2022 Winter Ideal-LIVING

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.

Now#1intheU.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.

Which is Right for You?

Active Adult Communities

5 Throughout Orlando

From luxury to location, sweeping vista views to sparkling waterways, we have gorgeous new neighborhoods that each offer a unique 55+ lifestyle. Resort-style amenities and a full social calendar will keep you on your toes, while the Central Florida sunshine will let you stay active year-round. Discover the dream home you’ve been waiting for and a retirement unlike anywhere else!

DEL WEBB MINNEOLA Minneola

DEL WEBB OASIS

TOHOQUA RESERVE

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DEL WEBB SUNBRIDGE

Now Pre-Selling (407) 554-5356 | DelWebb.com/Oasis

Single-Family & Villa Homes from the Upper-$200Ks (407) 554-5373 | Pulte.com/TohoquaReserve

Single-Family & Villa Homes from the Upper-$300Ks (407)805-1930 | DelWebb.com/Sunbridge

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Discover

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Coming Soon - Join Our VIP List (407) 214-3005 | DelWebb.com/Viera

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The proximity to fun doesn’t get any better than this! Located next to Orlando’s most famous attraction, this boutique Del Webb community provides a premier location and lifestyle.

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Get spoiled and stay healthy in this luxury neighborhood - the first to open in all of Sunbridge. The lifestyle has begun, so come and join the fun. Our 27,000 SF clubhouse is nearly complete!

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From water views throughout, to a network of sparkling ponds, to a waterfront amenity center, you can indulge in the famous Del Webb lifestyle in this top 20 masterplan community on the Space Coast.

Have the best of both: lifestyle + location.

Breathtaking Sunsets

Championship Golf

Marina with FREE Boat Dockage

Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing

World-Class Arts Center

Beaches just minutes away • So Much More

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!

Florida WaTERFRONT Living Resort Amenities | State-of-the-art Health Care

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.

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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.

Never settle.

WINTER 2022

VOLUME 24, NUMBER ONE

PUBLISHER RPI Media, LLC.

PRESIDENT

Michael Hackeling

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kelly Godbey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

William Burr, Steve Black, Jan Cullinane, Kelly Godbey, Warren Grant, Emily Hackeling, 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

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.

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

Passion, Preparation, & Patience

by Kelly Godbey kellyg@ideal-LIVING.com

Happy New Year! I am quite excited about 2022 and all the promise that a new year holds. However, one thing that I carry with me from year to year is a sense of gratitude. Every day I think of all of the things that I am grateful for: an amazing family and friends, a lifetime full of memories, and the opportunity for an even better tomorrow, to name a few. Not that I see the world through rose-colored glasses by any means, but I believe that if we are thankful for the small things, we can live a more fulfilling life. We can find passion in our lives.

I encourage each of you to find your passion. Create a vision of what you want your new life to be; then go out there and find it. Think about how you want to spend your days. If you are still working, maybe you can work some from home and implement items into your daily life from the time you save from commuting.

As you plan your ideal life, think about what your new life will look like. Suppose you choose to relocate to a different location. In that case, you may want to consider living in a planned amenity community, where they have designed a lifestyle around being as social and active as you want to be. At this point, you will want to do as much research as possible to get an idea of where you want to live. Being prepared is the key to finding your ideal location.

Helping you to be as prepared as possible is a goal of ideal-LIVING. That’s why we at ideal-LIVING are excited to bring back our live events in January and February, giving you the chance to conduct in-person research to find your ideal life. We welcome you to come out and meet with representatives from communities in the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and many more destinations. We will also host seminars throughout the day; please RSVP at ideal-LIVING.com/shows.

I encourage you to approach the search for your new life and new home with patience. It’s a whole new world out there, and finding a new home may take a lot longer than it once did. This issue will provide you with many helpful tips on how to proceed in this new real estate market.

Find Your Ideal... 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.

Cobble Creek Montrose, CO

The Preserve at La Paloma

Sun City Center, FL

The Preserve at La Paloma is a brand-new Florida community for age-55+ residents by industry leader Mattamy Homes. Located within the Villages of Cypress Creek in Sun City Center near Tampa, this gated enclave will have only 104 homes in an intimate neighborhood setting.

Cobble Creek is a premier Colorado mountain golf community that’s located in the heart of a year-round recreation paradise.

The centerpiece amenity is the award-winning Links at Cobble Creek golf course. Set in a mile-high valley beneath shimmering San Juan Mountain peaks, the Scottishstyle layout challenges golfers with 10 large ponds in play, connected by the signature rock-lined creek that meanders throughout the course.

Cobble Creek Clubhouse facilities include the spa and fitness center with a sauna, steam room, and salons services, plus the latest exercise equipment and daily workout classes. Casual meals and refreshments are served in The Tavern and the available banquet rooms also host a variety of community club meetings.

The Hiking Club is among the most popular, which is not surprising in an area with hundreds of miles of mountain trails in the surrounding national parks and forests. The region is also home to snow-fed streams for fly fishing, swifter rivers for kayaking and rafting, and nearby ski slopes for winter-sports activities. And just down the road from the Cobble Creek entrance is the growing town of Montrose with convenient medical facilities, fine-dining restaurants, and retail shopping.

Cobble Creek homesites are offered with golf, water, and mountain views in sizes from patio to estate. The three- and four-bedroom single-family homes are custom designed for upscale comfort and style.

CobbleCreek.com

A select number of homesites in The Preserve at La Paloma offer golf course and water views. Among the residential choices are low-maintenance attached villas that that feature lawn care and optional sun rooms. Spacious single-family residences are available in a variety of floor plans that can be customized in style by Mattamy Homes.

The Preserve at La Paloma neighborhood includes a private amenity center with multipurpose rooms, a resort-style pool and spa, pickleball courts, a cabana, and a firepit gathering area. Residents also have access to the top-rated golf course at the adjacent Cypress Creek Golf Club and other recreational amenities in the Sun City Center community. Convenient grocery markets, retail shops, fine-dining restaurants, and professional services are also just a short walk, bike ride, or golf cart drive away.

The strategic location of The Preserve at La Paloma is less than a mile from I-75, which means easy access for residents to the City of Tampa and its top-tier medical centers, cultural attractions, and professional sports teams. Local outdoor recreational opportunities include nature preserve, hiking trails, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico beaches.

MattamyHomes.com

IT’S YOUR MOVE

If you’d rather work on your forehand than floor repair, 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.

FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

NEW HOMES

Cresswind Wesley Chapel Wesley Chapel, NC

Located in the relaxing North Carolina countryside about 40 minutes south of uptown Charlotte, Cresswind Wesley Chapel is the area’s newest age-55+ community.

Kolter Homes designs every Cresswind community for the invigorating active-adult lifestyle, and Cresswind Wesley Chapel is no exception. The on-site activities director organizes interest clubs and social events for community residents. Cresswind’s signature SmartFit training center offers a variety of workout classes and state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Just outside the main clubhouse is a resort-style pool with sun deck, tennis and pickleball courts, and an event lawn that can host outdoor entertainment and farmers markets. Several excellent private and daily-fee golf clubs offering year-round play are located nearby.

The single-family homes in Cresswind Wesley Chapel are available in 10 distinctive floor plans that range from approximately 1,600 to more than 2,800 square feet of air-conditioned living space. The featured two- and three-bedroom models can also include a large covered lanai and can expand to as many as five bed-

rooms if needed. All Cresswind homes offer stylish design touches and energy-saving appliances.

The Village of Wesley Chapel gives residents a convenient destination for local shopping, dining, and professional services. The immediate area also offers lakes for freshwater fishing and day hikes on the Twelve Mile Creek Greenway. The nearby city of Charlotte features retail malls, venues for the cultural arts and professional sports teams, and world-class health care centers. KolterHomes.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 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.

An extraordinary value: Homesites from the $ 60 s; Homes from the low $ 300 s

252.636.3700 CarolinaColours.com New Bern, NC

Community News Update

GENEROUS LADIES

Woodside | Aiken, SC

Women of Woodside (W.O.W.) is a nonprofit organization of residents in the Woodside residential community dedicated to serving others with charitable giving, volunteer activities, and fundraising events. For the 2020-2021 fiscal year, W.O.W. raised nearly $70,000 for local causes, bringing the total of charitable contributions by the group to more than $1.7 million. Among the upcoming events in 2022 are the W.O.W. Winter Luncheon (Feb. 11) with keynote speaker Jane Jennings Herlong, the Trash & Treasures garage sale fundraiser (March 26), and the W.O.W. Spring Fashion Show (May 20). WoodsideCommunities.com

TASTY TENNESSEE MARKET

Franklin, TN

The Franklin Farmers Market is a year-round event held every Saturday morning near historic downtown Franklin and just 15 miles from Nashville. Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and herbs from more than 70 Tennessee farms are offered for sale. Baked goods are also available, along with handmade crafts from local artisans.

FranklinFarmersMarket.com

THE CRESSWIND CUP

Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes | Hoschton, GA

The Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes active-adult community hosted the inaugural Cresswind Cup Pickleball Tournament in October 2021. More than 200 players from seven different Cresswind/Kolter communities competed in the event on the 21 Twin Lakes courts, already one of the Southeast’s largest private pickleball complexes with plans to double that number in the future. Pickeball courts and player services are featured amenities at all of the Cresswind communities by Kolter Homes.

KolterHomes.com

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

WATERWAYS RELEASES MARINA VILLAGE HOMESITES

The nature-centric developers of Waterways continue their measured and thoughtful approach to the overall expansion of the community with the exciting opening of its latest neighborhood, Marina Village. This much highly-anticipated new phase near the Cottenham Exchange Clubhouse is destined to become the vibrant heartbeat of this already high-spirited community. Along with several well-established Cottenham Exchange amenities, such as the state-of-theart fitness center, two pools (one for adults and one for children), and the marina with its architecturally stunning dry slip storage, Marina Village is sure to contribute by attracting buyers looking for untouched natural surroundings along with a lively, waterfrontcentered lifestyle. This exclusive new neighborhood places the focus squarely on expansive views over the lagoons and marsh front. Interior, lagoon, and marshfront homesites are situated to take full advantage of the well-preserved natural landscape, while the Ma-

rina Village homesites will have the most immediate access to the Waterways Marina and Cottenham Exchange Clubhouse. Several homes are already on the drawing boards, and architectural styles include raised porches with deep verandas and spacious outdoor seating. New homeowners are currently designing some stunning examples of relaxed yet elegant low country homes working with local architects. They are sure to be on everyone's list of homes to visit! The developers of Waterways have preserved the natural surroundings so that residents can fully enjoy the outdoors and nature while living in a diverse and lively community. Whether you and your family like to toss a line in the well-stocked lagoons or are avid walkers, bikers, boaters, or recreational kayakers Waterways has an activity for every taste. Pricing for Marina Village Homesites ranges from $90K to $300K.

Waterways | Richmond Hill, GA

About Savannah Lakes Village

Dataw Island

Where you belong

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA - Welcome to Dataw Island, a private gated community catered to the active lifestyle.

Community thrives at Dataw, where neighbors are just friends you haven’t yet met. With flexible membership plans and dozens of member-based clubs and sports associations, you are sure to find the perfect opportunity for fellowship, fitness, and camaraderie.

Dataw Island is graced with two “Top 50” SC golf courses, a

NEW MEXICO HOT SPRINGS

Locations throughout the state

New Mexico’s nickname is “The Land of Enchantment,” and among its more alluring attractions are the state’s 25+ natural hot springs. Some of the most accessible sites are McCauley Hot Springs, just off Highway 4 near Battleship Rock; Montezuma Hot Springs formerly part of the historic Montezuma Castle Resortbut now open to the public; Black Rock Hot Springs, located in a spectacular canyon of the Rio Grand River; and the ever-popular Spence Hot Springs, about seven miles northwest of the town of Jemez Springs, the future home of the Player’s Centre for Performing Arts.

NewMexico.org

USTA “Outstanding Tennis Facility,” a brandnew pickleball complex, and two of the most beautiful and well-maintained croquet lawns in the area. Just beyond, you’ll find a pair of bocce courts beckoning, as well as community gardens, kayak launches, and a 33-acre maritime nature preserve with walking paths and a dog park.

