Ave Maria, FL the Town (MY REVIEW)~ Schools, what to do, jobs~ Catholicish Town in Florida

[@GBCompton]

I was blessed to grow up in the Philippines, so I remember in the 70s/80s, life revolved around the parish. Now, it’s more securalized with the FB and pop culture. I learned that if we have our Catholic faith, we’ll be happy anywhere. Also, being in the world allows us to evangelize.

[@christinacorona791]

I’ve lived here since 2005, and now have my family here. The North park is almost done being renovated now. We love going to the waterpark...we’re there almost every day in the summer. We are involved in the town events organized by the master association mostly in the months of December-April. There’s fun Friday events for families and social events at restaurants. My kids have done swimming, baseball/softball, and football. There’s a great dance studio in town too. There also martial arts and various clubs for the kids. I love that my boys can bike to altar serving practice and my daughter can attend Legion of Mary. We have lots of friends with young families, Catholic and not Catholic. Everyone is very neighborly for the most part. There’s also wild life - gators, birds, bobcats, bears, turtles. We enjoy seeing them as we ride our golf cart. We are blessed to live in such a great town named for Our Lady.

[@Merry19ss]

Hola ,una pregunta hacen fiestas religiosas del pueblo . Haber mi pais es cristiano catolico de cabo a rabo España y todo esta ligado al cristianismo catolico hasta las fiestas entonces hay tmabien hacen fiestas religiosas del pueblo. Me gustaria mudarme a esta ciudad Ave María puesto que es lo mas sefcano que tendria de mi pais en USA .

[@ThePossibilityMom]

Hi Christina!!!!!

[@maricelarodriguez7721]

We love going down there to visit my son. We live in Orlando and my son goes to college there and loves the school and the small town feel. They bring great Catholic speakers on campus and so many opportunities for kids to grow in their faith. When school is in session they have five daily masses, daily confession at different hours and kids have access to a perpetual Adoration chapel. They also offer retreats of all sorts throughout the school year. Great opportunity for kids to find their vocation and a Catholic spouse.

[@hiyathere599]

I was hoping my daughter would’ve gotten into the softball program. We live in Michigan.

[@janieramirez6878]

I am blessed to live about 5 miles from Ave Maria in a small town named “Immokalee” which means “My Home” in Indian. I do love living so close because I get to attend all the Marian Conferences and see the Catholic speakers they bring. Oh, I also love there book store.

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@Janie Ramirez. Not too much affordable housing in Immokalee as well

[@anaortega1200]

Thanks for the video!!! I live in Ave Maria, wish we could have met. I LOVE LIVING HERE!! It is an amzing little town, we bought our house right before covid so we were blessed to buy at a great time. We homeschool our kids and the homeschooling community is huge here. There are sooooo many activities for kids ranging from childrens adoration hour, jr legion of Mary, homeschooling groups, different sports. There are also many different activities about 30-40 mins from here like childrens museum, naples zoo, rookery bay, conservatory of southwest florida. Collier county also opened a HUGE new park 15 mins away from here that is awesome, huge playground, soccer fields, baseball fields and are building water park. The public pibrary 15 mins away from here is great, they have so many activities for kids each month. Lastly, I love our parish community, it is so varied here and its amazing to see soooo many young people from the university. Its a very well balanced community, with 55+ community, lots of large families and the university students. And yes most people here bike to or golf cart to areas around town. Hope this helps!! God bless you for all your videos, they have helped me tremendously since I found your channel couple of months ago.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Thanks so much for sharing! This is awesome!

[@ThePossibilityMom]

Hi Ana!

[@chelseajohnson8254]

​@@ACatholicMomsLifeI love your videos beautiful. Catholic school.

[@victoriacugini9147]

We are the same way! We want a Catholic community to go to when my husband retires. We might need to put Ave Maria on pour list of potential.

[@tallgirlhappyme]

*Thank you for the info.* People might find "the church in the main center of town" to be odd, but you *go to Spain* and that is the common set up... and no one questions that! *Ave Maria is beautiful!*

[@lisaroder337]

we just returned from a trip to Portugal and Spain and soooo true! It was the norm really to always have a town built up around the Catholic Church until very recent times.

