Crown Valley Pkwy, California

Any review of Ladera Ranch would not be complete without a plug for the Sarasota neighborhood in the heart of the Oak Knoll Village. That’s where “Candy Cane Lane”, comprised of the streets of Walden, Bramford and Bancroft, lights up at the holiday season. The neighborhood is a worthy multi-year winner of the holiday decoration prize with an almost over-the-top display of lights and figures that leaves no house in the dark.

The festive neighbors extend their collective urge to celebrate well into the other seasons with numerous block parties and spontaneous family activities. Conveniently located just behind the massive Oak Knoll community pool and clubhouse, the neighbors have access to all that the village offers in amenities and family fun.

The neighborhood is within walking distance of the main shopping center that includes a Pavillions and CVS along with numerous specialty stores and services. Restaurant choices include Beachfire, Infusion and Picante and Z Pizza. The Town Center Green, site of concerts and outdoor movies is just on the other side of the shops.

At the other end of the village there is another shopping center with an Albertsons, another CVS and a host of family restaurants including Lamp Post Pizza, Togos, and Taco Mesa. That covers just about everybody’s appetite and shopping needs.

The fabulous Cox Sports Park, with over 14 sports fields, is a regular family meeting spot during the year round sports seasons. The more venturous kids have a whole wilderness park at their doorstep with hiking and biking to last the whole day.