Tag: Florida

Budget Billets

Lakeland Offers Budget-Friendly Florida Dirt

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Lakeland

Photo courtesy Pixabay

Editor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Last week, we looked at the 34th city on the list — Mesa, Arizona. This week, we look at Lakeland, Florida, and found three great homes — all for less than $500,000.

“Lakeland is nestled safely in the middle of Florida, far away from weather-beaten coasts,” MoneyWise said. “The climate is warm and mild all year, and the cost of living requires an income of only $39,000. This is a family-friendly town that is home to a hospital and 17 healthcare centers.”

CONDO IN A LAKESIDE DEVELOPMENT

Price: $109,900

Located in the popular Casa Loma community, which was developed around Scott Lake, this three-bedroom, two-bath condo has 1,425 square feet of living space, making it a great spot for the downsizers who still want to host family. (more…)
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Historical Shelters

Miami Shores Historic Beauty Is Leading Example of Mediterranean Revival

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Miami ShoresWhen we look for historical shelters every week, we always find some beautiful homes with interesting stories — and that’s true this week as well, with the Simmons Estate in Miami Shores, Florida.

It’s always fun to go back and look at 1920s architecture — the era embraced luxury in a way that was potentially over the top, but so well crafted that to this day newer construction often attempts to emulate the grandeur.

And that’s true with 257 NE 91 St., a gorgeous Mediterranean built in 1925 and designed by the nationally-acclaimed architects Kiehnel and Elliot, whose work includes the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the Carlyle Hotel in Miami Beach, and the downtown Miami Post Office. (more…)
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Budget Billets

Gulf of Mexico Second Homes Easy on the Budget in Cape Coral

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Cape CoralEditor’s Note: Recently, MoneyWise revealed its list of the 40 most frugal and friendly places to retire. In a bid to provide an idea of what housing inventory is available in these cities and towns, we’re taking a look at listings in each of the cities on the list.

Not everyone can spend $1 million or more on a second home, even if it’s with the idea that eventually you’ll retire there. So when MoneyWise’s list of 40 places to retire that are more budget-friendly came out, we were curious — what kind of homes could you find in these towns?

Last week, we looked at the 40th city on the list — Scottsdale, Arizona. This week, we look at Cape Coral, and found lots of incredible inventory for as low as the $150,000s to the millions.

There is something for every budget, it seems.

“Although there will be some rebuilding to do in this city after Hurricane Irma, Cape Coral is a lovely town worthy of your consideration,” Moneywise said. “Cape Coral is located on the west coast of the peninsula and is known for its low crime rate, excellent restaurants, and perpetually sunny Florida weather!”

“The cost of living in Cape Coral is relatively low when compared to the cost of living in Miami or Fort Lauderdale,” the story added.

The city offers much in the way of amenities (as do many of the planned communities), including golf, splash grounds, art studios, and more. But with more than 400 miles of canals, you can bet that boating, fishing, and other water activities take center stage.

ONE STORY HOME CLOSE TO GOLF AND KAYAKING ACCESS

Price: $259,900 (more…)
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Historical Shelters

Florida, Man: This Saint Augustine Historical Stunner Is Swoonworthy

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Saint AugustineCatch us, we’re swooning. This week’s historical shelter in Saint Augustine, Florida, is a magnificent marriage of vintage and updated, ably combining the old-world craftsmanship you’d expect of an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian in the nation’s oldest city with the design sensibilities needed to navigate 2018.

The four-bedroom, four-bath Hibbard House at 272 St. George is located just south of the Plaza de la Constitucion, surrounded by more historical homes between the Matanzas River and Lake Maria Sanchez.

The plaza is the central park of downtown Saint Augustine and has been a central part of the town since 1573 when it was first designed by Spanish Royal Ordinance, which dictated that it be laid out in a rectangular shape according to the compass points, with the length to be 1 ½ times the width. It’s also home to a pre-1700s well that has been designated as an American Water Landmark.

The public market that the plaza is home to has existed since the 1500s, and is still in use by local vendors today.

Entertainment opportunities abound, with the shopping and dining of downtown Saint Augustine nearby, as well as the City Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway a few blocks to the east of the neighborhood, and the beaches of Anastasia State Park a short drive away.

And as much as this home stuns from the curb, inside, it’s even better. It’s been restored with an eye to maintaining its rich history, including the rich woodwork throughout the home, said listing agent Janie Coffey with Compass. (more…)
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Retiring in Style

The Villages, People: Snowbird Starters in America’s Friendliest Hometown

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As yet another “Snowbird Season” draws to a close, newbies are no doubt planning the next trip to Florida.  Many are looking for the perfect place to winter over from all points north and cold.  I’ve lived in coastal areas for several years, and have witnessed the Snowbird Season up close and personal.  There is such a thing as a snowbird starter home. And, there’s one particular place many of them will choose a second, and eventual retirement home — The Villages.  As active senior developments have grown in popularity, The Villages is unique and absolutely fascinating.

(more…)
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Florida homes

Historical Key West Home Perfectly Situated for Old Town Fun

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key westJust saying Key West, Florida, can conjure up relaxation and the easy-going life — so when we found this historical home in Old Town we knew that our readers would fall in love just like we did.

This home, which was built in the late 1800s, sits on a corner lot in Old Town — and if you’ve never been to the Old Town part of Key West, let’s just say it’s where all the action is. In fact, this home is close to the historic seaport and Duval Street. (more…)
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Florida homes

Hacienda Del Sol Dares To Impress In Florida

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Florida

By Amy Dobson
Special Contributor

There’s an estate in Florida that is as impressive for its physical features as it is for the dignitaries that have visited there — that includes sitting presidents, foreign royalty, and high-profile international guests.

We’re not naming any names, but trust us there are good reasons why this house was long ago dubbed the White House of the South.

But when it comes to the property itself, this place is even more impressive than the regular ol’ White House. (more…)
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Florida homes

Wellington, Fla.: Horse Country For The World’s Elite

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5656 SOuth Shore Blvd Wellington Florida

With the news that Steve Jobs’ widow Laurene Powell Jobs purchased an estate in Wellington, Florida for $15.3 million in cash across the street from Bill Gates’ equestrian estate, the town of Wellington, Fla., made national headlines. Wellington, a town of approximately 60,000 around 15 miles east of tony West Palm Beach has become a nexus of wealth and power due to one factor: horses and the people who ride them for show. Jobs and Gates, it just so happens, each sired a daughter with a love of and talent for show riding.

The news of the Jobs’ purchase came fast on the heels of June reports that Bill Gates had purchased what nearly amounted to a whole street in Wellington, simply to provide privacy. Gossip Extra detailed how Gates spent approximately $37 million in Wellington.

But why is this place so attractive to the moneyed elite?

(more…)
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