2022 Fall Ideal-LIVING

Hidden Gems: The Next HOT Spots

Home Styles to Fit Your Life

THIS IS HOW WE

FLORIDA

Lakewood Ranch offers an incredible variety of homes and villages, all within minutes of our 150-mile trail network, nine parks, three town centers, an onsite hospital, a farmers’ market, arts & entertainment and 365 days worth of activities. And just beyond our backyard, you’ll find the white-sand beaches of Sarasota, four airports and all the excitement of Tampa. Looking for a 55+ neighborhood? We’ve got multiple. But we're also a multi-generational community, making it a fun, dynamic place to live.

NAMED IDEAL-LIVING’S “TOP 1 00 PLANNED COMMUNITY” | 20+ UNIQUE VILLAGES TO CHOOSE FROM © 2022 Lakewood Ranch

Florida's Premier Master-Planned Community

The Villages of Citrus Hills is known for its resort-style amenities, designer homes, and verdant location At the heart of our community, you’ll find the amenities needed to enjoy an enriching and spirited lifestyle.

Our area sees gentle rolling hills and a comfortable climate yearround. This allows us to take full advantage of the unspoiled boating, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, cycling, hiking, scalloping, birding, and even manatee tours found in our area!

Information: 800-511-0814 CitrusHills.com

THIS IS TOWN IN NATURE

A burger spot down on the corner. UF Health and the Y just up the street. Parks and trails around every bend. And trees ... well, everywhere. You could say that Wildlight is more than a place to have a home, it’s a place to truly live.

Riverside Homes and Pulte Homes have outdone themselves here, offering expansive front porches, picture-perfect kitchens and airy open space, for starters. And now Del Webb has joined the mix—with luxurious residences set within a gated 55+ community, complete with exclusive resort-style amenities (and 9 brand-new models to tour). And for those wondering about our location? We’re conveniently situated in what we like to say is the center of it all, with the comfort of Amelia Island and the culture of Jacksonville within easy reach. Intrigued? Come see.

Homes priced from the $400s.

Retirees are in the Driver's Seat

In a changing marketplace, retirees with resources are finding their ideal destination, life, and home

The Next Hot Spots in Real Estate

CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA’S ONLY TRULY PRIVATE OCEANFRONT COMMUNITY

Of all the amenities Seabrook Island offers, perhaps the most precious is... Privacy

FALL 2022

VOLUME 24, NUMBER FOUR

PUBLISHER

RPI Media, LLC.

PRESIDENT

Michael Hackeling

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kelly Godbey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cecilia Beard, Jan Cullinane, Bob Dagley, Kelly Godbey, Warren Grant, Fanny Slater, Madison Swart, JG Walker

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kelly Godbey

Ashley Summerlin

Amber Whittington

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Laurie Kent

DATABASE MANAGER

David Heck

IDEAL-LIVING.COM

David Heck, Will Weinel

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Gina Burwell

ADVERTISING SALES

NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, TN, DE,VA,WV, PA, NJ: Daniel Keir | dkeir@ideal-living.com

SC, GA, FL:

Fred Warren | fwarren@ideal-living.com

Western U.S. & International: Dana Leyva | dana@ideal-living.com

Sales Coordinator: Laurie Kent (800) 736-0321 www.rpimedia.com

The real estate projects and services advertised in this magazine constitute advertisements of the owners or their agents. RPI Media, LLC.® makes no representations or warranties concerning such advertisements. Interested parties should direct their inquiries to the appropriate parties listed for information concerning any of these advertisements. The advertisements contained construed as an offer to residents of the states of New York or New Jersey, or where otherwise prohibited by law. Questions on the availability of offers should be directed to the advertiser. Publisher’s notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal Agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

New

Latitude

amenities

Pool

• Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool

• Tennis and Pickleball Courts

• Barkaritaville Dog Park

• Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court

SALES CENTERS & 13 MODELS OPEN Daily!

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT DAYTONA BEACH ARE IN THE CPS12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO COMMUNITIES, LLC. FILE NO. CP17-0092. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE WATERSOUND ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, LMWS, LLC. FILE NO. CP20-0062. Pennsylvania Registration Numbers OL00169 (Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach), OL001170 (Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head) and OL001182 (Latitude Margaritaville Watersound). Latitude Margaritaville at Daytona Beach, Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2022. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and

Westridge Properties, LLC

Home Is Where the Heart Is

If you are reading this magazine, you are likely considering relocating soon or within the next couple of years. At Ideal-LIVING, our goal is to help you find your ideal destination, life, and home. With rising interest rates and high inflation, it might seem that dream may be a little further off. However, as editor, I always encourage everyone to find a way to start living the life they want as soon as possible.

The real estate market has seen unmatched gains since the pandemic, but the frenzy has passed. If you find a home today, you will likely not bid against five other households for one home. Of course, that means you probably won’t get five offers on your home if you place it for sale. “Boomers are in the Driver’s Seat” on page 84 gives an account of the current real estate market and how you can navigate your way to an ideal life.

The southeastern United States has attracted residents in record numbers for years. People have flocked to Florida for its no state income tax for generations. Along with all of this growth, higher home prices have followed. So

where can you find a great life with more reasonable prices? Ideal-Living shows you three hidden gems on page 75.

Planned amenity communities are the perfect place to find activities that help you live a healthier lifestyle, from pickleball to knitting. On page 28, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of three planned communities. For half of a century, these communities have welcomed residents by providing an atmosphere that is perfect for multiple generations. You don’t have to be retired to enjoy this lifestyle.

As you consider communities, you’ll find that each has an architectural style or combination of styles that work together. What home exterior works best for the lifestyle that you’d like to live? Do you want to sit on your front porch and chat with your neighbors, or would you like something more modern with sleek lines and a pool? We wish you luck in your search, and if you are in northern New Jersey or northern Virginia in September, please join us at an Ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show. RSVP at ideal-living.com/shows.

by Kelly Godbey | kellyg@ideal-LIVING.com

Find Your Ideal...

DESTINATION

Many people choose a destination that is familiar to them, like somewhere they have vacationed, while others have an extensive search starting with disovering tax-friendly states. Choose a state, then a region, and narrow down to a city and then a community.

Ideal-LIVING welcomes the following communities. Please take the time to visit their websites, and don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Ideal-LIVING.

Soléa Wellen Park

Venice Park, FL

Wellen Park, one of Florida’s fastest-growing masterplanned communities, is expanding its residential options with the introduction of Soléa Wellen Park. The new 55+ active-adult rental community developed by Sparrow Partners will offer 204 one- and two-bedroom apartments in the Playmore District of Wellen Park.

The eight distinctive open-concept floor plans at Soléa Wellen Park feature luxury extras like chef-inspired kitchens, large walk-in showers, private fenced yards, and covered terraces. Construction is underway, and the first apartments are expected to be available by summer 2023.

Soléa Wellen Park amenities have been designed to encourage an active and sociable lifestyle. Residents will have access to a private community clubhouse with a resort-style pool, pickleball and bocce courts, and a fitness center with cardio- and strength-training equipment. Also included are a business center, coffee bar, indoor/outdoor lounge, craft rooms, and a presentation kitchen for cooking classes. Nearby will be a community garden and a fenced dog park. A full-time activity director will coordinate social events and fitness classes like yoga and water aerobics.

Perhaps best of all, Soléa Wellen Park is just a short walk away from downtown Wellen. The emerging city center for the entire Wellen Park community will feature a variety of fine- and casual-dining restaurants, as well as retail shops, medical/dental offices, and other professional services. The adjacent 80-acre Grand Lake will be a community recreational hub with walking/biking trails and kayak/paddleboard rentals.

WellenPark.com

Los Reyes San Jose, Costa Rica

Los Reyes is a growing active-lifestyle community in a beautiful tropical valley in the heart of Costa Rica, Central America’s most stable and prosperous democracy. New townhomes, single-family residences, and choice homesites are available in neighborhoods that offer 24/7 controlled access, underground utility lines, and high-speed internet service.

Los Reyes Country Club is the community’s featured amenity, a 100-acre recreational complex that’s also the hub of a busy social life for residents. The centerpiece Los Reyes golf course is a scenic links-style challenge with practice areas and pro shop services. Complete fitness facilities include a gym with workout equipment and professional trainers, plus swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a soccer field. In the clubhouse are fine- and casual-dining restaurants, as well as flexible spaces for special events, social gatherings, and business meetings. Also on-site is the independently owned Los Reyes Polo Club, with toptier equestrian services and three playing fields for exciting club matches.

The community's commercial center is located just outside the Los Reyes gates, home to a fresh-food market, restaurants, shops, and professional offices. Nearby are the CIMA Hospital medical complex and the GSD International School. Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city of San Jose and its international airport are only a short drive away, and pristine Pacific coast beaches are less than 40 miles to the west.

LosReyesCR.com

IT’S YOUR MOVE

If you’d rather enjoy pickleball with friends than tackle your home renovation projects, Cresswind makes it easy to find your next adventure, new home and fun. This is active adult living designed for the way you want to live.

Explore our communities online, schedule a tour and we’ll help you get started.

Community News Update

NORTHRIDGE GRAND OPENING

Babcock Ranch | Babcock Ranch, FL

Pulte Homes recently held a grand opening for its new Northridge neighborhood in Babcock Ranch. A total of 322 one- and two-story single-family homes with a choice of 13 flexible interior designs are planned for Northridge. Large owner’s suites and covered lanais with lake and nature views are among the luxury options. Three professionally decorated models are now open for inspection at a location that’s convenient to all of the recreational amenities at Babcock Ranch, as well as the Founder’s Square entertainment and shopping center.

Pulte.com/Northridge

WATERSIDE PLACE ADDS NEW BUSINESSES

Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch, FL

Lakewood Ranch recently announced four new tenants for its growing Waterside Place. The Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House restaurant has leased the final anchor location at the 36-acre town center and will soon be joined by upscale women’s boutique Monkee’s at Waterside, the Florida Provisions Company and Tim’s Wine Market. More than a dozen businesses, including the Lakewood Ranch Medical Group, are already open with new restaurants and other retailers coming soon.

LakewoodRanch.com

DATAW FUNDRAISER MARKS 20TH YEAR

Dataw Island | Dataw, SC

Dataw Island’s annual fundraiser for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Keyserling Cancer Center topped last year’s total by raising more than $18,300. The community event was led by the Women’s Golf Association and included a golf tournament, a raffle of donated prizes, and a Margarita Bash sponsored by the Pickleball Club. More than 300 residents and volunteers participated in the event, which celebrated its 20th year of support for local healthcare services. Dataw.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit these amazing locations.

WEEKLEY GIVES BACK

David Weekley Homes | Houston, TX

David Weekley Homes and the company’s CARE

Build Month project partnered with 18 local nonprofit organizations around the country this year. More than 950 Weekley team members volunteered 3,800+ hours that included building 963 beds for kids as part of their Sleep in Heavenly Peace program, and fixing up early childhood education centers with new paint and minor repairs. In addition to the hands-on volunteering, the company’s Dovetail Impact Foundation has donated more than $250 million to worthy causes over the past 20 years.

DavidWeekleyHomes.com

TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE HONORS

Fairfield Glade | Fairfield Glade, TN

Golfweek magazine this summer announced the “Best Courses You Can Play 2022” in every state, and two Fairfield Glade layouts were among the finest in Tennessee. The Stonehenge Golf Club was No. 2 on the list, and the Heatherhurst Golf Club’s The Brae course was No. 5. Fairfield Glade is home to a total of five championship golf courses among its other premier active-lifestyle amenities. FairfieldGlade.net

Dataw Island

Where you belong

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD WITH BUTTERFLY PARK

Woodside | Aiken, SC

South Carolina’s Woodside community has opened its new Bristlecone neighborhood, a limited collection of 40 exceptional home sites. The neighborhood’s focal point is Woodside’s newest Butterfly Park, a carefully landscaped community space designed to be a natural butterfly, hummingbird, and bluebird habitat. Bristlecone residents also have easy access to Woodside’s 15+ miles of nature trails and kayaking on Anderson Pond. WoodsideCommunities.com

USTA “Outstanding Tennis Facility,” a brandnew pickleball complex, and two of the most beautiful and well-maintained croquet lawns in the area. Just beyond, you’ll find a pair of bocce courts beckoning, as well as community gardens, kayak launches, and a 33-acre maritime nature preserve with walking paths and a dog park.

At the on-site Community Center, you will find a staff of certified personal trainers, athletic trainers, and an aerobic studio, gym, art studio, and more. Those called to the water may enjoy our indoor & outdoor pools, the full-service Marina, kayak launches, and nearby Hunting Island State Park beach.

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA - Welcome to Dataw Island, a private gated community catered to the active lifestyle.

Community thrives at Dataw, where neighbors are just friends you haven’t yet met. With flexible membership plans and dozens of member-based clubs and sports associations, you are sure to find the perfect opportunity for fellowship, fitness, and camaraderie.

Dataw Island is graced with two “Top 50” SC golf courses, a

Add social events too numerous to mention and a host of volunteer opportunities both on-island and off, and you’ll find that your schedule will quickly fill, the Dataw way -- friendly, philanthropic, and fun!

Developed to honor nature and history, the island exudes historic charm, natural beauty, and extraordinary living.

Visit on a three-day, two-night stay to see for yourself why locals have voted this community the “Best Neighborhood In Beaufort, SC.”

(843) 838-3838 | Dataw.com

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD AND DOWNTOWN DEBUTS

Wellen Park | Venice, FL

The ambitious Wellen Park master plan is coming to life on schedule, with the first businesses opening in downtown Wellen this year and a new residential neighborhood just announced.

Downtown Wellen will be the commercial and recreational center of what is already one of Florida’s fastestselling communities. The first phase is nearing completion, and all of the 55,000-square-foot retail and office spaces have been leased. Some businesses plan to open in

December, with a grand opening celebration anticipated in early 2023 when additional restaurants, specialty shops, and heath-services providers have moved in. Downtown Wellen overlooks the 80acre Grand Lake, which is getting its finishing touches with kayak/paddleboard launches, a 2.8-mile multi-modal trail, playgrounds, and waterfront event spaces. Wellen Park and Neal Communities have also announced the opening of Wysteria, a new neighborhood with 153 single-family and paired-villa homes in the Playmore District. A variety of two- and threebedroom floor plans are available with up to 1,859 square feet of living space. The private Wysteria community center features a pool, an open-air cabana for social gatherings, and two pickleball courts.  WellenPark.com

Shopping

Year-round

Built-in

50 CELEBRATING

YEARS

of amenities and improved lives

Keowee Key Celebrates 50 Years Young

This year, the Keowee Key community in upstate South Carolina is celebrating its 50th anniversary and a complete renewal accomplished without increasing assessments. Having finished a dozen new projects over the past four years with an investment of $16 million, Keowee Key has enhanced its standing as one of the South’s premier lakeside private communities.

by JG Walker

the area. To ensure high-quality residential development, Duke subsidiary Crescent Land Company set aside 1,600 prime acres for the Keowee Key master-planned community along 15 miles of the lake’s southern shores.

