The Reserve at Alaqua (Longwood, Lake Mary: custom home, neighborhoods, subdivisions)

[jhtread]

Looking at moving to the Lake Mary Longwood area. What does everyone think of the reserve at alaqua. Does any one live there? How does it compare to alaqua or alaqua lakes. I understand it is a community inside of alaqua. Good for young families?

[kyle19125]

It's the newest of the three Alaqua communities and sits a bit further off the main road (Markham Woods Road) than the other two, and also adjoins the Wekiva River Conservation Area which is home to a lot of wildlife including Florida Black Bears and Coyotes. The bear population can/does wander into the nearby neighborhoods and while not a threat to humans/pets generally can be agitated if bothered by dogs or if you were to get between them and their cubs. In recent years the requirement of bear-proof trash containers in the area has helped alleviate issues of bear-human interactions, and it's advised to keep those containers within enclosed spaces like your garage until trash day. Bears and Coyotes don't typically roam much past sunrise in the morning and again at dusk/after dark so it's not a entire day concern for either however it is for pets and highly recommended dogs/cats aren't left outside unattended. In terms of young family friendliness I would say probably below average as custom homes on larger lots typically don't have the neighborhood feel or more traditional subdivisions. For that you might look at either Lake Forest (I know as very family friendly) or in Heathrow.

[jhtread]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

It's the newest of the three Alaqua communities and sits a bit further off the main road (Markham Woods Road) than the other two, and also adjoins the Wekiva River Conservation Area which is home to a lot of wildlife including Florida Black Bears and Coyotes. The bear population can/does wander into the nearby neighborhoods and while not a threat to humans/pets generally can be agitated if bothered by dogs or if you were to get between them and their cubs. In recent years the requirement of bear-proof trash containers in the area has helped alleviate issues of bear-human interactions, and it's advised to keep those containers within enclosed spaces like your garage until trash day. Bears and Coyotes don't typically roam much past sunrise in the morning and again at dusk/after dark so it's not a entire day concern for either however it is for pets and highly recommended dogs/cats aren't left outside unattended. In terms of young family friendliness I would say probably below average as custom homes on larger lots typically don't have the neighborhood feel or more traditional subdivisions. For that you might look at either Lake Forest (I know as very family friendly) or in Heathrow.

thank you for the info! heathrow seems so big with many subdivisions. I think each sub division has its own demographic. retirees, families etc. does that sound accurate? would need to find the younger family division.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by jhtread

thank you for the info! heathrow seems so big with many subdivisions. I think each sub division has its own demographic. retirees, families etc. does that sound accurate? would need to find the younger family division.

That is somewhat correct, versus Lake Forest which is almost exclusively younger families.

[centralfloridagal]

I believe that is CalAtlantic, which is a great builder. I really like their floor plans and they don't put the houses too close together. Great place to live.