2023 Winter Ideal-Living

Discover Our Newest Neighborhood - Harbor Retreat

In Harbor Retreat, we’ve created an intimate village of charming low country homes while protecting the native environment and existing landscape. Here you’ll find single family homes with lagoon, waterview, wooded, preserve, and nature views. Located in the heart of the community, Harbor Retreat is truly its own peninsula—completely encircled by the peaceful waters of our freshwater lake known as Grand Lagoon— bringing its residents a tranquil setting as well as a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Harbor Retreat is accessed via a rustic wooden bridge over Grand Lagoon, and many homesites have direct waterfront access while others enjoy backyards bordering our spectacular and peaceful nature preserves.

Coming In 2023 - The Enclave- Newest Custom Home Neighborhood

The Enclave features estate homes amongst a breathtaking canopy of ancient oaks, magnolias, holly, and coastal pine that sets Waterways apart from so many other communities. The Enclave provides its residents a tranquil setting as well as a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Lagoon, and Nature

Available!

HOME IS WHERE THE EVERYTHING IS

Like a thriving (and growing) village center, with everything from subs and sushi to a wine store and an ice cream shop. Groceries, a UF Health and a Y right down the street. And honest-to-goodness nature surrounding it all, with trails and parks weaving through the landscape. It’s a new kind of lowcountry living, where the beachy vibe of Amelia Island and the culture of Jacksonville meet comfortably in the middle. No wonder so many people follow their hearts here.

New homes from the $300s.

THIS IS HOW WE

FLORIDA

NAMED IDEAL-LIVING’S “TOP 1 00 PLANNED COMMUNITY” | 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, nine parks, three town centers, an onsite hospital, a weekly farmers’ market, arts & entertainment and 365 days worth of activities. And just beyond our backyard, you’ll find the white-sand beaches of Sarasota, four airports and all the excitement of Tampa. Looking for a maintenanceincluded neighborhood? We’ve got multiple. But we're also a multi-generational community, making it a fun, dynamic place to live.

FROM

$300S

Homes Starting in the $400s

Over 20 Floor Plans

Premier Neighborhoods

Golf Course & Waterfront Homesites

Personalize Your Design

Ready-Move Homes

Ideal Location

60 Minutes to Tampa

25 Minutes to Ocala

10 Minutes to the Gulf Coast Boating, Fishing, Cycling, Manatees, Annual Festivals

World-Class Amenities

4 Golf Courses

2 Tennis Centers

3 Fitness Centers & Spa

3 On-Site Restaurants

Annual Social Calendar

Have the best of both:

Opening

The Peninsula of Charleston is sponsored by local families with centuries of experience in hospitality and healthcare. Our luxury condominiums will be complimented by upscale amenities, concierge services and the reassurance of a full continuum of care should you need it.

What to SEE in page 97

’23

76 Why You Might Lease, Instead of Buy, Your New Home

82 Market Overview: Optimism Abounds for 2023

A National Wildlife Habitat Community and More

Meet South Carolina’s first private community recognized as a National Wildlife Habitat. Just 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island and one of hundreds of sea and barrier islands, Callawassie Island is an 880-acre private oasis comprised of coastline, marshes, and moss-draped oaks that hosts close to 700 families.

Known for offering an active lifestyle, this private golf community has an award-winning, 27-hole course designed by Tom Fazio as well as Fitness Center, swimming pools, multiple variety of racquet sport courts, a Clubhouse, River Club, and over 50 active clubs and organizations that foster and encourage warmth, balance, and connection.

There’s no better way to experience Callawassie Island than through a Discovery Visit. You’ll enjoy accommodations, access to amenities, a personalized real estate tour, and your chance to live on your own private island.

New

•

•

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.

•

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 CPS12 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.

WINTER 2023

VOLUME 25, NUMBER ONE PUBLISHER

RPI Media, LLC.

PRESIDENT

Michael Hackeling

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kelly Godbey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cecilia Beard, Gina Burwell, Jan Cullinane, Bob Dagley, Kelly Godbey, Fanny Slater, 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 Sellers

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

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

Sales Coordinator: Laurie Kent (800) 736-0321 www.rpimedia.com

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

Your Next is Well Within Reach Adventure

Find

You don’t have to travel far to find the low-maintenance, active adult lifestyle you’ve been looking for. In fact, Brookfield Residential offers immersive 55+ communities across Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. So you can enjoy all the perks of resort-style amenities while still having easy access to family, friends and all of the region’s top destinations.

Ready to start your next chapter? Take a virtual tour and explore our online resources today.

BrookfieldResidential.com/55Living

Main-Level Living Home Designs

Available at Five Popular Communities

Lakeside at Trappe

Main-Level & Traditional Single-Family Homes in Trappe, MD

• 2 to 6 Bedrooms, 2 to 6 Bathrooms and Up to 4,800+ Sq. Ft.

• Pool & Bathhouse, Tennis, Pickleball, Walking Trails, Green Spaces, Dog Park, Playgrounds and Planned Community Lake & Lakeside Amenities - Coming Soon

Cadence at Lansdowne

55+ Villa Homes in Loudoun County, VA

• 3 to 4 Bedrooms, 3 to 5 Bathrooms and Up to 3,700+ Sq. Ft.

• Pickleball Court and Multi-Sport Court, Picnic and Grilling Pavilion, Walking Trails, Dog Park and Amphitheater for Special Events

Heritage Shores

55+ Single-Family Homes in Bridgeville, DE

• 2 to 5 Bedrooms, 2 to 4 Bathrooms and Up to 4,600+ Sq. Ft.

• Golf Course & Pro Shop, Clubhouse & Lifestyle Director, Wellness & Fitness Center, Indoor & Outdoor Pools, Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce & Horseshoes and On-Site Restaurants & Shopping

The Crest at Linton Hall

55+ Villas and Single-Family Homes in Bristow, VA

• 2-Level Villas with 3 to 4 Bedrooms, 2 to 4.5 Bathrooms and Up to 2,500+ Sq. Ft.

• Single-Family Homes with 3 to 5 Bedrooms, 2 to 4 Bathrooms and Up to 4,300+ Sq. Ft.

• On-Site Bocce, Pickleball, Walking Trails, Outdoor Fitness Center, Community Garden, Covered Kitchen, Lounging Area and Gas Firepit

Two Rivers

55+ Single-Family Homes in Odenton, MD

• 3 to 5 Bedrooms, 2 to 4 Bathrooms and Up to 4,300+ Sq. Ft.

• Private 55+ Clubhouse, Pool, Fitness Center, Dog Park, Community Garden, Walking Trails, Patio, Firepit and More

You’ve worked hard and waited for the right opportunity to live the life you’ve always imagined. Now, it’s time to reward that patience by experiencing the resort life at Heritage Shores. With extensive amenities, a full-time lifestyle director and easy access to local attractions, Heritage Shores offers the active living you’ve been dreaming about.

• Wellness & Fitness Center

• Indoor & Outdoor Pools

• Tennis, Bocce & Horseshoe Courts

It's All a State of Mind

The beginning of a new year brings hope for a better tomorrow. Even if your life is full and rewarding, it’s a great time to be thankful for what you have and look forward to what’s ahead. As I always say in the Choose Your Ideal Place presentations, I believe that everyone deserves to live their ideal life regardless of gender, age, income, status, or race. It’s not a matter of wealth, but rather a state of mind. Each one of us can achieve our goals with the right attitude.

Speaking of a state of mind, in October 2022, I spent 10 days with friends on an action-packed vacation to Costa Rica. My husband and I had been to Central America before, but not like this. One of our friends is a retired school teacher who spent many years touring high school students through Costa Rica. He treated our group, whose ages ranged from 51 to 79, to the same grueling schedule as the teenagers. This trip taught me that it is a state of mind. We had three people who were very afraid of heights, and these people faced their fears as they soared through the clouds, zip-lining in a cloud forest. To witness their bravery at their ages taught me that you can do anything. It is possible to overcome a lifetime of fear. As I have spent close to 30 years working with people who are considering making a move to a new destination and life, it is apparent that

those who overcome their fears of the unknown lead exciting and rewarding lives. I encourage each of you to look outside of your comfort zone and consider what more there is to life. I encourage you to set aside the snow shovels and get ready for your next adventure. Peruse the planned communities in this issue and plan your trips to visit this Spring so you can feel a little younger and inspired.

Join me at the Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows this winter to learn how you can find your ideal destination, life, and home. We will have presentations and exhibits that showcase the best places to live. You can RSVP for an event in your area at ideal-LIVING.com/shows.

Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start living your ideal life today.

by Kelly Godbey | kellyg@ideal-LIVING.com

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 discovering tax-friendly states. Choose a state, then a region, and narrow down to a city and then a community.

Community News Update

GRANDE DUNES GOLF UPGRADES

Grande Dunes | Myrtle Beach, SC

The Resort Course in the Grande Dunes community is open for play again following a months-long renovation project. Among the notable upgrades are the addition of more than 33% in area to the course’s putting greens, expansion of the fairways by a total of eight acres, and restoration of the bunkers to their original shapes and contours. Off-course improvements at the Grande Dunes Clubhouse include a new restaurant, a major expansion of the outdoor seating area, and a bigger pro shop. Golf course and facilities renovations are also underway at The Members Club.

GrandeDunes.com

NEW FITNESS & HEALTH CENTER

Amblebrook at Gettysburg | Gettysburg, PA

The new Rock Creek Fitness Center in the Amblebrook at Gettysburg community is now open. The 22,000-square-foot facility features an indoor pool and spa, indoor sports courts for pickleball and basketball, strength training and cardio equipment, and year-round classes for water aerobics, yoga, and pilates. The community is also partnering with WellSpan Health to provide physical therapy, wellness, telehealth, pharmacy, and health screening services for Amblebrook residents at the Rock Creek Center.

AmblebrookGettysburg.com

DATAW ISLAND SUPPORTS VETERANS

Dataw Island | Dataw, SC

Dataw Island members and guests raised more than $75,000 during a full week of events in November to benefit the “Tee It Up for the Troops” initiative and local military-veteran support organizations. In addition to golf tournaments for club members and visiting veterans on Dataw Island’s Cotton Dike and Morgan River courses, the volunteer-organized events during the week included a Veterans March and flag ceremony, musical concerts by the Dataw Singers and the Lowcountry Symphony Orchestra, a cookout and happy hour, and a Veterans Breakfast award ceremony with guest speakers. Dataw.com

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

Make the dream of resort-style living a reality

.

KIDS PLAY SPACE OPENS

Ave Maria | Naples, FL

Kibitz N’ Play, an indoor play space for infants, toddlers, and kids, is now open at the Ave Maria Town Center. Within the 1,200-square-foot location are a soft activity area, a mini bounce house, dress-up rooms, a fashion runway, and spaces where the youngsters can dance, sing, and play musical instruments. Located within the 4,000-acre Ave Maria master-planned community, the Ave Maria Town Center is home to more than 40 businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and professional-services providers.

AveMaria.com

Dataw Island

Where you belong

FINAL PHASE ONE HOMESITES

Bay Creek | Cape Charles, VA

The final homesites have been released in the Bayside Village neighborhood of Virginia’s Bay Creek residential community. Among the 25 homesites are 17 properties located directly across from the Chesapeake Bay and eight large-acreage sites along the first hole of the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course. Bayside Village residents enjoy easy access to Bay Creek’s private beaches and the Life Center amenity, including two swimming pools and a wellness studio with workout classes. Phase Two of Bayside Village is scheduled to debut in late 2023.

BayCreekLife.com

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.

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

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.”

MURALS FOR DOWNTOWN WELLEN

Wellen Park | Venice, FL

Wellen Park has chosen three noted Florida artists to create new signature murals for the community’s Downtown Wellen commercial and entertainment center. Laura Pommier, Christian Stanley, and Ivan Roque were selected from nearly two dozen proposals submitted to the Downtown Wellen Mural Project. The large-scale paintings will adorn the sides of buildings in high-profile locations and are expected to be completed by mid-January 2023. Those artistic debuts will coincide with a soft opening of Downtown Wellen’s outdoor amenities and first businesses. The fully leased center of community activity will celebrate its official grand opening in April with restaurants, shops, professional offices, entertainment venues, and recreational areas around the 80-acre Grand Lake.  WellenPark.com

Ivan Rogue is one of the mural artists chosen to paint murals in downtown Wellen Park.

Your Ideal Life Awaits What are you waiting for?

Tired of high taxes, high cost of living, and congestion? Are you tired of shoveling snow?

At some point during our lives, most of us realize that we can live the life we want precisely where we want to live. While this moment often comes in or near retirement, an increasing number of people are coming to this realization much sooner. They are searching for a better quality of life, lower taxes and cost of living, milder weather, and a healthy and safe environment.

Find Your Ideal... Destination, Life, and Home

Is this your moment? Are you ready to find your ideal life?

This winter, the perfect place to find your ideal life is at an ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show. The ideal-LIVING Show features a large display of some of the best places to live from the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and more in one place. The Show is a fun, convenient way to start exploring the top master-planned communities that offer some of the most sought-after amenities, such as walking trails, golf, pickleball and tennis, social clubs, marinas, fitness centers, pools, and fine dining.

Whether you’re looking to relocate to a more desirable destination, retired and ready to live your ideal life, or searching for the perfect vacation home, the Show will help guide you through the discovery process. With community representatives and homebuilders available to answer all your questions and expert-led seminars designed to help you cover all your bases, you’ll leave the Show with the confidence you need to choose your ideal destination.

Since 1989, ideal-LIVING has helped hundreds of thousands of people relocate to their ideal destination, life, and home. Debbie Lane, who relocated to Brunswick Forest outside of Wilmington, NC, with her husband, John, had lived in Herndon, VA, for 22 years, where John commuted to downtown Washington, D.C., every day. Tired of the traffic, they wanted something different for retirement. “After all those years of working, this is what life is all about. We feel like we are on vacation all the time,” says Debbie.

“We attended two trade shows [ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows] held in Tysons Corner, VA, and met with representatives from Georgia to Tennessee. We also talked to the various builders that were there, and it really got us thinking about retirement. The information was very helpful. Ideal-LIVING gave us the opportunity to narrow our choices.”

How to Choose Your Ideal Place

How do you choose the best place to live? Learn how to simplify your search by focusing on key priorities like tax-friendly states, lower cost of living, milder climate, and living around people you like.

How to Make Your Money Last

Learn ways to develop an inflation-protected financial plan for your lifestyle. Discuss strategies for preserving wealth, mitigating taxes, estate planning, and funding your retirement goals given the current market environment.

