When my husband and I decided to retire and purchase a home within The Villages in Florida, we considered several different styles. We wanted something a little larger, with plenty of living space but minimal outdoor upkeep. After touring a variety of homes for sale, we chose a Courtyard Valla. Our new home is right around 1,500 square feet but seems even larger due to the courtyard. We payed $250,000 for the property. The residence is laid out with an open feel and a private, enclosed courtyard. The courtyard is cement, which offers an outdoor relaxing and entertainment space without worrying about trimming the grass. We have a fenced-in backyard where the dog can go out without a leash and a fence for security and privacy alongside the sides of the property as well. There are more than thirteen different styles of courtyard villas available. Each one is accented in a unique way. We chose a “Bungalow Villa” that features three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The exterior is concrete block with a stucco finish that gives it a very “Florida-like” curb appeal. We’ve added some gardens with decorative rock for a bit of color and personalized flair. We enjoy the functionality of a two-car garage and a golf car garage. A screened enclosure is a nice spot to drink our morning or evening coffee without worrying about the bugs. We love The Villages because there is an endless array of opportunities to meet people, join into clubs and embrace new adventures. Spending less time on the upkeep of the house gives us more time to do things we really enjoy.
Enjoying outdoor workouts
I’ve lived in Tampa, Florida, for almost five years.
The transition from the northeastern part of the country to Florida was quite a change.
I was accustomed to being trapped inside the house for the majority of the year due to temperatures in the negatives and snow. Even in the spring and fall, the weather was typically chilly, windy and wet. I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors. I workout every morning and would prefer to enjoy the fresh air. When I lived in the northeast, I normally utilized a stationary bike or a treadmill. I had a small gym set up in the basement and access to a yoga mat, handweights, a mini trampoline, incline bench and the treadmill and bike. The workouts became very repetitive, and it was difficult to get motivated. The situation in Tampa is much better. Unless there is a downpour, I head outside to exercise. I’ve invested into clothing to protect agains rain, wind, cold or heat. During the summer months, when the heat and humidity is especially intense, I set my alarm earlier. I try to complete my workout prior to the heat of the day. During the winter, the weather is absolutely perfect. I am delighted to get outside and go for a run or a bike ride. I feel the sun on my skin, breathe the fresh air and feel energized. I definitely get better workouts when I am outdoors. To change things up, I sometimes take advantage of my close proximity to water. Living in Tampa makes it possible to kayak, paddleboard and swim for exercise.
The many beaches of St. Petersburg
My favorite beach destination is St.
Petersburg, Florida.
The “Sunshine City” is a gorgeous spot on the Gulf Coast. It’s situated between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and features some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Powdery white sands, blue waters and warm weather is ideal for both relaxation and adventure. Right on the barrier island of Long Key, St. Pete Beach spans miles of shoreline and is a favorite due to the soft, surgery-white sand and clear waters. The waves are gentle enough for paddleboarding, swimming and kayaking. The sunsets at St. Pete Beach are a well-known attractions. In close proximity to St. Petersburg is Clearwater Beach. A more family-friendly option, it includes a thriving promenade with restaurants, shops and all sorts of entertainment. From a game of beach volleyball to building a sandcastle, Clearwater Beach is a good time. Pier 60 draws in locals and tourists due to the nightly sunset celebrations. There’s always a wide assortment of street performers and artisans. For something a bit different, Fort De Soto Park is made up of five interconnected islands. The area is a treasure trove of pristine backes, diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The park offers birdwatching, historic sites, swimming, picnicking, swimming and kayaking. On the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, there’s Pass-a-Grille Beach. The beautiful waterfront, friendly community and historic architecture contribute to a laid-back vibe. The beach area is less crowded and right nearby is the iconic Hurricane Restaurant where fresh seafood is always on the menu. For anyone who loves sunshine, sand and water, St. Petersburg has something special to offer.
Looking forward to the spring flowers
One of my favorite aspects of living in Springfield, Missouri, is the aerial of spring.
The local winters are especially long.
