Wellen Park ranks No. 8 among fastest-selling master-planned communities nationwide

Wellen Park continues to rank among the fastest-selling master-planned communities in the U.S., earning the No. 8 spot for 2025 in RCLCO Real Estate Advisors’ annual Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities. The ranking, announced Jan. 7, is based on last year’s sales of 992 new homes, representing a 3% increase compared to 2024.

“Wellen Park continues to perform strongly because buyers are connecting with the lifestyle and home choices available throughout the community,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “In 2025, that momentum was driven by the introduction of new neighborhoods, a broad range of home designs, continued growth in Downtown Wellen, and our new healthcare and commercial offerings, along with amenities that align with how residents want to live.”

Sales activity in 2025 was driven in part by the launch of Brightmore, Wellen Park’s first 55+ lifestyle neighborhood, where strong demand reflected buyer interest in an amenity-rich active adult lifestyle, as well as  and the initial phase of Palmera, a neighborhood with more than 1,200 homes that features home plans from five national and regional builders, creating varied streetscapes and a unique and diverse mix of architectural elevations — an aesthetic that strongly resonates with out-of-state buyers seeking character, variety and distinctive neighborhood design.

Wellen Park offers a diverse collection of home products, including paired villas, condos, coach homes, townhomes, and single-family homes ranging from traditional to semi-custom and custom designs. Homes span 1,120 to 5,620 square feet under air and include one- and two-story floor plans with two to five bedrooms. The community attracts move-up buyers, young professionals, families, empty nesters, retirees, seasonal residents and those seeking low-maintenance living, including an active adult 55+ neighborhood.
            “What’s resonating with buyers is the flexibility Wellen Park offers,” said Severance. “They can find a home that fits where they are today, with neighborhoods and plans that also support how they want to live over time.”

New Neighborhoods Coming in 2026

As existing neighborhoods near buildout, Wellen Park will introduce several new enclaves in 2026:

• Ashcombe (sales commencing in January): Townhomes by D.R. Horton
• Esplanade (sales anticipated to begin in April): Luxury single-family homes with resort-inspired amenities by Taylor Morrison
• Madera (sales expected to begin in the fall): A 32-unit townhome community by Simply Dwell, a new to Wellen Park builder
• Westlake (anticipated early winter): Custom homes by Lee Wetherington Homes, ICI Homes, Neal Signature Homes and Homes by WestBay
• Edgewater (coming in late 2026): Thoughtfully designed townhomes by David Weekley Homes, alongside single-family homes by Mattamy Homes, will be designed with a human-scale approach, offering welcoming front porches that create an inviting, outdoor-room atmosphere, while rear-loaded and de-emphasized garages enhance walkability and streetscape appeal.

Additional neighborhood details will be announced as plans are finalized.

 

Parks, Trails and Community Growth

Wellen Park continues to expand its parks, trails and outdoor amenities, reinforcing its commitment to active living, accessibility, and community connection. Several new parks and trails will open in early 2026, including Station Park, a 2-acre playground designed for inclusive, family-friendly play; Fetch Dog Park, a downtown-adjacent, two-acre space supporting pet-friendly lifestyles; and multiple new trail connections such as Oakheart Trail, Greenway Park and Buttonwood Trail, which together enhance walkability, biking access and outdoor recreation throughout the community. With more than 40 miles of connected trails linking neighborhoods to parks, Downtown Wellen and recreational destinations, residents have everyday access to nature and active living.

“Our residents consistently tell us they value access to outdoor spaces,” said Severance. “Our parks and trails are designed to be functional, accessible and seamlessly integrated into daily life — supporting personal wellness while creating natural gathering places that strengthen community connections.”

 

Downtown Wellen and Commercial Expansion

Residential growth continues to drive commercial investment across Wellen Park. The second phase of Downtown Wellen, currently under construction and fully leased, will add 44,000 square feet of new restaurants, retail, wellness services and professional offices, with openings anticipated in spring and summer 2026. Downtown Wellen will also welcome The Wellmar, a 148-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel featuring a rooftop bar, event spaces and lake views, expected to open in 2027.

Benderson Development, one of the largest privately held real estate development companies in the United States with a diversified portfolio that includes retail, office, industrial and mixed-use properties, is further expanding Wellen Park’s commercial footprint with plans for a 500,000-square-foot regional mixed-use destination at the intersection of Tamiami Trail and West Villages Parkway. The walkable development will feature a curated mix of national, regional and local retailers and dining experiences.

 

Health, Education and Year-Round Destinations

Wellen Park’s growth is supported by an expanding network of healthcare services, including a new Millennium Physician Group medical facility, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital’s emergency department and additional medical office projects underway. Educational opportunities span from early learning through continuing education, with a new public high school opening this fall and plans for a future K–8 campus.

Located less than eight miles from several of the area’s most popular Gulf Coast beaches, Wellen Park offers residents convenient access to coastal recreation, further enhancing its appeal to those seeking an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle. The community is also home to CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves’ spring training facility, which serves as a year-round destination for sports, concerts, and community events — rounding out Wellen Park’s vibrant lifestyle offering.