2021 Fall Ideal-LIVING

Newland is the largest private developer of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com

NNP-Bexley, LLC, NASH Stafford, LLC, NNP IV-Cape Fear River, LLC, NNP-Looper Lake, LLC and NASH Nexton, LLC are the individual fee owners (“Owners”) of the Bexley®, Embrey Mill®, Riverlights®, Sterling on the Lake™, and Nexton® respectively (collectively, the “Communities”). This is not an offering of real estate in any jurisdiction where prior qualification is required unless such real estate has been so qualified or exemptions are available. Homes within the Communities are constructed and sold by homebuilders (“Builders”) unaffiliated with Owners, Newland Real Estate Group, LLC (“Newland”) or North America Sekisui House, LLC (“NASH”). Owners, Newland and NASH do not warrant or guarantee the obligations, construction or pricing of Builders who may build and sell homes in the Communities. Buyers should review the purchase agreement, public offering statement, and other offering materials provided by the seller prior to signing any contract to purchase a home. Details on the prospective development are provided for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee that the final development will match the developer’s vision. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Copyright ©2021 NNP-Bexley, LLC, NASH Stafford, LLC, NNP IV-Cape Fear River, LLC, NNP-Looper Lake, LLC and NASH Nexton, LLC. All rights reserved. No reproductions, distribution, or unauthorized transmission of any portion is permitted without written permission of Fee Owner.

Summerville, SC

Named 2021 Community of the Year, Nexton lives like a town — walkable and bikeable to shops and restaurants.

Near Charleston and beaches too.

NEXTON.COM/55

Wendell, NC

In a charming, historic town near Raleigh, this welcoming community meets up at the cafe, saltwater pool and gorgeous open spaces.

WENDELLFALLS.COM/55

Wilmington, NC

Made for water lovers. Play on the Cape Fear River, intercoastal waterways and a 38-acre lake. And there’s a Marina Village community hub for all.

North Stafford, VA

All the wooded beauty of Northern Virginia, with so many ways to be outdoors. On trails, in the community garden or at 15+ parks and playgrounds.

EMBREYMILL.COM/55

RIVERLIGHTSLIVING.COM/55 STERLINGONTHELAKE.COM/55

Resort life, just north of Atlanta. A mix of adventure and relaxation, with lake activities, tennis, pools, huge library and more.

Flowery Branch, GA

Just south of Savannah, this surprising low country community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape. Here, your family can escape from the noise of the world in a place where spontaneous get togethers, outdoor activities, and the influence of water create a new rhythm to life.

Discover

With

Discovery Visit

The center of our waterfront lifestyle is found at the Marina Village, with stunning views of golden marshes, dry slip storage spaces, along with fresh water boat slips for residents. Accessible from every corner of the community via Harbor View Drive, a road with spectacular views of glistening waters, Marina Village is sure to become the heartbeat of Waterways.

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Cottage Homes from the mid 300’s Waterview Homes from the 400’s Estate Homes from the 500’s Townhomes from the mid 200’s

LIVE FLORIDA

NAMED “BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS COMMUNITY” BY IDEAL-LIVING | 20+ UNIQUE VILLAGES TO CHOOSE FROM

Lakewood Ranch offers an incredible variety of homes and villages, all within minutes of our 150-mile trail network, six parks, three town centers, a sports campus, Sarasota Polo Club, a farmers’ market, arts & entertainment and 365 days worth of activities. And just beyond our backyard, you’ll find the white-sand beaches of Sarasota and all the excitement of Tampa. Looking for a 55+ neighborhood? We've got multiple. But we're also a multi-generational community, making it a fun, dynamic place to live.

New homes from the mid $200s

Sunshine

community inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, built on food, fun, music and escapism.

Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet.

Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up. Escape to Latitude Margaritaville.

Latitude

•

• Latitude Town

•

• Changes in Attitude Bar

• Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool

• Tennis and Pickleball Courts

• Barkaritaville Dog Park

• Private Beach Club – Daytona Beach

• Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court

• Best of all, No CDD Fees! Westridge Properties, LLC

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT DAYTONA BEACH ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO COMMUNITIES, LLC. FILE NO. CP17-0092. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL00169 (Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach), OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach, Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed.

FALL 2021

VOLUME 23, NUMBER FOUR

PUBLISHER

RPI Media, LLC.

PRESIDENT

Michael Hackeling

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kelly Godbey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jan Cullinane, Colleen Crowley, Kelly Godbey, Warren Grant, Kim Henry, Fanny Slater, Madison Swart, JG Walker

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kelly Godbey

Ashley Summerlin

Amber Whittington

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Laurie Kent

DATABASE MANAGER

David Heck

IDEAL-LIVING.COM

David Heck, Will Weinel

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Gina Burwell

ADVERTISING SALES

NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, TN, DE,VA,WV, PA, NJ: Daniel Keir | dkeir@ideal-living.com

SC, GA, FL: Fred Warren | fwarren@ideal-living.com

Western U.S. & International: Dana Leyva | dana@ideal-living.com

Sales Coordinator: Laurie Kent

(800) 736-0321 www.rpimedia.com

The real estate projects and services advertised in this magazine constitute advertisements of the owners or their agents. RPI Media, LLC.® makes no representations or warranties concerning such advertisements. Interested parties should direct their inquiries to the appropriate parties listed for information concerning any of these advertisements. The advertisements contained construed as an offer to residents of the states of New York or New Jersey, or where otherwise prohibited by law. Questions on the availability of offers should be directed to the advertiser. Publisher’s notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

Adventure Awaits

With vaccinations available to all who wanted them, the summer of 2021 has brought back a sense of normalcy to many areas, albeit set back a bit by the Delta variant. Many people have stopped wearing masks and started seeing grandchildren, attending sporting events and concerts, and eating inside restaurants once again. Though it may have felt a little strange for some at first (I know that it was for me), another new normal has taken hold. Some people might be heading back into the office at least part of the time as companies have had to shift to accommodate remote working situations. And, this shift has allowed people to be able to work from anywhere. It remains to be seen what the new office atmosphere will be.

One thing we know for sure is that there has been a major shift in priorities since the pandemic began. People are now demanding a work/life balance and realizing that life is too short to spend it working and living in a location that no longer suits their needs. Life is full of endless possibilities, and some have already leaped into the unknown, purchasing new homes in new locations that enable them

to live the life they choose.

The vast number of people relocating in 2020 and 2021 have changed the real estate market. It is unlike what we have seen in the past. And now, there is a whole new way of buying homes today (see Resetting Expectations article on page 62). Although home prices have dramatically increased throughout the entire country and beyond, don’t be discouraged. If you are reading this magazine, you have probably not made a move yet and are exploring your options. The good news is that the fall is a great time to visit properties to find that new life that you want.

And, if you live in the northern New Jersey area or the Washington, D.C. area, you are in luck. The folks at Ideal-LIVING are super excited to bring back our live events this September (see page 44). This is the perfect place to come and see the available options close to home. I’ll even be hosting a live seminar entitled Choosing Your Ideal Place at these events. I hope you will come out and see us. Your adventure awaits, and we can’t wait to help you find your ideal destination, life, and home.

by Kelly Godbey | kellyg@ideal-LIVING.com

live connected

Coming fall 2021, Telaro will bring a unique flavor of 55+ active adult living to the exciting master-planned community of Tradition. Whether you prefer villas or single-family homes, you’ll love our elegant, contemporary home designs. Better yet, you’ll relish the purposeful connectedness of everything here.

With a spacious, thoughtfully designed home as your foundation, you’ll enjoy Tradition’s whole range of inspiring possibilities. Mix fitness, adventure, relaxation and fun in a community that connects it all seamlessly – from T-Trail walks with friends to yoga classes at the Town Square to comedy and concerts at the event lawn. You deserve to live this well!

CLOSE TO EVERYTHING:

Local beaches

Shopping and dining

Outdoor recreation

Year-round entertainment

Educational experiences

BUILT-IN TOWN CENTER:

Convenient shopping

Restaurants and cafes

Community events & classes

Weekly farmers market

Event lawn

AMENITIES GALORE:

20,000 sq. ft. clubhouse

TIM autonomous shuttle

Electric bike share

20-mile mobility trail system

300 acres of parks

Resort-style pools

Poolside cafe and market

Fitness center

Outdoor recreation

Sports courts

Card rooms

Therapy lounge

Demonstration kitchen

Craft rooms

DESTINATION

Many people choose a destination that is familiar to them, like somewhere they have vacationed, while others have an extensive search starting with disovering tax-friendly states. Choose a state, then a region, and narrow down to a city and then a community.

WELCOME NEIGHBORS

Ideal-LIVING welcomes the following communities. Please take the time to visit their websites, and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Ideal-LIVING.

Durham Farms

Hendersonville, TN

Hampton Hall Club

Bluffton, SC

Hampton Hall Club is a private club community that its members own and features upscale amenities in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The featured amenity at Hampton Hall Club is its magnificent centerpiece golf course by acclaimed architect Pete Dye, designer of the nearby Harbour Town Golf Links, among many other famous layouts. Complete golf clubhouse facilities and services are available, plus a year-round schedule of events that include inter-league play on many of the area’s other outstanding private courses.

Located just 20 minutes north of Nashville, the growing Durham Farms residential community offers a relaxing small-town ambiance in the Tennessee countryside with convenient access to city attractions and services.

The Farmhouse is the center of community social life at Durham Farms. The open-design fitness center is well equipped and offers various workout classes. The resort-style pool features lap lanes, a splash pad, and a large deck for lounging in the sun. The Hub is a coffee shop where neighbors gather and make new friends, while the Village Green provides outdoor space for community events. The in-house Lifestyle Director organizes those activities and interest-club meetings in The Farmhouse. From neighborhood parks and playgrounds connected by walking paths to the Bark Park for four-legged residents, the amenities at Durham Farms are designed to bring people together.

The available homes in Durham Farms offer a range of choices by the region’s leading builders for everyone, from downsizing seniors to expanding families. Lennar is currently featuring two-bedroom Estate Villas with openconcept layouts and single-family homes with up to five bedrooms. New luxury villas and townhomes by 360 Communities offer a low-maintenance lifestyle, while Grandview Custom Homes and Pulte Homes are building new customizable residences on oversized lots with up to 4,000 sq. ft. of living space.

DurhamFarmsLiving.com

The Hampton Hall Community Clubhouse is a second hub of social activity, where neighbors can meet to share a meal or participate in various interest clubs. Additional amenities at Hampton Hall Club include a zero-entry lakeside pool with a splash deck, an indoor lap pool, playgrounds, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as bocce, tennis, and pickleball courts.

The beaches and resort amenities of Hilton Head Island are just across the bridge, and the cultural attractions of historic downtown Savannah are less than 30 minutes away. The large homesites at Hampton Hall Club feature golf, water, and woodland views with custom home designs by the region’s top builders. Right outside the gates is the welcoming town of Bluffton with its casual restaurants and unique shops.

HamptonHallClubSC.com

A Community for Those Who Refuse to Slow Down

Life is for living, and you’ll find plenty of living going on in Hot Springs Village – the largest private, gated community in North America. Sitting on 26,000 acres of the scenic Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Village is a place you’ll be proud to call home. Whether you custom-build or move right in, your days can be filled with golfing, boating, hiking, fine dining and so much more. It’s truly a place for you to live your best life!

Telaro

Port St. Lucie, FL

DEL WEBB NAPLES

Ave Maria, FL

Del Webb Naples is an emerging age-55+ community in Ave Maria, one of the most popular destinations in southwest Florida.

Telaro is a new luxury community for age-55+ residents by Mattamy Homes, North America’s largest privately owned homebuilder. Located in Port St. Lucie, Telaro has been designed as a private enclave that’s part of the amenity-rich Tradition master-planned community.

The first model homes are now open, eventually featuring more than 400 single-level residences. The Serenity Collection offers three villa designs with up to 1,880 square feet of living space. Larger homes in the Tranquility Collection feature four single-family floor plans of up to 2,351 square feet. Oasis Collection homes offer four designs that range up to 2,830 square feet with three bedrooms and three baths. All Telaro residences will be built to the highest energy-efficient standards and offer a variety of customizable options.

Telaro residents can enjoy the convenience of their own private 20,000-square-foot community clubhouse, which will feature a fitness center, activity rooms, a café, and a lounge. Also included will be resort-style and lap pools, a poolside bar and market, and sports courts for tennis and pickleball. Telaro homeowners will have direct access to Tradition’s unique T Trail, a 20-mile multimodal network connecting the entire master-planned community with dedicated paths for walking and biking, plus TIM, South Florida’s first autonomous shuttle service. In addition to all of Tradition’s dining, entertainment, shopping, sports, and other lifestyle amenities, Telaro residents will have unrivaled on-site healthcare services at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital.

MattamyHomes.com/Telaro

A national leader for more than 40 years in the building of customizable homes for active adults, Del Webb is offering a total of 18 luxury designs in the new community. Carriage homes and villas are available with up to three bedrooms and 1,868 square feet of living space. Singlefamily homes in the Scenic Series feature two-car garages and covered lanais. Spacious floor plans in the Distinctive and Echelon lines are offered that can range up to 2,800 square feet in size with three to five bedrooms and extras like home-office space and chef’s kitchens. All include the latest energy-saving design features and appliances.

In addition to their private clubhouse with a resort-style pool and meeting spaces, Del Webb Naples residents have access to the upscale amenities in the Ave Maria masterplanned community. Recreational options include two 18hole golf courses, sports courts for tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with state-ofthe-art equipment, a water park, and miles of walking trails. The convenient Ave Maria Town Center features restaurants, markets, shops, salons, and a walk-in medical clinic. In the Naples area, cultural venues like art galleries and performance theaters, Gulf Coast beaches and marinas, and world-class health care facilities are just a short drive away.