[@Merry19ss]

En España e Hispano america es normal. Tambien en Brasil ,portugal e Italia las iglesias siempre estan en el centro porque era donde se reunia el pueblo para orar,para charlar para hacer reubiones sobre el pueblo ,las fiestas religiosas del pueblo siempre comeinzan y terminan en el centro de los pueblos donde esta iglesia. Entonces si es normal ,no se como sean los pueblos no cristianos catolicos en estados undios pero si en el mundo cristiano catolico de europa e hispano america las iglesias siempre an sido el centro de los pueblos

[@elizabeth.annrose]

I love living in Florida and we have a wonderful Governor that protects our rights! Don't worry about the weather, summer is summer and the rest of the year is super enjoyable! We live in a small town in west central Florida. We love it here and have many Catholic parishes! God Bless.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! I love the idea of moving to Florida- it’s a great state!

[@JaimeRiveraMusic]

Had to bring politics into it, didn't you? Many others think he's doing the absolute opposite...taking AWAY many of our rights. Ever study facism?

[@ThePossibilityMom]

IT WAS JUST THE BEST TO GIVE YOU A TOUR OF MY BEAUTIFUL TOWN!!!!!!! And THE BEST to spend some time with you : )

[@millyricart805]

I visited Ave María about 15 years ago, my husband was still in formation, for the Diaconate, he was planning on attending the college, my boys were very young at the time. I was afraid of all the alligators, they had signs everywhere, to beware of alligators. And that was a turn off for me. But overall is a cute town. Loved all the statues of Mary outside people’s houses.

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

Thats the way i feel about the whole state of Florida... yikes 🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊

[@jbloe555]

Stay away from their areas and you'll be fine. They get bold during mating season, but it is part of Florida life. It's a lot less dangerous than Chicago, NY or any major city. The wildlife is more of a threat to pets, such as bobcats, coyotes, etc. Don't believe the media, which hype the sharks and gators when it's a slow news week.

[@rocasey1]

So funny that you’re checking it out! We keep going back and now we’re buying a condo there to see how much time we might spend taking the kids there! Love it there

[@andraskewes5804]

As a resident of the state of Florida, I can highly recommend people moving down here. DeSantis is an awesome governor and he really cares about the families that live here in Florida. And he cares about values and morals for our children.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

I can’t agree more- love the state of Florida!

[@cmcsdf]

Lol

[@SteveV2023]

Packing my bags now.

[@BudgieJa]

Could not edit post so adding. Golf cart community which saves on gas if you have one. There is also a homeschool community here as well, and yes the Catholic school is highly rated, hence the wait list. It is great to have the University right here in the town area and a water park in your ‘back yard’.

[@katywirthlin1567]

Ave Maria is a beautiful little Catholic town. I would absolutely love to live there, unfortunately it is an unaffordable place to live like many places here in Florida are. Homes there go for well over half a MILLION dollars which would necessitate both parents to work outside the home and your children to essentially be raised by other adults, which in this day and age is definitely less than ideal.

[@martharinebiseko1457]

That last statement!

[@Merry19ss]

Pense que el costo de la vivienda era acequible,pero es dificil es demaciado dinero. Yo si migro de Europa España a USA seria a una ciudad o pueblo Cristiano catolico estaunidense,pero nos ponen a raya y nos detiene el coste es demaciado ni siquiera al sur de Italia y España cuesta tanto.

[@pamelas.9801]

I grew up in traditionally catholic towns, with many many beautiful parishes. Now I live in a small town with one Catholic Church, with the closest parish offering anything close to the TLM an hour away. It has been a huge adjustment. If you can move to be with a parish and church that you love, I think that’s great!

[@angeli1907]

Went yesterday for college visit. Daughter LOVED it

[@mht5875]

I live about 30 miles north of Fort Myers near Punta Gorda - am not familiar with the town of Ave Maria. If you can handle the Florida heat and humidity, Florida is ideal - we have no state tax. There is quite a bit to do in surrounding towns like Naples and Fort Myers - there is a huge flea market off 1-75 in Fort Myers. Also the Edison Ford Winter Museum. The beaches. I believe the school you are referring to is Donahue Academy? It's under the Diocese of Venice - Venice is also a very nice town, the OLPH retreat center is there.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Love the state of Florida!