At the on-site Community Center, you will find a staff of certified personal trainers, athletic trainers, and an aerobic studio, gym, art studio, and more. Those called to the water may enjoy our indoor & outdoor pools, the full-service Marina, kayak launches, and nearby Hunting Island State Park beach.

Add social events too numerous to mention and a host of volunteer opportunities both on-island and off, and you’ll find that your schedule will quickly fill, the Dataw way -- friendly, philanthropic, and fun!

Developed to honor nature and history, the island exudes historic charm, natural beauty, and extraordinary living.

Visit on a three-day, two-night stay to see for yourself why locals have voted this community the “Best Neighborhood In Beaufort, SC.”

WINTER WONDERLAND

SaddleBrooke TWO | Tucson, AZ

It's the time of year where you start to feel the change of the seasons in the air. Contrary to popular opinion, there is a winter frost in the desert and at SaddleBrooke TWO. This active lifestyle community is 3,500 ft above sea level and nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains, providing cooler weather and light seasonal snow flurries. The crisp, fresh winter zephyr creeps into the Sonoran Desert, creating snowcapped mountains in the mornings and beautiful purple and orange sunsets in the evenings. Spend your days golfing, hiking, hanging out with friends, and living your life to the fullest!

sbhoa2.org

The Fairways of Citrus Hills

Citrus Hills is an award-winning Florida community that combines the traditional country club lifestyle with new amenities and member-driven activities, welcoming retirees and working families in style.

“The Villages of Citrus Hills is a development started by visionaries in the late 1970s, well before the concept of master-planned communities aimed at retirees and snowbirds became a common idea,” says Lisa Malone-Carmain, Director of Club Marketing for Citrus Hills. “Over the years, we’ve grown to about 8,000 homes of different sizes and floor plan designs in a variety of neighborhoods that range from suburbanstyle to gated active-adult communities.”

Many of those residents were initially attracted to the four golf courses at Citrus Hills that offer 63 holes of top-flight play. The first two are the 18-hole layouts located at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club—The Oaks and The Meadows.

“The Oaks course is a classic design with rolling hills and fairways defined by mature live oaks and tall loblolly pines,” says Citrus Hills head golf professional Wayne Larsen. “With dramatic elevation changes and gorgeous views, golfers may feel like they’re playing in the Sandhills of the Carolinas rather than on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

“The Meadows course features beautiful fairways with gentle doglegs, which lead to large, undulating greens,” he continues. “It’s a traditional course design that challenges more experienced players from the back tees, but is also ideal for the novice golfer looking for a relaxing, enjoyable round.” Larsen and his staff offer free monthly clinics that introduce new players to the game and help them to improve their shot-making skills.

Skyview at Terra Vista is home to The Skyview Golf Course, the longest and most challenging of the three 18-hole layouts at Citrus Hills. The name derives from its unique claim to fame: the tee box on the 17th hole is the highest point on any golf course in Florida and offers clear-day “sky views” all the way to the Gulf of Mexico on the horizon.

Skyview’s head golf pro Parker Hewit has overseen the most significant recent change to the course—switching the opening and closing nines back to their original configuration. “The biggest factor in that decision was logistics,” Hewit says. “Now we can see the first tee from the pro shop, and the course opens on the first hole with a long par 5. That helps us to better space groups from the start and set a good pace of play right out of the gate. And our members now finish their rounds on a very challenging signature 18th hole, which is the way it should be.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our golf course and player services here at Skyview,” he says. “Our goal is to offer a fun playing experience with immaculate course conditions for our members.”

Hewit and his Skyview staff are also growing the game in the Citrus Hills community that includes many young families. “We offer a junior golf camp every summer,” he says. “It’s a great way to introduce kids to a game that they can enjoy for a lifetime.”

While competitive league play for men and women takes place nearly every week on the three Citrus Hills championship layouts, the fourth venue at the Brentwood Golf Course is all about having a good time. “Brentwood is a great little nine-hole course,” says Hewit, “that offers an enjoyable experience for everyone, from seniors who like a quick round in the morning to members who want to play a late nine after work.”

Two high-tech additions are helping Citrus Hills members keep up with the times. The first

is the club’s new Lightspeed Golf tee-time system, which allows players to book or cancel tee times and get other course information on their phones. Equally popular extras are the two new Golf/Sportsplex Simulators soon to be located at the Citrus Hills Activity Center. This state-ofthe-art technology allows residents to virtually play more than 81 of the world’s most famous golf courses and compete in 13 other interactive experiences, including baseball, football, and basketball challenges.

Flexible golf, fitness, and social membership programs are available that allow play on all of the Citrus Hills golf courses and access to other first-class community amenities. Topping that list is the luxurious BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center for residents who want to look and feel their best. This 50,000-sq.ft. wellness center handles the first with a Mediterranean-style private spa offering a full range of massage, facials, and salon services. The fitness center follows up with an indoor pool and whirlpool, steam rooms and saunas, and free fitness classes ranging from Aqua Tone and Pilates to yoga and Zumba.

Members can join in lively league competitions on the courts at the Skyview Tennis Center and innovative training programs at the PrimoVita Fitness Center for additional spirited exercise. And the Citrus Hills Activity Center is another hub of community activity that features eight pickleball courts, a heated pool, game rooms, and plenty of meeting space.

“We have close to 50 community clubs that our members run,” says Malone-Carmain, “which make it possible for them to learn new hobbies, make new friends with similar interests and expand their horizons with new activities.

Along with educational classes and volunteer activities, we also have live entertainment, farmers markets, classic car exhibitions, travel opportunities, and a year-round calendar of social events.”

Citrus Hills members can enjoy fine clubhouse dining and music at The Skyview Restaurant and more casual fare with dancing and themed events at The Grille Restaurant. Just outside is everyone’s favorite “19th hole,” the huge thatched-roof Tiki Bar featuring games on 10 TVs, karaoke nights, and weekly live entertainment. The Citrus Hills Auditorium seats up to 300 for music concerts when more space is needed, and the Hampton Room hosts comedy, magic, and dinner shows.

Located in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast region, Citrus Hills is just 10 minutes from Gulf of Mexico beaches and sport-fishing marinas. Nearly 50 percent of Citrus County is a natural habitat that’s protected from development and features the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail for hiking and biking excursions. Nearby Citrus Memorial Hospital and Seven Rivers Hospital are top-rated healthcare centers, while all of the cultural arts and popular attractions in Orlando and Tampa are just a little over an hour away.

The Villages of Citrus Hills has been honored with numerous awards over the years, including recent recognition as the top master-planned community in Florida by the authoritative Real Estate Scoreboard online magazine.

“Those accolades are not only a big plus for Citrus Hills,” says Malone-Carmain, “but also for the whole of Citrus County as an area with top-quality developments. And that’s what we hope they’ll discover at Citrus Hills.”

“With dramatic elevation changes and gorgeous views, golfers may feel like they’re playing in the Sandhills of the Carolinas rather than on the Gulf Coast of Florida."

Creating Your Ideal Life

Body | Mind | Soul

By Kelly Godbey

At Ideal-LIVING, we believe that everyone deserves to live their ideal life, and that every person is capable of finding and living that life regardless of money or stage in life. As editor of Ideal-LIVING magazine, I have had the good fortune to interview hundreds of people who have found their ideal lives and who have shared their process to find them. And, it all starts with envisioning what you’d like your ideal life to be.

Envision Your New Life

When I speak at the Ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Shows (see page 44), I start by asking the audience to tell me what they think their ideal life will be. Invariably, I get responses like “better climate,” “no more shoveling snow,” and “lower taxes.” While these are the top reasons many people decide to relocate, I would like you to dig deeper with your answers. Close your eyes and think about what a typical day in your new life might be.

Start by writing down what you’ll do from the moment you wake up ’til the moment your head hits the pillow. To live your life to the fullest, it’s important to feed your body, mind, and soul. For me, my ideal day begins with watching the sunrise from the ocean while paddleboarding where

I would see a dolphin or two. Then after an hour or two of that, I’d come home and go out to breakfast with my husband to meet friends. I’d still want to work as I love what I do and can do that from anywhere. I’d probably go for a bike ride in the afternoon and meet more friends for dinner, followed by watching the full moon rise out of the ocean. With this day, I get exercise, meditation, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment. And to be honest, I have lot of these days.

Where You Live Affects How You Live

If you envision your ideal day starting with coffee overlooking the mountains or a lake, or maybe it’s being the first one to the golf course to play 18 rounds with your spouse, it is all possible. With interest rates as low as they are, it’s a great time to start living that

dream. Do your research first to choose a city you’d like to live in, then schedule a visit. I encourage you to check out planned amenity communities. It’s not that this is the only option, but they are a great alternative to explore when relocating to a new region. These lifestyle communities are designed to create an atmosphere where you can feed your body, mind, and soul. You can meet lots of people who have moved from other locations, move into a new home, or find an existing home that meets your needs at this time in your life, and be as active as you would like to be with the myriad of sports, clubs, and activities. The developers have worked very hard to incorporate all aspects of life into these planned communities. You deserve to find your ideal life, so get started today with your list of must-have prioties for your life and home.

6 Components of Wellness

To find your ideal life, it’s important to consider the components of wellness that include: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Spiritual, Environmental, and Social. If you are recently retired, looking to retire soon, or are nowhere near retirement, you can increase your happiness quotient by working on one or all of these tenets.

Emotional

Feel good about yourself and your ability to cope with everyday stress and life in general.

Spiritual

Whether through religion or spirituality, our search for meaning and purpose in life contributes to overall wellness.

Intellectual

Especially as we age, it is even more critical to engage and challenge ourselves intellectually.

Environmental

Whether it be your home, community at large, or the region, your surroundings can significantly impact who you are as a person.

Social

Interacting with others can vastly improve your quality of life.

Physical

Building physical strength and endurance can increase the length of your life.

Leave cold winters behind forever and enjoy year-round outdoor recreation in Florida! The Preserve at La Paloma welcomes you to sell your mower and move to the good life in a low-maintenance neighborhood — in a state with low sales tax, zero state tax, top-notch healthcare and unbeatable arts, culture and local attractions.

Explore a thriving golf-cart town with social clubs and community amenities like a resort-style pool and spa, cozy clubhouse, pickleball courts and more. Choose from versatile, stylish single-family or attached villa floorplans.

Located in Sun City Center, Florida — convenient to the beaches, attractions and culture of nearby Tampa and Sarasota

REAL ES TATE SHOW

YOU'RE INVITED to our Exclusive LIVE Event!

Precautions are being taken by the hotel and the show host to minimize health risks as a result of COVID-19. Please refer to the COVID-19 Safety Notice online when you RSVP.

Adventure Tours from Costa Rica to Panama

by William Burr

Now that travel is once again becoming more normal after the long hiatus from the pandemic, a visit to Costa Rica to look at the country as a potential expat home looms large on many people’s agenda. The agonizing postponement gave some of us time to research numerous websites extolling the country’s favorable climate, location, and diversity, its political stability, excellent medical care, and breathtaking scenery. For many, the fact that Costa Rica has no standing army is also a plus. Costa Rica takes that money and invests it in education, infrastructure, conservation, and health, making the country rank high in job opportunities, technology, and international wealth. Unlike the poverty that plagues much of Central and South America, Costa Rica’s population has one of the highest levels of literacy in the world and a stable middle class.

But research only goes so far. Almost every world traveler advises that a personal visit to any country you might think of moving to is not only necessary, but essential. There is nothing that can replace the gut feeling that this is right for you. A visit is invaluable to determine the country’s ambiance, how it feels, how it fits your style, and how it is when you have your eyes and hands on its very core.

To this end, many Costa Rican communities offer inexpensive tours where a prospective expat can spend a few days in their development’s sumptuous lodging. Visitors can investigate the homes offered, the neighborhood and even have time for some travel within the country to get a feel for moving around and visiting other cities, tourist sites, medical facilities, and exploring specific interests.