DelWebb.com

Community News Update

WATERSIDE PLACE OPENS AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

Lakewood Ranch | Sarasota, FL

Waterside Place, a new Town Center for the master-planned Lakewood Ranch development in Florida’s Sarasota County, is now open. The unique hub of community activity includes 115,000 square feet of commercial space for restaurants, boutiques, spas, and professional services like the Lakewood Ranch Medical Group. The site also features a community park with walking trails, a year-round farmers market, and the future home of the Player’s Centre for Performing Arts. LakewoodRanch.com

HOMEBUILDER DEBUT

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

The Balboa bar and lounge are now open at Hot Springs Village under the management of Brandon and Ashley Kogut. The new gathering place will initially offer a limited food menu and host karaoke on Tuesday and Friday nights. This brings the number of on-site restaurants and lounges to 16 in Hot Springs Village, North America’s largest private gated community. ExploreTheVillage.com

50 YEARS AND GOING STRONG

Eastman I Grantham, NH

New Hampshire’s Eastman community celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding this summer with a week of lively events that included dance parties, tennis and pickleball socials, and a golf-skills competition. The festivities concluded on Lake Appreciation Day with the annual one-mile swim, a residents' regatta, and a wine tasting in the evening.

EastmanNH.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit these amazing locations.

NEW LUXURY GOLF HOMESITES

Brunswick Forest | Leland, NC

Brunswick Forest on the North Carolina coast near Wilmington has announced the release of 94 homesites in the community’s newest luxury development, The Peninsula at Cape Fear National. Some sites are as large as half an acre and all feature water, nature, or golf course views. Custom single-family homes by the region’s leading builders will highlight The Peninsula’s distinctive upscale character. Tour the new homesites and other residential choices during Brunswick Forest’s Fall Coastal Homes Showcases on September 9-12 and October 7-10. Coastal Discovery Visit packages are available that feature choice accommodations, golf for two, and scenic river cruises.

BrunswickForest.com

The Shades of Carolina Colours Suit You

Perfectly

The blues of abundant waters flowing throughout this coastal region of North Carolina. The greens of our Bill Love-designed championship golf course. The many hues of life in a celebrated planned community, situated in New Bern, a town that is at once historical and modern.

It’s a picture perfect lifestyle, spent among friendly neighbors and fun-filled activities, including swimming, tennis, pickleball, a dog park and miles of walking and biking trails. And the convenience is further enhanced with a retail center now open at the community’s entrance. If you’re searching for a retirement community that celebrates the art of living, these are definitely your Colours. Inquire about our Discovery Package and come visit Carolina Colours for yourself.

JIMMY BUFFET MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL

The first homesites have been released for sale at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound on northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. The initial phase of the new Watersound community will include about 3,500 new homes, plus a variety of amenities that include a Latitude Town Square, a Fins Up! Fitness Center, and a Latitude Bar & Chill restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, whose laid-back lifestyle is the inspiration for the Margaritaville communities, participated in a streamed virtual drawing event for the initial homesites.

Buffett also made a surprise in-person appearance at the Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head community in South Carolina. After touring the model home park, he gave an impromptu 45-minute concert on the steps of the Paradise Pool’s Tiki Island to the delight of more than 150 community residents.

LatitudeMargaritaville.com

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There has never been a better time

W o r l d - C l a s s A m e n i t i e s | D e s i g n e r H o m e s | I d e a l L o c a t i o n | R e l a x e d L i f e s t y l e

A Costa Rican Adventure Fit for All

by Madison Swart

Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of lush landscapes, dozens of crystal blue pools, and a spectacular volcano towering over 5,400 feet. No, this isn’t a dream. It’s the Springs Resort and Spa just outside of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, a destination so luxurious that you might have seen it on The Bachelor or Keeping Up With the Kardashians. This 165-acre location is paradise for both adventure seekers and spa enthusiasts alike, with a range of activities that could delight just about anyone. And, if the volcano causes any concern, the property is close enough to appreciate its majesty, but enough inside the safety zone to quell any notions of danger.

Relaxation Destination

If rejuvenation is on your agenda, this place is your ideal destination. To start, there are 28 pools and springs on the property, each with varying features including waterfalls and slides. One even has a swim-up bar. And, the water in each of the pools sits comfortably between 83F and 104F. The 14,000-square-foot spa facility is also a huge draw to the resort, catering to your every whim. Facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and wraps are all on the menu. Plus, there’s a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge where guests can wait for their appointments. There is something about the use of local botanicals and volcanic clay in their treatments that makes you feel connected to the earth around you.

Taste of The Springs

Additionally, you don’t need to go far for some amazing eats. In fact, you don’t have to leave the property at all. The resort is home to five restaurants, including a cafe and a sushi bar. But, the crown jewel of the eateries at The Springs has to be the reservation-only Las Ventanas, which boasts a sommelier, breathtaking sights, and local ingredients that combine to make an unforgettable experience.

Fun for the Whole Family

Wanting to bring the whole family along? The Springs Resort has been consistently rated among the top hotels for families in Costa Rica and Central America, and it’s easy to see why. There’s no shortage of activities—the resort itself houses both a kids’ club and a putt-putt course for the younger ones. The Club Rio Adventure offers an array of adventures only a short shuttle ride away. River tubing and kayaking take you through both calm pools and exciting rapids. Horseback riding takes you over the river, through the forest, and onto lush meadows on a scenic trail. Rock climbing and rappelling are available for both skilled climbers and total beginners with multiple courses available. Plus, Club Rio Adventure also has opportunities for fishing and birdwatching if remaining on the ground is more your speed.

The Wild Side

The Springs Resort is also known for its incredible animal sanctuary, with over 100 rescued animals, including pumas, ocelots, toucans, sloths, turtles, and a kinkajou, just to name a few. The sanctuary is home to both injured and previously captured animals, in accordance with the Costa Rican Environmental Ministry, and these animals are well taken care of with biologists and veterinarians on staff, as well as, specialized diets. For example, Jenny the kinkajou enjoys fruit smoothies daily. Nature tours head out on the hour throughout the day, and wildcat feedings occur every afternoon. The tours are also focused on showing the connection between humans and our natural surroundings. This journey through nature is one that you won’t want to miss.

Stay a While

Costa Rica doesn’t just have to be a oneoff holiday; nearby Arenal Hills makes a permanent vacation an enticing option. In the shadow of the Arenal Volcano lies this vibrant up-and-coming community with sustainability built into its vision. Homes are designed with local hardwoods, and golf carts replace cars as the primary mode of transportation, keeping asphalt roads to a minimum. Coming soon will be Club Vida, a new amenity center where homeowners can feel free to relax by the pool, enjoy a game of pickleball, or share a meal at the restaurant, plus an on-site concierge will be

transport you within a half hour, plus your VIP membership grants you access to the fitness facilities, pools, springs, etc.

La Fortuna

around to help fulfill your needs. Additionally, an equestrian center is being added to make all of your horseback riding dreams come true. Not only do you get spectacular views and a slew of amenities on the property, but as a property owner, you have access to The Springs Resort whenever you desire to go. A complimentary shuttle can

The nearby town of La Fortuna brings a sense of enchantment to all of its visitors. There is a centrally located park and shops that offer unique local goods. Farmers markets bring incomparable local produce, meat, and fish, and local restaurants serve up some incredible cuisine. And, it’s easy to learn about the area with tours that highlight the local foods, chocolate and coffee production, and the history and geology of the volcano. They feature incredible local guides, so you’re supporting small businesses. Plus, the La Fortuna waterfall is only a short hike away. It seems like incredible views are around every corner.

From river rapids and horseback riding to springs and spas, this place has something for everyone. All this to say, whether you’re planning your next vacation or your next move, visiting Costa Rica could be the best decision you’ve ever made. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.

Costa Rica doesn’t just have to be a one-off holiday.

Freshwater Golf

Savannah Lakes Village features 36 unrivaled holes

by JG Walker

South Carolina is famous for its waterfront golf destinations on the Atlantic coast, like Kiawah’s Ocean Course and Sea Pines’ Harbour Town Links. But a three-hour drive inland through the countryside takes you to the state’s “Freshwater Coast” and a pair of lakeside gems named Tara and Monticello.

Savannah Lakes Village (SLV) is a 4,300-acre master-planned community on the shores of South Carolina’s Lake Thurmond. It’s one of America’s largest man-made lakes, with over 1,200 miles of shoreline. Only 150 miles have been zoned for development, however, and 25 of those miles are within the SLV master plan. In that idyllic and unspoiled setting where bald eagles nest in tall trees on the water’s edge, renowned architect Tom Clark designed the community’s Tara and Monticello golf courses.

Matt Wooldridge is the Director of Amenity Services at Savannah Lakes Village. “Our golf courses are very mature for relatively young courses, and the two layouts are quite different,” he says. “Tara has more up-and-down elevation changes with large doglegs on the par fives. The Tara Clubhouse is perched above the 9th and 18th holes, which creates a signature finish on the huge double green that they share, one of several unique features that make the course so special. Monticello’s signature waterfront holes of No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 along Lake Thurmond are some of the most scenic holes in the United States. Not only is the whole course extremely picturesque, but the gradual slopes on the fairways and greens towards the water add to the playing challenge.”

SLV’s developers, Robert Bradley and Jim Walsh, both relocated to the community from Boston. “I can assure you that these courses would truly be ‘destination courses’ anywhere in New England, and I would put Monticello on anyone’s ‘bucket list,’” says Bradley. “Besides being able to play them 12 months a year, we have zero initiation

fees, whereas you’d pay over $100,000 in New England for this caliber of golf. There are no expensive annual dues, monthly dining room minimums, or special assessments, and our members never have a problem getting a tee time.”

“Both of our courses, as well as the community’s common areas and other amenities, are owned by the members,” Walsh adds. “The golf courses have always been meticulously maintained over the years by the wellestablished and financially sound Savannah Lakes Village Property Owners Association.”

SLV’s Director of Golf Maintenance Bob McIntosh shares the accolades for the superb quality of play on Tara and Monticello. “Bob has been in charge of our golf course conditions for 15 years, and there’s no substitute for that kind of knowledge and experience,” Wooldridge says. “He and his staff do an

As an avid golfer who has played all across the United States, I have never experienced layouts like the Tara and Monticello golf courses. The numerous topography changes at Tara are complemented by the natural terrain of the area, and the water views and ambiance of the Monticello course around Lake Thurmond are simply unmatched. The staff here is warm and welcoming, and I can definitely see myself playing these courses for the rest of my life. This is truly golf at its finest.”

outstanding job on everything from routine daily maintenance to specific course enhancements based on member feedback.”

Both of the SLV courses measure more than 7,000 yards in total length, offering a worthy challenge for low-handicap golfers, but six sets of thoughtfully placed tee boxes lessen the difficulty and make them enjoyable for players of all skill levels. “We have very active men’s and women’s 18-hole groups, plus a number of different nine-hole groups that seem to grow every month,” says Wooldridge. “We also have a full schedule of member-guest tournaments and other special golf events. Our Sunday couples events often have more than 100 players.”

Wooldridge credits SLV’s head golf professional Gareth Edwards with enhancing member enthusiasm, while also increasing participation with his innovative Golf 101 program: “Gareth and his staff have really championed the 101 program and, with more than 400 new members at Savannah Lakes Village in the past 18 months, it’s been a great way for non-golfers and spouses to

Dave Skidmore, Savannah Lakes Village resident and 2018 SLV Club Champion

get involved. We’re running it every week now and plan to continue it indefinitely.

“We offer several flexible annual golf plans for those who want to play more often,” he says, “or they can choose a pay-to-play method with greens fees that average about $25 per round, cart included. Either way, it’s a great deal for our members, especially given the quality of our courses.”

He notes that adding to that value is SLV’s unofficial “third course” at nearby Hickory Knob State Park, which features its own 18-hole lakeside layout that’s one of South Carolina’s best public golf courses.

We also have four clay tennis courts, six pickleball courts, walking and biking paths, a disc golf course, a bowling alley, bocce ball, outdoor pools, and a 25-meter indoor pool that’s been recently remodeled. Our clubhouses host a year-round calendar of social events, and we have more than 60 social and activity clubs for just about everything from wine tastings to water aerobics. And let’s not forget about the lake and the community docks. Our kayakers have hundreds of coves to explore, and our boaters enjoy some of the best freshwater fishing in this part of the country.”

SLV residents also have convenient access to more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the 63,000 acres of state parks and national forest that surround the community. Shopping and professional services are available in the nearby town of McCormick, as well as the cities of Greenwood, SC, and Augusta, GA, both of which are about 30 minutes away.

It’s not all about golf

Along with the Tara and Monticello courses and their respective full-service clubhouse facilities, Wooldridge oversees the operation of the other amenities at Savannah Lakes Village. “Our goal here has been to make the tagline ‘Something for Everyone’ a reality,” he says. “We have a complete fitness center, with an array of equipment and classes, and we’re looking to expand those facilities as demand increases.

“At Savannah Lakes Village,” Wooldridge concludes, “we have our own version of that famous line from the movie Field of Dreams We believe that if we build it—and provide quality and value—then ‘they will come.’ And come they have in recent years. Our growth has been unprecedented, and with growth means more vibrant participation. This is a very special time to be a member at Savannah Lakes Village.”

To learn more about Savannah Lakes Village and the community’s spectacular golf courses, schedule a Discovery Tour to play them for yourself, go to SavannahLakes Village.com.

At Shell Point ® , you’ll enjoy a relaxed Southwest Florida lifestyle just minutes from Sanibel and Captiva Islands that includes boating, golf, beaches, the arts, concerts, dining, events and so much more. And, as Florida’s largest continuing care retirement community, you can rest assured your long-term health care needs will be taken care of – both now and in the future. Learn more today!

The Resurgence of Golf

The Pandemic Increased Traffic on the Fairways

by Warren Grant

There are roughly 47 billion blades of grass on an average-sized, 150-acre golf course, give or take a couple billion. And with an estimated 16,000+ golf courses in the United States, well, that’s a lot of blades that need sun, water, NPK, mowing, aerating and protection from both chinch bugs and your brother-in-law’s ginormous divots.

Seabrook Island, SC

There was a lot of care and feeding of grass blades in the 90s and early/mid 2000s, when the first Baby Boomers were entering pre-retirement age and the golf industry experts aggressively predicted that the United States needed to build one golf course a day to meet the expected demand of all that fresh leisure time and lost golf balls.

Long story short, the experts were sadly wrong. There just wasn’t the demand to justify all that new beautiful grass. And on Monday, September 29, 2008, the demand dramatically ebbed even further, with annual rounds dropping by the millions the first two years of the great recession.

