Terry Hurley
SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) is exploding. The community is experiencing record sales. New development is everywhere. Sold signs pop up almost daily on empty lots. Every month, dozens of people move into our neighborhood.
You newbies moved here during a global pandemic, so we already know there’s nothing you can’t handle. Nevertheless, to assist you with your transition to the Ranch, we offer 10 tips that may help new homeowners hit the ground running.
1. The wave. This is key. We wave to our neighbors when driving, walking, or biking in the community. Everybody does it (even the New Yorkers). You should too. We’ll be keeping a scorecard.
2. Golf carts. It may seem strange at first, but you’ll probably buy one sooner or later. They are the main means of transportation within the community. Just don’t tell your friends back home yet, they won’t understand.
3. Pickleball. Most of us were not familiar with the game before moving here, but it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the country and the most popular one at the Ranch. You must at least try it. If nothing else, it’s a great way to meet your new neighbors.
4. The Brewery. We’re the only 55+ community that has one. That’s pretty cool. Why order a Bud Light when you can have a freshly-brewed craft beer like a Haboob Hazy IPA. And consider joining the Brew Crew, a club for us beer lovers.
5. The Rock Fairy. This is a recent phenomenon but one of your neighbor(s) paints images on small rocks and secretly leaves it on your property. They are usually very clever and relevant to the homeowner. If you’re lucky enough to get one, you must post the treasure on the community’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages.
6. The wildlife. Within the first month, you’re likely to see coyotes, deer, rattlesnakes, owls, hawks, and if you’re lucky, bobcats and everyone’s favorite, javelina (a pig-like hoofed mammal). We’ll leave mountain lions off the list for now. You have enough to worry about with landscaping and home decor still to be completed. And oh yes, please don’t feed the wildlife.
7. The weather. Yes, it’s hot now but—wait for it—it’s a dry heat. You’ll get used to it, maybe. But the payoff comes when you are golfing and swimming in February. Chances are your friends back home won’t be.
8. The sunrises and sunsets. As you’ve probably heard, they are spectacular. You might not know that those rays on our state flag represent a setting sun. We recommend sending photos of the rising and setting suns to family and friends every day for the first month, or until they block you on Facebook. We all did it.
9. The night sky. Before sunrise and after sunset, look up as we’re a dark sky site. You’ll be able to see most of the planets, the Milky Way, meteor showers, super moons, comets, and even the International Space Station on occasion. It’s a SBR perk you don’t pay extra for.
10. ALC guidelines. Do reread them now that you are here. The pink flamingos in the front yard are a no-no. Sorry.
On behalf of your neighbors, welcome to the community. We look forward to seeing you at Ed’s Dogs and on the bocce courts real soon.