Deciding where to retire is a major life decision. It’s important to be aware of what your expectations for retirement are and what matters most to you. Whether your priority is affordability, desirable location or easy access to quality hospitals, these cities have it all. Explore the 10 best places to retire in 2019 according to this U.S. News & World Rankings report. Lucky for you, Lennar offers new home communities in 7 of the cities listed below!
1. Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a balance between natural and commercial spaces that residents appreciate. Expansive farms rub elbows with manicured suburbs, which lead right into the bustling city. A short drive can take one through each of these environments.
Nestled alongside the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a midsize metro area. It has retained its small-town heritage though, with a charming downtown lined with shops and restaurants, many of which are dog-friendly. Museums, parades, festivals, theaters, parks, historical sites and art galleries pepper the metro area and its social calendar.
Warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to place for retirees and families, not to mention a handful of celebrities (including Stephen King and Rosie O’Donnell). This southwest Florida region, which is about an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, continues to attract new residents with great restaurants and plenty of shopping options.
People are drawn to the Texas capital’s music, outdoor spaces and cultural institutions. Austin was established along the Colorado River on the edge of the Hill Country in 1839. Originally named “Waterloo,” Austin remains rich in history, from the bronze statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan that greets visitors near the river, to the stately Capitol that anchors downtown, to the LBJ Presidential Library at the University of Texas at Austin.
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Known by nicknames like Blitzburgh and Steel City, Pittsburgh is on the verge of greater heights. Emerging from a dying steel industry, Pittsburgh is earning another name: reinvention city. Since the steel mills closed in the 1980s, Pittsburgh feels cleaner and full of energy. Pittsburgh encompasses almost 2,000 acres of land in just its city parks, and offers county parks, state parks and riverfront parks to its residents.
6. Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids has an affinity for public art, and its craft brewery scene is one of the best in the nation. A scenic spot perched on the Grand River – Michigan’s longest waterway – Grand Rapids has evolved from its 19th-century roots as a hub of furniture production to the modern-day metro area that is attracting college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing and outdoor recreational activities.
Nashville is famous for the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, aka the Mother Church of Country Music, and twangy honky-tonks, but music is just a byproduct of the larger city culture. Music City is home to a community fiercely driven by a desire to create.
San Antonio is as comfortable as an old pair of jeans. It offers big-city amenities and world-renowned attractions coupled with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Most famously known as the home of the Alamo, the spirit of the region expands beyond its tourist labels, offering a community rich in Spanish and Old West heritage.
Offering both big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area offers an interesting mix of Texas pride and cosmopolitan offerings. The cowboy life still exists in Fort Worth, while Dallasites love the trendy local bars and numerous retail shops. And no matter which part of the metroplex they call home, sports fans rally together behind their professional sports teams.
Aptly named for its 38 stunning lakes, Lakeland is infused with Old Florida history and natural beauty. Remnants of Lakeland’s past, like Polk Theatre and Munn Park, remind residents of the metro area’s 19th-century roots. Meanwhile, nearly 40 parks allow Lakelanders to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.
Fort Myers, FL
Sarasota, FL
Austin, TX
Nashville, TN
San Antonio, TX
Dallas/ Ft. Worth, TX
Lakeland, FL
Is your landscaping ready for falling temps? This Fall Landscaping Checklist from This Old House gives you all of the steps to make sure you’re prepared! With everything from aerating your lawn to cutting back perennials, this checklist has you covered.
“This is prime time to prep your yard for the next growing season,” says This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook. Cooling temperatures slow aboveground growth, and moister soil encourages strong root development. Removing spent stems, dead branches, and heavy leaf cover protects plants’ overall health. Read on for Roger’s fall landscaping checklist.
Aerate the Lawn
If rainfall pools on the grass, it’s time to aerate compressed soil so water and nutrients can reach the roots. A garden fork can do the job on a small yard, but for larger lawns Roger uses a walk-behind aerator that pulls out 2½-to 3-inch-deep soil plugs, which will break down naturally by spring.