For the next decade, the lush fairways of the United States were sorely underutilized and even written off by cynical pundits at national publications. That is until all that beautiful grass was called on to save the country’s sanity as the year 2020 dawned bleak and isolating.

It was golf, with its wide-open spaces and plenty of room to socially distance, pull a cart, walk with a carry bag, or ride single in a golf cart, that became one of the very few outlets where people could get out of the house for a precious four hours of fresh air and exercise and to feel whole.

The results for golf growth in 2020 were astounding, and that tailwind is pushing up rounds this year, as well. According to the National Golf Foundation, there were roughly 502 million rounds of golf played across the United States in 2020. That number reflects an increase of 14% compared to 2019 — an even more remarkable stat given half of the country’s courses were temporarily closed in March and April due to the coronavirus, causing a loss of 20 million spring rounds.

Additionally, the number of people who played on a golf course for the first time in 2020 soared to three million, a 50% increase over the previous seven years, when an average of two million beginners picked up the game per year.

Here’s a look at how three national-class golf communities exemplify the resurgence of golf in the United States.

The results for golf growth in 2020 were astounding, and that tailwind is pushing up rounds this year, as well.

Red Ledges, UT

Lowcountry Resurgence at Callawassie Island

There is a half-mile-long ribbon of road that connects the mainland of the South Carolina Lowcountry to Callawassie Island, a sensual swirl of 880-acres tucked between Hilton Head Island and the coastal town of Beaufort, and fully wrapped by what Jacques Cousteau once called, ‘the most beautiful and fertile collection of salt marshes in the world.’

The ribbon of road would have been highly sought after by a medieval king who could limit the breadth of marauders that could attack his island castle. Of course, if marauders blocked the road out, they could lay siege to the island, which in effect was what COVID-19 did during shelter in place.

According to head golf professional Wes Grantham, PGA, golf eased the siege in 2020, and it is thriving today as a result.

Grantham shares, “What I think golf did during the pandemic was to open the door to people who had left the game for myriad other pursuits, hobbies, our 60 social clubs, grandchildren, traveling.”

All told, Callawassie’s three stunning nine-hole courses, designed by Tom Fazio, played around 30,000 rounds in 2018. In 2020, that number rocketed to 39,000 rounds, a remarkable 30 percent increase. And the community is on track to equal that level this year.

“A lot of our club members came back to the game last year,” adds Grantham. “We know that because people would show up with their 10- to 15-year-old clubs and want to buy a new set in the golf shop. We also sold 80 pushcarts in 2020 to meet the massive increase in people wanting to walk the courses.”

Callawassie Island exudes a gentile coastal charm and a profound dedication to environmental preservation. It was the first community recognized as a Wildlife Habitat in the state, and Callawassie’s 27 holes of golf gained status as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2017.

Amenities abound, including both fine and informal dining, a fitness center, a River Club with a swimming pool and glorious long-range views of the pristine Colleton River ecosystem, plus an inviting clubhouse for festive community gatherings. Callawassie Island’s racquet sports pavilion offers six Har-Tru tennis courts and four brand new, lighted pickleball courts.

Oceanfront Resurgence at Seabrook Island

Head Golf Professional Brian Thelan, PGA, has but to walk a few paces from his office to be refreshed by the benevolent breezes coming off the Atlantic that wash across the gorgeous new oceanfront clubhouse and the crescent shaped shoreline of Seabrook Island, a private, gated community tucked neatly on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina just south of Charleston.

Thelan joined Seabrook in 2006, the same year a comprehensive, years-long “Horizon Plan” was initiated to refresh and/or replace the aging amenities originally designed largely for seasonal golf and beach resort guests. The plan was to bring the level of all of the facilities—infrastructure, beach house, equestrian, tennis, restaurants, the two golf courses, and countless other amenities—up to a nationalclass level, while gracefully transitioning the community from a resort destination into a private club to be owned and managed by the residents and club members.

Seabrook Island was actually the first in South Carolina, and 75th in the world, to receive the recognition as a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses. Seabrook is also one of the world’s only Audubon International Certified Sustainable Communities.

The benevolent breezes turned into a daunting headwind when the great recession blew in like a gale. But, as Thelan puts it, “Seabrook Island persevered through those lean years, continued execution of the Horizon Plan, and came out on the other side with all beautiful new facilities.”

In each of 2018 and 2019, Seabrook’s two golf courses, Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks, combined to play around 45,000 annual rounds. A major component of the Club’s Master Plan was to renovate Ocean Winds, built in 1973. Through all of 2019, Thelan meticulously planned for the Rees Jones enhancement of the course scheduled for April to October of 2020. Not great timing!

Here comes the surge! While following every conceivable pandemic protocol, the renovation of Ocean Winds went off without a hitch. So, how in the world did Seabrook Island, during the height of the shutdown, play 59,000 rounds in 2020 when one of their two courses was closed for six months?

Turns out, Seabrook had 110 stalwart golf carts charging up under the clubhouse, 55 designated for each course. Well, when the CDC/USGA mandated one person per golf cart, that requirement was a cinch for Seabrook … with Ocean Winds closed. They had double golf cart capacity right on site.

Says Thelan, “That number of rounds would never have been possible without the outside staff tirelessly turning golf carts, the golf shop magically managing tee times, and the maintenance crews keeping the course beautifully conditioned for that large of an increase in play. We also benefitted from the sandy island soil, which quickly drains heavy rains, meaning we rarely needed to close or require cart path only guidelines.”

With both courses open all of 2021, Seabrook Island expects to closely match the 59,000 round mark for the whole year. There also may be plans for Rees Jones to renovate his second course at Seabrook, the Crooked Oaks course designed by his venerable father, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

High Country Resurgence at Red Ledges Club

Roughly 1,800 miles northwest of Seabrook and Callawassie, and a grand 6,000 feet higher in elevation, is Red Ledges Club, an elegant 2,000-acre private mountain community that rambles across a high valley floor, through almost 1,000 feet of elevation change, past rust-colored rock outcroppings and boulders, all framed by the striking Wasatch Mountains just minutes south of Park City, UT.

Like several other upscale destinations in the mountain west, Red Ledges has enjoyed steady growth in real estate sales and, by extension, rounds of golf played over the past decade. Yet still, there has been an extra surge in golf played at the community through and coming out of the pandemic. In fact, the 2020 Census ranked Utah as the fastest-growing state in population at 18.4% from 2011 to 2020.

While Red Ledges is less than half an hour from the posh ski resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, its elevation is 1,000 feet lower, hence the temperature is a bit warmer. So, in March of 2020, with the ski resorts COVID-19-closed and an unusually light winter snowfall leaving the community’s stunning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course the color of green instead of white, the demand for golf at the community was eagerly met earlier in the year than normal.

“We experienced a 35% increase in golf rounds in 2020, and we’re ahead of that pace so far in 2021." According to Red Ledges’ general manager, John Johnson, "Residents who used to play once or twice a week are playing once or twice a day. We’re also seeing a broader resurgence in the American outdoor lifestyle as people are creating new habits, learning to fly fish, mountain bike, swim, snow ski, and play golf.”

In addition to the championship 18 at Red Ledges, there’s also a unique, familyfriendly, 12-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Park, where the short-ish golf holes share space with parkland for dog walkers, picnics, baby strollers, and Frisbee and soccer players (kind of reminiscent of St. Andrews in Scotland on a Sunday when the course turns into common area for locals). One community resident walks out his back door and onto the Golf Park barefoot, carrying a wedge and a putter, trusty dog off-leash running ahead. He plays a few holes and heads back home. Sounds idyllic!

NPK

So, did you know, or have you looked up what NPK is?

It’s nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The nutrients that make grass blades healthy and resilient. The billions of grass blades that remarkably have and continue to help make us healthy and resilient.

Red Ledges gracefully integrates its luxury cottages, mountain villas, club cabins, and custom homes into the valley terrain with a “mountain modern” aesthetic defined by the founder’s vision of designing with nature. Residences are meant to blend with the surroundings and situated to maximize views of the Wasatch Mountains and bountiful amenities.

Family fun can be found at the Red Ledges Village Center, complete with a resortstyle swimming pool, water slide, lap lanes, and casual poolside dining. The clubhouse features a fitness center, tennis club, fire pit, and fine dining in the Juniper Grill. Worldclass sports instruction is available at the community’s Jim McLean Golf School and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School.

*TM LiveWell™ features are subject to availability for new purchase agreements and based on region, community and specific plans. Products may be changed for comparable or newly improved replacements or additions and may not be available in a limited number of completed homes. Details available. Nothing contained herein or in any related materials regarding the TM LiveWell™ included features as of a buyer’s Purchase Agreement Date is a guaranteed commitment on performance results and health benefits or independently verified and remain subject to change daily without notice by third party suppliers outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, brands, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options depending on stage of construction. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Internet Home Consultant for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers and complete licensing details per jurisdiction. For our Age Qualified Communities only: At least one resident of household must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details. © February 2021, Taylor Morrison, Inc. (“TM”). The TM LiveWell™ registered and unregistered marks are owned by TM. All rights reserved. ILM 02/18/21 3281

When Opportunity Strikes…

This could be the best time to sell your home

By Colleen Crowley

Political strife, natural disasters, a global pandemic: 2020 is one year you’ll probably never want to relive. The last 18 months have certainly been difficult, and some people would even call them a total bust, fraught with uncertainty, illness, and financial challenges. Perhaps the only people who came out of it all better off than before are those who took this time to sell their homes.

Moving houses during a pandemic may seem inadvisable, but with real estate appreciation at an all-time high, the financial reward for sellers in the last year was substantial. According to Case Shiller Indices, as of May 2021, the national appreciation rate is 2.14% month over month since May 2020, and 16.61% year over year. That’s a substantial increase from the 9% year-over-year appreciation seen in 2019.

Additionally, roughly half of all U.S. houses are selling above their asking prices, according to the Associated Press. Before the pandemic, only about 25% sold above asking.

Not only are buyers overpaying, but they’re also moving on properties extremely quickly. A recent press release from the National Association of Realtors said that “properties typically remained on the market for 17 days in June [2021]…down from 24 days in June 2020.” In fact, “89% of homes sold in June 2021 were on the market for less than a month.”

erbated when the pandemic impacted the labor pool and slowed down production and delivery of building supplies. Additionally, there has been a decreased supply of preexisting homes in the last year, since many homeowners are reluctant to show their homes to potential buyers during the pandemic, for fear of COVID-19 spread.

Then in March 2020, when the Federal Reserve reacted to the pandemic by dropping the short-term Federal Fund interest rate, mortgage rates hit a historic low. Today, a 30-year fixedrate mortgage is averaging at a 3.256% rate, allowing potential buyers to consider a home they could never have afforded just a few years ago.

So why is the market so hot right now? To put it simply, it’s a perfect blend of short supply, high demand, and low mortgage rates.

Prior to 2020, there was already a shortage of new-home construction. This was only exac-

And finally, when lockdown kicked in, we were forced to become a bit too familiar with our own homes. As bedrooms and kitchen tables became makeshift classrooms and offices, homeowners longed for physical boundaries to separate their home and work-from-home lives. And with gyms closed and after school sports suspended, grown-ups and kids alike needed space to let go of some of that stir-crazy energy. In response, the market saw an exodus from urban centers, and the demand for suburban houses with backyards, home offices, and access to the outdoors skyrocketed.

roughly 50% of all U.S. houses are selling above their asking prices

New York Tri-State Area

New York City’s Tri-State area offers buyers just that; more floor space while remaining closely linked to the city. However, it comes at a high price. Between June 2020 and June 2021, the historically expensive Bergen County and Essex County in northern New Jersey saw the median home sales price climb to $655K and $605K, an increase of 20.4% and 16.3%, respectively. Buyers with thinner wallets looked further afield to Sussex County, where the median sales price in June 2021 was $365K, a staggering year-over-year increase of 37.7%.

And in Connecticut, almost half of all homes are selling for over asking price. That’s an impressive statistic, considering the median home in lower Fairfield County, the main “bedroom community,” goes for $811K.

Washington, D.C. Area

230 miles south of New York City is Washington, D.C., another top-tier city that attracts people of all age groups and nationalities. The “DMV,” a local term short for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, has a thriving arts and restaurant culture, and the real estate market is just as action-packed as the city itself.

In D.C.-proper, the median price of a house, row house, or condo that sold in June 2021 was $700K, the highest median selling price for the District on record, according to WTOP. In June 2021, Montgomery County (Maryland) singlefamily home prices were up 18.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $893K. On average, homes in Montgomery County sold after nine days on the market compared to 34 days last year.

Across the Potomac in Northern Virginia, the average home prices rose 14.6% from June 2020 to June 2021, according to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. Sales have gone up 48.4% in the last year, and the average home sells for just over $740K.

Mid-West Area

Turning an eye to the Midwest, the market is also highly competitive in the nine counties surrounding Chicago. According to Illinois Realtors, there were 10,078 homes sold in June 2020 in the Chicago Metro area, and those properties were on the market for an average of 43 days. In June 2021, there were 15,402 homes sold, and those only spent an average of 22 days on the market. The median sale price in the area has increased by over 20% in a single year to $319K, and inventory is short; down from over 31,000 homes for sale last June to about 20,000 homes available in June 2021.

Sellers in these desirable markets might be surprised by the age of prospective buyers, as increasing numbers of Millennials begin to enter the real estate game. Now that working from home is normalized, young people are ditching the city and moving to the suburbs. The oldest Millennials are turning 40, have young families and a well-established career, and are likely hoping to “level up” when it comes to their home. After years of renting or settling for less-than-ideal locations to cut costs, wealthier older Millennials are looking for their dream homes and are willing to pay for them.

In fact, first-time homebuyers in 2021 are more likely to pay a full 20% down payment than they were last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. The 2008 recession especially impacted older Millennials, and now that they finally have the resources to buy instead of rent, they are anxious to make the next move.

The facts are all there: it’s a seller’s market. Year-over-year appreciation is well into the double digits in many regions, and even then, buyers are happily paying over asking price to close on a new home quickly. Although more homes will come on the market as the pandemic eases, prices will stay high. So, if you’ve been considering selling your home, now is your chance.

