As more and more people choose to leave big cities, places like Southwest Florida are experiencing a surge of growth. And here’s why they’re choosing to buy new homes in Southwest Florida.
Grand Palm, a Neal community in Venice, FL
Almost 1000 People Per Day Are Buying New Homes in Southwest Florida
According to a recent report, roughly 950 people per day are moving to Florida. And many of them are from Northern cities like New York and New Jersey. In fact, home sales in some parts of Florida have more than doubled since the pandemic. One New Jersey couple who decided to quarantine their family in Florida—and ultimately move there—said, “The pandemic made us reevaluate the way we were living. It gave us the time to reflect.”
Warm Weather, Outdoor Living
A natural benefit of living in Southwest Florida is the year-round sun and sweeping natural beauty we enjoy. In fact, you and your family can work and play outdoors no matter the season. And with nothing standing in the way of the healthy lifestyle you crave, your quality of life can be much better when you buy a new home in Southwest Florida.
Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton, FL
A Vibrant Lifestyle For All
Known for its laid-back lifestyle and exciting amenities, Southwest Florida has always been a sought-after locale. For example, cities like Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice have enough to make every moment magical. This includes museums, shopping, dining, natural beauty and more.
Savannah II floorplan, available at Windward
Building New Homes in Southwest Florida for 50 Years
Neal Communities has been a part of the Southwest Florida community for over 50 years, building thoughtful new homes in some of the area’s most sought-after communities. So whether you’re looking to work from home or simply escape to the laid-back lifestyle Florida provides, we offer dozens of floorplans designed to accommodate all situations. If you’re interested in learning more about new homes in Southwest Florida, contact us today!
Charlene Neal is President of Charlene Neal PureStyle and Vice President of Design at Neal Communities. See her work by visiting the website: www.charlenenealpurestyle.com
It’s that time of year again! Summer’s in our rearview mirror and we’re looking ahead to a new season of outdoor living during the best time of year in Southwest Florida!
It’s a subtle change here as the days become shorter and the evening breeze becomes more welcoming and we begin to dine al fresco again.
In order to make the most of Fall I also like to make subtle changes in my decor to remind me of our family traditions, and to enjoy the new season to the full. I’ll change the wreath on my front door and add a few floral accents inside my home to reflect the season. But I especially pay close attention to our outdoor spaces that will start to get more use to be sure they are clean, comfortable and a welcoming refuge at the end of the day.
If you’re getting ready to move down to Florida, your outdoor living may be an area that we can help you with immediately! As natives to the area we know what works and what doesn’t. What’s practical and can survive the constant rays of the sun and endure the humidity and still be a beautiful carefree complement to your home decor.
And though the traditional rich colors of fall may seem a little out of place here let me recommend some rich velvety jewel tones that reflect the gorgeous sunset you’re poised to enjoy. Or the varied breathtaking hues of the ocean like turquoise which is my current obsession.
With a simple conversation with one of our stylists we can begin to curate an outdoor living space that you’ll be thrilled to enjoy and share with others. Of course, when we’re planning your outdoor space we’ll take into consideration:
● Scale and space so that your outdoor living area looks inviting and not like it’s missing ‘something’.
● Care and maintenance. We want your investment to last, so choosing the right mix of function and performance fabrics will be a must and will save you time and money by making the right choice the first time.
● A cohesive look that flows seamlessly from your home to your outdoor space.
This is our favorite time of year and we’d love to welcome you to Florida and your new home with a Seasonal Design that will serve you for years to come.
For 50 years we’ve been building exciting new homes in Southwest Florida’s most sought-after communities. Now, here’s a quick look at the stunning areas we build in—places you’ll love coming home to!
