Is Lanark Village Florida a retirement community?

Lanark Retirement Village was developed as a retirement community, and until 1964, the homes were sold only to seniors. Younger friends and grandchildren could visit but for no longer than 2 weeks at a time.

However, once the developers filed for bankruptcy, the purchase of property was no longer restricted to the over-55 crowd. Today, people of any age are welcome.

In Florida, the legal definition of a retirement community has 3 parts. The first is that at least 80% of the households within it must have 1 or more residents who are 55 or older. Lanark Village likely meets this requirement. But to meet the full definition of a retirement community, the Village would need to have a strictly enforced over-55 policy and to follow the HUD rules for verifying that the age limitations are being followed. Neither of these restrictions apply to Lanark.

Given its majority-senior population, maybe the best way to define Lanark is as a retirement-oriented community, which is how the Franklin County Board of Commissioners has referred to it. This terminology avoids the implication that a strict set of rules is being enforced while acknowledging the neighborhood’s demographic reality.

Is Lanark Village Florida a good place to retire?

Although Lanark Village is not strictly a retirement community, its mild temperatures and proximity to the coast make it an excellent retirement choice. Events sponsored by the community groups in the Village and the nearby American Legion provide a built-in social structure that makes it easy to form new friendships and maintain them once established.

Inexpensive boat and RV storage is available for rental through the Lanark Village Association, and beaches, pickleball courts, and golf courses are nearby. Numerous attractions are within an easy day’s drive, making Lanark Village perfect for retirees.

What is the cost of living like in Lanark Village Florida?

The citizens of Lanark Village have a great deal of control over their cost of living. The “barracks” that form the neighborhood’s core are an inexpensive, low-maintenance housing option while homes directly on the water can be pricey, though not in comparison to other seaside properties.

Since the Village proper does not have a grocery or other retail outlets, gas for trips to the nearby towns of Carrabelle and Crawfordville can add up. Residents often lower transportation costs by ride-sharing and by relying on the amenities and activities within the Village for low-cost entertainment.

When it comes to food costs, it’s possible to eat well by relying solely on the weekly free Farm Share distribution available to all residents. Regular potlucks provide a broad range of nutritious choices as well as a chance to socialize. Residents who need more assistance with meeting their nutritional needs can have tasty meals delivered to them at no charge through the non-profit Aaron’s Meals. (Those who are able-bodied and well-off might consider volunteering for or donating to these programs instead.)

As you might expect, fresh seafood is reasonably priced and widely available off the docks or from fishermen and purveyors at outlets in Carrabelle, St. George Island, and Apalachicola. Restaurants in the area range from pricy fine dining to eats on the cheap.

Residents who are watching their food budget closely weigh the costs and benefits of grocery shopping at the nearby IGA in Carrabelle (a 10-minute drive) versus the potential savings from going to the Walmart in Crawfordville (more like 40 minutes) or the expanded choices available at the Crawfordville Publix.

How do Lanark Village residents get free food from Farm Share?

Farmers and grocers donate excess food and misshapen vegetables to Farm Share, a non-profit agency whose mission is to “…make sure that food-insecure Floridians receive the food and support they need.” Farm Share’s focus is on communities like ours where a majority of the population is elderly, low-income, or lacks easy access to a nearby grocery. In Lanark Village, Farm Share distributes food on Wednesdays, usually from the American Legion parking lot. Just drive through and they will load you up!

What do the residents of Lanark Village Florida do for health care?

Residents must travel to Crawfordville, Apalachicola, or Tallahassee for routine medical and dental care. Urgent care clinics and/or hospitals are available in these nearby towns.

For emergency care, a 911 call can dispatch a helicopter to the Lanark Village golf course helipad for transport to a Tallahassee hospital. That’s reassuring for those who have good health insurance though perhaps prohibitively expensive for those who do not. You’re encouraged to check your policy for transportation and provider benefits before relocating to this rural area.