Patience, Please Resetting Expectations for Purchasing Homes in Today’s Market

by Kelly Godbey

Kingfish Bay on the Calabash River in Coastal North Carolina

You’ve heard it everywhere on the news — skyrocketing home prices and not enough homes on the market. What you may not have heard is how it affects master-planned communities. As editor of Ideal-Living magazine for over 20 years, I have never seen anything like this before. Demand has far surpassed supply in today’s market. So, how did we get here, and what can you expect as you are looking for your ideal home today? We’ve interviewed four of the leading experts in master-planned communities from each of the following — a smaller, newer development in one of the most popular destinations; an established 50-year-old resale-driven community in Georgia; one of the most prominent builders in Florida; and the #1 selling master-planned community in the United States. You can skip ahead and read what they have to say or read on here for a little more perspective.

How did we get here?

First, let’s start with acknowledging that the same thing is happening all over the country and the world. This boom is of epic proportions and like nothing before. Many of you remember the real estate boom that contributed to the great recession. Banks gave money to anyone with a pulse in that market, and investors were buying and flipping houses for a quick profit until the country was left holding the bag. Let me stress, that is not the case today. Although 87% of homebuyers finance their home purchase (that percent lessens with age), loans are now very well documented.

As we all know, it was near impossible to predict a global pandemic that shifts the mindset of people everywhere. People began to work from home and question what they wanted out of life. With so many people working from home, it allowed people to work from anywhere. There was a mass exodus from the cities, and people craved space and a new work/life balance. Many people even chose to retire a bit earlier than they would have initially.

As the frenzy began, builders and developers quickly sold their inventory. The demand frantically outpaced supply and caused bidding wars over properties. People were purchasing homes sight unseen and without home inspections. In addition, millennials were entering the real estate market for the first time. Multigenerational planned communities have also seen a surge in younger buyers, in addition to retirees. Millennial buyers from ages 22 to 40 make up the largest share of homebuyers at 37%, while baby boomers make up the largest share of home sellers at 43%.

In addition to increased demand came supply chain issues. Although lumber prices have

since decreased somewhat, they had increased by almost 300%. The same supply crunch came in all forms from gasoline, to labor, to air conditioners, you name it, and the demand outpaced supply. Thankfully, we are seeing it start to mitigate.

Will This Market Last?

While the frenzy appears to have abated, demand is still extremely high, and inventory levels struggle to keep pace. As a nation, we have experienced 112 straight months of yearover-year gains. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price (that’s half selling over and half selling under) in June rose to $363,300. That’s up 23.4% over the June 2020 median of $294,400.

According to Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s chief economist, “At a broad level, home prices are in no danger of a decline due to tight inventory conditions, but I do expect prices to appreciate at a slower pace by the end of the year,” Yun said. “Ideally, the costs for a home would rise roughly in line with income growth, which is likely to happen in 2022 as more listings and new construction become available.”

No one can predict the future, but it would appear that the real estate market will remain strong, and that as inventory increases, pricing should stabilize. The demand for planned amenity communities will remain strong.

The median price in June rose to $363,300 that's up 23.4% over the June 2020 median of $294,400.

Wilmington, NC — One of the hottest markets in the U.S.

Homebuying Advice from River Bluffs, A Planned Community in Wilmington, NC

You wake up and walk over to the general store for a cup of freshly roasted coffee and a chat with neighbors, followed by a walk on the half-mile riverwalk on the Northeast Cape Fear River in the morning. Next, you decide to take your boat down the river to the historic city of Wilmington for lunch. Life in River Bluffs in the ever-popular Wilmington, NC, is what many people dream of living. So many, in fact, that River Bluffs struggles to maintain inventory due to increased demand.

According to John Lennon, River Bluffs’ Director of Operations, "What we see are that people are acquiring their homesite, choosing a builder from our approved builder list, then building a custom home that they like.

“The reality is that we are seeing a seller's market. That does not mean that it is not a good time to buy. It just means that buyers need to spend time educating themselves before they come down and spend time going through communities. They need to arrive at the community in decision-making mode. For example, several times this year, a couple has

come down and made two to three visits, then decides on a homesite, but then they go back home to think about it some more. And, the homesite ends up getting sold before they make their final decision."

From January through July of 2021, River Bluffs has doubled the number of sales they had in 2020, and that was a record-setting year. The entry price for a cottage home in River Bluffs is now $380,000, while the average single-family home under construction is $684,000. During the past year, there has been an 8% price increase for homes. The builders have had several price increases due to industry supply constraints.

River Bluffs, Wilmington, NC

John says, "We will have people come in, and the husband will say, 'That was $X last year, and now it's $Y.' But then the wife will say, 'Yes, dear, but we sold our house for $150,000 more than we thought.' What's happening in your corner of the world, it's happening everywhere else."

He says that, traditionally, on average, people visit three times before purchasing. First, they choose the community, then what kind of house and decide on a builder, then decide on the homesite.

John cautions that in today's market; it's important to visit ready to purchase. "If you decide to come to visit, and you decide that a community is right for you, buy your homesite. We don't take it off the market until we get a check and a contract. Set appointments in advance of your visit to set aside the time to make sure this is the community for you. If you decide this is the community for you, come back on a Friday night and talk with the people in the community; many of these folks have been through what you are going through. If you think you want to spend three days visiting, plan on spending five to seven days.

"There are some who still come here and are still searching for the area where they want to live. The disadvantage is that the market is passing them by."

The reality is that we are seeing a seller's market. That does not mean that it is not a good time to buy. It just means that buyers need to spend time educating themselves before they come down and spend time going through communities. They need to arrive at the community in decision-making mode.”

“

John Lennon, Director of Operations, River Bluffs, Wilmington, NC

River Bluffs, Wilmington, NC

The #1 Selling Planned Community in the U.S.

According to the mid-year report on sales in masterplanned communities by RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, Lakewood Ranch in the Sarasota, FL, area was the top-selling community in 2021 with an 83% increase in sales over 2020. And, it’s no wonder that people of all ages fall in love with Lakewood Ranch. It’s a destination unto itself, an incorporated town with 32 villages within the property, each with its own style. It’s filled with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, nature, and recreation, all wrapped up in a healthy lifestyle.

Lakewood Ranch's Senior Vice President, Laura Cole, spoke with ideal-LIVING about the wild ride of 2020-21. “No one would have guessed that in March 2020 we would have a pandemic and then bounce back so fast.”

Three Waves of Buyers

Laura saw the increased sales in three waves. The first wave was a frenzy in the early stages of the pandemic, where both retirees and young families were just ready to get out of where they were. In the next wave of buyers, others decided to move, but were frustrated because they were facing a lot of constraints, including increased pricing, inventory issues, and construction delays. Laura said, “That is starting to work itself out, and people recognize the environment that we are now in. We are starting to see a little bit of leveling off. The consumer is starting to take the buying process in stride. They may not have the homesite or home available to them immediately, so they may decide to rent until they can find their ideal home or perfect homesite in Lakewood Ranch.”

Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, FL

“And now we are seeing long horizon buyers who are just starting their search trying to get a sense of what will be there in the next few years.”

Real Estate Values

“Some people had suspended their home search during the pandemic, and they are now starting to contact us again. They now have sticker shock because they were looking before the pandemic. The average price point in Lakewood Ranch rose 16% between June 2020 and June 2021. The average luxury market price above $800,000 is up 34%.

“We are empathetic to what people are going through. Some of them have been searching for a while, and they knew which village they wanted. They had decided on Lakewood Ranch and now they have been priced out. It is very frustrating to now have the elevated pricing. I encourage everyone just to be patient. Do your research. Go in with whatever risk tolerance you have, and don’t get discouraged.

“I don’t think we really know exactly how this is going to play out. There are still a lot of unknowns in the world today. I feel like things will level out, and it looks like mortgage rates are going to stay low. This is the most interesting time I have seen.”

The New Culture of Renting in a Master-Planned Community

“We think that there will be people looking to rent while they build, but we also believe there will be a segment of the market that wants a rental product without the burden of homeownership. It gives them flexibility. About 17% of our total residential housing stock is rental. Of that, 20% is now either developed or planned for single-family rentals.”

Always Something New at Lakewood Ranch

The newest development at Lakewood Ranch, Waterplace, might just be their legacy piece. Laura says, “Waterplace is our baby. We are very excited. It’s a new town center experience with all sorts of amenities that will open by the end of year. We have a lot coming out of the ground there. Five hundred and seventy-five rental units surrounding the town center are at full occupancy. About 600 homes are in the ground now. The next phase is introducing new neighborhoods including workforce housing to luxury homes on the waterfront.”

Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, FL

Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, FL

Established Coastal Georgia Planned Community Sees Phenomenal Sales in 2021

Just 20 minutes from historic Savannah, GA, sits an idyllic 4,400-acre island community with every amenity you can think of and more. For nearly 50 years, The Landings has welcomed families and retirees to enjoy its idyllic lifestyle. This multi-generational gated community offers two deep water marinas, five clubhouses, six championship golf courses, and 31 tennis courts, all within a golf-cart drive. This coveted community still brings in the buyers year after year. But, right now, you’ll need a bit of patience if your goal is to purchase a home right away.

We asked Raoul Rushin, President of The Landings Club, to share his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges of the new real estate boom.

According to Raoul, “Although the pandemic has had enormous consequences for all of us, real estate took an unexpected turn and hasn’t looked back. This turn of events has been nothing short of amazing. The current foundational issue is that there are a lot of buyers, but not a lot of inventory. Rates are at a 17-month low, and the desire

to move from large cities, as well as the retiring boomer market, continue to fuel the market.”

Rushin doesn’t see a fall-off in demand coming anytime soon. Last year was a 20-year record for sales for The Landings, and they are already 34% ahead of last year as of June 2021. They have also seen a 15% to 20% price increase since last year, and that has not deterred buyers. He reports, “our homeowners are coming from, i.e.. California, New York, Connecticut, Florida, etc. They are coming in and spending $800k to $2 million with relative ease.” The average home price at The Landings is $637,000, and the range is from $350,000 to $1.5 million-plus. They have already sold five times the number of properties priced

Be patient and be ready; if the inventory doesn’t present the option that you want at the moment, then be ready snap up your ideal home as soon as it comes on the market.”

The Landings, Savannah, GA

Raoul Rushin, President of The Landings Club, Savannah, GA

over $750,000 than they did at the same point in 2020.

“What’s different about this market is that, if people need to sell their home to relocate, in almost every market and price range, they know they can sell it very quickly. The lucky ones are finding a house right away, and the others are waiting for just the right house to come along so they can grab it. That is unimpacted by price range.”

A Mental Shift Has Occurred

“Mindsets have shifted since the pandemic. People are not wanting to run the rat race any longer. People want to find a work/life balance. Life is short, and the time is now. Folks are asking themselves, ‘Do I want to look back and say, I was a great commuter, or do I want to look back on great life experiences I start to create now?’ Things can change on a dime. People can work from anywhere. They are saying, ‘Let me get started because things aren’t going to change unless I do’.

“We have seen the average age of our buyer dropping. We certainly still have the retiree, but we have a younger generation currently living here, but moving here in number as well. This is a very unpretentious, relaxed place and a true community of almost entirely full-time residents.”

Advice for People Starting Their Search

“Use this time wisely to dig deeply into what you want your life to be. Do the research, and visit communities to match what that vision is. Think about ‘What is the ultimate picture of your life?’ Make sure the amenities, as well as access to things outside of the community, match up with that. The last decision is about the home itself; the color of granite and whether you have stainless steel appliances will not determine how you

live your life. If you find the community and the amenities you want, the house will follow.”

“If you just have to have your dream, you are going to have to build. At this point, a resale will be the best economic decision, even with a renovation. But right now, good, bad, or ugly, the construction costs and construction time is the most significant gap between resale and custom building that I have seen in my 30 years in this business.” “Be patient and be ready; if the inventory doesn’t present the option that you want at the moment, then be ready snap up your ideal home as soon as it comes on the market.”

Changes in Latitude

Latitude Margaritaville Sets Sales Records

Since Minto Communities’ first Latitude Margaritaville community in Daytona Beach, FL, opened in 2017, it has garnered unparalleled interest from customers everywhere. But this past year has surpassed all of their expectations with record-breaking sales in all three active-adult communities: Daytona Beach, Hilton Head, and Watersound. When asked about resetting expectations for buyers and about the state of real estate today, William Bullock, President of Minto’s Latitude Margaritaville Division, shared the following for Ideal-LIVING readers:

Latitude Margaritaville

Pandemic Increased Demand

There has been a huge surge in buyers in the last 18 months. We had a steady flow of buyers prior to the pandemic; then, there was a brief pause during April and May of 2020 with the uncertainty of the pandemic. As people adjusted in mid-May, customers came back to the sales centers, and we had a record-setting year for sales in 2020. People took the pandemic as an opportunity to advance their decision-making process. As a result, our Latitude Margaritaville properties in Hilton Head, SC, Daytona Beach, FL, and our newest property in the Florida Panhandle, Watersound, saw a tremendous surge in sales.

Because of the pandemic, we did a virtual launch of our property in the Panhandle of the first 200 homesites. We did a 30-day preview period where we had people tour models (all socially distant). Over 1.000 people put their names into a drawing for an opportunity to buy one of these 200 homes. In the past, we had people camp out for the chance, but we knew that wasn’t appropriate considering COVID-19. Now, starting in August, we will release more homes and will continue monthly thereafter.

There is huge demand and a very limited inventory of move-in ready homes. So when people come in, they should be patient with the process, but expect that we can build them a home. Our

deliveries are approximately a year out. We’ve signed up a year’s worth of contracts in Daytona and Hilton Head, and we are starting to build that depth into Watersound. In Daytona, we will close 600 homes this year and close to 400 homes in Hilton Head, and we are hoping to have approximately 450 homes in Watersound next year. There is plenty of opportunity for future homebuyers in Watersound as the possibility exists for thousands upon thousands of homes in that location.

We are also eyeing Texas in a very big way, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Latitude flag is flying there in the near future.

The Difference Between Now and Previous Years?

Historically, active adults would take two to three years to complete the decision buying process because they visit multiple communities and they want to find the right spot. However, waiting that time frame in today’s market will put an extra year or two on top of it.

