The Oaks

For many Floridians, retirement heralds a new chapter, one that ideally combines comfortable, convenient living with an enriching social life and ample opportunities for activity. The search for a community that truly feels like "home," where neighbors become like family, often leads to considering well-established manufactured home communities. In the charming city of DeLand, The Oaks stands out as an exceptional example of such a place, offering a lifestyle that many active adults dream of.

The Oaks is more than just a collection of homes; it's an "award-winning," "wonderful community" where residents describe themselves as "neighbors becoming family." It’s a place where you can choose to be "as active, socially busy, etc. as you choose to be," creating a truly personalized retirement experience. With its meticulously maintained grounds, welcoming atmosphere, and a plethora of amenities, The Oaks is designed to foster a sense of belonging and well-being. This article will delve into what makes The Oaks such a suitable and appealing choice for local Floridians, covering its prime location, the extensive services and features it provides, and the vibrant community spirit that sets it apart.

Location and Accessibility

The Oaks is ideally situated at 400 Nut Tree Dr, DeLand, FL 32724, USA. This address places the community in a serene, "wooded park-like country setting," making it a peaceful retreat while still offering excellent accessibility to the vibrant city of DeLand and beyond. DeLand, a gem in Volusia County, is consistently recognized for its historic downtown, vibrant arts and culture scene, and friendly atmosphere, making it a highly desirable place for active adults.

The community's design itself emphasizes natural beauty, with over "two miles of oak tree shaded streets" that make walks enjoyable even in the Florida sun. The roads take a "sinuous trek through luxuriant hills that are clean and pretty," contributing to the picturesque ambiance. Despite its tranquil setting, residents of The Oaks enjoy convenient access to a wide array of local conveniences and major Florida attractions:

• Downtown DeLand: Just a short drive away, offering unique boutique shops, diverse restaurants, art galleries, and cultural events centered around Stetson University.
• Natural Springs and Parks: Proximity to natural treasures like Blue Spring State Park, famous for its manatee viewing, as well as various other local parks for outdoor recreation.
• Coastal Access: The beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast, including Daytona Beach, are easily reachable for a day of sun and sand.
• Orlando Attractions: For world-class theme parks, entertainment, and extensive shopping, the bustling city of Orlando is approximately an hour's drive away, providing exciting day trip options.
• Essential Services: Grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and various dining establishments are all within convenient reach, ensuring that daily needs are met with ease.

This blend of peaceful, natural surroundings and excellent connectivity makes The Oaks an ideal location for Floridians seeking a balanced and fulfilling retirement.

Services Offered

The Oaks prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services that contribute to a comfortable and carefree living experience for its residents. These services are typically bundled into a convenient monthly lot fee, streamlining expenses and reducing the burden of home maintenance. Included in the monthly service fee, residents often find:

• Lawn Mowing: Professional lawn care is provided, ensuring that common areas and individual lots are consistently well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
• Water for Irrigation: Water for maintaining lawns and garden areas is typically included, helping to keep the community lush and green.
• Basic Tier One Cable TV: Residents often receive basic cable television services, providing immediate entertainment.
• High-Speed Internet: Complimentary high-speed internet access is usually provided, keeping residents connected with family, friends, and the wider world.
• Trash Services: Convenient trash and recycling pickup services simplify waste management for all residents.
• Use of Park Amenities: Full access to the wide array of community amenities, including the swimming pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and more, is included.
• Night Time Security: The community often provides security measures, contributing to peace of mind for residents.
• Professional Management: A dedicated and professional management team is on-site to oversee operations, address resident inquiries, and ensure the smooth running of the community.

It's worth noting that while bundled services are a significant convenience, service fees may adjust over time. Prospective residents should confirm all inclusions and current fee structures directly with the community office.

