Nocatee and Ponte Verde Del Webb

Gordon, on a whim, checked the area for Del Webb active senior living communities yesterday. We had not realized there was one just a half-hour north of here. This afternoon we nipped up to take a peek.

As we drove into Nocatee we were sure we had driven onto the set of the Truman Show. Everything was new, and perfect. Turns out the Del Webb community is part of a larger, all-ages community with a lot of amenities and activities as well.

We surprised ourselves by really liking the community. It is only 1000 homes right now, but will be 2000 at max. It is 7 miles to the beach, and you can drive your golf cart there if you get it street legal (or just ride bikes). The activity center and interest groups really attracted us. The homes are beautiful ... but more expensive than we had hoped to invest.

Big plus: Their Publix is the biggest in Northeast Florida, and a Fresh Market is only 15 minutes to the north. But another big plus is that there is the larger all-ages community that it is easy to interact with so the community felt much less isolated. They have a dance club that seems very active. And their fitness center is top notch. We decided to think of the place not as the Truman Show, but rather as Mayberry ... a thought that especially pleased Gordon who feels the 50's were the best decade ever.

We do like this area. Florida taxes are good. Much to ponder.Read more