Louis and Valerie Zarro were the third generation to live in their three-story home near Mahwah, NJ, but they knew that it was time to break tradition. Both were anxious to escape cold winters and to find a community where they could feel connected. “If we didn’t go to the ideal-LIVING Show, we might still be in New Jersey!” said Valerie. “When we went to the Show, we didn’t know where we wanted to go, so we took brochures from every property.”

The Zarros then searched by state and made a list of what they were looking for. They used the “Show Only” Getaway offers they received at the Show that became the answer for them. The Zarros traveled to nearly a dozen communities and finally found their home and com-

Envision Your Ideal Lifestyle

Better health and more free time to enjoy life, how are you going to spend it? Learn how to start practicing your active adult lifestyle right now. A better life awaits.

“If we didn’t go to the ideal-LIVING Show, we might still be in New Jersey!”

REAL ESTATE SHOW

munity in Millsboro, DE. “We didn’t know what we were missing,” said Zarro. “And the icing on the cake was the taxes!”

SAT: 10AM-4PM & SUN: 11AM-3PM

JANUARY 7 - 8

Greater New York

Hilton Long Island/Huntington

Melville, NY

JANUARY 21 - 22

Greater New Jersey

Bridgewater Marriott, Bridgewater, NJ

JANUARY 28 - 29

Greater Chicago, IL

Hyatt Regency Schaumburg

Schaumburg, IL

FEBRUARY 4 - 5

New England

Hilton Stamford, Stamford, CT

FEBRUARY 25 - 26

Greater Washington, DC

Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, McLean, VA

When you attend the ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show, you can take advantage of “Show Only” Getaways. Visiting the town or city you are considering relocating to is great, but the only way to truly know that a community or town is where you want to be is to “live like a resident.” Similar to test driving a car before buying it, “Show Only” Getaways are the optimal way to try on a community and the nearby city. On these tours, you are intentionally folded into the community. You may be invited to play golf on the community course or take a yoga class with potential friends. The agenda could include a kayaking trip or a game of pickleball with a group of residents. And you will likely have lunch at the club, dinner with residents, and/or attend community gatherings.

Only at the Show can you experience many different masterplanned communities in one location, attend informative seminars such as “How to Choose Your Ideal Place,” and take advantage of “Show Only” getaways.

If you are ready to discover your ideal life, join us at an idealLIVING Real Estate Show near you!

Admission to the Show is free, and everyone is welcome. Any age, couples, singles, friends, family – anyone looking to find their ideal destination, life, and home.

Our Passion is Contagious

That’s not just the tagline for their company, Lynn Reed Associates. Lynn and Debbie Reed’s passion for their new life is contagious. “We just love it here. We love every day. It never gets old. Jasper Highlands is just breathtaking. When you get to the top, you look out over the mountains and the river, and it’s gorgeous.” The Reeds purchased a home in Jasper Highlands, a planned amenity community about 20 minutes from Chattanooga, TN.

“We wish we would have done this 20 years ago,” said Lynn. The Reeds had lived in rural New Jersey but commuted two hours each way to Manhattan, working at JP Morgan for many years. They now own and manage a leadership training company from their home atop a mountain outside Chattanooga. (Incidentally: The fastest internet in the country is in Chattanooga).

Lynn says, “People talk about work/life balance. Working on Wall Street, the work/life balance is a pretty tough thing to achieve. But just doing the courses virtually from up here makes a real difference. During COVID, people rediscovered a different way to work, realizing they can get more done from home than the office in many ways.”

Having taught in 22 countries, the Reeds had quite a lot to choose from for their retirement home. They found their home after attending an Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show in Northern New Jersey. They purchased a homesite in July 2021. When they came to speak with builders in January 2022, they purchased

a spec home so they could start enjoying their new life right away. “We have Ideal-LIVING to thank because I don’t think we would have found it without seeing the advertisements in IdealLIVING,” Debbie said.

Lynn said, “It took a lot of vision to build a place like this. It’s incredible to think about what the developer thought to do with the top of this mountain, and to include all of the infrastructure. I’m very confident that this is going to be a great value, but that’s not why we came here. We feel so lucky to be here. Everyone here says the same thing.” He delightfully recalls sitting at the pool when the developer, Thunder Thornton, walked by, and they spoke with him for 30 minutes.

Debbie claims to be an introvert, but she’s out enjoying the “wonderful people and activities” at Jasper Highlands. She says, “I like to go line dancing and play croquet. You can do anything you want, and it’s all so casual. There are no cliques, no groups, and there’s just a bunch of happy people. Even in the stores, people are smiling and happy. I’m from New Jersey and am just not used to this.”

“We miss New York style pizza and the people, but that’s about it. The cost of living and the value of the real estate are fantastic. And, did we mention the tax savings?”

The Reeds encourage others to get out and visit the properties. Lynn says, “You can read all the brochures and do a lot of research on the internet, but there’s nothing like seeing a place in person. We must have visited 25 places. Meeting the people gives you an impression of what daily life will be.” Debbie continued, “All of the videos and brochures did not do it justice. You’ve got to do the footwork. You need to go and look.”

“We wish we would have done this 20 years ago.”

Jasper Highlands, S. Pittsburg, TN

—William Butler Yeats

Research + In-Person Visits = Happiness

In March 2022, DeDe Gonzalez and her husband, Ray, relocated from Northern Virginia to their ideal home in St. James in Southport, NC, and they could not be happier. But, their journey began several years earlier. About six years ago, they attended an Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show at Tysons Corner and started receiving the ideal-LIVING magazine. They knew they wanted to retire somewhere their daughters would like to visit.

Two years ago, only two weeks after DeDe (age 58) retired, she began searching in earnest for their ideal location. She researched 26 communities in six states and started visiting communities. "My best friend from high school and I went on many of these trips, and then I narrowed it down for my husband."

But, first, DeDe began with a spreadsheet to compare the amenities, the year the community was established, acreage, number of homes, custom builders, proximity to airports, shopping, medical care, etc. "If I didn't have those spreadsheets, I would have forgotten where I'd been, and everything would have just run together."

She actually visited St. James four times before they decided to purchase. "Everyone in St. James is like us, from somewhere else. I'm very extroverted, and I played pickleball before moving here. We moved in on a Saturday. I met people that night at a neighborhood party, and I was playing pickleball two days later.

It's very easy to meet people. I have made a huge amount of friends, and so has my husband. We love it! I fell in love with St. James, but I didn't realize I would love Southport so much. This is a cute little small town with lots of things to do and great restaurants. We are south of Wilmington and north of Myrtle Beach, so we have access to two airports. We are close to Oak Island, the grocery store, the pool, and the pickleball courts.

"Another thing I love about St. James is that they have four clubhouses with restaurants and poolside service. We also have a marina and a restaurant there. We don't golf, but they have four championship golf courses." DeDe even ordered an emerald green mini-Cooper convertible to jaunt around the community and to the beach. They joined a St. James Mini-Cooper Enthusiast Club.

"The entire process of finding a home is extremely overwhelming. I just never had the time to find the place before I retired because I was so busy working and raising my children. Once I retired, which was way too late, I started going on all of these road trips. So, I think that if people start looking five years in advance, they might be able to find a home for less money than after they retire."

“Everyone in St. James is like us, from somewhere else... We moved in on a Saturday. I met people that night at a neighborhood party, and I was playing pickleball two days later."

St. James Marina | Southport, NC

Finding Community in Wendell Falls

The Raleigh metro has been among the fastest growing for many years, expanding to new satellite towns, including Wendell, NC. For over five decades, Newland has developed planned amenity communities throughout the country, including the new community of Wendell Falls, only 15 minutes from Raleigh.

“It’s the neighbors, the people you live with that makes it or breaks it. We have a real community here,” says Patti Luczak. She and her husband, Greg, were tired of the cold winters in Chicago and found their new home in Encore at Wendell Falls by David Weekley Homes. “This area is growing in leaps and bounds with retail and restaurants. We’re in the 55+ community, which is great because we're all kind of here for the same thing. We’ve worked our whole lives, and now it’s time to enjoy life and enjoy the people. There’s always something going on here.”

Greg has fully retired and is extremely

active in the community. An experienced nurse, Patti has gone back to work remotely after retiring, but she is still loving life after relocating. Being a nurse, medical facilities were very important to her. She said, “I’ve never seen so many so many medical facilities in my life. Medical care just seems a lot more personalized here.”

In a very short time, the Luczaks have made quick bonds with others in the neighborhood since they moved in May 2022. When they first purchased their homesite, they met one of their neighbors who kept emailing and sending photos of their home under construction. When they moved in, the neighbor had a get together at his house so they could meet the neighbors. “When you walk outside, everyone is talking to each other. It’s like Mayberry.”

Coming from Chicago, Patti says, “It takes a little bit of getting used to, just slowing down a little bit and enjoying life.” Patti and Greg had been to several Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Shows in the past. She said, “I came home with brochures all the time and read about everything.”

Raleigh is centrally located so they can make small trips to places like Wilmington, Asheville, or Charleston. But there is certainly anything that you could want in the Raleigh area, whether it's sports, theatre, or music.

Wendell Falls | Wendell, NC

“We’ve worked our whole lives, and now it’s time to enjoy life and enjoy the people.”

Schell Brothers provides buyers of new homes in Delaware with the best of both worlds: high-end beauty and extensive personalization. With the ability to personalize every square foot of your new home, you’ll have everything you want and need. Set up an appointment, in-person or virtually, to meet our team and learn more about our unique home building journey.

ARBOR-LYN 19321 Loblolly Circle

Rehoboth Beach, DE (302) 249-0683

Model Home: e Heather

CARDINAL GROVE 19106 Beaver Dam Road, Lewes, DE (302) 569-9981

GOVERNORS 11413 Maull Road

Lewes, DE (302) 228-2719

Model Home: e Hadley

HAILEY’S GLEN

33199 Angola Road, Lewes, DE 19958

Model Home: e Southport

MARLIN CHASE 30245 Cedar Neck Rd

Ocean View, DE 19970

Model Home: e Lilac (Coming soon!)

MARSH ISLAND

33244 Kilmister Court

Lewes, DE (302) 228-4007

Model Home: e Kingfisher

THE PENINSULA 27117 Sailside Drive

Millsboro, DE (302) 236-9778

Model Home: e Lilac

PENINSULA LAKES

30962 Fowlers Path

Millsboro, DE (302) 864-5224

Model Home: e Whimbrel e Bristol

WALDEN 24027 Bunting Circle

Harbeson, DE (302) 228-4488

Model Home: e Cassidy

WELCHES POND Cedar Grove Road

Lewes, DE 19958

Model Home: e Chesapeake

With a first-class experience right outside your door, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and panoramic water views, e Peninsula offers some of the best in Coastal Delaware.

The Peninsula is centered around an 18-hole par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course; complete with a driving range, practice facility, award-winning pro shop and golf pros who can help you better your game. In addition to the golf course, the Peninsula features a clubhouse with on-site fine dining, a wine room, banquet space, wood burning pizza oven, billiard room, locker rooms, and an interactive HD golf simulator. The Peninsula is also home to a variety of pools that are located at the Lakeside Village, including an indoor pool and hot tub, an adult only outdoor pool and hot tub, and a signature wave pool with designated splash zone and sandy beach lounge area. Inside the Lakeside Village, there is a state-of-the-art athletic club, aerobics room, activities room, and a full service spa with massage rooms, sauna and locker rooms. The Lakeside Village also has boccie ball, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball courts, and tennis/pickleball courts.

Peninsula-Delaware.com | (866) 736-3352

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DISCOVERY TRAVEL

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

available only on

.com/ventureout

WATERWAYS — GEORGIA

Nestled amid ancient moss-draped oak hammocks, winding freshwater lagoons, and the salt marshes of coastal Georgia’s Lowcountry, Waterways is a private gated community with distinctive homes and modern amenities, just 30 minutes south of historic Savannah in Richmond Hill, GA. This surprising Lowcountry community offers luxury homes surrounded by a protected natural landscape. Waterways encourages an elegantly relaxed lifestyle.

WILDLIGHT — FLORIDA

You might say that Wildlight is where the beachy vibe of Amelia Island and the culture of Jacksonville meet in the middle—with each destination a mere 25 minutes in either direction. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a community that focuses on both walkability and wellness—where a short stroll or bike ride can lead you to your favorite ice cream shop, or burger spot (and soon a Publix supermarket). And a UF Health and YMCA are right in the neighborhood.

You won’t know until you go!

SERENITY BEACH RESORT — BAHAMAS

Serenity Beach Resort is located 30 minutes south of Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the Bahamas. This master-planned luxury resort and residential community features private residences, luxury boutique hotels, multiple restaurants, and bars across 120 pristine acres. With almost 3,000 feet of beach frontage on a sugar-white sand bay that is two miles long, all of your activities are hosted by the guides and Serenity Beach team, include bonefishing, sailing, island hopping, sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with nurse sharks, and nature hikes.

ESTRELLA — ARIZONA

Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance. Dynamic, yet serene; it offers young couples, families, and retirees a resortinspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities. Estrella features country clubs, fitness centers, resort-style pools, a waterpark, a splash pad, lap pools, more than 50 miles of trails, over 40 community parks, court sports, golf, kayaking, and more all nestled among the Sierra Estrella Mountains.

OCCANO — NORTH CAROLINA

Paradise awaits on the Inner Banks of North Carolina within the gates of Occano. This fully amenitized resort-style community on the Albemarle Sound boasts over 800 acres of residential waterfront and vast opportunities to connect with water, nature, and those you love most. Occano is home to an award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature golf course that covers 7,262 yards with five sets of teesperfect for any skill level. Although Occano is a private community, it offers public play. Come experience a round and take in the impressive water views throughout the course.

SEABROOK — SOUTH CAROLINA

A private, welcoming oceanfront community just miles from historic Charleston, SC, Seabrook Island offers a vibrant lifestyle with endless amenities among the 2,200 acres of natural environment, including four miles of unspoiled beaches. With 36 holes of championship golf on two Audubon-certified courses, Seabrook is ranked among "Best You Can Play" in South Carolina, offering uncrowded playing conditions.'

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

Make Paradise Your Home in Riviera Maya Mexico

by Mallory Evans

We’ve all heard the phrase “blue water, white sand” when thinking about our next vacation destination, but have you ever considered it when planning the next stage of your life? Living abroad after you retire presents the perfect opportunity to keep adventure at the heart of your life, and in places like the Riviera Maya, this lifestyle is well within reach.

A Caribbean oasis, the Riviera Maya is located along the northeastern coast of Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula. While its northern and southern neighbors—Cancun and Tulum, respectively—are known for their nightlife, wellness retreats, and younger crowds, the Riviera Maya’s smaller developments offer a different way of life. Instead, the Riviera is ideal for those looking to lead a laidback lifestyle steeped in natural beauty and local flair.