20 Years of Guided Adventures

To give our readers an idea of how this works, Steve Linder of Pacific Lots in southern Costa Rica (Pacificlots.com) has been running tours for 20 years and responded with information on his tours.

The company offers four-day and ten-day country tours of 10 to 15 people of either Costa Rica or Costa Rica/Panama. These tours focus 90% on tourism and 10% on real estate options for retirees, investors, or those looking to own a second home. Transporting them in a custom Mercedes van, they visit the most popular tourist destinations.

A favorite of everyone is the La Paz Waterfall Garden, located on the back side of the Poas Volcano, where you descend 1,000 steps through and near five tumbling waterfalls and mist-covered land bridges. Some people don’t think they will make it, but they always do. Fortunately, a bus brings them back up. It is a magical place with feeders everywhere, attracting some 50 species of hummingbirds. On the preserve, visitors can view an aviary, a trout farm, an old traditional home, and a butterfly farm. A sumptuous buffet is provided for a welcome rest in between. It is an example of Costa Rican food that emphasizes inexpensively priced organic, natural, and native products from free-range chickens with eggs with orange-colored yokes, to less fatty pigs, and never genetically modi-

fied foods. Costa Ricans are unusually healthy, the elderly often living past 100 years.

On the tours, prospects visit a mangrove estuary, something most Americans never get to see. Among the dazzling maze of otherworldly mangroves are nests of hummingbirds and black hawks soaring above. Then there is a visit to Manuel Antonio Park and the Costa Verde Hotel that boasts more monkeys than people. Tours of a zoo, a coffee plantation, a private reserve in Dominical, and a river tour in Sierpe are included.

After crossing the border on the extended Panama tour, tour participants spend an afternoon in the funky little town of Boquete, a night in Santiago de Veraquez, a visit to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, as well

as the Canal Zone museum, and Casco Viejo, the oldest section of Panama City.

The tours are composed of around a dozen people from all over, but mostly from the United States and Canada. Friendships are made and photos are shared with each other. No matter their age or nationality, no one wants to skip a single activity. In fact, some people take the tour more than once.

Pacific Lots is just one example of the kind of tours that go a long way toward answering the many questions a prospective expat has in an essential onsite visit to see if the country meets their specific needs. Tours are not only educational and fun, they can often be a deciding factor.

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.

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RIVER LANDING – WALLACE, NC

Tucked away near the coast of eastern North Carolina is a pictureperfect community, complete with world-class club amenities while still maintaining the charm and ease of a small hometown. River Landing’s two championship golf courses are ideal for working on your game. Or perhaps you prefer exploring the outdoors along the scenic walking and biking trails? Whether you are starting a family or starting your retirement, River Landing has something for everyone.

GOVERNOR'S LAND AT TWO RIVERS –WILLIAMSBURG, VA

Beautifully built on 1,400+ acres nestled between the majestic James and Chickahominy Rivers, The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a private, member-owned country club community of distinction where new neighbors become family and peace of mind is a priority. Discover an immediate sense of serenity in our pleasantly spacious, hidden gem of a neighborhood that embodies the charm of Williamsburg and features first-class amenities, including the deepwater marina, private beach, and top-rated Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.

You won’t know until you go!

SOUTHERN SPRINGS BY DEL WEBB — SPRING HILL, TN

Southern Springs is located minutes from the big city life of Nashville and the beautiful countryside of central TN with hiking, fishing, golfing, wineries, and so much more to explore. Living just south of Nashville, you’re able to enjoy the Frist Museum of the Arts, Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry Music House, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a concert at Bridgestone area, or even cheer on the Nashville Predators or Tennessee Titans.

ARENAL HILLS — COSTA RICA

Set in a 123-acre valley surrounded by mountains, rivers, and rainforests, the Arenal Hills residences feature panoramic views. The one- and two-story villa homes offer a choice of five floor plans with up to 3,600 square feet of total indoor/outdoor living space. Interiors feature native laurel, teak and bamboo milled onsite and furniture built by Costa Rican craftsmen. Accents include granite countertops and Peruvian marble flooring, plus large balconies with waterfall pools and Jacuzzi tubs.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — SARASOTA, FL

There’s no better place than Lakewood Ranch to live the Florida lifestyle you’ve dreamed of. It's the country’s #1 best-selling community in the U.S. for all ages.Here, living healthy and well is as much about nourishing the body as it is the heart, mind, and spirit. That’s why, in addition to incredible active recreation and best-in-class medical facilities, you’ll also find that access to nature, educational opportunities, community traditions, and creative pursuits abound.

THE HOMEPLACE OF SOUTHPORT — SOUTHPORT, NC

Located in coastal North Carolina, just between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, it will feature 52 charming, brick low-maintenance homes with highly desired retirement smart features. The Home Place of Southport offers single-family Villa and Garden Home Duplex designs with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and optional bonus rooms. Prices begin in the high $300s. The Home Place of Southport is an ideal community to enjoy an active, yet relaxed lifestyle.

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 in the last two years? 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.

For the Love of the Arts

Wellen Park in Sarasota, FL, is one of the fastest-growing communities in the U.S. And, this community is gearing up to become a premier destination for cultural experiences. Though Downtown Wellen with shopping and dining is still under construction, for now, Wellen Park is ready to start immersing its residents in the beauty and culture of Sarasota. “Arts are at the heart of Sarasota County,” says Jim Shirley, executive director, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. By striking a partnership program with the Sarasota’s Arts and Cultural Alliance, Wellen Park is bringing both visual arts and performances into the community itself.

“We are blessed to be in a vibrant and robust arts and cultural region, which is why it’s so important for us to build upon that access within Wellen Park,” said Rick Severance,

by Madison Swart

president of Wellen Park. “The arts provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages, cultures, and interests to connect.”

Wellen Park just launched this new joint program with an event that showcased the Venice Symphony, a shovel painting contest, and a panel from local arts organizations to get residents ready and engaged for what’s yet to come. “Through the Alliance’s partnership with Wellen Park, we’re excited to increase access to the arts in the southern part of the county and bring new, unique opportunities for people to enjoy the robust arts and cultural experiences that Sarasota County is known for,” says Shirley. And, Wellen Park has already begun the “Countdown to Downtown,” which will feature wine and dinner pairings with a performance by the Venice Symphony, lecture series, and visual arts components.

And, the Sarasota area’s commitment to the arts is vital as well. “A large part of why people choose to live in Sarasota County is because of the access to world-class performances and exhibitions, one-of-a-kind visual arts shows, educational programming, and family-friendly festivals and fairs, adds Shirley. And, the Arts and Cultural Alliance has a full list of events for year-round entertainment. From ballets to musicals, visual arts to jazz concerts, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, there are local classes for both adults and kiddos, and date nights and girls nights for you to enjoy with your crew or spouse.

And, the arts are just one part of this active and inclusive Florida community. So, whether you are an art aficionado, a wellness enthusiast, or just looking for a sense of community, you are bound to find something in Wellen Park and Sarasota County.

“The arts provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages, cultures, and interests to connect.”

Port St. Lucie’s most eagerly awaited new 55+ active adult community is now open! Located in the exciting masterplanned community of Tradition, Telaro features gorgeous villas and single-family homes with a variety of stylish and elegant home designs to choose from. You’ll love our resort-style amenities and the connectedness and convenience that comes with living in Tradition.

Discover Tradition’s endlessly 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. Telaro at Tradition has it all!

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

THE GOOD LIFE

HUNGRY HOT SPOTS

A Roundup of Wilmington’s Best New Restaurants

There’s no feeling like revving up your enthusiasm for a meal, and it all starts with the question, “Where should we eat?”

Wilmington, NC, has no shortage of fresh, alluring outlets to satisfy even the craziest of cravings, and our curated list covers everything you need to know. It’s not categorized or ranked; just an inclusive reflection of the city’s newest hot spots–from a downtown oyster bar boasting a bomb fried chicken biscuit to a grilled cheese café whose garlic parmesan fries could probably cure COVID-19.

Speaking of, keep in mind that these establishments not only took the risk of stepping onto the scene during tough times in their industry, but they’ve successfully stayed the course and beckoned us back to the table.

This roundup is your most up-to-date chronicle of the Port City’s latest culinary digs, so, with no further ado, dig in.

Seabird

When Pinpoint chef and owner Dean Neff left his post to open Seabird a few doors down, faithful supporters couldn’t wait to sneak a peek at his coastalmotivated menu. It started with a simple, yet superb breakfast lineup (with standouts like a

by Fanny Slater

grits and roasted potato bowl and a pimento cheese-smothered chicken biscuit with shaved pickles), but the restaurant has since expanded to full lunch and dinner service. Never pass up an impeccably fresh raw oyster that’s passed through Neff’s hands, but go all out with the jaw-dropping seasonal seafood tower—a plentiful pyramid of grouper rillette, mussel escabeche, and yellowtail with playful accoutrements. SeabirdNC.com

The Green House

Though plant-based fare and non-alcoholic cocktails may not have always been the cool kids in school, they’ve finally peaked— and The Green House is doing them justice. As Wilmington’s first upscale veg-centric restaurant (that, by the way, flaunts a zero-proof bar program), The Green House focuses on wholesome ingredients with an emphasis on sustainable practices. Modern, high-end, vegan American eats are the stars of this show, like the seared eggplant filet with velvety parsnip potato purée, red wine demi-glace, and crispy roasted shallots. Pair the runny, housemade Camembert with one of the bar’s innovative sips like the foam-topped Matcha Man, made up of a citrusy aperitif, herby NA spirit, and locally-made fig-cardamom shrub. TheGreenRestaurant.com

Floriana

Tucked inside the historic three-story building smack dab on the corner of Market and Water (formerly Roy’s Riverboat Landing), this contemporary bistro serves madefrom-scratch Italian dishes so dreamy you’ll swoon for the spaghetti. Call ahead to snag one of the private two-person wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Cape Fear’s stunning sunset, then kick things off with the deliciously dark and mysterious black gnocchi with lobster, fiery Nduja sausage, and rock shrimp. Pull up a fork (and maybe a friend) to the massive beefy lasagna, layered with smooth béchamel and milky in-house mozzarella—an over 100-yearold recipe passed down from the family of the original owner. FlorianaRestaurant.com

CheeseSmith

Now that Molly and Brendan Curnyn have planted roots via brick-and-mortar in the Cargo District, you no longer have to scour the streets for their grilled cheese truck to get your fix. CheeseSmith’s artisanal between-bread combos are crafted with creativity (and Duke’s Mayo, of

your tummy for sides. The epic beer cheese fries with green onions are well worth the resulting food coma. CheeseSmithCo.com

Second Glass

course) and taste even better when washed down with a local brew. Find solace on their sunlit patio with a Buffalo Baby—a blend of buttery Havarti, tender buffalo braised chicken, homemade buttermilk ranch, and quick pickled carrot and celery slaw. Save room on the picnic table and in

South Front District’s newer urban eatery is far more than a seasonally-driven, wine-focused restaurant. It’s an eclectic mecca of munchies, where traditional Southern foods like deviled eggs get a makeover with epicurean embellishments like trout roe, smoked mullet, and pickled onion. For sophisticated small plates you’re supposed to share but definitely won’t want to, start with the decadent duck fat fingerling potatoes or mussels floating in sweet potato broth. When you move onto the main, go for the Joyce Farms duck confit with black rice risotto and white cheddar. Swirl a second glass of the recommended Syrah alongside and people-watch on the breezy patio. SecondGlassWineBar.com

Quanto Basta Italian Eatery & Wine Bar

A global, well-informed wine list, superior service, and elegant ambiance (plus hefty servings of freshly-made pastas and expertly-thin,

hand-stretched pizzas) easily earned Quanto Basta a spot on our list. Now a go-to for familiar yet elevated Italian fare, this restaurant rose to the top of locals’ lists despite opening in the midst of a pandemic. Fan favorites include the beef short ribs Barbaresco—with fluffy gnocchi dumplings swimming in a sumptuous layer of melty fontina cheese and spaghetti with mama’s Sunday sauce. Be on the lookout for specials inspired by heritage recipes. QuantoBastaNC.com