[@GodNod]

As soon as you said, "My friend", I thought it might be Lisa.Haha When I was in grad school at Ave, I got to know Lisa and she is great! The education is amazing, classical, and Thomistic. I also love the adoration chapel. I think Ave is a great place for raising young children, however, it seems, from my experience, that raising high schoolers is difficult here. They either are raised in a over-protected culture and thus are shocked and scandalized when they leave the town and are unable to evangelize the lost OR they grow up rebelling, trying to seek what the world has to offer and lose the faith completely. It's absolutely beautiful and easy to contemplate God there. It is a great town and community for formation, but unless one has a mission there, it can be easy to settle in lukewarmness with no mission.

[@debbieolagues5283]

I'm sending this to my goddaughter. She has applied to Ave Maria University. She has been there once, but I hope this will help her move towards her goal.

[@pajamamama16]

My son attends the university. We love to visit. It’s our dream to live there. It’s like a little slice of Heaven on earth!

[@ThePossibilityMom]

It really is

[@martaacosta4415]

It’s great that it’s an all-Catholic (or almost) town. However, I lived in Florida for 12 years and I would never move there again. I cannot bear the heat, humidity, and the lack of seasons. Had I not grown up in a place that did have all four seasons, maybe I would not have minded. But having spent my formative years enjoying the beauty of nature’s changing seasons, I found it very difficult to adapt to Miami. And I say this as a Catholic Cuban who was born in the tropics. I have a love for all things Cuban- except the climate! So if you can deal with the climate in Ave Maria, it may be a perfect place to raise a family.

[@bobbydazzle3457]

The University has a beautiful Mother Teresa museum which is definitely a must-see for visitors to the town!

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Oh awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

One time i heard Paula Deen say that Savannah Georgia is very Catholic as well. Her husband and best friend are Catholic and thats one thing they love about it. Kentucky is also a very Catholic state.

[@robertlehnert4148]

My good friend and a Calvinist, KC, lives there and loves it. No problems with his differing theological position whatsoever.

[@shirleydelalamo5173]

Beautiful video! thank you for sharing ☺️ I live in NY for more than 22 years and I have two small kids and they go to a catholic school now,but this video was very educational to me I never new about this beautiful small town in florida,like you said it will be like heaven living there.

[@Emmaf91]

As someone who lives in the town, you are correct about there being schools outside of Ave Maria, there is a elementary, middle and high school public school. I attend one these and they are really great, even though the drive is around 15 minutes away. Also, your friend is wrong about the parks. We have two parks and the one park she showed you they are rebuilding the playground. Lastly, the Masters association in town does lots of fun events almost every month and they try to involve all ages.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

That’s great to hear there’s lots of fun things to do in the town!

[@simplycj5460]

This was a great idea for a video! Two of my daughters went to school at Ave Maria, so we are very familiar with the town. We love it and are thinking of buying a home there eventually. It reminds me of the European towns of yesteryear when the Church was the center of life (as it should be);)

[@ahzokatano0611]

Hi Heather...Your Videos Are Always Such A Blessing!!!! I Can See You Are A TRUE DAUGHTER, OF THE BLESSED MOTHER!!! YOU LOOK LIKE HER(SMILES)!!!!

[@kdegal]

We are looking to purchase a condo in Ave Maria to use during the winter months (we live in upstate NY). If anyone knows of any that are reasonably priced with lower HOA fees, please let me know. Someone mentioned this town to me 2 days ago and now I am obsessed!! I love the fact that it is based around a Catholic Church/Campus, looks so quaint and very enticing. Thanks for the input, great video!

[@nicolereeder4384]

Would love to live there. I grew up in North florida and now live in Va. Nothing beats Florida and Governor DeSantis!! We can’t wait to move back to the sunshine state ☀️☀️☀️

[@lantran8967]

I'm going to Florida in 2 months. Thanks so much for letting us know about this town. I would definitely check this out :).

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

I’m so glad this might be helpful! Have a great visit!

