Our first trip to the Sister-in-laws new digs was long anticipated as It has been nearly 2 years since we visited Florida. The invite was for dinner and we entered the gated community around 6PM and it was dark- A clicker to open the gate had been dropped off the day before.
We found the right block and after 5 minutes of driving the sense that we had entered the Matrix was overwhelming. Hundreds of house that looked the same. In the daytime we would see that there were subtle differences. Beige, light beige, dark beige- there is something ominous too many houses that all look the same. Although this was not officially a retirement community few locals have just under $500K to plunk down on a house. [Florida is a land of countless $250,000 and under what i call cinder block ranchers.]. The oldsters were out in force No offense intended as I am one. Dog walkers, walkers, cyclist etc.,
The amenities included 10 ft ceilings, crown moldings, stone counter tops, giant kitchen island, to ceiling cabinets, pool with attached hotub, walk in showers and visually striking stone work. Club house with fully stocked exercise room, tennis courts and a couple of pools. Whats not to like- right? You can get a membership in the golf club for $12,000 to join and a several grand each year thereafter. Members have their own clubhouse. MY BIL loves to golf but does so at public courses.
We sat out in covered portion of the Lanai and watch some football. And had a great meal of Ziti. The next day my brother in law would text me a picture of “his girl” A seven foot gator sunning itself on the shore of the lake behind the house.
1. I generally like gated communities while nothing is perfect you just dont see anyone here that doesnt belong. Garage doors are often left open all day.
2. The artificial lakes are chock full of fish. For a guy who loves to fish..well it helps. This community is about 20 minutes from some awesome gulf beaches.
3. The oldsters are very friendly.. For a guy who spent nearly 50 years in New York it is surprising and frankly a delight.
4. Oldsters are organizers and there are tons of clubs and activities.
5. It is late November and the sliders are open because it is 70 outside — at home in PA it is in the low thirties. I walked the pooch for 20 minutes in my PJs this morning as many do. Note: I did comb my hair as there is no point in scaring anyone. The Gray PA winters wear on me.
6. There is something very artificial about these communities - too scripted perhaps.
A rock farmhouse on 5 Acres in western PA or more south with a tractor, pickup, greenhouse and quad with snow birding for a few months each year or the the Florida Matrix?
As always please feel free to chime in.
We found the right block and after 5 minutes of driving the sense that we had entered the Matrix was overwhelming. Hundreds of house that looked the same. In the daytime we would see that there were subtle differences. Beige, light beige, dark beige- there is something ominous too many houses that all look the same. Although this was not officially a retirement community few locals have just under $500K to plunk down on a house. [Florida is a land of countless $250,000 and under what i call cinder block ranchers.]. The oldsters were out in force No offense intended as I am one. Dog walkers, walkers, cyclist etc.,
The amenities included 10 ft ceilings, crown moldings, stone counter tops, giant kitchen island, to ceiling cabinets, pool with attached hotub, walk in showers and visually striking stone work. Club house with fully stocked exercise room, tennis courts and a couple of pools. Whats not to like- right? You can get a membership in the golf club for $12,000 to join and a several grand each year thereafter. Members have their own clubhouse. MY BIL loves to golf but does so at public courses.
We sat out in covered portion of the Lanai and watch some football. And had a great meal of Ziti. The next day my brother in law would text me a picture of “his girl” A seven foot gator sunning itself on the shore of the lake behind the house.
1. I generally like gated communities while nothing is perfect you just dont see anyone here that doesnt belong. Garage doors are often left open all day.
2. The artificial lakes are chock full of fish. For a guy who loves to fish..well it helps. This community is about 20 minutes from some awesome gulf beaches.
3. The oldsters are very friendly.. For a guy who spent nearly 50 years in New York it is surprising and frankly a delight.
4. Oldsters are organizers and there are tons of clubs and activities.
5. It is late November and the sliders are open because it is 70 outside — at home in PA it is in the low thirties. I walked the pooch for 20 minutes in my PJs this morning as many do. Note: I did comb my hair as there is no point in scaring anyone. The Gray PA winters wear on me.
6. There is something very artificial about these communities - too scripted perhaps.
A rock farmhouse on 5 Acres in western PA or more south with a tractor, pickup, greenhouse and quad with snow birding for a few months each year or the the Florida Matrix?
As always please feel free to chime in.
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At least I get to chat with the ladies....
