Babcock Ranch is America’s first solar-powered town, located in Southwest Florida. When I moved to Fort Myers 7 years ago, the talk about the community got my attention, and it was always in the back of my mind as the perfect spot for my kids to grow up. Fast forward through the twists and turns of life- in 2020, I was a mom of two looking for a family community in a good school zone where I could buy my dream home. So that thought in the back of my mind came to the front of my mind, and long story short… I bought a piece of land (aka lot 1615) in 2021 and started my adventure of building my dream home in the Edgewater Shores Neighborhood of Babcock Ranch!
Here are my top 5 reasons for choosing to build a home in Babcock Ranch
5. Babcock Ranch is a technology-focused community
Babcock Ranch is an ideal spot for people who work from home, like me! The houses are built with technology and sustainability in mind. All homes have gigabit access through their CenturyLink partnership, allowing remote work and streaming content. In addition, once anyone sets foot within Babcock Ranch, they’ll have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the town.
4. Sustainability is ingrained in the lifestyle
My kids’ generation is very focused on ways to help preserve our planet, so I love that I get to provide them with a childhood where a greener way of life feels effortless. Every home at Babcock Ranch receives a Bronze Standard of Certification or higher from the Florida Green Building Coalition, and they work hard to conserve the area around us through water conservation, responsible land planning and development, and harnessing renewable energy.
3. Outdoor activity is endless
Babcock Ranch is an ideal place for those who enjoy the outdoors. Residents have access to hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, community events, live music, sports, playgrounds and more. It was so important for my kids to enjoy the outdoors and living in a community where activity is abundant was a huge selling factor. They can bike to the neighborhood school!
With more than 50 miles of trails, there are plenty of options for nature walks. Hike the trails, launch a kayak at Founder’s Square or from our private neighborhood launch, catch and release some fish in one of the lakes, or grow our veggies, herbs, and more in the community garden; and the area’s new shops and restaurants offer small-hometown vibes. All of this is a walkable distance from everywhere in Babcock Ranch.
2. Babcock Ranch Neighborhood School
Finding a neighborhood with a nearby school was essential to me as a single mom. I have spent the last four years driving 60 minutes roundtrip (plus factor in the carline time) each way for my kids to go to a good school. So I needed to ensure the home I bought was in a good location for their education. Babcock Neighborhood School offers a “greenSTEAM” education that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics for grades K-12. And they can bike to school – saving this mom gas money and time!
1. The family-friendly community is unmatched
Home can be more than just what is inside the walls of your house. And at Babcock Ranch, I felt a sense of belonging from the first time I visited. As soon as you step out your front door, you are a part of something bigger. You feel at home with like-minded neighbors who care about sustainable growth and preservation and enjoy the outdoors. Founder’s Square is a gathering place for neighbors and guests alike. This common area is where weekly events include live music under the bandstand, holiday family functions, Food Truck Friday, and Sunday Market- to name a few.
If you are researching communities in Florida to move to, I highly suggest you look into Babcock Ranch. Come be my neighbor!
This sounds like an amazing community! I love that there is so much to do outdoors and that the neighbourhood school offers a “greenSTEAM” education. It’s great to hear that the sense of community is so strong and that Founder’s Square offers weekly events and gatherings. I will definitely consider Babcock Ranch as a potential place to live in Florida. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
SOme times spaces just have a different connection with you. SO good to see this. Congratulations on your home. The surroundings look good.
It’s wonderful that you felt welcome and at home from the beginning. I love that the outdoor activities are central. I think it’s important to get outside and move at any age.
I would love to raise my kids too in a place with endless outdoor activities!
So many ideas we can do outside indeed. These are great reasons but might not be for me as my is just apartment. Maybe we can move a place like that.
Nnniiiccceeeee…to be honest, the outdoor life here would drag me all to this ranch! It is so beautiful here, I must say. Thank you for this inspiration, Mandy.
Congratulations on your dream home. You provide some great reasons for building at Babcock Ranch in Florida. It’s great to highlight the sense of community. I’d love food truck Friday!
It’s heartwarming to hear that you felt a sense of belonging from your first visit and that you’ve found like-minded neighbors who share your values of sustainable growth and preservation. It sounds like a charming neighborhood!
Sustainability and family-friendliness are musts. It sounds like such a great place to live!
Congrats on your decision for your new home. It is promising to know so many communities are building with sustainability in mind.