We found a GREAT place to retire.

by Escaped to Sunny Florida
(Lakeland, Florida)

Hello everyone!

Well, we wanted to leave the northern Illinios winters but didn't want to wait until retirement. My husband was only 55 years old but our four kids were grown and starting their own lives so we figured we could make the big move early.

We flew down to Tampa, stayed in many hotels, from Orlando to Lakeland and finally found Angler's Cove in Lakeland, Florida. It's a really nice, gated community, tucked away in an area that you would not think you'd find it. But, fortunately we did.

We found it on the internet first and then came to look. We purchased a home there and have been very happy there the past three years. You really need to visit this community to appreciate the friendly residents and the serenity, the natural tropical birds, fishing (Angler's Lake) and the amenities - There's a clubhouse, heated pool, shuffleboard and billiards. The location was perfect for us, between Tampa and Orlando. Short drive to beaches and Walt Disney attractions, etc... We enjoy great neighbors and reasonable lot rent.

The Lakeland downtown area is full of activities, civic center, shops, restaurants and lakes to enjoy. A true gem! You can buy a home there for $9,000.00 and up. Lot rent depends on the lot you buy. We bought a lakefront lot. There were a couple of other really nice communities in Winter Haven, called Swiss Golf and Tennis Club and Four Lakes Golf Club that were just beautiful, but since we are not golfers, we preferred a more natural setting.

Good luck to all of you who are embarking on moving to beautiful Florida. We're very glad we did.

Dear Escaped: Thanks for sharing your find with us of a manufactured/mobile home gated over 55 community in Lakeland, Florida.