A Side Trip to Charleston

Ever since I got back from visiting and touring the city of Charleston and the Joseph Manigault home on one of the little tour buses that ramble around the city of Charleston, I have been dreaming of fluffy hoop dresses, southern cooking and seafood, and longing to be a Southern belle.  (The photo above is not the Manigault home but one of the many beautiful and charming homes in Charleston.)

I was born in Maryland which is a little southern.  Maryland is not quite all southern and not northern either.  But off I went to California in the 60’s and I stayed there over 30 years.  But fate brought me back to the East Coast for awhile.

Road Trip

Recently a cousin asked me if I wanted to visit another cousin of ours in Myrtle Beach and “we have to see Charleston.”   I went with her on a 5-day road trip not expecting much.  I had been to Myrtle Beach before which I did like very much, but I never saw Charleston, a 2-hour drive away from Myrtle Beach.

What did I discover:  my roots and all things Southern. Charleston made me think that maybe after all I was a Southern Belle—after 55 years?   Life is funny like that.  

Towns Around Charleston with Retirement Communities

Myrtle Beach is an enclave of food and entertainment and fun and beaches, but Charleston is an elegant and stylish dream.   It reminded me of what I discovered when I first went to San Francisco—a touristy town but exciting with real substance underneath the surface glitter.  You have to choose because there is so much there.  

If you want a 55+ retirement community, the 55+ communities in Summerville would be nearest to Charleston 

Surrounding areas like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head do have plenty to choose from too.  You need to spend some time in these areas.  I found the Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet areas to have some of the nicest residential sections in Myrtle Beach, but they are a 2-hour drive away from Charleston.  Summerville is about a 30-minute drive to Charleston.  Perfect  if you wanted to go for dinner there. 

A Foodie Town

And who wouldn’t?  I am convinced persons who decide to spend their retirement near Charleston love food.  There are so many restaurants and the food is so gorgeous that you might want to eat out every day.  There are 90+ restaurants in Charleston alone listed in the Visitors Guide. 

Bus Tour of Historic Homes

There are so many homes on this tour.  I didn't get all the photos I wanted because the bus goes at a clip.  Maybe the horse drawn carriage would allow more time to get the photos you want.  Here are a few I managed.

We were told the reason the balconies curve out was so the hooped skirts would fit on them when the ladies came out.

I thought the gardens and spring greenery were as beautiful as the homes although most of them were hidden behind walls and gates.  There are garden tours. 

So many beautiful homes. This photo shows the false doors and the Federalist style.

A Feeling of Southern Hospitality

So go to Charleston for the historic homes, gardens, horse carriage rides, and the restaurants.  Have fun.  Maybe you’ll be like me caught up in this romantic way of life.  You will sense the southern hospitality and I am taking that feeling back to Maryland with me.

Touring the Joseph Manigault Home

Here are photos of the Joseph Manigault house (the home I fell in love with.)  Is it possible to fall in love with a house.  Absolutely.  Go see it and you’ll understand.  It transports you back to another time and you too may not be able to get the image of swirling skirts out of your bedazzled mind.

The Center Entry Hall Staircase

The Joseph Manigault home is on tour for $12.00 - I didn’t blink an eye because when the tour ended I would gladly pay that much to see it again. 

I had come to this house on the Historic Homes Tour bus.  This historic home was the last thing on the tour and by far the best part.  To actually enter a home like this was thrilling for many reasons but taking a step back in time was what it was all about for me. 

Upstairs Living Area 

Note:  To get the original paint colors 12 layers were removed.  The paint colors are gorgeous and authentic.

In the upstairs living area there was a soft breeze coming in the window (this day was a beautiful day in the low 70’s).  I'm thinking the Spring is the best time to visit because the weather was a pleasant 72.  

A strong breeze drifted through the upper window as I entered the room.   Suddenly I could see the swirl of hooped skirts in beautiful colors worn by the women and hear the sound of their skirts rustling as they walked and tinkling tea cups as they sipped their tea.  It was a wonderful moment.  I was feeling the same breeze that they might have and seeing and feeling the walls and floors they did. 

Ahhh I want to go back.  I would never own this home but I wanted to soak in more of the past and get away from our present.  A slower time, a more gracious time — time come back to the present reality—a walk through the romance of the past.  There was much beauty and joy in this 19th century home as reflected in its interior.

