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.