The Lakeside Course

The Creation of

the

Lake Duke Energy dammed the Keowee River in the early 1970s to create the 18,500-acre Lake Keowee, and bring reliable electric power to the Upstate region. Recognizing its new recreational potential, the company worked with state and local officials to stock the lake with fish and pave access roads to

Construction of the first neighborhoods began in 1972 around what would become the community’s signature amenity—the Keowee Key lakeside golf course by acclaimed architect George Cobb. Praised for the quality of its design and scenic waterfront setting when it opened in 1977, the Keowee Key greens were renovated in 2006, but that was just the start. Driven by member committees and supported by the entire community, a $5-million expenditure was made that significantly upgraded the entire course and a grand reopening was celebrated in September of 2019.

Keowee Key Community Involvement

Those recent enhancements of the golf course and all of the other amenities at Keowee Key are directly related to the community’s culture of involvement. Today, there are just over 1,600 developed properties at Keowee Key, mostly single-family residences with about 300 condominiums and townhomes. Somewhat unique is that all property owners share in the ownership of all of

the amenities. Seven volunteer directors are elected to work with a professional management team that oversees a staff of more than 100 employees. They, in turn, manage the day-to-day operation of the amenities, common areas, roads, and other infrastructure, including the community’s own water distribution system and sewer treatment plant.

“Perhaps the most important community asset enabling us to be what we are today is the Keowee Key Utility System,” says Community General Manager Kevin McCracken. “Without it, we would not have been able to develop at the housing density and with the array of amenities we have.”

While there are many other memberowned communities, Keowee Key has taken the idea of active engagement to a new level. Hundreds of members serve as volunteers on dozens of committees that take a close look at the details of their respective operations. In addition to routine maintenance, new projects are listed and prioritized within a strategic five-year planning schedule. Through this process, an annual budget that includes capital purchases and assessments is developed and voted on by all of the members.

“Our mission at Keowee Key,” says Board Treasurer Joanne Heintz, “is to offer all-inclusive amenities, an active lifestyle, a vibrant social fabric, a diverse arts culture,

and modern facilities balanced by financial stability and affordability for our members.”

Improving with Age

The cornerstone of that financial stability is the club’s Single Amenity Support concept, where property owners equally pay for the net operating costs of all of the amenities. While some communities offer a more “ala-carte” structure, all of the amenities at Keowee Key are supported by the members as a total package. That broad support ensures adequate funding to maintain and improve each of the facilities for the benefit of everyone.

As a result, all of the amenities have been enhanced in the last four years. In addi-

All of the amenities at Keowee Key are supported by the members as a total package, ensuring adequate funding for each facility.

tion to the golf course itself, the Keowee Key Clubhouse has a fresh new look with vaulted ceilings in the atrium, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course in the Vista Ballroom, enhanced casual dining space, and an enlarged member bar/lounge with covered outdoor seating.

Updated Fitness Options Abound

The Keowee Key Fitness & Racquet Center has also increased in size. It now includes modern features like a virtual workout room with a digital screen for instruction, Peloton training cycles, and Kaiser air weight strength training equipment. There’s also a spa/sauna in each locker room and a heated indoor Junior Olympic-size pool for year-round swimming and water aerobics. Seven personal trainers offer a large selection of daytime exercise classes, while massage and physical therapy services are available on-site.

Just outside are even more new fitness options. In addition to the 14 lighted tennis courts, the number of pickleball courts has

doubled to eight, along with new shuffleboard and bocce ball courts. The dedicated outdoor exercise area has been a popular addition, as well as the new Northside walking/ jogging trail that leads from the fitness center to the Leisure Trail and meanders around the lake. And for those members who love their water sports, complete marina services include more than 300 boat slips and storage/launch facilities for kayaks and paddleboards.

All of those shared facilities are just a part of the active social life that Keowee Key residents enjoy. Nearly every week, there’s a special gathering at the clubhouse, from dinners and dances to guest lecturers on timely topics. The community event center features a library, a large conference room, and smaller meeting rooms for the scores of interest clubs that include games, hobbies, music, books, gardening, cooking, and so much more. Members also donate their time in a variety of volunteer activities, and in 2018, created the Keowee Key Community partnership that has raised $1 million to support local charitable organizations. With a strong system of self-governance, enhanced amenities that are shared by all, and social activities that include reaching out beyond the gates, Keowee Key runs like a small town where everyone is involved. That culture of engagement has made Keowee Key a successful community for the past 50 years, and with work on the next five-year plan already well underway, Keowee Key members will tell you that the best is yet to come.

The Landings: 50 Years And Going Strong

The islands along the 110-mile Georgia coast are a unique collection: some are barrier islands and some are oceanfront vacation destinations, while others are primarily wildlife refuges accessible only by boat. Among them and accessible via bridge is Skidaway Island, home to a residential and retirement community that has become one of the nation’s most successful and sustainable developments over the past 50 years—The Landings.

In 1969, Union Camp’s Braniger subsidiary hired the renowned Sasaki Associates land planning firm to create a new residential community master plan for The Landings. Sasaki’s plan was innovative for the time: a low overall density of just 1.2 homes per acre, with no hotels or resort condos; nearly one-third of the land set aside for common space, recreational amenities, roads that curve around environmentally sensitive areas, and shaded pedestrian paths that connect neighborhoods; strict tree-protection standards and natural buffers of up to 100

by JG Walker

feet along the tidal wetlands that surround the entire island; and buried utility lines that enhance the community’s visual ambiance.

The first homes were built at The Landings in 1972. Today, it’s a “hometown” community for just over 8,500 full-time residents and an acclaimed model for how to create a sustainable balance of human and natural habitats.

The Keys to Success

Richard Burke is a former Braniger CEO and has been a resident of The Landings for 44 years. “A major reason for the community’s initial success was the unwavering financial support of Union Camp through the up-and-down economic cycles of the ‘70s and ‘80s,” he says. “And while The Landings may have been originally envisioned as a retirement community, the younger families moving here have made it stronger and more diverse.”

The Landings community is multi-generational. Roughly 55% of the neighbors have relocated to The Landings from outside of the area. That demographic is predominantly made up of retirees, remote workers, and people who relocated for work. The other 45% are from around the Savannah area.

The Landings Association

In 1998, The Landings Association (TLA), a

not-for-profit and debt-free homeowners association, fully took over as the developer’s job was complete. The TLA’s elected board of directors oversees the professional staff that manages the community’s common areas, roads, lagoons, athletic fields, playgrounds, security services, over 30 miles of nature trails, the two-acre community farm, and the two full-service marinas located at either end of the island. The Landings Company real estate firm also works under the umbrella of TLA.

The Landings Club

The Landings Golf and Athletic Club (TLC) is a separate and optional entity that includes about 75% of the residents as members. The private club offers racquet sports centers with 34 tennis and 19 pickleball courts, five clubhouses, eight dining options, five pools (two indoor), a 52,000-square-foot wellness center with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and, of course, amazing golf courses.

Unique among all non-resort communities in America, The Landings features play on six 18-hole championship golf courses that are located on-site. Meandering through the maritime forests with sweeping views across the vast surrounding marshlands, each has earned Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary status. Created by acclaimed designers Tom Fazio, Willard Byrd, Arthur Hills, and Arnold Palmer, all have been completely refurbished at least once over the years and are being constantly upgraded to ensure quality year-round play. Getting a last-minute tee time is never a concern for TLC golf members.

“There really is no other community with as many amenities as beautifully designed and executed in the United States. Not to mention the clubs and active neighbor groups that are available,” says Landings resident George Coleman. “We’ve been here for seven years and have made some of the best friends of our lives. This really is where ‘new friends become best friends.’”

Beyond the Gates

While residents of The Landings’ seven distinctive neighborhoods have plenty of active-lifestyle choices within the community, everything else is conveniently located nearby. Just outside the main entrance is The Village, a commercial center that features a Publix grocery store, a pharmacy, restaurants, shops, and professional offices for medical, dental, veterinary, banking, and legal services. Also located on Skidaway Island are five churches, a public library, and two continuing-care facilities. Additional medical providers in the area include two top-rated hospitals, each with its own specialty services and cancer-treatment centers.

Just a 15-minute drive away is downtown Savannah, with all of its historic sites and gardens, fine-dining restaurants, retail shops, performingarts venues, and cultural attractions like the Telfair Museums. Also available is a year-round schedule of community events that celebrate music, films, books, wine, and food, plus the South’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day festival. In addition, the Savannah area has four college campuses with degree programs and a lifelong-learning center specially designed for students ages 55 and up.

A favorite day-trip destination for The Landings residents is the beaches and attractions on nearby Tybee Island. And located just on the other side of the downtown area is the SavannahHilton Head International Airport, which offers direct flights to major American cities and connections to the rest of the world via Atlanta.

The Landings in Savannah, GA, makes 50 years of age look incredible. The community works diligently to keep infrastructure sound, respect the surrounding nature, and ensure that the amenities are cared for and useful to the members, all while staying fiscally responsible. These are the keys to a healthy community. The residents of The Landings on Skidaway Island are proud of where they are today and eagerly looking forward to the next 50 years.

Eastman Community Begins Its Sixth Decade

by JG Walker

In the early 1900s, logging was big business in central New Hampshire around Eastman Pond. Many old-growth maple and birch trees were cut down, but major harvesting operations ended in 1925. Then, for nearly 45 years, the land was left undisturbed, and the woodlands regenerated to their former glory.

When the owners of the 2,500-acre parcel decided to sell the land in 1969, the non-profit Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests stepped in. Partnering with nearby Dartmouth College and a pair of local financial institutions, the group bought the property and created the Controlled Environment Corporation (CEC) to protect the land from future logging or irresponsible development.

Over the years, adjacent parcels were acquired that expanded the property to its current 3,600 acres. But the CEC’s stated mission remained the same: to minimize impact on the natural environment while creating a low-density recreational community offering “a variety of activities with continuing appeal to people of a broad socio-economic spectrum.”

The Formation of Eastman Lake

The first task was enlarging the community’s namesake and principal amenity. A bigger dam was built, and the pond more than doubled in size to become the 335-acre Eastman Lake. At the same time, work began on a second amenity after architect Geoffrey Cornish was hired to design a golf course in the fields and meadows south of the lake. The first nine holes of Eastman Golf Links opened in 1972, with a second nine added in 1976. New roads were also built, and the first five miles of cross-country ski trails were opened.

“I love Eastman for its sense of community above all else. It’s a well-run community with lots to do, but the people here really make it special.”

As other communities struggled in the late 1970s, Eastman kept growing. By 1981, 95 percent of the community’s single-family homesites had been sold, and the first condominiums were built. The seasonal character of the Eastman community began to change as more of those buyers became “permies”—permanent year-round residents with a lifestyle that took full advantage of the area’s delightfully distinctive seasons.

Those early property owners formed the Eastman Community Association (ECA) and began to play an increasingly active role. By the early 1990s, the ECA had taken over the community’s common areas, including 55 miles of roads, and established a capital reserve fund. Since the 1999 election of the Eastman Board of Directors, the property owners have been in control.

Amenities for Every Season

Today, Eastman community is comprised of 1,000 homes, 335 condos, and a unique collection of active-lifestyle amenities. The Center at Eastman, totally renovated in 2016, features the popular Forbes Tavern for casual dining

and hosts a pro shop for golfers in the warmer months and skiers when the snow begins to fall. For racquet-sports enthusiasts, eight Har-Tru tennis courts and four pickleball courts were newly reconstructed in 2022. The South Cove Activity Center opened in 2009 and is home to an indoor pool for year-round swimming, a complete fitness facility, and multi-function rooms for community clubs and events.

The crystal-clear waters of Eastman Lake can be enjoyed in every season, from playing on six sandy beaches and kayaking, canoeing, and sailing in the summer months to ice fishing and skating when the surface freezes over. There are also more than 20 miles of cross-country skiing trails and 24 miles of snowshoe trails that transform into hiking paths around the lake and through the forests in spring through autumn. A single annual fee gives residents access to all amenities, including the golf practice facilities.

Eastman Golf Links has a separate membership program with modest fees for play on one of the region’s best courses, a popular host for amateur tournaments and annual fundraising events. Completely refurbished in 2006 and

carefully maintained, the club earned Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary status for its environmental stewardship.

George Sutherland, an Eastman resident since 1994, has served as ECA Board President among other volunteer positions. “Whether it’s swimming, boating, relaxing on the beach, or playing a round of golf or a good tennis match,” he says, “the chance to enjoy being outdoors is a treasure for all of us at Eastman.”

“The Secret Sauce”

To say that Eastman is a tight-knit community is an understatement. Along with the professional staff, the entire operation is run by residents who volunteer their time to monitor water quality in the lake, tend the community gardens, keep the trails open year-round, and generally ensure that the bottom line of conservation plus recreation is always met. That creates a togetherness that comes naturally.

“We knew before moving here that Eastman was in a beautiful setting and had great amenities,” says ECA Board President Bill Matson. “What we didn’t know is that we’d quickly establish so many lasting friendships. Our neighbors are the secret sauce that make this such a great place to live.”

“I love Eastman for its sense of community above all else,” says Board member and secondgeneration owner Lynn Kisselbach. “It’s a wellrun community with lots to do, but the people here really make it special.”

And while many of the original “permies” at Eastman were retirees, Lorie McClory has seen a significant change during her 27 years as a resident. “When we first moved to Eastman in 1995 with two toddlers, there were few full-time families here,” she says. “Since then, Eastman has truly become an intergenerational community with programs and events for all ages. Two of the best are the Youth Conservation Corps and an ongoing boat-building project that unites adult mentors with youths ages 12 and older. We’ll have lots more of those collaborations in the future.”

Our neighbors are the secret sauce that make this such a great place to live.

“As Eastman completes its 50th year, the community is in a strong financial position,” says Assistant General Manager and CFO Brian Harding. “The staff, under the direction of our volunteer Board and committees, develops and implements the operating budget and annually reviews and updates the 10-year capital plan. Eastman is in good shape for our next 50 years.”

Visionaries Build Mountaintop Paradise

After successfully creating a ground-breaking community over the past 20 years in Lookout Valley, the developers of Black Creek in Chattanooga, TN, set their sights even higher. These visionaries had long desired to build homes with spectacular views of the valley from atop neighboring Aetna Mountain. However, there was one small catch — no roads existed to the top of the mountain.

Aetna Mountain is the last undeveloped mountain in the Chattanooga area. This has been a fantastic opportunity for the developers to create coveted mountaintop homes with access to many outdoor recreational wonders – all less than 10 minutes away from downtown Chattanooga. The city has been a top vacation and retirement destination for years, and since the pandemic, the area has become even more

desirable. People come from around the country for its lower taxes, easy access to the outdoors, and great quality of life.

As one of the few family-owned master-planned communities, the Chazen family has taken special care to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the land in Black Creek. So when the family began to plan the route to the top of the mountain, they enlisted the assistance of family member and developer, Andrew Stone. A trained geotechnical engineer, Stone was excited to oversee the development of the mountain and the road that would carry future generations to their new mountaintop homes. Stone said, “Our idea was to design the road to the land.”

Constructing a road is no small feat. However, when you are rising over 1,600 feet in elevation, it makes it even more challenging. Black Creek partnered with the city of Chattanooga to both help plan and maintain the two-lane divided boulevard that rises 1,000 feet over the course of two miles. The process took less than five years, with two years

There hadn't been a mountain road built in the area in over 100 years. Our idea was to design the road to the land.”

for permitting and two years for construction. According to Stone, “There hadn't been a mountain road built in the area in over 100 years.” Both the Black Creek developers and the city were committed to making this collaboration safe, profitable, and without damage to the existing mountain ecosystem.

