Would you live next to a retention pond? (house, subdivision)

[prudhomme]

What are your thoughts on (or experiences with) living next to a retention pond?

I found a house that has pretty much everything I'm looking for, except it's right by the subdivision's retention pond.

I never wanted to live by open water here because it makes me think of snakes, alligators, mosquitos, and sinkholes.

There's a sturdy fence between the pond and the home though, so it's not like it's in the house's backyard.

[firmbizzle]

I would.

[kab0906]

Of course.

If you don't care for snakes, alligators or mosquitos, don't move to Florida. Just being next to water doesn't change the fact that snakes, alligators and mosquitos are a part of Florida life.

[Arcenal813]

I live next to one... What's the issue? You're in Florida... We get a routine alligator in the pond here and there.

[bmw335xi]

Yes I would. As long as it’s not a flood zone, water will always help your resale value too.

[WellShoneMoon]

I would not. The posters above who are not concerned about alligators in the retention pond feel differently about alligators than I do.

As a baseline, you should assume that any body of water in Florida larger than a puddle (including a retention pond) will have at least one alligator in it at any given time. So never let your kids or dogs play near the shore of a pond or lake.

If the assumed gator in the retention pond next to your home doesn't bother you, then by all means go for the house you like. For me personally it would be a deal-breaker, but you have to decide what your level of gator-phobia is.

[brinkofsunshine]

I’ve lived next to retention ponds, and yes they had gators in them. Never bothered us.

[kab0906]

Originally Posted by brinkofsunshine

I’ve lived next to retention ponds, and yes they had gators in them. Never bothered us.

Agreed.

We have a pond out back. Only seen a gator in there once, as it is a small pond and doesn't have much to attract a gator.

The lake, however, has a couple of them - pretty big too. I've never, ever, seen them out of the water.


People make too much of gators. Most of them want nothing to do with people. So long as you don't do anything stupid - like go in their water, feed them, or let your kids/pets get in the water - they will leave you alone.

[drive carephilly]

Originally Posted by kab0906

Agreed.

We have a pond out back. Only seen a gator in there once, as it is a small pond and doesn't have much to attract a gator.

The lake, however, has a couple of them - pretty big too. I've never, ever, seen them out of the water.


People make too much of gators. Most of them want nothing to do with people. So long as you don't do anything stupid - like go in their water, feed them, or let your kids/pets get in the water - they will leave you alone.

Even then, I've seen some pretty big ones when I've been out paddleboarding. They just get out of the way.

A daytime attack on an adult human is very rare. A daytime attack on an adult who isn't in the water is unheard of.

Most attacks are dawn, dusk, or night and are on people who are swimming. Don't do that and you'll be fine.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by prudhomme

What are your thoughts on (or experiences with) living next to a retention pond?

I found a house that has pretty much everything I'm looking for, except it's right by the subdivision's retention pond.

I never wanted to live by open water here because it makes me think of snakes, alligators, mosquitos, and sinkholes.

There's a sturdy fence between the pond and the home though, so it's not like it's in the house's backyard.

Mosquitoes are the more likely hazard of the group and would definitely consider/weigh options if your outdoor space isn't covered or enclosed with screening. Otherwise don't plan to spend much time outdoors throughout the year, more so in the evening after dusk.