Discover Cascades at River Hall

Fort Myers has a long track record as a popular vacation destination for snowbirds and retirement area for active adults.  We are fortunate that real estate developers have recognized this ongoing trend and have purpose-built communities to meet the needs of active adults.  The Cascades at River Hall is a Fort Myers area community dedicated to 55+ active adult lifestyles.

Cascades at River Hall features single-family homes designed with open floor plans and primarily single-level living.  Nature enthusiasts will treasure the water and preserve views that are available from every home in the Cascades community.  Walking throughout the community, which is wrapped by farms and environmentally protected land offers an ever changing palette of Southwest Florida nature and beauty.

The master-planned River Hall community features a championship golf course designed by Davis Love III.  Cascades residents can join the golf club or if they prefer use the course as a guest.  The full-service golf club includes a pro shop, locker rooms, club grille and professional staff.

The River Hall town center is bustling with activity and offers residents the opportunity to visit with old friends or meet new ones with similar hobbies and interests.  River Hall amenities include pools, fitness center, trainer, basketball, tennis, snack bar, social hall and a party pavilion.

Located on SR 80, 6.2 miles east of I-75, Cascades at River Hall offers access to RSW Airport, FGCU, Germain Arena and the shopping, dining and entertainment at the Gulf Coast Town Center while avoiding the  congestion of the US-41 corridor.  Neighborhood shopping is conveniently available at the Shops at Verandah which offers: Publix; Walgreens, banking, beauty salon, pizza/pasta and dry cleaners.

Here is a resource to view active Cascades at River Hall MLS listings.  New construction options are also available at Cascades at River Hall.

The latest Brookings Institute State of Metropolitan America Report has some very interesting data regarding the Cape Coral-Fort Myers Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).  This area is categorized as a Mid-Sized Magnet with similar characteristics (high growth, low diversity, low education) as cities including: Baton Rouge, LA; Boise, ID; Greenville, SC; Jacksonville, FL; Little Rock, AR and Oklahoma City, OK.

Some of the key indicators about the Cape Coral – Lee County including our ranking out of the top 100 MSAs:

• Total population: 593,136     US Rank: 86

• % change in population 2000-2008: 33.6%      US Rank: 4

• % non-white population% 27.4%      US Rank: 56

• % of population that is foreign-born: 15.1%     US Rank: 27

• % of population age 45 and over 47.3%     US Rank: 3

• Percent seniors (65+) 22.9%     US Rank: 2

• Percent adults with bachelor’s degrees 26.1%     US Rank: 74

• % of households that are married couples with children: 16.2%     US Rank: 97

• Median household income: $51,081     US Rank: 60

The age demographics truly jumped out at me, with our region ranking second nationally for senior citizens and third for baby boomers.  The baby boomer (45+) stats truly correlate with what we are seeing in the trenches.  The overwhelming majority of our customers right now fall into the pre-retirement baby boomer demographic bucket.  Many have lost confidence in the stock market and are looking to reallocate assets away from the stock market and into a piece of Fort Myers real estate.  Key drivers for this demographic group include a move toward urbanism, a growing interest in amenity-rich gated communities and 55+ communities.

The News-Press reports that WCI Communities is back with gusto from the brink of extinction following a chapter 11 reorganization.  Near-term plans call for the construction of five new spec homes at Pelican Preserve,  55+ active-adult master-planned community in Fort Myers.

Located in the Colonial Boulevard corridor, Pelican Preserve is recognized as the premier 55+ community in the greater Fort Myers area.  An endless list of amenities including a Chip Powell designed golf course, town center, theater and butterfly garden are  popular draws at this community.

A wide-range of housing options are available at Pelican Preserve including condos, carriage homes and single-family homes.  At present, 36 homes are available for sale at Pelican Preserve ranging in price from $124,800 to $869,500.  Here is a resource to view Pelican Preserve active listings.

Active adult communities are quite popular in Southwest Florida and offer an exciting lifestyle option for many of our residents.

With an extensive schedule of activities, Fort Myers 55+ communities help newcomers quickly acclimate to their new community.  It is easy to quickly meet other residents with similar interests and hobbies.  Social activities, sports and crafts are among the more popular items available in these 55+ communities.

Generally, these communities have deed restrictions that require at least one owner of the property to be at least 55 years of age.  These restriction do not generally preclude a younger spouse or even a child from living with you in the community.

