Grove

Pros

• Residents of The Grove enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere, fostering numerous friendships and connections among neighbors over 55.
• The amenities at The Grove are highly appreciated, with a pool, clubhouse, exercise center, and recreational activities like pickleball providing ample opportunities for engagement.
• Many residents take pride in organizing events, entertainment, and holiday meals, contributing to a sense of belonging and community spirit.
• The community encourages an active lifestyle, with golf carts being a popular mode of transportation to attend various organized activities or visit friends nearby.
• The improvements made to individual units showcase the residents' commitment to enhancing their living spaces and overall community appeal.

Cons

• Residents express dissatisfaction with the flooding issues in the community, noting that many sinkholes remain unaddressed and compromise the safety of several homes.
• Residents feel frustrated by the lack of enforcement of community rules, which leads to conflicts among neighbors.
• There are complaints about the under-maintained pool, with residents often having to clean it themselves despite this being part of their rent.
• The significant increase in lot rent has raised concerns among residents, especially since they do not own the land and are leasing it.

Review

The Grove is a vibrant community designed for residents aged 55 and older, offering a unique living experience where socialization among neighbors is highly encouraged. Located in Foley, Alabama, the community is particularly attractive to those who enjoy an active lifestyle. One of the distinct characteristics that sets The Grove apart is its allowance for golf carts, which residents frequently use to navigate the grounds, attend various organized activities, and visit with fellow neighbors. This sense of mobility not only adds convenience but also fosters connections among residents as they move through the community. It’s worth noting that about half of the residents are "snowbirds," individuals who travel seasonally, which further enriches the dynamic life within The Grove.

Having purchased a seven-year-old unit from a previous owner, my family and I lived in The Grove for four enjoyable years. During our time there, we took significant steps to enhance our living space by renovating the interior completely. We invested time and resources into updating aspects such as paint, flooring, and countertops to create a more comfortable home environment. Additionally, we saw great value in expanding our outdoor space with a new deck and porch—a decision that allowed us to better enjoy the good weather and foster our connection with neighbors.

The advantages of living in The Grove extend far beyond simply enjoying one’s private unit; they encompass a wealth of amenities that cater to an active lifestyle. Residents can take advantage of facilities such as a pool, clubhouse, exercise center, and pickleball courts—all designed to keep residents engaged and physically fit. Socially speaking, The Grove cultivates strong relationships among its inhabitants. Many residents actively participate in planning events ranging from entertainment nights to holiday meals. This collaborative spirit creates an inclusive atmosphere where friendships blossom readily among like-minded individuals seeking camaraderie in their later years.

However, living at The Grove does come with its share of drawbacks that prospective residents should consider carefully before making this community their home. One significant concern involves flooding issues common across many regions in Foley. Within The Grove itself exist numerous sinkholes that have yet to be addressed adequately—this negligence poses potential safety risks for several homes throughout the area. As conditions worsen during heavy rains or storms without proper remediation efforts from management or local authorities, these matters can quickly become alarming for families residing there.

Another point of contention within the community revolves around rule enforcement—or rather the lack thereof. Many residents feel frustrated by how guidelines intended to maintain order are inconsistently applied or ignored altogether. This laxity can lead to disputes between neighbors over various issues ranging from property maintenance to noise levels—factors that detract from what could otherwise be peaceful coexistence amongst close-knit communities.

Moreover, while many appreciate living in such an engaging environment with numerous resources at their disposal, it has been observed that certain amenities fall short of expectations regarding maintenance and upkeep standards—most notably concerning pool cleanliness. Residents often find themselves stepping up to clean areas like pool tiles when they begin accumulating unsightly scum despite paying monthly rent meant to cover maintenance costs for shared spaces like these.

Lastly, financial considerations should not be overlooked by interested buyers; although lot rent prices have seen notable increases over recent years at The Grove—something paralleled across other parks in South Florida—the reality remains: you lease your land rather than own it outright if you choose this community as your residence.

In conclusion, The Grove presents both enticing opportunities for growth through social engagement as well as some challenges related largely to environmental conditions and rule enforcement measures impacting daily life within its confines; thus aiming for transparency while assessing both pros & cons before committing may serve future inhabitants well as they seek out fulfilling retirement lifestyles!

Restaurants

• The Galley (1.1 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2.2 miles)
• Culver's (2.2 miles)
• O'Charley's Restaurant + Bar (2.3 miles)
• Whataburger (2.3 miles)
• Lambert's Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Ferrell Family Dental Pc (2 miles)
• General Practice PC (3.5 miles)
• E Gaylon Mccollough (3.6 miles)
• SunRays Optical Boutique (3.8 miles)
• McCollough Institute For Appearance and Health (3.9 miles)
• McCollough Institute - Jordan L Wallin MD (3.9 miles)
• McCollough Plastic Surgery Clinic (3.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Beach Girl Coffee (4.3 miles)
• The Copper Kettle Tea Bar (4.5 miles)
• The Happy Pappys (5.8 miles)
• The Southern Grind Coffee House (6.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3.6 miles)
• Medistat Rx (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Medistat (4 miles)
• Gulf Coast Specialty Pharmacy (4 miles)
• Wright Drugs (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Cobb Pinnacle 14 Cinemas (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Jack Edwards Airport (JKA) (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church (5.4 miles)

Hospitals

• South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (5.6 miles)
• Alabama Gulf Coast Urgent Care (5.8 miles)