Are you thinking of downsizing and simplifying your lifestyle now or sometime in the near future? Many sellers, especially empty nesters, have already taken this step by purchasing condos and townhomes throughout the metro area in order to enjoy more leisure time with an Association maintained lifestyle. My husband and I took a leap of faith and downsized to a condo about 3 months ago after living in single family homes for 40+ years. At first we were skeptical of our decision but have eagerly embraced our new lifestyle in the Centennial Lakes area and love it more and more each day. We aren’t the only ones who enjoy our new home and lifestyle, though – our grandchildren love to come and visit us even more now because of all the activity in the area as well as building amenities, including an indoor pool!
We love the walkability of the neighborhood and all the different types of housing choices the area offers – apartments, condominiums, townhomes and single
family homes – as well as all the amenities we enjoy in our building (pool, fitness center, party room) and all the services and activities nearby. Do you like to shop? The Galleria, Southdale and West Elm are just a short stroll away. Are there grocery stores nearby? Cub, Byerly’s and Target are all within walking distance for food and other items you may need and Trader Joe’s is just a short drive away. Love good restaurants and don’t want to drive downtown? McCormick & Schmick’s, Pittsburgh Blue, Crave, The Good Earth, Cheesecake Factory, Pinstripes, Panera and many more are within walking distance of my new home. The Southdale Library and Southdale Service Center are also just a couple of blocks away – my grandchildren love walking to the library!
Centennial Lakes Park is one of our favorite places in the area. There are concerts four nights a week during the summer months, a movie one night a week and a high quality farmer’s market every Thursday. Recreational activities include paddle boat rentals on a picturesque little waterway, mini golf, lawn bowling and croquet courts in summer, an arts festival in September, and ice skating in winter. Pinstripes is located in the area and offers bowling as well as a nice restaurant and outdoor patio area to enjoy refreshments after shopping or bowling. There is also a well-maintained and beautifully landscaped walking path that winds around the park complete with classical music. It is fun to walk through the park on a beautiful day (or evening) and enjoy all the activities happening around the lake, including wedding photo shoots.
The showcase event for Centennial Lakes during the summer, however, is Lighthouse Night with a Torchlight Concert at the park, a very popular event. It is held in August with an array of activities and performances for all ages and interests – vintage cars, a “mechanical man” movement performance, a John Philip Sousa concert at the Maetzold Amphitheater and fireworks conclude the fun evening. The Edina Model Yacht club displays (and races!) some pretty spectacular remote controlled boats on the lake complete with lights after the sun sets. A variety of pictures from this event are shown above. Snacks and treats are available along the way – we especially enjoyed the 25 cent ice cream cones Do not miss this event next year!
If you would like more information about the area or about any of the housing options, please contact me. I would love to share my experience with you as well
as discuss all the different housing choices (both rentals and sales) in the area. This is a high demand area and most properties sell very quickly. I know you will love it as much as my husband and I do!!
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