When they decided the time was right to move from New York to Florida, Mary and Kirk Stiffa looked at over 20 communities in the sunshine state. As soon as they drove through the gates of Solivita in Kissimmee, they knew they were home. Now, Mary and Kirk live in one of 55 Best 55+ Communities, according to 55places.com.
Construction began on Solivita in 2000, and new homes are still being built by AV Homes. The active adult community will have 5,900 homes by the time it’s finished, and one of the things that residents like Mary Stiffa really appreciate is the diversity and friendliness of their neighbors. There’s a good mix of older and younger adults in the 55+ community, and they were able to make friends instantly.
Moving to Florida: The Stiffa Story
Kirk Stiffa had always wanted to live in Florida, and in November of 2017, he and his wife Mary loaded up their two cats and made the 22-hour drive from New York. It felt like home instantly. “We knew we wanted to be here from the first time we visited,” Mary said. “I feel safe here, and coming from New York, that’s important.”
Initially, the plan was to buy a new construction home so they could have their own pool installed. They kept looking at the homes that were available already, and one house in particular kept showing up. Mary said it was a bit neglected, but it had good bones.
It also had a pool.
They drove down in March of 2016 to meet with a contractor, and when they went back to New York after that visit, they began making plans for their permanent move.
