CRF Communities

Each year thousands of people flee the cold of the Northeast for the warmth and sunshine of Florida. Whatever your reason for having that second, warmer-climate home, remember that proper medical planning can be one of the most important preparations you make. Here are a few tips.

• Establish a relationship with a nearby doctor in your "Florida home". Schedule an appointment to meet and get to know a local physician BEFORE you need one. It's important that you have a medical relationship in both places.
• Check out the local hospitals. Make sure your preferred physician has privileges at your hospital of choice. In case of an emergency, you don't want to find out that your doctor can't see you. Check out the hospital's website for a list of doctors who have privileges in their facility.
• Before you leave for the winter, ask your "home state" doctor for copies of current medical records, tests and medications. If you have a chronic health condition that needs constant monitoring, ask your primary doctor to call and coordinate care with a physician at your winter destination.
• Keep a copy of your living will and health surrogate handy.

More than likely you won't have a reason for an emergency visit to the doctor, but it's better to be prepared. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to keep healthy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The reason so many snowbirds choose Florida retirement communities is the desire for a healthier year-round atmosphere. The homeowners at Lake Ashton, Florida's favorite active adult community keep their mind, body and soul active and healthy by participating in the many activities and programs in Lake Ashton's Health and Fitness Center, being active in the community and having the support and camaraderie of new and lifelong friends.

Visit Lake Ashton or any one of CRF Communities Florida Retirement Communities with our Stay & Play package at just $99 for a 3 day/2 night stay. Call 1-800-234-1581 or visit our website today!

When you live in an active retirement community like Lake Ashton, located near Lake Wales, Florida, there really is no better place to be than home for the holidays. Residents, their families and friends come together throughout the month of December to celebrate the season with fellowship and fun.

Holiday activities at Lake Ashton range from a "Holiday Pooch and Partner One-Mile Walk" to a performance of Handel's Messiah on December 21st. There's even the annual Golf Cart Parade on December 23^rd where lighted and decorated golf carts parade through the streets and everyone acts like a kid for the day. On December 18^th, a one-man performance of Dickens's beloved "A Christmas Carol" will be performed by David McElroy, an extraordinary actor who will bring all of the characters to life.

These and so many other things are what make retirement communities like Lake Ashton a wonderful place to live any time of the year. People at Lake Ashton often say they've never had so much fun in their lives. One resident of Lake Ashton said "Now I have the opportunity to do all the things I wanted to do right in my own neighborhood. It's easy. Someone else does all the planning. And everyday I have the joy of celebrating new friendships."

Be sure to plan a trip to Lake Ashton or any one of CRF Communities Florida Retirement Communities for a Stay & Play for just $99 for a 3 days/2nights in Lake Wales, Florida when you are down! New homes are affordable and the Florida retirement community lifestyle amenities will help build on those Florida friendships! Call 1-800-234-1581 or visit our website today!

You've finally decided to make the move! Your kids are established and on their own, you're ready to retire and embark on a new phase of your life. What an adventure is waiting to unfold!

There are numerous helpful books, websites and magazines devoted to navigating the logistics of the journey - the how's and where's and when's and what's. Once you have all of the pieces in place, your new life with new friends is ready to begin.

New friends, you say? It can be a lot easier than you think if you made the decision to move to a master planned retirement community. As a matter of fact, you'll find it's hard NOT to make new friends in an active adult master planned community. A master planned retirement community with amenities and planned activities creates an inviting atmosphere for meeting and making new friends with similar interest. Here are a few tips.

Remember that people who live in a retirement community are in the same boat - they've moved away from friends and family and are on the "look-out" for new friends. Be friendly, smile and say hello.

Find out what activities are available and try something new! Many active adult retirement communities have a variety of clubs, group activities, events and classes that run the gamut of subjects and interests. What a better way to make a new friend - someone who has similar interests and willing to try new things.

Seek out volunteer activities. You can quickly become a contributing member of the larger community when you offer your expertise and time to the local school, hospital, museum, church or your own community.

