Why This Retired Couple Chose Lakewood Ranch Over Every Other Florida Destination

by Adam Miller

Moving to a 55+ Community in Lakewood Ranch Florida from New York

Paul Donovan had spent a lifetime building his small landscaping business from the ground up, watching it flourish like the gardens he so carefully nurtured. For decades, he prided himself on transforming landscapes into beautiful, well-manicured havens. But now, at 70, he was ready to step away from the demands of running a business and finally embrace a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle. Winters in Albany, New York, had become harder to tolerate, and as he shoveled his driveway yet again, he and his wife Sharon looked at each other and knew—it was time for a change.

They had spent years talking about moving from New York to Florida, dreaming of a place where they could enjoy warm weather year-round and be part of an active 55+ community in Lakewood Ranch. The idea of waking up to sunshine, going for walks without layers of winter gear, and meeting like-minded retirees in a vibrant neighborhood was appealing. But with so many choices, they felt overwhelmed.

That’s when they found Adam Miller and The 941 Lifestyle Group. From the first phone call, they realized they weren’t just speaking to another real estate agent—they had found a team that understood what they were looking for on a deeper level. Adam Miller took the time to ask them not just about their housing preferences, but about their lifestyle, their interests, and what truly mattered to them in this next chapter of life.

With a budget between $700,000 and $900,000, they narrowed down their search to two highly regarded 55+ communities in Lakewood Ranch: Del Webb and Cresswind. Both were exceptional, but each had a distinct personality and lifestyle that they needed to explore.

Discovering Del Webb Lakewood Ranch

The moment Paul and Sharon drove through the entrance of Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, they felt the energy of the community. The gated neighborhood had a lively, welcoming feel, with residents cruising by on golf carts, waving as they passed. The state-of-the-art clubhouse stood proudly at the heart of the community, bustling with activity.

del webb in lakewood ranch

Sharon’s eyes lit up as they toured the fitness center, where classes like yoga, Zumba, and water aerobics were held daily. She could already picture herself joining a class in the mornings, then meeting friends for coffee at the on-site café. The community had a full-time activities director who planned everything from cooking classes to dance nights, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

Paul, on the other hand, was drawn to the landscaping and outdoor spaces. The perfectly maintained green spaces and pickleball and tennis courts gave him a sense of how active the residents were. But what really caught his attention was the community garden—a small but well-organized space where residents could grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers together. He imagined himself spending mornings tending to a few plants while chatting with fellow garden enthusiasts.

They toured a few homes, all designed with low-maintenance living in mind. Paul loved the idea of a villa or single-family home with a small, manageable yard—something that allowed him to keep his hands in the soil without being overwhelmed with upkeep. Sharon appreciated the modern, open-concept designs that made entertaining easy.

Yet, as much as they loved Del Webb, they knew they had to see Cresswind Lakewood Ranch before making a decision.

cresswind lakewood ranch

Exploring Cresswind Lakewood Ranch

Cresswind had a different feel—quieter, a bit more intimate, with a strong emphasis on wellness, fitness, and community engagement. Unlike Del Webb’s energetic, resort-style atmosphere, Cresswind offered a slightly more relaxed and wellness-driven environment.

As they walked through the indoor and outdoor fitness areas, Paul was impressed by the advanced gym equipment, while Sharon was drawn to the meditation garden and yoga pavilion. There was a noticeable emphasis on overall well-being—one that resonated deeply with them.

The community garden and greenhouse were a major selling point for Paul. Unlike Del Webb’s shared gardening space, this one was more expansive, allowing residents to grow a wider variety of plants. Paul loved the idea of growing fresh herbs, tomatoes, and peppers while swapping gardening tips with his neighbors.

cresswind lakewood ranch

Sharon, meanwhile, was already envisioning herself at one of the many social clubs. From arts and crafts to book discussions and volunteering opportunities, the options were endless. She particularly loved the idea of giving back to the community through local outreach programs, something she had always been passionate about.

Their favorite part of the tour was Cresswind’s on-site lifestyle director, who took the time to explain how the community tailored experiences to residents’ interests. Whether it was live music nights, group travel experiences, or wellness seminars, Cresswind made sure everyone had opportunities to connect and thrive.

The Decision: Del Webb vs. Cresswind

After a long day of exploring both communities, Paul and Sharon sat down with Adam Miller to reflect.

Both communities had exceptional amenities, but they had to decide which one best suited their long-term vision. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch had an undeniable energy, a strong social scene, and a perfect balance of relaxation and fun. Cresswind, on the other hand, had a more intimate feel with an emphasis on wellness, gardening, and deeper personal connections.

Ultimately, they chose Cresswind Lakewood Ranch.

The gardening opportunities, active lifestyle options, and wellness-focused living were exactly what they were looking for. Paul couldn’t wait to grow his own vegetables in the community garden, and Sharon was already planning to sign up for book clubs and volunteer work.

A New Beginning in Lakewood Ranch

Working with The 941 Lifestyle Group made their transition effortless. Adam Miller and his team helped them find the perfect home within their budget, negotiated the best possible terms, and ensured every step of the process was smooth and stress-free. From arranging their initial visits to connecting them with local resources, they felt fully supported throughout the journey.

As they settled into their new home, Paul and Sharon knew they had made the right decision. They weren’t just moving to Lakewood Ranch—they were embracing a lifestyle that gave them the perfect balance of relaxation, activity, and purpose.

For anyone considering relocating from New York to Florida, finding the right community is about more than just square footage and amenities—it’s about securing a lifestyle that aligns with your dreams. Adam Miller and The 941 Lifestyle Group specialize in making that vision a reality. If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out today and start your journey to living in Lakewood Ranch.

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