The area has become increasingly popular in the past decade as U.S., U.K., and Canadian retirees and remote workers flock to the Riviera’s ivory beaches and turquoise waters. Why vacation in paradise when you can just make it your home?

Let’s see if living abroad is right for you.

Laidback Living

The Riviera Maya is home to several sought-after towns for new residents, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and Akumal.

The northernmost town, Playa del Carmen, is ideal for those looking for a relaxed pace of life without forgoing ease and comfort. “You can find a bit of everything,” Mark Kilpatrick, expat and co-founder of Caribe Luxury Homes Real Estate Mexico (caribeluxuryhomes.com) says when speaking about the area. “It’s very tailored to the expat community.” But don’t confuse relaxation with boredom. The small city boasts lively restaurants, bars, shops, and clubs. Playa del Carmen is home to vacationers, locals, and snowbirds alike.

Further south, Puerto Aventuras is a quieter destination for long-term residents, especially those searching for an idyllic retirement experience. This gated community is a newer development in the area, surrounded by lush landscapes, the beautiful oceanfront, a golf course, and several marinas. Puerto Aventuras is also well-regarded as a safe, family-friendly place to visit or live.

And finally, Akumal, located between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum, is a small resort town home to ample wildlife and Yal-ku Lagoon, a popular swimming and snorkeling destination. Beyond vacation rentals, it also has several residential areas tailored to expat communities. This tight-knit community is beloved by all who visit.

Natural Beauty Abounds

The Riviera Maya is a sun-seeker’s paradise with its year-round rays and tropical climate. The beaches are the main allure of the Riviera found throughout its 75-mile stretch down the Yucatán Peninsula. Taking its name from its French and Italian predecessors, the Riviera Maya boasts turquoise waters, lush palm trees, and scenic coves dotting its shores. Whether they’re living on an oceanfront property or closer to town, the Riviera’s residents enjoy easy access to the beach. So swim, relax, and soak up the Caribbean sun! But, your adventures are just beginning at the beach. Explore the many cenotes, or underground caves, throughout the area. These crystal-clear freshwater pools are a welcome respite after the sun and sand. Or, snorkel and take in the beauty of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second biggest in the world. Playa del Carmen and Akumal offer snorkeling tours to swim among the reef’s corals and sea creatures.

Real Estate Paradise

Alongside the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya, affordable real estate prices draw in new residents from across the globe. “The cost of living here is just incredible,” Kilpatrick says. “[Remote workers] are able to earn in U.S. dollars and spend in pesos.” And, Mexico’s housing market simply trumps its U.S. counterpart. Kilpatrick explained that presale two-bedroom condominiums sit between $250,000 to $300,000, and presale three-bedroom condos come in around $350,000.

Even during the pandemic, mortgage rates remained stable in the area. Compared to the U.S., residents pay very little in property taxes—usually between $100 to $200 per year. Gated communities, like Puerto Aventuras, are also a cost-effective retirement option in the Riviera Maya if you’re looking for a different experience living abroad.

Mark Kitpatrick | Caribe Luxury Homes Real Estate Mexico

Cultural Melting Pot

With the area’s Mayan roots combined with its recent real estate boom, the Riviera Maya boasts a meld of Mayan, Mexican, and non-native cultures. Spanish and English are both widely spoken, giving residents a chance to learn a new language or brush up on their skills. Though the Riviera Maya attracts visitors and long-term residents from the U.S. and the U.K., it’s also a popular vacation destination for Mexicans throughout the country.

For history buffs, Mayan ruins pepper the area, including one of the world’s tallest step-pyramids Nohoch Mul, near Playa del Carmen. Most other archeological sites are further inland but are well worth the journey.

Living abroad is an exciting and unique path for your retirement plan. The Riviera Maya offers a beautiful landscape and an equally beautiful culture to spend the next stage of

Living abroad is an exciting and unique path for your retirement plan.

Relax and Enjoy Healthy, Outdoor Living in Every Season!

Enjoy our four-star golf course and outdoor racquet sports facilities. Delight your senses in all seasons on beautiful woodland and Nordic trails. At night, rest your head in a quiet community close to renowned medical facilities and many cultural opportunities.

Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Hiking, Boating, Beaches, Ice Skating, Sledding, Programs for All Ages

Why We Looked Outside the U.S. for a Retirement Property

Abit about me … I’m from Cambridge, MA, and a bit of a nomad. I love to travel and have visited 42 countries and five continents. I’m a keynote speaker for many well-known organizations, some specializing in living and investing outside of the U.S. I’ve presented for the AARP national conventions Life@50, International Living, ideal-LIVING, Hemisphere Publications, and Boomers Abroad. Having an undergrad and graduate degree in International Business, I’m considered an expert in my field. For the last 20 years, I have helped people find lower-cost properties for retirement that also earn nice rental income when not using them. Most of them are located OUTSIDE of the U.S. Having learned a few things about where best to own a retirement home and previously purchasing two retirement properties in Flor-

by Steve Linder

ida, we bought the next retirement property in Costa Rica. Here, we had a low cost of ownership (property taxes, management fees, insurance costs, HOA) and high vacation rental demand. We’ve since bought a second vacation property in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We still own our Key West home but now have alternate places to stay when we want to rent our house in Key West, again subject to a one-month minimum rental period by city mandate.

Many of you might think: “I have no interest in retiring or owning property outside of the U.S.” But others are uncomfortable with the current political divide, global conflicts, global warming, forest fires, hurricanes, flooding, and immigration issues. Still others are just looking for adventure. So, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of living outside of the U.S.

Costs of Foreign Ownership

The main advantage of owning outside of the U.S. is the lower cost of ownership. Property taxes, insurance costs, healthcare costs, capital gains, and tax on rental income are often significantly lower outside the U.S. The U.S. per capita cost for healthcare, for example, is the highest in the world, at $11,077 per person, with the next highest country, Switzerland, paying less than two-thirds of what we pay. Many popular retirement countries, like Mexico, Costa

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 The Clubhouse, Pickleball & Bocce Courts, Demonstration Kitchen, Health & Wellness Center, Indoor & Outdoor Pools & Bars, Greenhouse & Garden Area and Miles of Walking/Biking Trails.

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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. SCAN

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INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Spain, residents pay a fraction of what we spend per capita for healthcare. Yet, life expectancies and quality of life indexes rank much higher than the U.S. Costa Rica, for example, residents pay just $1,337 per capita for healthcare costs, yet average life expectancy is almost two years longer than in the U.S. Quality of life indexes rank Costa Rica significantly higher than the U.S. Costa Rica has topped the “Happy Planet” index four times in the last 10 years.

There are challenges to owning foreign property. The country may speak another language and have immigration restrictions; accessibility might be an issue regarding flights, the cost to fly, etc. Political changes may affect the value of your investment, and there’s no MLS. In my experience, these challenges are more than offset by the advantages.

Many things can create buying opportunities like economic issues, currency fluctuation, natural disasters, etc. These events can create buying opportunities both at home and abroad.

A good example is taking advantage of currency fluctuations. Many countries are experiencing a currency crisis

against the strongest dollar we’ve seen in years. The Euro, British Pound, Japanese Yen, and Colombian Peso, to name a few, are all at record lows against the dollar. That means there are significant buying opportunities using dollars to purchase foreign property in these countries/regions. Colombia has been gaining popularity as a retirement destination, partly because the U.S. dollar currently buys 30 percent more there than it did two years ago.

The price does not just determine value. Making sound decisions about buying property abroad is a complex issue. Considerations include safety, accessibility (flights, distance, cost), quality of life, political stability, economic outlook, language barriers, currency fluctuations, environmental risks, and so on.

For many, the cost of living is usually the most significant factor in choosing a retirement destination, and foreign-owned property can be surprisingly inexpensive to own.

I am currently bullish on Costa Rica, the Riviera Maya of Mexico, the south coast of Spain, and Colombia. Currency fluctuations have created bargain opportunities in Europe and Colombia, and Costa Rica is always on my list. The high quality of life and low cost of ownership make this friendly, democratic haven top most international retirement destination lists.

For more information, contact Steve Linder at 305-295-0137 or Steve@Pacificlots.com.

Only steps away from Urbana’s Market District—and with easy access to I-270, 355, and the acclaimed shopping and dining of historic Downtown Frederick—The Woodlands of Urbana combines timeless design with luxurious details into an inspired oasis you’ll love calling home.

Find Your Ideal... LIFE

In order to find your ideal life, you need to think about how you want to spend your time. Do you want to hike in the mountains? Watch the sunrise over the ocean? Start by making a list of amenities that you will need to achieve the life you want — a pool, fitness center, clubhouse, pickleball courts, social clubs, and more.

Single and Looking to Relocate? This Is for You!

by Jan Cullinane

Single, unmarried, never married, solo agers, divorced, widowed, elder orphans, unpartnered, or "conscious uncoupling" (the phrase Gwyneth Paltrow made famous when she and Chris Martin ended their relationship), there are many ways to describe variations of this huge, powerful, growing, and (frankly) often neglected demographic. The numbers are quite telling. According to the Census Bureau (2021):

• Almost half of all adults (48.2%) are single

• More than 45 percent of adults in their 50s and 60s are single

• 37 million American adults (28.5%) live alone

These percentages continue to increase among this influential group. According to researchers, the rise in singles is a combination of factors, including not “needing” or “wanting” a spouse, women becoming more financially confident, the shrinking wage gap between women and men, couples not willing to remain in an unsatisfying or unhealthy relationship, longer lifespans, marrying later, divorcing more often, or simply preferring to be single. I call the rise in the numbers of singles a consequence of “The Five Ds”: Death of a spouse, Divorce, Delayed marriage, Dumped (or doing the dumping), and/or simply Don’t want to be married.

Relocation

Traditionally, the typical trajectory for single adults was to move to a city, where they would often rent and search for other singles. But, that model is changing. According to the National Association of Realtors, singles now comprise 28% of all home buyers (19% are single women, and 9% are single men).

Singles want to live in a community with lots of amenities, an environment that makes it just about impossible NOT to be active physically and mentally, to be involved, to be social, to meet others, and to grow as a person. With homeowners invested financially, socially, and emotionally in a community, residents tend to age in place and create life-long relationships.

As proof, take a look at some of the older planned communities. Ones that were formed in the early 1980s, for example, now have an average resident age in the 70s, a testament to the success of living in a well-designed community with desirable amenities and a mixture of housing styles that fit a variety of budgets. People want to age in place,

With homeowners invested financially, socially, and emotionally in a community, residents tend to age in place and create life-long relationships.

so I suggest you consider a community that is still growing, so you can “mature” along with the community and the residents.

Singles, particularly single women, are often attracted by the safety and security of planned communities, as they are often gated and frequently have security personnel and neighborhood patrols for added peace of mind. Most planned communities with a Homeowner Association (HOA) have guidelines to ensure an attractive neighborhood by providing architectural guidelines, landscaping requirements, and rules that might preclude, for example, boats or RVs parked in driveways.

A huge draw of planned communities is the abundance of activities, including pickleball, tennis, golf, pools, biking/hiking/ walking paths, book clubs, arranged outings, gyms, restaurants, exercise classes, guest speakers, etc. Often, all you have to do is show up and/or sign up, because there is often an activity director coordinating the options. This makes it easy to be and stay active—and to participate and meet others—whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert.

On a personal note, I live (and work remotely) in this kind of community and have done so for more than 15 years: I play tennis, ride my bike/walk on our inviting paths, use the community pools (as well as my own), belong to the book club, participate on a number of club committees, and also volunteer

in the larger community.

Older singles should also consider a planned community. As the number of singles increases over time, those who become newly single often look to create new friendships as their social circle changes. Or, for both companionship and cost-effectiveness, share a residence with someone like Kevin does with his divorced brother, Regina does with her sister, and Joanne does with a life-long friend from college.

“Where you live affects how you live” may be the tagline of Ideal-LIVING, but it’s more than just that. The National Institute on Aging equates the effects of loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and potentially shortening one’s lifespan by up to 15 years.

When considering relocating, in addition to evaluating factors like climate, cost of living, taxes, availability of health care, proximity to airports, shopping, etc., consider opportunities for “connecting.” And, of course, if you have like-minded friends and/or family, the more, the merrier,so bring them with you! Below are examples of four singles and how they discovered their home. As is usually the case, you’ll see that each person’s story is different.

“

Where you live affects how you live.

Jerry’s Story

Jerry Wojciewhowski is in his early 60s, a father of two, and has been divorced for more than two decades. He was living in LaSalle, IL, and decided to accompany his brother and sister-in-law on their quest to relocate.

One of the targeted communities on their “list” was St. James Plantation in Southport, NC. When they drove into the community, Jerry had a sudden, strong feeling: “I could live here!”

He was particularly impressed by the golf courses and the beach club on the ocean and purchased a townhome with a FROG (“finished room over the garage”) that fit his living needs perfectly.

He has already joined the Polish Club and Bikers’ Club, and notes there’s even a Singles’ Club—just a few of the more than 100 clubs offered at St. James. Jerry’s brother and his wife purchased a lot in St. James and will build a home.

Jerry feels welcome in spite of only living in St. James for a few months, and his active lifestyle led him to meet—and start dating— a woman he met on the beach. As a single man, Jerry is active, involved, feels welcome, has a social support system, and is happy he made the move to St. James.

Betsy’s Story

Betsy Willy is a doer! Originally from Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Betsy attended college in Connecticut and graduate school in Michigan. She worked as a physical therapist, and her husband was a physician. They relocated several times over the years, and when her spouse passed away and her kids were “off the payroll,” Betsy decided to return to Montrose, CO, where her husband had established a private practice early in his career.

Betsy loved Montrose’s smalltown atmosphere, the weather, its scenic beauty, hiking trails, photography opportunities, and being surrounded by nature. Betsy points out that she’d rather “live outdoors than indoors.”

New to Betsy when she returned to Montrose was Cobble Creek, which she refers to as a “community, not a development.” And that phrase, she says, applies to whether you’re a couple or a single.

In her 70s, Betsy is now fully involved in her community, taking up golf for the first time and creating close friendships through club activities like card games, book club, exercise classes, the fitness center, and holiday events. Community members take initiative, creating the “Angel Tree” project that has, for a number of years, provided Christmas gifts for more than 300 children in the greater Montrose community through referrals by community agencies, as well as instituting an “adopt a garden” initiative.

Betsy and some of her new-found single friends created a “Good Time Gals” social group, currently comprised of 38 members who rotate monthly potluck get-togethers in their homes with an average of 18 to 20 women in attendance. She also serves on the Board of Directors for The Club at Cobble Creek.

Connections, support, friendship, giving back, being active, surrounding yourself with beauty, and trying to “live outdoors” as much as possible … these are Betsy’s secrets for a vital, healthy life. As a single woman, Betsy built up a strong support system at Cobble Creek and feels she has found her “forever home.”

