Results of the Saturday trip south

Lovely day outside - about 80 and low humidity - a perfect sunny day in Florida. The trip on Saturday was informational and allowed us to narrow our search to two locations. One area is in New Port Richey and the other is in Hudson. We like the feel of both areas as being a little more relaxed and not as busy traffic wise as in the Pinnellas Park area. So we move ahead with the auction on Saturday, June 14 and hope that all goes well with that so we can relocate to one of these two active living 55+ parks.

Grand Valley is in New Port Richey and does not have new homes at this time - not planning to add until next year if they can get it set up. The newest home available is a 2003 without a screen lanai and we definitely need the screened outside living space. The lot rent is only $250 but it would have annual increases of $10-15. The park is only 15 years old and is very well maintained with lots of activities. There is a pool and a clubhouse with an exercise room but no jacuzzi. There are several other older homes available for lower prices.

Brentwood Estates is in Hudson and offers the new homes with several already set up and in place. This park locks in the lot rent at $425 if you purchase a new home. There is a pool, jacuzzi, exercise room, driving area and a putting green (small one) plus the clubhouse. It is also very active and has been in the area about 20 years. This is our first choice but really either one would be good.

We spoke to some of the residents in both areas and got a feel for the locations. I know that the best thing for my knee is to have access to the pool and the exercise equipment to try to avoid a knee replacement for as long as possible. Cinnamon enjoyed her ride once she got past our bumpy dirt roads and the roller coaster effect at the beginning had a nasty "urp" result by the time we reached US 90 in Live Oak. She was ok for the rest of the trip and did very well.