[@JesusfoundedCatholicChurch]

I enjoyed the video. Ave Maria seems like a nice place to live. We're retired and pushing 70 so we don't plan to move again. We moved last in 2020 and no Catholic parish within 30 minutes or so but Mother Angelica's Shrine is about 15 minutes away. Then an hour away in my hometown of Birmingham AL, there's EWTN. About 30 minutes away, there's Ave Maria Grotto, a miniature Holy lands and monastery. So we have several Catholic things to go see even if we don't have a Catholic town. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@jbloe555]

Wishing you and your family many blessings. Recharge and come back renewed. This is why retreats are good. We need to be refreshed spiritually too. You might want to look into Alabama where Mother Angelina built her shrine and started EWTN. They have retreat houses. I haven't been there yet, but it is on my bucket list.

[@rachelkivarkis1801]

Wow, this is the first time, I hear about this place. It looks so beautiful, clean and well kept. To me, it feels, like a small piece of heaven. God bless u for sharing. 🙏👏🥰❤️🌹👍✝️⭐️🌸🌺🌷🌼

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

It really is! ❤️

[@lorettat.8413]

Great video, thanks for sharing. If you seriously consider moving there, be sure to check out the cost of homeowner's insurance first. It can be very high, especially lately. In the last few months, several Florida-based insurance companies have gone out of business. Would love to see a similar video on Steubenville, Ohio.

[@danacaro-herman3530]

@Loretta T. Excellent recommendation!!!

[@dorisodonnell2948]

One of my brothers lives in Lehigh Acres, FL. I love visiting him in the cold months here in VA. However, it’s horrible in summertime. I’ll ask him about Ave Maria town.

[@SC047074]

Just went there a few days ago! Loved it!

[@johne2815]

Steubenville, Ohio might be another town you might want to look into for a great Catholic community.

[@imdowninthevalley9486]

Lol...

[@Merry19ss]

Voy anotando nombres de ciudades y pueblos cristianos catolicos estaunidenses en mis notas ,para ver cual se ajusta mas a mi presupuesto y mudarme. Hay algún otros pueblos o ciudades que sean catolicos ,seria de gran ayuda tu información. Gracias.

[@akiram6609]

Probably a lot more affordable than Ave Maria. Only affluent Catholics can afford to live in Ave Maria.

[@elag802]

I would like to comment on your lack of understanding of Ave Maria, and I hope you visit again to see how much it has changed even from two years ago, with the massive expansion due to the high demand of families who are moving in from all over the country. This is a very young town, so construction is constantly in progress, and there are at least two major parks here that are quite beautiful and being improved on a regular basis. We love living here and our children are thriving because of this amazing community we have here. It is a diverse town, and does include people of other faiths, as it is open to everyone. Catholics have all the opportunities to practice their faith here in terms of worship and adoration that is available 7 days a week. The easy access to the university also makes it great for families with college kids who can live at home or on campus. It is a place where you don't have to live with the stresses that come from living in big urban areas, and families feel safer here. The community is a blessing to all who come here to live or visit. It's not Heaven, but it is what we make of it, and most people here really participate in the life of the community to make it better. Christian charity and generosity is a major theme here. God bless you.🙏🏻

[@Jakeandwilliestewart]

Heather I live very close to Ave Maria. I go there often. I’m in my 60’s and have thought of moving there. I currently live in Fort Myers. Pros: It’s a beautiful peaceful community. I love the idea of living in walking distance to the church and being a bit secluded around people of the same beliefs. Cons: it’s not really a small town. It’s on the outskirts of two big places. Fort Myers and Naples. Not to mention extremely close to the Seminole Casino. Besides having to travel an hour each way to work depending on which city you work in it’s the same thing for a Drs appt. There are many reasonable homes there but of course I would be looking for a condo. Best of luck if this ends up being your destination.

[@morgansnyder97]

Hi Nancy, We build beautiful condos in The National at Ave Maria. They start around $255,000-350,000. If you stop in my community, ask for Morgan :)

[@billschrader5139]

Housing prices have gone through the roof here in Ave. Our condo we purchased in the Del Webb over 55 community for 207K in 2020 we could now sell for $385K

[@jbloe555]

Not just Ave, all FL. Many people from up north and out west escaping crazy governors and lock downs. I am near Tampa and people were paying well over asking prices and in cash. Things are starting to cool down after Zillow got burned buying and flipping homes down here. They and others like them were also driving up prices. If you sell high, you also have to buy high, so it's all relative. Every time you move your taxes go up too. Been here 21 years and as a veteran with the double homestead exemption, my taxes are at least half of what my newer neighbors pay.