This is much different than the 2005-2006 market when investors would buy four and five houses at a time, thinking they could flip them as an investment. We’re just not seeing the investor penetration in this market, and secondly, it’s much harder to get a loan today if you are an investor seeking multiple properties. You need income and assets to back up your purchase. I think the lending industry learned a valuable lesson, and it’s a much safer proposition to buy today.

It just requires patience. There are supply disruptions throughout the entire global economy. There are so many components that go into a house. One day it’s windows on delay, the next day, breaker boxes; then the day after that it can be insulation. We are constantly adjusting to the supply constraints. You can’t get the goods through the system fast enough anymore due to shipping and logistical challenges. This is having drastic effects on the deliveries for all types of industries, homebuilding included. At Minto, we are

Latitude Margaritaville

It is still a great time to buy a house. Interest rates are historically low. But, please come in with patience and understanding.

William Bullock, President of Minto’s Latitude Margaritaville Division

closely monitoring the supply chain and constantly adapting to meet our commitments to the customer.

It is still a great time to buy a house and interest rates are historically low. But, please come in with patience and understanding. The good thing about Minto is, when we give you a date, we keep it. We haven’t been bumping people on an estimated completion date. While we can continue to deliver homes, we are mindful of the number of homes that we sell, so we can maintain quality and maintain a viable construction pace.

The Luxury Market

We are extremely mindful of our Latitude Margaritaville pricing and keep homes starting at $250,000. However, the demand for luxury properties has been phenomenal. Minto has a flagship luxury community in Naples, The Isles of Collier Preserve, that is currently sold out of available homesites and is waiting on the next phase to be released. We sold almost twice as many homes this year in the first half of the year than we did in all of last year. These homes have an average sales price of $750,000. There is a lot of resiliency in the upper-tier luxury market. We have not seen indications of a slow down in the luxury market.

104 BATTLECREEK RD, SOUTH PITTSBURG, TN 37380

It's a great idea to explore model homes within the planned communities to get ideas for your new home. From color schemes to building materials and finishes, it's always good to come prepared with what you want.

Model Homes Inspire Ideal Homes

What features do you want in your new home?

Kingfish Bay in Coastal North Carolina

Mattamy Homes is one of the largest builders in the U.S., building in multiple cities in Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas. After selecting your exterior style choices, you’ll proceed to the Design Studio, where design experts help inspire and guide you through curated interior design products and selections. The homes represented here are located at Wellen Park in Venice, FL, which was named the number four selling master-planned community in the U.S. for 2020. They have five homes available for tour at that location, including two paired homes at roughly 1,500 sq. ft. and three single-family models with three bedrooms, two baths, and home office from 1907sq. ft. to 2,381 sq. ft. Visit WellenPark.com or MattamyHomes.com for more information.

Outdoor living is a must in a new home today. These homes at Kingfish Bay in Calabash, NC, epitomize the ulimate in outdoor retreats with pools and water features that blend perfectly with the interior spaces. In Kingfish Bay, you'll find it easy to meet your neighbors with inviting front porches as well. The style of these homes promotes relaxed living so that you feel like you live in a resort everyday. Visit KingfishBayDevelopment.com.

The community of Dataw Island is built upon the principal that every day is another opportunity to embrace all that life offers. Dataw Island offers social clubs and philanthropic opportunities too numerous to mention, and myriad amenities, including:

• 36 holes of golf by Tom Fazio and Arthur Hills

Places ©KELLIBOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

100 America’s

Freehold Communities develops large-scale residential communities throughout the southeast, Texas, and California that are designed to express the trends and preferences of their local market. They partner with high-quality builders that share their philosophy to bring timeless designs as on the left with the Lowcountry design in Savannah Quarters and above in Durham Farms. www.FreeholdCommunities.com

and trainers; community docks; kayak launches; a community garden; a free library -- and more.

Dataw Island is ideally situated in close proximity to Hunting Island Beach State Park, historic downtown Beaufort, arts and cultural offerings, world-class healthcare, and educational facilities.

Visit today, and start living the best life.

(843) 838-3838 | Dataw.com

©LOLIPOPPHOGRAPHY

Newland designs communities for all generations around the East Coast including Nexton in Summerville, SC, Riverlights in Wilmington, NC, Wendell Falls in Wendell, NC, Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch, GA, and Embrey Mill, in north Stafford, VA. NewlandEast.com

Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch, GA

Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch, GA

RiverLights in Wilmington, NC

RiverLights in Wilmington, NC

RiverLights in Wilmington, NC

Latitude Margaritaville homes showcase the coveted island lifestyle in Daytona Beach, Hilton Head, and Panama City. Each has model homes for tour with easy living spaces. LatitudeMargaritaville.com

Start living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about with Encore by David Weekley Homes. Our lifestyle-driven approach to home design offers the ideal balance of livability with thoughtfully designed floor plans featuring indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces and a high level of customization to make your new home everything you’ve imagined.

Plus, you’ll delight in more freedom and fun in one of our friendly 55+ lifestyle communities offering a variety of amenities, clubs and activities – all planned by a lifestyle director – to enhance your active life. These intimate communities make it easy to develop friendships with your neighbors, too.

David Weekley Homeowners

Liz* Deering & Kelli D. Stevens

There’s a Place for You, and Find It! venture out

DISCOVERY TRAVEL

ideal-LIVING invites you to get out and explore communities to find your ideal destination. You won’t know until you go. Here’s a sampling of Discovery Travel opportunities with over 100 more that can only be found online.

available only on .com/ventureout

LAKE ARROWHEAD – WALESKA, GA

Lake Arrowhead sits on a 540-acre lake surrounded by mountains, pristine wilderness, and championship golf. Enjoy new amenities: a two-story marina pavilion, sports court with basketball, fishing pier, hiking trail, and 25 boat slips. Property owners and guests enjoy the gentle mountain breezes and serenity Lake Arrowhead offers. Owners adore the Boating Club, and take advantage of the expansive kayak rentals and storage. This beautiful and unique location offers the community Lakeside Park where family picnics and summer swimming in the lake can be a joyful time for family and friends.

WYCLIFFE – WELLINGTON, FL

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club offers a world of its own, with every resort-style amenity at your fingertips, including two championship golf courses, a full service spa, a fitness and wellness center, a tennis complex, and a robust schedule of social events. Wycliffe includes glorious weather with bright sunshine, lush, tropical florals, foliage, and indigenous wildlife. This curated lifestyle is served up on verdant green lawns with impeccable homes, crystal blue pools, and a golf cart garage.

You won’t know until you go!

*All Discovery Travel is subject to availability and may be changed at any time.

THE PENINSULA – MILLSBORO, DE

Come live, dine, relax, and play in this one-of-a-kind resort community in coastal Delaware that combines best-in-class amenities that fit your lifestyle with beautifully designed new homes. The private gated resort community features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf course, a racquet club with tennis and pickle ball, a full service spa, a state-of-the-art athletic club, indoor and outdoor pools that include a poolside grill, a signature wave pool, and sand beach.

RUMBLING BALD – LAKE LURE, NC

Welcome to Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure’s idyllic retreat for outdoor exploration and relaxation. Your home here in the mountains is built for tranquility and adventure for every age. The natural gifts surrounding are its greatest asset, offering a canvas to create memories, unwind, and reconnect. Whether you’re most at home wandering the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains, floating or fishing the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of the championship golf courses, unlock the charms of the North Carolina mountains here.

DATAW ISLAND – BEAUFORT, SC

Dataw Island, a private golf club on the coast of South Carolina near Beaufort, is bustling with activity under the beauty of centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, from golf on two courses to a day at the spa. The Sweetgrass Restaurant and Bar offers a menu of fresh, local seafood you can enjoy while overlooking the marina. Its intriguing blend of amenities are equally active and relaxing. Enjoy a 3-day/2night stay with accommodations, unlimited golf and tennis, community center access, complimentary meal, island tour, and more for $435.

ARENAL HILLS – LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA

Arenal Hills stretches over 123 acres of magnificent volcano views that will leave you breathless. Stroll along the beautifully landscaped walking paths and you’ll encounter world-class home designs, luxurious amenities, and a breathtaking landscape surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. Arenal Hills is specifically designed to make owning a vacation home, second home, or retiring to the paradise of Costa Rica affordable, yet luxurious.

To find more than 100 Discovery Travel opportunities, visit ideal-LIVING.com/ventureout

Find Your Ideal... LIFE

Has the vision of your ideal life changed over the past 18 months? More people than ever are seeking a better work/life balance.

It's time to make your list of your must haves and nice to haves and find a community that meets your needs.

A No-Cost Miracle Medicine

by Jan Cullinane

What if I told you that there is a proven, ancient “medicine” with more than a dozen positive health benefits that is simple, enjoyable, and free; that most people are candidates for this medicine; and, you don’t swallow, inject, or inhale it? If this was the leading story for a news report, people would be clamoring for it. What is it you ask? It’s walking. And as little as 12 to 15 minutes a day can confer these benefits. Wherever you decide to live, be sure it’s conducive to walking.

Let’s see what this miraculous drug can do:

Boost Creativity: A Stanford University study found that creativity increased by 60% in those walking—either indoors or outdoors, for five to 16 minutes, compared to those sitting (for the creativity test, the subjects had to come up with alternative uses for an object). Happily, the increased creativity persisted for a time even after the walk. It’s not so surprising that Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was famous for holding meetings while walking.

Live Longer: A brisk walk is better than a slow amble, but any kind of walking is better than none. For women (Brigham

and Women’s Hospital did the research and used women as subjects), 7,500 steps per day conferred life-extending benefits. For men and women, Harvard Health suggests a minimum of four miles or around 8,000 steps for both sexes to prolong life.

Lift Your Mood: As little as 12 minutes of hoofing it was found to lift peoples’ spirits, according to a study from Iowa State University. For an added boost, walk outside. Those who enjoyed nature as they enjoyed their walk had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies than those who walked inside or on a treadmill. Enjoy nature while lowering your stress levels.

Stronger Bones: Half of adults in the United States aged 50 or older are at risk for breaking a bone. Women produce less estrogen and men produce less testosterone, so their bodies don’t retain as much of the calcium and phosphate that provide strength to our bones as we age. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, or dancing slows this mineral loss and may create more bone by prodding our bone-building cells (osteoblasts) to make more bone cells.

Help Banish Lower Back Pain/Joint

Pain: Walking can help alleviate chronic lower back pain. While it seems counterintuitive, walking helps by strengthening

your lower spine muscles and increasing blood flow to them as well. And, walking protects your hips and knees by lubricating the joints and strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Sleep More Soundly: Walking elevates your core body temperature, and, as a result, you feel more awake. As your body temperature slowly falls after a walk, it can induce sleepiness. A study in Sleep Health found that subjects who took more steps on a particular day than usual generally reported better sleep quality that evening.

Better Brains: Walking increases the flow of blood to your brain and lessens the stiffness of the carotid arteries. Slow walking is better than not walking, but ramping up the stride a notch or two is better for brain health.

Prevent Metabolic Syndrome: According to the Mayo Clinic, metabolic syndrome “is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes.” This syndrome includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abdominal obesity. Even low levels of walking decrease the chances of metabolic syndrome. Lace up those sneakers!

Healthier Eyes: Exercise, including walking, lowers the chances of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Eye diseases can be linked to metabolic syndrome (above), so another reason to keep on truckin’.

Help Prevent Women’s Cancers: Brisk walking lowers levels of hormones that increase the risks for endometrial cancer and breast cancer.

Tamp Down Weight-Gaining Genes: Harvard researchers found that an hour of brisk walking tamped down the effect of 32 genes that play a role in weight gain by more than 50%.

Fewer Sick Days: Those who walk regularly take fewer sick days. Perhaps it’s the walking that makes them healthier, or perhaps because they are healthier, they walk.

Save $$$: Don’t like driving to the gym or working out? Save money by not purchasing a gym membership, not to mention better health that can save you lots of money down the road.

Deepen Relationships: Use your walking time, removed from the distractions of everyday life, to enrich relationships with your children/grandchildren, spouses, and friends.

Is there a best time to walk? As with many things, the best time to do something that is good for you is the time when you’ll actually do it! Aside from that, there have been a few studies that show walking in the morning with an empty stomach is the best time to burn fat; an afternoon walk can help you feel more energized for the rest of the day; and a walk in the evening can tamp down ghrelin, the hungerstimulating hormone, which may prevent lateevening refrigerator raids. Hippocrates said, “Walking is the best medicine.” After all these years, turns out he’s still right!

Jan Cullinane is an award-winning retirement author, speaker, and consultant. Her current book is The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement (AARP/Wiley).

IT’S YOUR MOVE

If you’d rather enjoy pickleball with friends than tackle your home renovation projects, Cresswind makes it easy to find your next adventure, new home and fun. This is active adult living designed for the way you want to live.

Visit Cresswind.com to start your search, get a FREE guide with tips on finding the right community and schedule an online or in-person tour.

NEW HOMES FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

Keeping Up with the Joneses in Southwest Florida

by Madison Swart

After living in Arizona for 30 years, then a quick stint in Northern Virginia, Julie and Toby Jones (53), decided it was time for a change. Toby had gone to high school in Pensacola, and the whole family had enjoyed trips to Tampa. Those experiences, coupled with the state’s low cost of living, made Florida the natural choice.

Julie had previously been impressed with Del Webb Homes’ work in Arizona, so the two decided to check out Ave Maria. Just minutes from the beach and only an hour and a half away from their daughter in Fort Lauderdale, Ave Maria had what they were looking for both in terms of location and value for the home they were looking to build.

Building a house during a pandemic might seem like a bit of a challenge, but even remotely, communication between the couple and the

builders worked incredibly well. When they first pulled up to make some final design decisions, Julie and Toby said the house was everything they thought it would be, and the neighborhood was even better. “Everyone is very inviting and very friendly,” says Toby.

It’s only been three months since they moved in, but the two have already started getting to know the area. They have become regular beachgoers and are enjoying trying out all of the local bars and restaurants in Ave Maria and neighboring Naples and Fort Myers. Toby is excited to get back in the pool again. And, they are looking forward to some doubles pickleball and tennis with their new neighbors.

