[kjspry]

We're considering relocating to FL in a 55+ community. We are looking closely at The Plantation at Leesburg...can anyone fill me in on the location, etc as being a desirable place to live? We're also looking at Rainbow Springs and The Falls of Ocala...thanks! Karen

[Sunnydee]

FaithfulFrank owns a home and lives in Leesburg part-time and loves it. Please look up his old posts or contact him for more info.

[faithfulFrank]

Well, you are asking about my favorite subject, our future full time home in The Plantation.

Ask away. We love it there, and it is our opinion that it is one of the best 55+ communities in the area.

Here are some of the reasons we think so...( at least in our opinion)...

1) I like the size. It is about 21 smaller neighborhoods that total about 3000 homes. To me, this is a great size. big enough to offer a lot to do, (three activity centers, 3 pools, 3 hot tubs, lots of tennis courts, pickleball, and many other sports, full time activity directors with over 100 activities weekly, and two 18 hole PGA golf courses), but small enough so you do not get lost.

2) 24/7/365 gated security with real people.

3) built out and owned by the homeowners. No developer making tons of money off us.

4) Low HOA fees.......$85.00 a month gets you everything The Plantation has to offer, but does not force you to buy things you do not want.

5) Financially VERY in the black. No fear of community bankruptcy, etc.

You can find out more about the community from my website below;

Leesburg, Florida vacation rental by owner: 2 bedroom House rental that sleeps 9. The Plantation-Nice House-Pond-Big Yard-Golfcart +"The Secret"

You can also google The Plantation at Leesburg and find their own website.

There are many nice 55+ communities in the area......most are awesome, all just a bit different. It is best to visit the area and see which one is the best fit. There is The Villages north of us about 13 miles. There is Arlington Ridge, Legacy, Highland Lakes, The Lakes of Mt. Dora, etc,etc......

We are about 1/2 hour northwest of Disney, and just north of Clairmont,
(another very nice city).

Our gameplan is to move there full time in about 725 days or so, when I can retire.

Feel free to ask anything you like..you can post here or DM me. I'm NOT selling anything....just trying to be helpful, as so many were to us when we were thinking about it.

Frank

[K Skrabalak]

I live in The Plantations and have for 3 years. When we built here, concidered Arlington Ridge. My husband at the time was selling realestate and had an instinct not to buy at Arlington Ridge due to the newness of the community..he was so right.
The Plantation offers so many activities if that is what you like. Personally, I do not partake of them, but they are there. It is a very quiet community, and well maintained by all owners that take pride in their property.
It is very enjoyable and peaceful, only drawback, not a lot of close shopping for convenience, but only 25 miles to Cleremont.
Good luck in your decision and hope that you enjoy whatever you decide.

[faithfulFrank]

Dear K,
First, welcome to the forum. As said earlier, I also have a home in The Plantation, in Greentree. Boy, the internet has indeed made this a small world.

I was surprised to read your post about shopping, etc. I've driven down Hwy 27 many times and it seems Clairmont is closer then 25 miles. I thought it was more like 17 miles, but I do not at all wish to argue. I really like Clairmont and prefer going there more then Leesburg.

Just so no one gets the wrong idea, there IS shopping much closer. Publix, Winn Dixie, restaurants, Ace Hardware, Walgreens, McDonalds, etc are just north of us about 3 miles.

The closest Walmart is 10 miles away, (so far) Lowes and Home Depot are about the same. While I sometimes wish those three were closer, we are in no way out in the boonies.

Many of these bigger places, along with car dealerships, the mall, etc, are farther away because we have to go around the beautiful Lake Harris to get there.

They are now in the process of building a nice looking row of retail stores right in front of The Plantation, and while I do not believe any of those places have opened yet, some will find the addition convenient.

More and more is being developed on Hwy 27, and with two bigger food supermarkets, restaurants, banks,drugstores and a hardware store, autozone, etc,etc just up the road a couple of miles life is quite tolerable.

Frank D.

[lizedwards]

I am looking to rent in Plantation. Any info on homes available? My husband teaches in Clermont and we are looking to rent for 2 years until he retires.

[faithfulFrank]

Originally Posted by lizedwards

I am looking to rent in Plantation. Any info on homes available? My husband teaches in Clermont and we are looking to rent for 2 years until he retires.

The Plantation has a rental list that they can send you. Go to Florida Active Adult Retirement Community

for more info. Also, the Plantation reality may be able to help you. You need to tell us weather you need a place furnished or not, weather you have kids, etc.

You can also check VRBO® is Vacation Rentals By Owner in leesburg to see places in the Plantation.

Frank.