Discovering Your Perfect 55+ Community: A Journey from Cincinnati to Royal Highlands
Finding the perfect 55+ community can feel overwhelming with hundreds of options across Florida alone. But for John and Mary Long, their journey from Cincinnati to Royal Highlands in Lake County, Florida, offers valuable insights for anyone considering an active adult community. Their methodical approach, combined with expert guidance, led them to their dream retirement destination.
Starting the Search: From College Visits to Retirement Dreams
The Longs' journey began three years ago when John retired, coinciding with their daughter's college search. "She wanted to come South," Mary explains, "so we started traveling a lot and began initial discussions about where we would want to retire." When their daughter chose Florida State University, the 12.5-hour drives became opportunities to explore different parts of Florida.
Initially focusing on the Panhandle near their daughter's school, they gradually worked their way through different regions of Florida. Their priorities were clear: they wanted to be closer to their daughter, enjoy year-round nice weather, and find an active community that suited their lifestyle.
Weather Concerns Lead to Central Florida
Like many retirees, the Longs were concerned about hurricane risks and storm surges along Florida's coast. This led them to focus on Central Florida, particularly around the Ocala area, which they'd heard was both affordable and safe.
The Power of Research: Spreadsheets and Strategic Planning
What sets the Longs apart is their systematic approach to community selection. They created detailed Excel spreadsheets documenting their wants, needs, and concerns, including:
- Neighborhood characteristics and amenities
- HOA fees and community type
- House specifications (they wanted three bedrooms)
- Price ranges and location preferences
- Special considerations for their son who participates in Special Olympics
"We wanted to get them down on paper," John notes. "That way we're not spinning our wheels – we're focusing on the communities that check off all your boxes."
The Importance of Budgeting
One of their most valuable exercises was creating a comprehensive budget. "We wanted to pay cash," John explains, "and that's a tough exercise, but what surprised us was the amount of taxes we paid in Cincinnati – property taxes, income taxes. Even though there are things that are more expensive here in Florida, when you put the whole thing together, it's actually going to be less expensive for us."
From Ocala to Lake County: Expanding the Search
The Longs initially focused on Ocala communities, using online resources to research options based on their specific criteria. Their original list included five communities:
- Penbrook Fairways
- Summerglen
- Spruce Creek Country Club
- Del Webb (Stone Creek)
- Oak Run
However, working with an Explore55Plus concierge opened their eyes to additional possibilities in Lake County, including Royal Highlands, The Plantation, Arlington Ridge, and Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont.
The Golf Factor
For the Longs, golf wasn't just an amenity – it was a requirement. "Golf was definitely a main criteria," Mary confirms. They played golf courses at their top communities and spoke with current residents to get a real feel for each location.
Finding Community Before Finding a House
One of the most valuable pieces of advice the Longs received was to "find a community before we found a house." This approach allowed them to:
- Focus on lifestyle fit rather than just property features
- Meet current residents and understand community culture
- Experience amenities firsthand
- Make multiple visits without pressure
Their process involved ranking communities from 1 to 5, then looking at specific houses within their top choices. Eventually, they narrowed their decision down to two finalists: The Plantation and Royal Highlands.
Why Royal Highlands Won
While the transcript doesn't detail their final decision criteria, the Longs ultimately chose Royal Highlands in Lake County. Their methodical approach – combining online research, multiple site visits, golf course experiences, and conversations with residents – gave them confidence in their choice.
The Value of Professional Guidance
Working with an Explore55Plus concierge proved invaluable for the Longs. "It wasn't 'why are you wasting my time,'" John notes. "It was reassuring – 'I'm not going to push you, I'm not going to call you every other week.' We would contact you when we'd be in Florida again."
Key Takeaways for Your 55+ Community Search
The Longs' journey offers several valuable lessons:
- Start with thorough research using online resources and community websites
- Create detailed spreadsheets of your criteria and budget considerations
- Make multiple visits to experience communities in different seasons
- Focus on finding the right community culture before selecting a specific home
- Consider the total cost of living, not just home prices
- Experience key amenities (like golf courses) firsthand
- Talk to current residents to understand the community vibe
Ready to Start Your Own 55+ Community Journey?
Like John and Mary Long, you can find your perfect active adult community with the right research and guidance. Whether you're interested in golf communities in Central Florida or exploring other regions, Explore55Plus can help you navigate the options and connect you with communities that match your lifestyle and budget.
Visit our website to start exploring 55+ communities, use our detailed search filters to narrow down your options, and connect with our concierge service to plan your community visits. Your perfect retirement destination is waiting – let us help you find it.