Find a New Life this Spring

by Kelly Godbey kellyg@ideal-LIVING.com

Spring has sprung. Flowers are beginning to bloom, and a new sense of hope now fills the air. Millions of people receive their COVID-19 vaccinations each day, bringing the opportunity to reach out to loved ones and an effort to find a new normal. Now, we can plan to live a new life.

The pandemic has brought positive changes to daily life, including allowing many of those people to work from home. Even when people can go back to the office, many may continue. This change has enabled some people to relocate to destinations with better climates and more advantageous tax consequences while continuing to work. And, others have chosen to accelerate their plans and retire early. Whatever the reason for the change in locale, real estate markets around the country have seen unprecedented growth from people in search of less congested areas and more open space. Inventory levels in popular destinations are lower than usual, but that’s the reason to start your search today.

This spring, ideal-LIVING encourages you to seek out new destinations and make plans to visit planned communities as soon as you are able. If the pandemic has changed your life goals, now is the time to take advantage of your new-found freedoms. On a personal note, I can not wait to get vaccinated and begin to travel again. I want to visit so many places in the world, including a trip abroad Belize for scuba diving, paddle boarding, and fresh foods (see page 38).

In the past year, we have seen a dramatic uptick in the number of rounds of golf played. Courses have been filled with golfers eager to be out on the green in the fresh air while spending time with friends. In our Teed Up department (page 42), we explore two golf course communities that offer a lot more than golf to keep their residents in shape.

Another trend that ideal-LIVING has spotted is “Outdoor Living.” Entertaining outside and bringing the outdoors in should be part of planning any new home today. Get some ideas from your new home starting on page 100.

As always, please share your stories with us. We’d love to include your story of how you found your ideal destination, life, and home.