Couple Moves to Florida Retirement Community Twice

The old adage that you can never go home again is true, well – mostly true. Unless you’ve experienced the magic of living in a Florida retirement community like Jamaica Bay Village. Residents describe it as a bit of paradise hidden just off the beaten path in Fort Myers, Florida.

It’s a place so nice that one couple moved there twice.

There’s something special about this active adult community that draws couples like Jeff and Julie Starkweather. 

Not Your Average Florida Retirement Community

On the surface, Jamaica Bay Village is similar to other 55+, active adult villages across the United States. There are cute, move-in-ready manufactured homes lining pristine streets. There’s a clubhouse, two swimming pools, and plenty of pickleball courts.

But Jamaica Bay Village is more than a collection of buildings, courts, and amenities. For the Starkweathers there’s a valuable intangible you can’t get everywhere – the sense of community.

“We knew in our hearts that the community aspect in Jamaica Bay, and the layers of quality that existed here, don’t exist everywhere.”

Jeff Starkweather

Ditching Michigan Winters for Florida 55+ Living

Escaping the cold Michigan winters brought Jeff and Julie to Jamaica Bay Village in 2001. Their search for a warmer climate began online scrolling through homes for sale. Nothing felt like the right fit until they found Jamaica Bay.

“It’s clear when you look at these communities, 55 and up communities around Southwest Florida, that some are a little better than others – just a little bit nicer than others,” explains Jeff. 

For Julie, it was the resort-style amenities, pools, and the palm trees that caught her attention. Both admit it was clear that Jamaica Bay was well maintained. 

What Makes Jamaica Bay Village Special

The Starkweathers recognized the value immediately when they bought a home in Jamaica Bay. The gated community is a lush Florida paradise despite being located off busy U.S. Route 41 (S. Tamiami Trail) in Fort Myers.

The gorgeous landscaping, man-made lakes, and quiet streets make Jamaica Bay feel worlds away from the busy streets beyond the front gates.

The amenities create a self-contained community offering something for everyone. As residents, the Starkweathers could access the pools, hot tub, community clubhouse, activities, clubs, and entertainment. It’s these extras that set the 1,400-home neighborhood apart from other master-plan communities in Central Florida. 

The couple soaked up the Florida sun, made friends, and lived the good life in Jamaica Bay Village for two years. Then, a job opportunity in Tennessee lured the couple away. 

Moving Back to Jamaica Bay Village

The Starkweathers left their beloved Florida community. They bought a beautiful home (not within a 55+ community) in Tennessee but always knew something was missing.

“We had a fantastic year there, but we said we need to come back,” says Jeff explaining how they both missed the community they’d created at Jamaica Bay. “And the community is still as wonderful as it was before.”

After being gone a little more than a year, the Starkweathers returned to Jamaica Bay Village.

“It’s a community and it’s not just a term. It’s a life… you make friends here.”

Jeff

It’s one of the benefits of finding the right retirement community in Florida. The friendships are real in places like Jamaica Bay Village where neighbors help neighbors. 

Nobody is a stranger in Jamaica Bay explained Jeff who said he was helping a neighbor update his place later that day. 

“We just met him at the hot tub a week ago,” laughs Julie.

Finding the Right Retirement Community Lifestyle

Jeff and Julie didn’t waste any time jumping back into the community lifestyle at Jamaica Bay.

Both still work full-time jobs. However, they find plenty of time to enjoy the best of Jamaica Bay from Tuesday night BINGO to the Christmas golf cart parade.

“A lot of the reason we really wanted to come back was because of the shows, the dances, and events where you could get together with other people in the community and enjoy the relationships we built here,” describes Julie who adds that the relationships are what you’re willing to put into them.

The Jamaica Bay Club makes sure there’s plenty to keep homeowners busy too. There’s a full calendar of events to keep residents connected and the local community. One of the biggest events of 2025 raised $10,000 for DAV, a national nonprofit that supports disabled American veterans. 

Know Before You Buy: Retirement Community Research

It’s not all soirees and swimming pools. The Starkweathers recommend doing your homework before buying a manufactured home within a Florida retirement community. 

After all, they’re pros since they’ve moved into Jamaica Bay Village twice.

Despite being in the same community, their experiences were slightly different the second time around. The Starkweathers decided to rent a home when they returned to Jamaica Bay.

The other difference was ownership. Cove Communities now owns and operates the land lease community in Florida. In real estate, a land lease is where residents own the home but not the land it sits on.

It’s a concept the Starkweathers urge potential homebuyers to research before buying.

“Do your due diligence when it comes to HOA, lot fees, and make sure amenities match what they charge,” says Jeff. “Understand what you’re really getting.”

Potential homebuyers can do a lot of that homework online by checking frequently asked questions. Before buying, the Starkweathers read reviews and compared the differences between Jamaica Bay and similar communities.

“Make sure the price you’re going to pay matches the amenities and the lifestyle that you desire.”

Jeff

It’s all about finding housing that is affordable for your cost of living. New Manufactured homes in Jamaica Bay start at about $169,900 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom.

Creating a Community and Home in Fort Myers, Florida

For the Starkweathers there’s no doubt, you can return home again. It’s all about building a community and understanding the value behind it.

It’s more than manufactured houses and palm trees. It’s about people. And more specifically for the Starkweathers, it’s about the people who make up Jamaica Bay Village so special.

“We missed it when we left. But we’re here now and we’re thankful.”

Jeff