Bradenton Beach, FL
New homes in Bradenton, Florida
The largest city in Manatee County and known as “The Friendly City of Florida,” Bradenton includes many cultural gems. For example, the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and the picturesque Bradenton Riverwalk. Here, residents will enjoy sparkling beaches on the shores of Anna Maria Island, Cortez fishing village, championship golf courses and LECOM Park. Furthermore, surrounding Bradenton are the historic towns of Parrish and Palmetto. New Neal homes in Bradenton, Florida, start from the low $200s. View communities
Master-planned community Lakewood Ranch
New homes in Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Lakewood Ranch—the #1 multi-gen community in the U.S. and the 2nd best-selling community in the U.S.—is a great place to live! Here residents will enjoy a charming town center, A-rated schools, renowned golf courses and sports campuses, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and more. Two private, gated Neal communities—Indigo and Windward—are located here, with our new homes in Lakewood Ranch starting in the upper $200s. View communities
Sarasota, Florida downtown skyline on the bay
New homes in Sarasota, Florida
Ranked as one of the Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report! First of all, Sarasota offers a unique mix of arts, culture, fine dining, circus history and Gulf coast beaches. Secondly, Sarasota boasts a thriving job market led by healthcare, small business and real estate. Additionally, top-rated schools, world-famous beaches, charming shops on Saint Armand’s Circle, nature parks and more are just some reasons to call Sarasota home. New Neal homes in Sarasota, Florida, start from the mid $200s. View communities
Sunset at the pier of Venice, Florida
New homes in Venice, Flordia
Located in Sarasota County with breathtaking views of Florida’s Gulf coast, Venice is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” Nature lovers of all kinds will enjoy life here, from bird watching in Oscar Scherer State Park to nightly sunset celebrations from the Venice Jetty. New Neal homes in the Southwest Florida city of Venice start from the mid $200s. View communities
US 41 bridges connecting Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte
New homes in Port Charlotte, Florida
It’s no wonder why Port Charlotte is consistently ranked among the nation’s top communities for retirees. Firstly, at Charlotte Harbor, water activities abound on the Gulf of Mexico and Tippecanoe Environmental Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Port Charlotte is the spring training home for the Tampa Bay Rays. These new Neal homes in Southwest Florida are coming soon to the private, gated community of Kings Gate. View community
Sunrise over Fort Myers canal
New homes in Fort Myers, Florida
With pristine the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva, family-friendly attractions of Cape Coral and the spirit of Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter estates, Fort Myers is one of Florida’s most popular cities. In addition, it is the commercial center of Lee County, with corporate campuses and JetBlue Park. However, it maintains a charming hometown feel thanks to boutique art galleries, public dog parks and Six Mile Cypress Slough, a nature-filled conservation area with elevated boardwalk. New Neal homes in Fort Myers, Florida, start from the mid $200s. View communities
5th Avenue South in Old Naples
New homes in Naples, Florida
Considered the Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida, Naples boasts stunning sunsets, unique shopping and alfresco dining on Fifth Avenue South, championship golf, and world-renowned Gulf beaches. Additionally, it is not far from Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Furthermore, the landmark Naples Pier, and Artis—Naples, home of Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, are must-visits for locals and visitors alike. These new Neal homes in Southwest Florida start from the upper $200s. View communities
Building new homes in Southwest Florida for 50 years
As an experienced, family-owned, home builder and developer, Neal Communities has built over 15,000 new homes over the past 50 years in some of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Contact us today to learn more about new homes in Southwest Florida!
We hope this finds you well. We would like to take a moment to share our true appreciation and respect for the professionalism our Neal Warranty representative, Jon Wasluk, displayed towards us for the past year in listening and resolving building issues with our new home. Jon was communicative and always took notes on all the issues we found and shared with him. He was organized, followed through on all his action items and checked periodically with us to see if contractors were performing repairs as requested. Jon was always punctual, friendly, pleasant, respectful, patient, and knowledgeable. Many times, Jon took the time to do repairs himself, if he felt confident that he could. We truly felt he cared about helping us and providing us with excellent service.
We wish to reiterate how pleasant our first year was in our house and part of it was thanks to Jon who went over and beyond to be as helpful as possible to get all issues resolved. He perfectly represents excellence in service for Neal Communities.
Sincerely,
Joe & Valerie Flynn
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club
A coastal-styled home is absolutely necessary for the summertime. Nautical decorations can give you that beach home feel all season long. Take a look at some of our favorite coastal inspired decor that will have you feeling like you’re right on the water.
Voluspa’s Casa Pacifica candle takes us back to the beach with marine-like notes. The scent is made up of a blend of California driftwood, sea salt and shore brush. Set this candle in an open space, such as a great room, so it can fill up the entire house. You better order two of these so you have a second one on-deck after the first runs out.
Carefully modeled after the artful form of natural spike coral, this sculptural cast-resin object lends an aquatic note to any space. It’s the perfect addition to a mantel or table!
Relax and take comfort in the velvety softness of the CozyChic Lite knit throw blanket. Simplicity and style with a luxurious touch makes this blanket perfect all year round. The pearl, sand and pewter colors will compliment any neutral toned couch for the warmer months.
