North Naples/Estero/Bonita Springs west of 41 (Lakeside, Naples Park: HOA fees, house)

[PAnurse03]

Someone suggested I repost this here.

Looking for info on areas west of 41 in Estero, Bonita Springs or North Naples. It would be nice to be close enough to take a beach walk after dinner (yes, a short drive is ok, but I know I'd find excuses not to do a 20-30 minute drive). A 5 mile bike ride would be ideal. I would be full time, moving to be close to my dad who lives in Naples. Prefer a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house or villa, 2 car garage with low HOA fees. I enjoy the sound of kids/families outside but haven't experienced that much while in FL. Perhaps it's the hot weather, small yards and crunchy grass. Perhaps everyone's in the pool. Kids up north are always out playing ball or hockey in the streets or bike riding or in winter, building snowmen and having snowball fights. Couples walk around chatting it up with neighbors where I live and have neighborhood get togethers. Our kids are grown so I'm not looking for playmates, just happy sounds of life.

Someone advised me to avoid Naples Park due to the high # of renters. My husband and I prefer to stay in the 300-400K range if possible. Willing to do without all the fancy amenities (golf, gym, country club, community center) to keep costs down but I think I prefer a HOA to maintain some standards. Also willing to do without the guarded entrance into the community but some people have advised a gated (but not guarded) entrance saying it helps with security (and resale). They suggested Vanderbilt Lakes or similar communities over the neighboring non gated areas. Someone else suggested a non gated development like Meadowbrook of Bonita Springs.

Can anyone comment on Meadowbrook or Vanderbilt Lakes? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tmozer]

Don't pass up checking out Lakeside on Airport and Vanderbilt Beach.......

[RMD3819]

There is no way you will get in walking distance of the beach with that budget, especially a house.

Meadowbrook and Vanderbilt Lakes are fine. I would also look at Bonita Shores although that is not gated and I don't think is HOA, which is across the street from them.

Generally speaking there won't be a lot of families in the areas you are looking at. It will be mostly retirees and snowbirds.

Are you and your husband retired?

[PAnurse03]

No not retired. Hubbie working already there. I hope to get a nursing job somewhere (hospital, school or private). Kids are grown but we prefer to live with families, not just retirees and snowbirds.

RMD3819, "fine" doesn't sound very enticing. Are you just being polite and I'm missing something?

tmozer, I will take a look. Thanks for the suggestion.

[The14Homes]

How about Marsh Landings? It's a nice sized community, West of the 41 and you could have a choice of homes for under $400,000.

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by PAnurse03

No not retired. Hubbie working already there. I hope to get a nursing job somewhere (hospital, school or private). Kids are grown but we prefer to live with families, not just retirees and snowbirds.

RMD3819, "fine" doesn't sound very enticing. Are you just being polite and I'm missing something?

tmozer, I will take a look. Thanks for the suggestion.

Those communities are very nice. That wasn't sarcasm.

Are you an RN?