Michael’s on the Waterfront

Another success story that not only came out of COVID-19 times, but also survived multiple hurricanes, is Michael’s on the Waterfront, where you’ll discover a riverside dining experience you won’t soon forget. The kitchen draws influence from all over the world, and one look at the colossal, saltstudded Bavarian pretzel, and you’ll realize this place ain’t playin’ around. The gastropub’s streetside seating makes for a memorable ambiance, and polished dishes like pan-seared lump crab cake fritters and soy-glazed salmon over cheesy mushroom risotto offset all assumptions that Michael’s is just slinging modest bar food. MichaelsOnTheWaterfront.com

Flying Machine at Wrightsville Beach

You know brewery business is booming when, within a few years of raising your curtain, there’s vigorous demand for an encore. Celebrated for their whimsical attention to de-

tail and imaginative beers, FMBC recently welcomed guests into their Wrightsville Beach taproom in the former Banks Channel space. The fried chicken beer cheese mac with chili glaze is undeniably delicious (and also hard to say), but don’t miss the “sun’s out, buns out” section of the menu for coastal-themed handhelds like the cornmeal battered fish sammy with lemon aioli. Thoughtfully-harvested libations (from signature brews and wines to brunchy Sunday cocktails) and creative cookery change with the seasons. FlyingMachineWB.com

Mariposa

Sangria and small bites were a much-needed addition to the downtown area, and Mariposa transports diners from the South Front District to Spain with one salty nibble of their hand-carved, acorn-fed Ibérico ham (aged for 30 months). Wilmington’s first authentic Spanish tapas bar has finally arrived, and they’re crushing every course from brunch to lunch to dinner. Not to mention, their stunningly refined cocktails are unmatched. Regulars suggest adding sweet, tangy Manchego cheese to the Pan Con Tomate (thick rounds of toasted bread with tomato, freshly-sliced garlic, and fruity olive oil) and saving space for light, spongy, cocoa-dusted Ponche Segoviano cake. MariposaTapas.com

LIFE IS BETTER AT THE BEACH

LIFE IS BETTER AT THE BEACH

WILMINGTON, NC

It’s a piece of paradise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Just minutes from Wrightsville Beach and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Landfall is in close proximity to all the cultural and recreational amenities Wilmington has to offer. With beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, a renowned university and some of the state’s best dining and shopping right outside its secured gates. Landfall is coastal living at its finest.

It’s a piece of paradise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Located IN Wilmington, NC, just minutes from Wrightsville Beach and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Landfall is in close proximity to all the cultural and recreational amenities the city has to o er. With beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, a renowned university and some of the state’s best dining and shopping right outside it’s secured gates, Landfall is coastal living at its nest.

It’s a piece of paradise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Just minutes from Wrightsville Beach and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Landfall is in close proximity to all the cultural and recreational amenities Wilmington has to offer. With beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, a renowned university and some of the state’s best dining and shopping right outside its secured gates. Landfall is coastal living at its finest.

Patio Homes from $550,000

Patio Homes from $550,000

CALL THE LANDFALL SPECIALISTS

CALL THE LANDFALL SPECIALISTS

New Construction starting at $775,000

New Construction starting at $775,000

Single Family Homes ranging from $650,000 to $3,000,000

Single Family Homes ranging from $650,000 to $3,000,000

Bourbon Legends:

Tapping into the Trend of Brown Spirits on the Rise

by Fanny Slater

Whether the dapper Don Draper turned the world’s focus back onto Old Fashioneds, or folks devoted to the rich, oaky libation are simply raising their voices, bourbon has quietly crept up as the new “it” beverage. It’s always been part of American culture, of course, but specifically—within the last decade—we’ve seen a noticeable rise in trendy drinkeries who purposefully place the sultry spirit front and center. Just as craft beer taprooms, cocktail lounges, and wineries have continued to sprout up around the country, bourbon bars are now a category all their own, and every generation (and gender) is invited to the party. That’s right—bourbon drinking isn’t just a men’s club activity anymore. There’s even an entire organization dedicated entirely to women who are passionate about the product.

Bourbon drinking isn’t just a men’s club activity anymore.

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Also dubbed “the American whiskey,” the distilled drink has origins going back to the 18th century (supposedly conceived when Elijah Craig aged already-popular corn whiskey in a charred oak barrel), so it’s no newfangled concept. The smoky sipper has always been on deck at bars, but mainly for mingling with soda. Hardcore enthusiasts wouldn’t dare water down their beloved Blanton’s with anything other than a single cube of ice. But whether you’re a beginner in the land of bourbon or an aficionado with your own robust collection on display at home, you won’t have a hard time finding plenty of hubs to enjoy (and educate yourself on) the drink.

This explosion of interest has led to everything from creating bourbon programs in the hospitality industry and enhanced lists at restaurants to neighborhood hangouts specializing entirely in the spirit.

All this booze talk making you wonder how soon until happy hour? Here are a few East Coast bourbon-centric hot spots that will quench your thirst when the time is right.

Attached to the elegant DeSoto hotel in Savannah, GA, is Edgar’s Proof & Provision. This modern drinkery marries thoughtful barrel-aged cocktails with Southern comfort food. Wash down homemade andouille sausage hushpuppies with a hearty pour of the private label “Edgar’s Truth” bourbon on EP&P’s front porch—the best people-watching on Liberty Street.

It’s all in the name at Bourbon and Bubbles in Charleston, SC, the luxury space where shared plates are coupled with a premier array of Champagne and hand-crafted cocktails. On the less ritzy end of the spectrum, the cozy neighborhood Paddock and Whisky on James Island prides itself on giving its patrons “the stories behind the barrels” from the picks on their curated list.

In Chattanooga, TN, indulge in an unforgettable indoor rooftop experience at the Whiskey Thief atop the Edwin Hotel, where an aerial view of the city pairs perfectly with the extensive bourbon selection poured into vintagestyle glassware. Belly up to the bustling bar (and an upscale burger) at Urban Stack and down creative concoctions like the High Tea, a citrusy spiked fusion of mint and orange.

There’s no shortage of spots to imbibe in Florida, and these are the ones where we suggest you pull up a stool. With major culinary accolades (like nods from James Beard and Bon Appetit), Miami Beach’s Yardbird is known for heady bourbon cocktails and dynamic farmfresh Southern dishes. In St. Petersburg, pop into Urban Stillhouse, where guests can expect weekly bourbon-inspired rotating specials and seasonal menu items showcased on the restaurant’s wood-fired grill.

Cooter Brown’s is a can’t-miss in Rehoboth Beach, DE, where familiar Southern fare gets a contemporary twist, and the bourbon and whiskey lineup is almost 200 bottles deep.

Bottoms up!

Changes and Trends in Senior Living: The Baby Boomer Generation

by William Burr

The baby boomers brought change from the very moment they appeared on the scene. Every segment of our society was affected by their intense desire to accomplish and succeed. When the census was taken in 2010, the oldest had not even turned 65. Since then, about 10,000 a day have crossed that age threshold, and by 2030, all boomers will be at least age 65. Success, mobility, and a desire to have it all were signature characteristics of their generation. When they saw something in their environment that didn’t please them, they demanded change. One of the most important innovations the baby boomers made was what they did when they entered the last third of their lives. That’s when they embraced retirement with the same needs and determination that had defined them for decades.

The retirement home sector felt the full impact of the shift in the Baby Boomer’s lives and began to adapt to their needs. But there was a great deal that needed to be done to win over this restless population.

The Way It Was Twenty Years Ago

Twenty years ago, and before the baby boomers expressed their needs, a senior community was often a building filled with small apartments with washers and driers down the hall and one common dining room featuring the same meal for all. Choice of meals was limited to dietary necessity only. Socialization opportunities were limited to meal times and structured social gatherings. Personal care from the staff

was given when available. Scheduled transportation to the mall or supermarket was by a small bus with minimal comfort.

Over the years, the cost structure of entering a senior community with independent living, assisted living, and nursing care facilities has evolved. Most involve placing a large sum of money upon entering the community that is entirely non-refundable to partially refundable along with paying a monthly fee.

Most residents did the best they could with what they had. One thing was fairly constant: they didn’t want to be there and were unhappy and displeased with what they were confronting.

Senior Life Today

To prepare for this next generation of future residents, senior living providers knew changes needed to be made and began creating communities. That change is ongoing, and it has been constant, with new ideas appearing every day. Nothing looks as it did 20 years ago. The most obvious change was the realization that the resident was a different kind of person than in the past. Baby boomers wanted more. They wanted to enjoy every day. They wanted long and productive lives. They sought new programs, many different hobbies, and new learning experiences. Today’s successful senior communities listened and adapted.

Liberty Senior Living is an excellent example of a company embracing change and providing a full continuum of services in luxurious communities built in some of the most desirable

locations in the Southeast. They operate communities offering choices of independent living, assisted living, memory care, as well as skilled nursing.

Each of their 18 communities (and growing) offers different options using a new way of thinking about meeting a resident’s desires. A prospective resident has a wide variety of communities to fit their expectations. Life choice alternatives are a key to Liberty’s success.

Appealing to the needs of baby boomers, Liberty stresses whole-person wellness, life enrichment, and distinctive dining.

Whole-person wellness is a core value. Each resident is encouraged to participate in activities that keep and even improve their physical fitness through yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, and even line dancing.

Life enrichment is another core value. It encourages socialization, which is essential to a person’s sense of well-being. To this end, many communities have gyms, spas, saltwater pools, hot tubs, public living rooms, libraries, game rooms, and even art studios.

Then there is dining, an integral part to most residents. The one-meal-for-all approach is a thing of the past. Liberty found that today’s residents want culinary choices for themselves and their guests. Many communities offer the option of casual dining for a quick bite, pubs for drinks and small plates, and formal dining rooms that present a fine eating experience provided by chefs, not just cooks. Since many residents still drive

Nothing looks as it did 20 years ago. Baby boomers wanted more. They wanted to enjoy every day. They wanted long and productive lives. They sought new programs, different hobbies, and new learning experiences.

their cars, they will find ample parking options, with many communities offering valet parking, with charging stations finding their way onto campuses as well. There are still transportation options that can easily take residents to a variety of shops and stores, restaurants, medical offices, and local entertainment venues.

Staffing is considerably more diversified than in the past. Senior communities are finding employees who are better prepared than before, as many colleges and universities are beginning to offer courses focusing on gerontology and hospitality. This need is driving the expansion of study.

Fortunately, many good and well-trained people remained at the senior communities during the COVID-19 epidemic. At Liberty Senior Living, the staff fully understood that the residents were the first priority and helped deliver meals to residents’ apartments and facilitated residents with communicating with family and loved ones using Facetime.

Liberty views its financial model as a very attractive option to today’s seniors. The rental model allows residents to enter one of the communities without having to pay a large entrance fee and tie up a large portion of their assets. Most importantly, a rental program provides great flexibility to the resident in a world that is becoming increasingly smaller with technological advances. One crucial aspect a prospective resident should not lose sight of is that moving to a senior living community will simplify their lives. The cost savings are often more significant than they imagine.

Expectations and Trends for the Future

Some trends to anticipate may seem “Orwellian” in their concept, but they are worth considering. In the not-too-distant future, resident rooms might be connected to devices that will alert staff if there is no movement within. Medical records will almost certainly be centralized for instant response by doctors on call. Specialized communities will dominate. In fact, niche communities are already appearing. A Senior Zen community is on the books in California, and there are LGBTQ communities in several states.

The “2030 problem” involves the ongoing challenge of assuring that sufficient resources and effective service systems are available in 20 years when the elderly population is twice what it is today. Much of this growth will be prompted by the aging of the remaining baby boomers, who in 2030 will be aged 66 to 84 (the “young old”) and will number 61 million people. In addition, for those born prior to 1946, the “oldest old,” will number 9 million people in 2030. Before long, the millennials will also arrive on the scene, the baby boomer’s children, an even larger generation than their parents. The millennial population is projected to peak in 2033, at 74.9 million, when the oldest millennial is at least 52 years of age.

