The One-Mile Decision
These two communities sit less than a mile apart on Thompson Nursery Road in Winter Haven. Every buyer who visits one should visit both. Here is how they actually compare.
| Factor | Lake Ashton | Traditions at Lake Ruby |
|---|
| Homes | ~1,600 | 552 |
| Acreage | 1,200+ | ~200 |
| Home Prices | $250K–$700K+ | $200K–$400K |
| Builder | Century Residential | Lennar |
| Built | 2004–present | 2005–2020 |
| HOA | ~$60/year | $467/month ($5,604/yr) |
| CDD | $2,100–$4,300/yr | None |
| Total Annual Fees | $2,160–$4,360 | $5,604 |
| Governing Boards | 5 | 1 |
| Golf | Two 18-hole courses ($2,400/yr optional) | None on-site |
| Lake Access | Fishing dock only | Dock, boat ramp, boat slips |
| Bowling Alley | Yes (4-lane) | No |
| Movie Theater | Yes | No |
| Restaurant | Yes | No |
| Exterior Painting | Homeowner responsibility | Covered by HOA |
| Cable/Internet | CDD covers some | Included in HOA |
| Gated/Guarded | Yes (24/7 Securitas) | Yes |
| Lifestyle Director | Yes + 100+ clubs | Yes |
| Pets | Dogs/cats (restrictions) | Dogs/cats + dog park |
| RV Storage | Yes (Adventurer homes) | No |
The Cost Comparison ($350K Home)
| Annual Cost | Lake Ashton (bond paid) | Lake Ashton (bond unpaid) | Traditions |
|---|
| HOA/CDD Fees | $2,460 | $3,960 | $5,604 |
| Property Tax | $3,800 | $3,800 | $3,200 |
| Insurance | $3,200 | $3,200 | $3,000 |
| Golf (optional) | $2,400 | $2,400 | N/A |
| Total (no golf) | $9,460 | $10,960 | $11,804 |
| Total (with golf) | $11,860 | $13,360 | N/A |
Choose Lake Ashton If
- Golf is important to your daily retirement lifestyle
- You want bowling, a movie theater, and an on-site restaurant without leaving the gates
- You prefer a larger community (1,600 homes) with 100+ organized clubs
- You are comfortable navigating five governing boards and verifying CDD bond status
- You need RV or boat storage at your home (Adventurer series)
Choose Traditions at Lake Ruby If
- Lakefront access matters — you want to dock a boat and fish from the community pier
- You want simpler governance — one HOA, no CDD, no bond questions
- Exterior painting covered by HOA is a meaningful convenience to you
- You prefer newer Lennar construction (2005–2020) over older homes
- You do not need golf on-site and are comfortable playing off-site courses
- A pet-friendly community with a dedicated dog park matters