alternatives to buying lot in a planned community (Tampa, Orlando: maintenance, trip)

[bltorres]

Anyone have experience in buying and building on a lot that is not in a subdivision? What i am really interested in is the quality of life and safety concerns. I do not enjoy subdivision living but can see the advantages of safety and maintaining propoerty values. I really love the countrty but know I can't maintain an acre and don't really want to drive everywhere. I will be retiring in two years and don't need nightlife, or city life, but I don't want to be a hermit either. I want to live somewhere between Orlando/Disney etc. and Tampa so I am looking at Poinciana. St.Cloud, mybe Lakeland. any thoughts?

[cfIfan]

It depends on each person to be honest. There are benefits living in a subdivision such as your neighbour cant park a boat on his driveway. To him it may be a yacht, to you it may be a rusty old tin bucket. There are some nice subdivisions to be had, but it depends on what you want. I know you said you were retiring, so if you 55+ i would recommend Solivita. Alternatively there are a few other nice communities which are not 55+ in Winter Garden which is right behind Disney Magic Kingdom, but with the 429 gives great access to I4 and Tampa.

Its nice to have alot of land, but consider the maintenance in this heat. Plus in my experience you are generally more secure in a subdivision, but this depends on the areas you are looking for though.

Mod deleted Poinciana, but i would recommend checking it out, because the clients who ive had who were interested in the area, then visited it, chose to look elsewhere.

[bltorres]

Thanks. I have been looking at Solivita. I also am looking at the Davenport area as well. I expect to make a trip to these areas in the near future. Last time I was in Poinciana/St. Cloud two - three years ago and I expect it has changed quite a bit.