Native plants were added on both sides of the road to add to the aesthetic appeal and increase road stabilization. Over 1,000 trees have been planted in the area since the road's construction, and another thousand will be planted this fall. Homesite designs are thoughtfully planned to maintain much of the majestic tree cover. Black Creek strongly believes in the conservation of Chattanooga’s great outdoors and has generously donated 1,000 acres of their property to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust to protect the area's flora and fauna, and to be used for hiking and biking trails.

“We are one of the few planned communities that is fully within a city of our size,” says Stone. The City of Chattanooga provides all of the emergency services, including a future fire department which will be located on top of the mountain. And, as a bonus, residents can enjoy the fastest internet in the Western

hemisphere. For that reason, as well as Chattanooga's natural wonders, the city is quickly becoming a technology hub and a destination for young professionals, active families, and empty nesters.

Aetna Mountain's impressive views and natural feel are only the start of what makes Black Creek special. There's already a stunning 18hole course designed by Brian Silva, a fitness center, outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, a two-level swimming pool, and fun events all 12 months of the year. Future phases of the development will include a second clubhouse and pool, lodging, and some small neighborhoodserving commercial businesses where residents can grab some essentials without having to travel far from home.

The dedication that this community's developers have to making everyone feel comfortable, connected to the outdoors, and part of a community is inspiring. The Aetna Mountain road dedication ceremony will take place in early October, a perfect time to go breathe in the mountain air. And, if this recent project shows anything, it is that Black Creek is willing to move mountains for its residents.

THE FIRST TEE

by Warren Grant

That lofty goal finally became the fulfilled vision in 1997 of the Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Tim Finchem. He had guided that member organization of elite tour golfers like Tiger Woods and Fred Couples to unprecedented successes while for years supporting the growth of the game through countless charitable contributions and related civic initiatives across the country.

But Finchemʻs vision was specifically focused on this country ’s youth — the game ’s future — as he secured the support for his endeavor from the four additional major American influencing bodies in the sport; the United States Golf Association (USGA), The Ladies PGA Tour (LPGA), the Masters Tournament Foundation, and the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA).

Under Finchem’s guidance, those five founding partners laid the ambitious groundwork for The First Tee, whose mission was to make the game of golf more accessible. The program was officially launched in November of 1997 in Central Park with the announcement of Honorary Chair President George H.W. Bush.

Over the next two years, First Tee took life and structure, but it also organically grew its mission to “ impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.”

It was no longer a program to introduce kids and teens to golf but to develop inner strengths they ’ ll carry with them everywhere. The inaugural First Tee Chapter opened in March of 1999 in Valparaiso, IN, with the new and broader mission as their beacon.

This November, as First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary, the organization has grown to a network of 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf

“

To make the game of golf more accessible…”

courses, 1,700 youth centers, and 10,000 schools in all 50 states and select international locations, while reaching 2.2 million youth.

“For over 25 years, we’ve used golf to teach lessons about life. We’ve spun the unexpected challenges on the fairway to coach kids about adversity in the everyday. It ’s not just a game; it ’s game-changing. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize that every one of us plays a role in lifting up our youth— partners, donors, coaches, volunteers, and staff. And we collectively commit as an organization to spending the next 25 years and beyond opening the door to even more kids,” said a spokesman for First Tee.

As mentioned in that statement, two of the vital resources First Tee relies on are coaches and volunteers. And that ’s proven a valuable outlet for seniors looking to get involved in their local community … often a new community for those who have recently relocated after retirement.

For retiree Chris Messerlie of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, First Tee proved the perfect fit for his dual interests in civic involvement and golf.

Says Chris, “I had been volunteer-teaching at a local elementary school when a golf buddy invited me to play in the local First Tee charity golf tournament. Before we teed off, the organizers explained the program’s positive impact on children, which piqued my interest. So, I

signed up as a volunteer coach and am now constantly rewarded working with these remarkable kids.”

As you might imagine, volunteering to teach life skills to young children requires training and understanding. All volunteers for First Tee first go through a background check, then complete an online national certification by SafeSport, which teaches the facts, principles, and strategies to help provide safe and positive sport environments. That ’s followed by important classroom training run by the staff of First Tee’s local chapter.

That training focuses on the two overriding tenants to be shared with the kids. The first is to always follow First Tee Code of Conduct:

Respect for myself

Respect for others

Respect for my surroundings

The second tenant is to instill the program ’s Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgement.

“I signed up as a volunteer coach and am now constantly rewarded working with these remarkable kids.”

Dataw Island

All the other teaching — and it is considerable — revolves around those two overriding tenants. The informal third tenant is just to have fun.

“ I ’ ve seen how powerful these teachings are when they’ re integrated with the game of golf,” shares Chris. “ We had a little guy in the program with a stutter, and he was shy and didn’t speak much. Now, after a year in the program, we can’t get him to hush up. And none of his friends ever made fun of him … never.”

Adds Chris, “ COVID-19 put a hold on a lot of public interactions, so there ’s a shortage of volunteers and coaches at First Tee. I would encourage retirees like me to contact your local chapter and experience for yourself how fulfilling the interaction with the kids can be.”

Chris is part of the Brunswick County section, the geographic middle of the Coastal Carolinas First Tee Chapter, which runs from New Bern, NC, down to Horry County, SC, and inspires about 30,000 kids.

The program manager for Brunswick County is Terry Mauney, a former PGA Tour and PGA Champions Tour professional who competed against Jack Nicklaus back in the day. He is also a Class-A member of the PGA of America.

Mauney answers the phone ‘ Coach Terry ’ thoroughly appropriate as his enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring is infectious, even through a phone line. Coach Terry is a full-time employee of First Tee Chapter, as are just a few other administrative people. Everyone else is a volunteer. From fundraising and coaching to tournament planning and marketing, they are all volunteer driven.

Coach Terry runs a pretty cool, privately owned 27-acre facility that includes an administrative building, a 400-yard driving range, three regulation-length holes (pars 3, 4, and 5), and a nine-hole short course designed by Tom Watson Golf Course Design, plus a Learning Center and Leadership Academy.

One of his program ’s success stories is 11-year-old Cameron, who had a stressful upbringing and was socially reticent. Cameron, a novice golfer, participated in the in-school, after-school, and summer camp programs of First Tee. Within weeks in the program, his confidence levels surged.

Says Coach, "I first saw Cameron at a camp and thought, 'Who is this child?' He had perfect balance in his golf swing. He was respectful; he changed his grip on the spot. And we had him playing small tournaments with older kids soon after. He came out of his shell."

According to Cameron, "First Tee teaches you about sportsmanship a lot and improved my confidence when I used to be nervous. They've helped improve my responsibility and stuff. It's just fun overall, and you meet a lot of new friends."

Cameron, who now puts Post-its on his bathroom mirror to remind him of responsibilities, even mentors his younger niece, telling her things like, "You can do this; you just have to try hard."

Sounds like Commissioner Finchem had it right.

Within weeks in the program, [Cameron’s] confidence levels surged.

Osprey Cove

Find Your Ideal... LIFE

As inflation soars and economic concerns infiltrate lives, more people than ever are seeking a simpler life. It's time to make your list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves and find a community where you can enjoy your life.

Amazing Vitamin D

What It Does for Your Body and Mind

by Jan Cullinane

importance of our bodies getting sunlight in order to make vitamin D, or getting vitamin D through certain foods.

“The Sunshine Vitamin.” We’ve heard this nickname for vitamin D, and most of us know that our body makes its own vitamin D when certain wavelengths of sunlight (UVB) interact with a particular kind of cholesterol in our skin. However, what many of us may not realize are the many vital functions that this vitamin performs. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it’s believed that more than 1,000 different genes are regulated by vitamin D, including 200 genes affecting just our cardiovascular system.

Vitamin D is one of only a few vitamins that our bodies manufacture. The scourge of rickets in the 17th century, although there is evidence of this disease long before that, resulted in muscle weakness, skeletal malformations, seizures, and slowed growth. The recognition that sunshine and/or cod-liver oil, both high in vitamin D, could prevent rickets was a huge discovery that led to understanding the

It’s believed about 40% of American adults have inadequate levels of vitamin D, and the higher levels of melanin in dark-skinned people decrease the amount of vitamin D they can produce. Other groups that often have lower-than-optimal vitamin D levels include adults over 55 (they tend to spend less time outdoors and skin becomes less proficient at converting sunlight to vitamin D as we age), those with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis (these diseases can lower the ability to absorb vitamin D from the gut), vegans/vegetarians (most food containing vitamin D is animal-based), and those taking certain medications such as prednisone or cholesterol-lowering drugs that interfere with the production of vitamin D.

Where you live affects the amount of vitamin D your body makes. Because of low or absent UVB sunlight from late October to late April, our skin makes little if any vitamin D at latitudes above 37 degrees north (above the line on the map below), during that portion of the year.

What Does Vitamin D Do?

• Boosts mood and lowers the chances of depression by helping convert the amino acid tryptophan into mood-regulating serotonin.

• Reduces tooth decay by absorbing and retaining phosphorous and calcium, necessary for healthy teeth and gums.

• Although the NIH recognizes that more research is necessary, “studies have consistently found that vitamin D levels are significantly lower in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment compared to healthy adults.”

• Reduces eye inflammation and may help prevent macular degeneration.

• Higher vitamin D levels are linked with reduced chances of cancer in general and reduced insulin resistance.

• Vitamin D is vital for strong bones because it increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Those with adequate vitamin D levels have fewer cases of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as less knee pain and pain when walking. Adequate levels of vitamin D also lower the chances of stress fractures in the feet.

• Greater gut biome diversity (correlated with better health) is linked to adequate levels of vitamin D.

• Vitamin D helps regulate blood pressure and helps reduce “bad” cholesterol.

• Pregnant women with normal vitamin D levels are more likely to have healthy babies, and men produce sperm with better motility than men with lower vitamin D levels.

• Regarding COVID-19 and vitamin D, the journal PLOS ONE reviewed 1,176 patients admitted to an Israeli hospital between April 7, 2020, and February 4, 2021, and found that “a lower vitamin D status was more common in patients with severe or critical disease than in individuals with mild or moderate disease.”

Making/Getting Sufficient Vitamin D

For those who live below the 37th parallel, 10 to 30 minutes of mid-day sun a few times a week on our arms, legs, and/or abdomen may be sufficient, although pollution, the season, and age all affect vitamin D synthesis. As noted above, living above the 37th parallel, very little vitamin D is made by our body’s exposure to the sun, except during the summer months. And, although the use of sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of melanoma and squamous skin cancers, it does affect how much UVB light can interact with the cholesterol in our skin to make vitamin D. Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 filters out about 93% of the UVB light, an SPF of 30 blocks 97%, and an SPF of 50 filters out about 98%. And, don’t think you can make vitamin D sitting in front of a window or while driving your car. The glass blocks UVB rays.

There are food sources containing vitamin D, including oily fish (especially salmon, trout, mackerel, and sardines), cod liver oil, eggs, tuna, beef liver, cereals, and vitamin D fortified orange juice and milk. Symptoms of low vitamin D can include fatigue, mood changes, joint/bone/muscle pain, anxiety and/or low energy level.

There is a blood test to determine vitamin D levels, but there is no routine testing of it because the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has not recognized an optimal vitamin D level. Those who are tested for vitamin D include those with GI conditions

such as celiac disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases that affect the absorption of vitamin D from food, those who have osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) or osteoporosis, bones that break easily, those who take medications such as prednisone or certain anti-convulsants, or suffer from muscle weakness or dental abnormalities. Additional risk factors for low vitamin D include obesity and being over 65.

Numerous studies confirm that where you live affects your health and happiness. When it comes to vitamin D, where you live and what you eat can influence both health and happiness.

Jan Cullinane is an award-winning retirement author, speaker, and consultant. Her recently released book is The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, 3rd edition (Wiley, 2022).

confirm that where you live affects your health and happiness. When it comes to vitamin D, where you live and what you eat can influence both health and happiness.

Permanent Daylight Saving Time…and Our Health

by Jan Cullinane

Ahhhh… those long, lovely, shimmery summer evenings we enjoy because we “sprung” our clocks forward before we went to bed on March 12, resulting in that extra glorious hour of light. The U.S. Senate has passed a bill, the Sunshine Protection Act, to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent (yes, it’s “saving” and not “savings”), resulting in a darker morning but a longer, lighter evening. If the House of Representatives follows the Senate, and the President signs this bill, it becomes law in fall 2023. What are the consequences of a permanent daylight saving time? Turns out there are important health and safety issues to consider.

A little history: Germany is credited as the first country to implement DST in 1916 to conserve energy during WWI, and the United States adopted DST on March 19, 1918, for similar reasons. But, it wasn’t popular in the U.S., and it was abolished when the war ended. DST was again implemented in 1942 under Franklin Roosevelt, but was discontinued in 1945. It became standard throughout the United States in 1966. States can elect to be exempted from following DST, and currently Arizona (except for the Navajo nation area) and Hawaii don’t observe it.

What are the consequences of a permanent daylight saving time? Turns out there are important health and safety issues to consider.

What’s Good and What’s Bad with the Current System

Pros of daylight saving time include additional time for evening sports and other types of outdoor recreation, which may help counter our sedentary habits, children’s ability to go trickor-treating with more light, fewer evening traffic accidents and reduced pedestrian fatalities, lower crime rate, lower electricity usage (although it’s minimal); and the tourism industry claims the extra evening light provides more opportunities for visitors to be out and about.

Cons include children going to school in the dark, less sleep as we transition to DST (it disrupts our biological clock), additional sleepiness and loss of productivity following the loss of an hour of sleep, and an uptick in the risk and number of strokes, heart attacks, and car crashes.

The Repercussions of Making DST Permanent

Each of us has an internal clock that regulates our sleep cycle. Most of us have experienced the ill effects of staying up all night because of worry, a party, studying for an exam, or getting caught up in a project or completing a work assignment. Our internal clock is governed by the sun, and we have evolved to wake up with the light, and slowly wind down our wakefulness when dark descends. It’s thought this mechanism evolved eons ago to keep us safer from predators, which were usually more active at night.

Permanent DST may result in the misalignment of our normal, genetically-programmed wake/sleep cycles. Since it will be

darker in the mornings, we’ll be fighting our internal clock and rising before the sunrise, and the longer, lighter days may entice us to stay up later, also negatively affecting sleep and health. Dr. Nate Watson, professor of neurology at the University of Washington and the co-director of the University of Washington Medicine Sleep Center, says we lose 19 minutes of sleep for every additional hour of evening light. If you’ve taken an international trip across multiple time zones, you’ve experienced the results of disruptive sleep cycles. Studies of people who work night shifts, fighting against their biological clock, show an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Many researchers believe we should ditch DST completely and stay on standard time year-round; trying to tinker with our biological or “circadian clock” can have long-term consequences since our internal clock is in sync with the change in the amount of light throughout the year.

Although most of us enjoy the additional light that daylight saving time creates, and the idea of a permanent change sounds attractive, remember the old warning from a 1970s commercial that touted a margarine that mimicked the taste of butter: “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.”

