Cypress Lakes

Pros

• The property is beautiful.
• They love it here and hope to never leave.
• There is so much to do here; residents take advantage of it.
• The community is a great place to travel from.
• They feel safe in their gated community.
• Everyone looks out for each other.
• The wildlife is amazing.
• Their kids love visiting.
• They have a more active and higher quality of life here.
• Golf courses are top notch.
• Amenities are resort level.
• Yulisa provides wonderful service; she is excellent, cooperative, and communicates well.
• The grill and restaurant on property, plus music nights, are enjoyable.
• The pools, hot tubs, fitness center, manicured yards, and clubhouse are well maintained.

Cons

• The lawn service damages downspouts and is blamed for being the low bidder.
• Office and Corporate are said to have no follow-up, with the park supposedly going downhill.
• Mowing issues are blamed on bad blades or mowing too fast, suggesting a lack of care.
• By October the grass is out of control and residents have quit weed whipping, buying their own mowers.
• The lot rent is very high and rises 5% annually, pricing people out quickly.
• The gate guard is rude and unhelpful, denying access to the golf course and clubhouse.
• The community is described as chaotic and concerns are ignored by management.
• Cove's management is labeled horrible, with the grill closed and bar games canceled during events and no accountability from leadership.
• The community manager is called the worst.
• Road construction on the way to the Village is badly managed with heavy traffic.
• Prospective buyers are warned to avoid Cove Communities due to high rents and taxes and perceived focus on money over residents.

Review

Cypress Lakes is repeatedly described as a beautiful, vibrant 55+ community that captures the best of a resort-like lifestyle: two well-kept golf courses, multiple pools and hot tubs, a well-equipped clubhouse, a thriving social calendar with music nights and games, a fitness center, a library, and a grill that serves as a social hub. Residents emphasize that the property itself is stunning, with manicured streets, abundant wildlife, ponds, and scenic sunrises and sunsets that make everyday living feel special. Many long-term residents praise the sense of safety and belonging that comes from a large, closely connected neighborhood where neighbors look out for one another. Even those who don't call Cypress Lakes home anymore still speak warmly of the place - describing it as a paradise, a community with a country-private feel that remains surprisingly accessible given its size.

Yet behind the praise lies a recurring chorus of practical frustrations. A number of residents express growing concern about the cost of living there, especially the high lot rent that keeps rising - often cited as a 5% annual increase - alongside pass-through taxes and other charges that residents say make it increasingly difficult for people to stay or for prospective buyers to consider the park. Several reviews urge future buyers to do their homework, noting that "buyer's beware" attitude is warranted because the financial burden can overwhelm the enjoyment of all the amenities. Some long-time residents fear the financial pressure could push the community into a decline if costs outpace what people are willing or able to pay, even as they remain emotionally attached to the place.

Management and governance receive mixed-to-poor marks from frequent voices in these reviews. A common thread is disappointment with responsiveness and accountability. Complaints range from specific grievances about service quality and follow-through to broader criticisms of the management structure and communication. One reviewer bluntly warns others not to expect their concerns to be heard, citing a lack of meaningful action even after complaints are escalated to corporate. Several entries describe a sense that the park's leadership prioritizes appearances or financial considerations over addressing day-to-day resident needs, with phrases like "Cove runs it" and "they care more about money than the community" recurring in several posts. Gate access and security also draw harsh opinions: a gate guard is described as rude and unhelpful, blocking access to the golf course and clubhouse, which adds to a sense of frustration about professionalism and courtesy on property.

The lawn and grounds maintenance experiences illustrate one of the most tangible and persistent pain points. Several residents recount ongoing issues with mowing: inconsistent service, equipment problems, and even incidents where the mower allegedly damaged downspouts. They report a lack of timely follow-up from management or the office, and in some cases from corporate leadership as well. One resident volunteers a candid assessment - "don't need a pat on the head, just the lawn mowed" - and notes that the problem endures into October, with grass growth out of control and weed whipping becoming unsustainable. Accusations about a low-bidder approach to contract mowing surface repeatedly, along with questions about whether the service is being done with care and attention to detail. In a few comments, residents propose constructive solutions, including offering to help coordinate or supervise local lawn care efforts on a volunteer basis, but the overarching sentiment remains that the mowing quality has deteriorated and the impact is visible on homes and the overall curb appeal.