Feed Your Grass
Cutting back on fertilizer in late summer prevents perennials from wasting energy on leaf production. “But grass roots keep growing until the ground gets down to around 40 degrees,” says Roger, “so this is a good time to feed them.” Apply a high-phosphorus (12-25-12) mix to lawns in fall to encourage roots, so turf greens up earlier in spring.
Mow a Final Time
Roger trims turf down to 1¼ inches for the last cut of the season. “Disease has a harder time with shorter grass,” Roger says, “and fallen leaves blow across the lawn because they have nothing to latch on to.” Don’t go too low, though: Grass makes most of its food in the upper blade.
Collect Leaves
To make fallen leaves easier to transport, rake them onto a plastic tarp. Roger adds them (along with leaves he’s cleared from the gutters) to a compost bin—a simple chicken-wire pen will do. Flip the leaf pile every week with a garden fork to aerate; the “black gold” that results next year can nourish lawns, flower beds, and shrub borders.
Plant New Shrubs
In many parts of the country, planting shrubs in early fall gives the plants a head start at establishing roots in the season’s cool, moist soil. The basics: Dig a hole (twice the diameter and to a depth of 2 inches less than the full height of the root ball); position the shrub in the hole (make sure the top of the root ball remains at, not below, ground level); fill in with soil; water to settle soil; add more soil to top of root ball (don’t pack soil down with foot); mulch.
Trim Dead Limbs
Lifeless branches can succumb to winter snow and winds, endangering you and your home. “For big jobs, call in the pros,” says Roger. But you can protect small ornamental trees from further damage by cutting cracked, loose, and diseased limbs close to (but not flush with) the trunk; leave the wounds exposed to heal.
Cut Back Perennials
A little work now results in healthier spring beds: Evict tired annuals, as well as the snails and slugs that feed on them, which breed in fall. Trim spent perennial foliage down to the ground; this sends energy to the roots, for next season. Every three years, divide crowded tuberous plants, like irises and daylilies: More space means more flowers.
Mulch Young Plants
Give new beds a layer of mulch—chopped leaves, weed-free straw, or wood chips—after a light frost, but before the ground freezes. Till decomposed layers of organic mulch into the soil, then apply a fresh 2- to 4-inch layer (more will smother roots) to keep new plantings warm and to control water runoff and soil erosion.
Dry Out Drip Systems
Standing water can freeze and crack drip-irrigation tubing. For simple systems, Roger shuts the water off, unscrews the tap-joint adapter, and, using a high-volume, low-pressure setting on his compressor, inserts an air hose where the system normally attaches to the tap. “Blowing the water out avoids having to uproot the entire system.”
Lemoore, Calif. – October 2018 – Lennar Central Valley will release the first phase of homes for sale from the California Series at Reverie in Lemoore on Friday, November 2. Interested home shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to purchase a new, single-family home showcasing innovative designs and incredible Everything’s Included® features.
“We could not be more excited to start selling the California Series at Reverie where home shoppers can discover everything on their new home checklist,” said Susan Wilke, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Central Valley. “With a wide selection of floorplans, including our Next Gen® design for multigenerational living, families of every type can find a home that’s right for them.”
The homes from the California Series offer beautiful curb appeal with Spanish, mission-inspired exterior detailing. Five distinct single-story designs are offered, ranging in size from approximately 1,580 to 2,171 square feet of living space with up to four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two-bay garages. Floorplans are designed for the modern family with open and free flowing interior spaces, spacious secondary bedrooms, sophisticated master suites with lavish bathrooms, outdoor living spaces and so much more.
For homebuyers looking for a home to meet their multigenerational needs, Lennar’s Next Gen® – The Home Within a Home® floorplan is available within the California Series and is designed for dual living situations. The Next Gen suite is attached to the main home and includes a separate entrance, living space, kitchenette, laundry area, bedroom and full bathroom. Lennar designed this plan to be incorporated into the main home floorplan in a way that allows a separate space but also offers direct access from the main home.
For better living and added value, Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program outfits each new home with a high level of today’s most popular upgrades and features. From upgraded and high-quality cabinetry, luxury countertops, stainless steel appliances, energy efficient features throughout, home automation technology and so much more, all are included as standard and at no additional cost.
