Anne and Linus Chow were determined to leave the cold weather and fast-paced lifestyle of Washington, D.C. Even before the pandemic brought a wave of Northerners to Florida, the couple had their sights set on the sunny state. After enjoying vacations in Florida, they decided to make it their new home.
In late 2020, the Chows moved to Celebration, a master-planned community developed by the Walt Disney Company. However, after two years, they realized that Celebration wasn’t fulfilling their expectations. The community was too focused on tourism, with limited amenities outside of Disney World and its associated theme parks. Additionally, a daytime burglary left them feeling unsafe.
Determined to find a better fit, the Chows began their search for a new home. Their requirements included proximity to amusement parks, good Asian restaurants, gourmet food, nearby movie theaters, and a walkable neighborhood. They also desired a newer, updated home with a yard for their dogs and dedicated office space for their remote work.
Considering their budget, which included the sale of their Celebration home and their savings, the Chows set a budget of around $1 million. They planned to allocate approximately half of that for a down payment to avoid a large mortgage.
The couple carefully evaluated their options based on three main factors: the condition of the house, the overall location (proximity to stores, etc.), and the local commute. They explored various gated communities in Central Florida, weighing the pros and cons of each.
Ultimately, the Chows’ journey to find the perfect home in Florida continues. Will they find a property that meets their criteria and provides the ideal combination of amenities and location? Stay tuned to find out.
Sources:
– The New York Times (source article)