Golden gate estates? (Naples, Everglades: foreclosures, to rent, mortgage)

[jlawr]

I am copying my reply from the other post here. We are coming down 1st week of April to look at some properties here. Wondering if theres anyone on here that actually resides in Golden Gate?? Here was my topic ?

Well I did receive a call from the Fema director in Naples. I was reading his site correctly. It seems that 14 out of the 15 properties were coming to look at are in a zone D, which he said is undetermined but will prob be considered a flood zone within 2yrs. I asked if the zones rated somehow, he said no. He even said it doesnt mean it will flood, just that flood ins is required. So I guess one takes their chances.
Is anyone on the forums here residing in Golden Gate??

[mytimenow]

I don't live in Golden Gate, but have friends who do, all over in Golden Gate. (Its a really big subdivision) It sounds like you may be looking at properties in Southern or Southeastern Golden Gate. You have to remember that Golden Gate is partially in the Everglades, so....you take your chances. All parts of Collier County will flood given enough rain, wind, etc.. its not just during hurricanes. Sheet flow has been a problem out in the estates, because many of the old canals had been either abandoned, blocked and the gates that control water flow into the canals were not being managed correctly ....but they are trying to rectify that. Southwest Florida Water Management manages the canals I think, and I understand they are working on the problems.

[Joy12345]

I will be down in October to look at some properties in GGE~~ ANYONE out there that lives there? A lot of foreclosures from what I see. Has that become a big problem there? With robberies & the like?

[tommy-105]

jlawr posted a few times after they moved down to Golden Gate. Said they liked the area a lot.

Would love to know how things worked out for them employment wise.

[Joy12345]

Can't seem to find those posts, hopefully he (or she) sees this.

[jlawr]

Hellooooooo,
Yes we have been here for 4 mo's now. We really do like Naples alot. The beaches are great & tons of places to eat.
Traffic here does not bother us in the least. Everyone says wait till all the snowbirds come & also vacationers, but coming from the Philadelphia area, this is a walk in the park.
As far as crime, our area is patrolled alot & havent really heard of anything too bad. I know I watch the news nightly and everything seems to be centered in Ft Myers. I am glad we decided against that area.
Now for the employment scenario. Its REALLY bad here. Luckily we have no mortgage since we did buy a foreclosure so the price was rock bottom. My husband has stopped his masonry, forget that trade, and has gone back in to security, force protection. He seems to be having luck with that.
We have found the people very friendly here also. Alot of posts state the unfriendliness here, but we havent found that.
Only thing I advise Joy is check alot of properties in GGE. We found alot were in really bad shape from sitting. We had to throw some $$ in here, but not too bad. We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath on 2 1/2 acres.

[Joy12345]

Nice~ Where about are you? We plan on looking at a lot of places there. This would be a second home for us, maybe move there permanently in 5 years or so. It's an appealing area with the big lots, right now we live on a few acres & wouldn't want it any other way. I'll give up the beach for space. Thanks!

[tommy-105]

jlawr,
thanks for the up date. Good to hear from you.

I didn't think the masonry business would work out. Too much cheap competition and not much work going on anyway. Good thing he had an alternative occupation. Not everybody does.

I'm glad it's all working out for you.

[jlawr]

Thanks Tommy. Joy we are in the NE quadrant of GGE. Spread out houses, all seem well kept. Were only a short ride to the beaches, 20-30 mins so we definitely want the yard over the beach, its close enough. I do still have a goal to get the area in the back fenced and get a few animals, but all in time.
My husband & I have decided when the market comes back down the road, we'll have our money invested & we can always move back toward north again, but we are definitely liking the weather. I cant wait for winter when all my friends are complaining of snow, cold & ice & I will tell em "come on down for a visit" : )

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Joy12345

I will be down in October to look at some properties in GGE~~ ANYONE out there that lives there? A lot of foreclosures from what I see. Has that become a big problem there? With robberies & the like?

I live in GGE. There is a problem with unoccupied homes being burglarized for the appliances etc. I do not feel unsafe at all because of this.

I saw in your other post this would be a second home. You would need a tenant to help avoid the vacant house look. It may not be easy to rent it out. There are very few snowbirds in GGE.

What else do you want to know?