One of the top retirement communities in Florida, Lake Ashton, is a great example of a retirement community that is designed to foster friendships and community. Lake Ashton's amenities include a 26,000 sq ft clubhouse, 30,000 sq ft health and fitness center, indoor pool and outdoor pool, two 18-hole private golf courses, lighted tennis courts, boat ramp/dock, movie theater, bowling alley and much, much more! Lake Ashton caters to your Mind, Body and Soul!

Residents at Lake Ashton volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and the Lake Wales Arts Center and Literacy Coalition - just to name a few. Residents participate in computer clubs, Foreign Language classes, Ballroom Dancing lessons, cooking classes, camera club, current affairs discussion and much, much more. Whatever your interests, Lake Ashton probably has something for you! To stay healthy, active and in shape, residents of Lake Ashton can choose from a variety of activities including Golf Clinics, Yoga, Softball, Tennis clinics, Individual Fitness Programs and Nutrition and Health Seminars. And, that's just for starters.

Active Adult Retirement communities, like Lake Ashton, tend to be very social places where you can't help meeting new people with similar interests. It's a place to celebrate and life and new friendships. What a great way to enjoy the golden years of your life!

We invite you to try Lake Ashton or any one of CRF Communities Florida Retirement Communities with our Stay & Play package at just $99 for a 3 day/2 night stay. Call 1-800-234-1581 or visit our website today!

Homes sales for Central Florida increased 51% in September 2008 over September2007 according to the Florida Association of Realtors®. CRF Communities, a Florida retirement communities developer building new homes in Lake Wales, Florida, has helped lead the way by recording new home sales in Vienna Square during their Summer Realtor promotion ending on September 30, 2008.

Why are homes selling in Florida?
National sales for new home averages have increased by 2.7% overall which is great news for the housing industry, and everyone benefits. The price of sales prices for new home sales have also increased, benefiting sellers who need to get the best price for their home, and for buyers who want the most value for home prices that have been adjusted for the current housing market.

What has been selling in Florida Retirement Communities?
For CRF Communities mostly single-family home plans starting from the affordable low $200s have been selling, which is in line of the national average home sales as reported by Bloomberg.com on October 27, 2008.

What has been getting buyers out there?
Value! Home buyers not able to buy previously have been able to take advantage of the best pricing and the best in new home construction. CRF Communities offers both in communities that promote active lifestyles in beautiful, sunny Florida.

What features has turned home lookers into buyers?
CRF Communities offers easy-living floor plan designs that can be modified affordably to make your new home distinctly yours with community amenities to keep you busy, including golf, movie theaters, bowling alley, clubhouse, tennis courts, activity classes, and much more.

For more information on CRF Communities home plan designs or to make an appointment to tour their models, visit the CRF Communities website, or call Jon Lawson at 1-863-412-3069.

If you have pets you probably know how intuitive they are - especially when "change is in the air". Moving can be a particularly challenging time for your pet. The members of Florida's Lake Ashton Pet Co-op have put together some tips on how to ease the transition for you and your pet and get you all in your new home safe and sound.

Whether your pet is traveling by car or by plane, you will need to take time to prepare - just as you prepare for your household move.

The first stop should be to your veterinarian to get a copy of your pet's medical records and update immunizations. Your vet should know if you're new destination has regional health risks that require additional vaccinations you're your pet is flying, check with the airlines in advance. Airlines require a signed health certificate and some may require an identification chip in your pet. Even if you're pet is traveling with you by car, get a travel ID tag in case he happens to get scared and bolt.

Pack an "overnight" bag for your pet. Include water and food bowls, litter, medications, a supply of your pet's regular food, favorite toys, leash, grooming supplies and other items your pet uses on a daily basis.

On the days leading up to the move, try to maintain your pet's regular routine right up until the moment you leave. Whether your travels are just a few hours across town or across the country make sure to pack their regular food. New foods and special treats combined with the anxiety of a move may cause your pet to get an upset stomach. The bottom line: go with what's familiar and customary.

Before you know it, you and your pet will be settling in to your new home. And, if you happen to move to Florida's best retirement community, Lake Ashton, you can stop in at the Lake Ashton Pet Co-op meeting and say "Hello."