While some neighborhoods have grown in an organic manner, others have been developed with careful organization and foresight earning them the title of planned communities. Since the city of St. Augustine, Florida first developed in 1565, millions of people have opted to move into arranged hamlets. Security, safety and amenities are some of the reasons individuals may opt to purchase homes in some areas and living in spa resorts is one of the newest trends breathing life into planned community living.
For thousands of years human beings have been partaking in the benefits of spas. When the term was first developed its meaning simply revolved around water treatments including bathing and ingesting mineral waters. The practice can be traced back to Greece, as the country is attributed with developing the core foundation of bathing regimens that formed modern spa practices. Since that time, the spa industry has grown to generate $10.9 billion in national sales annually, courtesy of the more than 32 million active spa-goers (2007). As of June 2008, there were 18,100 spas in the country, and the passion for the pampering treatments is fueling a new trend in regards to planned community living. MSN.com recently published a list of the best of the bunch.
Arizona Residential Spa Living
For decades, Arizona has attracted new residents because of the varied climate in the region. Many residents of the state were drawn to the region because of the mild climate and sunshine that can be found around town and those conditions are also well suited for spa resort living. One such community tapping into the trend is called the Miraval, situated near Tucson, Arizona.
Residents of this community will reside in villas that can easily be financed using a mortgage. Once individuals earn the title of being property owners in town and pay the appropriate fees, they can tap into luxury amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool and tennis courts. Additionally, the local homeowners association dues covers some expenses such as cleaning, concierge services and land maintenance. However the best perk comes from a constant 20 percent discount on spa, dining and room services within the community. Currently the facility only has a couple of the 14 private villas left for sale, and courtesy of the multi-million price tags, chances are a jumbo mortgage is needed to finance the deal.
Oregon Spa Living
Bend, Oregon is a city most associated with being the largest in the state, being home to the Bowling Ball Garden, at a place called the Funny Farm, and now the region is known for luxurious and spa living scenario provided by Pronghorn Estates. The grounds on this property features a full line of spa amenities combined with world class golf courses. Individuals interested in calling this little slice of heaven home can either buy properties outright or partake in a situation similar to a time-share.
The Pronghorn Estates community is situated in the Oregon desert, and in addition to the aforementioned perks, residents of the area can take advantage of professionally organized events such as whitewater rafting. According to MSN.com, Lot 40 is currently for sale, interested borrowers will need to secure $4.49 million in order to call these digs home.
Florida Spa Living
Florida was home to the first planned community in the nation, and now Miami Beach's Carillon Hotel has taken the concept to the next level of excellence. This recently refurbished, art deco luxury property offers 430 condos as private residences. Once a home is purchased, residents get the added incentive of taking advantage of all the hotel and spa amenities including a fitness center, ice igloo, and Finnish Sauna.
The million plus price tags will require a jumbo mortgage for those short of cash, and in return the buyers will receive a total of $200 in credit (half for the spa, the other portion for dining). For those lucky enough to pursue these costly variations of the American Dream, Mortgage Marvel can make finding accurate jumbo mortgage rates fast and easy.
