Neal Communities' Central Park at Lakewood Ranch Celebrates Its First Birthday - 143 Homes Sold

Bradenton, FL, July 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Central Park at Lakewood Ranch is marking its first birthday with a weekend event celebrating the neighborhood’s success. Community-wide, there are 15 open models and there have been 143 home sales. The community’s developer, Neal Communities, is responsible for 130 of the 143 sales and 11 of the 15 models.

The Lakewood Ranch based builder has won 19 Parade of Homes awards for Central Park in addition to two 2011 Aurora Awards. Central Park won the Aurora and the Grand Aurora for best residential community under 500 acres.

Since opening the community in July 2010, Neal Communities has added larger homes and home sites to Central Park. There are now homes ranging from 1040 to 2911 square feet. Buyers are reacting positively to the changes. In the first quarter of 2011, Central Park was the number one neighborhood in the region based on home starts according to MetroStudy.

“We’re now seeing buyers, who were waiting to see how the market would react, are responding to prices rising and inventory shrinking. They recognize the importance and value of buying now,” observes Neal Communities’ President, Pat Neal.

“People who saw the community when we first opened—and even four months ago--are amazed when they see how we’ve progressed,” says Jonnie Dwyer, area sales manager for Central Park. “They are very pleased with the number of choices in home styles, sizes, and floor plans we now offer. The values are exceptional. As we say, more home, more central, more park, less money.”

To celebrate the one-year milestone, Central Park is hosting a weekend complete with a live radio remote from 106.5 WCTQ, raffle drawings for gift baskets, and light refreshments and provision. The community expects big crowds to visit on the weekend of July 29 to July 31.

Realtors have been active in Central Park and enthusiastically bring clients there to showcase the homes. Howard Serena, of Keller Williams of Manatee, has sold in Central Park and raves: “Neal is an awesome company to work with. Everything is a smooth transition for homebuyers. They take the fear out of new construction for clients.”

Central Park has already hosted several major events. In August 2010, the Lakewood Ranch YMCA held its family day celebration. In November 2010, Central Park was the site for the Paws for the Pink Cause fundraiser, benefiting Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. In March 2011, Neal Communities celebrated its 8000th home buyer. The purchaser was Lauren Acton, who chose the popular Freshwater model in the Brickell Park neighborhood of Central Park. Also in March, the community welcomed military veterans for the Veterans Honor Ceremony, hosted by the American Ideals Foundation.

A nature-friendly neighborhood, Central Park is ideal for people who like to walk, jog, bike or skate. Wide, connected sidewalks make navigating safe and enjoyable. Central Park also features a 10-acre park with a splash fountain, dog parks, a pavilion, tennis courts, a ball field, and an adventure playground. It is conveniently located close to schools, stores, restaurants, offices and the Lakewood Ranch YMCA. Neal Communities, Bruce Williams Homes, Cardel Homes, and Lee Wetherington Homes are all building in Central Park at Lakewood Ranch.

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