Sweetwater

Pros

• The community is described as very nice and well-kept.
• Del Webb Sweetwater is a very nice slice of nature in the midst of things.
• It is a great 55+ community with vibrant and active residents.
• The grounds are lovely, wooded and serene, with attractive, well-maintained landscaping.
• There is a wide variety of clubs and activities, with new ones launching all the time.
• There are many amenities, such as two pools, a tennis/pickleball court, and a fitness center.
• Residents are friendly, and the vibe is relaxing and congenial.
• It feels like a resort and is a great place to enjoy retirement years.
• Sweetwater by Del Webb is an excellent managed gated community for 55+ residents.
• It is financially sound with fully funded reserves and reasonable HOA fees.
• It has a large clubhouse with a ballroom, indoor/outdoor pools, a pool table room and fitness/activities rooms.
• There are many clubs, including dance, Italian, pickleball and golf clubs; courts have lights for evening play.
• The location is convenient, close to TownCenter, Mayo Clinic and other healthcare facilities.
• It is described as safe, secure, and stunning.
• Management staff (and specific team members) are praised for professionalism and helpfulness.

Cons

• The front desk attendant was rude and abruptly shut down inquiries, telling the caller to contact a realtor.
• The caller's follow-up attempts were blocked, preventing further assistance.
• The 2023 budget is described as a major letdown, with a costly data-collection gate system that does not function properly and a decision against recycling pickup.
• There is an outstanding roof issue that has needed repair since 2022.
• HOA fees were raised by $25 per month, with critics arguing funds are not spent wisely despite large reserve balances.
• The board is labeled terrible and uncaring about HOA responsibilities, with a specific director blamed for harming a resident.
• The management company is seen as mismanaging major projects and residents complain about overgrown trees and poor oversight.
• One reviewer states that Sweetwater is a terrible place to live.
• Some reviews claim discrimination against Veterans, which others deny as baseless, describing the controversy as disingenuous.

Review

Sweetwater by Del Webb stands out in many reviews as a 55-plus community that combines a peaceful, nature-filled setting with a lively array of activities and a strong sense of pride. Observers repeatedly call it a well-kept, attractive place where the landscape is mature and the grounds are thoughtfully maintained. The atmosphere is often described as serene and inviting, a true oasis nestled amid a busy area. The overall tone from residents who have lived there for years is that it can feel like a small, well-managed resort designed for active retirees who value both relaxation and social engagement.

A recurring lead-in across many comments is the lifestyle the community supports. Those who live there or have visited frequently highlight wildlife, lakes, and walking trails as standout features. Pickleball and tennis clubs are cited as particularly vibrant, with lighting for evening play adding to the appeal. The housing options are described as varied and substantial, including single-family homes with concrete block construction and other types of residences. In contrast to newer developments nearby, some residents note that Sweetwater's lots offer more space and a sense of permanence, with fewer cars parked along the streets and a more relaxed, orderly feel.

Amenities and activity options appear to be a major draw for residents. The community boasts two pools, indoor and outdoor facilities, a fitness center, and a broad slate of clubs and social opportunities. A well-used boardwalk and paved trails provide convenient ways to enjoy the outdoors, while the calendar of events and clubs seems to be continually expanding. Proximity to local conveniences - such as TownCenter Shopping, Mayo Clinic, beaches, and other medical facilities - adds to the appeal for many residents who emphasize the convenience of this Southside Jacksonville location. For many, Sweetwater feels like a well-integrated, self-contained living environment with plenty of opportunities to stay busy and socially connected.

There is also an ongoing conversation about governance, finances, and management. Several reviews point to the community's financial stability, highlighting fully funded reserves and what is described as reasonable HOA fees. A substantial number of posts reference the size of the development - hundreds of units - and the notion that strong financials help sustain the amenities and upkeep. Yet not all financial and management remarks are uniformly positive. Some residents express concerns about how funds are spent, noting HOA fee increases (a recent mention of a $25 monthly rise) and questioning whether reserve money could be used to reduce costs for residents facing inflation. One reviewer describes perceived inefficiencies in the management company and a sense that major projects could be overseen more effectively. The tension between maintaining a high standard of living and ensuring prudent budgeting appears as a common thread in these reflections.