These facts make it evident that the senior living communities will be continually challenged to meet the demands and expectations of our growing aging population. If the response to the baby boomer challenge so far is any indication, the senior communities will greet it head on and with more success than ever before.

Moving to a senior living community will simplify seniors’ lives. The cost savings are often more significant than they imagine.

The Health Benefits of Love

by Jan Cullinane

When we think of becoming or remaining healthy, what comes to mind? Perhaps eating well, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, controlling stress, not smoking, drinking in moderation, protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays, maintaining a healthy weight, challenging our brain, cultivating friendships, seeking appropriate and timely medical/ dental care, and having a purpose. All are extremely important, but this column is going to address—you guessed it—the health benefits of love. More than just that, though, we’re going to look at ways we show love and how we like to receive love.

When talking about love—whether in terms of marriage, a significant other, friends, parents, children, or siblings—science has demonstrated that being in love/loving others confers a number of health benefits. These include better blood pressure levels, lessening the perception of pain and anxiety, fewer doctor visits and colds, quicker healing, a boost in happiness levels, and a longer life. Not bad.

The Five Love Languages

Many of the above health benefits of love apply to those who have pets as well. But the next part of our discussion applies to love between and among humans. What makes us feel loved and appreciated? How do those we love feel loved and appreciated?

Knowing and understanding how people show love and how they want to receive love can be instructive and perhaps result in stronger and better relationships.

Originally published in 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages is based on Chapman’s counseling observations and describes the ways we show love to one another. There has been some pushback on the book, citing the author’s emphasis on religion (Chapman is a pastor as well as a counselor) or that this approach could be a way to manipulate others by knowing the other person’s primary love language. But, putting those concerns aside, you may find the concept that most of us have preferred ways to give and receive love insightful and helpful in improving your relationships. Applying these “love languages” in a friendship or other platonic relationship can, of course, vary from applying them in a marriage or with a romantic partner. More than 12 million copies of The Five Love Languages have been sold.

With numbers like that, I think Chapman may very well be onto something.

The five “love languages” described by Chapman are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gift Giving, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.

1. Words of Affirmation. Verbal compliments, such as “I love you,” “I’m so grateful you are in my life,” “That color looks great on you.”

2. Acts of Service. Doing something for the other person that you know he/she would like. Examples: Making the coffee in the morning, baking his/her favorite dessert, picking up something at the store you know they need/want, taking out the trash.

3. Gift Giving. Surprising your loved one with a thoughtful gift, such as tickets to a sporting event or play, buying them a pint of their favorite ice cream, or emailing them an article about a topic they are passionate about.

4. Quality Time. Being in the moment with that person, without other distractions. For example, you could plan a future trip, take a walk, ride bikes, play tennis, or watch and discuss a TV program.

5. Physical Touch. This one is pretty self-explanatory and could include hugs, kisses, sex, a massage, holding hands, or a comforting arm around a shoulder.

In 2020, Shane Co. (a large U.S. jeweler) surveyed 2,600 people across the U.S. about their preferred love language. Following is what their rankings revealed:

READY TO GET TOGETHER?

What are you waiting for? Aren’t you overdue to join in celebration with your friends and neighbors, sign up for a community adventure, or join the wine 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.

Quality Time: 41.6%

Words of Affirmation: 18.5%

Physical Touch: 15.4%

Receiving Gifts: 12.6%

Acts of Service: 11.8%

Note that quality time was the number one “love language” by more than a 2:1 margin.

What are YOUR top love languages? You can take a quiz to find out your top love language at www.5lovelanguages.com. There are separate quizzes for couples, singles, teens, and children. According to the online quiz, my top two love languages (how I want to “receive” love) are “acts of service,” closely followed by “words of affirmation.” I’d say that’s accurate for me.

One takeaway is not to assume your spouse/significant other/child/friend has the same ranking of love languages. So, the saying, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you,” may not apply. How you want to be shown love may be quite different from what he/she wants most from you. That, to me, is the important lesson of the five love languages. It’s a novel way to look at your closest relationship(s) and may provide a springboard for improving them. You may also enjoy more of the health benefits of love.

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

HAPPY HOUR How to Live Long and Flourish

by Steve Black

Ican feel a tingling sensation of joy as the texts go out after lunch. The destination and time usually start, followed by sporadic responses—yeah or nay—and when they will be coming or leaving. Our specific night is Friday, and we are greeted by name with a “Happy Friday” by the smiling bartender, Jared, as we peruse the new options and specials before being presented with our finely-crafted ale, Kölsch, or Saison and wander outside to the beer garden to meet and greet our friends and neighbors. Welcome to Happy Hour!

There are myriad studies on the harmful effects of social isolation, and the past 18 months have robbed us of our connections. Our devices seem to add to that feeling of isolation and fear as we scroll through the unrealistic joy of others.

The good news is that many studies point to positive social relations as a major contributor to staying healthy and happy for as long as possible. Studies also show that our communal relationships get better with age and emotional maturity. In fact, those who study the blue zones, categorized by people having very long fulfilled lives, have identified factors including community and even specifically identifying “having a wine in the evening with food and friends” as a common trait.

Fact: They are called blue zones, not because of geography or music preferences, but because the people who discovered them drew blue circles on the map to identify them. Who knew?

We don’t all live in “blue zones,” but geography doesn’t necessarily seem to be the key. Positive results can be achieved anywhere. We all need a pause to actually connect with humans and, for just a moment, forget all those nasty bits of life and talk, laugh, and smile. And while a glass of wine, or in our case a beer, at the end of the day may help us relax together, in our weekly assembly, several folks don’t drink. They are there, as we all are, to shed the cares of the day and to be around and connect with friends.

We sit together outside, enjoying the dappled rays of the setting sun and talk. Our conversations are sometimes serious but often full of mirth and silliness, relishing in and laughing at the absurdities of our lives and our observation of the world around us. As darkness falls, various people say their goodbyes as the group wanes, and we take those moments of bliss and carry them forth in our lives.

While it may be hard to believe that something so simple and pleasurable can also be beneficial, Happy Hour may be more important than ever before. Your blue zone is where you find it. So gather your people, find your place, and raise your glass to a long future filled with friends, health, and happiness. Cheers!

Live Your Dreams in SaddleBrook

Craving freedom from heavy winter snow beds? Experience the year-round radiant sunshine of Arizona. At nearly 3,500ft you get to enjoy cooler weather and live an active lifestyle. Golf and hike daily, enjoy live concerts, arts & crafts, and fine dining. With a variety of events to fill your days, it's easy to see why SaddleBrooke

TWO

was voted "Best Retirement Community" for the 5th year in a row! You simply can't shovel sunshine.

Know Your Neighborhood

How Carl Parker Uplifts and Empowers Local Communities

by Emily Hackeling

As President and 41-year-member of the Brunswick County NAACP in southeastern NC, Carl Parker has spent his life investing in his community, from raising millions of dollars for neighborhood improvement projects and distributing COVID-19 vaccines across rural communities to mentoring individuals to find the best version of themselves.

Those moving to new communities often wonder how they can get involved and bring about positive change in their new home. But according to Parker, just getting involved in your community isn’t the answer. Instead, he says it’s how you get involved that matters most.

What Positive Change Looks Like Empowering Everyone to Uplift Others

For Parker, positive change means investing in the community and people around him and encouraging others to do the same. In 2020, he wrote a grant that secured funding from a $1 million Duke Energy fund to bring political, educational, and social equality for all people and work to eliminate racial discrimination in Brunswick County.

Under his leadership, the NAACP of Brunswick County expanded to allow all people to join. “I believe all people have color. People have taken that word color and changed it so that it segregates us in so many ways,” he explains. “All people have color. There’s nothing God made that does not have color. Cats, dogs, trees, flowers—you name it— we all have color.” Parker says this is necessary because all people have a role to play in ensuring the health and well-being of others.

Preserving and Celebrating Heritage

The area surrounding the Cape Fear River in southeastern North Carolina is home to the Gullah Geechee corridor. Enslaved people across this region once spoke nearly 100 different languages, forcing them to create a new language to communicate with one another. The resulting language is called Gullah, and it’s still used in some areas today. The rich culture and heritage of the Gullah Geechee people remains on the land— and Parker is working to preserve it.

Brayton Willis, NAACP’s Brunswick County Branch Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, along with Parker, are leading the charge on the Gullah Geechee Greenway/ Blueway Heritage Trail Project, a 30-mile trail system linking towns and the environment.

“A tree we plant doesn’t give us shade—it gives shade to the next generation that lives. But that doesn’t mean we should just sit on our bench today.”

Carl Parker on giving back and getting

The project will provide accessible nature for those living in the area for biking, hiking, and boating, while educating newcomers on the area’s history, fueling economic growth, and increasing the value of land for those residing there.

Brayton and Parker have received funding from many organizations to fuel the project, and they’re allowing locals to drive the direction of it through surveys to better understand what they want from it. The project has received backing from the National Park Service, which will help provide the necessary guidance to build the trail system.

Willis says, “The importance of what we’re doing is to preserve and protect and celebrate the Gullah Geechee here today and show that to all the newcomers coming to the area. We want to preserve that for the future—for our kids and their kids. We’re honoring historical points that you can find along the way, and our trail will link people together.”

Helping Those in Need at Scale

Every winter, Parker helps to give out several thousand blankets to those who might be cold. Just last week, he worked with other community groups to pack bags of basic needs for 2,000 residents in Lumberton, NC.

During the pandemic, he organized the distribution of 7,000 masks to those who needed them. And when vaccines for COVID-19 became available, he worked with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to organize several thousand vaccines to be distributed to those living in rural communities far from pharmacies across the state.

Improving the community around you is a complex topic, because improvements are subjective. Parker says for some people, they don’t mind having old cars in their driveway because that’s how it’s always been. To the neighbor next door, however, they might not like it. That’s part of living with a community.

Parker’s advice for those who come to a new place is to get to know it first. Learn about the history and the people who live around you, then decide to take action. A good rule of thumb is to always think about your intentions prior to making quick changes to a new place you’ve moved.

Parker shares his top recommendations for getting involved the right way in your new neighborhood when moving to a new place. He recommends:

• Understanding the history of your new home

• Meeting your neighbors and learning about their cultures or traditions

• Investing in the neighborhood around you first to improve it for you and your neighbors

• Always think: Will what I’m doing bring out the best in the people around me?

Know Your Neighbors

What’s a home without a strong community surrounding it? For many looking to relocate or retire, finding a sense of community is

“We want to preserve that for the future—for our kids and their kids.”

Improvements Aren‘t Always Improvements

one of the top reasons to move to a new place. And it makes sense: it’s nice to sit on your front porch and wave hello to a neighbor or take an afternoon walk with a friend from around the block. For families and retirees alike, a strong community can be like family.

Parker believes strongly in getting to know your neighborhood. “My part is to bring neighborhoods up so they can have a change in mind and change in heart,” he explains. He says his community action work all starts in the neighborhood, because that’s often where you can make the biggest impact. “We build basketball courts, tennis courts, museums, public spaces, clean up areas around the neighborhood, and a whole lot more.” Parker says investing in your neighborhood is the best place for positive change and progress to begin.

Excite People to Find Their Best Selves

Neighborhood improvement isn’t all Parker does. He’s a people person, and he says helping others be their best is a big way to make an impact. He also works to mentor individuals to find their best selves and to get jobs in their communities.

“It’s important to build a relationship with someone who cares,” he says. “Some folks have skills in the mind; some have skills with their hands. Everyone has skills. You just need to know how to use them,” Parker explains. “I want to excite the minds of people so they feel like they can make progress.”

He also coaches on ways to work through problems in daily life, like communicating with your family and friends or going to church. Whether it’s getting a trucking certification, becoming a grant writer, or operating equipment, Parker has mentored countless individuals to enable them to get on their feet and live whole lives.

It All Starts in the Neighborhood

“I believe that many folks who are moving to new areas shouldn’t feel like they’re alone,” Parker points out. “They have a responsibility to life itself. The strong should bear the infirmities of the weak. They can uplift people around them.”

Live

What is a new kind of Hometown? It’s innovation, technology and sustainability creating a life only imagined before, now being enjoyed to the fullest.

