Hammock Preserve on Palmer Ranch

Pros

• Hammock Preserve is described as a beautiful, clean, safe, and secure community.
• The development features a nice pool and clubhouse.
• It is a high-end, upscale community with well-appointed amenities.
• Its location is ideal, offering close access to hospitals, transportation, and shopping.
• DiVosta and Pulte are praised for top-quality homes and a smooth building process.
• Field managers such as Nadine Lizabe and Dan Richards are lauded for responsiveness, professionalism, and care.
• Homeowners express love for their homes, noting they are beautiful, comfortable, and energy efficient.
• The community is known for friendly neighbors and a welcoming atmosphere.
• The surrounding natural beauty and proximity to beaches enhance the appeal.

Cons

• The management and board of directors are terrible.
• The so-called gated community is not gated; anyone can enter 24/7.
• The community is not kid-friendly at all.
• It is definitely not good for families with children.
• There is nothing for children to do; no park, and children cannot use amenities without an adult.
• There have been no activities for kids during holidays.
• The community was marketed as family-friendly, but it is not.
• The reviewer warns not to buy in this community if you have children.

Review

Hammock Preserve, a DiVosta/Pulte-built community tucked along Honore Avenue just west of I-75, comes across in the collective remarks as a striking example of a beautiful, well-appointed development. Many reviewers describe it as a high-end, upscale place with all the bells and whistles: a resort-style pool, a clubhouse, a gym, a fire pit, and outdoor spaces that feel carefully maintained. The setting is repeatedly praised for its quiet surroundings and proximity to beaches, shopping, medical facilities, and parks, making it a convenient yet tranquil place to call home. Several comments highlight the overall appeal of the neighborhood as a "little development" with a refined feel and a resort-like atmosphere.

A common thread through the feedback is the quality of the homebuilding experience. Reviewers consistently single out DiVosta and Pulte for delivering solid, well-built homes, with particular emphasis on thoughtful floor plans and energy efficiency. One reviewer notes a Summerwood model that is "wonderful, comfortable, light and airy," and several families describe the process from sales to construction to warranty as smooth and professional. The fellow team members - sales agents, construction managers, and warranty staff - are repeatedly named as "A Team" members who were responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring that each home met a high standard. The financing process is also praised, and multiple residents express appreciation for the care and involvement of the builders' staff throughout the journey.

The community's amenities and location are central to why people choose Hammock Preserve. Positive voices spotlight a pool that is more than adequate, with noted features like multiple swimming lanes and a "resort" feel, plus a well-equipped gym, a fire pit, and outdoor cooking spaces. People appreciate a landscape and facilities that feel premium, with comments about the property being neatly maintained and the overall environment giving a sense of paradise. The neighborhood's location is frequently cited as a major plus - close to beaches and easy access to essentials such as hospitals, transportation, and shopping - creating a lifestyle that balances leisure with practicality for both retirees and working professionals.

Alongside the strong praise for beauty and quality, a recurring theme addresses the community's demographics and the vibe toward children and families. Several reviewers describe Hammock Preserve as not being a kid-friendly or family-centered environment, with some labeling it as a place that caters more to adults. One reviewer explicitly states the community is not kid-friendly and raises concerns about amenities that seem oriented toward adults rather than families. There are also remarks about the community not being gated and questions about age designations, with a sense among some residents that the management or the board is aiming to shift toward a 60+ demographic. The tension surfaces further in complaints about restrictions surrounding gym usage for children under 16 and a perception that there are two dog parks but limited facilities or activities for younger residents.

Governance and policy concerns appear in several reviews as well. A few complaints point to expenses and rules as a frustration - an expensive HOA paired with rules that some feel are overly restrictive or misrepresented. Specific flying critiques include a "not gated" reality that disappoints some buyers who expected more security, as well as questions about the practical usefulness of certain rules (for example, gym access restrictions for minors) and the perception that the association calendar rarely delivers activities aimed at children. There are also anecdotes about mixed neighborhood experiences, such as some residents reporting polite, professional interactions with staff, while others recount occasional friction with a small subset of residents who seem unwelcoming to families or younger guests.

Despite the divergent notes about family-friendliness and governance, the overall sentiment remains decidedly positive for many who live in Hammock Preserve. Numerous residents express deep appreciation for the homes, the quality of construction, and the overall living experience, including strong endorsements of individual team members who guided them through every step of the process. Reviewers repeatedly describe a sense of pride in their homes and in the community - neighbors who are friendly and helpful, days spent enjoying a well-designed resort-like amenity set, and a feeling of belonging that comes from living in a thoughtfully planned, professionally managed environment. For many, Hammock Preserve represents a rare blend of luxury, convenience, and a close-knit atmosphere.

In sum, Hammock Preserve emerges as a community that shines in its architecture, materials, and upkeep, with an amenities package designed to support a comfortable, resort-inspired lifestyle. The builders' teams earn high praise for their responsiveness and expertise, contributing to a generally smooth home-building and ownership experience. The location near Palmer Ranch, the beaches, and essential services adds to the appeal, while questions about age demographics, kid-friendliness, and governance reflect a spectrum of resident experiences. For those who value quality construction, thoughtful design, and a refined, low-traffic living environment, Hammock Preserve offers a compelling, almost turnkey lifestyle, even as some potential buyers weigh the balance between adult-oriented amenities and family-friendly possibilities.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that could make it an attractive option for senior living. With multiple parks nearby such as Osprey Junction Trailhead, Oscar Scherer State Park, and Urfer Family Park, residents have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. There are also several restaurants ranging from casual dining at Mad Moe's Pub & Grill to more upscale options like Max's Table. Additionally, there are pharmacies, physicians' offices, and hospitals within a short distance for convenient healthcare access. For entertainment, seniors can catch a movie at AMC Sarasota 12 or grab a coffee at one of the many Starbucks locations nearby. Places of worship such as St Thomas More Catholic Church and Sarasota Baptist Church provide spiritual support for those who value their faith community. Overall, this area offers a mix of recreational activities, dining options, healthcare services, and spiritual support that could make it a desirable location for seniors looking to retire in Sarasota.

Parks

• Osprey Junction Trailhead (1.2 miles)
• Oscar Scherer State Park (2.4 miles)
• Urfer Family Park (6.3 miles)
• Phillippi Estate Park (6.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Mad Moe's Pub & Grill (2.6 miles)
• Local Pizza (2.6 miles)
• Max's Table (2.6 miles)
• Linksters Taproom Sara (2.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Jalisco Mexican Grill (3.2 miles)
• Rosebuds (3.4 miles)

Physicians

• Sterling Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PA (2.8 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Group Urgent Care (2.9 miles)
• Sarasota Skin & Cancer Center (3.3 miles)
• Jess Hawke (3.6 miles)
• Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota (4.3 miles)
• Ramon E Colina (4.3 miles)
• Milam Bogart Dermatology (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Good Samaritan Pharmacy and Health Services (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)

Hospitals

• B And K Properties Of Sarasota (3.1 miles)
• All Children's Specialty Care of Sarasota (4.2 miles)
• Homesights Consulting (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sarasota 12 (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Munchies Cafe (5.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.6 miles)
• First Watch #112 (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas More Catholic Church (5.2 miles)
• Sarasota Baptist Church (5.5 miles)
• Church of the Palms (7.1 miles)