Florida - Lakewood ranch
#1
Joined May 2012
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Leicestershire uk
Posts: 5
Florida - Lakewood ranch
In the very early stages of planning a move to Lakewood ranch from uk. Aside from visa and legalities etc, would really appreciate the opinion of anyone living or who has lived here as to how it is, schooling, lifestyle, regrets (yes or no) ? Have visited 3/4 times - seems great but informed opinion would helpful.
Thanks Sean.
Thanks Sean.
#2
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Welcome to BE. First off I have to ask...what type of visa do you have/are you obtaining?
#3
Joined May 2012
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Leicestershire uk
Posts: 5
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Thanks for the welcome. Very early stages at minute and don't yet have a visa. I do know a couple of people who obtained permanent residency through investment - 500k, this may be a route we take. Either way we would becoming to set up business. At this point though, was looking for feedback on Lakewood ranch.
#4
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Thanks for the welcome. Very early stages at minute and don't yet have a visa. I do know a couple of people who obtained permanent residency through investment - 500k, this may be a route we take. Either way we would becoming to set up business. At this point though, was looking for feedback on Lakewood ranch.
To discuss your visa options I suggest you post in the US Immmmigration forum. The regulars who post in there will be able to help you with your visa issues/questions.
#5
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Just curious, is there a particular reason you chose Lakewood ranch? Have you looked at any other areas on Florida's west coast? Are you particularly attracted to a master planned community? They tend to be comfortable middle class places with low crime but you can end up doing a lot of driving to get anywhere. Taxes can be rather high. Where I am these communities carry their own community development fees which can run to a couple thousand over and above your regular county/state property taxes. That's one reason I don't live in one.
#6
Joined May 2012
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Leicestershire uk
Posts: 5
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
I appreciate your points. My parents have a place on Lakewood hence our preference. They have also had places at englewood and Venice, and they prefer Lakewood so to a degree having visited all, I am also being guided by their thoughts. But it's always good to get third party information.
#7
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
You probably know then about the homeowners association? In well-off master planned communities the HOA nazis can be particularly infuriating. Their job is to ensure the community is the polar opposite of a Florida trailer park. To this end you will get frequent threatening letters if they find a blade of grass in your lawn 1/2 inch longer than the others.
The net result is the community is very homogeneous, which is fine if you are an organized neat freak. They also seem to be populated about 95% by Republicans. Read into that what you will (but it might not mean much to you until you've been here many years).
The net result is the community is very homogeneous, which is fine if you are an organized neat freak. They also seem to be populated about 95% by Republicans. Read into that what you will (but it might not mean much to you until you've been here many years).
#8
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
You probably know then about the homeowners association? In well-off master planned communities the HOA nazis can be particularly infuriating. Their job is to ensure the community is the polar opposite of a Florida trailer park. To this end you will get frequent threatening letters if they find a blade of grass in your lawn 1/2 inch longer than the others.
The net result is the community is very homogeneous, which is fine if you are an organized neat freak. They also seem to be populated about 95% by Republicans. Read into that what you will (but it might not mean much to you until you've been here many years).
The net result is the community is very homogeneous, which is fine if you are an organized neat freak. They also seem to be populated about 95% by Republicans. Read into that what you will (but it might not mean much to you until you've been here many years).
#9
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Me to HOA: 'But I thought this was the land of the free'.
HOA: 'It is: we are free to put as many restrictions on you as we wish'.
HOA: 'It is: we are free to put as many restrictions on you as we wish'.
#11
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
In the very early stages of planning a move to Lakewood ranch from uk. Aside from visa and legalities etc, would really appreciate the opinion of anyone living or who has lived here as to how it is, schooling, lifestyle, regrets (yes or no) ? Have visited 3/4 times - seems great but informed opinion would helpful.
Thanks Sean.
Thanks Sean.
#12
Joined May 2012
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Location: Leicestershire uk
Posts: 5
Re: Florida - Lakewood ranch
Many thanks for all the info, will be in touch.