Preparing for Retirement in a Higher Inflationary World

Inflation is a normal part of the economic cycle, yet the inflation data we have been seeing in 2021 is anything but normal. According to NPR, year over year things cost 6.2% more in October of 2021 than at that time last year. A close to complete shutdown of the economy in March of 2020 sharply disrupted supply chains and the workforce. Those issues, in addition to trillions in government stimulus, have led to inevitable increases in consumer prices. With the U.S. economy in recovery, many have asked what could be done to better prepare for higher inflation for longer. To help answer this question, Ideal-Living spoke with Financial Advisor Lawrence S. Tundidor, AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA® of the Tundidor Wealth and Investment Group to find out what folks nearing retirement or in retirement could potentially be doing to prepare.

by Lawrence S. Tundidor

1. Develop A Comprehensive Written Financial Plan

Some have said that goals without a plan are just dreams. One of the most important things Americans can do is to create a solid financial plan that takes into account their short- and long-term goals. Having that plan in place allows individuals and families to create a roadmap that shows where they currently stand in relation to achieving the economic and lifestyle goals they have set, and what needs to be done year after year to stay on track. Another important benefit of a financial plan is the ability to run hypothetical scenarios, like 6% sustained inflation and any negative impact it could have, coupled with potential losses in retirement accounts, lower home value, or losses of employment in the future. While certain outcomes cannot be prevented, having a course of action for a worst case scenario allows any “cracks” in the financial plan to be potentially addressed way in advance.

2. Have an Adequate Cash Reserve

One of the best things Americans can do to prepare for difficult times is to build an adequate cash reserve that is right for their needs and lifestyle. Many have said that three to six months of expenses is the right amount. According to FDIC data, banks saw a record $2 trillion surge in deposits. Many Americans are sitting on large amounts of cash earning little to no interest, with most banks yielding .5% or under. One must look at their specific expenses, existing debt, upcoming large expenses, and the viability of their income in order to maintain a cash number comfortable for their specific situation. For example, a business owner or someone employed in an economically-sensitive sector may need more in cash reserve than someone in a position where their employment is more likely to be safer in an economic downturn. For those close

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

In retirement, offense is the best defense.

to retirement or looking to purchase a new home in retirement, consider the cash needed so your plans or timelines don't need to be altered in any way. For those who have way more cash on hand than they should, consider alternatives to savings, CDs, and checking accounts where they can try to maintain pace with inflation.

4. Protect Your Portfolio

As we saw earlier in 2020, recessions usually come with stock market downturns. Protecting your portfolio from losses, especially for those nearing retirement, is extremely important. With equity markets returning all-time highs, now is a great time to review your current allocation and risk tolerance. Many have had the same investment strategy for years without considering that they are now closer to retirement, or their portfolio no longer matches their needs and risk tolerance. With equity returns being strong over the past decade, it's easy to consider the return on investment as the primary bellwether for whether a change to the strategy is needed.

It's important to remember that for most, retirement requires a distribution strategy versus accumulation strategy in your working years. One's ability to recover from a downturn when you are no longer contributing and are now withdrawing is much more difficult than someone who is not. Many wait until things get worse in order to consider making necessary changes, but it's advisable to be proactive instead. In retirement, offense is the best defense.

3. Reduce Debt

Carrying large amounts of high interest debt or variable rate debt during a high inflationary environment can create great strain on a financial plan. As inflation increases, there is the potential for the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates in order to slow down demand and keep the economy from overheating. As people prepare for retirement, consider all existing debt and a plan on how to reduce or refinance that debt. Consider existing cash savings or monthly investment contributions to decide if that money is best utilized where it is currently being saved, or if paying down debt offers a better long-term return.

With interest rates at historic lows, review existing mortgage debt as well as the ability to consolidate debt for the possibility of reducing the interest rate or monthly payment amount. Another benefit of reducing debt is the ability to take advantage of potential discounts on items such as cars, recreational vehicles, or home improvements if inflation pressure slows or the economy enters a recession. Having a reduced debt load allows you the possibility of taking advantage of those opportunities when they arise.

5. Evaluate Income Needs and Distribution Strategy

One of the most important parts of a financial plan and preparing for higher inflation is a true evaluation of income needs that encompasses not just minimum expenses to live on, but the amount needed to fulfill the lifestyle that you chose. One must ask, if during a recession the market has one or more negative years, where will my income come from? Consider income from protected sources such as social security, pensions, and annuities, and what portion of those income needs are met utilizing those sources. If there is a gap, consider a careful drawdown strategy that may include fixed income, dividends, cash, and some principal to generate the remaining amount initially and then adjusting for inflation over time. The point of planning a carefully-thoughtout drawdown strategy is to minimize having to liquidate investments at the wrong time and hurting chances of recovering when things take a turn for the better.

Many different approaches can be utilized when implementing an inflation-protected retirement spend-down plan. It's important to

remember that the plan is based on the individual—their short/long term goals and how much monthly income they need in retirement. Post-pandemic retirement planning is proving to be very different, so take the time to explore your options well in advance of retirement age.

We encourage you to sit down with an unbiased, 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 “Investing in your Lifestyle,” held this January in Bridgewater, NJ, and Stamford, CT, and Tysons Corner, VA, in March. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Lawrence at 215-375-5984 or LawrenceT@CeteraWealth.com.

Investment adviser representative and registered representative of, and securities and investment advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor its representatives offer tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your individual situation.

Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.

Lifelong Learning in the South Carolina Lake Country

Keowee Key adds a new program targeting homeowners’ academic pursuits.

2021 may have been an unconventional year, but Keowee Key is thriving. Over the past few years, the homeowners association has rolled out $14 million of improvements to existing amenities, as well as a few new projects to keep their residents healthy, happy, and engaged. The renovations include additions to the pool, bistro, fitness facilities, club, and golf courses. Recent additions to the community consist of new walking trails, bocce and shuffleboard courts, and four new pickleball courts. Plus, Keowee Key has decided on a new program to accommodate homeowners’ academic pursuits: a speaker series.

The speaker series just started this year, but it already has an engaged following of audience members both online and in person (due to the high percentage of vaccinated individuals in the community).

Dr. Weston Dripps of Furman College (as well as the Shi Institute of Sustainable Communities) gave the inaugural talk focused on Earth’s climate. And, the Earth is heating up. This is due to greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane which trap solar radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere, and over the past couple centuries, the presence of these gases have increased. This means higher temperatures, which lead to more hurricanes

by Madison Swart

and increased flooding in coastal areas, wildfires, and droughts in dry climates. These issues also have secondary effects such as health impacts and damage to homes.

Not wishing to end his presentation on a negative note, Dr. Dripps opted to give the audience suggestions to reduce their own environmental footprints. Surprisingly, some of the most impactful choices don’t include taking five-minute showers or remembering to turn off lights (although those are helpful). The most effective changes happen in your kitchen. One of the best things you can do is cut down on food waste. According to Dr. Dripps, “Thirty to 40% of food is wasted.” So, composting and doing some scrappy cooking could make a big impact. Plus, eating more meatless meals can help reduce your environmental impact as meat requires more resources to produce than veggies.

There have only been two installments so far, but a number of community members have taken to the program. Plus, community members in attendance have the chance to pose questions to the visiting lecturers. With a variety of new topics and experienced presenters on the horizon, Keowee Key’s new speaker series shows no sign of stopping.

What’s New in ’22?

Engineered hardwoods, home offices, flexible spaces, and outdoor living spaces top the list of what's hot for 2022. Designers are using traditional items in new ways to add flexibilty to plans and enable homeowners to create spaces that are uniquely their own. Ideal-LIVING asked some of the top builders and developers around the country for the newest trends for the upcoming year.

This Kolter Cresswind home in Florida has an open floor plan with clean lines that bring the outdoors in. The kitchen cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling allowing for extra storage.

At The Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, light, airy homes open to outside living areas and include interiors inspired by the rich colors of the community’s natural surroundings.

Home Sweet Home

Minto Communities —

homes designed for changing lifestyles

Since the global pandemic began, life at home has taken on many new dimensions. Minto Communities homes encompass more activities than ever since the dawn of lockdowns and social distancing. As a result, consumers are seeking more space, high comfort/high function home environments, and close-tohome open air recreational opportunities.

“Home Sweet Home” has become not only our private retreat, but also our remote workplace, workout space, schoolroom, culinary center, movie house, and vacation destination. While some of these changes may adjust as time goes on, the demand for homes with flexible, functional, and inviting spaces coupled with in-community resort-style amenities is likely here to stay.

Minto designers are seeing strong demand for bright, roomy home interiors that open fully to outdoor living spaces. Spacious kitchens with large service and seating islands to accommodate more dining at home are high on the wish list. With more people working remotely, flex spaces that can serve as a den and office are on buyers' checklists. Personal retreats and private guest room suites also are sought after.

Kolter Cresswind uses engineered wood products for flooring and architectural accents. They have recently added more flexibility with enclosed sunrooms, bonus rooms, extended garages, and outdoor living spaces.

Adding Choices— Cresswind offers personalization options

The pandemic has changed the way people live in their new homes. So Kolter Cresswind, who builds homes in the Southest, went to the drawing boards to understand the way that people are using their homes. “People were spending more time at home than they ever anticipated. We needed to have additional or flex spaces to use. It was about putting flexibility in the plans, like an in-law suite, a double master, or a snore room. People may need office spaces, which they weren’t doing two years ago. We’ve added more personalization options to our plans with hundreds of choices of colors and finishes.”

Marc Friedman, Kolter Sr. Vice President Sales

LIFE REFRESHES AT 55. ARE you OLD ENOUGH?

You need a certain amount of life experience to truly appreciate Birchwood at Brambleton. But that doesn’t mean you’re slowing down—you’re just getting started!

Birchwood is a walkable community—to open spaces, daily activities, a lifestyle full of inspiration, and our fabulous amenities, including:

exceptional

LOCATION

In the heart of Loudoun County with easy access to primary commuter routes, Dulles International Airport, the Nation’s Capital, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and endless outdoor adventure.

low-maintenance, NEVER-BEFORE-BUILT HOMES BY:

Van Metre Homes–Condos from the Upper $400s; Towns & Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Knutson Homes–Condos from the Upper $400s through the $600s

Miller & Smith –Courtyards, Towns & Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Tri Pointe Homes–Condos Coming Soon

BirchwoodBrambletonVA.com

Information Center: Open Daily from 11am–5pm

Builders’ Models: Open by Appointment Only 42840 Beaver Crossing Square Brambleton, VA 20148 703.722.2427

Light & Bright

Unqiue treatments by Bill Clark Homes

Keeping interiors light and bright, especially in the kitchens, is a trend seen in most areas of the country. According to Robin Campbell of Bill Clark Homes, they are seeing more clean lines and sleek looks with natural accents. And in the bathrooms, statement tubs are back.

“We bring unique ways to use standard items. With the volume of houses that we build, not every home is a custom home, but we offer strategic upgrades that make it feel that way. We will take our trim work in unique spaces with different trim patterns with wainscoting in the foyer and accent walls in a bedroom. For instance, we have a herringbone shiplap wood tile on the fireplace (see top right image). We try to use the same products in unique ways. That’s where our design team is able to use their imagination and get creative.”

“It is a different world in building today than if you have done it before. I think if someone finds a place that they love, I would not wait to purchase because there is no guarantee that it it will be there when you get back.”

Robin Campbell | Bill Clark Homes & Legacy Homes by Bill Clark Eastern North Carolina

com·mu·ni·ty { noun, often attributive } pronounced [ kah-luh-wa-see ]

Definition of community

1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. "the Callawassie Island community"

2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. "the sense of community that Callawassie Island can provide." a similarity or identity. "people who share a community of interests across the causeway"

Warmth, Balance & Connection

The essence of Callawassie Island is brought to life by people who are the very definition of a community . The unified regard they have for one another. The common interests through nature, access, work, and play. Get to know us, so we can get to know you. Come discover the community island we call home .

