A couple Golden Gate Estates questions (Everglades: foreclosures, how much, buying a house)

[TheYogi]

Hi everyone, my fiance and I are looking to move to Golden Gate Estates and have a couple questions:

1. I've read that are of GGE become swamp during the rainy season. Backyards basically stay wet the entire time. As I want to farm and grow a lot of tropical and citrus fruit trees, that would be a bad thing for me. Is there any way to tell if you're buying a house that has a backyard that will be under water during the rainy season? Is there a specific area of GGE this happens to?

2. I've heard rumors that an interchange may connect GGE and Alligator Alley one day. Any truth to this? If so, where would it be?

3. Are there any negatives for gardening in GGE a guy from Hawaii might not even know to ask about?

4. Any tips for someone house hunting in GGE?

Thank you ever so kindly!

[Beth Mone`]

I can't answer to specific areas in the estates, but google earth is your friend. With it, you can see where orchards are. Most of of them are a little farther North.

If you see cypress trees on the property it definitely gets wet part of the year, although any place can get sheet flow. Google earth will also help you see the strands of high ground that run through that area as well as spot agricultural areas.

Citrus is under attack here from greening disease. It's killing the groves. You might want to check with Collier County extension service. Professional Horticulture Services - Collier County Extension

The interchange you're speaking of has been proposed but it''s not likely in this political climate for several years It would be at Everglades Blvd and I 75.

I hope that helps you in your search.

Beth

[RMD3819]

1. The only way to tell for sure is to visit during the summer and look at the standing water. There are surveys you can do also. No specific area. You can build up your property with fill dirt which will help.
2. I agree with Beth.
3. I know zero about gardening.
4. Where will you be working? You have to factor commute issues as most areas of GGE ar far from jobs.

[jlawr]

My husband & I bought a foreclosure in the estates about 2 yrs ago and as far as wet yards, you can try looking at the fema maps to see whats prone to flooding, but not sure how accurate that is. My yard dries instantly where as the vacant lot thats very overgrown holds water.
Alot of residents also grow veggies, but I dont know how much work is required. I know if I were to attempt it Id probably have to bring clean fill in being is that my yard is alot of sand.
You def can get good deals right now on foreclosures.

[TheYogi]

Thank you all so much for your advice, I really appreciate it!

I work from home and my lady will be working at one of the hospitals.

[Worldkiss]

I think this is the new flood zone map for Collier County. Enter the street address and the shading will give you the details. http://maps.colliergov.net/websites/dfirms/femaprelimdfirmviewer.html (broken link)