Sullivan Ranch

Pros

• The properties are beautiful with nice open spaces.
• The community is beautiful with lovely amenities.
• The Sullivan Ranch community is beautiful and has great amenities.
• The builder is great and has a personal touch.
• The neighborhood is beautiful with views and green areas.
• The development offers an Olympic-size pool, a huge clubhouse, a fitness center, and miles of walking trails.
• There are sidewalks and bike routes throughout the neighborhood, plus a park.
• The area is peaceful and relaxing.
• It is one of the best neighborhoods around.

Cons

• The HOA is the worst; they think they can do whatever they want and people should stay away.
• Dealing with the HOA is tedious and unpleasant, with clear unfriendliness.
• The gated entrance is often open or malfunctioning, undermining security.
• The HOA fees are extremely high.
• The community is far from ideal, with an overbearing HOA and unfriendly environment.
• There is a persistent smell from a recycling plant/landfill near the rear gate.
• A homeowner is accused of inappropriate behavior and not being fit for the community; warning to stay away to protect marriages.
• The location is out of the city with few modern conveniences; a car is needed.
• The 55+ portion has a horrible HOA.

Review

Sullivan Ranch comes across in these opinions as a truly beautiful and tranquil place to live. Reviewers consistently point to the landscape as a standout feature: wide-open spaces, lush greenery, and a sense of quiet that makes it easy to feel tucked away from the bustle of city life. The streets seem orderly and clean, with many noting that there aren't cars parked on the streets at night and that the overall appearance of the homes and yards is pristine. The neighborhood's tone feels safe and family-friendly, with residents highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and the sense that people take good care of their homes and surroundings.

The community is also described as having a strong, well-rounded set of amenities that enhance daily life. A standout lineup includes an Olympic-size community pool, a large clubhouse, a well-equipped fitness center, miles of walking trails, and a playground with a splash pad. There are mentions of a variety of floorplans to fit different needs - ranging from 3-bedroom/2-bath to larger 6/4 dual-master two-story homes, with 55+ options as well - suggesting a diverse residential mix within the same neighborhood. The walking and biking paths are praised for encouraging an active, outdoor lifestyle, and the wooden bridge connecting residents to different parts of the community is highlighted as a charming, practical feature. For many, the amenities create a sense of resort-like living right at home.

Despite the many positives, several reviewers flag concerns about the HOA and governance. Some describe the HOA as overbearing or overly controlling, implying that decision-making can feel centralized or heavy-handed relative to the services and amenities funded by dues. There are voices that call out the HOA as being overly stringent or problematic in certain contexts, including comments about the 55+ section. Yet, other writers acknowledge the existence of a structured homeowner association and the benefits it can bring, which paints a more nuanced picture: the community has clear governance and rules, but for some residents those rules can feel intrusive or burdensome.

Location and daily conveniences are a recurring theme in the critiques. The neighborhood is repeatedly described as being out of the city and not within easy reach of many modern conveniences. A car is commonly seen as essential for getting around, running errands, and accessing services outside the community. This travel reality is balanced against the beauty and amenities found inside Sullivan Ranch, but for some, the need to drive for everyday needs is a significant trade-off to consider when evaluating the lifestyle here.

Another practical concern that appears in the reviews concerns entrances and security. There is mention of one gated entrance for the entire community, with an additional entrance that is largely unused. When the gate is not functioning or is left open, the perceived security benefits can feel inconsistent, which some residents find frustrating. In addition to security logistics, environmental factors come into play for some residents: a smell near the rear gate is attributed to a nearby recycling plant, and there's a perception that emissions or odors from a landfill-like source may travel into the neighborhood. While one reviewer emphasizes that the odor isn't the community's fault, it does appear to color the living experience for those affected and to influence perceptions of the area.

Candid personal anecdotes add texture to the overall impression. Several comments speak highly of the people who live there - friendly neighbors, a welcoming vibe, and a sense of community with social events and family-friendly activities. Some note the ease of meeting neighbors while walking, running, or biking along the extensive trails. There are mentions of parties at the pavilion and other community gatherings, painting a picture of a place where social life is active and integrated with daily life. There are also stories of relocation and life changes tied to the neighborhood, with some reviewers highlighting that divorce or other personal changes prompted a move, which underscores the deeply personal nature of people's experiences with Sullivan Ranch.

Amid the praise, a few entries touch on personal or sensitive matters. One reviewer includes a serious personal allegation about a homeowner, which is not something that can be verified here. This points to the reality that any community will have a range of experiences and perspectives, some of which involve individuals rather than the place as a whole. It's important to view such claims with caution and balance them against the broader pattern of feedback from many residents who focus on the neighborhood's beauty, safety, amenities, and overall livability.

In the end, Sullivan Ranch presents as a highly desirable neighborhood for those who value scenery, space, and a strong amenity set. The landscape, walking paths, club facilities, and the general quiet provide a compelling backdrop for families, retirees, and professionals looking for a thoughtfully designed community. The trade-offs revolve around governance and lifestyle choices: how comfortable you are with a perhaps stringent HOA, the need to rely on a car for everyday errands, and the occasional environmental nuisance cited by some residents. For many, the positives - outdoor beauty, active community life, and quality amenities - outweigh the drawbacks, making Sullivan Ranch feel like a special place to call home.

This area of Mount Dora, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable lifestyle. With multiple places of worship nearby, including St Patrick Catholic Church and First Baptist Church, residents have access to spiritual support and community engagement. The abundance of restaurants like Jeremiah's and WAVE Asian Bistro & Sushi provides plenty of dining options for social gatherings or casual meals. In terms of healthcare, there are several physician offices within a short distance, such as Lakeview Internal Medicine and Dermatology Group PA, ensuring easy access to medical care. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are available for medication needs. For recreation and leisure, the area features parks like Donnelly Park and Trimble Park where seniors can enjoy nature walks or picnics. Overall, this part of Mount Dora offers a well-rounded living environment with essential services conveniently located for senior residents to enjoy a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

Places of Worship

• St Patrick Catholic Church of Mt Dora (2.2 miles)
• First Baptist Church of Mount Dora (2.5 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (2.9 miles)
• Grace Pointe Church (6 miles)
• First Church Kidz (6.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Jeremiah's (2.6 miles)
• WAVE Asian Bistro & Sushi (3.1 miles)
• The Frog And Monkey (3.1 miles)
• The Bavarian Haus (3.2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (3.8 miles)
• China Wok (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Donnelly Park (3.1 miles)
• Trimble Park (3.9 miles)
• Kelly Park (6 miles)
• Eustis Lake Walk (7.4 miles)
• Trout Lake Nature (7.8 miles)
• Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive (8.5 miles)

Physicians

• Jack - Jack Cassell Cassell MD (3.2 miles)
• Lakeview Internal Medicine PA (4.1 miles)
• Dermatology Group PA (4.7 miles)
• Mid Florida Eye Center (4.8 miles)
• Keith C Charles (4.8 miles)
• Gregory J Panzo (4.8 miles)
• Adult Medicine of Lake County (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (6.2 miles)
• Lake Pharmacy (7.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (7.8 miles)
• Walgreens (8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (8 miles)

Theaters

• Epic Theatres (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Orlando Country Airport (X04) (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• AdventHealth Waterman (7.5 miles)
• Florida Hospital Waterman (7.5 miles)