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for more information

In the heart of Colorado

Located in the valley, Cobble Creek has a unique spot with a moderate climate, where you see golfers playing throughout the year. Randy Griffin, Director of Development, says, “Inventory is at a low that we haven’t seen in a while. Our buyers tend to be empty nesters with larger homes; they don’t want to step down in quality, but want to step down in size. They want to relocate for the climate and lifestyle but want to downsize to a patio home. The lock ’n’ leave exterior maintenance is very appealing for those who like to travel or use as a second home. However, we do build larger homes as well.”

At Cobble Creek, homes are selling before they are completed. Also, golf has exploded there, like in other areas of the country. They saw 3,000 to 4,000 more golf rounds played in 2020 than in previous years.

55+ Buyers Age in Place

According to Briget Brubaker of Landmark Homes in Pennsylvania, “A lot of people within the 55+ age range want to age in place. They want a home that will accommodate their needs not only now, but as they age.

I’ve seen a lot of buyers taking a look at the function and flow of their homes. We are seeing continuous flooring throughout the home without transitions, like luxury vinyl planks that run right into the bathrooms, as it’s waterproof through and through.”

For aging in place, homes have an open concept floor plan. And, in the bathrooms, there are flush-entry tile showers, large format tiles on the walls, and seats in the showers. In the kitchens, Landmark continues to use a lot of white cabinetry. Often using blue on the island is is a welcome pop of color. Although most of the appliances tend to be stainless steel, Bridget is seeing more black slate appliances come into play. But, take heed, appliances do have a long lead time.

See your home before it's built

Stucco or brick? Wouldn’t it be nice to see what your home would look like before it is built? What about how the sunlight will filter through your home in the summer? For hundreds of years, an architect would draw a set of plans and construction drawings; then you could always have an elevation drawn, and an artist could provide a rendering.

Architectural and construction drawings could cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you are still not sure how your new home will look. But thanks to technological advancements, it is possible to view your home and even walk through it prior to it being built and for a very affordable price.

It is possible to choose your cabinet colors and see appliances in your kitchen before you

order. You can choose a landscaping plan or take a look at the pool.

According to John Pinter, CEO of Red Earth Rendering, “Our customers are builders, architects, and homebuyers. No matter where you choose, you will have a wonderful life, but why not take a look at what your home will look like in three dimensions and even approve your colors and fixtures before you order them? You can virtually walk around your new home before it is constructed. We get requests to see white window frames versus black frames, and it all can be done with a touch of a button. If a homeowner or builder supplies us with a PDF or a CAD drawing of a home, we can provide life-like renderings in as little as a week.”

There has never been a better time to build your dream home with your own personalized design. If you're interested in a diverse lifestyle, unique experiences, and rolling hills, our community is what you're looking for.

Our community takes the phrase "active adult lifestyle" to a new level, with our world-class amenities and endless outdoor recreational activities.

If you're considering Florida's Premier Master-Planned Community for a second home or retirement living, then you owe it to yourself to see all that our community and location have to offer!

World-Class Amenities

What’s New in ’22?

Engineered hardwoods, home offices, flexible spaces, and outdoor living spaces top the list of what's hot for 2022. Designers are using traditional items in new ways to add flexibilty to plans and enable homeowners to create spaces that are uniquely their own. Ideal-LIVING asked some of the top builders and developers around the country for the newest trends for the upcoming year.

This Kolter Cresswind home in Florida has an open floor plan with clean lines that bring the outdoors in. The kitchen cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling allowing for extra storage.

At The Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, light, airy homes open to outside living areas and include interiors inspired by the rich colors of the community’s natural surroundings.

Home Sweet Home

Minto Communities —

homes designed for changing lifestyles

Since the global pandemic began, life at home has taken on many new dimensions. Minto Communities homes encompass more activities than ever since the dawn of lockdowns and social distancing. As a result, consumers are seeking more space, high comfort/high function home environments, and close-tohome open air recreational opportunities.

“Home Sweet Home” has become not only our private retreat, but also our remote workplace, workout space, schoolroom, culinary center, movie house, and vacation destination. While some of these changes may adjust as time goes on, the demand for homes with flexible, functional, and inviting spaces coupled with in-community resort-style amenities is likely here to stay.

Minto designers are seeing strong demand for bright, roomy home interiors that open fully to outdoor living spaces. Spacious kitchens with large service and seating islands to accommodate more dining at home are high on the wish list. With more people working remotely, flex spaces that can serve as a den and office are on buyers' checklists. Personal retreats and private guest room suites also are sought after.

Kolter Cresswind uses engineered wood products for flooring and architectural accents. They have recently added more flexibility with enclosed sunrooms, bonus rooms, extended garages, and outdoor living spaces.

Adding Choices— Cresswind offers personalization options

The pandemic has changed the way people live in their new homes. So Kolter Cresswind, who builds homes in the Southest, went to the drawing boards to understand the way that people are using their homes. “People were spending more time at home than they ever anticipated. We needed to have additional or flex spaces to use. It was about putting flexibility in the plans, like an in-law suite, a double master, or a snore room. People may need office spaces, which they weren’t doing two years ago. We’ve added more personalization options to our plans with hundreds of choices of colors and finishes.”

Marc Friedman, Kolter Sr. Vice President Sales

LIFE REFRESHES AT 55. ARE you OLD ENOUGH?

You need a certain amount of life experience to truly appreciate Birchwood at Brambleton. But that doesn’t mean you’re slowing down—you’re just getting started!

Birchwood is a walkable community—to open spaces, daily activities, a lifestyle full of inspiration, and our fabulous amenities, including:

exceptional

LOCATION

In the heart of Loudoun County with easy access to primary commuter routes, Dulles International Airport, the Nation’s Capital, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and endless outdoor adventure.

low-maintenance, NEVER-BEFORE-BUILT HOMES BY:

Van Metre Homes–Condos from the Upper $400s; Towns & Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Knutson Homes–Condos from the Upper $400s through the $600s

Miller & Smith –Courtyards, Towns & Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Tri Pointe Homes–Condos Coming Soon

BirchwoodBrambletonVA.com

Information Center: Open Daily from 11am–5pm

Builders’ Models: Open by Appointment Only 42840 Beaver Crossing Square Brambleton, VA 20148 703.722.2427

Light & Bright

Unqiue treatments by Bill Clark Homes

Keeping interiors light and bright, especially in the kitchens, is a trend seen in most areas of the country. According to Robin Campbell of Bill Clark Homes, they are seeing more clean lines and sleek looks with natural accents. And in the bathrooms, statement tubs are back.

“We bring unique ways to use standard items. With the volume of houses that we build, not every home is a custom home, but we offer strategic upgrades that make it feel that way. We will take our trim work in unique spaces with different trim patterns with wainscoting in the foyer and accent walls in a bedroom. For instance, we have a herringbone shiplap wood tile on the fireplace (see top right image). We try to use the same products in unique ways. That’s where our design team is able to use their imagination and get creative.”

“It is a different world in building today than if you have done it before. I think if someone finds a place that they love, I would not wait to purchase because there is no guarantee that it it will be there when you get back.”

Robin Campbell | Bill Clark Homes & Legacy Homes by Bill Clark Eastern North Carolina

com·mu·ni·ty { noun, often attributive } pronounced [ kah-luh-wa-see ]

Definition of community

1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. "the Callawassie Island community"

2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. "the sense of community that Callawassie Island can provide." a similarity or identity. "people who share a community of interests across the causeway"

Warmth, Balance & Connection

The essence of Callawassie Island is brought to life by people who are the very definition of a community . The unified regard they have for one another. The common interests through nature, access, work, and play. Get to know us, so we can get to know you. Come discover the community island we call home .

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for more information

In the heart of Colorado

Located in the valley, Cobble Creek has a unique spot with a moderate climate, where you see golfers playing throughout the year. Randy Griffin, Director of Development, says, “Inventory is at a low that we haven’t seen in a while. Our buyers tend to be empty nesters with larger homes; they don’t want to step down in quality, but want to step down in size. They want to relocate for the climate and lifestyle but want to downsize to a patio home. The lock ’n’ leave exterior maintenance is very appealing for those who like to travel or use as a second home. However, we do build larger homes as well.”

At Cobble Creek, homes are selling before they are completed. Also, golf has exploded there, like in other areas of the country. They saw 3,000 to 4,000 more golf rounds played in 2020 than in previous years.

55+ Buyers Age in Place

According to Briget Brubaker of Landmark Homes in Pennsylvania, “A lot of people within the 55+ age range want to age in place. They want a home that will accommodate their needs not only now, but as they age.

I’ve seen a lot of buyers taking a look at the function and flow of their homes. We are seeing continuous flooring throughout the home without transitions, like luxury vinyl planks that run right into the bathrooms, as it’s waterproof through and through.”

For aging in place, homes have an open concept floor plan. And, in the bathrooms, there are flush-entry tile showers, large format tiles on the walls, and seats in the showers. In the kitchens, Landmark continues to use a lot of white cabinetry. Often using blue on the island is is a welcome pop of color. Although most of the appliances tend to be stainless steel, Bridget is seeing more black slate appliances come into play. But, take heed, appliances do have a long lead time.

See your home before it's built

Stucco or brick? Wouldn’t it be nice to see what your home would look like before it is built? What about how the sunlight will filter through your home in the summer? For hundreds of years, an architect would draw a set of plans and construction drawings; then you could always have an elevation drawn, and an artist could provide a rendering.

Architectural and construction drawings could cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you are still not sure how your new home will look. But thanks to technological advancements, it is possible to view your home and even walk through it prior to it being built and for a very affordable price.

It is possible to choose your cabinet colors and see appliances in your kitchen before you

order. You can choose a landscaping plan or take a look at the pool.

According to John Pinter, CEO of Red Earth Rendering, “Our customers are builders, architects, and homebuyers. No matter where you choose, you will have a wonderful life, but why not take a look at what your home will look like in three dimensions and even approve your colors and fixtures before you order them? You can virtually walk around your new home before it is constructed. We get requests to see white window frames versus black frames, and it all can be done with a touch of a button. If a homeowner or builder supplies us with a PDF or a CAD drawing of a home, we can provide life-like renderings in as little as a week.”

There has never been a better time to build your dream home with your own personalized design. If you're interested in a diverse lifestyle, unique experiences, and rolling hills, our community is what you're looking for.

Our community takes the phrase "active adult lifestyle" to a new level, with our world-class amenities and endless outdoor recreational activities.

If you're considering Florida's Premier Master-Planned Community for a second home or retirement living, then you owe it to yourself to see all that our community and location have to offer!

World-Class Amenities

We know, you probably haven’t heard much about our humble little state. Maybe you know that we were the first, or that there are 200 chickens here for every one human (yes, really). But underestimating Delaware is for the birds. The truth is, there’s so much to do and see and explore in this “drive-through” state if you’re willing to come see it for yourself. Just ask the locals.

With our low-tax living, pristine beaches, gorgeous scenery, quaint beach towns, award-winning restaurants, and vibrant social scene it’s no wonder people in the know love living here. We’re aware that no one else is talking us up, and we’re ok with that. Coastal Delaware is the kind of place you’d call a hidden gem. Except you wouldn’t. Because when you visit, we know you’ll fall in love and want to live here, too.

Learn more about coastal Delaware at SchellBrothers.com.

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.

Bill Clark Homes, Wilmington, NC

Frenzy to Frustration

Is 2022 a good time to purchase?

The United States real estate market has seen a steady increase in home values for over a decade now. And, according to the S&P Dow Jones Indices, in August 2021, U.S. home prices grew a record-breaking 19.8% year over year. Just before the pandemic, experts predicted modest growth for the real estate industry in 2020, but then as we all experienced, the world changed. So, where does that leave us as we look to 2022?

Moderate Growth to Frenzy Buying

Almost everything stopped in the spring of 2020, but after a short hiatus, the real estate market went into a frenzy of purchasing, leaving virtually no inventory. The housing market was already suffering from inventory issues at that point. Still, when the mass migration from large cities to more desirable locations occurred, the average time for a home on the market plummeted. In 2019, the average number of days a home was on the market was approximately 38 days, in contrast to record-breaking 17-day averages in 2021. In addition, the mortgage rates lowered from an average 30-year rate of 3.62% in January 2020 to a low of 2.68% in December that year, bringing more buyers into the market.