Before making this change permanent, we should closely evaluate all sides of this issue. We know there are drawbacks with adjusting to DST as it exists now. Will a permanent change be better, or will we be fighting our internal clocks year-round and negatively affecting our health? The science, unfortunately, seems to indicate we’ll be doing our bodies more harm than good if we go to permanent DST.

Jan Cullinane is an award-winning retirement author, speaker, and consultant. Her just-released book is The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, 3rd edition (Wiley, 2022).

Many researchers believe we should ditch DST completely and stay on standard time year-round.

From Foie Gras and Grits to Cashew Cheese Nachos

A Guide to What’s Cooking in Savannah

by Fannie Slater

Aptly dubbed “The Hostess City of the South,” it’s no surprise Savannah, GA, has continued to emerge as a melting pot of culinary charisma. Hosting goes hand in hand with food, after all. Savannah’s restaurant landscape has always been a magnet for tourists — along with the cobblestoned charm of historic River Street, of course — but in the last few years, the city has boasted its fair share of highly-esteemed hubs with which to eat and drink. Some establishments within our roundup have just begun their maiden voyage, while others are not-so-new but still fresh focal points in the food scene with operations that have continued to flourish. Nonetheless, each eatery possesses its own signature flair and flavor that’s currently found its way into the mouths (figuratively and literally) of hungry critics near and far. So, what’s cooking in this fully-bloomed foodie mecca? Keep reading to find out.

The Grey Restaurant

After opening in 2014, the Grey undoubtedly became the centerpiece of Savannah’s dining arena. Things are still going strong in this Greyhound-Bus-Terminal-turnedrestaurant. Today, executive chef Mashama Bailey (a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Southeast) continues to inject her African influence into southern soul food. The result: dynamic mashups like ham hock terrine with fermented collards and pickled beans. Settle in at the diner bar where small plates rule the menu or the main bar where seasonality is so valued that items “vary not only from evening to evening but, often, within the course of an evening’s service.” thegreyrestaurant.com

Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana

Situated in a shipping container surrounded by food trucks in the heart of Savannah’s Starland district, Pizzeria Vittoria is the brainchild of chef and owner Kyle Jacovino. The main attraction at this Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria? Naturallyleavened, three-day fermented dough crafted with local organic grains. The expertly charred pies cook swiftly to say the least (in around 90 seconds) and come out bubbling rounds of beauty. Don’t miss the signature La Diavola — sinfully spicy from peppery salami and marinara spiked with Calabrian chilies — but the classic margherita is equally as majestic to behold. vittoriapizzeria.com

Fox & Fig Café

A premier plant-based kitchen is a breath of fresh air in a city ruled by pork, fried chicken, and more pork. Fox & Fig is a novel dining experience where vegan eats and an elevated coffee bar are the stars of the show. With a hyper-focus on specialty coffees, it’s easy to see why Fox & Fig geared much of their menu toward brunch. If morning meals aren’t your thing, don’t worry; burgers, nachos, and chipotle mac-and-cheese are also on deck. If you’re sticking with the early bird theme, pair the “Proper Breakfast” (fingerlings, grilled asparagus, local greens, and cashew hollandaise) with a spiced lavender mocha. foxandfigcafe.com

700 Drayton

As you walk along the famed Forsyth Park, just past the picturesque water fountain that graces most of Savannah’s tourism brochures, you’ll find The Mansion on Forsyth with its European-style elegance. It’s a relaxing respite within the city that offers guests and the public the opportunity to dine alongside curated art collections at its 700 Drayton Restaurant. Brunch is a crowd favorite with its crab omelet, chicken and waffles, and other-worldly French toast. However, the dinner is prime for those with discerning tastes, including fresh fish cooked to perfection. Sometimes the smaller the menu choices, the better the cuisine. This is the case with 700 Drayton. If you are glutenfree, they offer palatable options. And, did we mention they also have cooking classes?

themansionsavannah.com/dining

Common Thread

This much-anticipated ingredient and seasonally-driven foodie destination is appropriately named, as it was built with the idea in mind of supporting and connecting locals. Also, front and center of the concept: marking familiar Southern fare with fresh, unexpected global touches. Situated in an elegant Victorian home, Common Thread (sister restaurant to everbuzzing Farm Bluffton in neighboring South Carolina) elevates Lowcountry fare to another universe with fanciful dishes like Chinese rice porridge with seaweed butter, fried oysters, and chili sauce. The vegetarian portion of the menu is plentiful, and dessert is a short but sweet list of heavenly bites like hibiscus panna cotta with coconut. commonthreadsavannah. com

Franklin’s

The new kid on the block of the Daniel Reed Group (who brought farm-to-table favorites like Local 11ten Food & Wine to the area) is Franklin’s on West Liberty Street. Named after Franklin Roosevelt, this “all-day express café” dishes out casual but thoughtfully-crafted madeto-order brunch staples and coffee. The airy space gleams with modern, inviting décor and is regularly packed with smiling patrons stuffed with the world’s most scrumptious Croque Monsieur. Peep the retail items for some gourmet goodies and gifts while you sip your lavender rose latte. Come back when you’re off the clock for a decadent coffee cocktail like the Spiked Vanilla Chai with vanilla bean vodka and whipped cream.

ilovefranklins.com

Madame Butterfly

This upscale Korean-inspired steakhouse sits pretty on Congress Street downtown and is equally as praised for its glorious grilled meats as it is for its gorgeous ambiance. The first part of the menu flaunts a series of skewered meats like charred duck breast, but you can also find non-grilled apps like local crab bites and steak tartare. Count on top-notch service and inventive, visually spectacular cocktails like the Coconut Jewel with citrusy sake and lemongrass. Classic, comforting bibimbap is a no-brainer, but grilling your own meat is Madame Butterfly’s real magic. Sides like pickled veggies and kimchi take the interactive experience to the next level. madambutterflysavannah.com

A Peach Of A Place To Call Home

Rare are opportunities as plump and juicy as living in Montrose, Colorado. Imagine the views of the San Juans surrounded by the area’s thriving wineries and yes, the finest peaches in the country. It’s the mountain paradise you long been waiting for and fully deserve. We laid out the welcome mat for you. You just need to walk in. The Homes at Cobble Creek. Discover the Possibilities.

Hop Atomica

Specializing in superior small batch beer, bubbly hard seltzers, and flawlessly charred brick oven pizza, Hop Atomica is one of Savannah’s newest brew havens. The brewerydistillery combo (housed in the budding Baldwin Park neighborhood) is constantly rotating their taps and choices, and even features an in-house art gallery showcasing local artists. Since it’s hard to choose just one thing to sip, flights are the norm, along with nearly every table sporting one of the outstanding pies. The light, crunchy dough has the perfect amount of chew, and veg-friendly guests go gaga for the marinated roasted mushroom ‘za with spinach and feta (not to mention the spiced butternut squash taco with honey sour cream). hopatomica.com

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moon Deck

If there’s anything you don’t want to forget before heading to Electric Moon, it’s your dancing shoes and youthful spirit. This rooftop cocktail bar and finger food venue is one of Savannah’s most vibrant entertainment destinations. The double-deck atmosphere is reminiscent of a night club, but the panoramic river views and small menu of tasty shareables means there’s more to this playful treasure than meets the eye. Pair a draft cocktail with the fried shrimp bao buns with ponzu and peanuts. Did we mention there’s a slide? What are you still doing here? plantriverside.com/ venues/electric-moon-skytop-lounge/

Protecting Your Lifestyle Before a Recession

by Lawrence S. Tundidor AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA

Recessions are a normal part of the economic cycle. Most recently, the 2008 and 2020 recessions were responsible for great losses and anxiety for many Americans. Many of those who had not adequately prepared for difficult times experienced a higher level of pain than those with a written financial plan.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the prices consumers pay the price for all goods rose 9.1% for the previous 12 months ending in June, which is the highest increase since 1981. With all of the recent talk of a possible recession in the near future, Ideal-Living Spoke with Financial Advisor Lawrence Tundidor, AIF®, AAMS®, AWMA® of the Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group to find out what folks nearing retirement or in retirement could potentially be doing to prepare.

Develop a Holistic Written Financial Plan

Some have said that goals without a plan are just dreams. One of the most important things Americans can do is to create a financial plan that takes into account their short and long term goals. Having that plan in place allows individuals and families to create a roadmap that shows where they

currently stand in relation to achieving the economic and lifestyle goals they have set and what needs to be done year by year to help stay on track.

Another important benefit of a financial plan is the ability to run hypothetical scenarios like a recession and any negative impact it could have, such as losses in retirement accounts, losses in home value, or losses of employment.

While no report can accurately predict the future (these scenarios are hypothetical, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results) and certain outcomes cannot be prevented, having a course of action for a worst case scenario allows any “cracks” in the financial plan to be potentially addressed way in advance.

Have an Adequate Cash Reserve

One key thing Americans can do to prepare for difficult times is to build an adequate cash reserve that is right for their needs and lifestyle. Many have said that 3-6 months of expenses is the right amount. The issue with a generalized number like that is that everyone’s situation is different. One must look at their specific expenses, existing debt, upcoming large expenses and the viability of their income during a recession.

For example, a business owner or someone employed in an economically sensitive sector may need more in cash reserve than someone in a position where their employment is may be less volatile in an economic downturn. For those close to retirement or looking to purchase a new home in retirement, consider the cash needed to lessen the chance that your plans or timeline may need to be altered.

Reduce Debt

Carrying large amounts of high interest debt during a recession can create great strain on a financial plan. As people prepare for the next recession, consider all existing debt and make a plan on how to reduce or refinance that debt. Consider existing cash savings or monthly investment

contributions to decide if that money is best utilized where it is currently being saved or whether it makes sense to pay down debt n. With interest rates at historic lows, review existing mortgage debt as well as the ability to consolidate debt for the possibility of reducing the interest rate or monthly payment amount. Another benefit of reducing debt before a recession is the ability to take advantage of potential discounts on items such as cars, recreational vehicles, or home improvements during recessions. Having a reduced debt load allows you the possibility of taking advantage of those opportunities or qualifying for a new mortgage.

Another benefit of reducing debt before a recession is the ability to take advantage of potential discounts on items such as cars, recreational vehicles, or home improvements during recessions. Having a reduced debt load allows you the possibility of taking advantage of those opportunities or qualifying for a new mortgage.

Keep an Eye on Your Portfolio

Taking steps to help weather market volatility, especially for those nearing retirement is extremely important. After all, investments are not guaranteed and there’s always the risk that you may end up with less than you originally invested. According to Barron’s, equity markets have hit its worst downturn in the first 6-months of this year since 1970 and paired with higher than average inflation, now is a great time to review your current allocation and risk tolerance.

Many have had the same investment strategy for years without considering that they are now closer to retirement or their portfolio no longer matches their needs and risk tolerance. While using asset allocation as part of your investment strategy, neither assures nor guarantees better performance and cannot protect against loss in declining markets. It is a recognized strategy to help mitigate the ups and downs of the market. With equity returns being strong over the past decade, it is easy to consider the return on investment as the primary bellwether for whether a

Taking steps to help weather market volatility, especially for those nearing retirement, is extremely important.

change to the strategy is needed. It is important to remember, however, that for most individuals, retirement requires a distribution strategy as opposed to an accumulation strategy in your working years. Ones ability to recover from a downturn when you are no longer contributing and are now withdrawing may be more difficult than someone who is not. Many wait until things get worse in order to consider making necessary changes, but it is advisable to be proactive instead.

Evaluate Income Needs and Distribution Strategy

One of the most important parts of a financial plan and preparing for a recession is a true evaluation of income needs that encompasses not just minimum expenses to live on but the amount needed to fulfill the lifestyle that you chose. One must ask themselves, if during a recession the market has one or more negative years where will my income come from? Consider income from protected sources such as social security and pensions, and what portion of those income needs are met utilizing those sources. If there is a gap, there are a variety of options available to consider in order to fill that gap and prepare a drawdown strategy. The point of planning a carefully thoughtout drawdown strategy is to minimize having to liquidate investments at the wrong time and hurting chances of recovering when things take a turn for the better.

Although recessions cannot be prevented, you can take a pro-

active approach to prepare yourself and take steps to minimize the potential impact. It is important to remember that a financial plan is based on the individual and their short/long term goals. Post-retirement living is very different, so take the time to explore your options well in advance of your retirement age. We encourage you to sit down with an independent financial advisor that puts your best interests first and helps you compose a written personalized and holistic financial strategy with the goals of preserving your retirement, investments, and securing the next chapter of your financial future. To learn more about the topic above, please attend Lawrence’s in-person seminars this September held at the Hanover Marriot in Whippany, NJ and the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, VA. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Lawrence at LawrenceT@ ceterawealth.com or 215-375-5984.

IInvestment adviser representative and registered representative of, and securities and investment advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. (1800 JFK Blvd Suite 300 Philadelphia Pa, 19103 Registered branch phone number 215-399-9389) Tundidor Wealth & Investment Group is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.

The views stated are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Although recessions cannot be prevented, you can take a proactive approach to prepare yourself and take steps to minimize the potential impact.

How Rising Interest Rates Can Help You

This year marks the highest interest rate increase since 1994, so it’s no wonder many people might feel reticent about obtaining a new mortgage for their dream home. To help get us out of the great recession, the federal reserve lowered interest rates to stimulate growth. But now, with high inflation, the FED is slowly bringing interest rates back up. So, how could that help you?

A Line of Credit with Growth

You may have had a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) in the past where you could borrow money against your home. This was a great option to take advantage of your home’s rising value to do home renovations, purchase a vehicle, make investments, etc. As many found out in the mid-2000s after the housing bubble, these credit lines may be discontinued or called due and payable by your lender as soon as the market shifts. So, if HELOCs are not the optimal home equity solution you are looking for in a volatile market, what other options are out there?

A Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit (RMLOC) with guaranteed growth might be the answer you didn’t know about. This is a great option that allows you to tap into your home’s equity while growing your line of credit at 0.5% above the current interest rate. As interest rates go up, so does your access to more of your home equity. Different from a HELOC, the RMLOC has no mandatory monthly payments and can never be frozen or called due and payable because of market conditions.

If you still have a mortgage at this point, paying off the low-interest loan may not make sense if you plan to live in the home long term. What might be a more fitting option is to refinance into a reverse mortgage where you are rewarded for making a voluntary monthly payment. Rewarded? Yes! Each time you make a monthly payment, it will be added to your RMLOC, increasing your capacity to access more equity. The higher interest rates perpetuate the monthly compounding growth if the interest rates stay the same or go

up. In today’s market, that can be 6.5 or 7%, and that’s better than what most people are getting from their investments. If you are free and clear on your home now and are thinking about buying that second home, this is a way to open a line of credit to buy a house now or in the future. So theoretically, you could use your line of credit to purchase a second home in cash and not have a payment on either property.

In today’s market, exploring your options allows you to learn how you might best capitalize on your home's appreciation from the last few years. The RMLOC provides flexibility and control, giving qualifying homeowners a new outlook on possibilities in retirement.

How Does a Line of Credit Work?

Property Value Line of Credit

Requirements

• Must be 62 or older

• New property must meet outlined requirements; it must be a single-family residence, 2-4 unit property, townhome, or condo

• New home must be your primary residence

• Maintain new property and keep up-to-date on property taxes, insurance, and any HOA fees

Attend the show and discover your ideal destination, life and home!