When they drove into the community, [he] had a sudden, strong feeling: “I could live here!”

St. James Plantation

Cobble Creek

Kathi’s Story

There’s a famous book by Thomas Wolf called You Can’t Go Home Again. Kathi Williams might take issue with the title of that book, however.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Kathi and her husband, both avid golfers, were attracted to Port Ludlow, WA, and were “blown away” by its beauty, the ease of meeting people, and the endless activities. Over the ensuing years, her husband’s apparel industry job necessitated moving to locations outside of Washington State. However, in 2003, her husband passed away, and Kathi moved to Seattle, where she worked for a real estate/ investment company. She loved her job and retired in 2019.

Around 2015, while still working, Kathi started thinking about where she ultimately wanted to live. She reflected on how her friends in Port Ludlow had “never let go” of her, keeping in touch and visiting throughout the years. Kathi considered the many positives of living in Port Ludlow: it was scenic, safe, and easy; the HOA maintained the upkeep and integrity of the community; and there were many opportunities to stay active and involved, including golf, pickleball, biking, kayaking, sailing, book club, arts and crafts, quilting, and knitting.

With the support of her strong, still-intact social group, she moved back to Port Ludlow, purchasing a condo on the water. So, yes, as a single woman, Kathi found you CAN go home again, and she has done just that.

Mindy’s Story

Mindy Delcher and her husband relocated from Pennsylvania to Flowers Plantation in Clayton, just outside of Raleigh, NC, so they could live closer to their son and his family. They enjoyed living in their Flowers Plantation home, along with the community’s many amenities and proximity to Raleigh.

When her husband passed away about two years ago, Mindy decided she no longer wanted to maintain her two-story home and large, heavily treed yard. She decided to stay within the Flowers Plantation area, though, in order to remain close to family, so she relocated to a 55+ neighborhood within the community about four and a half miles away from her previous residence. She made the move several months ago, and loves her single-level home with its smaller, maintained lot.

Mindy cherishes and maintains the friendships she made in her former neighborhood in Flowers Plantation. And, the resident-run social committee in her new community enables her to easily meet new people.

Mindy points out that there are lots of recreational and educational opportunities, as well as beautiful walking trails, but it’s really the people who make a place special. In fact, it’s how she was introduced to the man she is now dating—through a “Table for Six” get-together of dinner and conversation organized by her new neighbors. Mindy’s community fits her active lifestyle and is filled with friendship and support.

The number of singles is on the upswing, and the trend of singles purchasing homes in planned communities is expected to continue and accelerate. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, more than 45% of Americans in their 50s and 60s are single. There’s a solid case to consider a planned community when relocating. Jerry, Betsy, Kathi, and Mindy would agree. Different stories, but a common theme: people who relocate are looking for connectivity, activity, security, and livability. Planned communities nicely fit the bill.

Jan Cullinane is an award-winning retirement author, speaker, and consultant. Her current book is The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, 3rd edition (Wiley, 2022).

As a single woman, Kathi found that you CAN go home again, and she has done just that.

Port Ludlow

Flowers Plantation

Steps to Help Maintain Your Income and Lifestyle through Retirement

by Lawrence S. Tundidor AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA

How much money will you need to retire and stay retired? Do you have a financial plan to help you meet your retirement needs? Do you have enough assets to last a retirement of 20 to 30 years? Do you have a “Retirement Income Spend-Down Plan?” How will you manage rising inflation, healthcare costs, and long-term care?

Those are questions that most Americans approaching retirement should ask themselves. Given the rising inflation in 2022, even those with existing financial plans should take the time to review their income needs and assumptions to make sure their needs through retirement will be met. With all of the recent events affecting the economy, IdealLIVING spoke with Financial Advisor Lawrence Tundidor, AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA® of the Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group to discuss a few points that Americans nearing retirement or in retirement could potentially be doing to prepare.

Creating a Proper Retirement Income Spend-Down Plan

Where do you draw your money from when you need it? From an IRA? Sell stocks? 401ks? Real estate? Brokerage accounts?

Plan where your money will come from to maximize your spend-down plan’s efficiency. In retirement, you should consider having long-term, mid-term, and short-term investments

to help protect you from market fluctuations while potentially increasing your income. More conservative investments go in the short term, moderate investments for the mid-term, and more aggressive in the long term. Picking and choosing investments to liquidate on a monthly basis can be stressful, and most advisors show you how and where to save but not how to create an income stream from your investment assets. When drawing income directly from a 401k, the plan provider will typically sell shares or “units” to send you a monthly amount you requested. The issue with this strategy is that you are indiscriminately selling shares in an up or down market regardless of price. In a down market, you sell shares at a lower price and therefore cannot allow time for those shares to recover, “essentially burning the candle on both ends.” Consider investments that provide a dividend or yield that allow you to draw income without selling shares. Having an income spend-down plan can help minimize taxes. For example, if you're taking all of your income from your IRA, this could potentially put you in a higher tax bracket and incurring Medicare penalties. The goal is to find how much money to draw from each investment asset to maximize your returns and minimize your tax consequences.

Having an Antiquated Investment Portfolio

A recent Morningstar study projected investors’ portfolio returns over the next 10 years to be between 3-6% annually versus 9-11% they have enjoyed over the last decade. Many pre-retirees/retirees have invested with a 60/40 stock/bond ratio and think their portfolio is diversified and able to generate enough income. In the past, bonds have yielded 5-7%, but now most estimates put 10-year bond total returns at an average of 2-4%. It's important to examine having some portion of your investments in alternative assets or alternative strate -

gies to work to minimize volatility and potentially increase return. Very few U.S. households have a truly diversified portfolio with alternatives that may include private equity, real estate, currency, or hedged strategies. Diversification may allow you to hedge against inflation and higher interest rates.

Underestimating Risks

There are three major types of risk that people fail to analyze: investment risk, longevity risk, and inflation risk.

Investment risk (tied to sequence of returns) is the possibility that your investments could lose value because of movements in financial markets. A recession historically comes once or twice every decade. If you had retired during that time and were forced to sell investments to fund your retirement expenses, you would have lost a great deal of the upside when the market recovered. For example, Disney stock had dipped into the $20s during the recession of 2008; you may not have been able to wait for it to recover and then sell when the price was much higher. Now that it has been almost 15 years since that recession and many have enjoyed great returns, it would be wise to re-evaluate their investments to ensure they are in line with their time horizon. People live longer today, forcing us to evaluate “longevity risks.” According to the Wall Street Journal, there's a 50% chance that a Baby Boomer today will live past the age of 90. If you don’t plan accordingly, your income could run out before you do. Most people think they'll have enough income to last if they draw 4%out per year, and some have recently argued that the number should be about 2.5-3% per year. In the first three years of retirement, the average retiree tends to spend approximately 20% more. This overdraw can also contribute to insufficient sums for the later years if not planned correctly.

Don’t forget inflation. As of October 2022, the Labor Department puts the current inflation rate at 7.7% over the previous year. To put that in perspective, at a 3% inflation rate, the value of a dollar in 20 years is about half of what it is worth today. Given the stock market downturn of 2022, many Americans are still risk averse and have left a large amount of money sitting in cash. If the bank gives you a yield at a rate under inflation, you are actually earning a negative return during that time. Be aware of how inflation affects your bottom line and focus on an inflation-adjusted retirement income.

Diversification may allow you to hedge against inflation and higher interest rates.

Lacking Protection for You, Your Family, and Your Estate

According to a 2022 Fidelity study, a 65-yearold couple retiring this year will need an average of $315,000 to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. And that doesn’t include the costs associated with long-term nursing home care. Often, retirees might have a last will and testament but not a comprehensive estate plan. Adequate protections should be evaluated for health as well as leaving a legacy. The U.S. Census indicates that one in five Americans may become disabled for a period of time. Do you have a plan in the event a disability occurs years before retirement due to an accident or poor health? Do you have a plan to deal with the rising cost of long-term care insurance?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, around 70% of adults over the age of 65 will need long-term care insurance at some point in their lives, and it's usually at the

tail end of a financial plan when assets tend to be at their lowest point after 20 to 30 years of withdrawals.

Consider ways to mitigate those long-term care costs: Traditional long-term care can be a good option for some as they can lock in a specific benefit and have the ability to grow it to offset inflation. The downside is that if you don’t use the benefit, you typically lose it, and as you get older, the premiums are not fixed and can go up over time.

A Hybrid Life Insurance policy with a long-term care (LTC) rider allows one to have a life insurance benefit while still working or in retirement, with the ability to use some or all of their death benefit for long-term care in their later years. This option can give clients the ability to pay for a benefit they know will be used in one way or another, potentially eliminating the feeling of “use it or lose it” that some may have with traditional policies. Also, hybrid policies can be structured with “fixed” premiums or a lump-sum, reducing the risk of

Homes from the $500s

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Photographs are for illustrative purposes only, are not intended to be actual representations of a specific home being offered, and depict models containing features or designs that may not be available on all homes or in all communities or that may be available for an additional cost. This material shall not constitute

rising premiums that some may experience traditionally. The downside is that underwriting requirements are typically more stringent since you are underwriting a death benefit and a living benefit together. Many individuals with older cash value policies without a LTC benefit may consider re-evaluating those policies to create a new benefit.

The third option is asset-based, using either retirement accounts or cash to generate an annuity stream during retirement that can continue to pay for long-term care costs later in life. This option can also be useful to individuals who are not able to pass the medical examination requirements of traditional or hybrid policies as well as those in risk classes such as smokers and those with Diabetes where the price may be prohibitive.

As far as a strategy for estate planning is concerned, all pre-tax retirement plans and traditional IRAs require a minimum annual distribution after reaching the age of seventy-and-a-half. Most take that distribution and simply put it into a savings account. Other options can be to take the cash and invest post-tax, contribute to long-term care protection, or to leave a legacy. What type of legacy would you like to leave? You could gift money to your children/

grandchildren, set up an endowment for charity, or protect the assets in a trust. There are countless options and strategies to create the legacy you choose.

Working with a Financial Advisor who Puts Your Best Interests First

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

To learn more about the topics above, please attend Lawrence’s in-person seminars this January and February at the Ideal-Living expos in Bridgewater, NJ, Tysons Corner, VA, and Stamford, CT. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Lawrence at LawrenceT@ceterawealth.com or 215-375-5984.

ANY OTHER NAMED ENTITY. (1800 JFK BLVD SUITE 300 PHILADELPHIA PA, 19103 REGISTERED BRANCH PHONE NUMBER 215-399-9389) TUNDIDOR WEALTH & INVESTMENT GROUP IS NOT A SUBSIDIARY OF NOR CONTROLLED BY CETERA ADVISOR NETWORKS LLC. THE VIEWS STATED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINION OF CETERA AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY AS AN OFFER TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITIES MENTIONED HEREIN. DUE TO VOLATILITY WITHIN THE MARKETS MENTIONED, OPINIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. INFORMATION IS BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE; HOWEVER, THEIR ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

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Go Fish!

Dipping into Some of Florida's Most Clutch Coastal Cuisine

by Fanny Slater

Winter is primetime seafood season in Florida. And with the bountiful Gulf coast at their fingertips, the region’s local chefs are masters at allowing those terrifically fresh products to speak for themselves. Seafood shines in every form no matter the restaurant’s demeanor, so our picks for some of the top spots to hit during these chilly months cover all ends of the spectrum.

Below is a sampling of the fish-forward establishments in the Tampa and Sarasota areas who do it best. From sophisticated bistros serving sultry red curry fish dip with turmeric and nori crackers to homey fish joints offering smoked mullet spread and saltines before you even crack open the menu, each experience is rewarding and delicious in its own right.

To cap things off, I’ll leave you with the recipe for one of my favorite homecooked culinary treasures: my playful take on “shrimp and grits.” Brimming with coastal comfort and a slamdunk in the winter, it showcases crispy broiled salmon and wild mushrooms atop a mountain of creamy parmesan-laded stone-ground grits.

Tampa

Oystercatchers | oystercatchersrestaurant.com

It’s all in the name at this upscale gem, where the sunset views are as idyllic as the brie, truffle butter, and lobster omelet served at the sought-after Sunday brunch.

Oystercatchers is nestled on the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay’s grounds, and though the restaurant may be inconspicuously tucked into the tropical landscape—that doesn’t stop

it from captivating patrons with its “Old Florida charm.” In addition to the innovative ocean fare meant to be savored slowly, it’s the seasoned staff that has helped keep things running smoothly for 30 years. You can count on classics like crab cakes and lobster mac, as well as whimsical dishes like guajillo chili and espresso-crusted ahi with burrata sauce.

Rusty Pelican | therustypelican.com

This high-end tropical hideaway is celebrated by delighting locals and tourists alike with its exceptional weekend brunch and waterside seating. Rusty Pelican is equally as well-known for being one of Tampa Bay’s premier special event venues. Whether you’re planning an elaborate get together or just swinging by for the lobster benny with jalapeño cheddar corn bread, the provisions will not disappoint. Highlights of the dinner menu include the crabstuffed Gulf grouper in basil-garlic butter sauce and the miso-marinated mahi, while the Rusty Pelican Board for Two—a medley of whole snapper, seafood risotto, steak, and velvety Yukon gold mash—is the epitome of shared plate perfection.

If you’re on the hunt for a family-owned food fixture that prides itself on quality eats, service, and value over a shiny exterior and sticker shock, you’ve come to the right place.

Shell’s may be on the more casual end of the culinary scale, but don’t get it twisted: they earned the title of #1 seafood restaurant in Tampa for 15 years in a row. The breezy, beach-themed café has four locations in the surrounding area, which means you’ve got multiple options for scouting out that signature seafood pasta in creamy white wine sauce. As for that coveted clam chowder, word on the street is that Gourmet Magazine has been begging for the recipe since ’88.

Shell’s Seafood | shellsseafood.com

Skipper’s Smokehouse | skipperssmokehouse.com

With over 40 years of experience and quite the story to tell, Skipper’s isn’t just another funky nautical shack slinging smoked fish dip. Dubbed “the club that washed ashore” by Blues legend Lonnie Mack, Skipper’s is touted as an iconic oyster bar that doubles as a live music venue, caterer, and talent agency.

The overtone is a hodgepodge of “cracker” and Key West architecture branded by overturned boats and wooden walkways— a quintessential setting for a fusion of Caribbean, Louisiana, and Florida-inspired flavors. Don’t miss the award-winning Black Bean Gator Chili, farm-raised catfish, and a blackened grouper Reuben that was featured on Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in America.