This trio of glass bottles would make a simple yet elegant statement atop a coffee table. You could also use them to keep chilled water at the dinner table rather than getting up to refill a glass. There’s no wrong way to use them! The complementary hues will bring out any blue or green tones throughout whatever room you place them in.
With elegant simplicity, this metal candle lantern strikes the right chord to create a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. The metal framework features soft white paint and a domed roof with a wide loop at the top. Clear glass panels let the light of your favorite candle shine through. Set these around your lanai or pool to brighten up the space. These lanterns look chic in both day and night.
It only takes a couple pieces to brighten up your home for the summer. Tag us on Instagram at @nealcommunities if you have some nautical decor in your home!
Lanais are an essential space for all Florida homes. But if you live in a region that is especially cold or subject to rain, you might not be familiar with them. In its simplest definition, a lanai is similar to a porch: it has a roofed entrance yet remains open to the elements. While porches are typically located in the front of the home, lanais reside exclusively at the back of the home. Lanais originated in Hawaii, but they’ve become a fixture of stunning living spaces worldwide. They have been widely associated with a connection to nature and the pursuit of a life well-lived. At Neal Communities, all of our homes are built with lanais for your using pleasure.
There are countless ways to style a lanai. When designing, stick to bright shades that will complement the outdoors. You’ll also want to get weather-proof furniture and classic options like wicker or rattan to heighten your lanai’s vacation aesthetic. Roll out a patterned outdoor rug to define the seating arrangements, and space out plants for color and texture. Finally, arrange pillows that will encourage settling in. With a space that inviting, you’ll never want to leave.
Once you have your lanai decorated, it’s time to enjoy. See below to for a guide on the many purposes a lanai can serve in your home!
Gardening If you’ve got a green thumb, consider planting an outdoor garden. Set out planters in an area with partial sunlight and select herbs and flowers that thrive in your region’s climate. It’s a simple way to connect your lanai to your surrounding landscape seamlessly.
Winding Down Lanais are also a tranquil space for relaxation. Create and outdoor reading nook set with a bench adorned with weather resistant pillows and maybe even a blanket for cooler temperatures. Candles, incense and a plush cushion would be ideal decor options for meditation. Keep a mat handy to easily transform your zen den into an outdoor yoga studio.
Dining Take your meals outside with a dining set-up in your backyard. It’s divine dining under the stars when it’s warm and breezy out. You can also construct a stainless steel outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill under your lanai and cook an entire meal outside. Cook up an array of your favorite seasoned vegetables, marinated meats served with a light salad and you’ve got a delicious meal. And for dessert, try out these grilled s’mores–you can thank us later.
Entertaining Lanais make the perfect retreat when having company over. It’s a great space for your overflow guests to graze when your home is filling up. Install speakers and additional lighting to set the ambiance for your event. Great for when you’re entertaining a crowd, several friends or just you and your family.
Have we sold you on this concept yet? If you’d like to learn more about buying a home with a lanai built in, or you’re looking to build, then connect with one of our Online Sales Consultants. They’ll be happy to arrange an in-person or virtual appointment to answer any questions you may have about lanais or other home inquiries.
When it comes to home building, there are so many exciting decisions to be made. Finding a convenient location, deciding what features you want in a community, and selecting home design elements just to name a few. Check one off of the list now by following our step-by-step guide about how to settle on a homesite.
Begin by envisioning what you want to see across your backyard. Your options when building with Neal Communities include a waterfront view, a scene of the preserve, or your home can back up to the community’s perimeter or a neighbor. If you’re the outdoorsy type, the water and preserve views are just for you. You’ll feel one with nature having the view of either one of these sights out your back window. On the contrary, opt for a home facing homesite if you’d be happy with a landscaping view. You can spruce it up with the addition of planters, patio furniture and even a sparkling pool!
Next, take into account the direction your home is facing. Would you rather watch the sun set or the sun rise from your lanai? If you’re a morning person, then we’d recommend selecting an eastern exposure homesite. If you’d prefer to watch the sun set over being up bright and early, then we’d suggest a western exposure homesite. Want lots of sun on your lanai all day long? Then a southern exposure might suit you best. Think about your hobbies, habits, and lifestyle–like how you’ll use your outdoor space–and it will play a role in guiding your decision.
Another factor you should consider when selecting a homesite is location within the community. Do you want a homesite that resides closer to the community’s entrance for quick access in and out? Another option would be to select a homesite near the community’s amenity center; have easy access to the pool, fitness center and clubhouse. Or, if you want your home to be tucked away, choose a homesite a bit further into the community.