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REAL ES TATE SHOW

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North Carolina - South Carolina - Florida

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Sat: 10am -5pm & Sun: 11am-3pm

Considering relocation, retirement, or a vacation home?

The ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show is the perfect place for you to explore your relocation, retirement and vacation options. In one convenient location you can compare your options by exploring a variety of community displays from tax-friendly states that also offer a lower cost of living. Community Experts and Home Builders from states such as NC, SC, FL, DE, TN, GA and others will be present to talk with you personally and answer any questions you may have.

RSVP Online for Express Check-in & Complimentary ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide. After you RSVP, you’ll receive a confi rmation email with a Show Pass, which you will use for Express Check-in .

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Waterfront Living at its Best!

Are you looking for the perfect spot for your retirement? Come see what retirement living at Shell Point is all about. Since 1968, Shell Point has set the standard for retirement living in Southwest Florida. Located along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Shell Point is just minutes from Sanibel

Island and the Gulf of Mexico. The beauty of Shell Point’s waterfront location is unmatched, but what really sets Shell Point apart are the resort style amenities including boating, pickleball, tennis and championship golf — plus the assurance of Life Care.

Since Covid sent house prices soaring, the lament has been ‘how can we find an affordable home to relocate or retire to?’

The popular spots of Florida, the Carolinas, and Arizona may seem out of reach for some.

But what about the hidden gems, the next hot spots in real estate? What about New Mexico — the Land of Enchantment, or Mississippi — the Magnolia State, and Arkansas — the Natural State, where over half of its land area is covered in lush forest? Each state has a retirement division in its respective government showcasing its affordability, recreation, culture, and continuing education. And median home prices can range from just $150,000 to $290,000 across all three states, depending on the location.

The three even have some unique connections. The most treasured painting by New Mexico’s Georgia O’Keefe, White Flower No, 1, now sits in the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas after a record $44 million acquisition. And Arkansas and Mississippi share a swirling border created by the meandering Mississippi River, with both holding a claim to the cradle of the Delta Blues, America’s original music.

All three states offer great festivals this fall, so pack a suitcase and go in search of hidden gems.

Hidden Gems

The Next Hot Spots in Real Estate

by Warren Grant

Arkansas The Natural State

If you look at an aerial view of the Mississippi River, its path is really pretty straight coming out of its Minnesota headwaters and then framing the length of Illinois, but just as it hits the Arkansas border, the mighty river gets swirly as it slows down in the curves and starts to meander in broad loops for 240 miles. Slow down and start to meander. That sounds like a pretty good recipe for retirement. Maybe the river is trying to tell us something about Arkansas, a state graced with a wealth of natural beauty to explore at a leisurely pace.

When the dogwoods are in spring bloom, you should float the unspoiled Buffalo River, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary as the country’s very first National River. Or you can photograph the majestic elk as they graze in Boxley Valley. Maybe visit Bald Knob in May when the strawberries are ripe for the pickin’. Find a secret spot near an Ozark Mountain waterfall among the state’s 19 million acres of forestland. Or pack a picnic, grab some shoreline, and watch the ancient Mississippi River flow by. No wonder the moniker of Arkansas is the ‘Natural State.’

All that beauty is complemented by a burgeoning cultural scene, poignant historical sites, countless national and state parks, recreation opportunities galore,

and, perhaps most importantly, the inviting affordability of living in Arkansas.

The state boasts the fourth best cost of living and the eleventh best property tax rate in the country. Arkansas does not tax social security benefits, and there is no estate or inheritance tax. The median home price is a modest $127,800.

From the streams and wetlands of the fertile Delta that stretches along the Mississippi in the east, to scores of lakes and gurgling rivers in the mountainous west, there is every imaginable fishing, fly-fishing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing option.

According to Travis Napper, director of the Division of Arkansas Tourism, “Arkansas is also quickly becoming a mecca for all manner of cycling, especially mountain biking, with world-class trail systems expanding every year. The state is also making a tremendous investment in the Delta Heritage Trail State Park that will stretch for 84 miles of bicycle touring or hiking on more gently contoured and groomed paths.”

Napper also recommends, among thousands of options, attending the King Biscuit Blues Festival held for three days in October, or Riverfest, Arkansas’ largest music festival held every Memorial Day weekend, or the

Johnson County Peach Festival held since 1938. Maybe also luxuriate in the healing waters at Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs.

Median Home Values

Little Rock $239,900

Jonesboro $204,485 Hot Springs $264,900

Under the watchful eye of Walmart heiress Alice Walton, history and culture will profoundly blend this fall with the “We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy” exhibit, on view through January 2, 2023, at the remarkable Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Not to be missed, the exhibit features a rare, original print of the U.S. Constitution (there are only 11 in the world), plus the Declaration of Independence, the proposed Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation, among other important documents and works of art. All free to the public. Slow down and start to meander. It sounds ever better and better with a move to Arkansas … the ‘Natural State.’

Arkansas is quickly becoming a mecca for all manner of cylcling, especially mountain biking, with world-class trail systems expanding every year.

Mississippi From Waterfalls to Football

Inarguably, the most celebrated college football tailgate celebration in the country is held on crisp, fall Saturdays in Oxford, MS, at the top of the state and at a hallowed ground called The Grove. The tailgate event is as Southern as a pecan, spirited, draped in oaks and elegance, and brimming with Southern hospitality, recreation, and exciting football.

But just a quarter-mile east from the 50-yard line of the Ole Miss football stadium, there are 29 acres of pristine southern forest watched over by a modified Greek Revival house called Rowan Oak (Rowan for the Scottish tree, a symbol of peace, and oak for strength), all purchased in 1930 by one of this country’s singular authors, William Faulkner. Rowan Oak is where his words flowed, earning Faulkner the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949 and the Pulitzer Prize in 1954 for A Fable.

Oxford, The Grove, and Rowan Oak are kind of a metaphor for the entire state, where treasured hospitality, tradition, recreation, and natural beauty blend with a bastion of culture in a

welcoming place that you can affordably call home. Indeed, Oxford is one of 13 Welcome Home Mississippi Certified Communities, a designation only achieved through a rigorous assessment process that reassures a retiree that the community meets their highest quality-of-life expectations.

According to Ellen Bourdeaux, Program Manager for the Mississippi Development Authority, “The certification process focuses on the availability of good health care, cultural and arts aspects, shopping and dining, opportunities to volunteer in the community, and availability for continuing education. We also look at recreational opportunities, a low crime rate, easy transportation access

We even determine whether the people who live [in the communities] have a happiness factor, too.

Start living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about with Encore by David Weekley Homes. Our lifestyle-driven approach to home design offers the ideal balance of livability with thoughtfully designed floor plans featuring indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces and a high level of customization to make your new home everything you’ve imagined.

Plus, you’ll delight in more freedom and fun in one of our friendly 55+ lifestyle communities offering a variety of amenities, clubs and activities – all planned by a lifestyle director – to enhance your active life. These intimate communities make it easy to develop friendships with your neighbors, too.

David Weekley Homeowners

Kevin Jordan & Lori Rust

through the interstate system, and nearby airports. We even determine whether the people who live there have a happiness factor, too.”

Mississippi is the most affordable state for retirement, with a cost of living 14% lower than the national average. Plus, the state does not tax Social Security benefits, income from a 401(k), IRA, or any pension income. There is also no estate or inheritance tax, and property taxes are among the lowest in the country.

The 13 Welcome Home Mississippi communities are dotted around the state, as are all kinds of fun, festivals, recreation, and historical and cultural sites. Let’s start with ‘The King’ and the 25th Annual Tupelo Elvis Festival to be held in his hometown June 7-11, 2023.

Down at the beach, there’s a celebration of 9,000 antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles called Cruisin’ The Coast, held this fall October 2-9. The event spans 30 miles of beachside highway and draws people from around the world.

Jump in your car and discover the wonders of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a stunningly beautiful and historically significant road that runs from Nashville to Natchez and is part of the National Park Service. It’s also a haven for cyclists who enjoy the moderated auto speed limits.

Be sure not to miss the 37th Natchez Balloon Festival, October 14-16, as well.

For more information on the Welcome Home Mississippi Certified Communities, please visit www.mississippi.org/retirement.

Here’s a quick look at the affordability of a 3 bedroom/2 bath home in a Welcome Home Mississippi community:

Hattiesburg is just over an hour from the Gulf Coast and a smidge farther to New Orleans. Home to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Median home cost: $225,000

Starkville is also a charming university town (Mississippi State University) and bursts with recreation, dining, and historic sites.

Median home cost: $299,000

Tupelo is tucked in the northeast corner of the state and boasts theater, ballet, a symphony orchestra, and myriad art galleries and museums.

Median home cost: $219,900

Natchez is home to 1,000 buildings on the National Register of historic places, some open for home tours. The town’s beauty has spawned a burgeoning film industry. Median home cost: $175,000

MISSISSIPPI RIVER STATE PARK

New Mexico The Quality of Light … and Life

Georgia O’Keefe felt it, embraced it. The celebrated modernist painter was innately informed by the almost mystical beauty and vivid quality of light in New Mexico. Her adopted home, beginning in 1929, is a place that O’Keefe fondly referred to as the “Faraway.”

That natural beauty and ethereal light have been a beacon drawing artists to New Mexico for a century, especially to the quintessential arts communities of Sante Fe and Taos, both perched 2,000 feet higher than Denver.

But the artists, and countless others, have also been drawn to New Mexico by a kind of unspoken spirituality buried deep in its rust, biscuit, and ochre-tinted cliffs, the 13,000-foot snow-capped peaks, the darkest skies on earth revealing the most brilliant stars, the vast silence of the desert South and the treasured souls of countless Native Americans who called this glorious land home across several millennia. They’re also drawn to the unique blend of ancient Pueblo and more recent Spanish Colonial culture, architecture, and cuisine.

New Mexico is also a land of counterpoints. It was never a part of Mexico—it was initially called New Spain. The fifth-largest state in the union’s population is just 2.2 million. And perhaps most importantly, there are still very affordable and enticing towns and cities for retirees to investigate.

Charles Lehman is a manager for Retire New Mexico, the state organization responsible for sharing the ethereal allure of the ‘Land of Enchantment,’ the state’s moniker.

“We started a national campaign over the last four years to enhance the visibility of New Mexico with seniors or work-at-home couples looking for an affordable relocation,” says Lehman.

“The weather is great, not too hot or cold, with low humidity and 300 days of sunshine. The cost of living stands 12% lower than the national average. There are towns and cities from north to south in New Mexico where the median price for a fine home sits under $300,000. Even in Sante Fe and Taos, the median price is $590,000, not a lot if you sold your house for $750,000.”

Another counterpoint in New Mexico is that there is not yet the preponderance of traditional active adult communities … although there are several near Albuquerque including Jubilee at Los Lunas, an active 55+ master-planned community. Residents there enjoy hiking with spectacular views from the neighboring mountain, El Cerro.

More good news, just this year New Mexico eliminated taxes on social security benefits for couples with less than $150,000 in annual income. The state also reduced the taxes on military retirement income.

Now for some fun this fall. Arguably the most photographed event in the world is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held this year from October 1-9 and celebrating its 50th anniversary. New Mexico has countless other smaller balloon festivals all over the state.

Your inner adventurer will want to explore the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the 4,000-foot breadth of the Big Room, the largest chamber in North America. Then, visit the stunning gypsum crystal dunes that utterly glisten under the signature New Mexico blue sky at White Sands National Park.

New Mexico’s uncommon light, although truly mystical, really comes from the short blue and longer red wavelengths of light variously scattering as they travel through the state’s clear, crisp atmosphere, creating cobalt daytime skies and works of art in the firmament at sunset.

As for the landscape hues, Ms. O’Keefe describes that as "All of the earth colors of the painter’s palette are out there in the many miles …”

For more information on New Mexico, be sure to check out www.visitRetirenewmexico.org.

From north to south, New Mexico has varied and affordable towns. Here are a few options…

Farmington is at the top of the state, tucked in the four corners region, with six national parks, three rivers, five lakes, and lots of golf nearby.

Median home cost: $274,000

Albuquerque, the business, financial and medical center for New Mexico, is close to the middle of the state. It has several 55+ communities.

Average home cost: $310,000

In the south is Las Cruces, awash in old Hispanic culture, and offering a major university and great year-round weather.

Median home cost: $285,000

The weather is great, not too hot or cold, with low humidity and 300 days of sunshine.

Jubilee Los Lunas

Retirees are in the Driver's Seat

As America’s wealthiest generation revs up for retirement, it is well-equipped to navigate a housing market that is rife with hazards

by Robert Dagley

Nicknamed for the boom in births after WWII, baby boomers may be better known today for the incredible boom in wealth they represent. Able to capitalize on low interest rates, a stock market that has grown exponentially during their earning years, moderately priced homes that have skyrocketed in value, and the ability to sock away savings during non-inflationary times, boomers have amassed over 50% of the American wealth. For boomers, the American dream is still alive, and they are in the driver’s seat as they enter retirement. When it comes to finding their dream retirement home, there seems no better time to step on the gas.

How did we get here?

Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that skyrocketing home prices generated extraordinary wealth for homeowners during the pandemic-induced rush on housing. Six trillion dollars in equity in just the past two years! That’s good news for boomers, who were the generation that benefited most from the sharp climb in home values. Especially since no one sees the price of homes going down, despite rising interest rates and a housing market that is showing signs of slowing. Whatever equity boomers have built up in their homes is here to stay.

According to Norada Real Estate Investments, the U.S. housing market “remains as hot as ever for homebuyers, with new records set for home-selling speeds and price increases.” When supply and demand aren’t in tune with each other, finding the house of your dreams is becoming harder to do. The good news is that if you’ve got the money, your chances are better than most.

This is not 2008 all over again

The market experts, realtors, and developers we’ve spoken to all agree that we are not in a housing bubble — at least not like what we faced in 2008. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported that “based on present evidence, there is no expectation that fallout from a housing correction would be comparable to the 2007–09 global financial crisis in terms of magnitude or macroeconomic gravity.

Among other things, household balance sheets appear in better shape, and excessive borrowing doesn’t appear to be fueling the housing market boom.”

A June 2022 Realtor.com report said the housing market is already recovering from the wild swings it absorbed during the pandemic. Real estate listings are rising, though they have a long way to go to reach pre-pandemic levels. While median home prices hit another record high, the sheer number of new homes should give buyers some leverage they haven’t had recently.

Where experts think interest rates are headed

One thing most experts agree on is that 30-year fixed mortgage rates could steadily inch up to 7% by the end of 2022. “High inflation and rates above 5% are both headwinds for the housing market in the coming months,” said Joel Kan of the Mortgage Bankers in a Forbes report. Chief economist of the National Association of Realtors Lawrence Yun added, “Mortgage rates bouncing along near 6% is certain for the remainder of the year. They could go up even close to 7%, especially if oil and gas supply further lags behind.”

As for 2023, Melissa Cohn, regional vice president at William Revis Mortgage, told Money.com that rates could rise to 8% if the Federal Reserve doesn’t rein in inflation. If that happens, she said, “the economy will certainly cool off [and] rates will come back down to affordable levels.”