Sarasota

Veronica Fish & Oyster | veronicafishandoyster.com

The rejuvenated supper-club feel may be one of Veronica’s most admired attributes, but the stylish seafood hub brings much more to the table.

The restaurant is helmed by the Caragiulo family, who you may know as the pioneers behind eclectic cult classic Owen’s Fish Camp. Veronica’s aura, however, is nostalgic yet fresh with an emphasis on light bites and Southern-infused sides like grits and greens. Settle in at the sweeping white marble bar for happy hour, and indulge in one of the exuberant small plates like the revered chicken and crawfish gumbo. For an impressive sight worth the price tag, the Plateau De Fruits De Mer is a towering seafood adventure that covers everything from oysters to lobster salad to shrimp cocktail.

Indigenous

indigenoussarasota.com

With a steadfast devotion to environmentally-efficient farmraised seafood, Indigenous is home to thoughtful, New American cuisine treated and executed with as much precision as possible. Chef Steve Phelps has been a leader in the sustainable “aquaculture” field for some time, so trust you’re in good hands with anything on his seasonally-rotating menu at the quaint cottage in historic downtown Sarasota. Start with the sweet and salty, impossibly airy parmesan beignets with sticky local honey and pears followed by the exceptional cobia, recently prepared alongside green curry fried basmati rice and pungent fish sauce aioli.

CRISPY SALMON AND WILD MUSHROOMS OVER CREAMY PARMESAN GRITS

Lucky Pelican Bistro

luckypelicanbistro.com

Trademarked as a legend to the locals, Lucky Pelican is often packed with hungry Floridians standing by ready to swipe their bacon-wrapped scallop “poppers” through tangy homemade barbeque sauce. The eatery’s menu is expansive, but the prices are reasonable, which can make it tough to decide between humble handhelds like blackened shrimp tacos with toasted pumpkin seeds and creamy Baja sauce or upscale plates like rich swordfish marsala with meaty mushrooms and caramelized onions.

INGREDIENTS

4T unsalted butter, divided

5T olive oil, divided

1c wild mushrooms, sliced, such as oyster or shiitake (about 4oz)

1¼t coarse salt, divided

¼c shallots, minced

3 large cloves garlic, minced

3c low-sodium chicken stock

1c stone-ground grits

1/3c plus 2T grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese, divided ¼c heavy cream

¾t freshly-ground black pepper, divided (4) 6oz salmon fillets, skin-on 1T fresh thyme, chopped

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. When the oil and butter begin to sizzle, add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and lightly crispy, about 2 minutes. Season with ¼ tsp salt and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining butter. When the butter begins to foam, add the shallots and garlic and sauté until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in ½ tsp salt, add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and then cook over moderately low heat, whisking often, until the grits are thick and tender, about 30 minutes.

Fold in the parmesan, heavy cream, and ½ tsp pepper. Season to taste with additional salt if necessary. Keep warm on low heat while you prep the salmon. Preheat the broiler to high, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Evenly drizzle both sides of the salmon fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Place each piece on the baking sheet skin side up.

Broil until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked to your liking, about 8 to 10 minutes for flaky and medium-rare. Divide the grits among plates and top with the salmon (crispy skin side up), sautéed mushrooms, fresh thyme, remaining parmesan, and a drizzle of the remaining olive oil.

Follow the natives lead by checking out the chalkboard specials for surprises like sake glazed sea bass served with an exquisite miso butter over griddled ginger vegetable pancakes.

Walt’s Fish Market

waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com

With roots that date back to 1918 and a promise that “the fish they sell today was sleeping in the Gulf last night,” this ever-reliable tiki bar, restaurant, and take-home market is a crucial part of Sarasota’s seafood scene. Charmingly divey elements like the thatched roof, neon lights, and nearly-15-foot mounted marlin give the fish house legit vacation vibes, but when it comes to their boat-to-market products, they don’t play around. The freshness of the seafood is unmatched, and particular standouts include the grouper sandwich on ciabatta with key lime tartar sauce and the Captain’s Platter: a lobster tailed paired with red snapper and grilled scallops.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER STATE PARK

12

Things to Consider When Relocating

1 — Patience is a Virtue

The process of relocating requires an abundance of patience. Finding that perfect spot might happen right away, or you may have to visit multiple locations before you get that gut feeling that you’re in the right place. And, if you find it, be prepared to leap into action.

2 — Lower Your Taxes

The number one reason people are seeking to relocate is to escape high-tax states. Depending on where you relocate to, your tax savings alone may be able to fund your new lifestyle. Explore income taxes, property taxes, pension taxes, etc., to find the state that's right for you.

3 — Warmer Winters

Tired of shoveling snow? You are not alone. The other top reason that people are relocating is to seek warmer winters. Do you want warm year-round weather, or would you like to see a change of seasons?

4 — Build or Buy

If you are looking to move right away, you might want to purchase an existing home. However, if this will be your forever home, you might want to build a custom home with everything you desire. If you want to create your ideal home, it might take anywhere from nine to 18 months.

5 — Quality Medical Care

At some point, we are all going to need quality healthcare. If you have had the same doctors for years, it’s sometimes challenging to think about finding new physicians. If you purchase in a planned community, many have a wide selection of specialized medical care within a short drive or even a walk.

6 — Golf? Pickleball? Kayak?

When you retire, you are given the gift of time. How do you want to spend your time? Make a list of the things you would like to do. Categorize them as a must-have, nice to have, or not so important. Compare communities based on how you will spend your time.

7 — Good People

When you relocate to a planned amenity community, the people there are just like you — from somewhere else. They are eager to meet new residents. It is exceptionally easy to make new friends. Social Clubs help you make friends with similar interests. Meet the people who live there before you make your final decision.

8 — Waterviews

Water soothes the soul, and retirees often seek properties with water views, whether on the waterway, lake, or river. It’s a good idea to check out the floodplain maps before you purchase.

9 — Walkability

The top requested amenity is walking trails. Most planned amenity communities have incorporated trails that allow easy access to amenities.

10 — Declutter Before You Move

Real estate agents will encourage you to declutter your home before you sell. However, it is just as important to declutter before you move. You don’t want to pay to move 20 years’ worth of financial records or clothes you haven’t worn in 10 years.

11 — Furniture

Do you want to bring your existing furniture to your new home? Will your current style align with your new home? Many people bring a few pieces and then purchase furniture to fit their new home style.

12 — To Work or Not to Work?

Working from home has never been easier. You might want to consider relocating before you retire so you can live your ideal life earlier than planned. Also, many people choose to work part-time in a new location.

by Robert Dagley

Why You Might Lease, Instead of Buy, Your Next Home

'Buying a home is the best investment you’ll ever make' has been the conventional wisdom for generations, especially for Boomers, who consider home ownership not just a right of passage but a secure foundation for retirement. All that’s changing as escalating home prices, uncertainty in the real estate and financial markets, and cash-strapped Millennials have made potential buyers second-guess the advantages of home ownership. At the same time, for-lease homes are trending in private communities as they dedicate more real estate for rental while offering them the same sought-after amenities they do to buyers.

In Florida, there’s a growing demand for rental homes

Whether it’s seniors looking for a retirement home, families looking to get their kids in a preferred school system, try-before-buy seekers, corporations looking for employee housing, or people rebuilding from storm damage, the demand is growing for rental homes in Florida’s master-planned communities.

At Stillwell, a new gated rental neighborhood breaking ground in Coastal Ridge’s Wellen Park in Venice, FL, 274 single-family homes built for rent complement the masterplanned community. “The rental neighborhood

helps make a true community, one that’s not so homogenized,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “These types of offerings add value to the community.”

The rental neighborhood will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, ranging from 712 to 1,275 square feet with a private backyard and patio. Residents will also enjoy an active lifestyle at Stillwell that focuses on health, wellness, and community with a clubhouse, resort-inspired zero-entry pool, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor recreational amenities. Leasing will begin in late 2022, with the first homes expected to be completed by early 2023.

Left: Coastal Run at Heritage Shores in Bridgeville, DE was one on the first to offer a residential community for lease on the east coast. Right: Stillwell is a new gated rental community inside Wellen Park in Venice, FL.

Worry-free, lease-only living comes to the Midwest

An up-and-coming, small rural town in the southeast corner of Kansas is now home to a new 55+ residential-for-lease community: The Villas at Creekside. “Pittsburg, KS, is a town on the move, and we wanted to be part of something great,” says the developer, Dexter Pearson. “At first, we were going to sell the units, but then we decided to make it a leaseonly, maintenance-free community where people don’t even have to change their own light bulbs. We wanted to make this community as worry-free for people as possible.”

The Villas at Creekside’s monthly leases are $1890 for a two-bedroom/two-bath and $2100 for a three-bedroom/two-bath. All homes have oversized two-car garages and a front porch for chatting with neighbors. Pearson says, “People have been very excited about not paying property taxes or worrying about maintenance. They can sell their house and invest the cash while renting at a reasonable rate.”

The leasing concept is catching on in the mid-Atlantic

In March 2020, Allen & Rocks, the developer of Coastal Run at Heritage Shores in Delaware, started considering offering singlefamily homes for lease. “Really, nobody was doing it, especially on the East Coast,” says Bob Turner, VP and director of residential properties for Allen and Rocks. “What we saw were duplexes. Our concept was to lease the same house you would buy. No different from other houses and with the same benefits. Right out of the gate, people got the concept.” The 55+ active community offers resort amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, and an Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole golf course. The market response was eye-opening for Turner, who says, “In the mid-Atlantic, there are now thousands more lease-friendly homes. It’s redefined leasing, giving everyone a new option for living that hadn’t existed before.”

Mary and Rocco DeStefano, who had never rented a home, were unsure of how it would go when they decided to lease at Coastal Run, which offers one- to five-year leases and provides an easy-out option if you purchase a new built-for-you home. They are happy with their decision. “Once getting here, we were pleasantly surprised about how much we enjoyed the community,” says Mary. “Rocco was unsure about living in a 55+ community, and renting is the best way to try it out. We love that when something goes wrong, we just have to make a call and someone is out shortly!”

The Villas at Creekside in Pittsburg, KS is a 55+ for lease community.

Shoring up the homes-for-lease market in the Carolinas

Higher home prices and lower inventory drive some to consider leasing instead of buying. That also allows them time to consider the pros and cons of an area they might like to buy or build in. The tactic is becoming increasingly more difficult in some markets. “The rental market has no supply,” says Jerry Helms of the eastern North Carolina market. “Home builders are becoming for-rent builders and building houses for rent in master-planned communities.”

In the Village at Woodside, located inside the private community of Woodside, in Aiken, SC, they are working to solve that problem. “We have sold out our single-family homesites, and we’re working on a mixed-use community,” says Diana M. Peters. “We already have a waiting list of 40. Many of them live in Woodside but are thinking ahead.” The idea is to sell their home and get into a rental where they’ll live an easier, maintenance-free lifestyle. This strategy also means they won’t leave a home, and the work that entails, to be dealt with by their children.

Why lease instead of buy?

There are as many reasons the home leasing market is trending as there are different categories of home seekers. “Not everyone is in the position to buy,” says Turner. “And for a lot of people selling a home, do they want to turn around and put their money in another home? Maybe they just want to have fun with their money. Maybe they don’t have the appetite to own, to take care of a home. Instead, they opt to keep their money in the bank for financial flexibility. There’s no failure factor in leasing. Leasing is simple. If life changes, there’s an easy way out. Little or no risk at all.”

In today’s fluctuating financial and real estate markets, taking the risk out of housing may be the best investment of all.

Rental homes are available in many planned amenity communities, like Brunswick Forest in Wilmington, NC, seen below.

The same quality construction can be found in a single-family for-lease community as offered in Coastal Run at Heritage Shores community in Delaware.

Optimism Abounds for 2023

by Kelly Godbey

Will prices go down? Will they continue to go up? Will mortgage rates continue to rise? What if I want to pay in cash? Are people still buying homes today? Is the supply chain problematic? Is there any good news in the real estate market today?

The world changed in 2020 when the pandemic hit, and since then has been moving at a record pace. Probably by the time you read this article, some of the information may be outdated. That being said, Ideal-LIVING reached out to experts around the U.S. and beyond to give us their predictions for 2023. None of us has a crystal ball, but we will provide our best. It’s important to be realistic, but we’re also going to side with optimism because, at Ideal-LIVING, we want you to start living your ideal life as soon as possible.

HOME VALUES

From 2020 to 2022, U.S. home prices increased by approximately 30%. That exponential growth may be a once-ina-lifetime growth. In many of the markets we reached out to, prices have begun to stabilize. That does not mean prices are going down; it depends on a market-to-market analysis, as all real estate is local. It is improbable that we will see a housing crash like in 2008, though home values could decrease by

10% in some areas that experienced overly high appreciation. In desirable destinations for retirees, home prices are simply flattening or slowing growth.

The record appreciation may have priced out some firsttime homebuyers. However, if you owned your own home during that time, it is most likely worth significantly more than at the beginning of 2020. If you are waiting for prices to go down, it’s unlikely they will go down proportionately to the increases.

RISING INTEREST RATES

Let’s get to the elephant in the room — INFLATION. It affects everything from the food we eat to the gas we put in our cars, and yes, to home building, selling, and buying. At the writing of this article, inflation is at 8.3%, and The FED is doing everything it can to bring down spending, and yes, that means increasing interest rates. In November 2022, the aver-

age 30-year mortgage rate is over 7%, and likely to increase.  We spoke with Curtis Wood, Founder and CEO of Bee. The Bee Mortgage App is built on blockchain technology, AI, and machine learning, designed to lower mortgage costs. Working in Florida, Curtis says, “It’s still very strong in terms of supply and demand. There’s still quite a big demand for mortgages; however, the down payments tend to be higher. A few people have told me they could pay in cash and that if rates were higher, they probably would. But they want a mortgage because they’re protecting their cash, anticipating a recession or a correction in the market. These are seasoned borrowers, and they know that the market cycles. It’s done so their entire lives. And most of them are putting this in perspective, like in the early 1980s, when rates were 17% and 18%. They have seen this before. They don’t necessarily like it, but in the end, they’re financing less. But just about every one of them is in the mindset that they will refinance as soon as rates drop.”

Fairfield Glade | Tennessee

Landmark Homes | Pennsylvania

Fairfield Glade | Tennessee

Some people are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages to lower their interest when purchasing a home with the hopes of a refinance down the road. However, it is just as easy to refinance a fixed rate as an adjustable rate if you are nervous that rates will continue to increase.

“To me, it is normal for rates to be 6 or 7%, and it was very abnormal for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 2.9%. That was the lowest I saw it get, and that was primarily pandemic driven. It was an unprecedented time that we all lived through. If we haven’t hit the worst yet, I’d love to go through this as quickly as possible so optimism can return to the industry. But I really am optimistic that we’re close to turning a corner. I think 2022 will be the worst of it. And in 2023, it will be a very good year for everyone.”