We felt the Federalist-styled exterior was cold and even foreboding but the interior was a stark contrast because it was warm, sweet and lively.

The Dining Room

The dining room was downstairs.  I loved this pastel mint green color on the walls.  

Here are my photos but there is much more than you see in a photo.  A photo gives you a visual glimpse but doesn’t give you the full impact of the feeling you have when you are there.  Photos don’t smell, feel or play music.  There aren’t surprises and they don’t stimulate your senses fully.

This 19th century breakfront is one of the only pieces that was originally in the house. 

Other furniture shown was donated.

In the dining room there was a portrait of the master of the house.  The clock on the mantle is also in the painting.  There were fireplaces in just about every room.

Oh, and I found myself getting design ideas.  I recognized the architectural details in today’s southern new home communities.  

See our Myrtle Beach 55+ homes and 55+ South Carolina pages to understand more about the details of homes that reflect the Charleston homes of the past.

Paint Colors

Perhaps the mistress of the house chose the colors.  Notice the warm wood of the floors and doors contrasted with the cool mint wall color.  

The first thing I notice in this photo besides the beautiful portrait of the owner is the paint color.  It has such a contemporary look.  The tour guide said that the colors are authentic.  They went down 12 layers to get to the original one and that this was the first color on the walls.  This color is a truly happy and lighthearted one.

The Music Room

Look at this very vibrant wall color in the music room. 

The children were required to play an instrument.  Notice the original wood floors are worn from the many children that inhabited the household.

The Day Ends

This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip.  I want to go back.  I bought some fudge and pralines, had some tea and lunch.  We left before evening set. 

Horse Drawn Carriages Were Plentiful

 The scene was set as we were leaving with abundant horse-drawn carriages clopping along as the sun began to set.  There is a trolley that is free.  The town is well organized for tourists.  Be sure to see the retirement communities in the area, (Summerville, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet to name a few areas), and we hope you enjoy Charleston.

Top Florida 55+ Manufactured Home Communities

Here are the top 55+ manufactured home communities in Florida with the most views on my website.  Not only are they the top but they are consistently so.

Types of Manufactured Homes Communities:

These communities are great for: 

• Snowbird  
• Temporary seasonal rental  
• Permanent ownership as your primary residence year-round 
• Second home
• Rental Income 

If you own, you can also decide to rent it out when you are not using it (check to see if community allows this).  (No guarantee of rental income.)

RV's:  

Some communities also have RV accommodations:  These are great for "trying out" the community.  You might want to rent first and buy later in that community.  Seasonal rentals go from Nov-April.  Off-season rentals rent for less.  If you already own an RV, some communities have room for storage for the months you aren't there or an RV port to park your RV next to your home.  

Rentals:

Renting a home or RV park model is a good way to try out the community. 

Purchase and own your lot or Lease a Lot:

If you decide to purchase within the community you can either become an owner of the lot (resident-owned communities-ROC) or own the home but lease the lot.  If you lease the lot, you own the home but pay a monthly fee to rent the lot.  This is in addition to any other monthly fees charged.   Notice if the community is a ROC or lot lease.

Affordable Permanent or 2nd Home:

Those interested in paying all cash for a home will be able to find some great new or resale homes with prices that most anyone can afford.


                                           

Best for Boating Manufactured Home Communities in Florida:

On or Near Tampa Bay:

West Coast  Bay Aristocrat  

18675 Highway 19 North, Clearwater - 727-531-4906

Photo by Bay Aristocrat

• Resident-Owned: Yes
• Gated: No
• Purchase/Rentals: Yes
• Types: 361 Homes
• Clubhouse and Pool: Yes plus Jacuzzi
• On Tampa Bay  
• Waterfront 
• boat launch  
• recreation 
• canals  
• fishing piers 

Tampa Bay  Caribbean Isles 

Address and Phone:  405 Elsberry Rd., Apollo Beach - 813-641-1577 (Sales)
Amenities:

• Resident-Owned: Yes
• Gated: No
• Purchase/Rentals: Both - Resale options: buy home alone, home with share or vacant lots (share)
• Types: Homes, Lots
• Clubhouse and Pool: Yes
• Waterfront  
• Access to Tampa Bay 
• Activities Calendar  
• boating 
• recreation

Tampa Bay Regency Cove

4851 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa

• Resident-Owned: Yes
• Gated: Yes
• Purchase/Rentals: Both
• Types: 410 Homes, 16 Apartments
• Clubhouse and Pool: Yes plus Hot Tub
• 15 Boat Docks and trailer storage
• Kayak and canoe launch
• Picnic area
• Public pier with fish cleaning station
• Recreation
• Social Activities
• Golf social club, Yacht Club, Bowling and more.

