Retiring to Florida? Consider Babcock Ranch

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Now you’ll see Babcock Ranch among the top three master-planned communities in Florida because it’s at the vanguard of the new retirement. Fact is, the Baby Boom generation won’t settle for their parents’ rocking-chair or golf-for-life retirement.

Today’s retirees today don’t want to be segregated by age or live in isolation behind gates. They want to be active but not always on the golf course. And they want to stay intellectually and socially active by volunteering community groups, working part-time or even starting a small business. They’re environmentally conscious and want to leave a better world for their children and grandchildren.

Open communities

There are no gates at Babcock Ranch and that’s intentional.

No one wants to live in isolation and gates often present the illusion of safety anyway. Frankly, gates don’t fit Babcock Ranch’s inclusive atmosphere and dedication to community involvement.

Instead, 50 miles of interconnected trails link residential neighborhoods with Founder’s Square, Babcock Ranch’s downtown area with shops, restaurants, health club and offices. The town encourages visitors to Babcock Ranch because it is a model for sustainability, from its autonomous vehicles to nature conservation.

Babcock Ranch is the kind of town that residents want to show off with pride, not lock behind security fences. It’s a great way to meet new friends and provides a welcoming atmosphere for your visiting family and guests.

Plus, the community sits adjacent to the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve, the largest preservation-land purchase in Florida history. The town of Babcock Ranch is the gateway to this natural wonderland with hiking, biking and kayaking.

No age restrictions

Many retirement and master-planned communities limit some portion or all home purchases to those older than 55. Such age-restricted communities are becoming less popular as retirees shun such age segregation.

Instead, retirees are looking for inclusive communities such as Babcock Ranch where they can interact with people of all generations. This is in keeping with the concept of “civitas,” a Latin term which has its roots in the idea that involved citizens are the key to successful communities.

“Civitas is the fuel that feeds the engine of a town or place,” says John Hillman, senior vice president of sales and marketing with Babcock Ranch developer Kitson & Partners in a video posted on the town’s website. “Everything we do at Babcock is for a greater public good: Our downtowns are open to anyone; our paths and trails are for people to enjoy at no cost.”

Babcock Ranch is a real town, where children bike to Babcock Neighborhood School in the morning, parents go to yoga class in the park or to work at The Hatchery, the town’s co-work office space.

Intellectual and spiritual growth

Retirees today are not content to live out their days on the golf course or at the card tables with people their own age. They want to remain engaged by learning new skills that they might have put off during their working years, volunteering for a worthy cause or even starting a new business.

Retirees might volunteer at the community garden, mentor a young business startup at The Hatchery or hike the trails in search of an elusive bird species. Others might help tutor students at Babcock Neighborhood School or use their skills on the board of a governing body.

Everyone who moves to Babcock Ranch brings a gift of their skills to the town and the younger people around them will benefit from their engagement. Find out how you can get involved by calling 877-484-4434.