There are strong positive notes about the social fabric and the lifestyle that Cypress Lakes offers, even amid the challenges. Several residents extol the resort-like amenities as top-tier: golf courses and driving ranges that attract retirees seeking an active lifestyle; a robust calendar of clubs, activities, and social events; and the sense that there is always something to do, from arts and crafts to pickleball, tennis, and shuffleboard. The grill and bar scene, especially when music nights are on the calendar, is highlighted as a key social anchor. People describe meeting friends, hosting gatherings, and enjoying a quieter, peaceful life surrounded by friendly neighbors. Within this affectionate frame, some residents point out specific staff members who stand out for their helpfulness and warmth - for example, a staff member named Yulisa is singled out for excellent service, cooperation, and communication - and many speak highly of the resort-style feel of the community despite its flaws.

Other threads touch on accessibility and daily experience. Reviews mention road construction in and around the park that complicates commutes and travel to nearby areas like the Village, adding another layer of inconvenience for residents trying to leave or return home. Some posters recount frustrating experiences with gate access, deliveries, and general courtesy at the entrance, underscoring a broader need for more consistent customer service from on-site personnel. There are also vivid, if pointed, reminders that the landscaping and maintenance issues can affect property damage and safety, reinforcing the link many residents draw between well-kept grounds and overall satisfaction with the park.

Amidst the positives, the recurring cautions about cost, management responsiveness, and service quality create a complex portrait. Cypress Lakes is celebrated for its beauty, its wildlife-filled surroundings, its welcoming and active community, and its resort-like amenities that make retirement feel like a permanent getaway. At the same time, residents voice legitimate concerns about affordability, accountability, and practical maintenance - issues that, if addressed, could significantly strengthen the sense of security and pride that so many already feel. For people who love this place, the hope is for a renewed commitment to responsive management, consistent groundskeeping, and clear, constructive communication - so the dream of a harmonious, well-maintained, and financially sustainable community can be realized for current residents and future ones alike.

Located in Lakeland, Florida, this part of town offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With several parks nearby such as the Hunt Fountain Park and Lake Parker Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. In terms of dining options, there are familiar choices like Burger King, McDonald's, and Palace Italian Restaurant, providing convenient meal options. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures easy access to medications and healthcare needs. Additionally, proximity to medical facilities such as Lakeland Regional Medical Center and physicians' offices like Lakeland Eye Clinic make healthcare services easily accessible. Places of worship like Christ Lutheran Church offer spiritual support, while transportation options including Zephyrhills Municipal Airport provide convenience for those needing to travel. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in Lakeland.

Parks

• Hunt Fountain Park (3.1 miles)
• Lake Parker Park (7.4 miles)
• Adair PARK (8.8 miles)
• Zephyrhills Park Playground & Waterpark (11.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (3.5 miles)
• Checkers (3.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.6 miles)
• McDonald's (4.1 miles)
• Palace Italian Restaurant (4.2 miles)
• Burger King (4.3 miles)
• Wendy's (4.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• FamilyCare Discount Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Providence Pharmacy (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• Lakeland Eye Clinic (3.7 miles)
• Bedi B S MD (4.2 miles)
• Fischer Schemmer & Silbiger (4.6 miles)
• Timothy E Knight (4.6 miles)
• Clark And Daughtrey Walk-in (5 miles)
• Sears Hearing Aid Center by Miracle-Ear (5.8 miles)
• Optical Outlets (6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro (9.6 miles)
• Hard Dock Cafe (10 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark USA (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Lakeland Regional Medical Center (6.7 miles)
• Central Florida Surgi-Center (7.1 miles)
• Endoscopy Unit (8.5 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Medical Center (8.6 miles)
• Radiology Department (8.6 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Heal (8.6 miles)
• Lakeland Regional Health (8.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ Lutheran Church (7.5 miles)

Transportation

• Railroad Tracks (10.4 miles)
• Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH) (10.7 miles)