Does the cash buyer still reign supreme?

Cash is still king, according to a Redfin report that found all-cash buyers are four times more likely to win the bidding wars that have become commonplace. An ATTOM report found that all-cash sales accounted for over 34% of all single-family home sales in the first quarter of 2022. “Interest rates will have a minimal effect on retirees,” said Jerry Helms, president of Brunswick Forest Realty. Randy M. Griffin, director of development at Cobble Creek in Colorado, said, “The bulk of our buyers are cash buyers. Most haven’t had a ‘real’ loan.” And Michael Asnip, COO at Seabrook Island Real Estate, reported, “The cash buyer has been a huge factor the last two years, accounting for over 50% of our home sales.”

They’re still following the sun

The tens of millions of baby boomers (especially those in the Northeast) entering their retirement years are still overwhelmingly heading to the Sunbelt. As much as they’re moving toward warmer climates and amenity-filled communities, they’re escaping from high taxes, congestion, crime, and even political climates. “They don’t want to be the last person to leave,” said Pete Howlett of Orlando Realty Solutions, which is still seeing an influx of boomers from the Northeast into central Florida. The same holds true in the Carolinas and Tennessee.

At Cobble Creek in Colorado, they are getting a lot of interest from both the East and West Coasts as retirees search for

lower-density communities and the opportunity to get better value for their money. California has particularly come into play as taxes, home values, and crime have soared in recent years. Those California boomers are also making their way across the country to Florida.

Boomers have been here before

Those who bought a home in the early 80s remember when interest rates rose over 16%. Boomers were there when the real estate bubble burst in 2008. And along the way, they’ve experienced the ups and downs of the stock market. A Boomer herself, Diana M. Peters, president of Woodside Development, said “We’ve seen rates that were significantly higher; we remember those days. Home prices weren’t lower. Boomers have a long memory, but they are somewhat insulated because their investments over the last 10 years have done well. With their experience over the last 30-40 years and where they are today, they’ll be largely insulated.”

It’s still a seller’s market in central Florida

The real estate market continues to be red hot in central Florida, but there may be some breathing room for buyers in the months ahead. Boomers, however, shouldn’t expect to find bargains. A mid-year report by the Orlando Regional Realtors Association shows the region is continuing to break records, with median home prices hitting record highs. But even as interest rates continue to rise, there are more properties on the market, said Howlett, whose company represents 22 communities in the central Florida market. “Sellers are having a sense of urgency to put their homes on the market as interest rates rise higher. Buyers are seeing more opportunity, and it’s making people come to a decision. That’s a good thing.”

In Kissimmee’s 55+ gated community, Solivita, there’s still a wide assortment of homes available, ranging from $275,000$699,000. This vibrant community will eventually hold 5,000 homes, but already has enough residents to support over 250

The Shades of Carolina Colours Suit You Perfectly

The blues of abundant waters flowing throughout this coastal region of North Carolina. The greens of our Bill Love-designed championship golf course. The many hues of life in a celebrated planned community, situated in New Bern, a town that is at once historical and modern.

It’s a picture perfect lifestyle, spent among friendly neighbors and fun-filled activities, including swimming, tennis, pickleball, a dog park and miles of walking and biking trails. And the convenience is further enhanced with a retail center at the community’s entrance. If you’re searching for a retirement community that celebrates the art of living, these are definitely your Colours. Inquire about our Discovery Package and come visit Carolina Colours for yourself.

clubs. New builds are still available, but they are in the last stages. For those who have their hearts set on building, expect it to take 9-10 months from start to finish. Supply issues are still causing delays, but it’s getting better, said Howlett.

Time is of the essence in Charleston, SC

In Charleston, SC, which Travel+Leisure ranked as one of the 25 Best Cities in the World, real estate is in a bit of a slowdown due to fewer properties coming to market. Not true for Seabrook Island, a private oceanfront community just outside the historic city. “May 2022 was our best month in the last 40 years,” reported Michael Asnip of Seabrook Island Real Estate. While the average number of days on the market remains less than a month, inventory is growing to meet the demand. In addition to resale properties, there are close to 60 new home projects in the community this year.

Buyers can choose from one of the homesites still available and build on their own, or take advantage of Seabrook Island Real Estate’s New Home Collection program, choosing from pre-approved plans with the architect, builder, and landscape team built-in. “More and more people want a luxury home, without the extra time, money, and hassle typically associated with building on your own,” Asnip explains. In the New Home Collection, buyers can purchase a homesite and then the plan + build separately, or an all-in-one package.

As you’ll find almost everywhere, prices have climbed, and buyers are bidding over asking price. “Even with portfolios down and prices up, people are tired of putting their lives on hold. They are ready to start making memories today.”

Seabrook Island | Johns Island, SC

Citrus Hills | Citrus Hills, FL

It’s no wonder people love living in coastal Delaware, where any day can be a beach day. From the family-friendly beaches of Cape Henlopen State Park to Fenwick Island, you’ll find plenty of sandy beaches for family fun in the sun. With our miles of coastline, gorgeous scenery, quaint beach towns, award-winning restaurants and low-tax living, loving where you live is easy in coastal Delaware!

Cautious optimism prevails in eastern North Carolina

Even though the inventory of available lots to build on and spec homes is at an all-time low, Brunswick Forest Realty’s Helms sees the glass as half full. “We are still optimistic, and we are producing property and investing in ourselves,” he said. “The phone is ringing. People are coming to our door.” At Brunswick Forest in Wilmington, NC, the demand continues to be strong even with higher interest rates. Helms says, “At Brunswick Forest, we see retirees buy homes with cash from the sale of their existing home or they are getting a 50% loan. So, with rising interest rates, it may just mean that homebuyers obtain less than 50% from loans. We are also seeing that the more cash you put in, it will mitigate higher interest rates. Unfortunately, it’s the younger buyers that are getting edged out of the market now because they may not have the equity, and the increasing interest rates affect them more.”

“We are seeing that builders are not as willing to pre-sell spec homes due to the volatility in the supply chain. Homebuyers have the option of purchasing completed homes or building a custom home. Most builders within Brunswick Forest are delivering homes within 10 to 12 months.”

“Since Covid, boomers are willing to pay more to get out of high traffic areas,” said Helms. “Taxes, weather, traffic, and crime are all factors. They want to be safe, have more elbow room, and want to achieve the lifestyle.”

There’s still opportunity in the South Carolina Lowcountry

In the early 1980s, when Callawassie Island broke onto the South Carolina real estate scene, the private community was considered remote from popular Hilton Head Island. Now, with the sprawling growth that the region has experienced, Callawassie finds itself right in the thick of things. Their timing couldn’t have been better. “We’re going through a renaissance,” said Joe Kearney, managing partner at Coastal Real Estate Solutions II at Callawassie Island. “We’re now the place to be.”

That lag in recognition positioned them perfectly for today’s tight market. “When things gained momentum, we had homesites available,” said Kearney. “If someone is looking for the quintessential Lowcountry feel, we have homesites, new homes, and resales available.” Homebuyers should expect to pay more, though, as prices have soared, especially in coveted coastal locations. A year ago, homes at Callawassie were priced in the low $400,000s; this summer they were in the high $700,000s. Even so, there were 36 homes under construction during the summer of 2022. “Last year, we didn’t even have open houses; they sold too fast,” said Kearney. “Now the listings are coming.”

Cobble Creek on Colorado's Western Slpoe

Some boomers think the current real estate market is a bubble and if they wait a while, prices will go down. However, they might miss the market.

With a first-class experience right outside your door, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and panoramic water views, e Peninsula offers some of the best in Coastal Delaware.

The Peninsula is centered around an 18-hole par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course; complete with a driving range, practice facility, award-winning pro shop and golf pros who can help you better your game. In addition to the golf course, the Peninsula features a clubhouse with on-site fine dining, a wine room, banquet space, wood burning pizza oven, billiard room, locker rooms, and an interactive HD golf simulator. The Peninsula is also home to a variety of pools that are located at the Lakeside Village, including an indoor pool and hot tub, an adult only outdoor pool and hot tub, and a signature wave pool with designated splash zone and sandy beach lounge area. Inside the Lakeside Village, there is a state-of-the-art athletic club, aerobics room, activities room, and a full service spa with massage rooms, sauna and locker rooms. The Lakeside Village also has boccie ball, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball courts, and tennis/pickleball courts.

Peninsula-Delaware.com | (866) 736-3352

Colorado is still experiencing a Rocky Mountain real estate high

Colorado’s western slope region accounts for 38% of Colorado’s land, but only 10% of the state’s population. Though demand is high for this desirable location, the area is not overbuilt. For boomers who like wide-open spaces, this is a dream destination. “The demand still feels pretty strong in the Denver market,” said Griffin of Cobble Creek, located at the base of the San Juan Mountains. “We haven’t seen any slowdown. Of the six houses we had on the market, five sold.”

With few buildable homesites left in Cobble Creek, the community is developing new ones in Spruce Point in Cobble Creek to help satisfy demand. As of now, buyers can expect new home construction to take seven months from the start of excavation. “I used to say I could set my watch for 5-1/2 months. Now I can set it for seven,” said Griffin. They’ve found that supply chain issues have become predictable, allowing builders to plan for them. As for the future, Griffin said boomers tend to think the current real

estate market is a bubble. If they wait a while, prices will go down. “I don’t see that happening here,” he said. “They’re going to miss the market.”

Strong traffic and sales continue in western South Carolina

When you offer small-town charm with big-city sophistication, as they do at Woodside in Aiken, SC, it’s no wonder that inventory is low and the significant cost increases of the past few years haven’t impeded buyers. “We haven’t seen a lot of negative impact for our clients from a cost perspective,” said Peters. “While prices seem to have somewhat leveled out, I don’t think we’re really going to see home prices come down. In 2008, prices came down because of an influx of houses. That’s not what’s going on today.”

"Boomers have seen rates significantly higher,” said Peters. “We remember those days. What remains to be seen is what will happen with the houses [boomers] are selling. But if you do the math, for some demographics it is worth it to get what you want.” What

they want might just be tougher to find. Two years ago, Woodside had 150 resale homes on the market. Today it has fewer than 10.

Making room for retirees in the Volunteer State

With no state income, property, or pension tax and four mild seasons, Tennessee is an ideal place to retire. The low cost of living has people saying, “I actually got a raise by moving here,” said Zach Ledbetter, director of Outreach & Engagement at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. But with low inventory and lots of cash offers above market price, homes aren’t staying on the market long.

Not to worry, though, for those looking to move to the Volunteer State. Retire Tennessee, a statewide program, has identified rural and urban communities across the state that provide the resources and amenities (think shopping, dining, and medical) to support retirees. Each of the communities must be within an hour’s drive of the state’s bigger cities and, most importantly, have available hous-

ing inventory. You can check out the 15 communities participating in the program (and compare the cost of living to your community) at www.tnvacation.com/retire-tennessee.

Boomer, it’s time to make your move

While there is still uncertainty in the market, no one is better equipped to handle rising home prices and interest rates than boomers. You can play the waiting game or dive in now. “It’s time to make a decision,” said Pete Howlett. “Come on a buying trip. Put your house on the market, and let the forward momentum begin.” Jerry Helms advised, “Don’t wait. If your time horizon is three to five years, don’t wait until the tail end. Get involved earlier. The longer you wait, the more stressed you will be.” And Randy Griffin said, “Pick your spot. Do your homework. The longer you wait, the more it’s going to cost. Don’t let sticker shock prevent you from buying the home you want.”

All great advice and perhaps the push boomers need to start living their best life.

FLORIDA

DISCOVERY TRAVEL

ideal-LIVING invites you to get out and explore communities to find your ideal destination. You won’t know until you go. Here’s a sampling of Discovery Travel opportunities with over 100 more that can only be found online.

available only on .com/ventureout

SOUTHERN SPRINGS BY DEL WEBB — TN

Southern Springs is located minutes from the big city life of Nashville and the beautiful countryside of central Tennessee with hiking, fishing, golfing, wineries, and so much more to explore. Living just south of Nashville, you’re able to enjoy the Frist Museum of the Arts, Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry Music House, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a concert at Bridgestone arena, or even cheer on the Nashville Predators or Tennessee Titans.

LAKE ARROWHEAD — GA

Lake Arrowhead sits on a 540-acre lake surrounded by mountains, pristine wilderness, and championship golf. Enjoy resort-style living that includes a 24-hour manned, guarded entry, a two-story marina pavilion, sports courts with basketball, fishing pier, 14+ miles of hiking trails, swimming pools, pickleball, tennis, boat slips, and dry storage to name a few. Lake Arrowhead is that we are in close proximity to the state-of-the-art Northside Cherokee Hospital and has easy access to the interstates, fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. The county taxes are the lowest in the state for residents 62 and older.

You won’t know until you go!

SERENITY BEACH RESORT — BAHAMAS

Serenity Beach Resort is located 30 minutes south of Marsh Harbour, Abaco in the Bahamas. This master-planned luxury resort and residential community features private residences, luxury boutique hotels, multiple restaurants, and bars across 120 pristine acres. With almost 3,000 ft of beach frontage on a sugar-white sand bay that is two miles long, all of your activities are hosted by the guides and Serenity Beach team include bonefishing, sailing, island hopping, sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with nurse sharks, and nature hikes.

RANCHES AT BELT CREEK — MT

The Ranches at Belt Creek preserves and celebrates a uniquely American way of life. Set among the rolling plains and majestic mountains of Montana, the Big Sky Country will satisfy your every desire for adventure and serenity. Imagine encompassing a luxury mountain lodge, the nostalgia of a working ranch, the peacefulness of casting a line down the creek, and the thrill of world-class skiing all in one. If you seek liberation from ordinary life, treasure your family and legacy, and want to be immersed in nature’s beauty, this luxury ranch resort awaits.

RUMBLING BALD ON LAKE LURE — NC

Dramatic bluffs and thick forests surround the idyllic Lake Lure, tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Although Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is only about an hour from both Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC, with 3,000+ acres of property, it’s easy to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness. Explore the 720-acre lake via kayak, canoe, or your personal boat. Spend the day on one of the two championship golf courses, or enjoy family time at the community pool (with lazy river) or the private white sand beach.

OLDFIELD — SC

Incredible home designs and luxury amenities are set amongst a backdrop of natural Lowcountry beauty in Bluffton, SC. Play 18 holes of golf on the private Greg Norman golf course or challenge a friend to a tennis match. Take a riding lesson at the equestrian center or a fitness class at the sports club, rent a kayak at the Outfitters Center to head out on the Okatie River, or make a reservation for dinner at one of the on-site restaurants. There is truly something for everyone at Oldfield.

To find more than 100 Discovery Travel opportunities, visit ideal-LIVING.com/ventureout

WELCOME TO A NEW KIND OF HOMETOWN

Live in a place where you can walk to work, the coffee shop, and even the doctor’s office. Where parks and trails keep you connected to the land, and community-wide WiFi keeps you in tune with the world.

What is a new kind of Hometown? It’s innovation, technology and sustainability creating a life only imagined before, now being enjoyed to the fullest.