Features / Highlights

The Oaks is renowned for its "resort-style living" and an impressive array of features and amenities designed to promote an active, social, and fulfilling lifestyle for its 55+ residents:

• Spacious Clubhouse: The heart of the community, an 8,000 square foot Spanish-style clubhouse, boasts a library, dance floor, billiards room, and a community kitchen with extra wash sinks and commercial ice maker. It’s a central hub for social gatherings and activities.
• Screened-in Pool & Jacuzzi: A lovely kidney-shaped, screened-in swimming pool and jacuzzi with ample decking provide a bug and leaf-free environment for swimming, water exercises, and relaxation.
• Saunas: Separate saunas for men and women offer a space for detoxification, relaxation, and wellness.
• Fitness Center: A well-equipped exercise room allows residents to maintain their fitness routines.
• Outdoor Sports Courts: Enjoy friendly competition on the lighted tennis courts (also suitable for pickleball), shuffleboard courts, and horseshoes pits.
• Library: A cozy lending library provides a quiet space for reading and reflection, stocked with recent and popular books and magazines.
• Planned Activities: The community boasts a vibrant social calendar with numerous organized activities like Bingo, Bunco, Game Night, Cards, Billiards, and Craft Night, ensuring there's always something to engage in and new friends to meet. As one reviewer noted, there's "Awesome camaraderie among the residents present!"
• Pet-Friendly: The Oaks is a pet-friendly community, welcoming residents with their beloved pets (specific pet policies and any potential restrictions should be confirmed with management). Motorcycles are also permitted.
• RV/Boat Storage: Convenient on-site storage is available for RVs and boats, a valuable amenity for those who enjoy Florida's outdoor and water activities.
• "Step Free" Home Design: A unique highlight of many homes in The Oaks is the "step free" design, utilizing concrete and blocks to create a retaining wall and sloped dirt, giving the appearance of being built on the ground with no steps to climb, which is safer and more accessible.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, time-limited promotions for home purchases or lot rentals at The Oaks are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, manufactured home communities like The Oaks frequently offer various incentives to attract new residents. These can include:

• New Home Purchase Incentives: Deals on newly placed manufactured homes within the community.
• Lot Rent Specials: Discounts on monthly lot rent for a set period, especially for those committing to longer-term residency.
• Referral Programs: Incentives for current residents who refer new ones.

Prospective residents are highly encouraged to contact the professional sales and management team at The Oaks directly. They will be able to provide the most current information regarding any available homes for sale (both new and resale), current lot rental amounts (which range from $771 to $900 per month depending on lot location and size), and any special offers that might be applicable to your situation. This direct approach ensures you receive the most accurate and up-to-date details for your retirement planning.

Contact Information

Ready to explore the welcoming community and active lifestyle at The Oaks? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 400 Nut Tree Dr, DeLand, FL 32724, USA

Phone: (386) 738-4272

Mobile Phone: +1 386-738-4272

The team at The Oaks is responsive and helpful, whether you prefer to call or email, and they will gladly assist with any questions about the community, available homes, and scheduling a visit.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Floridians, especially those aged 55 and over, The Oaks in DeLand represents an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable living choice. Its core appeal lies in its strong, organic sense of community, where residents genuinely feel like "neighbors becoming family." This fostering of camaraderie, combined with the encouragement to be "as active, socially busy, etc. as you choose to be," provides a powerful antidote to isolation and promotes a truly fulfilling retirement experience. The presence of "Awesome camaraderie among the residents" and the effortless way people "just came up to say hello and get to know you" speaks volumes about the welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond the social aspect, The Oaks offers a lifestyle of comfort and convenience. The comprehensive services bundled into the monthly lot fee—including lawn mowing, irrigation, basic cable, and high-speed internet—significantly reduce the typical burdens of homeownership, allowing residents more time to enjoy the extensive amenities. These amenities, from the "gorgeous, incredibly spacious swimming pool" and saunas to the fitness center and various sports courts, provide endless opportunities for recreation and wellness right within the community. The "Step Free" home design is a thoughtful accessibility feature that many Floridians will appreciate.

Furthermore, The Oaks' location in DeLand is ideal. It offers the tranquility of a "serene, oak-filled wooded park-like country setting" with "luxuriant hills," creating a picturesque and peaceful environment. Yet, it remains conveniently close to downtown DeLand's charm and attractions, and within easy reach of Florida's celebrated beaches, natural springs, and major theme parks in Orlando. This blend of peaceful living, robust community engagement, and excellent accessibility makes The Oaks an outstanding choice for Floridians seeking an active, vibrant, and genuinely welcoming place to call home in their golden years.