Babcock Ranch, a new town near Fort Myers, Florida, is an eco-conscious community characterized by its green initiatives, conservation efforts, healthy lifestyle, new technology, outdoor amenities, educational endeavors, golf club, and energy efficient homes.

Real estate in this community continues to flourish, and the sustainable suburban neighborhood will eventually house nearly 50,000 residents. Remarkably, the residents of Babcock Ranch share a similar life philosophy that marries progressive technology with environmentally-friendly parameters. The result is a community with the nomenclature “modern Mayberry,” a sumptuous suburban that celebrates Mother Nature, possesses an array of amenities, and calls cordial neighbors to its doorstep.

History


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In 2006, the vision of Palm Beach Gardens developer Syd Kitson came to fruition with the acquisition of 96,000 acres of former farmland and rock quarry. As a demonstration of his commitment to land conservation, Kitson sold 73,000 acres to the state of Florida for permanent preservation.  Working closely with environmental engineers, Kitson began the process of increasing nutrients in the soil and decreasing potential side effects of construction by installing weirs along the canal, creating lakes for water retention and recreation, eradicating exotic plants, and restoring wetlands with new vegetation.

The vision begins with the simple premise that health and wellness yield happiness and wealth. Monetary aspirations aside, residents of Babcock desire to have wealth of experiences, opportunities, and spiritual growth. By simplifying life and spending more time outdoors, families connect with each other and with their neighbors, and they soak in the sunshine, figuratively and literally.

 

Green Guidelines


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In addition to hiring environmental engineers, Kitson partnered with Florida Power and Light to create the first solar-powered city in the country and the largest solar-powered city in the world. Using its own photovoltaic grid with 430 acres of solar panels, residents receive their energy sources from the sun during the day and then switch to a traditional mode in the evening. The community also has its own waste water treatment plant, clean energy research center, storm drainage bioswales, freshwater lake, marshland areas, nature paths, vegetable and fruit gardens, electric car charging stations, and, in years to come, self-driving, electric trolleys. Furthermore, the Florida Green Building Coalition governs both the residential and commercial construction within the community to ensure all sites meet the energy efficient and green standards.

Amenities


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Going green does not dismiss opulent amenities. At Babcock Ranch, residents enjoy ample activities and recreational space. Amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, state of the art fitness facility, tennis courts, fishing pier, boardwalk, bike paths, hiking trails, and even its own charter school, Babcock Neighborhood School.

Moreover, the community’s downtown area features farm-to-table restaurants, pubs, shops, and an outdoor entertainment venue. The Healthy Life Center, which is also located downtown, is a complete wellness facility that offers group fitness classes, rehabilitation services, yoga and pilates, hypnotherapy, massages, brain exercises, medical services, educational classes, and more. Coinciding with its commitment to health and wellness, the center has an on-site juice bar, ReCharge Juice Company. Outside, the center has a junior Olympic-size lap swimming pool. This pool is heated so residents can enjoy year round.

Babcock Neighborhood School


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As expected, the Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) fuses green education with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Known as GreenSTEAM, the core curriculum centers around these hallmarks and seeks to create a life-long learning environment through a project-based approach. Babcock Neighborhood School is associated with Charlotte County School District and selects students under a “lottery based” system as the community continues to construct.

Operating as a charter school, BNS is separated into two entities: kindergarten - 8th grade and high school. Students enjoy the small classes, extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletic opportunities. A popular choice for school, BNS presently has a waitlist for interested students; however, families residing within Babcock Ranch are zoned for the school and given priority for placement.

Downtown


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Anchored by Founders Square, the downtown district at Babcock Ranch features restaurants, boutiques, event lawn, boardwalk, and civic center, Woodlea Hall. The square sits alongside Sunset Lake, gifting residents and patrons with spectacular, cotton-candy colored skies nearly every evening. The Lake House Kitchen and Bar, the first dining establishment to open here, offers fresh, farm-to-table entrees and an assortment of beer from local breweries. The outdoor beer garden is a popular place to gather for drinks and listen to acoustic music. Situated alongside Sunset Lake, The Lake House has an expansive, waterfront outdoor seating area.

Slaters Goods & Provisions is an organic, fast casual cafe and gourmet market that also offers a healthier version of comfort food such as pizza, brisket, and chicken tacos. Children and adults alike enjoy Square Scoops, a creamery that serves ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and more. For coffee junkies, Cup of Joe offers fresh brewed coffee, espresso, and lattes. This better than Starbucks shop also has an assortment of homemade pastries and treats. Curry Creek Outfitters, which caters to outdoor enthusiasts, is one of several future boutiques. The Hatchery is a multi-use work space where residents can enjoy a casual atmosphere, WiFi, individual and group desks, and a private balcony.

Founders Square hosts numerous art and culinary festivals throughout the year as well as holiday extravaganzas. Neighbors enjoy listening to live music, watching fireworks, lighting the Christmas tree, and socializing with each other at this splendid setting.

Babcock National Golf Club


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Featuring fastidious fairways amidst tropical terrain, the golf course at Babcock National Golf Club is an idyllic pastime for both competitive and leisure golfers. The 18-hole championship course, designed by golf architect Gordon Lewis, is meticulously maintained. A quiet, low-density club, golfers are granted space to focus on the mental aspect of the game as much as the physical demand.

The eclectic mix of traditional Scottish-style fairways, modern putting greens, and natural waterway hazards create an authentic balance that entices players of all ability levels. Apart from the golf course, the private club features an expansive clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, tiki hut, cabanas, bocce ball, pickleball, tennis courts, fitness center, full service spa, and dining options. Babcock National Golf Club is its own, gated residential community within Babcock Ranch.

Real Estate

Presently, potential buyers are able to purchase pre-construction homes or resale homes at Babcock Ranch. Neighborhoods include Babcock National, Edgewater, Parkside, Lake Babcock, Lake Timber, and Trail’s Edge. Each neighborhood has its own select builders, architectural style, floor plans, and amenities. Builders include reputable South Florida companies such as Lennar, Pulte, Homes by Arthur Rutenberg, Divco Custom Homes, Florida Lifestyle Homes, and Stock Classic Homes.

Typically, homes range from $200,000 to more than $500,000, depending on size and location; however, the estate section will offer custom, waterfront homes upward of $1 million. As development continues to flourish, home prices will increase to reflect current market trends.

Demographics

Interestingly, the demographics are as diverse as the neighborhoods and homes within the community. Young families who wish to vicariously emulate their own childhood experience appreciate the plethora of outdoor activities and the neighborhood school. Retirees who desire to settle in a community that prioritizes wellness, exercise, and clean eating also find the community appealing. And of course, everyone who embraces eco-friendly, sustainable living is proud to call Babcock Ranch home. In the words of transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson in his work Nature, “Build therefore your own world.” Certainly, Babcock Ranch is a world in which nature reigns supreme.

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