“People are moving here because it’s a great place to live. It’s also a great place to retire. We live at the beach, and I’m only a five-minute drive from the beach right now. And what we have been finding now with the changing workplace is that, for the first time, we have many families moving here as well, which is really exciting. People are leaving New Jersey and New York City because Delaware is a great place to raise your family.

“I think probably across the nation, the market’s changing a little bit and prices are stabilizing. We recognized huge increases over the past year and a half. But along with that, we have also experienced material cost increases. So hopefully, all that’s going to start to stabilize and make it better for everyone. I don’t see home prices coming down but hopefully stabilizing."

With supply issues, anything from cabinets to windows can take longer than anticipated. Still, at Schell Brothers, Alyssa says, “Our mission as a new home builder is happiness, and we take great pride in that mission. Our goal is to make our customers happy. And we know they can feel confident that we’re not going to change prices on them.”

Delaware has no sales tax, and the property taxes are very low. Alyssa says, “In Delaware, it’s just a slower-paced lifestyle. And people here are nice — they take time to talk to you. At Schell Brothers, we pride ourselves in creating a great sense of community in our neighborhoods, and that’s very important to us.”

TENNESSEE

DELAWARE

Schell Brothers has been building homes in Delaware for 25 years and has expanded into Richmond, VA, and Nashville, TN. In 2022, Schell Brothers experienced their biggest year to date. They built over 600 homes, specializing in Delaware beach communities like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. They have sold out of communities earlier than anticipated and are diligently working on releasing new communities in 2023. According to Alyssa Titus, director of marketing,

Over the last 20 years, Tennessee has seen a massive influx of homebuyers looking for great weather, low taxes, and outdoor living. Mark Hyder of Fairfield Glade in Crossville, TN, says, “Tennessee remains a strong destination for people relocating. At Fairfield Glade, lower taxes are one of the biggest drivers to people relocating here. Our local tax rate of 1.565% equates to $1,250 for a $400,000 home per year. When you tell that to people, most think that’s per month, but it is annual.”

“To me, it is normal for rates to be 6 or 7%, and it was very abnormal for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 2.9%.”

Curtis Wood, Founder and CEO of Bee

Schell Brothers | Delaware

Tennessee’s cost of living is 10% lower than the national average, and the sales tax is currently 9.75%.

“If a good house hits the market at a reasonable price, it won’t last long, and you could have multiple offers. However, it has definitely slowed this year. Like much of the country, we were going at such a frenetic pace that tapping the breaks improves the customer experience. It is a strong market here. The number of homes is still very low. And there are fewer homes selling at or above the asking price. As of the third quarter of 2022, homes spent an average of 26 days on the market. Homes in the $500,000 range are going very quickly, while those in the $800,000-plus range may take a couple of months.

“One thing we are seeing is that the mortgage rate increases have affected the amount people can afford. Last year they may have qualified for a $700,000 mortgage but can now only qualify for a $600,000 home. It affects how much they can buy; it’s not affecting if they are buying or not. If you

GEORGIA

“I still feel like we have great values down here; I feel like it’s one of the great holdouts,” says Lloyd Streit of Atlantic Salt Realty in coastal Georgia. “People want fairly mild winters and to be by the ocean. We have had a lot of cash buyers in recent years, so the mortgage rates don’t affect them much. But increased mortgage rates have pretty much caused the entry-level market to vanish.”

For those retirees on a fixed income who require a mortgage, Lloyd suggests thinking about it like purchasing a car. What is the monthly payment as opposed to the home’s cost? Think about what you want to pay, and then you can find a home that meets those requirements.

have the need and the ability to buy, it’s still a good time to buy. Compared with rates from the last 20 to 30 years, the rates still are not that high. It’s competitive enough that you will lose out if you haven’t been pre-approved.

“I don’t personally view this as a bubble situation like 2008. It’s a different time. We just had a red-hot market that we had never seen before. And now, we may see a bit of correction. You’ll never buy a house at today’s prices again, but you can always refinance. If you are ready to retire, take advantage of the lifestyle opportunities that you can now. Some people may think they will wait for prices to fall. They keep checking back with us, and it’s higher than six months ago.”

“I think the market is going to tighten up a bit more. On the Georgia coast in the St. Marys area, prices got higher, but not extremely high. Right now, what you might perceive as a price reduction is that the home prices had outpaced the market. This might give the impression that it is a buyer’s market, but I’m not really seeing that. The homes were just poorly priced.”

“For buyers, they haven’t seen this environment in a while, so there will be better negotiating power. I see that rather than changing the asking price, some people have started to ask the sellers to pay down points on the mortgage.” Buyers may become more creative in their financing options. Many FHA and VA loans are assumable; check to see if you can assume a loan for an existing home.

“Most of the buyers in the 55+ market are more financially independent, and many are cash buyers or take out a small mortgage ... They’re a little bit more flexible in terms of the interest rates and how that affects their ability to purchase or refinance a home. Of all the markets, the 55+ is strongest.”

Eric Ziegler, Executive Vice President of Landmark Homes in Pennsylvania

Fairfield Glade | Tennessee

ARKANSAS

According to Zillow, Arkansas is among the three most affordable states. The average price in 2022 for a home was $177,000. Kristen and Jon Kennon of iRealty Arkansas said, “People love to move here because Arkansas is just beautiful. It’s called ‘The Natural State’ because of all the hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and biking. We have a lot of land with a temperate climate and lots of lakes. A year ago, our median time for a house on the market was three days. Houses stay on the market a little longer, and there is more inventory now. But I still wouldn’t call it a buyer's market. We’ve recently started to see a slowdown.”

The population is just over three million, so there is lots of space for people and nature. The cost of living is 22% lower than the national average. Arkansas boasts more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers. From the Ozark National Forest to natural hot springs, the beauty of Arkansas attracts retirees and families looking to make the most of their life.

PENNSYLVANIA

“The last couple of years have been anything but normal. The real estate market really took off. I think it became a period of time for people in the country in terms of affordability with low interest rates and costs of materials and labor. So today’s a little bit of a new challenge with rising interest rates. Most of the buyers in the 55+ market are more financially independent, and many are cash buyers or take out a small mortgage. I think in a way that they’re a little bit more flexible in terms of the interest rates and how that affects their ability to purchase or refinance a home. Of all the markets, I think the 55+ buyer market is stronger,” says Eric Ziegler, executive vice president of Landmark Homes, an award-winning homebuilder in building communities in central Pennsylvania.

Eric continues, “I think in the 55+ market, a lot of them are kind of struggling with when’s the right time to buy? And,

I think those who had the flexibility to work from home could pull the trigger a little sooner. A lot of them would wait to retire before they moved. Many people who relocated to our area are from New York and New Jersey, and they will save a significant amount on their property taxes by moving to Pennsylvania. And, then the nice thing is, they are within an hour or two-hour drive back into the city or to family. It’s just a more relaxed approach.”

For over 25 years, this family business has helped people to create new homes and lives. “We have some great floor plans. And, when you come to our design gallery, you meet with our design consultants to select the finishes that fit your budget and taste. We have tried and true plans, but we always come up with something new. We pride ourselves in listening to the customer and providing a home they can appreciate and enjoy.

“I think we’re going to get to a place that’s a little bit more predictable than it has been. That being said, I think it’s still a great time to buy a house. A house is the place you live and is always a good investment. And, you know, it’s where you come home. It’s where you’re going to make memories and have family over. And a fantastic place and community is always a good investment.”

NORTH CAROLINA

As one of the more popular states for relocation and retirement, the demand for real estate is still growing. According to Andre Nabors, a partner relations manager for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, “The real estate market is still growing but not as rapidly as it has in the past. Inventory is low, and the market is still doing very well.”

Andre works with communities big and small throughout the state to promote retiring in North Carolina as part of ReitreNC.com. He says, "When people are moving to North Carolina, one of the biggest things they want is convenience, from the shopping to medical facilities to walking trails. The healthcare is some of the best in the country.”

“Even in small towns, especially those within a half or hour from the larger cities, are doing great. The mountains, coast, and Piedmont continue to attract families and retirees. North Carolina has made a concerted effort to attract retirees and an educated workforce. The state is very friendly to small businesses.”

SOUTH CAROLINA

“Everyone throughout the country from the Northeast, Northwest, and West wants to be a part of what’s happening in the Southeast. If we price the homes right, we will get close to the asking price. We are starting to see things leveling off at this time. People aren’t getting more than their asking price, but they are getting the asking price. We try to manage expectations of both buyers and sellers,” says Todd McDaniel of Bay Street Realty Group in Beaufort, SC. Inventory is still low throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Todd says, “Existing home sales are stable as inventory is very low. Buyers want to be part of a community. Many are downsizing, but they want nice things in that home. They want to be close to town. They want cultural events, restaurants, and parks. Even with the rise in interest rates, we’re not really seeing a drop-off.

“Beaufort, SC, is featured in many articles as one of the top places to live. We are very fortunate here, and we are roughly half of the price of Charleston or Savannah for waterview properties.”

FLORIDA

Although all areas of Florida differ, the demand for Florida properties remains strong. The migration patterns from the Northeast to Florida have been steady for the last 100 years. Ten of the top-selling Top 25 master-planned communities are located in Florida, with Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota topping that list.

However, when Ideal-LIVING reached out to K. Hovnanian®’s central Florida division, they indicated that they have inventory available for those looking to head for warmer winters and no state income taxes. According to Greta Akellino, they are starting to see some prices declining slightly for existing homes. However, in planned amenity communities, they may still see some prices increase.

Greta says, “We are seeing more people in our 55+ communities want to build their own homes. They aren’t willing to settle. For some, this may be their last home, and they want to choose what they want. Currently, it takes about eight to 10 months to build a home.”

INTERNATIONAL

The international market is booming as well. People have been flocking to Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Mexico, and other areas. The pandemic provided a respite for many expats, and these areas are reaping the benefits of their great weather and lower cost of living. According to Mark Kilpatrick of Caribbe Luxury Real Estate in the Riviera Maya, “You get a lot more for your money here. The cost of living is just incredible. Also, property taxes are very low in comparison to the United States. We haven’t seen any effects of a slowdown here. We’ve been experiencing more people looking to come to live in Mexico. We have different categories of buyers, those looking for a vacation home, retirement, relocation, or investment. And some people purchase multiple properties. It’s about the lifestyle. I think the pandemic shed a new light on people’s desire to have a place where they can get away. And an international property is the perfect opportunity for some people. It’s about having something that pays for itself or can create an income while it's somewhere they can get away from it all.”

“Everyone throughout the country from the Northeast, Northwest, and West wants to be a part of what’s happening in the Southeast.

Todd McDaniel of Bay Street Realty Group in Beaufort, SC

SENIOR LIVING

According to Will Purvis, president of Liberty Senior Living, “The senior population is growing exponentially and will continue to do so over the next few decades. Seniors want choices. Senior living communities provide an excellent way for older adults to simplify their lives by removing the burden of having to manage their homes and associated maintenance, coordinate service and care, while also providing the opportunity to become engaged with a plethora of services and amenities easily found in one location.

“Overall, we have seen growth in all of the care levels offered by Liberty Senior Living in our communities. Obviously, there are outliers in certain markets. I think most communities and organizations that are financially solid, reputable, and have a strong history are still able to grow in this competitive marketplace.

“As we all have experienced, inflation is affecting us all. The senior housing sector is no different. Our food and de-

livery costs have increased, and the labor market is highly competitive. Here at Liberty Senior Living, we believe that providing excellent care for our residents is our greatest responsibility.

“The environment right now is challenging. We’re all feeling the strain as we buy gas or milk; unfortunately, we think that will likely continue. That said, we’re bullish on the future of senior living in the areas we operate and are investing in development and expansion. We’re particularly excited about our INSPIRE branded active adult projects that serve adults age 55+. This model offers a high-quality, luxury experience in a maintenance-free setting and, with our highly desirable rental model. The most attractive is that we achieve this at a lower price point. We do this by offering a simplified suite of services. We recently opened Inspire at Royal Park outside Charlotte, NC, and are in various stages of development for nine other projects throughout the Southeast, including Florida."

We invite you to explore this natural wonderland in a place where residents connect, forge friendships and pursue their interests and passions. There is truly nothing like it on the coast of Virginia.

REAL ESTATE SHOW

FIND YOUR IDEAL DESTINATION, LIFE, AND HOME

YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN US AT A SHOW NEAR YOU!

What to SEE in

by JG Walker

’23

Spring Sports in FLORIDA

Spring arrives early every year in Florida and The Sunshine State is already gearing up to host some of the world’s best athletes on their annual visits. For fans of baseball, golf, tennis, and more, it’s the premier season to find your place in the grandstands and galleries of Florida.

Classic Spring Training

Since 1913, Major League Baseball teams and their fans have warmed up for their seasons in Florida. The Grapefruit League tradition continues in 2023 with 15 of the 30 MLB teams—including the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Nationals, and Braves—playing more than 300 Spring Training games between February 25 and March 28. Home fields are clustered along the Gulf Coast from Tampa to North Port and in Palm Beach County, with most ticket prices starting at just $10. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins begin their regular-season home schedules in April.

A big Florida sports bonus in 2023 is the return of the World Baseball Classic from March 8-21, when the USA will defend its 2017 title against

19 other international all-star teams. The Pool D matchups, quarterfinals, semifinals, and world championship game will be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

For even more major-league action, the NBA’s Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, along with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, all have home games on the 2023 calendars from January through mid-April.

Swings and Serves

The PGA TOUR makes its annual spring swing through Florida with four big-money tournaments to start the year: the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens (February 23-26), the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando (March 2-5), THE PLAY-

What

ERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach (March 9-12), and the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor (March 16-19).

Racquet-sports lovers can find plenty of oncourt action in Florida this year, including the world’s best tennis professionals at featured ATP/ WTA events like the Delray Beach Open (February 10-19) and the Miami Open (March 20-April

1). Pickleball fans can choose from an early-season roster of national-field tournaments that include the Naples Pickleball Championship (February 3-5) and the PPA Florida Open in Boca Raton (March 9-12).

For the best trackside seats, the 2023 Daytona 500 on February 19 highlights the annual series of auto races at the iconic Daytona Motor Speedway. Also featured are major horse-racing events at re-

nowned venues like Hialeah Park, Pompano Park, and Tampa Bay Downs, with Triple Crown hopefuls competing in the Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Get Into Action

The opening months of 2023 aren’t just for spectator sports because you can get into the action with half-marathons, 5Ks, and fun-run road races from Pensacola to Ocala and Orlando to Palm Beach. All of the Florida resort golf courses and racquet clubs are open for business, or you can take off on a fishing charter from marinas on either coast or hop into a kayak to explore the state’s inland waterways. For more about 2023 sporting events and other attractions in The Sunshine State, go to VisitFlorida.com.