Southwest Florida:

South West   Windmill Village  

215 Rio Villa Dr., Punta Gorda

• Resident Owned: Yes
• Gated: Yes
• Purchase/Rentals: Both
• Types:  Homes and lots
• Clubhouse and pool: Yes
• 454 Homes
• Courtesy Van to selected shopping
• Direct access to the Gulf   
• fishing  
• boating (access to Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf Islands and the Gulf
• Marina 
• trailer storage
• lawn mowing and trimming
• recreation 
• Woodworking shop
• Social Club

 

South West  Country Club Estates  

700 Waterway, Venice

• Resident Owned: Yes
• Gated: No
• Purchase/Rentals: Both
• Types: Homes
• Clubhouse and pool: Yes plus hot tub
• Inland waterway from harbor to Gulf
• Fishing
• Fishing
• Water view dining
• Social and Recreational Activities (too numerous to mention) 
• Adjoining Venetian Walkway for biking or walking to beach

South West   Bayside Estates 

17601 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

• Resident-Owned:  Yes
• Gated:  No
• Purchase/Rentals: Both
• Types: Homes
• Clubhouse and pool: Yes
• Tennis Courts
• Social Activities
• Canals with Gulf access
• Most lots on canals

Southern Florida with boating:

Top 20 Florida Over 55 Communities

The most viewed Florida over 55 retirement communities from my website

These had the most searches in 2014.  Going forward into 2015, you might want to check these out.  These are both new and resale communities.

Florida remains the most popular state for searches for retirement communities.  We hope you enjoy this list of some of the best in the U.S. 

You can read more about these communities on my retirement community website.

#1:  Lakeridge Falls - Sarasota
4200 Lakeridge Blvd.

• Gated   

• Tile Roofs

• Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Resort Pool, Recreation, Social Activities

• 15 minutes to beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys

• 3 neighborhoods, 399 homes of singles, duplexes and villas

#2:  Indian River Colony Club - Viera
1936 Freedom Dr.

• Gated

• Single homes

• 23 lakes and catch and release fishing

• Clubhouse, pool tennis, recreation and country club amenities

• 18-hole golf course

• Social activities

• At Ease Club dining and executive chef

• Military retirement

#3:  Lakes of Mount Dora - Mt. Dora
18762 US Hwy 441

• Gated

• Top 50 best master communities by Where to Retire magazine

• 950 homes planned

• Waterfront access

• Clubhouse, pools and recreation

• 40 minutes to Orlando and airport

• Plans for RV parking and storage

• From $190's

#4: Cinnamon Cove - South Ft. Myers 

Cinnamon Cove Blvd.

• Gated

• Clubhouse, multiple pools and spa

• 3 fishing lakes

• Tennis and recreation

• Social Director and Planned Events

• Lifelong Learning classes

• Variety of Types of Homes

• 770 Homes

• Beach lifestyle - 3 miles to Ft Myers beach

• Resales

#5: Del Webb at Naples - Naples  
6055 Anthem Parkway, Ave Maria, FL

• Gated

• Small to large floor plans

• 18-hole professional golf

• Oasis Club and resort pool

• Cushioned asphalt tennis courts and recreation

• Lifestyle Director, social Activities and clubs

• From $180's

#6: Southshore Falls by Del Webb
5815 Sunset Falls Dr., Apollo Beach

• Gated

• 5 minutes to Tampa Bay

• Small to large floor plans

• Amenity Center, pool and spa

• From $160's

#7: Hollybrook Golf and Tennis - Pembroke Pines
9050 Pines Blvd.

• Gated

• 1902 Condominiums

• Rentals available, yearly or for season

• 2 golf courses with no greens fees (verify)

• Clubhouse, Multiple pools and recreation

• Pets under 15 lbs allowed (check what type and rules)

• Close to beaches

• Pricing starts under $100,000

#8: Heritage Cove - Ft. Myers
14041 Brant Point Circle

• Gated

• Clubhouse, pool and Jacuzzi, recreation

• Fishing lake

• Tennis - clay courts

• 529 Units of condos, villas and singles

• Close to beaches of Sanibel and Ft. Myers Beach

#9: Kings Gate - Port Charlotte
24297 West Gate Blvd.  