The outdoor temperature drops into the forties as early as October. It’s possible to run the furnace and potentially shovel snow in April. After so many months bundling up in sweaters and keeping the house sealed tight, I look forward to warmer weather. I keep watch for robins, redwing blackbirds and the first hints of green poking up out of the ground. While the spring season can be very rainy and chilly, it’s a beautiful time of year in Springfield. The local area offers a gorgeous display of blooming redbud trees and dogwoods. As soon as the weather allows, I make a trip to the Springfield Botanical Gardens. I love wandering though the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden. It covers more than seven acres and features a moon bridge, meditation garden, large koi lake and a tea house. The traditional Japanese garden landscaping is just beautiful. Another rewarding spring-time attraction is the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. The gardens are maintained by volunteers and cater to specific themes. There is an iris garden that showcases the tall, delicately scented flowers in shades of yellow, purple, pink and even blue. There is a peace garden, herb garden, English garden and so many more. The park is also home to the Roston Native Butterfly House. Because I work on campus at Evangel University, I am aware of the thousands of tulips that bloom every spring. The colorful blossoms create a stunning display.
Renovating a house before winter
When I moved to Sioux Falls a couple of years ago, I was working with a limited budget.
- I was reluctant to throw away money paying rent.
I started house-hunting immediately. The area is beautiful and the properties for sale were quite expensive. I spent more than six months touring one house after another. My priority was a safe neighborhood and decent amount of property. The only way I was able to afford a home with potential was to purchase a fixer-upper. I found a three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence that had been left vacant for over five years. The bones of the house were solid and square but everything else was a mess. I am handy and have some experience with renovations. I wasn’t afraid of tackling the project and making improvements that would significantly increase the resale value. The most difficult aspect was making sure I completed necessary repairs and upgrades before the arrival winter. I knew that by the end of October, the temperature would plummet into the thirties. By Thanksgiving there would be snow on the ground and temperatures in the teens. I needed to have airtight windows, insulated walls and ceilings and a working heating system. I was dealing with a leaking duct system, a leaking roof and lots of water damage. The winters in Sioux Falls are unforgiving. I didn’t want to shiver all winter, pay huge heating bills or risk my water pipes freezing. I spent all of my free time and every dollar of my savings on my house. I went without anything that wasn’t a necessity, including new appliances and furniture, until the spring thaw.
Moving to Sioux Falls is a big change
A little over three years ago, I accepted a promotion within my company that required me to relocate to Sioux Falls.
I moved from the southeast to South Dakota during the summer.
The weather was beautiful and the landscape stunning. It was a relief to get away from the excessive humidity and enjoy such cooler conditions. The temperature was consistently in the mid-seventies and low-eighties. I spent the season biking the Sioux Falls Greenway trail that hugs the riverbank of Big Sioux River for thirty miles. On especially sunny days, I enjoyed kayaking and paddleboarding on the gently flowing river. When I felt like being lazy, I’d take a book and some lunch to Falls Park, where the waters of the river bumble over quartzite cliffs in gorgeous waterfalls. I was delighted by Sculpture Walk and wandering the downtown area where the work of local and international artists are displayed in an open-air-style gallery. I attended outdoor concerts and the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival. When the fall weather settled in, there was an abundance of amazing fresh produce. The Sioux Falls restaurants locally-source ingredients for freshness and sustainable food practices. I was amazed with the changing colors of the leaves. I felt confident in my decision to accept the job. With my raise in pay, I could afford nicer housing as well. I didn’t start to second-guess my choice until winter. I had never seen snow before. I was not prepared for the severe cold. By Halloween, the temperature had dropped into the twenties. By Christmas, conditions were in the negatives. There was still snow on the ground at Easter.
Sioux Falls South Dakota HVAC corporation
House with hard water
Since moving to a new home in South Bend, Indiana, we’ve had a lot of plumbing problems.
When my husband and I toured the home, we were delighted by the size and location of the property, two-car garage and recently rennovated bathrooms.
I loved the big kitchen, many windows and gorgeous view of the wooded area behind the home. My husband was happy with a very short commute to his job. We invested into a home inspection which failed to reveal the problems with hard water. The house is not connected to the city’s water but has a private well. The water is overrun with rust, calcium and lime. It didn’t take long for us to realize that the bathrooms had been renovated to hide the fact that the water destroys everything it touches. The fixtures corrode and aerators become clogged with debris. The mineral deposits build up within the pipes to restrict water pressure. The sinks, toilets and tubs are constantly stained and cleaning requires harsh chemicals. Our towels, clothing and bed linens quickly become discolored. I’ve given up using the dishwasher because the glasses, plates and silverware come out of the machine looking worse than when I put them in. Despite regular maintenance, a new washing machine never lasts longer than five years. It’s not uncommon for our water heater to rust, rupture and flood the basement. The water is so incredibly hard that we need to remove the anode rod from the water heater, which then voids the warranty. While I love our house in South Bend, I am not happy about the condition of the water.