Many people decided to retire early or simply took advantage of working from anywhere and entered the real estate market along with millennials who had been sitting on the sidelines waiting to purchase their first homes. When this confluence occurred, it set the stage for unprecedented growth.

Homebuyers were seeking larger homes with yards, outdoor living, and home offices. In 2020, homes in prime locations would receive four and five offers the day they were listed. And, prices escalated accordingly. Realtor.com says, "The October 2021 national median listing price for active listings was $380,000, up 8.6% compared to last year and up 21.8% compared to 2019."

Inventory Shortages Create Frustration for Buyers

One of the main issues that has arisen in the postpandemic era is the lack of inventory. According to Realtor.com, "The national inventory of active listings declined by 21.9% over last year, while the total inventory of unsold homes, including pending listings, declined by 14.8%. The inventory of active listings is down 51.9% compared to 2019."

The lack of inventory has been very frustrating from the buyers' perspective. However, if your goal is to move immediately or within the next few months, purchasing an existing home may be the best bet. It may not have all of your "must-haves," but you can always add them in at a later date.

If you wish to build or purchase a new home, inventory shortages may still be an issue. Builders and developers are working hard to meet the increased demand, but many have exhausted their existing inventory as well. They are adding homesites and building homes as quickly as possible. However, as

you may have read in the supply shortages article on page 130, it's become increasingly difficult to predict how long it will take to build a home.

A Look Ahead

So what's in store for '22? Though the real estate market is still very hot, experts agree that there might be a slight cooling down period. Although the prices have increased substantially, don't expect them to fall in 2022, prices are expected to increase about 5% to 7%. Mortgage rates are also likely to continue to inch up but remain relatively low. With lower interest rates, it's possible to afford more of the house that you want. The important thing is to focus on your budget and find or build a home within your price range. And, it's the perfect year to start looking if you are a couple of years away from making a move. You can find your ideal destination and builder and have the home completed in plenty of time to move in.

Supply Chain Delays Continue to Affect the Homebuilding Industry

You wonder how Santa did it a couple of weeks ago. A present delivered to every single child in the world. No supply chain shortages of peppermint, poinsettias, or pop guns. No elves lounging on the couch, and his workshop just hummed like it always does. Fortunately for Santa, he didn’t get a lot of present requests from children for Canadian softwood lumber, residential electrical panels, dishwashers, or semiconductors.

Those are just four of myriad product lines plighting a home building industry that is experiencing broad supply chain shortages, which in turn lengthens the time it takes to build a house, increasing the home price and generally making new-home buyers kind of antsy.

Eighteen months ago, we were lamenting home inventory shortages because the demand was so high, with people buying new, larger

homes to find more indoor and outdoor space in which to shelter in place.

Today the challenge is the same, home inventory shortages, but the reason is that building supplies are sitting in dank steel containers in a cargo ship bobbing off the shore of Long Beach, CA.

According to William Bullock, president of Minto Communities’ Latitude Margaritaville division, “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

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

William Bullock, President of Minto Communities' Latitude Margaritaville Division

by Warren Grant

industries, homebuilding included. At Minto, we are 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,” added Bullock.

Lumbering Toward Progress

American homebuilders rely greatly on millions of board feet of lumber for studs, joists, rafters, sheathing, and more. There’s good and bad news on the lumber front. The good news is the price of lumber has dropped dramatically from a high of $1,500 per thousand board feet last summer to roughly $600, where the price was at least holding steady last November. The bad news is that in that same month, the U.S. reimposed a 20% duty on Canadian softwood lumber imports. The two countries have been feuding forever over imported Canadian lumber, and it’s a long story.

But, at this writing, the chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, Chuck Fowke, was hoping that a brief moratorium on the duty would ease supply shortages of lumber. Said Fowke, “We are imploring U.S. government officials to ease millions of American homebuyers and homeowners who

have seen the cost of housing rise by tens of thousands of dollars over the past year due in part to unprecedented lumber price volatility fueled by tariffs on Canadian lumber. Until a long-term solution can be reached, the administration needs to suspend duties on all imported building materials and goods, including Canadian lumber, to ease supply chain bottlenecks that are causing project delays and putting upward pressure on home prices.”

Wash Day

The view isn’t much brighter from one of the country’s leading home appliance manufacturers.

“Shortages of dishwashers and refrigerators are likely to stretch well into 2022, as supply-chain problems constrain production, and consumer demand remains strong,” said Whirlpool Corporation’s chief executive officer, Marc Bitzer.

“We have ramped up appliance production, but delays have grown as waits for components and other snags lead to backorders of around six weeks for the average appliance. We are producing more, but the demand is so strong we just can’t keep up.”

The Faucet Drip

Delta Faucet Co. is also experiencing supply chain shortages, but they have come up with a creative solution to ease the backlogs. Back in the summer, the company decided to “prioritize production” to include “strategic collections and/or finishes in all brands.” In other words, by focusing on the more high-demand product lines and pausing production on less requested, Delta can dedicate available raw materials most appropriately.

A sobering study conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association suggests that “supply constraints coupled with rising mate-

rials prices and shipping costs are forcing a growing number of kitchen/bath design firms to cope with longer lead times, seek alternative supply sources, and increase their prices in an effort to protect profit margins.”

For the team at Bill Clark Homes, a premier home builder throughout the Wilmington and New Bern towns on the southeastern North Carolina coast, the practical news is that it still makes sense to buy a home now.

According to the company’s director of sales & marketing, Robin Campbell, “At Bill Clark Homes, we take great pride in what we do. We believe that the clients deserve the best. We are truly in this process together with our clients. However, it’s a different world now. There are true limitations. The supply chain is probably the hardest thing to explain to a homebuyer who starts out really excited. For example, you might not be able to get a certain tile or a certain size of tile that you had chosen. Windows might have a 20+ week lead time. If someone has built a home before, it is a totally different process in today’s market. However, with the low-interest rates, it still makes sense to buy a new home now. You may still be able to get more of the home that you want rather than waiting until later.”

Green Shoots!

There is some positive news coming from Babcock Ranch, a glorious and ultra-sustainable town in southwest Florida. The community’s Sr. V.P. Marketing & Sales, Laura Keller, says, “Hopefully, within the coming year things will loosen up, and builders will be able to get ahead and offer more homes. If you build too far out, you cannot control the cost of building that home, so oftentimes builders will limit the number of homes that they release. At Babcock Ranch, you should expect a nine-month process, but that varies based on the builder.”

So, hopefully, by the time you are reading this, some of the supply chain constraint conditions have begun to alleviate. Until then, maybe Rudolph could make a few more spins around the world and send Santa down the chimney with some fragrant Canadian pines, shiny Chinese steel to build new dishwashers, and some storm windows to keep out the winter chill.

By Warren Grant

Tips for Choosing a Home Builder

One of the biggest decisions you'll ever make is choosing the builder of your dream home. And, in today's world, it's even more important than ever to have a builder that you can trust. Here are some tips for hiring a well-recommended, professional, and timely home builder. You can either come with a plan in hand and builders can quote on your project, or you can choose a well-known builder who already has some tried and true home plans that you can customize or personalize yourself. The latter might just be the easier and more expedient way to get into a new home.

If you are building a custom home in a planned development, ask the developer for their preferred list of builders.

First things first, make certain any home builder you are considering is licensed, bonded, and has general liability and worker's compensation insurance. You can check a builder's license by searching online at your state government's website.

The National Association of Home Builders recommends you contact your local home builders' association to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area. The builder's membership in the local chapter is a welcome sign.

Do your homework! Pick out three or four home builders, and ask for references from their previous clients. Request tours of homes they've recently built. Some builders even have model homes that you can tour.

Get your contract, construction drawings, building materials, and payment schedule buttoned-up with detailed specifics. Don't forget to have your plans engineered. Only then do you send your house-build out for bid.

Make sure that the builder has experience constructing the architectural style of the home you want built — Modern, Cape Cod, Tudor, Craftsman, Coastal.

Many seniors choose to build a home with Aging in Place protocols integrated into the design. Make sure your builder has experience with constructing the features required for a safe and accessible home.

Are you hiring an interior designer? When working with a small home building company, check if they are experienced with working with a designer. There are countless design choices in a custom home, and passing information from the designer to the builder and then to the subcontractor who is doing the work is vital.

Choose a builder who has a track record working within local jurisdictions if your homesite is located in an environmentally sensitive region like coastal wetlands. Naturally, thorough knowledge of building codes in fault zones is critically important.

Get a firm delivery schedule. However, you should realize that you should expect delays and an extended period of time to build your home in today's construction market.

What to Expect when Building a New Home

Be Patient.

In today’s real estate market, the most crucial element to building a new home is to remain patient throughout the process. Know that everyone from the sales representative to the person installing your hardwood floors wants to do the best job they can and get you into your home as soon as possible.

Be prepared.

The real estate world has drastically changed. While demand is high and should remain so throughout 2022, the supply has not caught up with the demand. The good news is that you will be able to find your ideal home or build one. Here are a few tips that might help in the process. 1 2

In pre-pandemic years, Ideal-LIVING would encourage our readers to travel to multiple cities and states to decide on the right area. However, now we encourage you to conduct your research before visiting. Then when you visit an area, you can go to multiple communities to see what is the right fit for you.

3 4

Consider Your Budget.

Often, builders are now waiting until the end of construction to give a final price for new homes. Material and labor shortages make pricing very volatile. You can have a price range, but perhaps not an absolute. Housing prices have escalated over the last 18 months, but interest rates are still very low, making it still an excellent time to buy.

Be Flexible.

Due to inventory and supply chain shortages, you might not get everything on your wishlist. Developers are continually releasing new homesites. If you decide on a community, you will want to get your name on a VIP list, so you will be notified of homesites as they come available. And, when you are building, you might want to have multiple choices for appliances, fixtures, or tiles, so there is a backup in case there is a limited supply.

5 6

It will most likely take longer than you think.

It is nearly impossible to give a completion date on new home building as of the writing of this article. Too many variables exist to predict an exact move-in date. For example, ordering windows could take 16 to 18 weeks, which can push back the work on the interior of a home. You will need to work very closely with your builder.

Make sure you have a place to live during construction.

Although it might be a very opportune time to sell your home, if you don’t need to right away, you may want to wait until your new home is completed. Rental homes might also be in short supply in the areas in which you wish to move.

2022 Color of the Year

Happy New Year! It’s a time to celebrate life and lay out your priorities for the year ahead. Keeping track of your priorities and resolutions for the year can often be tough. But, if one of those priorities is adding some new color to your home, we’ve got you covered.

The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year for 2022 is … drumroll please … GREEN. Okay, let’s get more specific. Three of the biggest names in paint, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr, have all leaned into green to represent the coming year, and it’s easy to see why. Green is the color associated with open meadows, forests, ferns, and some of the best vegetables and herbs money can buy. The color represents freshness, renewal, health, and balance. Adding green to your home is an ideal way to set the tone for the coming year.

Benjamin Moore’s green is October Mist. Described as a mix of green and silver, it definitely evokes the feeling of bringing the outside in. It pairs well with neutrals, other muted greens, and a couple wildcards like rust, lavender, and navy. This color can make a room stand out.

The color that Behr chose to represent 2022 is Breezeway. This paint tone is a light and serene combination of blue and green. This minty tone can easily brighten up your space, and it pairs well with neutrals. Want to make your home feel like a beach vacation? Then, Breezeway is the color for you.

Last but certainly not least is Sherwin Williams’ pick, Evergreen Fog. This color is reminiscent of sage and is the most neutral tone on our list. It pairs particularly well with browns and beiges. Evergreen Fog is a gorgeous color in its own right, but won’t distract from your individual design taste.

Whether you're looking for a muted tone or a bright accent color, there is a green to suit your taste.

Benjamin Moore October Mist 1495

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog 9130

Behr Breezeway MQ3-21

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.

Nancy Adams and Bob Stewart & Lori Jensen