MORE ROOM for feeling at the top of your game!

Our partnership with WellSpan Health places Amblebrook among the most health-conscious active adult communities in the country. Athletic trainers and physical therapy assistants, mind and body programs, pharmacy services, health screenings, telehealth and digital services, and more.

Indoor Pickleball & Basketball Courts

55+ ACTIVE ADULT LIVING | SINGLE-FAMILY & VILLA HOMES FROM

What to SEE in ’23

Festivals and Fairs in GEORGIA

Georgians love to celebrate, and residents of The Peach State want you to come on down and join in. From holiday parties and musical events to festivals that feature the state’s most fragrant blossoms and farm-to-table produce, the opening months of 2023 in Georgia offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Coastal Celebrations

Get the Georgia party started with all of the fun minus the French Quarter crowds at lively Mardi Gras celebrations on Tybee Island and in the town of St. Marys on Fat Tuesday, February 21.

Historic Savannah is a great destination in any season and starts the spring with two major events: The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration (March 17) is the Irish-themed holiday’s biggest event in the South and Savannah rolls out the green carpet for revelers with live music and tasty treats from fine-dining restaurants and street vendors, plus plenty of refreshments.

If you’re looking for a more cross-cultural experience, check out the Savannah Music Festival (March 24-April 9). The concert schedule over those 17 days includes jazz, blues, country, folk, gospel, and classical artists from around the world playing in downtown theaters, churches, gardens, and performing-arts centers.

Flowers and Food

The mild winters in Georgia encourage earlyspring blooms and a long tradition of flowerthemed fairs like Thomasville Rose Show & Festival (April 28-29), first celebrated in 1922. Garden tours, floral displays, classic cars, and live music highlight the weekend events.

The Valdosta Azalea Festival (March 11-12) with its huge arts-and-crafts market kicks off the blooming season, followed by the International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 17-26) in Macon with 10 days of family-fun events. The 87th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 14-16) features a juried fine art market and a kidscraft village.

The state’s diverse agricultural bounty is also celebrated at the Georgia Strawberry Festival (April 1-2) in Reynolds, the Vidalia Onion Festival (April 20-23), the Georgia Peach Festival (June 1-7) in

Peach County, Alma’s Blueberry Festival (June 3-4), and the Watermelon Days Festival (June 2425) in Cordele.

Music and More

The Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival (March 3-4) in Tifton features professional cooking competitions, and Due South (April 15-16) is Thomasville’s annual celebration of the performing arts.

Additional spring traditions range from the 55th Annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival (April 21-23) in the coastal port of Darien to the 47th Annual Spring Arts in the Park (May 27-28) in the highland town of Blue Ridge. Both the Hiawassee Wine Festival (May 6) and the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival (June 24-25) feature tasty regional vintages and smooth Southern music.

These special occasions are just a tantalizing sample of the community celebrations you’ll find in Georgia this spring. For a complete 2023 calendar of events, go to the official visitor website at ExploreGeorgia.org and plan your own journey of discovery to this welcoming state of festive fun.

Southern Cooking in SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolinians love a great meal, whether it’s fresh seafood from the state’s coastal waters or BBQ with a signature mustard-based sauce. But everywhere you go in the Palmetto State, you’ll also find creative menus and farm-to-table specialties with a distinctive South Carolina flavor.

Charleston Cuisine

In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler again named Charleston as America’s Best Small City, noting the local quality and diversity of its dining options. In the historic downtown area, the great restaurants range from Leon’s Oyster Shop to Hank’s Seafood, Oak Steakhouse to Scott’s BBQ, and French cuisine at Maison to Tex-Mex at Rancho Lewis. The best farm-to-table specials are found at Husk, FIG, and Butcher & Bee, or you can enjoy breakfast anytime at both Miller’s All Day locations and the Early Bird Diner in West Ashley.

The Charleston area also features two local favorites that are expanding statewide: Home Team BBQ, founded in West Ashley, now has locations in Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Columbia, and Greenville, while the original downtown Hall’s Chophouse also has sites in nearby Summerville, as well as the Midlands and Upstate.

Lowcountry Tables

In The Lowcountry south of Charleston, you’ll find the waterfront town of Beaufort and popular restaurants like Old Bull Tavern and Saltus River Grill, plus Panini’s Italian fare and Greek dishes at Athenian Gardens.

Charleston, SC

Down the road in Bluffton’s lively Old Town, featured spots include May River Grill, Burnt Church Distillery, and Captain Woody’s. Across the bridge on Hilton Head Island are upscale dining rooms at world-class resorts, plus top-rated restaurants like Jazz Corner, Delisheeyo, Nunzio, Sage Room, and Frankie Bones. Among the long-time local favorites are Alexander’s, Skull Creek Boathouse, Hudson’s on the Docks, and Reilley’s Grill.

Midlands Menus

South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia features The Vista nightlife district with seafood restaurants like The Blue Marlin and Pearlz Oyster Bar, along with Korean-inspired fare at 929 Kitchen and fine wines with dinner at Gervais & Vine. More casual settings include Motor Supply Company Bistro and the Liberty Tap Room. For the region’s signature BBQ, take the short drive to Shealy’s in Batesburg or Farmboy’s in Chapin.

Aiken is a welcoming Midlands town that offers the elegant Wilcox Hotel Restaurant, Italian fare at Casa Bella, and South Asian spices at Taj Indian Cuisine. Traditional Southern meals are featured at Betsy’s Round the Corner, Charlie’s Fish Market, and Duke’s BBQ.

Uniquely Upstate

The Upstate city of Greenville has experienced a remarkable revitalization and made a fresh name for itself as a dining destination. Among the notable downtown restaurants are international-fusion fare at Asada, Japanese delicacies at Sushi Go, French-inspired specials at Maestro Bistro, and long-time local favorite Trio Brick Oven Cafe. Seafood dishes are the choice at Coral and The Anchorage, along with local-farm items at Stella’s Southern Bistro and both Lewis BBQ locations. The best views in town are on the terrace at Jianna overlooking Falls Park.

For more about great restaurants in South Carolina, including links to three regional BBQ Trails and the statewide Ultimate Foodie Trail, go to DiscoverSouthCarolina.com.

What to SEE in ’23

Coastal Communities in NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina’s geographical diversity includes culturally rich mountain towns and Piedmont cities that are national leaders in business, education, and medical services. But it’s the unique communities along the North Carolina coast that make the state such an inviting destination.

Wilmington

The historic port city of Wilmington is North Carolina’s coastal hub of commerce and culture. The lively downtown area features the two-mile Wilmington Riverwalk that USA Today readers chose as one of the nation’s 10 Best. Nearby are shops, art galleries, and museums to visit, along with natural attractions like the renowned Arlie Gardens. With so many exciting new local restaurants, Yelp named Wilmington among the 2022 Top 10 Foodie Cities, while the 2023 calendar of signature events include the North Carolina Jazz Festival (February 2-4) and North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 12-16). Ten oceanfront communi-

ties are just a short drive away, and the expanded Wilmington International Airport has non-stop flights from Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.

The Brunswick Islands

South of Wilmington are North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands and two of the state’s most unique coastal communities. Southport’s pictureperfect downtown has been a setting for feature films and TV shows. At the same time, Calabash is the renowned “Seafood Capital of the World.”

In between, you’ll find 45 miles of uncrowded shorelines on Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

Isle, and Sunset Beach, all offering family-friendly seaside accommodations and fishing piers that stretch out more than 300 yards above the surf. The area also offers nature museums, wildlife refuges, water-sports outfitters, and 30 championship golf courses.

Beaufort

Located on the state’s Crystal Coast, Beaufort is such a welcoming place that Budget Traveler magazine named it “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Along the downtown waterfront, you can enjoy casual restaurants with outdoor dining, peruse galleries that feature local artists, and stroll along the Front Street Boardwalk to the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The town’s unique water-taxi service takes you to the pristine Rachel Carson Coastal Reserve and the Cape Lookout Nature Preserve, while the Beaufort Music Festival (May 19-20) tops the list of 2023 events.

New Bern

The scenic town of New Bern was founded in

1701, served as North Carolina’s first state capital, and is set on the high banks of two rivers that flow into Pamlico Sound. As such, it’s both a natural destination for kayaking, boating, and fishing as well as a home to four neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown area also features outdoor art walks, farmers markets, the sublime Tryon Palace & Gardens, and the drugstore soda fountain where Pepsi-Cola was invented.

The Outer Banks

Every visit to the North Carolina coast should include a tour of the Outer Banks, a 150-mile stretch of barrier islands with protected National Seashore beaches and laid-back oceanfront towns. Among the featured attractions are the Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

For more about these great coastal destinations in North Carolina, go to VisitNC.com or get the facts about relocation at RetireNC.com.

Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

What to SEE in ’23

Terrific Trails in TENNESSEE

Tennessee is filled with natural wonders in a refreshing four-season climate that encourages outdoor activities. Among the most popular are the state’s spectacular hiking trails, delightful urban paths, and driving tours to explore even more of Tennessee’s unforgettable destinations.

Hiking Trails

Wherever you go in Tennessee, you’ll find plenty of scenic adventure on hundreds of hiking and biking trails located in the 60 state and national parks throughout the state. The four-mile Fuller State Park trail near Memphis and the Pinson Mounds Archaeological Park’s paths connecting Native American historic sites are featured in West Tennessee. Middle Tennessee offers the nine-mile Fiery Gizzard loop in South Cumberland State Park, one of the nation’s top-rated hiking destinations, and multiple waterfalls along the Virgin Falls State Natural Area trails near Sparta.

The highlands of East Tennessee feature the greatest number and variety of hiking trails, including the 4.2-mile Point Trail at Lilly Bluff along the Obed River and the 10-mile Alum Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And be sure to enjoy at least a portion of the emerging Cumberland Trail, with about 70% of its eventual 300-mile route now open. More than 50 access points on 29 completed sections offer a variety of hiking options, from easy woodland strolls to more challenging mountain climbs.

Driving Tours

Afer hiking some of the great Tennessee trails, get off your feet for one of the state’s signature driving tours: The Tennessee Music Highway runs from Bristol to Memphis, with historic sites along

the way that highlight the state’s contributions to bluegrass, country, and blues music. For a shorter trip, take a two-hour drive on the Cherohala National Scenic Byway that starts in Tellico Plains, meanders across the North Carolina border, and features 15 panoramic overlooks with picnic areas. Or, you can enjoy a multi-day excursion by following the historical path of America’s early pioneers on the Natchez Trace. Parts of the iconic route can still be walked today, but most folks prefer to drive the 440-mile Natchez Trace Parkway that runs from Nashville to the banks of the Mississippi River.

And, if you’d also like to do some driving from the tee box, take a swing on the Tennessee Golf Trail with its nine beautiful daily-fee courses, three of which are also part of the six-course Bear Trace with award-winning designs by Jack Nicklaus.

Urban Trails

Tennessee also has some of America’s finest urban walking trails, including the 16-mile Tennessee Riverwalk through the heart of Chattanooga, and 50+ miles of hiking/biking trails in Knoxville’s unique Urban Wilderness. In addition, dozens of small towns throughout the state feature revitalized downtowns and municipal parks that are a walker’s delight, thanks in no small part to the innovative Tennessee Main Street program. For more about those destinations and the reasons why so many are finding new homes there, go to RetireTennessee.org.

WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS

When you consider retiring to a Southwest Florida community, ask yourself: Does it offer impeccable surroundings, ample activities, a range of amenities, and opportunities to connect with new friends?

These Neal communities do. Because where you retire matters.

What to SEE in ’23

Seaside Towns in DELAWARE

Lewes

Founded by Dutch seamen in 1631 on Delaware Bay, the picturesque town of Lewes honors its Old World traditions with restored homes dating to the 17th century and unique exhibits at the Zwaanendael Museum. Walking tours in the downtown area include historic churches and the Cannonball House Maritime Museum. Visitors and residents enjoy boutique shopping on Second Street, a choice of locally owned restaurants with sidewalk and terrace seating, and community events in Canalfront Park. Featured on the lively 2023 calendar are the Lewes Tulip Celebration (April 1-16) and the MidAtlantic Seaglass and Coastal Arts Festival (June 3-4). Lewes is also the gateway to the 5,000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park with its pristine beaches and seaside hiking/biking trails.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach and neighboring Dewey Beach are traditional vacation destinations on the Delaware oceanfront. The mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a wide promenade with restaurants, shops, and arcades. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series, featuring musical performances on Friday through Sunday nights, has been a local staple since 1963. Area marinas offer dolphin- and whale-watching cruises, as well as deep-sea fishing charters, while local outfitters rent paddle boards and ocean kayaks. The Delaware Seashore State Park just south of Dewey Beach is a favorite day-trip destination, while both communities will again this year be open for arts-and-crafts business at the 40th Annual Spring Sidewalk Sale (May 19-21).

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Delaware is a state in transition, especially in southernmost Sussex County. This region of historic towns and long-time summer vacation destinations is growing as more retirees and remote workers find new homes in Delaware’s welcoming seaside towns.

Millsboro

Located on the banks of the Indian River, with direct access to Indian River Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, Millsboro is a natural launching point for fishing charters and kayak adventures. The waterfront Cupola Park hosts community events that include live music and a weekly farmers market in the spring and summer. The adjacent downtown area offers antique shopping, local-artist galleries, and casual restaurants with fresh produce and seafood from the surrounding farms and coastal waters. You’ll also find sites on the National Register of Historic Places like Harmony Church and the impressive Naticoke Indian Museum that honors the region’s Native American heritage.

Fenwick Island

The town of Fenwick Island, along with Beth-

any Beach and South Bethany, is part of southern Delaware’s “Quiet Coast.” But, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained in this popular vacation destination, including leisurely strolls along the Fenwick Boardwalk and longer walks on three miles of protected oceanfront at Fenwick Island State Park. You can also check out the sweeping views from the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, historic artifacts at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, and the Carolina Street Garden & Home floral displays. Viking Golf and Amusements offers an 18-hole mini-golf course, a go-kart track, and the Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, while the Candy Kitchen has been making saltwater taffy and other sweet treats since 1937.

For more about these and other destinations for vacation, relocation, or retirement, go to VisitDelaware.com.

Fenwick Island, DE

What to SEE in ’23

Historic Sites in VIRGINIA

If you’re looking for a road trip theme this spring, you won’t find a better one than discovering the historic sites in Virginia. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state of Virginia is filled with delightful and moving places that honor some of America’s most important locations and leaders.