The human element of living in Sweetwater also comes through in experiences with staff and governance. Several residents sing the praises of specific team members who have helped them - names such as Anna, Cheryl, and Hilary Reinhardt surface repeatedly as positive, professional, and encouraging interactions that made a real difference for veterans and other residents alike. On the flip side, there are stories of frustration related to customer service, including a particularly negative account of a rude front-desk experience and even calls being blocked when attempting to seek assistance. These contrasting experiences underscore a broader theme: while many find the community friendly and welcoming, a few encounters have left some residents feeling unable to obtain needed information or support.

Controversy and sentiment around civic symbols and veteran status also surface in the mix of posts. Some reviewers raise concerns about discrimination claims against veterans and flags, while others push back, asserting that veterans and patriotism are well-supported within the community. Several posts insist that American flags are allowed year-round and that the community decorates for veterans' holidays, both inside the clubhouse and at entry points. The back-and-forth around these statements reflects a broader concern among residents about how the community handles sensitive issues and communications, as well as how accurately the public narrative aligns with individual experiences.

Throughout the collection, long-tenured residents provide a counterpoint that helps balance more critical voices. Some residents recount living in Sweetwater for 15, 17, or even more years with little regret, praising the sense of community and the quality of life that has endured despite evolving conditions. They emphasize that the area remains attractive for buyers, with homes selling quickly and a general sense of stability. For many, the appeal lies in a combination of natural beauty, a robust social calendar, and a belief that they have found a welcoming home where neighbors look out for one another.

Taken together, the impressions of Sweetwater by Del Webb reveal a complex portrait: a community that many residents describe as peaceful, well-kept, and richly equipped with amenities suitable for an active retirement. It is a place where nature, recreation, and social life converge, and where veterans and non-veterans alike feel a sense of belonging and pride. At the same time, the same voices acknowledge ongoing debates about governance, budget priorities, and customer service experiences. For some, these concerns do not overshadow the overall quality of life; for others, they highlight areas in need of attention and improvement. Ultimately, Sweetwater's reputation rests on a blend of beauty, activity, and community spirit - augmented by both enthusiastic endorsements and candid reminders that even cherished places are not without their challenges.

This area of Jacksonville, Florida offers a convenient location with easy access to various amenities and services. There are several physicians specializing in different fields nearby, along with pharmacies for all your medication needs. Additionally, there are cafes and restaurants offering a variety of dining options. For leisurely activities, there are parks for outdoor recreation and even a dog park for furry companions. The presence of a hospital within a few miles provides peace of mind knowing medical care is easily accessible in case of emergencies. Overall, this part of Jacksonville seems like a well-equipped and lively community that could be a suitable option for senior living.

Physicians

• First Coast Allergy and Asthma (0.3 miles)
• Brown Fertility (0.7 miles)
• TruYou Plastic Surgery of Jacksonville (1.5 miles)
• Southeast Orthopedic Specialists - CenterONE Clinic (3.2 miles)
• Florida Pain Physicians (3.9 miles)
• Intercoastal Dermatology (4 miles)
• Baymeadows Family Practice (4.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Metro Diner (2.8 miles)
• The Coffee Grinder (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Family Catholic School (2.9 miles)
• Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church (4.5 miles)
• Cody Family Enrichment Center (6.6 miles)
• St Joseph's Catholic Church (6.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Coopers Hawk Jacksonvi (3.1 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (3.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3.2 miles)
• 5th Element (3.3 miles)
• Domu Jax (3.3 miles)
• Maggiano's (3.3 miles)

Transportation

• Hertz Rent A Car (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Losco Regional Park (4.3 miles)
• Huffman Boulevard Park (5.6 miles)
• Losco Park (5.8 miles)
• Sutton Lakes Playground (7.2 miles)
• Dolphin Cove Dog Park (7.2 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Tinseltown and XD (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Baptist Medical Center South (5.4 miles)
• Baptist South hospital (6.2 miles)