55+ Communities (Dover, Middletown, Smyrna: fit in, home, schools)

[MPBsr]

Some good info here.

Unfort, the same thing happened to us when we look at 55+. Get there and think the models are up and just see a sign.

I've now learned to call in advance and get some info before making a long trip to see nothing.

[Charley]

Thanks. We knew that the models were not yet ready at Independence. We wanted to see the area around the development to see what else was there. Our disappointment was the sales office that was closed so that they could have their office party ... and the lack of a call back to say "Gee, we're sorry we missed you." At a minimum, that would have been a nice thing to do.

Charley

[Charley]

In New Castle County, we were planning a third visit to Springmill and a first visit to Spring Arbor. They are both built by the same builder, the McKee Brothers. Springmill had been high on our list for quite a while. During our visit to Spring Meadows in Smyrna, we met some of the residents and got into a really nice conversation about our experiences, which were shared by those we met. (Independent confirmation is always good.) When we got to Springmill, the residents got quiet, like they were trying to tell us something without saying it. I pursued the silence and found that a few of them had also been interested in Springmill, but the issue of traffic came up. They spoke about how the development of new communities, both 55+ and single family communities had overwhelmed the area and that routes like 876, 301 and 299 were virtually unpassable at some hours of the day. They also remarked how the availability of retail stores to support the enlarged community was unsufficient. There are three former Springmill residents who now own homes at Spring Meadows.

The area of Middletown has grown very quickly and is currently experiencing growing pains. The homes in Springmill are quite nice. The sizes are fine and there is variety in layouts, styles, etc. The grounds are clean and well kept and the home construction "looks" solid. There are no obvious defects or flaws and the home conditions all look pretty good.

The community itself seems to be quieter than other 55+ communities. Where, for example, at Wild Meadows, there is always something going on, Springmill seems very quiet. Might be too quiet for me.

One other issue that really hits home for me specifically is the school district. I currently live in an area where the school district is shared by two towns and often there are conflicts of interest where something might benefit one town as opposed to another and it creates some problems. The school district is shared by Middletown, Odessa and Townsend. You might see the designation MOT quiet a bit in the area and that refers to services shared by the three towns. My experience tells me that there are some inherent problems with shared services, but I also think about the future. Eventually the towns will continue to grow to a point where all three towns might need their own services as opposed to sharing. That will increase the costs in each town and hence the taxes will increase as new services are developed. Just a thought.

We have also eliminated New Castle from our considerations and currently, when we are finally ready to make the purchase, it will be in Kent County. More to come.

Looking forward to hearing from others and answering questions, if I can.

Charley

[elizamary]

Originally Posted by dbt803

What is the age restriction of children staying/visiting at Southern Meadow or other communities? My husband is retired and I have 4 years before I can retire but we are starting to explore cities and states. We live in New York and want to move south. I am also concrned about taxation on pensions. Delaware keeps coming up as a place to retire to. Any info would be helpful.
I like the idea of not having to maintain the outside!

I am so sorry.............I misread your post. The age restriction for living with you is 18, I believe.

YOu can have visitors any age. Visitors may use the pool and clubhouse but be with a resident.
no children under 3 allowed in pool for obvious reasons but you can have a little pool near by for them.
no one in pool under 18 without supervision.
Hope this answers your questions. So sorry I misread you post.
eliza

[Charley]

Update on Longacre Village: WE FOUND IT. It's just off Route 13 about three miles south of Dover. They are just building. The clubhouse looks like it will be pretty large when complete. The models open at 11:00 AM and we'll go over at that time to give the place a good look. and report back.

Charley

[elizamary]

Originally Posted by CMTAD

Update on Longacre Village: WE FOUND IT. It's just off Route 13 about three miles south of Dover. They are just building. The clubhouse looks like it will be pretty large when complete. The models open at 11:00 AM and we'll go over at that time to give the place a good look. and report back.

Charley

You are not far from Southern meadows. Stop in but they open at 11 also.

[Charley]

Can you give me directions from Longacre to Southern Meadows? You never know. If we're not too exhausted from the heat, we might stop by.

Charley

[elizamary]

Originally Posted by CMTAD

Can you give me directions from Longacre to Southern Meadows? You never know. If we're not too exhausted from the heat, we might stop by.

Charley

Sure charley.
Not sure where Longacres is but we are 3 miles south of dover.
Take route 13 south to Irish hill road in Magnolia and make are left. Follow Irish HIll road to Lexington Mill road about 2 miles and make a right.
After making the right you will make a left a couple yards into Southen Meadows.
There is a yellow sign on Irish Hill that directs you to Southern Meadows.
Follow the Model signs and it is the 3 house is where the office is. Tell em Eliza sent you.
I like the style of our homes with the two car garage attached. They are not as boxie looking and look like regular houses.
The office opens at 11 or 11:30. you will meet Debbie, she is a doll and will be more than happy to show you around.

Good luck

[Charley]

We'll swing by and take a look after seeing Longacre, assuming I don't get too lost. I'm not sure how long Longacre will take - maybe an hour of so. There are a number of models to see.

Thanks for the directions.

Charley

[peeweeaz]

Charley,
I'm wondering if you having a rough time getting info or seeing any work being done is because of the general overall national real estate market, that at the moment, is in the tank. Builders aren't going to build if they can't sell. Just wondering??