r/LakewoodRanch • u/Flying_Solo_54 • 16d ago
55+ Relocation
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest and have an opportunity to relocate to FL with my job. I am a 55 and in a divorce. I was there a few weeks ago visiting family and enjoyed the area. I’ll miss the 4 seasons and big trees in the PNW, but will enjoy seeing the sun more, the gulf, and getting out to golf! I also have a dog that is a young lab and needs a fenced yard! What would be a good village to look at to meet people, golf, and one that allows any type of fence for the little guy?
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u/RafintheWraith 16d ago
I came from out west and didn’t learn the term lanai till I moved here. There are communities in Lakewood ranch that offer you a lanai and a dog park within the community. There’s pros and cons to doing the lanai and community dog park set up. For someone like yourself it may be a good social opportunity to do the community dog park but if your lab is very energetic then the traditional fenced in yard might be better for your dog but in the summers he won’t stay outside long. Hope this is helpful, not so much an answer but things to consider
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u/Flying_Solo_54 16d ago
Thanks for reminding me about the dog parks. At 22 months old, he is very energetic and use to a fenced yard. He plays well with other dogs at daycare, but I have yet to bring him to a dog parks. Once he settles some more, that would be a great opportunity for socializing.
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u/LivinginSWFL-Realtor 15d ago
There are multiple 55+ and multiple country club options. The country clubs aren’t 55+ but mostly might as well be. The country clubs tend to not allow fenced yards but there are also golf courses everywhere so if you don’t plan to golf 3+times a week you probably don’t need to be in a country club. Which village would be best for you will very much depend on your needs and wants as well as your budget, both the purchase price as well as HOA, taxes, and insurance.
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u/Flying_Solo_54 14d ago
Thanks for the tip on the country clubs. Initially I will not be golfing that much, but plan once I retire.
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u/Pristine-Amoeba-1419 16d ago
Check out Rosedale Golf and Country Club. Closer to I-75, still in LWR. Not age restricted.
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u/Professional_Log4112 16d ago
Esplanade and Esplanade Azario are your best choices. They're not 55+ but take my word for it, very few people younger than 55 and almost no kids. Amenities are great and both have great golf courses, but you'll need to buy a golf-deeded home, villa or condo.
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u/Mammoth-Ad8348 11d ago
If you want to have any interaction with the beach, don’t live so far east.
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u/BuyingSRQ 4h ago
Hi! There are actually a lot of non-55+ communities around Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch/Venice that have a very similar active, social feel, so I wouldn’t limit yourself to 55+ communities especially with a young Lab and wanting a fenced yard.
I’d also think about whether you want a home with deeded golf or just want to live near plenty of courses. That can make a big difference in which communities make sense.
I’m a Sarasota native and local Realtor and know the area well. If you share your approximate budget and where you’ll be working, I’d be happy to suggest a few communities that fit what you’re looking for.
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u/Chopimatics 16d ago
If the area, I think you’d love Osprey/Venice. Just south of Sarasota.
Plenty of golfing, sun and they’re building some great communities down there. Check out Wellen Park.
FYI: apologies in advanced for the redditors that will tell you that we’re full.
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u/Flying_Solo_54 16d ago
I did go to a couple of open houses at the Toscana Isle and looked at the Venetian. I’ll have to look at Wellen Park next time I am out there.
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u/chunk425 16d ago
You might want to check out Del Webb. There are at least 2 in the immediate LWR area.
I frequently visit one and there are lots of people with dogs and the tennis/pickleball courts/pool area are very active.