Are you a proud parent that has raised the kids, ushered them into adulthood and thought, what’s next? Once the kids are out of the house many parents opt to downsize. Moving to a smaller place that is much more practical once the kids are grown and “adulting” on their own means new adventures for Mom & Dad. Hilarious “Empty Nester” photo shoots have even gone viral to commemorate the event of setting those baby birds off into the real world when Mom & Dad get to take their next step! Maybe it’s time to free up some precious moments to do the things they love by selling large pool home to trade down to smaller living space that meets their needs. It also makes sure the kids don’t try to move back in right?
Statistically over 50% of empty-nesters choose to downsize when the time comes. Downsizing, whether to a smaller home or condo, could be the perfect plan for those looking to cut unnecessary costs consumed in a large home, simplify your life and gain back some precious time that maintaining a larger home can slowly steal from you. Also, downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live in a “tiny house” either – although they are kind of hip and trendy! In and around Ponte Vedra Beach there are a plethora of communities where you can both downsize and maintain an active lifestyle that you love and long for. Maybe even the one of the many area clubs in your newfound free time! One last thing, downsizing doesn’t always mean a 55+ active adult retirement community either, although there are some great options nearby that we will include below.
Del Webb Jacksonville: 55+ Active Adult Communities
Del Webb communities are known for their 55+ active lifestyle where you can embrace a way of life to whatever level you desire. The communities offer numerous onsite and offsite activities, clubs, social gatherings, and amenity centers. You’ll find resort style swimming pools, exercise rooms, bocce, tennis, golf and the newest craze, pickleball too! Let’s just say, you won’t be bored and you’ll be meeting new people and making friends practically right in your own backyard! What’s more is all the benefits of these added features is covered with your HOA dues.
Del Webb features three communities in and around the Ponte Vedra Beach area where those 55 and over are living the all inclusive lifestyle.
Del Webb Nocatee
Del Webb Nocatee and Del Webb Ponte Vedra are gated communities in the prestigious Ponte Vedra (Nocatee, 32081) area. Residents choosing these communities enjoy the nearby golf courses, the white sandy beaches of Ponte Vedra Beach, phenomenal shopping and lots of upscale dining. The Canopy Club features a zero-entry pool, exercise studio, pickleball courts and a Tavern & Grill all within a short golf cart drive from your home. Interested in bringing your own wine to the tavern? Not a problem! They have private wine lockers just in case. Residents of Del Webb have exclusive access to the amenities as well as top the Nocatee community amenities with fitness trials/parks, kayak launch and splash parks. For those weekends when family comes to town, you are welcome to join in on the monthly events as well!
Del Webb eTown
Del Webb eTown, located north of it’s sister community, offers residents the ease of smart living and it’s a bit more centrally located for those looking to zip around town to enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer. With closer proximity to the prestigious and every growing St. Johns Town Center, Del Webb eTown ensures you are just a short drive away from all the things you truly love. Health care, entertainment, shopping and dining remain incredibly close by.
Sweetwater by Del Webb
Sweetwater is Del Webb’s most established community consisting of a mix of home designs with single family homes, carriage homes, villa and condominiums with a total of 839 residences. Residents of Sweetwater by Del Webb enjoy a great number of amenities to stay busy and enjoy the inclusive lifestyle they are seeking.
- Gathering Room
- Library
- Movement Studio
- Locker Room / Showers
- Party Pavilion
- Tennis Court
- Arts and Crafts Room
- Business Center
- Indoor Lap Pool & Spa
- Veranda
- Courtyard
- Pickleball Court
- Billiards Room
- Fitness Center
- Outdoor Pool
- Bocce Courts
- Gathering Lawn
- Walking Paths
An onsite Lifestyle Director will help create events alongside local businesses and wellness centers to host fun AND informative gatherings to include live concerts, dinner and cocktail events, casino nights, seminars, socials and more!
Sweetwater by Del Webb is centrally located in Jacksonville’s Southside with convenience to local restaurants, shopping, fine dining and entertainment. Although Sweetwater does not have a dedicated golf course, there are lots of public course options nearby.
Ponte Vedra Beach Communities with Smaller Square Footage
Looking to downsize and embrace the empty nest life but not so much interested in the 55+ active community just yet? That’s ok! There’s something for everyone in and around the beaches that can provide the perfect sized home and lifestyle you’re looking for.
Ponte Vedra Beach is home to Fiddlers Marsh and L’Atrium communities where 434 residents enjoy the downsize life with homes in the 1000 – 2000 square foot range. With less costly HOA fees and a handful of community amenities including pool and tennis, Fiddlers Marsh and L’Atrium has become a sought after community in the Ponte Vedra Beach real estate market.
Another “hot spot” in Ponte Vedra Beach is Dolphin Cove. Homes in Dolphin Cove tend to be less expansive, a big plus for downsizing. Another perk of Dolphin Cove aside from the quaint size of homes is NO HOA or CDD FEES. It’s quite appealing to those who are wanting to downsize and maybe trim some expenses as well. The Dolphin Cove community was established in and around 1977 with most homes completed by 1983. Today you will find a lot of the homes upgraded both inside and out with most homes having 3 bedrooms and an average square footage of about 2000sf – perfect for that downsize feel while still accommodating some work from home space and guest comfort. One of the nice things about Dolphin Cove is larger lots with room for a pool and RV/boat parking.
Seaside in Ponte Vedra Beach is a close knit community of 195 homes built between 1993 -1998. Homes begin in the 1600 square feet range with a selection of garden homes with smaller yard space to maintain and less hassle of home maintenance. Seaside residents also enjoy some extras such as pool, tennis court and boat or RV storage. The community is just a short drive to some local favorites including Mickler’s Beach access, Starbucks, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Sawgrass Village.
The Oakbridge at Sawgrass community is another hidden gem in Ponte Vedra Beach. Oakbridge (formerly Innlet Beach) includes mostly 2 or 3 bedroom homes with an average size of 1,580 square feet. A great feature of living in Oakbridge is you don’t have to sacrifice outdoor space as front and rear yards tend to still be nice sized – perfect for the garden lover. Oakbridge is also part of the Sawgrass Players Club home to THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass as well as The Yards with pickleball and golf. The 3Palms Restaurant is short and delightful walk away for some dinner and drinks.
We certainly could keep telling you of the many downsizing options available in Ponte Vedra Beach and the nearby beaches communities or you could just call so we can plan a coffee chat and discuss in person. It’s what we do!
Contact Gwinn Volen
The Volen Group at Keller Williams Luxury International
9 0 4 – 3 1 4 – 5 1 8 8
thevolengroup@gmail.com