DIRECTIONS FROM 1-75: Take Exit 143 for FL-78E

Head East on FL-78 E/Bayshore Rd. - 3.3 miles

Turn left onto Babcock Ranch Rd. - 4.5 miles

Find Your Ideal... HOME

What will your ideal home look like? Will it all be on one level with an open floorplan and a large cook's kitchen? Will you have a spa-like bathroom or maybe an outdoor shower? Whether you find an existing home or design a custom home, the possibilities are endless.

Brunswick Forest | Wilmington, NC

Home Styles That Fit Your Life

Reaching the next stage of your life and choosing your ideal planned amenity community means asking yourself tough questions. What type of community do you prefer? Where is your ideal location? What amenities are you hoping to find? Among these questions, you should also ask yourself: what style of home you would be happy living in?

Architectural design involves more than pure aesthetics. The right home can elevate important values, like easily accessing nature or hosting family and friends. For example, homebuyers in 2022 are looking for additional outdoor space and patios more than ever before, as open spaces have become increasingly important in our day-to-day lives.

Architectural design can also spark a renewed sense of adventure and offer you a new way to move through life. Imagine moving from a ranch-style home into a Mediterranean design. Would the sunlit rooms of your new villa-inspired home inspire a love of

By Cecilia Beard

leisure? Or, would you be better suited to live in an easy, no-fuss cottage? Architectural design can also simplify your life by doing away with fuss and frills, like one too many staircases.

While there are countless design styles — and even more variations of these established styles — all planned amenity communities follow strict architectural standards. Most of today’s planned community homes, in line with current homebuyers’ preferences, feature open floor plans, large kitchens, and plenty of outdoor living space. With these house fundamentals checked off your list, focus on choosing an architectural style in line with the life you hope to lead.

Let’s explore the top 12 architectural styles found in planned communities so you can find your perfect home, inside and out.

Fairfield Glade, TN

Cozy Cottages

Cottage-style homes are known for their cozy, comfortable atmosphere and are among the most popular designs in developments throughout the United States. These easy-to-manage abodes sit around 1,700 square feet and prioritize simplicity with just one to one and a half floors. Popularized during the Arts and Craft movement in England, cottage designs pay close attention to craftsmanship and detail, boasting intricate archways, large windows, and often a small covered porch. Though not as rustic as Farmhouse-style homes, cottages have a certain pastoral feel. However, this style does have a fair amount of variation, ranging from vintage to Victorian to Southern, each with its own flair.

Cottage-style houses are the ideal home for those looking for a no-fuss option. These homes’ open floor plans offer an inviting atmosphere with an easy transition between kitchen, dining, and living rooms with bedrooms off these main living areas. So, whether you’re hosting a neighborly dinner party or snuggled into the couch with your latest read, the space offers the flexibility to do as you please.

Cottages have a fair amount of variation, ranging from vintage to Victorian to Southern, each with its own flair.

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark

Timeless Craftsman

One of the most enduring architectural styles is the Craftsman. As the name suggests, these homes emphasize build quality and attention to detail. Also originating during the Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman homes are easily recognized by their stout columns, overextended roofs, covered porch, and squat build. In addition, they’re known for their harmony with the natural surroundings, opting for stone, brick, and wood materials inside and outside the home.

Like cottages, Craftsman homes are great for homebuyers looking for a conservatively sized space, but they can be quite large. These designs can be one to two stories tall. They underscore a warm, artisan feel with their use of natural materials and homey wood features. In a Craftsman, you can easily host family dinners in your spacious dining room, curl up with a good book in the den, or relax on the front porch overlooking a warm summer evening.

Farmhouse Chic

Rustic charm abounds! Farmhouse-style houses are known for their minimalism, gable roof, and large, wrap-around porches. You can absolutely plant a little garden and eat a lot of peaches while living in these homes. If you’re looking for a blank canvas, a Farmhouse-style home’s simplicity is your perfect match. The open floor plan and streamlined interior make it easy to add a personal touch. This architectural design puts functionality above all else.

Inside, farmhouse homes typically feature more rustic elements, like exposed wood beams and neutral hues. Natural light enthusiasts will also be pleased with these homes’ many large vertical windows. Farmhouse-style houses open with a foyer and lead into spacious living rooms and kitchens. Depending on the number of floors (one and one-half to two), bedrooms either nestle beside these common spaces or sit on the top floor of the house.

Legacy Homes by Bill Clark

Red Ledges | Heber City, UT

LIFE REFRESHES AT 55. ARE you OLD ENOUGH?

You need a certain amount of life experience to truly appreciate Birchwood at Brambleton. But that doesn’t mean you’re slowing down—you’re just getting started!

Birchwood is a walkable community—to open spaces, daily activities, a lifestyle full of inspiration, and our fabulous amenities, including:

exceptional

LOCATION

In the heart of Loudoun County with easy access to primary commuter routes, Dulles International Airport, the Nation’s Capital, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and endless outdoor adventure.

low-maintenance, NEVER-BEFORE-BUILT HOMES BY:

Van Metre Homes–Condos from the Low $500s; Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Knutson Homes–Condos from the Upper $400s through the $600s

Miller & Smith –Courtyards, Towns & Single-Family Homes Coming Soon

Tri Pointe Homes–Condos Coming Soon

BirchwoodBrambletonVA.com

Information Center: Open Daily from 11am–5pm

Builders’ Models: Open by Appointment Only 42840 Beaver Crossing Square Brambleton, VA 20148 703.722.2427

Mediterranean Getaway

Homebuyers seeking a uniquely European feel and sumptuous aesthetics should consider Mediterranean-style homes. Drawing inspiration from the seaside villas found throughout Spain, France, and Italy, this design prizes symmetry and indoor-outdoor living, or the harmony between your home and its environment. For those always pining for the outdoors, these multi-functional homes make it possible to live with the natural world right at your fingertips. So, expect to lounge leisurely on a sun-soaked couch while living in your Mediterranean-style house.

Mediterranean-style homes feature tiled roofs, often red or brown tiles, and brick or painted stucco exteriors. They’re also usually white or cream. Because living amid nature is such a key element of these homes, they’re best suited for warmer climates like Florida and California. However, keep in mind that these homes can be challenging to keep warm during the colder months, with their tall ceilings and many windows.

Shingle Style by the Seaside

Shingle-style homes are best for those wanting a rustic ambiance but with Northeastern coastal flair. These homes have a weather-worn feel, reflecting their seaside origins. When the shingle-style home became popular, fishermen and their families were their most common occupants. This architectural design gets its name from the thick wood siding shingles, which can also be used for roofing.

The shingle-style home is, in many ways, defined by its variation. Intricate archways, gabled roofs, asymmetry, oh my! No two shingle-style houses are exactly alike. Many variations in window size and style are typical, ranging from bay to round to arched—giving, these homes an eccentric charm. As this design has become popular for vacation homes, wide porches have also appeared. Inside, shingle-style homes have open yet nontraditional layouts, often straying from centralized living and dining rooms.

Colonial Grandeur

Colonials are easily recognized by their rectangular exterior with squareshaped windows, lending themselves to grandeur and stateliness. Compared to other design styles, these homes are mainly built from brick. Walking through their signature round entrance columns, you can easily conjure up visions the esteemed dinner parties hosted within their walls during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Keeping with tradition, colonials are the ideal match for homebuyers looking to entertain, boasting formal great, living, and dining rooms. In addition, colonial designs often are two to three stories tall, meaning stairs are not in short supply.

Plantation Bay | Ormond Beach, FL

Bay Creek | Cape Charles, VA

Make the dream of resort-style living a reality

Lowcountry Livin’

Popularized in the coastal South, specifically South Carolina and Georgia, Lowcountry-style homes have evolved alongside their distinctive landscape. Lowcountry homes feature tall ceilings, doublesash windows, and open concept interiors to adapt to the hot, humid climate of the coastal plains. So when you think of Lowcountry homes, think of functionality blended seamlessly with Southern charm. Lowcountry homes are a splendid marriage of simplicity and homespun style. This style has a wider layout than other rustic homes, like Farmhouse and French country designs. Their overextended eaves enclose wide, shaded porches, perfectly suited for a rocking chair and a glass of iced tea. However, Lowcountry houses closer to the beach are often elevated to protect from coastal storms, with built-in space for cars and storage. Upon entry, expect to find double-hung windows and large, open entertaining spaces.

French Country Sensibilities

The French country-style home impeccably blends European sensibility with rural charm. Like farmhouse designs, French country houses prioritize a downto-earth style of living, with a thoughtful focus on natural light. These elegant chateaus often use cobbled stone walls, archways, and warm color palettes, reminiscent of their origins in Provence, France. And who could forget the beauty of French doors, of which these homes have an abundance?

Upon entering, homebuyers can expect weathered wood-beam ceilings and other natural materials, giving the house a romantic, lived-in feel. While less widespread in planned amenity communities, French country homes can offer you a leisurely trip abroad without ever leaving your living room.

Modern Eccentricity

Modern-style homes turn tradition on its head. Rather than using wood or brick for its exteriors, this design style opts for highly contrasting materials like glass and concrete. With their straight, angular lines, these homes are what you picture when imagining a tech mogul’s home. Many also feature tasteful asymmetry in their designs.

Modern styles flat roofs complement large, wall-to-wall windows, letting swaths of natural light pour in. Inside, these homes take open concepts to a whole new level. Kitchen, living room, dining room, den — these rooms can be swapped, blended, and entirely restructured in a modern-style house.

WindRiver | Lenoir City, TN

Babcock Ranch | Babcock Ranch, FL

Waterways | Richmond Hill, GA

Laidback Ranch

Ranches are the laid-back, low-pressure homebuyer’s dream. These understated houses are usually one-story with a lowpitched roof and wide, fixed windows. With only one floor, ranch-style homes favor rectangular builds, often with an attached garage or patio. If you’re averse to stairs and want more square footage for your living room or den, the ranch is for you.

The ranch-style is an excellent choice for homebuyers with families. These houses can alleviate worries about falls and are safer both for children and aging adults.

Pueblo

Another Southwest-specific home, Pueblos are nearly impossible to confuse with other architectural styles because of their unique adobe exteriors, which give them their signature red color, and rounded shape. However, more modern renditions of Pueblo designs opt for stucco and cement rather than adobe. Originating from Anasazi cliff dwellings, this design style features a flat roof with curved edges, square windows, and heavy wooden accents.

You’ll also find wooden rafters and nature-made fixtures throughout the interior.

Spanish Flair

While similar to Mediterranean designs in many ways, Spanish-style homes lean a bit more into ease and simplicity. These homes feature stucco walls, archways, and terracotta roofs, but they add their own Spanish flair by adorning balconies with wrought iron railings.

Spanish-style homes are typically only found in the South and the Southwest, like New Mexico and Florida. These houses are built to promote cool air with tall ceilings and many, many windows.

The Florida Ranch

Retirees have been moving to Florida for decades, seeking a warmer climate and better quality of life, and K. Hovnanian Homes have answered that call with its 55+ active adult communities. Ken Garrett, a new home sales consultant for their Four Seasons at Orlando, narrows it down to what retirees are looking for in their communities.

"We have two products that sell well. One is 2,000 sq. Ft. is a one-story home with a front loading garage with an open floor plan. It flows very well with no wasted space. The high ceilings and natural light make it live large. The other home is a villa product that is 1583 sq ft with two bedrooms, two baths, plus a home office. The villas are maintenance-free, and the HOA takes care of everything. It's perfect for a second home."

The Florida Ranch's box design is usually constructed of concrete block finished with stucco and has architectural shingles. The building code for inland homes requires them to withstand a Category 3 hurricane.

"Outdoor living spaces do not come standard, but we have a lot of requests for outdoor kitchens and pools. We customize it for what they are looking for. Sometimes it's a hot tub with a large deck for entertaining. Though it changes daily, if someone came in today needing a home within 60 days or 90 days, we could accommodate them. The market is starting to settle down. We have inventory homes and homesite packages. If someone wants a home with a custom-designed outdoor space, it will have to be on a homesite."

Citrus Hills | Citrus Hills, FL

K. Hovananian's Four Seasons at Orlando

K. Hovananian's Four Seasons at Orlando

Julibee | Los Lunas, NM

Desirable 55+ Living Communities in Pennsylvania

YOUR NEW LIFE STARTS HERE.

Dreaming about a home designed just for you, with all the right spaces and details? When you’re planning your forever home, it should include all the features that make it uniquely yours, in a location that just feels like home.

At Landmark Homes, we’ll make sure your home reflects your life and your style. Our 55+ communities, in scenic countryside settings, offer relaxed, low-maintenance living, with bountiful opportunities to explore, connect with others, and stay involved.

CORTLAND PARK - Cumberland County, PA

• Resort-style community with private clubhouse

• Single family and townhomes from the $400’s

HOME TOWNE SQUARE - Lancaster County, PA

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

• Arts and Crafts style homes from the $400’s

SWEETBRIAR - Lebanon County, PA

• Community clubhouse with outdoor pool

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $300’s

WINDING CREEK - Lebanon County, PA

• Clubhouse with outdoor pool and tennis court

• 1 and 2-Story homes from the $400’s

Discover

The Cottage Nestled in the Woods

by Kelly Godbey |

Photographed by Edward C Robinson III

The Eastern Shore of Virginia just got a little cozier. Bay Creek in Cape Charles, VA, has experienced phenomenal growth since the pandemic, from large homes being constructed on the Chesapeake Bay to cottages. Since cottages seem to be a favorite home design in many master-planned communities on the East Coast, Ideal-LIVING is pleased to showcase this cottage nestled in the woods of Bay Creek.

“It is so great to be in the woods; it’s so peaceful. The dappled light through the trees is amazing. It’s a home built with love. It is truly a home full of love from the designer to the builder to the contractors. It just makes you happy to be in this house,” says homeowner Linda Buskey.

Renowned home designer and president of Our Town Plans, Suzanne Stern originally designed this cottage for her own personal home. Since then, many others have chosen this plan based on its livability and timeless beauty. Stern designs and sells home plans around the country that can be modified to suit the homeowner’s needs. She says, ”It’s a different vernacular in the Southeast, with big porches and enjoyment of outdoor spaces. The porches are so inviting in communities like Bay Creek, where people are out in the neighborhood enjoying their neighbors. I like when people make my designs their own; it always makes me happy to see what people do with their homes based on my original design. However, it has been really special this

time because Linda has been so gracious about sharing all of the details, keeping me updated, and inviting me to see it.”

This venture was a fun project from the start. Buskey had chosen the cottage design and had pictures to share her vision with the builder and contractors. Mary-Dolph Simpson of Simpson builders said, “This design is classic. I’ve been custom building for 27 years, and this design by Suzanne Stern is probably the house that I have received the most calls or comments on.”

Located on a culdesac that backs to a nature preserve, this home was pushed back as far as possible as Linda said it should be nestled in the trees. Simpson says, “Linda loves landscaping, and this takes advantage of the natural setting. It’s very peaceful. You can get out of your car and just exhale. The home is very traditional. We wanted it to look like a historic Eastern Shore home. It’s perfect for her lifestyle that is filled with entertaining.”

On the exterior, they chose a detached garage with a clam shell driveway bordered with cobblestone and copper lanterns. Simpson says, “The house speaks for itself without anything in it. It has Linda’s personality. The kitchen and gathering room is one big open room with lots of glass that brings in the trees and forest. It really feels like you are in the woods. The whole main living area encompasses that backyard in the woods.”

It just makes you happy to be in this house.”