Residents will love their life at Reverie with the surrounding area providing plenty of opportunity to get out and experience great shopping, entertainment, dining and outdoor recreational activities. For commuters, the neighborhood offers close proximity to surrounding cities such as Hanford, Visalia and Fresno.
Interested home shoppers should get prequalified and join the VIP Program for the best opportunity to purchase during the initial sales release. To tour our models for Reverie you may visit our Blossom Hill Welcome Home Center at Armstrong & Church in Fresno. For questions please call us at 559-994-6567.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Elk Grove, Calif. – October 2018 – Lennar Sacramento is thrilled to announce the opportunity for incredible savings at Cambria at Fieldstone, with up to $30,000 off select quick move-in homes.* Home shoppers can move in just in time for the holidays. Cambria also has an all-new model home that showcases The Salinas floorplan.
“Our Luxury Homes Sales Event at Cambria is an incredible opportunity for those in search of a beautiful luxury new home, and who also want to take advantage of valuable savings,” said Michelle Velky, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Sacramento. “We’re very excited to offer these savings on homes that would allow homebuyers to be settled just in time to celebrate the holidays and New Year.”
Cambria at Fieldstone is situated in Elk Grove and offers home shoppers four distinctive floorplans, which range in size from approximately 2,361 to 3,427 square feet of living space. These large homes provide four to five bedrooms, three to three and one-half bathrooms and three-bay garages. Primely located in the well-rated Elk Grove school district, Cambria is also just a short drive to downtown Sacramento, Old Sacramento and near Highway 99.
Home shoppers can also visit the community to tour the brand-new model home in The Salinas plan. This two story home enjoys a great layout that encompasses 3,105 square feet with five bedrooms including a downstairs secondary bedroom, a formal dining room, expansive open living area, upstairs loft and an ultra-luxurious master suite.
Every home at Cambria showcases Lennar’s revolutionary Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design, which incorporates wireless access points throughout the residence to provide strong, consistent coverage in every room. The design pairs perfectly with Lennar’s integrated home automation products that come at no additional cost. The homebuilder’s signature Everything’s Included® program also provides quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and so much more.
Eager home shoppers are encouraged to hurry in or contact a New Home Consultant to take advantage of these limited savings opportunities. Visit the Welcome Home Center located at 10044 Lorae Court off of Grantline Road in Elk Grove. Call 916-905-1623 or visit www.lennar.com/sacramento for more information.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Henderson, Nev. – October 2018 – Lennar is excited to announce that their new community Monroe at Cadence will grand open on Saturday, November 3rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Home shoppers are invited to be the first to tour the brand-new and professionally-decorated model homes and explore this new addition to the Cadence masterplan in Henderson.
“Monroe at Cadence is our brand-new community that offers three beautiful floorplans, each of which comes in a variety of elevation styles with stylish rooftop decks,” said Ashley Max, Marketing Manager for Lennar Las Vegas. “Every home at Monroe also comes complete with our signature Everything’s Included® program and showcases our revolutionary Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design.”
Monroe offers three dynamic floorplans for homeshoppers to choose from: Twilight, Sunset, and Midnight, which range in size from approximately 2,057 to 2,319 square feet. These home designs showcase desirable details such as open-concept living areas, modern kitchens, expansive master suites and gorgeous rooftop decks for relaxing or entertaining—all at an affordable price!
Situated in the Cadence masterplan, residents will enjoy access to incredible amenities. Cadence is a masterplanned community that sits atop 2,200 acres of land. It offers neighborhood residents access to great amenities for an overall balanced lifestyle. Multiple splash pads, free Wi-Fi throughout the parks, dog parks, a bike share program, swimming pool, adventure park, trails, pickle courts and more all provide countless ways to get outside and have some fun.
Lennar is the first homebuilder to offer Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs. Available at Monroe, these homes incorporate wireless access points that are built into the home to provide strong, consistent coverage in every room. Pairing perfectly with Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program, which puts high-end features and upgrades in all new homes as standard, homeowners can utilize the integrated home automation products and technology that come with their new home at no additional cost.
