Our first area of exploration was this past Tuesday to a small Catholic development in Naples, FL called Ave Maria. We decided last minute to take off to the small town in the middle of the everglades. Things that attracted us were its remoteness (easy drive for Jason to get to work and still off the beaten path), its newness (brand new development started in 2007), its affordability (new construction 4/2 home for $200K), master planned community (self sufficient neighborhood with restaurants, gas station, Publix, pool, gym, etc.), and its religious affiliation (based around a Catholic church).
We arrived fairly late due to our last minute change of plans. The drive was extremely easy. Just down the alley to exit 80 (20 minutes prior to the alley ending). A few miles north, make a left, and there it is. It literally appeared out of no where. The grounds are gorgeous. Lush landscaping, large trees, and freshly cut grass. A huge church is at the center of the town and can be seen from every inch of the development.
The gorgeous grounds
The church
The shops and restaurants surrounding the church
We found the welcome center and watched a 5 minute video that spoke about the development. We were given a brief overview by the salesperson and then split off with a few of the builder's representatives. Of course I had many questions for these people and didn't hold anything back. I asked flat out why there is an online article that spoke to a possible bankruptcy in 2009, why the gas station has been left unfinished and vacant for 3 years, and the impact that a 5,500 student university would have on my potential development. Hearing their round about answers, I began to feel a bit uneasy. One developer wanted us to put 5% down without seeing a model. It was a new phase they would be starting, but couldn't promise a finished house until March of 2014. Look buddy . . . I want a baby yesterday. Your 1 year wait isn't going to do it for me. . . and there is no way in HELL (pun intended) that you will be getting 5% of anything until I see something concrete (again pun intended).
We did see a few models on property. The ones we could afford were nice, but nothing that made us want to purchase right away. After a few hours of exploring the neighborhood we decided to eat dinner on property to see what it would be like living there. Our options were an ice cream parlor, an Italian place, or an English pub. Italian won! There were 2 other families enjoying dinner, 1 older couple and 1 large family. As we waited for our pizza, I started listening to the large family's conversation. Not because I was snooping, but because it was impossible not to hear the dad. I wasn't sure the logistics of the 1 man, 2 women, and 7 children. Not sure that I wanted to know. With every word that came out of his mouth I grew more and more annoyed and upset. This father spent his entire meal micromanaging his children and the women sitting next to him. I started feeling like we were in a cult like environment. It is not possible to evoke my feelings in this blog. I grew so overwhelmed I began to tear up at the table. Was it another option gone? Another development a NO? I just want to find somewhere great, buy a house, and get pregnant.
I know we do not need to rush it. Our living situation allows us all the time we need. Our search will continue. We leave for the West Palm area on Tuesday, April 9th. We will be parking the RV on some friends lot and staying with them. We are growing more and more in love with the city of Weston. Living out at Markham has forced us to learn our way around here. We eat here, shop here, etc. We really are loving it and would buy here. . . only thing is. . . the houses are extremely expensive. We would only be able to afford a condo or townhouse (not that those are bad, just not for us). So we will look in the West Palm area and then will be back to Markham for a week or two before heading to Naples. We will search the Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero area.
Hoping to find where we belong soon.
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