Category: Lifestyle

Grand Palm by Neal Communities was listed as one of the 2024 PCR Top Communities by Private Communities Registry, LLC. The listing recognizes the most popular master-planned lifestyle communities in each state. The winners are chosen based on locations, amenities and lifestyle preferences that appeal to a wide range of buyers, such as active adults, retirees and families.

Grand Palm is known for its lush tree canopy of ancient oaks, sabal palms and more. Throughout the design, Neal Communities worked to preserve the natural environment as much as possible. An estimated 33 percent of Grand Palm is open space with nine miles of interconnected wildlife corridors and a 32-acre lake. Encompassing approximately 1,000 acres and loaded with walking and bicycle trails, Grand Palm is a nature-focused and pedestrian-friendly community that includes resort-style amenities, community parks and conservation areas. Homeowners have access to a private clubhouse and recreation center with two swimming pools (one for swimming laps or water aerobics and one resort-style); basketball, tennis, bocce ball, pickleball and volleyball courts; an activity field suitable for playing baseball or kickball; and a fully equipped fitness room. There are also playgrounds, four-square courts, a children’s splash park and a social club with an additional pool. And the family pet has not been forgotten – there are two dog parks within Grand Palm’s eight acres of park area.

PCR determines its Top Communities based on a wide range of data that combines user engagement, page visits and information requests from the previous year. PCR surveys visitors on their website to discover the behavior, motivations and financial situations of those looking to buy or rent in a master-planned community.

According to this year’s survey, 85% of respondents cited “active lifestyle amenities” as the reason they want to live in a community. They specifically selected walking/biking trails (73%), swimming pools (72%) and fitness centers (71%) as their most-preferred community amenities. Most searchers are also looking for specific recreational activities, such as living near a golf course, beach and/or lake. And nearly half of those surveyed indicated that they would like to relocate in search of “warm weather.”

Located in Venice, Florida, the Grand Palm community offers that desirable warm weather, along with close proximity to beautiful beaches, Venice’s quaint downtown, and a myriad of dining and entertainment venues in nearby Wellen Park.

Delivering a modern Florida lifestyle while preserving the mature old oak trees, sabal palms and thick palmettos that are reminiscent of Old Florida is serious business for Neal Communities. In the early days of the Grand Palm project, it was not uncommon for the land development manager and the VP of design to trek through the woods together, marking trees to be kept. Twenty-nine mature oaks and trees in the area of the central amenity were preserved, and two planned roads and sidewalks were re-routed within the community to avoid tree root systems.

“We have long been aware of the special lifestyle available to us here in Florida,” said Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities. “Our communities are designed to make the most of Florida living with beautiful lakes and landscaping, walking trails throughout communities, and exceptional resort-style amenities with large pools and outdoor recreational areas. Grand Palm is a beautiful community with the amenities selective buyers are looking for.”

Buyers interested in Grand Palm can choose from a selection of single-family homes and villas ranging from 1,632 to 2,908 square feet and featuring two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and two to three car garages.

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.