Popular 55+ communities in the greater Fort Myers area include:

• Cascades at Estero – Single-family Homes
• Cascades at River Hall – Single-family Homes
• Cinnamon Cove – Condos, Villas & Single-family Homes
• Heritage Cove – Condos, Villas & Single-family Homes
• Pelican Preserve – Condos, Carriage Homes, Villas & Single-family Homes
• Seven Lakes – Condos & Villas

There are other Fort Myers 55+ active adult communities in the area that our team can assist you with.

Beyond the sunshine and warm weather, the tax benefits of a Florida residency can be substantial.  Everyone probably knows that Florida does not have state income taxes, but it is generaly less known that Florida estate taxes are more favorable than many other states.

One of the questions that many snowbirds ponder is whether or not to establish residency in Florida.  Boca Raton Attorney Allan Lipman offers a free online audio domicile guide that covers the benefits of establishing residency in Florida.  Lipman is licensed in both Florida and New York and his 10 part free audio guide provides numerous comparisons of the tax handling for both states.  A good listen for anyone pondering an investment in Florida real estate.

One of the questions that buyers of a second home in Florida face is whether or not to establish residency in Florida.

The Bristol Press covers this issue in a column titled, Should “snowbirds” change state residency? Although this article is written by a Connecticut attorney referring to Connecticut laws, the main themes in the article are applicable to all Florida second homeowners considering whether or not to establish residency.

One relevant issue not fully explored in the column is the property tax benefits in Florida associated with the Save Our Homes amendment. Significant property tax savings are available to residents of Florida for their primary home. The absence of state income tax in Florida is another important issue to consider when considering a change of residency.

The Fort Myers area is home to several 55+ active adult communities that especially popular with second home owners.

Looking for a home on a golf course in Southwest Florida, but don’t want to pay all the fees…..Check out Seven Lakes which offers unlimited golfing without green fees or trail fees. Seven Lakes features an 18-hole, par 60 golf course and during the week residents can let their competitive juices flow in leagues for both men and women.

While unlimited, all you can eat golf is the headline at Seven Lakes, the roster of inclusive amenities is plentiful. Six tennis courts including four HAR TRU clay courts offer plenty of opportunity to play a match. Seven Lakes also features six heated pools located through out the community. Other amenities at Seven Lakes include: shuffleboard; horseshoes; Bocce; billiards; exercise room; library; ceramics workshop; pottery workshop; lapidary workshop; card/poker rooms; woodworking shop; wireless internet; worship service; 500-seat auditorium; full-time activities director; security and restaurant.

Seven Lakes is a 55+active adult community and is much loved by its residents for the ease at which new friendships can be formed through participation in the endless list of community activities.

Seven Lakes is located in the center of it all on US-41 across the street from the Shops at Bell Tower. Condos at Seven Lakes start in the $60,000s .

The Southwest Florida region is home to some of the finest active adult communities in the country. These communities cater to 55+ active adults and are great alternative for those relocating to the area. One of the key issues for many is the ease at which they can make new friends with others having similar interests and lifestyles. Fort Myers 55+ Communities offer a wide-range of home styles and amenity choices.

Pelican Preserve, which was developed by WCI Communities, offers a luxury, gated country club lifestyle with an extensive roster of amenities. Pelican Preserve is a collection of 13 distinct neighborhoods and is located off Colonial Boulevard, a mile east of I-75.

Seven Lakes is an established active adult community and a favorite with the golfing an tennis crowd. If you are moving to Seven Lakes, bring your track shoes as the activities calendar at Seven Lakes is one of the busiest in Southwest Florida. Seven Lakes offers a wide range of affordable housing options and is located in Fort Myers on US-41, north of Daniels Parkway.

Heritage Cove offers a beautiful natural setting and features a lighthouse themed street layout. With an extensive list of amenities, Heritage Cove caters to those seeking an active lifestyle in a tropical setting. Heritage Cove is located in South Fort Myers off A & W Bulb Road, South of McGregor Boulevard.

The Cascades at Estero is a luxury gated active adult community with a world class roster of amenities. This community features detached villas and single-family homes and is located in Estero on Estero Parkway between US-41 and Three Oaks Boulevard.

Although this is just a sampling of the 55+ offerings in the area, they are my picks to check out if you are considering this type of community.