For these two, Florida makes the perfect retirement destination, and Julie and Toby are ready to explore the whole state on roadtrips, as well as hop on a couple of cruises. And, Ave Maria makes a great homebase for them and their two adorable dogs. They couldn’t be more excited about their new life.

“Everyone is very inviting and very friendly.”

Living the Good Life in Brunswick Forest, NC, with the Goodmans!

by Kim Henry

When Alan and Debra Goodman were considering their next chapter, they had a very clear list of prerequisites that needed to be met. Having dealt with the harsh winters of New York City for many years, their top priority was a warmer year-round climate, and that’s exactly what Brunswick Forest, situated near the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, has to offer.

golf, and even the occasional kayak trip. With long hot summers and generally mild winters, this part of North Carolina is ideal for enjoying an active lifestyle in all four seasons.

Brunswick Forest has every amenity to make this dream a reality, including a fitness center, a stunning swimming pool, bike trails, water access, and a championship golf course. Designed by the golf guru Tim Cate, who has more than 23 years of experience in building golf courses, Cape Fear National is an 18-hole, award-winning course in a setting of unsurpassed natural beauty and was a significant part of why the Goodmans chose Brunswick Forest.

“Now we can do all sorts of outdoor activities all winter long,” exclaims Alan, referring to his love of low-impact outdoor hobbies such as walking, swimming,

The New York couple had been visiting the area for over a decade. Once COVID-19 hit in 2020, they were able to work remotely and suddenly had the opportunity to test run living in the area full time. It didn’t take long for them to realize there was no going back—their love for the place was confirmed. “It’s been fun to move to a new part of the community,” says Alan, “everyone wants to make friends, and there’s just a great atmosphere.” They built their forever home, complete with a formal dining room for hosting events, which they love to do, and stellar outdoor living spaces such as a hot tub for everyone to enjoy.

“Everyone wants to make friends, and there’s just a great atmosphere.”

With the marked difference in property taxes and prices compared to up North, the Goodmans have enjoyed upsizing and creating plenty of space for them to entertain friends and for their family to visit. The location is on point, with a choice of pristine beaches nearby and the vibrant city of Wilmington less than 10 minutes away.

“Wilmington is a cosmopolitan place, which is important to us. There are great high-end restaurants and an impressive theatre scene. We’re taking advantage of the growth around here. It’s even interesting enough for our kids to want to come and stay, which is a bonus for us,” laughs Alan.

The Goodman’s search began at an Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show held in New York for people interested in moving down South. “We were in the early stages of figuring out where we wanted to go, and it really helped us focus and find our dream place,” says Debra. Her advice for those just beginning their search? “Do your homework, and take time to check out different communities. You’ve just got to find what’s right for you.”

“Do your homework, and take time to check out different communities. You’ve just got to find what’s right for you.”

Inflation and the Post-Pandemic Retirement Spend-Down Plan

by Lawrence Tundidor

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 10,000 individuals will retire in the United States every day between now and the end of the decade. As the economy recovers from the pandemic and the country has begun to fully reopen, more Americans than ever are looking forward to their retirement day and ability to start a new chapter in their lives. This raises the thought-provoking question, have you developed an inflation-protected retirement spend-down plan for a lifestyle that could last 30 years or more?

Given the recent inflation spike, a recent Allianz study found that two-thirds of retirees do not feel confident about maintaining financial security and buying power throughout their remaining lifetime. These concerns and feelings of uneasiness stress the importance of developing/utilizing a solid spend-down plan for retirement. Therefore, Ideal-LIVING spoke with Lawrence S. Tundidor,

AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA® of the Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group to help clarify questions that pre-retirees and retirees may have regarding the effects of inflation on the development of a spend-down plan.

A plan is based on one’s specific situation. Each individual has a different vision of their ideal retirement, which results in different spending needs and wants. In addition, there are various saving vehicles that one may have utilized, such as a pension, 401K/403b, personal savings, or real estate.

In starting a plan, it’s pertinent to consider guaranteed income first, such as social security, pension, or annuity income, to help aid in determining the income gap that may be present. Income gap analysis is based on one’s needs and wants. In general, needs include housing, food, and medical expenses, while wants are specific to an individual but may include yearly vacations, a new

car, or a second home. Once sources of guaranteed income are taken into consideration, and the income gap is established, the focus becomes how to draw down the remaining assets to cover the income gap initially and in the future when accounting for higher inflation and rising health care costs.

When considering inflation and rising cost, many individuals with guaranteed income sources, such as a pension, do not receive a cost-of-living-adjustment. This becomes a long-term issue, since an individual’s gap can become larger because his or her income is not increasing to account for higher living costs.

For example, an individual with a $4,000-a-month pension at age 60 has approximately the equivalent of $2,000 a month of purchasing power at age 80. A spend-down plan and income gap is specific to the individual, which stresses the fact that obtaining qualified help from a financial professional or firm that focuses on income strategies for retirement is pertinent. In contrast, some individuals may decide to take on the challenge themselves.

One way to mitigate the effects of inflation on your retirement is to plan where your money will come from instead of putting it all into one pot. In retirement, you should consider having “Retirement Buckets”: longterm, mid-term, and short-term investments to help protect you from market fluctuations while maximizing your income potential. More conservative investments go in short term, moderate investments for mid-term, and more aggressive in long-term. Picking and choosing investments to liquidate on a monthly basis can be stressful, and most advisors show you how and where to save but not how to create an income stream from your investment assets.

When drawing income directly from a 401k, the plan provider will typically sell shares or “units” to send you a monthly amount you requested. The issue with this strategy is that you are indiscriminately selling shares in an up or down market regardless of price. In a down market, you are selling shares at a lower price and therefore cannot allow time for those shares to recover, essentially “burning the candle on both ends.” Consider investments that provide a dividend or yield that allow you to draw income without selling shares.

Another way that many Americans have chosen to potentially minimize the effects of higher inflation on their retirement is to invest more aggressively. This option seems counterintuitive, since most individuals attempt to become more conservative as risk aversion to market downturns becomes a more pressing issue. Due to the current lingering low interest rate environment where savings accounts, short term bonds, and CDs are paying below inflation rates, as well as the interest rate risk associated with higher yielding longer-term bonds, many have decided to invest higher amounts in riskier assets in order to achieve higher yields by potentially exposing themselves to greater downside in market cycles. Developing a plan that mitigates risk to one’s principal while generating sustainable income is more important now than it has been in the past.

Many different approaches can be utilized when implementing an inflation-protected retirement spenddown plan. It’s important to remember that the plan is based on the individual and their short/long term goals, and how much monthly income they need in retirement.

One way to mitigate the effects of inflation on your retirement is to plan where your money will come from instead of putting it all into one pot.

Post-pandemic retirement planning is proving to be very different, so take the time to explore your options well in advance of your retirement age. We encourage you to sit down with an objective independent financial advisor who puts your best interests first and helps you compose a written personalized and holistic financial strategy with the goals of protecting your retirement investments and securing the next chapter of your financial future.

To learn more, please attend Lawrence’s seminars held at the Whippany, New Jersey, and Tysons Corner, Virginia, Ideal-Living Expos in September. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Lawrence at LawrenceT@CeteraWealth.com

Investment Adviser Representative offering securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 991 US HIGHWAY 22 SUITE 200-210 BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807

Just South of Nashville, is Del Webb’s Southern Springs and it’s full of Southern Charm. You’ll experience beautiful weather with 4 Seasons, extensive resort-style amenities and a vibrant community of neighbors and friends. Virtual and Private Tours are always available. DelWebb.com/SouthernSprings | 615-283-9766

must

years of

or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. Del Webb and the Del Webb script logo are registered trademarks of PulteGroup, Inc., and/or its affiliates. ©2021 PulteGroup, Inc. All rights reserved. 5/13/2021

the location you’re looking for,

THE LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE

DISCOVER ACTIVE ADULT LIVING BY BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL

Why travel far from what you know and love? The perfect 55+ community is right around the corner. Everything from main-level living to daily resort amenities is already available here in the Northeast. So you can enjoy the rest and relaxation you’ve earned while still staying close to loved ones.

From Maryland to Virginia to Delaware, your new lifestyle is well within reach.

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302.219.4177

55+ Single-Family Homes in Bridgeville, DE from the $300’s

• 2 to 5 Bedrooms and up to 4,600+ sq. ft.

• On-Site Shopping, Dining and Championship Golf Course

• Clubhouse with Pools, Fitness Center, Tennis, Bocce and More BrookfieldResidential.com/HeritageShores

CADENCE AT LANSDOWNE

703.783.4197

55+ Villa Homes Coming Soon to Loudoun County, VA from the $600’s

• Private Enclave of Just 75 Homes with 3 to 4 Bedrooms and up to 2,500+ sq. ft.

• Pickleball Court and Multi-Sport Court, Plus Picnic and Grilling Pavilion

• Walking Trails, Dog Park and Amphitheater for Special Events

CadenceAtLansdowne.com

MHBR #408 | At least one resident must be 55 or better. No permanent residents under the age of 19. Offers, financing, prices, incentives and terms are all subject to change without notice. NY/NJ-The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from sponsor. File no. H-06-0019. Certain restrictions apply. Please see a Brookfield Residential Sales Manager for details.

TWO RIVERS

410.431.3815

55+ Single-Family Homes in Odenton, MD from the $600’s

• 3 to 5 Bedrooms and up to 4,300+ sq. ft.

• Private 55+ Clubhouse, Pool, Fitness Center and More

• Community Garden, Trails, Dog Park, Patio, Firepit and More BrookfieldTwoRivers55.com

How You Pay for Your Next Home Matters!

by Ken Updegrave

Housing costs are usually the first or second-largest expense for most households that are in retirement. How you pay for your next home can dramatically change how successful and enjoyable your retirement years can be. According to the National Association of Realtors, most home buyers finance their new home purchases, even if they are 65 or older. Today, the majority of retiree home buyers are using conventional financing to pay for their new home. That statistic confirms that over 40 percent of current retirement-aged homeowners are still carrying mortgage debt. That number has undoubtedly increased over the last several decades and was made worse by the Great Financial Crisis and what that did to both home values and retirement portfolios.

What if everything you once thought you knew about owning a retirement home was not correct? How soon would you want to know about a better solution available to you that could help protect your other assets and create a better lifestyle for you to enjoy as well?

Tax laws have changed effective 2018 and will likely change during your retirement years. With the limitation on the deduction for state and local taxes and lower mortgage interest rates, fewer people than ever benefit from an annual mortgage interest deduction.* Most buyers like you are only aware of the traditional ways to pay for that last home that you wish to buy. Which traditional option are you thinking of using?

To hang onto as many of your assets by taking out a conventional mortgage with the associated monthly cash flow required to meet monthly principal and interest payments? Or, pay cash for that purchase and reduce your liquidity to avoid the monthly cash flow needed to make that mortgage payment?

Since 2009, there has been another option available to home buyers at least 62 that allows them to make a large one-time down payment based on their age and current interest rates, and not have a required monthly principal and interest payment in the future. That loan is called the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase, or H4P loan for short. The H4P loan gives you an option that combines the best features of the other two options, while creating additional liquidity and no additional monthly cash flow needed for a required monthly mortgage payment. Of course, you’re still required to pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Now consider a 68-year-old who has cash available from selling their $600,000 paid-off home and plans to move to a lower living area. They could purchase a $500,000 brand new home with a $250,000 down payment and still have $350,000 funds left to create more income/assets outside the home.**

The H4P loan works for most people who don’t make payments on the loan, because the expected increase in value from home appreciation largely offsets the increasing loan balance from not making a monthly payment.

For example, an H4P borrower who makes no payments on a $250,000 loan even at a 5 percent total annual cost only adds $12,500 in interest to the loan balance during the first year. If the home appreciates at 3 percent that year, the home value has grown by $15,000. Equity has gone up even without making a payment, solely due to appreciation. Conversely, if you had financed the other $250,000 loan with 30-year conventional financing at a 3 percent interest rate, your principal and interest payment would require you to come up with over $12,000 in principal and interest payments. Your loan balance would be almost $245,000 after that first year, but that $12,000 in payments can cost you in multiple ways.* For instance, if you are pulling money

out of retirement accounts to make the mortgage P&I payments, you also need to withdraw the taxes for those payments. This could be depleting your retirement account faster than you would be required to by Required Minimum Distributions on those accounts.* On the other hand, leaving those funds in those accounts can create more opportunities to grow your wealth for your or your heir's use in the future.

Now that you know there is another option available after reading this, wouldn’t it be worth it for you or your financial advisor to run the numbers on all three options and see which one works out best? It also would be prudent for your advisor or CPA to look at the tax planning possibilities that this might create for you or your heirs through large onetime interest deductions that may be available when paying off some or all of the H4P loan.

Buying that new home is about so much more than the financial side of it. It’s where we spend time having family gatherings, enjoying that new grandchild, having friends over for dinners and holidays, and even caring for someone you love. Of course, those things are the most important, but having the money to enjoy all those things can give you the peace to enjoy those moments on a bigger scale.

Most but not all reverse mortgages are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages—HECMs—and are only available through an FHAapproved lender. This article talks about HECM loans only. * This article does not constitute tax and/or financial advice. Please consult a tax and/or financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

** The required down payment on your new home is determined by several factors, including your age or eligible non-borrowing spouse’s age, if applicable; current interest rates; and the lesser of the home’s appraised value or purchase price.

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CULINARY THERAPY

by Fanny Slater

Chef Spencer Gorman-Prow’s Powerful Story of Uncovering Courage through Cooking

If you’ve watched even one episode of any culinarybased reality show, you know that “tranquil” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when describing the nature of a professional kitchen. The environment is notorious for being boisterous, fast-paced, and chaotic. The chef in this feature, however, astoundingly found his “solace in the chaos,” and ultimately— it saved his life.

Thanks to classic episodes of the French Chef (Julia Child’s timeless PBS series in the 60s) providing the soundtrack to his childhood, it’s no wonder some of Chef Spencer Gorman-Prow’s earliest memories are standing over a sauté pan. He may not have been able to reach the stove at first, but according to his parents— with his arms raised above his head—he certainly mastered the art of shaking bird seed over a hot flame by the age of four.