• Gated

• Clubhouse, social and recreational activities

• 18-hole Golf course and golf cart friendly

• Singles and golf villas

• Low property taxes, no flood insurance required

• Near Hospital

#10:  Pine Ridge at Fort Myers  
4801 Lakeside Club Blvd.

• Condos

• Clubhouse, pool and hot tub, recreation, tennis, social activities

• Lake with catch and release fishing

• approx. 20 miles to Ft Myers Beach

• walking trails

• Start under $100,000 (resales-listings on site)

#11:  Ponte Vedra by Del Webb - Ponte Vedra  
124 Del Webb Parkway

• Gated

• Surrounded by a 2400-acre nature preserve Nocatee Preserve

• Small to large square footage homes

• Clubhouse, pools, tennis, recreation and social activities

• Miles of trails to walk

• Ocean beaches

• Splash Water Park

• Planned 1988 homes

• Start low $200's

#12:  Valencia Lakes by GL Homes
5005 Pearl Crest Court, Wimauma, Fl.

• Gated

• 40-acre lake

• waterfront recreation

• Lifelong learning program

• 25 miles south of Tampa

• Coastal beaches about 35 miles

• Clubhouse, resort-style pools, garden area, activities

• RV Storage

• 1300 homes planned

• Homes and villas starting high $100's

#13: Vitalia at Tradition - Port St. Lucie
10004 Southwest Oak Tree Circle

• Gated

• Clubhouse, pool, tennis, recreation, fitness center

• Medium to large square footage

• Start in $190's

#14: Heritage Isles Villas - Melbourne
6600 Ingalls St., Melbourne

• Gated with guard

• Across from Duran Golf Club

• Clubhouse, pool, tennis, basketball court, Fitness Center and recreation

• Bistro

• Lakes and ponds

• Medium-sized villas start mid-$100's

#15:  Cascades in Estero - Estero  

• Gated

• 614 lots

• Single homes

• Clubhouse, 2 pools, recreation, tennis

• Lakes

• Since 2002

• Tile roofs

#16: SummerGlen  
15607 SW 13th Circle, Ocala

• Clubhouse, pool, recreation, activities

• Golf community

• Award-winning

• Spacious single home resales start under $250,000

#17:  Sweet water by Del Webb - Jacksonville

11730 Surfbird Circle, Jacksonville

• Low to medium square footage

• Clubhouse and indoor and outdoor pools

• Low maintenance

• Nature trails

• Near beaches

• Clubs and Classes

• New single homes start low $200's

#18: Highland Lakes - Palm Harbor 
3300 MacGregor Dr.

• Clubhouse, pool, tennis, recreation

• Tampa Bay Area

• 27-hole golf, free to residents (verify)

• RV and Boat Storage

• Pontoon Boats

• Lake Tarpon

#19: Arlington Ridge - Leesburg
4463 Arlington Ridge Blvd., Leesburg

• Gated

• Grill and Tavern restaurants

• Events calendar

• 18-hole championship golf and Golf Club

• On-site RV storage

• New homes starting $130's plus resales

#20: Highlands Ridge
4106 Carter Creek La., Avon Park

• Gated

• 36 Holes Championship golf - Golf course community

• Nature conservancy  

• Lake with fishing

• Clubhouse, pool

• Homes start at $199,900

See these and all of our great retirement communities on Bestguide-Retirementcommunities.com.

Large Retirement Communities Set New Trends

New 2014 communities seem to be getting larger, setting new trends, and older ones have been expanding.  

Buyers have held off for so long during the economic depression.   But in the last 2 years buyers have started doing what they do best:  buying!   And happy builders have responded.

Large builders have large tracts of land on hold and now seems to be the right time for them.   Seniors are retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day.   New larger communities are designed to meet the demand. 

Recently some large communities  are selling out as fast as they go up.   Why is that.

Smarter Marketing Plans Help Make Developers More Successful

Marketing techniques by developers are new and more creative and encourage buyers to become involved in the planning stages.          

New Trends at Large and Small Retirement Communities

Times and markets change.  Since the early 60's we've seen retirement communities come on the scene with the following characteristics:  amenity-rich, large, gated, social.   While these classic features remain, there is a new fresh look emerging.