[@linneawoolridge7400]

So glad you posted this!! Having my daughter watch this later today!!

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

I’m so glad to hear it might be helpful to you!

[@carakerr4081]

We are nearing retirement and considering Ave Maria! We visited once and enjoyed it thank you for this video! ❤!

[@christinahernandez9763]

I have been there 2 times. I love it.

[@shelbyshoulders7042]

My aunt in law works at the university there and she adores it! Truly a beautiful town.

[@CPATuttle]

Nice I have to visit. Hopefully we can have more Catholic towns in the future. KZbin has been a good platform explaining the faith

[@erikagrimm1217]

A college friend of mine is actually a professor at Ave Maria University

[@clementinekolodzinski6288]

Interesting video Heather! I’ve never really heard of this town but I’m intrigued! We have friends in hyattsville, MD, which has a large catholic community. They seem to love it there! We’ve visited them but have not explored the area much.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

I didn’t know that about Hyattsville! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@mariepaukowits1709]

We just went there with our children for a visit in April. It was beautiful town. I wish they had more traditional Latin masses. They have one we went to at 1230 on Sunday. It was very nice. The classical school told me they can’t guarantee placement for our kids. we live in nyc. So we wouldn’t move if can’t get in the school. The plots of land are very small. The houses are new and nice & big. But most did not have bigger land plots. We wanted .25 or 1/2 acre but not possible there. Overall, I like the idea of a catholic community too but not sure. Thanks for your feed back too!

[@katywirthlin1567]

There is a Latin mass in Sarasota, FL. And lots of properties for sale with your acreage specifications. There is also a non Catholic classical school called The Classical Academy in Sarasota.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Too funny, we just missed each other! Thanks for your feedback too!

[@mariepaukowits1709]

@@ACatholicMomsLife would have been nice to meet u. Maybe one day!

[@maggiediaz4939]

My son and his family have 5 acres about a 15 minute drive from Ave Maria. There are lots of communities near enough where you an buy larger plots. There is also an excellent public school nearby, but Florida does have a voucher program for private school students. I’m in Naples and it’s not a bad drive to go to Ave. Not many people know that Naples is about 48% catholic. There are 6 Catholic Churches which are quite large, and most run 5-8 masses on weekends and they fill up! It’s a wonderful area to live in!

[@nancyfreeman9641]

We also have a Tues and Thursday 7:30 am TLM besides the Sunday 12:30pm. So 3 per week. The next nearest TLM PARISH is Corpus Christi Chapel 20 miles away. Now that's heaven.

[@kitea007]

Nice video! I attended the university for a year and a half. ultimately I felt too isolated with not having a car and I wasn't happy there, but many people I know had a positive experience. :)

[@LenaSheppard]

It looks like a great place. I'm so happy for you being here with us !

[@TheMarceloavlis]

Im from Brazil (biggest catholic country in the world) and I would love to visit Ave Maria.

[@kitmitchel937]

My sister brother-in-law live there during the winter. I love it there I love the church I love the bookstore the Publix grocery store has the best fried chicken in the restaurants are wonderful..

[@dawntripp9056]

I absolutely love our little town of Ave Maria :)

[@thetwikikid4444]

Looks like a nice place to retire. My wife & I don’t have children sadly but we’re maybe 10-15 years from retirement. As Catholic as we both are, Ave Maria could be an option down the line

[@auntbee4753]

My son went to high school there.The principal and some teachers with intellectual insecurities ( I would cal them psychopaths) bullied my son who was a quiet homeschooled boy . There was one very good nun who saw what was happening and has since left. Two of the teachers were fired. It was so abusive he still has ptsd. He was told he was a looser and would never make it in life. The kids were really stuck up and not christian acting. Lots of drugs that were blamed on the kids even though there was a drug dealer there. I would never ever send my children there. The community was not friendly especially if your an older parent with older kids. The irony of the Rich there while bus loads of immigrants go by with no air conditioning after working in the tomato fields with little pay living in the poverty stricken town next door was a bit much! Two daughters went to college there,did well in the classes despite the fact they both developed severe anxiety having never had it before. The college kids were mostly spoiled and the work load was very difficult . Neither one would go back they tell me now that they are adults.So glad we got out! It feels like living in a fake movie set ,surreal . Speaking of alligators one stalked my dog in the back yard till the private expert came and got him out. I took my grand children to the park and we had to run home from the huge alligators all over it!!! I’m not exaggerating! Forgot about the bears, one of which was shot after chasing children down the street after many weeks of calling the park rangers!!! The bears come all the time!It was a sunny paradise that was so dark.