The grand opening will take place at the Monroe Welcome Home Center located at 759 N. Water Street in Henderson. For more information, visit www.lennar.com/lasvegas.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Pomona, Calif. – October 2018 – Conveniently located at the center of three major Southern California markets, Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino, Lennar’s two communities within Phillips Ranch in Pomona offers new homes in the center of it all. Choose from two stunning collections of beautiful homes, Avendale and The Crossing, offering six distinct floorplans starting from the mid-$600,000s with no Mello-Roos. Get your move on today because right now, these homes offer incredible values on quick move-in homes that close by the end of November, meaning you can move in and host your family in your new home this holiday season. Contact a New Home Consultant to learn how you can save thousands!
“Take advantage of our fall savings available now and discover a home that will upgrade your family’s everyday living experience with thoughtful designs and unmatched recreation and entertainment nearby,” said Janet Price, Marketing Director for Lennar California Coastal. “Both Avendale and The Crossing offer a great opportunity to purchase a new, Everything’s Included® home in a safe and vibrant city and within one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Pomona-Chino Hills area.”
Starting in the mid-$600,000s, Avendale offers three distinct two- and three-story floorplans ranging in size from approximately 1,579 to 2,086 square feet of living space including three to four bedrooms, two and one-half to three and one-half bathrooms and two-bay garages. Starting from the low $700,000s, The Crossing offers three distinct two-story floorplans ranging in size from approximately 1,985 to 2,435 square feet of living space including three to five bedrooms, two and one half to three bathrooms and two-bay garages.
These residences have everything on your new home checklist. Experience contemporary exterior details, open-concept layouts designed for entertaining and relaxing, sophisticated master suites with en-suite bathrooms, upscale gourmet kitchens, spacious secondary bedrooms and outdoor living space.
For added value, comfort and style, each new home is outfitted with today’s most popular upgrades and features through Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program. From stainless-steel appliances with refrigerator, beautiful cabinetry with soft-close hinges, luxury countertops, state-of-the-art solar systems provided by Sunstreet Energy Group™ and more, all is included at no additional cost. Also featured in the program is Lennar’s new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ home designs that pair well with the home automation technology to deliver an elevated and more modern living experience.
Nearby downtown Pomona boasts fabulous shopping and delicious dining as well as outdoor recreation like hiking trails and scenic parks are just moments away from the place you call home. Plus, neighboring counties only a short drive away offer even more opportunities for adventure.
Prospective homeshoppers are encouraged to visit the Welcome Home Center at Avendale & The Crossing located at 7 Landings St. in Pomona. For more information, visit www.lennar.com.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Many homeowners view fall as the season of settling down with the near arrival of winter, but there are still plenty of things to do in the yard. This time of year is all about prepping your lawn for it to not only survive the cold winter but also have an extra boost of energy once springtime arrives. Utilizing ways to strengthen your yard, as well as support the environment, is beneficial to your local ecosystem. Check out these eco-friendly fall lawn care tips to prepare your lawn this fall:
Let Clippings Fall
You still need to mow your lawn throughout the fall season, depending on your growing season. Instead of bagging up the clippings, choose to mow the lawn without the bag to allow grass clippings to return to the soil. Doing so will give the grass a natural boost of energy as the clippings break down quickly and provide the soil with vital nitrogen. Letting the clippings fly will also help the environment as you will have less yard waste going to the landfill each week.
Mulch Fallen Leaves
Many homeowners will have fallen leaves on their lawn during the colder fall season. Instead of raking up the leaves to dispose of them, consider mulching the leaves into smaller pieces and spreading them out over of the lawn. Fallen leaves are a natural way that the ecosystem returns nutrients to the soil. Allowing whole leaves to stay on your lawn may promote fungus growth but mulching the leaves into more manageable sizes will help them break down before fungus can take hold. Renting a leaf mulcher is one option, but many homeowners will choose to mow over their fallen leaves to cut them up and disperse them over the lawn. Again, doing this will help to cut down on yard waste making it a very eco-friendly lawn care option.