Both small and large communities need to go with the new trends to keep inspiring new baby boomers.  What are they:

Healthful Offerings:

• More social amenities and activities with an on-site Activities Director - Buyers are also becoming more particular.  They don't want to move unless a community can offer them something unique or spectacular.

• Extending longevity with Education and Recreational activities such as Lifelong Learning and EngAGE programs.

• More socially conscious activities and volunteering opportunities.

Practical: 

• Gated entrances or an organization that encourages looking  out for each other.

• Everything you need on the campus or within walking distance, i.e. grocery stores.

• Communities near transportation to employment centers and/or shuttle bus.

 Upscale living but comfortable:

Lake Pool

• Traditional comforts such as restaurants serving classic food, fishing lakes, Bingo.

• More exotic educational and recreational pursuits -- more yoga, tai chi, spas and massage.   Discussion groups on esoteric topics.  Trendy clubs like cooking classes.

• I would see things trending in the direction of clean design with upscale modern finishes without being too extravagant.  Upgrade if you are appearing out-of-touch or old fashioned. 

Large Communities set the new trends best:

Large communities have the ability to offer some of the following:

1)  Community calendar
2)  On-site Social Director
3)  Newspaper that has club columns
4)  Website that lists activities
5)  Medium to large sized - size is not a determining factor but the #of activities is
6)  Phone recording updating activities for the day
7)  TV channel

Smaller communities that update and offer these same amenities will compete better.  Many smaller builders are still struggling.   It is difficult for them to compete unless they offer something unique and appealing. 

New   over 55 communities--all large and filled with amenities, and selling quickly from large builders:

Photo by Standard Pacific featuring casita

Gavilan at Rancho Mission Viejo - 4 neighborhoods by Shea Homes, Del Webb and Standard Pacific.  They have already nearly sold out.  They describe themselves as relaxing, low maintenance. Yet there are activities galore.
South Orange County, California

Photo by Artists Colony

Burbank Senior Artists Colony  - 10747 Magnolia Blvd No. Hollywood, Ca.  - The original Arts Colony by Meta Housing.  There are now 3 Arts Colonies.  They researched aging and found that seniors wanted to be with like-minded and active in the arts.  This is an arts focused community with on-site theater, clubhouse, art studios.  Lifelong learning, writing classes, poetry workshops, computer, performance choir, fitness and wellness.  Programs provided by EngAGE.  



Jubilee at Los Lunas - 640 Promenade Trail SW, Los Lunas 505-866-1777, New Mexico - 20 minutes to Albuquerque - priced from upper $100's.   Planned 2000 homes

Upcoming large communities:

Photo by Del Webb

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch - Florida - Proposed 1300+ homes (verify) - late 2015






Trilogy Lake Norman - Denver, NC, North of Charlotte, North Carolina - 600+ acres - Resort amenities

Trilogy Lake Frederick

Trilogy Lake Frederick - Shenandoah Valley, Virginia - Proposed 900+ homes for 55+ - Just opened in 2014



Victory at Verrado - Buckeye, Arizona - An over 55 district in the all ages Verrado Community - 4 builders - Planned 3500 homes on 1200 acres - sign up now for grand opening.

Encore at Eastmark - Mesa, Arizona - AV Homes - 55 community Planned 950 homes in the all ages Eastmark master community on 3500 acres.  Coming early 2015.

This just in:  Parkland Royale - Parkland, Fl - The Sun Sentinel of Broward just reported (Dec 2014) over 700 single homes planned for Broward County in Parkland near Coral Springs, Florida - There is no timeframe released but prices may start in $500,000's.  We have to wait for more information to come out.  K Hovnanian Builders development.


Older communities: 

These can compete well if they are on track with these same new trends.   Some of those are:

Some older communities have had time to solidify and run a good ship of activities and they are ahead of the competition because they are updating. 

• Leisure World of Maryland

Leisure World has all of the signs in the list above.  Recently they remodeled one of their clubhouses with a more updated look.  They are constantly improving their landscaping, restaurants, amenity offerings and more.

They consistently have younger people moving in to energize all the activities, but because it started in the 60's, there are mature and elderly as well.  Age doesn't matter.   They have over 80 clubs and organizations.

Invented by Ross Cortese to be amenity-rich.  What an idea!  A real pioneer.  There are several Leisure World communities throughout the U.S.  See our review of Leisure World Md.

• Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, South Carolina

 One of the most active Del Webb communities - over 100 clubs and activities - 14,000 residents - All Sun City communities are large and there are several throughout the U.S.  They started about the same time as the Leisure World communities.   Del Webb was another pioneer of large communities.   The original Sun City is in Phoenix Arizona.

• The Villages - 1000 Lake Sumpter Landing, The Villages, Florida

By Village of Lake Sumpter - This is a popular and well known large community brand in Florida that is continuing expansion and new homes.

Smaller Builders

Smaller builders and communities will always be represented, especially if they offer these additional features to the ones above:

• Upscale and custom design features, i.e. solar, unique materials, custom floor plans etc.
• Highly competitive pricing or Upend pricing due to uniqueness, superior location or amenities, gated and social director.   
• Personal Service
• Appealing to a niche buyer with unique features

You, the baby boomer buyer, want more and you can find the activity you want at a large community.  The future looks bright for retirement communities.


Authority: Carol Fena, a former Realtor,  has been writing about and observing retirement communities of all kinds for 8 years for her website Bestguide-RetirementCommunities.com.   She has a good perspective on their future because she has seen where they have been and what they are like today.  Top Photo by GL Homes Valencia Cove.

Top Seasonal Rentals at Florida Retirement Communities

Knowing where the seasonal rentals are can be a big help for those wanting to get away in winter to a warmer climate.

A seasonal rental at a retirement community is different from a vacation rental.  There aren't as many of them and you need to reserve early before the season starts.  You also need to know the days you want to stay when you call.

September is about the last chance to get a seasonal rental at retirement communities.  If you missed out this year, keep this information handy for next year.

Seasonal rentals are structured to be easy for snowbirds to get away.   That is why most are fully furnished and there is no minimum lease term.

Seasonal rentals at retirement communities offer you more than a vacation condo as there are services that appeal to seniors such as transportation, meals, and social activities.  Some offer assisted living options for those needing those services.

In most cases, all you need is your food and clothes.

(verify all information)

Seminole, Florida:

Seminole Gardens  

Location:  8275 113th St. N, Seminole, Fl 

Contact: 727-397-2534

Minimum Seasonal Lease:  3 Months

Seasonal Rent:   1 Bedroom:  $1220.80

                              2 Bedroom:  $1450.40

Availability: Currently renting from Wait List

Website:  myseminolegardens.com

Description: Co-op condos that have rentals listed on their website.  No pets. No smoking. Currently has a wait list.

St. Petersburg, Florida:

Carleton Arms Apts of St. Petersburg    

Location:  6699 31st Way South, St Petersburg, FL 

Contact:   877-385-9575

Minimal Seasonal Lease: None (Season starts Dec. 1 thru April)

Seasonal Rent:   Studios: $1600

                             1 bedroom $1800

                             2 bedroom $2000

Availability:  Will know availability at end of September what rentals are available.  

Website:  carletonarmsofstpetersburg.com

Description:  12-15 Minutes to beaches - On Tampa Bay with boat dock. 

Sarasota, Florida:

Alderman Oaks

Location: 727 Hudson Ave., Sarasota  

Contact: 941-955-9099 

Minimum Seasonal Lease Term:  None

Seasonal Rent:  1 Bedroom  $3000+ includes 1 main meal, hskpg, utilities, cable and more

Availability:  Call

Website:  aldermanoaks.com

Description:  Downtown Sarasota near YMCA and Senior Friendship Center.

Miami Beach, Florida:

Imperial Club

Location:  Aventura off Biscayne Blvd.

Contact:    305-935-1801 (ask for Spring)

Minimal Seasonal Lease Term:  None

Seasonal Rent:  $3000 for 1 person; $3900 for 2

Availability:  Call asap - filling up fast - after September probably nothing available

Website:   imperial-living.com 

Description:  Includes 3 meals, housekeeping, utilities

Pembroke Pines, Florida:

Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club

Location:  9050 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines

Contact:    954-431-6600

Minimal Seasonal Lease Term: Dec-April

Seasonal Rent:   $900-$1600/mo

Availability:  Call asap - listings on website

Website:  hollybrook.net

Description:  Season starts December thru April.  Gated community with two golf courses, pool and activities.  Beach, restaurants, boating.    

Further Option:

Many apartment communities may be willing to do a short-term rental if you are willing to obtain your own furnishings and if they have the availability.   Check about a month or two before you would like to go.  See our Senior Apartments page.