Colonial Areas

Colonial Williamsburg is a living museum of American history and a must-visit destination with the kids and grandkids. On the 301-acre site are Virginia’s first Capitol building and Governor’s Palace, restored churches, authentic working tradespeople from blacksmiths to wigmakers, antique art galleries, taverns where you can dine like a patriot, and on-site lodgings within walking distance of everything.

Also located nearby are Historic Jamestowne, site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, and the Yorktown Battlefield, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington and ended the Revolutionary War.

Presidential Estates

Four of the first five American Presidents made their homes in Virginia and you can visit them all, starting with George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, located 15 miles south of the nation’s capitol on the Potomac River. The 3,000-acre site features the presidential mansion, a demonstration farm and distillery, and four gardens laid out by Washington that include one of America’s first greenhouses.

A fertile mountaintop in western Virginia is where you’ll find Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s iconic mansion and botanical gardens that he built and rebuilt over 40 years in residence. With its presidential library and museum, Monticello is the only U.S. private home designated as a World Heritage Site. Nearby places to see also include the University of Virginia campus, which Jefferson de-

signed in 1819, and historic downtown Charlottesville.

Two other Founding Fathers had homes in the Virginia mountains: Like Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland Estate is located just outside of Charlottesville, while James Madison’s Montpelier, with its beautiful gardens and hiking trails, is about 25 miles north.

History Never Ends

Among the other Virginia sites that mark pivotal moments in the nation’s history are the Manassas National Battlefield Park and the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park. You can also visit the Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park, which features 22 miles of hiking trails at the midpoint of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, and the Booker T. Washington National Monument, which pays tribute to the renowned African-American educator, as well as the Edgar Allen Poe Museum in Richmond.

St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Liberty or Death” speech, is also in Richmond, and the Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 4,000 American military service members. In addition, you can stroll through the 40-block downtown district with 350 historic buildings in Fredericksburg or take a trip along The Crooked Road through 19 Blue Ridge Highland counties to trace Virginia’s contributions to the history of American folk, country, and bluegrass music.

For more about these and other historic sites in Virginia, along with a 2023 calendar of special events, go to Virginia.org.

Mount Vernon

What to SEE in ’23

The Cultural Arts in MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi has a rich history of contributions to the cultural arts in America, from legendary blues musicians in the Delta region to acclaimed Magnolia State writers like William Faulkner and John Grisham. Today’s Mississippi is an emerging destination for visitors who want to enjoy that unique cultural heritage at events and venues throughout the state in 2023.

Musical Places

Every trip to Mississippi should include a visit to Tupelo, Elvis Presley’s hometown and host of this year’s 25th Anniversary Tupelo Elvis Festival from June 7-11. Another must-see attraction is the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, the Recording Academy’s only official site outside of Los Angeles that features dozens of exhibits highlighting past award winners, as well as educational programs and a 130-seat soundstage for intimate performances. In fact, all across Mississippi you’ll find musical destinations and sweet sounding festivals nearly every week, from the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica and stops along the state’s Country Music Trail to performances by the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra in Gulfport.

Words & Pictures

For book and movie lovers, the 34th Annual Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration is set for February 23-24, with renowned authors and award-winning filmmakers on this year’s intriguing theme: “The Better Half? Fact, Fiction, or Fable.” The 29th Oxford Conference for the Book will be held March 29-31 on the University of Mississippi campus and will include readings and panel discussions with leading writers. The Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival, with keynote speakers from around the country, will take place on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg from April 12-14.

Festive Dance

For a multi-genre cultural celebration, check out FestivalSouth, also in Hattiesburg, with events every weekend from June 2-25, that include include visual-arts exhibitions, music concerts, and theatrical performances. And, here’s a graceful addition to your itinerary: The USA International Ballet Competition returns to the capital city of Jackson from June 10-24 with more than 100 of the most talented dancers from around the world. All of the presentations are open to the public, and kids ages 12-20 can take classes at the USA IBC Dance School.

MAX Excitement

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is among the newest and best venues in a state filled with great museums, galleries, and the-

aters. Located in Meridian, “The MAX” features a beautiful Hall of Fame for the state’s most celebrated artists, writers, and performers, an interactive learning center with workshops for all ages, and a year-round calendar of live events.

For more about all of the cultural arts attractions and events in Mississippi this year, plus local restaurants where you can savor the finest Southern cuisine, go to VisitMississippi.org.

Hometown State

In fact, with a more relaxed pace of life and lower property taxes, Mississippi might be your destination for a lifetime. Learn more about Welcome Home Mississippi-certified retirement communities like Aberdeen, New Albany, and Madison at Mississippi.org/WelcomeHome.

Enjoy maintenance free living and fabulous amenities, at The Villas of Creekside. Pittsburg’s small town charm adds to the appeal of these new, luxury two and three bedroom villas. Planned amenities include:

Find Your Ideal... HOME

What will your ideal home look like? Will it all be on one level with an open floorplan and a large cook's kitchen? Will you have a spa-like bathroom, or maybe you’ll have an outdoor shower? Whether you find an existing home or design a custom home, the possibilities are endless.

Fairfield Glade | Tennessee

Fresh Air Designs

by Warren Grant

Its importance was magnified by COVID and the quest for safe social distancing, but our human embrace of outdoor living has been an innate part of daily history for millennia.

Frank Lloyd Wright summoned all inspiration at Fallingwater in Pennsylvania with his spacious, cantilevered concrete patios and organic connection to the home’s captivating waterfall flowing just below. And, well, Nebuchadnezzar II had a share of outdoor living space within his wondrous Hanging Gardens around 600 B.C.E. Good going Neb!

Not a new concept, but outdoor living has been creatively refined recently in the welcoming homes that grace myriad planned communities, colorful small towns, and big cities around the country, particularly in the South.

A home building company that takes the refinement of outdoor living earnestly is Meritus Signature Homes, headquartered in the South Carolina upstate town of Anderson, just a few exits west of Greenville off I-85. Meritus also has model homes for touring in Beaufort in the Carolina Lowcountry and at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs just north of Anderson.

Director of Business Development & Sales at Meritus, Jennifer Jeffries, describes that, “Outdoor living is integral to our design and building process. We consider it a vital extension of the home interior and central to family gathering and entertaining.”

Meritus takes a unique and integrated approach to design, sourcing, and building. The company has six affiliate companies: Meritus Landscapes, Cabinetry, Electric, Grading & Excavating, Home Services, and the Vine and Broad Design Center. They also have two interior designers and three architectural designers on staff ready to creatively and professionally advise on your options.

Says Jennifer, “When we look at our integrated approach to outdoor living, the client will find our grading and landscaping companies closely working with electric to locate and power for outdoor-path lighting, or compellingly position up-lighting on a signature oak, or hide an electrical switch to spark the gas fire pit. And then, you have the design center interfacing with cabinetry to plan an outdoor kitchen with abundant storage and perfectly built-in appliances. Just a few examples!”

Lake Tansi Village

is located on the magnifi cent Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. This retirement community is jam packed with a good balance of relaxing and exciting activities. Whether you prefer golfi ng, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the good life – it’s all here at Lake Tansi.

Your experience with Meritus starts with the 3,000 sq. ft. design center in Anderson. You are given 10 complimentary hours with an interior designer who will help you choose everything from flooring and bathroom fixtures to exterior stonework and ceiling fans. Everything is chosen at the design center. The center even has an outdoor-living display to spark your imagination.

One feature that many homeowners are looking for is that seamless connection to the outdoors achieved through various glass door configurations, including bi-fold doors, slider doors, and cavity sliders that disappear into a recess in the flanking wall. All of them work on low-profile track systems that inhibit a trip hazard and can open up to over 30 feet wide.

Says Jennifer, “We even work with a company that has a motordriven system that can lift clear vinyl screens to keep out the chill on an outdoor porch when the temperatures drop. Just raise the screens, switch on your outdoor fireplace, and the whole porch gets a warm glow.”

One pair of delighted clients is Janice and Alex Wilkins. They recently moved into their Meritus home on Lady’s Island, just east of Beaufort, near where Alex was stationed three times as a Marine pilot

at Parris Island. So, they know the area.

Says Janice, “We had firm house plans and two beautiful lots on which to build but needed a homebuilder. A realtor friend suggested we contact Meritus. Well, the caring way they thought, worked, and over-delivered was simply amazing. They even let us stay in their model home in Beaufort for two months while we moved from Virginia.”

“Our house plans called for a beautiful, wood-burning rock fireplace and wood beam mantle on one of the end walls of our screened outdoor porch. But the Meritus design team suggested we move the fireplace, and a full brick chimney, to the broad open middle of our 60-foot wide porch to make it the compelling visual centerpiece for the home. That inspired idea enhanced the entire relationship between indoors and outdoors for our family and guests.”

“Meritus Landscape also designed an outdoor kitchen, plus a beautiful curving lawn and flower beds wrapping around a fire pit in the backyard. They also constructed a small tin-roof structure for storing firewood and added a porch bed on the deck outside our owner’s bedroom as a no-cost surprise to us. We can’t possibly recommend them enough.”

Meritus currently builds homes in three states, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. www.meritushomes.com

“Outdoor living is integral to our design and building process.”

Discover CASCADES AT EMBREY MILL

National Builder Gallery

Building in Southwest Florida

Homes from $300s to $1M+ NealCommunities.com

Neal Communities, based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, is southwest Florida’s largest and most established locally owned and operated private builder. During the company’s 50-year history, it has built over 19,000 new homes in more than 90 acclaimed communities from Tampa to Naples. The company consistently ranks among the nation’s top 100 home builders and has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Builder of the Year from Professional Builder in 2015 and America’s Best Builder in 2012 from BUILDER Magazine.

Building in Florida

Homes from mid- $300s to $1M+ KHov.com/FSFLORIDA

The goal of K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons is to create homes to fit your unique style. That's why they have diverse homeplans that cater to the 55+ market. For over five decades, they have built homes and communities for customers with quality, convenience, and heritage as the foundation. Residents of K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons community enjoy exclusive amenities and resortstyle living year round.

National Builder Gallery

Building in Pennsylvania

Upper $300s to $600+ OwnALandmark.com

Landmark Homes is an award-winning, family-owned designer and builder of new homes and communities in central Pennsylvania. Founded 25 years ago on the belief that every home should be as unique as the individual who envisions it, Landmark Homes offers each home buyer the ability to customize their design, ensuring that the home will suit their style, needs, and budget.

New Homes in Florida & South Carolina

MintoUSA.com

Low $300s to over $1.5M

Minto Communities USA has represented integrity, financial strength and enduring value for more than 40 years. They build and develop award-winning homes and communities to meet every lifestyle, including more than 31,000 new homes built in 48 communities. Find the home of your dreams in premier locations throughout the southeast, including Naples, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, and Watersound in Florida, and Hilton Head in South Carolina.

National Builder Gallery

Building in Southeastern North Carolina

Custom Homes starting in the $500s

BuyHorizonNewHomes.com

Horizon Homes of Wilmington is a family-owned, custom home builder in southeastern North Carolina. Every Horizon home starts with your “wishlist.” Robin Hackney, a Green Certified Professional with the National Association of Home Builders, designs every home with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Providing quality, energy-efficient homes designed around the individual desires of their customers is what sets Horizon Homes apart. Send your “wishlist” directly to Robin at BuyHorizonNewHomes. com, and begin your dream home journey today!

Building in Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania

$400s to $1M+ NVHomes.com

NVHomes has been serving the Mid-Atlantic region for over 40 years. Since their founding in 1979, they have become known as the region’s most sought-after luxury builder with a variety of home styles, including 55+ detached, villas, condominiums, beach/resort homes, townhomes, and traditional single family homes. Explore their 27 nowselling communities from the $400s to $1M+.

National Builder Gallery

MattamyHomes.com

$400s to $700s

Mattamy Homes is the largest privately-owned homebuilder in the North America, with awardwinning homes and communities in the fastestgrowing areas of Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Arizona. Since 1978, Mattamy has won over homebuyers of all price ranges with designs that mix elegant style and spacious comfort. Floorplans include single-family, townhome, urban, and villa designs. Mattamy Homes has earned multiple Homebuilder of the Year, AVID Benchmark, ENERGY STAR Market Leader, and corporate leadership accolades in addition to winning numerous Parade of Homes, Best Places to Live, and MAME awards nationwide.

At Schell Brothers, their mission is to bring happiness to their homeowners by creating exceptional homes and communities and providing an extraordinary home-buying experience. With divisions in coastal Delaware, Richmond, VA, and Nashville, TN, they take pride in building homes that provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for their homeowners. They specialize in new homes that offer a variety of architectural styles, innovative floorplans, and extensive personalization in highly desirable communities. Delaware

$400s

National Builder Gallery

Cresswind.com

For over two decades, Cresswind by Kolter Homes has been committed to building exceptional residences and "Creating Better Communities" for residents throughout the southeastern United States. Kolter Homes strives to deliver the most exceptional value for residents and work to make every aspect of your new home build as smooth and organized as possible. Cresswind has a simple recipe to help you find the right 55+ community, build your ideal home and enjoy life. Cresswind's National Award-Winning lifestyle program is designed so you can live better, longer.

North Carolina

Homes from $300s+ BillClarkHomes.com

Bill Clark Homes is a premier home builder throughout southeastern North Carolina, specializing in Wilmington, Greenville, and each surrounding area. This family owned and operated home builder with over 45 years of local experience has been named one of the Nation’s “Top 100 Builders” for over a decade. Best known for their charming home styles and top of the line finishes, Bill Clark Homes focuses on maximizing spaces to accommodate any lifestyle and curates options to personalize each home.

Desirable 55+ Living Communities in Pennsylvania

YOUR NEW LIFE STARTS HERE.

Dreaming about a home designed just for you, with all the right spaces and details? When you’re planning your forever home, it should include all the features that make it uniquely yours, in a location that just feels like home.

At Landmark Homes, we’ll make sure your home reflects your life and your style. Our 55+ communities, in scenic countryside settings, offer relaxed, low-maintenance living, with bountiful opportunities to explore, connect with others, and stay involved.

CORTLAND PARK - Cumberland County, PA

• Resort-style community with private clubhouse

• Single family and townhomes from the $400’s

HOME TOWNE SQUARE - Lancaster County, PA

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

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

SWEETBRIAR - Lebanon County, PA

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $300’s

WINDING CREEK - Lebanon County, PA

• Clubhouse with outdoor pool and tennis court

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $400’s

Find Your Ideal Life

Explore the following communities to find your ideal destination, life, and home.

You're on the right path. It's time to choose a state to learn more about. Then, we invite you to view our advertiser index on the following pages and visit their websites to continue on your journey.

ideal-LIVING.com

NORTH CAROLINA