Today, this well-seasoned chef goes gaga for a sous vide and boasts culinary techniques that include everything from French to Asian to molecular gastronomy.

But it wasn’t all sunshine, simmering, and roasting— and several years ago, Chef Spencer courageously published his memoir, Solace in the Chaos, which recalls gripping tales of an adolescence plagued with sexual abuse. After overcoming inconceivable trauma, he now leads a culinary team at SaddleBrooke TWO, one of Tucson’s most luxurious country clubs, and it’s clear the kitchen is his happy place.

Read on for the inspiring chronicle of how this chef took an often-turbulent atmosphere and transformed it into a scrumptious sanctuary.

Chef Spencer

Gorman-Prow

Executive Chef

SaddleBrooke TWO

Tucson, Arizona

Did being a chef feel like it was meant to be?

I never sought out to be a chef, I just kind of fell into it. I was 14 years old washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant. Nobody spoke English and they were yelling at me all night … and I liked it!

The cooks always remained very intense even with full racks worth of tickets. Even though I couldn’t understand what they were saying, I could understand by watching them. It was intriguing to me. There’s something about that stressful environment that wasn’t stressful to me. When things get really crazy in the kitchen, everything slows down for me. I do my best work when everybody else is losing their mind.

After graduating first in your class from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, you worked at several award-winning restaurants. Tell me about your culinary path.

I moved to Arizona from Chicago right after 9/11. Everything was almost like COVID-19, where everybody was in shock and nobody was traveling. I ended up getting my first cooking job in Arizona at the DOD (Department of Defense) at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

I was feeding military personnel—which I took a lot of pride in because these people were putting their lives on the line. If I could make their 20 minutes of mealtime something they’re not worried about, I felt like I was doing my part. How did you end up in the country club industry?

After working in the DOD, I got into hotels for a while, and then my youngest was born. I relocated with my family to the white mountains, where we went from the desert to snow. It was a part of Arizona I never knew existed. It was a small community, and the only jobs they had up there happened to be in country clubs.

I fell into the first job when the Executive Chef at one club asked me to babysit his Sous Chef while he went on vacation in the winter. Springtime came around, and they ended up offering me that job. Eventually, I moved into the Executive Chef position there.

Your culinary skills are wide-ranging. How would you define your cooking personality in just a few sentences?

In my current environment, I’d have to say “exotic comfort food.” I’m working with ingredients the residents are familiar with instead of trying to make something they don’t really want. I’ll bring in something interesting every once in a while so that I get to play a little bit, but I do it in a way that’s familiar to them, so they’re not scared of what we’re presenting.

These folks want their fish fried, and they want meatloaf. But the thing is, I want to make it the best fried fish or the best meatloaf. It’s all about doing the best you can with what people’s expectations are.

SaddleBrooke TWO offers three dining experiences— MountainView Bar & Grill, Mesquite Grill, and Preserve Bar & Grill. Do you run all three?

Right now, I’m running breakfast, lunch, and dinner out of MountainView Bar & Grill; because of COVID-19, it makes more sense to have less staff and just run one facility. I also run all the banquets out of there, like the golf events and occasional weddings.

The Preserve is more of our upscale steak and seafood spot about five miles up the mountain, and they have their own Executive Chef.

How has the dining scene at SaddleBrooke TWO changed and evolved since March 2020 when COVID-19 first hit?

We had to re-invent the wheel a little bit because buffets are a thing of the past. Everything is plated now, which I actually don’t mind because it saves me money since I know exactly how much I need and don’t have any waste.

Your book Solace in Chaos is an intense, personal memoir of your life that puts the sensitive topic of sexual abuse front and center. What moment gave you the courage to commit to telling your story openly?

Being a father. My youngest is 18 now, and I wanted to set the record straight. Time heals a lot of wounds, but there are some you can’t just sweep under the rug or wish away.

The memoir started as journaling, and then it morphed. Writing was a healing process for me because it made me think about my emotions. I also put some recipes in there that were around the same time period. I saw it as a bridge to help others who have been abused who haven’t found their voice. Until you can verbalize forgiveness to yourself, you’re always going to be in that denial phase.

“It ’s all about doing the best you can with what people’s expectations are.”

BUILD THE HOME YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED.

Dreaming about a home with plenty of open space for entertaining? How about a soaking tub in your first-floor owner’s suite bathroom? You know exactly what you want in your new home — and you should have it all.

At Landmark Homes, we’ll make sure that your home designed exclusively for luxurious and laid-back 55+ living looks and feels the way you’ve always imagined. Because if home is the happiest place on earth, then the building process should be all about you.

CORTLAND PARK - Cumberland County

• Resort-style community with private clubhouse

• Single family and townhomes from the $300’s

HOME TOWNE SQUARE - Lancaster County

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

• Arts and Crafts style homes from the $400’s

STONECROFT VILLAGE - Berks County

• Natural valley setting with scenic mountain views

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $300’s

SWEETBRIAR - Lebanon County

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $300’s

WINDING CREEK - Lebanon County

• Minutes from Hershey, PA attractions

• Clubhouse with pool and tennis court

I also felt like it was important to put my experience out there from a male’s perspective. If somebody reads my book and it makes them feel less alone, maybe they’ll know it’s okay to talk about it. Share a bit about how finding serenity in a professional kitchen impacted you.

In hindsight, cooking saved my life. I was able to escape all of that and find my place in the kitchen. It provided a safe space for me to be me instead of trying to be the person hiding behind drinking or drugs. I could control my space, and it wasn’t threatening. I was able to set the parameters and do my thing. I wasn’t always looking over my shoulder per se.

What would you tell someone struggling with trauma who is fearful about opening up and exposing their story? Better yet, what do you wish someone would have told you when you were in the depths of your own chaos?

“Are you okay?”

You get to a point where you hide it so well that people assume everything is fine. The quietest ones are usually those with the most going on. Through the years of working with so many young folks, and especially in this business, you really get to be able to read people. I can tell right away if someone is having a bad day. And with my background, I try to relate to them, hopefully lend a little bit of advice, and empathize. There’s always hope. There’s always somebody there that wants to help you. You just have to be open and willing to seek it out because it’s not going to come hunt you down.

HALIBUT WITH BLISTERED TOMATO SAUCE

Halibut with Blistered Tomatoes

2 T olive oil

1 pt cherry tomatoes

1 clove garlic, finely grated or pressed

1 T white balsamic vinegar

¼ t each salt and pepper

4 halibut fillets (about 6 oz. each)

1 T butter

Method

Arugula Salad

2 T olive oil

½ T lemon juice

1 t liquid honey

3 c lightly packed baby arugula

¼ c thinly sliced red onion

¼ c shaved Parmesan cheese pinch each salt and pepper

In nonstick pan, heat 2 tsp of the oil over medium heat. Cook tomatoes and garlic, stirring until tomatoes begin to shrivel and release their juices, about 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar and half each of the salt and pepper; cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reserve in bowl. Set aside.

Sprinkle fish with remaining salt and pepper. In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; cook fish, turning once, until golden and fish flakes easily when tested, about 7 minutes. Add butter; cook, swirling pan, until butter is melted, and fish is coated. Remove to plate.

Arugula Salad

While fish is cooking, in large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add arugula, red onion, and Parmesan; toss to coat.

Plating

Place fish in center of plate, spoon pan sauce (tomatoes, garlic, and vinegar) around the fillet, and finish with arugula salad on top.

Creatively Crafted

Recipes That Prove Zero Proof Doesn’t Mean Zero Flavor

by Fanny Slater

If you had told me one year ago that I would voluntarily be writing an article about non-alcoholic libations, I would have said, “Go home, you. You’re drunk.”

But here I am, almost six months sober and positively proud to be sharing my newfound knowledge on the topic of AF (alcohol-free) living. And, as it turns out, I’m right on time. Even as recently as several years back, the variety of non-alcoholic choices within the alcohol industry was severely lacking. Practically non-existent, if we’re honest. Sure, everyone had heard of O’Doul’s, but how often do you stumble upon someone truly enjoying a non-alcoholic beer for the flavor?

From my perspective, folks mainly turned to options like O’Doul’s or Beck’s because they were the lesser of two evils. Evil number one: non-alcoholic “beer” that sorta-kinda tasted like beer, or evil number two: no beer at all. Whether it was a pregnant woman craving the crisp, refreshing bite of a lager or someone struggling with addiction in need of a beverage to bridge the gap—these were a great alternative, but not necessarily sought out as a delicacy.

Today, the world of sober sipping has morphed in more ways than one. Not only has the craft beer industry hopped on the trend of producing hoppy varietals packed with familiar flavors reminiscent of authentic IPAs, stouts, and sours—but even AF spirits and wines have made their way onto the shelves alongside standard products.

No longer does mocktail mean “just leave out the liquor.” With brands like Ritual, Drink Monday, and Seedlip (to name a few) sweeping the sober scene, it’s now possible for those in recovery (like myself) or booze-free-by-choice to remain responsible while still throwing back a margarita that yields the burn of real deal tequila. When it comes to tinkering with tannins, wine companies still have some work to do, as many of the non-alcoholic bottles I’ve sampled haven’t blown my socks off just yet. But if your goal is to swirl something fruity alongside a charcuterie board and a gaggle of your best girlfriends, there are plenty of Pinot substitutions out there that will do the trick.

How often do you stumble upon someone truly enjoying a non-alcoholic beer for the flavor?

As for me, I’ve hopped on the booze-free brew train and don’t plan on getting off anytime soon.

Some are so well made that even the most pretentious of beer nerds won’t be able to differentiate between a legit west coast DIPA that will leave their heads feeling fuzzy and one they could shotgun in the middle of a workday. To showcase the best of what I’ve found so far, I’m sharing two original recipes that each feature an alcohol-free bite or sip at its best. First, a mocktail meant to make you ask the question, “Are you sure there’s no alcohol in this?”, and second a shareable snack actually infused with one of my favorite non-alcoholic beers on the market.

It’s not easy to be the odd man out when everyone else is popping bottles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play along in your own way. So whether you’re cutting back for health reasons, fully abstinent from alcohol, or simply sober-curious—these recipes will remind you that going alcohol-free doesn’t have to generate FOMO.

What are you waiting for? Aren’t you overdue to discover new trails with your best friend, sign up for a new fitness class, or join the book club?

When you live at Noble’s Pond you have a never-ending list of new activities to try, right in your own community, plus easy access to many local attractions. So step out and discover what Noble’s Pond living is all about.

BY

GIN & JASMINE ROSEMARY SQUEEZE WITH MEYER LEMON + HONEY

If you thought flowers were just meant for tea, think again. This Drink Monday Gin mocktail packs a botanical punch thanks to a woody rosemary and jasmine honey-based simple syrup. Sweet Meyer lemons bring a juicy balance to the spice and juniper berry essence of the non-alcoholic spirit. Makes two drinks (plus 1/2 cup rosemary-jasmine simple syrup).

½ c honey

½ c water

1 jasmine tea bag

2 fresh rosemary sprigs (plus more for garnish)

4 oz Drink Monday Gin

2 T Meyer lemon juice (plus lemon slices for garnish)

dash orange bitters

4-6 oz lemon sparkling water

In a small saucepot over high heat, bring the honey and water to a boil. Whisk until the honey dissolves, add in the tea bag and rosemary, and remove the pan from the heat. Remove the tea bag after 5 minutes, then allow the mixture to steep for at least 1 hour, then remove the rosemary. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake the gin, Meyer lemon juice, bitters, and 1 tablespoon rosemary-jasmine simple syrup (or 1/2 tablespoon for a less sweet drink). Strain into 2 low-ball glasses filled with ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs.

UPSIDE DAWN BEERBATTERED ZUCCHINI BITES

Athletic Brewing’s Upside Dawn Golden Ale is a participating ingredient in these gorgeously golden-brown rounds. In this addictive, satisfying appetizer recipe, zucchini slices are dunked into an airy beer batter, dredged in crispy panko, and lightly fried. Serve with a smile and a citrusy sauce like lime aioli. Serves four as an appetizer.

4 c all-purpose flour

1½ t coarse salt

½ t freshly ground black pepper

1 t garlic powder

1 t paprika

2 c panko breadcrumbs

2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into ½-inch-thick rounds

4½ c light lager or blonde/ golden ale (such as Upside

Dawn by Athletic Brewing)

Vegetable oil for frying

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Slowly add in the beer, whisking as you pour to make sure there aren’t any lumps, until the mixture resembles a thin pancake batter. A few at a time, dip the zucchini rounds into the wet batter and then into the breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. Repeat with the remaining rounds, and set the prepared zucchini aside on a plate. Prepare a paper towel-lined plate near the stovetop.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350° F. You’ll know the oil is ready when you drip in a small amount of the batter and it bubbles immediately. Working in batches, carefully drop in several zucchini rounds at a time. When the bottoms turn golden brown, about 30 to 45 seconds, flip and cook the other side until golden.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried zucchini and place them on the paper towel-lined plate to sop up any excess oil. While they’re still hot, sprinkle with the remaining salt.

Experience the perfect balance of home and nature. Oakland Park combines the beauty of nature with the history and character of old-Florida architecture. With a charming small-town feel, our community is located only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Winter Garden. Take a stroll down our many nature trails to see stunning views of Lake Apopka, explore our multiple parks or jump on the West Orange Trail, one of Orlando’s top trails for biking, inline skating, running and walking. Enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle while still being close to everything. Discover Oakland Park today. Newly constructed model homes are now open. Homes from the $300s.

David Weekly Homes * RCB Homes * J&J Building * Brierhill Homes

Oakland Park Community Clubhouse

1000 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Find Your Ideal... HOME

What will your ideal home look like? Will it all be on one level with an open floorplan and an inviting outdoor living space? Will you have a spa-like bathroom, or maybe you'll have an outdoor shower? You can create the home you desire or find a floorplan or existing home that meets all of your needs.

Savannah Quarters, Savannah, GA

New Homes in the Georgia Mountains

by JG Walker

If you look south across the state line from the top of Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, you’ll see an idyllic setting of sparkling lakes and streams peeking through a thick canopy of highland forest. Coming into view will also be the little town of Lookout Mountain, GA, and its newest neighbor— The Cottages at Brow Wood.