At 2,800 square feet, the home feels even larger with 10-foot ceilings, cased doors with transoms, and detailed crown molding. It has plenty of storage, including a walk-in attic. Simpson said, “Linda wanted it to look timeless. We found a brick that looked old for the fireplace. We are fortunate to have a custom cabinet maker that makes all of those cabinets. People often think custom cabinetry is more expensive, but it isn’t necessarily so.”

Buskey’s bedroom is secluded from the gathering room and kitchen, but all these rooms open onto the screened porch on the back. She even has a library and a gallery for her art collection. Upstairs is the perfect place to house her many guests, complete with an additional gathering room that will give all their privacy.

Stern encourages everyone to know what they are getting architecturally before committing to anything. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating how you live in your home and incorporating that into your home design. “Think about the size of rooms that you are currently living in, the relationship of rooms to each other, and how you plan to live in the new home—which rooms will you live in. For example, people downsizing might mainly live in their kitchen, living area, and bedroom, so you might want to keep those closer. Spend more time on the interior than what it looks like on the outside. People often don’t realize how important storage is. Think about whether you want a walk-in pantry or if you need a separate laundry room.” While Stern continues to design and present CAD drawings, she does use a company that can complete 3D renderings to get a feel for what you want. She says, “It’s like magic. You can see as much as you are willing to pay for.”

Stern beams, “I’m so happy for Linda, and it’s great to see so much construction in Bay Creek. It’s wonderful to see how vibrant the community has become.”

Simplify Without Sacrifice

The Woodlands of Urbana is an intimate 55+ community with private resort-style amenities located in beautiful Frederick County, Maryland and thoughtfully designed by the award-winning developer Natelli Communities.

Only steps away from Urbana’s Market District—and with easy access to I-270, 355, and the acclaimed shopping and dining of historic Downtown Frederick—The Woodlands of Urbana combines timeless design with luxurious details into an inspired oasis you’ll love calling home.

• Clubhouse with Outdoor Pool

• Fitness Center with Yoga Studio

• Pickleball & Bocce Ball Courts

• Putting Green

• Multiple Outdoor Fireplace Settings

• Walking Trails & Dog Park

• Lawn Care & Snow Removal Included

Innovation Way

The Next Generation of Homes at Babcock Ranch

by JG Walker

From the beginning, Babcock Ranch was designed to be a leader in creative community design, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy production. And since welcoming its first residents in 2018, this unique master-planned community near Fort Myers has become one of Florida’s most successful new hometowns.  But that wasn’t quite good enough for Syd Kitson, Chief Executive Officer of Kitson & Partners, the developer of Babcock Ranch. Starting in 2019, he convened a series of brainstorming sessions with local construction industry leaders. He challenged them to imagine how new homes could be better designed and efficiently function in a more sustainable future.

“Innovation Way represents a new era of the American home and the way we live.”

Pulte Homes

The result is Innovation Way, a living laboratory of cutting-edge home technology located in the Lake Timber neighborhood of Babcock Ranch. The groundbreaking initiative consists of seven showcase model homes by three of the nation’s leading builders—Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Pulte Homes. Those companies are usually competitors in the residential marketplace. Still, they have agreed to share their Innovation Way operational and testing data in order to determine which features and combinations are most effective and economically viable.

“Innovation Way represents a new era of the American home and the way we live,” says Tom Hoban, President and Chief Investment Officer of Kitson & Partners. “Since Babcock Ranch’s inception, we’ve vowed to create the most environmentally friendly and sustainable community possible. Innovation Way is the next step, an unprecedented opportunity for our builder partners to test new and emerging technology and construct smarter, healthier homes.”

Energy Savings On and Off the Grid

The fifth partner participating in the Innovation Way initiative is Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), which operates the 870-acre, 150-megawatt solar power production facilities and 10-megawatt storage system at Babcock Ranch. FPL will collect, evaluate, and compare energy-consumption data during the two-year testing phase for the seven Innovation Way homes, plus two “control homes” also located in the neighborhood.

All of the single-family residences will be connected to the Babcock Ranch/FPL renewable energy grid, but the Innovation Way homes will also be testing different configurations of in-house battery storage systems and smart-panel control technologies. The batteries are designed to provide electricity in the event of a power outage for up to 24 hours and possibly longer. The homes will also test the latest in electric-vehicle charging stations, while one home will experiment with a new Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck battery that can also feed

“Innovation Way is an unprecedented opportunity for our builder partners to test new and emerging technology and construct smarter, healthier homes.”

Pulte Homes

Pulte Homes

power back into the home for up to three days if necessary.  Everyday energy savings are anticipated with the installation of new small-duct indoor HVAC systems, as well as super-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures. The quality of innovative construction materials and techniques will also be evaluated, including new types of insulation and stucco, as well as outside walls made of poured concrete and foam panels.

Water Conservation Inside and Out

Reducing water usage and cost is another major goal with the Innovation Way homes, starting with whole-house “grey water” recycling systems. Fresh water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry washing will be triple filtered and conditioned as it enters the home, then the runoff from sinks and showers will be filtered again and directed to a 30-gallon storage tank in the garage. That reserve will be used to supply water for flushing toilets, resulting in anticipated cost and consumption savings from 20-30% per home.

Additional plumbing system innovations include prototype tankless water heaters, voice-controlled faucets, and showers to deliver water at the requested temperature and new leak detection and automatic shutoff systems. Outside the homes, allnative landscaping will reduce irrigation costs, as will permeable pavers on the driveways and sidewalks to increase homesite rain absorption.

Pulte Homes

Smarter and Healthier Homes

State-of-the-art Wi-Fi networks, Bluetoothenabled technologies, and enhanced home security systems will also be tested at Innovation Way, along with smartphone apps that will permit residents to monitor and adjust in-home operations even when they’re away. Lifestyle convenience extras include kitchens with non-porous, scratch-resistant countertops, plus built-in coffee makers, wine coolers, and video screens that can display cooking tutorials or favorite recipes. Interior design concepts reflecting contemporary demands include flexible home-office configurations with enhanced connectivity, designated spaces for art or music studios, and pocket gyms with the latest exercise equipment. New whole-home audio and video systems will be tested that can be voice- and app-controlled.

In addition, Innovation Way models feature the latest “healthy home” upgrades like zeroVOC antimicrobial coatings to inhibit mold growth, UV lighting in bathrooms to disinfect surfaces, and air purification and ionization systems to reduce potentially harmful atmospheric pollutants and pathogens like coronaviruses.

“Ideally, the data from our Innovation Way homes will validate our expectations—that these test homes are healthier and reduce energy and water use,” Hoban says. “We believe innovation is the driving force for affordable, sustainable homes. I applaud our builders and FPL for their spirit of collaboration and exploration in taking this next step with us.”

Babcock Ranch welcomes members of the public to inspect these futuristic homes at Innovation Way for themselves. The seven models are currently open for in-person viewing by appointment only. To schedule a self-guided tour, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch. For more information, go to BabcockRanch.com.

“We believe innovation is the driving force for affordable, sustainable homes.”

Lennar Pulte Homes

CASCADES AT EMBREY MILL

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 55 OR BETTER

With a carefree, low-maintenance lifestyle from acclaimed new home builders Miller & Smith and Drees Homes, combined with abundant amenities, our exclusive 55+ Active Adult section blossoms—and so will you when you call Cascades home.

AMENITIES

• Private Cascade Club featuring:

- Event kitchen

- Lounging area with fireplace

- Yoga room & weight room

- Meeting & Game rooms

- Sundeck with multiple outdoor grills

- 2 fire pits

- Oversized chess/checkers board

• 2 Pickleball courts

• Bocce ball courts

• 2 Community pools

• Miles of walking or biking trails

• Grounds Bistro & Café

What Does Sustainability Mean?

by Madison Swart

So, you’ve probably seen the word sustainability popping up everywhere: websites, advertisements, in campaign messaging. But, what does it actually mean? According to the UN Commission on Environment and Development, sustainability is defined as “meet[ing] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

When you put it like that, it’s easy to see why sustainability has become such a buzzword. Saving resources for our kids and grandkids seems like a no-brainer. But, you may be asking yourself, how do I incorporate that into my daily life?

So, here’s a little guide to minimizing your impact on the planet with tips that you can incorporate into your life.

Reuse

The first step is easy—reusing and repurposing what you already have. A quick Pinterest search can show you how to upcycle almost anything. A coat of paint or a new finish can modernize older pieces. And, fixing what you have already can save you money and keep items from ending up in the landfill.

Reduce

Fast fashion and fast furniture companies have been popularized in the past few decades because they capitalize on micro-trends. The pieces they sell are often cute but easily breakable and fall out of fashion fast. Therefore, they are often used for a short period of time before being thrown out. Finding pieces that are long-lasting and timeless can reduce the amount of money you spend in the long run as well as reduce your waste.

Buy Used

Let’s face it, things break, tastes change, and lifestyles evolve. We sometimes need or want new things. Shopping at vintage and antique stores can be incredibly fun and rewarding. You can have a piece that’s not only new to you, but unique as well. Charity shops are also definitely worth checking out for discount finds to brighten up your home or wardrobe while your money goes to worthy causes. Not to mention, online shopping has made it easier than ever to find what you are looking for without leaving your living room. And, sites like Ebay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and the Real Real make it possible to both resell items that you no longer use or find high-end items with lower price tags.

“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

UN Commission on Environment and Development

Shop Local and Independent

If you need something new, why not make it an experience. From farmers markets to craft fairs to bookstores, shopping locally helps those in your community and reduces your carbon footprint as importing goods can increase carbon emissions. Neighborhood shops and businesses often boast both incredible character and goods you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Verify Before You Buy

Third party verification is every sustainable shopper’s best friend. Though many companies claim to be making strides on the sustainability front efforts, they often talk the talk without walking the walk. To ensure that you are buying from companies that are curtailing their impacts, try looking for certifications such as BCorp, 1 Percent for the Planet, Energy Star, and Fair Trade. Companies that have these sorts of certifications are subject to monitoring to make sure that their products and processes meet certain standards. And, you may recognize some of the brands who have these statuses. Patagonia, for example, has fair trade certified products, is a certified BCorp, and is a member of 1 Percent for the Planet.

Build Smarter

If you are considering building a new home or even renovating, there are plenty of eco-friendly options on the market.

Cork and bamboo make low-impact flooring choices. Solar panels can bring down energy costs. Making the switch to energy- and water-saving appliances as well as energy-efficient bulbs can keep your energy bills down too. You can even get insulation made from old blue jeans now. On the more decorative side, you can use native plants in your landscaping, and adding antique pieces can really make your house feel like a home. Using water-based paints as opposed to oil-based paints can reduce air pollution within your home, plus they are much safer to manufacture.

Eating Greener

Believe it or not, there are tons of ways to reduce your impact by reexamining your kitchen. Food waste is a problem that can be combated through home composting. Local and organic groceries are often better for you and the environment. To be honest, they usually taste better too. As you may or may not have heard, the meat industry is actually one of the biggest polluters in the U.S. Now, I won't sit here and tell you that you can’t grill out or grab a chicken sandwich, but it is continuously getting easier to add meatless meals into your rotation with meat substitutes hitting the markets, vegan and vegetarian restaurants popping up, and an abundance of tasty meatless recipes at the swipe of your fingers.

If you are considering building a new home or even renovating, there are plenty of eco-friendly options on the market.

10 OUTDOOR LIVING IDEAS

No area of the home has evolved as much in recent years as the outdoor living space. The outdoors have become seamlessly integrated with the interior spaces and vice versa. From pools and water features to kitchens and televisions, here are a few ideas to help you plan your home before you build it.

Outdoor Kitchens

The most popular outdoor amenity is the kitchen. At a party, everyone ends up in the kitchen, and that’s why homes now include built-in refrigerators, food preparation areas, and dining areas under a covered porch.

Living Spaces

When you live in a warm climate, you can sit outside year-round. Whether in a screened porch, covered porch, or landscaped garden, comfortable seating areas expand your livable space. If you live in the South, include a ceiling fan or two.

Outdoor Fireplaces and Firepits

Wood-burning or gas, a contained backyard flame adds ambiance and a gathering spot or a place to roast s’mores on cool fall evenings.

Enjoy low-maintenance, single-level living in a community with close proximity to restaurants and shopping centers, tennis courts, and even an 18-hole golf course right next door.

Parklands at St. Charles offers single-family homes and villas for ages 55+ that include 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, 2-car garages and Lennar’s Everything’s Included Package®.

And to add to the uniqueness, Parklands has its own seasonal harvest field and apple orchard for farm-to-table goodness grown right in your neighborhood.

Less than 11 miles from Washington, DC’s Capital Beltway, you’ll have easy access to the nation’s capital and beyond! Live connected at St. Charles.

Experience

PRICED FROM

UPPER $400 s .

Neighborhood Amenities Include:

• Clubhouse

• Swimming Pool

• Pickleball Courts

• Fitness Center

• Miles of Paved Multi-Use Trails

• Seasonal Harvest Field and Apple Orchard

• Farmers Market

• Dog Park

• White Plains Regional Park Right Next Door

» 18-Hole Public Golf Course

» Lit Tennis Courts

» Ball Fields

» Soccer Fields

Lake Tansi Village

is located on the magnifi cent Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee. This retirement community is jam packed with a good balance of relaxing and exciting activities. Whether you prefer golfi ng, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the good life – it’s all here at Lake Tansi.

Landscaping

Don’t forget that green — potted plants soften any porch. Spotlights can highlight a nice tree or shrubbery. Planning your lighting and sound in advance will save you later.

Televisions

If you decide to have a living space, there are now waterproof televisions that allow you to watch the big game outside with your friends.

laketansihomes.com

info@laketansihomes.com

Outdoor Showers

If you’ve ever showered outdoors, you may not even need an indoor shower. Creating an outdoor oasis with pebble flooring and plants will make you feel like you are showering in the rainforest.

Footpaths

Stone or rock paths through your garden accentuate the landscaping.

Water Features

In Florida, most homes come equipped with a screened pool or hot tub area. Ponds with water fountains and koi are also a favorite.

Outdoor Bar

If you frequently entertain, stocking a bar with the essentials will keep your guest coming back for more.

Hanging Day Beds

For a very comfortable front porch atmosphere, a swing that doubles as a daybed with privacy curtains is very inviting.

a Big Kind of Small Town

How to Choose Your Ideal Place

REAL ES TATE SHOW

PRESENTATION

Plan to attend an ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show and take advantage of our most popular presentation “How to Choose Your Ideal Place.”

Presented by: Kelly Godbey, Ideal-LIVING Magazine, Editor-in-Chief

Learn a simple 3-Step process that has helped thousands of people nd their ideal place. Our process makes choosing the right place easy and fun.

Complimentary 2022 Relocation Guide included with presentation.

Considering relocation, retirement or a vacation home?

The ideal-LIVING Real Estate Show is the perfect place for you to explore your relocation, retirement and vacation options. In one convenient location you can compare your options by exploring a variety of community displays from tax-friendly states that also offer a lower cost of living.

Community Experts and Home Builders from states such as NC, SC, FL, DE, TN, GA and others will be present to talk with you personally and answer any questions you may have.

Bring a friend and join us at the show!

For more info or to RSVP: ideal-LIVING.com/shows