Seed Bare Areas
After a busy summer season, you may notice that there are areas of your lawn that are looking thin or are entirely bare. Make good use of the fall season by seeding those areas of the lawn that need some coverage. Reseeding exposed regions is an eco-friendly option in that it prevents water from running off your yard as well as keeps the growth of weeds down that would use those bare spots as breeding grounds. Choosing to add seed during the fall should give the seedlings enough time to germinate and sprout before colder weather arrives. Make sure to water the newly seeded areas frequently to provide them with the best chance at surviving until spring.
Aerate the Soil
Fall is a great time to allow your soil some breathing room. It would be best if you aerate your lawn once every two years to provide extra nutrients, water, and sunlight to the grass root system. This eco-friendly way to prepare your lawn is a great option to do before adding any excess nutrients to the soil so that the root system can receive some as well. Consider renting an aerator that will cut out circular pieces of the soil up and out of the ground to make this job easy. For homeowners who want an even more eco-friendly option, without using gas or emitting exhaust, consider purchasing aerating spiked shoes or do the process by hand with a pitchfork.
Use Organic Fertilizers
Choosing to add energy to your lawn during the fall is a great way to prepare it for the upcoming winter. Organic fertilizers will not only strengthen the root system now but will also provide energy to the grass in the dead of winter. Using fertilizers like this will also prepare the lawn to green up quickly once warmer temperatures arrive in spring. Consider choosing a fertilizer that states that it is organic on the package or use your natural energy sources, like compost, to feed the lawn well this fall.
Caring for your lawn is a job that requires some time and maintenance. Choosing to spend time in your yard this fall with these eco-friendly tips will help to ensure that your lawn is healthy this coming winter.
James Witts is an eco-conscious home improvement writer. He is constantly trying to find new ways to live off the grid while living in a tiny home with his wife, Andie.
Fontana, Calif. – October 2018 – Lennar Inland is thrilled to invite prospective homeowners to the Grand Opening of The Arboretum, a new masterplanned community in Fontana, this Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will enjoy complimentary treats including lavender ice cream and miniature apple-oat streusel pies, refreshments including lavender lemonade, succulent potting activities for the little ones and of course — the first opportunity to tour the professionally-decorated model homes.
“We are so excited to present new model homes from four brand-new communities at The Arboretum masterplan,” said Tara Conklin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Inland. “We’ve brought a variety of home designs to The Arboretum, set among four new home neighborhoods. So there truly is a home for every family type.”
Lennar offers four collections of beautiful home designs at this upcoming masterplan: Jasmine, Lilac, Magnolia and Lavender. With plans to open in the next few months, the VIP list is now open for eager home shoppers who want to be the first to know as updates, pricing, sales and more is released.
Jasmine at Arboretum presents three distinctive floorplans, all in two-story home designs. These residences range in size from approximately 1,705 to 2,017 square feet of living space with three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and two-bay garages with extra storage space in select plans.
Lilac features three unique floorplans for home shoppers to choose from. These two-story homes range in size from approximately 2,050 to 2,439 square feet with three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms and two-bay garages.
Magnolia offers a collection of three spacious floorplans with sizes that range from approximately 2,286 to 2,700 square feet of space. Magnolia residences offer four bedrooms and three bathrooms with two-bay garages, all in two-story layouts.
Lavender has the largest homes available at the Arboretum masterplan for growing families or those looking to move-up and live large. Three expansive floorplans are offered here, including a Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® design for multigenerational living, with sizes that range from 2,985 to 3,688. These luxury residences provide five to six bedrooms, three to five-and-a-half bathrooms and two-bay with extra tandem storage to three bay garages.
Every new Lennar home at Arboretum showcases Lennar’s revolutionary Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design with built-in wireless access points for strong internet coverage in every room. Additionally, each home comes complete with the homebuilder’s signature Everything’s Included® program, providing popular features and upgrades all at no additional cost.
The event will take place at the Welcome Home Center this Saturday, October 27 located at 5126 Agave Avenue in Fontana. For more information or to view floorplans visit www.lennar.com/inlandempire.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