Developed by Goodall Homes, The Cottages at Brow Wood are part of a 160-acre master-planned community that’s just a 20-minute drive south of Chattanooga. The 68 residences in The Cottages enclave are designed to be quiet retreats that are still convenient to city attractions and services, a perfect destination for retiring seniors and families seeking a low-maintenance second home in the rolling countryside.

The zero-step-entry homes at The Cottages at Brow Wood feature four distinctive floor plan choices with three to five attached homes per building.

Each residence offers two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level, with an optional second-floor bedroom or bonus room with bath and walk-in storage closet. The large master bathrooms can include personal conveniences like walk-in showers.

Each Cottage has a private courtyard with a lockable gate, a backyard patio, and a sunroom that can also be used as an additional space for entertaining guests or configured as a home office. Every residence also has a full two-car garage with additional storage. All offer worry-free lifestyle extras like lawn care and exterior maintenance, the latest energy-efficient design features and appliances to save money, and high-speed internet lines to stay connected with family and friends.

Outdoor recreation and lifestyleenhancing opportunities for residents of The Cottages at Brow Wood are located within a few miles of your front door.

The Lookout Mountain Golf Club features the hillside contours of its scenic highland golf course and resort-style clubhouse amenities. The 8,000-acre Lula Lake Land Trust & Trails is true to its name with a variety of hiking paths that range from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs. And just a mile north of Brow Wood is Covenant College, a private liberal-arts institution where residents can sign up and use the fully-equipped fitness center, audit classes, and attend cultural events that include guest lecturers and musical performances.

About the Area

The Cottages at Brow Wood community is located in Dade County, GA, which features some of the state’s lowest property tax rates and generous homestead exemptions for residents age 62 and over. The town of Lookout Mountain has retained its welcoming small-town character and offers convenient medical, dental, and veterinary services, as well as a fresh-food market and casual cafés. And when it’s time for a day trip to the city or a night on the town, nearby Chattanooga offers enticing options that include museums, art galleries, theaters, fine-dining restaurants, and seasonal festivals, plus unique attractions like the refreshing 16-mile Tennessee Riverwalk and the delightful Tennessee Aquarium.

In fact, Chattanooga has become one of the South’s most popular relocation destinations for retirees and working families alike in recent years. So it’s no

surprise that, in addition to The Cottages at Brow Wood, Goodall is currently building new homes in the Chattanooga-area communities Westview Crossing and The Highlands at Belleau Ridge. Coming soon are additional single-family and villa residences by Goodall Homes at The Farms at Creekside, Villas at Oakbrook, Black Creek, and Bainbridge Park communities.

About Goodall Homes

Goodall Homes is a Tennessee-based builder that was founded in 1983 by Bob Goodall, Jr. Since then, the company has built thousands of single-family residences, cottages, townhomes, and condominiums throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and now North Georgia with the debut of The Cottages at Brow Wood. A major part of Goodall Homes’ success has been an unwavering commitment to familyoriented core values that have been retained even as the company has evolved.

In 2016, Goodall Homes became a part of Clayton Properties, one of America’s largest homebuilders and Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. With additional available resources and an expanding footprint of new home locations, Goodall has grown to become one of the region’s most respected homebuilders.

Goodall Homes has earned many awards for its work over the years, including honors by the National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builder Magazine. But the company is most proud of being honored seven times, most recently in 2020 and 2021, as one of the state’s “Top Work Places” by Nashville’s The Tennesseean newspaper. From every building site to the company’s home office, when employees are treated like family members, the results can be seen in

the quality of new construction and an enthusiasm for unrivaled customer service.

“I couldn’t be prouder to work for a company that focuses so much on quality, excellence, and customer care,” says Jenna Skuza, Goodall Homes’ East Tennessee Division Sales Manager. “It is such an honor to be a part of the Greater Chattanooga area and to know that our team is making such an impact on those who have chosen to trust Goodall Homes with their homebuying dreams.”

One area where Goodall is taking customer service to a new level is in the use of its Innovative Sales Consultant (ISC) system. Potential buyers can meet in real-time with an off-site sales agent via an iPad connected to a remote-controlled “robot” or on the screen of a model-home television. The robot’s mobility permits customers and agents to tour the model together, while both methods allow for interactive conversations with immediate answers to questions that may arise during the tour. Community plat maps, alternate floor plans, and other information can also be reviewed using the ISC system.

It is such an honor to be a part of the Greater Chattanooga area and to know that our team is making such an impact on those who have chosen to trust Goodall Homes with their homebuying dreams.

For more about Goodall Homes, take a virtual tour of currently available properties, or schedule an in-person visit to The Cottages at Brow Wood and other locations, go to GoodallHomes.com.

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Letting Nature Take Its Course

by Colleen Crowley

Like a pearl plucked from an oyster, Bay Creek’s new nature preserve in Cape Charles, VA, needed an expert to reveal its small but precious treasure.

Joseph Fehrer worked for the Nature Conservancy for over 40 years, and during that time, he occasionally butted heads with land developers over environmental conservation. So when Preserve Communities approached him with a job offer, he was naturally skeptical. After careful research, however, he signed on to be the resident naturalist at Bay Creek. “There’s a commitment they have made as a company to provide quality living for folks who move into their communities,” says Fehrer, “but there’s also a strong commitment to the environment.”

Bay Creek came under Preserve Communities’ management in 2019. Conserving green spaces and the environment and sharing that space with residents is a common theme throughout

all of the Preserve Communities. So it was only natural that the developers converted the back nine of one of the golf courses into a nature preserve.

There, on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, 350 acres of land are now in the first stages of becoming a flourishing oasis for flora and fauna.

Avid Trails (a planning, design, and construction company whose mission is to create great trail systems), designed walking paths that meander along oak hickory forests, ephemeral ponds, tidal estuaries, meadows, and beaches.

The irrigation systems and bunkers of the golf course have been removed, and all chemical treatments have ceased in order to give the open spaces a chance to revegetate naturally. But, as Fehrer points out, rewilding a once heavily-manipulated landscape will not happen overnight.

“Some of these processes may take 50 or 100

The Nature Preserve at Bay Creek is returning to its roots under one man’s watchful eye.

years, but they will happen,” says Fehrer. “I think it’s really important that as the Nature Preserve matures, these processes are allowed to play out in their time.”

With Fehrer leading the way, Bay Creek residents get to observe and understand these natural changes while enjoying waterway explorations, moonlight tours, and guided walks. As many of us have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, having access to outdoor spaces is crucial to both your physical and mental health. “The fact that the residents of Bay Creek have this amenity within walking distance of where they live is quite incredible,” says Fehrer.

places,” says Fehrer. “They won’t know what they have unless they experience that at a young age and appreciate it.”

The preserve not only provides respite for Bay Creek’s human residents, but also for its avian visitors. The Mid-Atlantic coastal region, especially the Delmarva Peninsula, is crucial for migratory songbirds and seabirds, including osprey, pelicans, egrets, warblers, and more. Every fall, thousands of birds flock to the southern tip of the peninsula for rest and favorable weather before making the journey over the Chesapeake Bay to their final destinations.

Unfortunately, climate change, coastal erosion, and urban development continue to threaten the birds’ already delicate habitats. That’s why the preserve at Bay Creek is so critical.

Fehrer delights in interacting with and educating Bay Creek residents on his guided tours. He’s particularly conscientious of his younger guests, encouraging them to smell, touch, and take a closer look at the world around them. “It’s important that young people have these experiences, because they’re going to be the keepers of these

“The diversity in this three-dimensional habitat—everything from the canopy layer and the treetops, all the way down to the grass layer in the meadows—provides such quality habitat,” says Fehrer. “You wouldn’t get that if it was developed as it was originally conceived [as a golf course].”

These 350 acres are clearly more valuable, on every level, as a sanctuary, and Fehrer applauds Preserve Communities’ recognition of that fact. “You have to be forward-looking,” explains Fehrer. “Land conservation is an important tool, and it’s only going to become more so as time goes by.”

“The fact that the residents of Bay Creek have this amenity within walking distance of where they live is quite incredible.”

PEOPLE WHO VACATION IN ARKANSAS OFTEN END UP CALLING THE NATURAL STATE HOME FOR GOOD LATER IN LIFE. FIND OUT WHY THE LOCALS LOVE IT AND OUR VISITORS CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IT.

Saving Trees Makes for Good Business

Have you heard about Wellen Park yet? If not, then you’re sure to hear a lot more soon. In Venice, FL, just minutes away from Florida’s western coast, lies this upand coming-community. The community currently has just under 10,000 residents but hopes to house over 60,000 once construction is completed—and the homes are selling fast. As of 2020, Wellen Park was number four in top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. This community is definitely one to watch.

by Madison Swart

West Villages has seven individual neighborhoods of single-family homes, each with their own charms. The Playmore district is made up of condos, villas, and single-family homes with access to walking trails and the Atlanta Braves practice stadium, which hosts farmer’s markets, movie nights, and concerts when the Braves are out of town. Downtown will be home to luxury apartments right outside of a new commercial center.

Downtown Wellen’s completion is still on the horizon, expected in late 2022, but you can already tell that it’s going to be something special. According to Wellen Park President Rick Severence, “We allowed the area to grow up around us and see what we needed, and that was a commercial downtown area for all of the residents of this region.”

The downtown area will be an extension of Wellen Park’s mission to create an active and connected community. An 80-acre lake will provide an ideal spot for kayakers and paddleboarding enthusiasts alike, and a three-mile-long health and wellness trail will surround the lake for walking and biking. There will be both a splash pad and a playground for the kiddos, shops will line the streets, and for hungry patrons, there will be waterfront restaurants as well as a food truck area.

Wellen Park has three districts: West Villages, Playmore, and Downtown Wellen.

Perhaps one of the most unique parts of Downtown Wellen is the tree preservation project. The Heritage Tree Program has

“We allowed the area to grow up around us and see what we needed.”

helped to relocate 26 live oaks—with decades of history and that would otherwise have been torn down—from other parts of the property to Downtown Wellen. The new downtown has been designed around the 100-year-old heritage tree that’s 95” in diameter. “These trees are beautiful and worth saving, plus they will allow us to create a truly special environment at the entrance to Downtown Wellen and throughout the community,” says Christine Masney, Wellen Park’s Vice President of Marketing.

Wellen Park worked to preserve the integrity of the project by employing the help of arborists and engineers who waterand root-pruned the tress for over a year in order to relocate them. In fact, this effort to preserve the natural features of the community cost nearly $1 million, but Severence concludes that the project has been well worth it. “You get the environmental benefits, the sustainability, but because of the strategic location of these trees, we have accomplished something essential for south Florida, which is to provide substantial shade in an urban environment. We wanted to celebrate the beauty and the scale of these trees,” says Severence.

These 26 trees are expected to absorb thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide per year and should help to prevent stormwater runoff. The community also plans to repurpose stormwater for irrigation on the

property. And, the community has no plans of stopping when it comes to preserving the natural beauty of the area. In fact, Severence has already proposed getting residents involved with tree plantings. One date is already in the books for September, where 100 trees are set to be put in the ground, and Severence hopes that this will become a regular event.

“The tress help establish a sense of of community, because they lend a sense of scale and heritage to what we are designing as a new downtown. Just as the trees will spread out roots in their new homes, so will the couples and families who choose to call Wellen Park home,” declares Severence.

For Wellen Park, everything comes down to community. From kayaking and golfing, to farmers markets and tree plantings, Wellen Park’s vision is to see a community that is active and connected, both with the location and each other, and Downtown Wellen and the Heritage Trees will help to bring that vision to life.

“These trees are beautiful and worth saving, plus they will allow us to create a truly special environment”

Calling in the Calm at Cobble Creek, Colorado

Having had their fair share of traffic congestion and city living, Ron and Sher Enstrom were ready for some peace and quiet once they retired. Tranquility was one of the deciding factors when considering where their forever home was going to be. “It was also very important to me that we were closer to our children and our grandchildren,” explains Sher, “so it was both our family and the beautiful landscape that brought us to Cobble Creek.”

Nestled at the base of the San Juan mountains, Cobble Creek ticked so many of their boxes that it became Ron and Sher’s chosen destination. This high desert community won their hearts with views that dreams are made of. Boasting vast open spaces with a skyline of the mountain range, Cobble Creek provides the perfect playground for long walks, bike rides, and enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. With hiking trails, diverse wildlife, kayaking, and golf 365 days a year, Cobble Creek has it all. “We’re not

by Kim Henry

actually avid golfers yet,” laughs Ron, “but the great thing about having a golf course as your backyard is that you get all that green space without having to maintain it yourself!”

Although they haven’t been bitten by the golf bug just yet, the Enstrom’s are loving the vibrant social life that Cobble Creek has to offer, with its elegant clubhouse and fun social calendar of events. With tennis courts, pickleball, five fishing ponds, and a fully-equipped fitness center and sauna, there’s always plenty to do.

“Although we’re in our 70s now, we’re as active as we’ve always been living here,” smiles Sher, relaxing in their newly-constructed forever home. Mindfully built to allow for aging in place, the Enstrom’s beautiful new home is all on one level, with wide halls and doorways to accommodate any future mobility needs. In addition, there are three bedrooms and bathrooms—plus a three car garage and shop— so there’s plenty of space for visiting family.

“We’re as active as we’ve always been living here.”

All of this under year-round blue skies, with mild winters and perfect summers, and it’s not surprising that Cobble Creek was their first choice. Although skiing is a nearby option at a higher elevation, Ron is delighted to avoid shoveling snow off their driveway anymore.

“I don’t want to be dealing with heavy snowfall at my age! Another plus about the milder winters here is that we have been able to downsize from where we used to live in Minnesota,” says Ron, who’s looking forward to having time to do some of the things on his wish list. “I’ve always wanted to try fly fishing, and now I’m

in the ideal spot!”

Cobble Creek is not a 50+ community, and this suits Ron and Sher just fine. They enjoy seeing families of all ages, and it’s great that there are other children in the neighborhood when their grandkids visit. With some vibrant little towns nearby, there’s also an exciting choice of stores and restaurants at their fingertips, without having to contend with the hustle and bustle of a big city.

“It’s just perfect!” smiles Sher. What a wonderful thing to be able to say about exactly where you are.