As rising housing costs continue to squeeze South Florida buyers, some are looking across the state for a more affordable path to homeownership.
Ave Maria, a master-planned community in Collier County, says more than 40% of its homebuyers come from Florida’s east coast, attracted by homes starting in the low $200,000s and a small-town lifestyle.
Carolina Pereira was among them. The Miami-raised elementary school teacher and her husband, Daniel, struggled to find an affordable home in South Florida while preparing for their first child. After family members moved to Ave Maria, the couple decided to follow.
Today, the Pereiras live in a two-story, approximately 2,000-square-foot home built by CC Homes in Ave Maria’s Silverwood neighborhood. “Ave Maria is an affordable, safe space for new and growing families,” Pereira said. “For us, living here is a dream come true.” The decision changed the entire family’s trajectory. Pereira will teach second grade at the new Ave Maria Elementary School this fall — the same school her daughters will be attending.
Developed by Barron Collier Companies, Ave Maria is about 45 minutes from Naples and just over an hour from the Broward and Miami-Dade county lines.
The community offers condominiums, villas and single-family homes, with residences ranging from the low $200,000s to the $800,000s. Builders include CC Homes, Lennar, Pulte Homes and Del Webb Naples.
Ave Maria also features more than 75 restaurants, shops and services, along with a town center and amenities including a water park, pickleball and tennis courts, sports fields, fitness center, dog park and walking paths.
“After years of selling homes here, we’ve consistently seen buyers choosing Ave Maria for its slower pace, friendly culture, healthy lifestyle and abundance of conveniences,” said Cee Cee Marinelli, president of community planning and operations for Barron Collier Companies.