An EMS station is planned for construction within the Village’s boundaries. The building will provide a work area for EMTs and paramedics, storage space for oxygen tanks and other equipment, and a garage for ambulance parking. Its completion is sure to bring some peace of mind to Lanark residents.

What does the designation “Special District 4” mean for Lanark?

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners has recognized that Lanark Village has “a character and identity of unique quality which should be retained.” To that end, they established zoning regulations for the area that can be accessed at this link. Please read the building restrictions carefully before buying to make sure they don’t conflict with your plans for expanding or otherwise building onto the small barrack residences.

How likely is it that a hurricane will hit Lanark Village Florida?

No one knows when disaster may strike and the probability of experiencing an extreme weather event should be taken seriously. Waterfront homes facing St. George Sound are particularly at risk, and the risk increases dramatically for those that weren’t built to the current building codes. However, the barrack townhomes at the center of the community, having been constructed in the 1940s from sturdy materials, may be in a better position for weathering storms. The barrier islands between Lanark and the open sea offer some protection from wind. The St. George Sound, which is across the street from our neighborhood, is relatively shallow, which limits the amount of energy a hurricane could gather. But while shallow waters may weaken a hurricane’s force, they increase the risk of storm surge. Most of the buildings in Lanark are above the flood zone, but that should not be a reason for Villagers to be complacent about the risk of living in a coastal home.

In the event of a hurricane, how can Lanark Villagers stay safe?

Franklin County is well prepared for emergencies, be they weather-related or due to other causes. If a hurricane were headed toward us, we would have notice since the Franklin County Emergency Management team keeps citizens informed through Oyster radio (106.5 FM), posts on their Facebook page, and alerts delivered to cell phones and emails (sign up here to receive alerts). They also publish a planning guide on their website to help prepare you for emergencies. Residents are encouraged to have their plans in place before disaster strikes.

What’s this about bears?

Black bears visit Lanark Village frequently, to the delight of some and the consternation of others. To minimize their mischief, keep trash cans in inaccessible places whenever possible, and don’t roll them out to the street before trash day. Ask your trash pickup company for a bear-proof can.

Avoid the temptation to hang bird feeders outside - given the mild climate along the Forgotten Coast, birds and our rare white squirrels seem to get plenty to eat.

The bears are generally a nuisance rather than a menace, but they’re still wild animals. For safety’s sake, check out the FWC’s tips on how to be bear-aware.

How do I get mail?

Realizing there’s no mailbox in front of your newly purchased Lanark Village cottage can be a bit of a shock. Most residents rent an always-accessible box at the Lanark Village Post Office next to Chillas Hall (staffed on mornings only Monday through Friday). Fun fact - our zip code is 32323, clearly one of the easiest to remember in the country!

If you live on one of the state streets or choose not to rent a box, delivery can be a bit more problematic. Mail sent via General Delivery to the Carrabelle Post Office is somewhat reliable. Bottom line - get a box, but rely primarily on the internet to make sure you know when bills are due and that your payments reach their intended recipients on time.

How do I get trash pickup in Lanark Village?

You can contract with either Waste One (850-670-8130) or Waste Pro (850- 561-0800). See more about garbage management here.

Why should I visit Lanark Village Florida?

If you want to be a beach bum on a budget, Lanark is your place. The Village is perfect for vacationers who would rather have a big outdoor experience than a big indoor experience. It’s within an easy drive to St. George Island, named by Dr. Beach as the best beach in the country. Apalachicola, which is sort of like a 1950s-era Key West, is nearby.

Just down Highway 98, you’ll find Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area, a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

If you like to kayak, you can join the Boat Club as an Affiliate Member for only $15 and launch from their facility (it will be close enough to your rental cottage for you to drag your kayak across the street).

Lanark Village is like dynamite - it delivers a big bang in a small package, so if your love for nature and appreciation for unique experiences is bigger than your budget, Lanark is your village. Come spend time in the great outdoors.