These communities look nice. Clean. Many have nicely sized sidewalks and golf courses to enjoy when the weather is nice. Some have tennis courts and pools, which are never being used even when the weather is good for it, which is most of the time.
They have their looks, but it can come with the downside. For example, one of the residents in one of these (nongated) communities told me that they have a prohibition against trick or treating. Of all the things to prohibit. And I am sure that all that lawn maintenance and manicuring must cost.
As nice as these places are, I fear that they are disconnected from the Real Florida happening all around. I mean, say you are retiring to anywhere in the United States with a low cost of living, and you value things like golf courses, mowed lawns, and community pools. What the heck is the point of being in Florida if you are going to come here, cut down all the native trees, destroy habitat for native animals, and cover the entire neighborhood in fertilizer and pesticide? Why not live in the more energy efficient condominiums that often still have golf courses and pools attached?
Meanwhile down the street, there are little houses tucked into bayous and overgrown yards requiring no additional chemicals. Huge native oak trees shade the homes and cars, providing habitat for animals and lowering air conditioning bills for the homes.
