[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by crazynip

Valrico is still worlds better than anything in Polk county...

What the OP is looking for does not exist in Polk or Valrico.

You don't seem to know much about Polk county. I lived there, and while some cities there aren't so nice, Lakeland is just beautiful. There are quite a few really nice communities, most of which are south side or Lakeland Highlands. I really hope people searching for real info on this forum will do some independent research outside this forum which gets skewed by some sad and bitter people. For upscale, check out the Christina area - some homes there are upwards of $1 million...

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by HarryWho?

Like most places in florida, you have to look at the gated community, not the town.

How can you not look at the town? You have to shop and interact with what and who lives around you. Unless someone is planning on never leaving their gated community the surrounding area is very important.

And a five foot high wall with an $8 an hour security guard isn't going to save you from people who want to get in and cause problems.

I had to laugh when I saw a gated community and on one side of it was a a very run down trailer park. Only a wall which anyone in halfway decent shape could scale seperated them.

It amazes me(especially in FL) how people think a gated community is going to protect you from criminal elements.

[HarryWho?]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

How can you not look at the town? You have to shop and interact with what and who lives around you. Unless someone is planning on never leaving their gated community the surrounding area is very important.

And a five foot high wall with an $8 an hour security guard isn't going to save you from people who want to get in and cause problems.

I had to laugh when I saw a gated community and on one side of it was a a very run down trailer park. Only a wall which anyone in halfway decent shape could scale seperated them.

It amazes me(especially in FL) how people think a gated community is going to protect you from criminal elements.

I do not live in a gated community nor do I like the concept. You have to put my post in context. Valrico is not a bad area. A gated community there would offer conformity rather than safety. The OP said they wanted a gated community with a descent yard , stores, restaurants. etc. Didn't see anything about night clubs, bars, excitement, or even museums. Early forties with a four year old. Sounds like Suburbia to me. The wording in my post may have been a little obtuse, and I apologize for that.

[Irishiis49]

Originally Posted by NHtransplants

[SIZE=3]My husband recently got a job with Lakeland Medical center. We are trying to find a nearby safe, upscale community to live in with a good school system, good restaurants, good shops, and nice parks. We are early 40’s professionals with a 4 year old son, moving from New Hampshire. We really like Lake Mary and Oviedo, but they are too far of a commute. We’d like to stay no more than 30 minutes away from Lakeland. We’d like to live in a nice home in a gated community with a good amount of space between the neighbors. Is this scenario possible around there? I would love to hear any input, it will help us make a decision from afar, in a quick amount of time. We will be moving down in 3 weeks! Thanks! [/SIZE]

5538 Vintage View Pass Lakeland, FL, 33812 Have you looked at this one? It seems to check the boxes!

[armywife2000]

Bloomfield Hills is one of the nicer S/d's on the Northside of town ...good luck!