Ranch is the largest planned development in east Sarasota County, covering approximately 10,000 acres with plans for around 13,000 homes. Notably, 55% of the land will remain as preserved open space. Full buildout extends into the 2050s.
Is Lakewood Ranch expanding into Sarasota County?
Yes. Lakewood Ranch Southeast is an approved expansion covering 2,200+ acres with up to 5,000 homes in Sarasota County. First homes are expected around mid-2026.
What is the difference between Hi Hat Ranch and 3H Ranch in Sarasota?
3H Ranch is a 2,727-acre development with 6,576 homes currently under construction with first homes expected mid-2026. Hi Hat Ranch is a much larger 10,000-acre development with approximately 13,000 homes still in approvals, with full buildout into the 2050s.
Which east Sarasota development should I buy in?
It depends on your timeline and goals. Contact Tana Showalter at Rogue Realty for a personalized recommendation — 941-842-0005 or info@rogue-realty.com.
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Tana Showalter Broker/Owner · Rogue Realty
Tana tracks every development, approval, and builder release across east Sarasota so her clients never miss the right window. Whether you're buying your next home or your next investment, she'll help you move at the right time. |
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