Opportunities provided by the Black Warrior River
One of my favorite features of Tuscaloosa is the Black Warrior River.
It provides a source of natural beauty and recreational activities.
The river is named for the Native American Trive, the “Warrior” tribe, who once inhabited the area. The winds through the city and served as a transportation route for the coal and timber industries in the nineteenth century. Old mill sites and the historic districts of the city are remnants of the river’s historical importance. I enjoy strolling along the Riverwalk and appreciating the stunning views. There are historical makers along the trail that provide information into the region’s past. From the Native American heritage, the Civil War ear and the industrial revolution, the river is an integral component. When the magnolias, dogwoods and azaleas start blooming in the spring, I like to picnic at one of the riverside parks. I watch for songbirds and all different types of waterfowl. During the summer, the heat and humidity in Tuscaloosa can be brutal. The river is an opportunity to cool off. I can kayak and canoe on the calm waters. To get my heart pumping, I sometimes jog or ride my back along the trails. Although I’m not a fan of fishing, there are bass, catfish and crappie in the river that bring in lots of fishermen. At all times per, the Black Warrior River is the scene of a wide variety of festivals and community events. There are live music performances, art exhibitions and the annual “Tuscaloosa Dragon Boat Races.” Teams paddle intricate dragon boats for a fun spectacle.
Choosing a style of home in The Villages
When my husband plus I decided to retire plus purchase a home within The Villages in Florida, my great friend and I considered several unusual styles… My associate and I wanted something a little larger, with plenty of living space but minimal outdoor upkeep, and after touring a variety of homes for sale, my great friend and I chose a Courtyard Valla… Our up-to-date home is right around 1,500 square feet but seems even larger due to the courtyard.
My associate and I payed $250,000 for the property, the residence is laid out with an open feel plus a private, enclosed courtyard.
The courtyard is cement, which offers an outdoor relaxing plus entertainment space without worrying about trimming the lawn. My associate and I have a fenced-in backyard where the dog can go out without a leash plus a fence for security plus privacy alongside the sides of the home as well. There are more than thirteen unusual styles of courtyard villas available, then each one is accented in a particular way. My associate and I chose a “Bungalow Villa” that features three bedrooms plus two powder rooms. The exterior is concrete block with a stucco finish that gives it a genuinely “Florida-like” curb appeal, however we’ve added some gardens with decorative rock for a bit of color plus personalized flair. My associate and I prefer the functionality of a two-car garage plus a hockey automobile garage. A screened enclosure is a nice spot to drink our afternoon or evening tea without worrying about the bugs. My associate and I prefer The Villages because there is an endless array of possibilities to meet people, join into clubs plus embrace up-to-date adventures; Spending less time on the upkeep of the home gives us more time to do things my great friend and I definitely enjoy.
The several beaches of St, however petersburg
My number one beach endpoint is St.
Petersburg, Florida; The “Sunshine City” is a gorgeous spot on the Gulf Coast, and it’s situated between Tampa Bay plus the Gulf of Mexico plus features some of the most charming beaches in the state. Powdery undoubtedly white sands, green waters plus moderate weather is ideal for both relaxation plus adventure, then right on the barrier island of Long Key, St. Pete Beach spans miles of shoreline plus is a number one due to the soft, surgery-white sand plus clear waters. The waves are gentle enough for paddleboarding, swimming plus kayaking. The sunsets at St. Pete Beach are a well-known attractions. In close proximity to St. Petersburg is Clearwater Beach, a more family-friendly option, it includes a thriving promenade with steakhouses, shops plus all sorts of entertainment. From a game of beach volleyball to building a sandcastle, Clearwater Beach is a fantastic time. Pier 60 draws in locals plus tourists due to the nightly sunset celebrations. There’s always a wide assortment of street performers plus artisans. For something a bit different, Fort De Soto Park is made up of five interconnected islands. The area is a treasure trove of pristine backes, diverse ecosystems plus wildlife. The park offers parakeetseeing, historic sites, swimming, picnicking, swimming plus kayaking, on the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, there’s Pass-a-Grille Beach. The charming waterfront, friendly community plus historic architecture contribute to a laid-back vibe. The beach area is less crowded plus right nearby is the iconic Hurricane Restaurant where fresh seafood is always on the menu. For anyone who loves sunshine, sand plus water, St. Petersburg has something special to offer.