Comments on: Strange Geographies: My Town’s “Aborted Suburb”

By: shelly

shelly — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:56:31 +0000

Mr.riggs…Your article on the sands,keeps folks away,….thats good for me.Although…others who would LIKE more neighbors might not agree on the smear of the (post-apocalyptic,aborted suburb) label…fact is ,if this were a suburb of any of the big cities..(witch it is not)these lots all,would have houses on them.The utilities ,lakes,and roads alone would be sufficient to draw contracters and home owners.

proximity to the ocean and beaches for retirees and families,is what the sands offers(at a good price)and THAT is what will be in demand on the golf coast looking to the future..

sure…what you now see as unfinished,and deserted..will soon be full ,as the hoards of baby boomer northerners seek to escape,winter and the high utility bills.

Like I said..you seem sort of young,and perhaps play too many of those post apocalyptic,video games…sorry

The sands has tons going for it,and the golden rule of real estate has always been, LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!…thats all

thanks for the pics,anyhow..how about some showing the other side of a sands investment???

not a realtor,
shelly

By: Ransom Riggs

Ransom Riggs — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:49:24 +0000

Hey, Ransom here — been four years or so since I wrote this. A response to a few of the comments above:

I do think I represent Rotonda accurately: it’s 3/4 golf courses and vacation homes, absolutely normal for SW Florida. The “sands” quarter of the wagon wheel is odd and interesting not because it’s wilderness, but because it is wilderness that has/is reclaiming what was laid out to be a planned community, with streets and signs and water mains and fire hydrants, and a few houses, too. I can see how living out there would appeal to people who like their space — I like my space, too. I don’t think Rotondans should be embarrassed about the Sands. But they shouldn’t be surprised if its of interest to people looking for unusual landscapes; it has a touch of the post-apocalyptic about it. That’s why I like it. I make a point of going down there every time I’m home, just to see if any new houses have been built, and how much the scrub is encroaching onto the old fading street grid.

Thanks to those who’ve posted additional info. Fascinating!

By: shelly

shelly — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:49:49 +0000

I find it hard to believe the general thought here….We have always valued space around our dwelling…good for nature,spirit and peace of mind…The sands are an ideal part of an otherwise perfect community ,with great homesites ….

In its present state,(witch I hope the secret does not get out)life is plenty peaceful and private.,,and beautifully kept up with small lakes and streams..This is what this soon to be gated community enjoys…The proximity to the golf courses ,beach ,marinas ,restaurants,shopping and close by businesses,are ideal…(golfcartable!)The sands will fill up soon enough,but I hope the next 20 years for it to remain as is…I really like it…but I know that the area will soon be rediscovered and fill..sigh..
This blogger is young ,shortsighted,and belongs in a metro -city…I wonder has he had any neighbors??To be tightly pact into suberbia is a sentence sometimes,..The wheel is full of houses…the sand are just outside the wheel! dugh!good grief..There are plenty of (neighbors) yards away,if you want them that is..sheesh!

we own two lots and are building soon

Please ! keep up the good work!

shelly

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:54:19 +0000

Wow – blast from the past! When I was a kid my parents came very close to buying a vacation home in Rotonda in the early ’70s. I’d forgotten all about it until I came across your blog. I remember going with them to the presentation featuring Ed McMahon. They debated the purchase for a long time (trusty Mr. McMahon was convincing) but eventually decided against it for some reason (good thing…with their luck they probably would have bought in the Sands).

Terrific blog, by the way!

By: vince

vince — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:31:55 +0000

two things

1) the plural of cul-de-sac is “culs-de-sac”, sorry the geek in me just couldn’t let it slide; and

2) THis seems like the type of spot that would have been a prime location for drug and alcohol riddled high school parties. any signs of that out there?

By: Mariger

Mariger — Sun, 22 May 2011 07:31:19 +0000

It’s a great place, the sky is blue. it’s great to bike, fish, and golf and beaching.

BTW: good neighbors!

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:00:04 +0000

I have made Rotonda West home for most of the last three years. While many areas of the development are exactly as pictured and described, most of the neighborhoods within the circle proper are proper homes, with yards, landscaping, holiday decorations seasonally, and all the trappings of comfortable Florida retirement living. Other developments to the east and south (one of which is actually named Rotonda Sands) haven’t had the benefit of owners who could and did finish their homes. The photos are a partial “snapshot” at best, and a misguided portrayal of the truth at worst. Rotonda West is a quiet, serene, calm retirement area. There are plenty of homes at bargain prices, making Florida affordable. Research it for yourself, there are many real estate offices who would love to hear from investors and potential homeowners.

By: Indiana Jim

Indiana Jim — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:38:01 +0000

Originally the plan was to give everyone in Rotonda access to the intercoastal waterway via the system of canals. But the environmental protection agency prohibited that to prevent salt water incursion into fresh water areas. So the unfinished south western section was turned into a wildlife preserve and the canals were never connected to the intercoastal. There are some very modest homes in Rotonda and some very fancy places. It is no longer the ghost town as has been portrayed. And I believe the radius of the circle is one mile, the diameter 2 miles. That is, from the perimeter circle to the center is one mile. It’s a huge place.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:36:36 +0000

if you are trying to find places , and houses like you show here tere are everywhere!!! starting in NY and Chicago
to LA . Why not to look for something nice?
My husband and I, we bought hause in Rotonda West in June. We went there 3x since then. Nice,warm and relaxing place , beautifull beach.We are very happy with our decision !

By: mary

mary — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:47:41 +0000

I love Rotona great place to bike, fish, and golf and beaching

good neighbors what more can I ask