Once you’ve decided what’s most important to you, you should have a better idea of what you’re looking for. After settling on a homesite, it’s time for the real fun: building your dream home! Ready to move in now? Select from one of our quick move-in homes that are already under construction to get your home sooner. Either way, you can start the process today with Neal Communities.
We just wanted to take the time to give you a quick note regarding Marcela Serio and her professionalism and demeanor, while we were going through the process of design, other ancillary questions regarding the process and related questions about Neal and the community!
Marcela was very helpful in answering so many question we had that are important to the future of our home. Originally, we were leaving the state and would come back at a later date, but Marcela was able to squeeze us in without making two extra trips and rearranging our flights. She not only saved us money but came in on her time. We really appreciated that and it made us feel important along with all the flexibility customers seek.
During this process Marcela has been very knowledgeable, helpful, professional and attentive to our schedule needs and technical questions. She was even available on the weekends! She is a true asset to Neal, we refer to her as the “glue” that brings the entire purchasing process to another level.
We look forward to our new home and we are sure the balance of the process in building will go according to the same professionalism that Marcela exhibited.
Now is as good a time as any to begin your home buying journey. While our model centers and offices are open by appointment only, we have several ways of sharing our array of model homes with you right from where you are. For each model home, we have Matterports to virtually transport you inside the homes. They give you a 3D experience to feel as if you were actually standing inside. Another option is our YouTube channel, where we’ve curated dozens of videos from our model homes. Today, we are sharing five model home tours that showcase a variety of our floor plans. So get comfortable, grab a snack, notepad and pen so you can recall your favorite parts from each home.
Bright Meadow Model Home at Boca Royale
This charming three-bedroom plan in Boca Royale is the newest model to join the community. The Bright Meadow comes with a variety of personalizing options. First, the master suite can be designed with coffered ceilings in the bedroom if preferred. In addition, you also have the option of transforming one of the bedrooms into a guest suite with a private bath. The customization options make this a fantastic option for someone looking for a flexible floor plan. Don’t miss the blue sliding barn doors that lead into the den–a beautiful highlight from the home.
Whitehaven Model Home at Seychelles
You’ll feel right at home in the Whitehaven. Spacious and cozy, the three bedroom, two bath carriage home at Seychelles in Naples offers the opportunity to live well. An expansive family room, open to the gourmet kitchen and dining nook area leads out to the roomy lanai with a breath-taking view. The designer kitchen features an island with a breakfast bar, pantry with lots of space and stainless steel appliances. The master suite includes a large walk-in closet, dual sinks, walk-in shower and private water closet. Two additional bedrooms, a large outdoor lanai and 2-car garage complete the home.
Captiva Model Home at Verandah
The Captiva is sure to capture your imagination. Designed to accommodate a comfortable lifestyle, this plan has an open-concept main living area that includes the great room, kitchen and dining room. The kitchen features a center island, a large pantry and brick detail which gives the space an industrial feel. Besides the den, Captiva also includes a club room–perfect for entertaining. At the back of the home, a large lanai offers the option to add an outdoor kitchen wall and a sizable extension to create an outdoor living area. The luxurious master suite includes a spacious bedroom, two walk-in closets and an elegant bath with dual sink vanities, garden tub, separate shower and water closet. One of the remaining bedrooms is designed as a guest suite with a private bath.
Tidewater Model Home at Poinciana
The Tidewater two-bedroom, two-bath twin villa home features a spacious layout with open living areas. The home includes an expansive great room, dining area and gourmet kitchen with an island. A den offers the perfect space for a home office, while a covered lanai provides an optimal space for watching the sun set. The master suite includes the option of either a window or door to the lanai. It also features two closets and a bath with dual sink vanities, walk-in shower and private water closet. A walk-in closet in proximity to a full bath make the second bedroom an inviting guest room.
Meadow Brook Model at Cielo
The Meadow Brook floor plan offers an open layout for the common living areas and several customization options. Choose between a one or two story design, based on your needs for space. Opt for a den in lieu of the leisure room. Add an outdoor kitchen wall or pool bath to the spacious lanai. You can also create a guest suite with a private bath in place of one of the secondary bedrooms with a walk-in closet. The open gourmet kitchen comes with an island, corner walk-in pantry and cafe area. A spacious great room has the option of a coffered ceiling for an extra touch of elegance. In the master suite, a door from the bedroom to the lanai can be added. The suite also includes dual walk-in closets and master bath with large walk-in shower and private water closet.