[@MelaniesManicures]

Not too far from where I live. I live in Fort Myers which is about 45 minutes from Naples.

[@sherif.6033]

If I ever get to visit Florida, I would love to see this sweet town 😎

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

It’s pretty adorable!

[@missarielle15]

I went to Ave Maria from 2007-2011!

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

So awesome!!

[@Suzq21678]

We are in the same boat! Wanting to move to a more wholesome place to raise a family. We’re currently in Tampa and aren’t living the riff raff. It feels like a mini Miami type with high crime and that type of hedonistic party culture. Sure, there’s a good catholic base and family culture as well, but it’s not very prominent. Just driving down the road or highway it feels like you’re in fast and the furious and you don’t feel safe with a baby in the car. Looking for a strong catholic town in Florida with a low crime rate, but everywhere is pointing me to Ave Maria. The downside of Ave Maria is that it’s REALLY far south and not anywhere close to any major cities.

[@kelliewallace9304]

This place sounds fantastic! Does anyone here have any other suggestions on Catholic towns/cities to live?

[@cathyc9591]

Front Royal, Virginia (Christendom College, large thriving Catholic parish, several private Catholic schools, huge homeschooling community, right next to Shenandoah National Park).

[@annamccormick6864]

I would love to know this too. We’ve looked into Steubenville but if we could find anywhere that had a climate in between Florida and Ohio, that would be ideal! It’s like one extreme or the other! 🤣

[@johne2815]

Also, Steubenville, Ohio. I hear there is a large and faithful Catholic community there, multiple great Catholic churches, and Franciscan University.

[@Merry19ss]

@@annamccormick6864 oh eso seria mas que genial .

[@barbaraney9288]

Thanks for the. Video God bless you and family

[@michellemarie1197]

That's very pretty and it doesn't deal with winter snow!!!

[@sandie157]

Thanks for this video. What a thoughtful idea it was!!! Do you know if there is latin mass available in ot near this lovely town? Being ftom Canada myself, I was heartened to hear of your friend's experience. I also wondered if this area of Florida is beset by hurricanes? Cheers.

[@marykathleenhunt]

@Elvie, the parish church has Latin, TLM twice a week and every Sunday.

[@jbloe555]

It's Florida, there are hurricanes. Every place has it's dangers. I prefer knowing about a hurricane 2 weeks in advance vs. a tornado that hits with little warning. You prepare and leave when you must. This being said, the Naples area was hit pretty bad a few years back. Not sure about Ave.

[@sandie157]

@@marykathleenhunt Thanks

[@sandie157]

@@jbloe555 Thanks. You're right tornadoes are worse. We've started to have tbe odd small one here in southern Ontario, but nothing like you see in the midwest.

[@janissevalenzuela]

I am curious if the Catholic culture is mostly made of traditional conservative leaning Catholics or modern Catholics? Any idea on the Catholic spirituality and overall level of faith among the families who live here?

[@lisaroder337]

I know Charismatic families there and Latin mass families there!

[@ThePossibilityMom]

Hi Janisse! I would say there is a mix! I think it attracts Catholics who love the TLM and NO alike, but there are also many who simply like the small town living. I just attended a charismatic event over the weekend, there really is a mix of people here I would say!

[@Marielbesilquinter]

Dear friend god blessed you i hope you and youre family are ok and having a god and healthy life with no problems i will give you that proteccion to all youre beloved family thanks to you

[@giannasayre1804]

I'm looking to transfer to the University there this Fall! I've been dreaming of studying somewhere very rooted in our Faith... finding Ave overwhelmed me with excitement (to say the least). I am; however, having trouble figuring out how I will live off campus with only homes surrounding the college. I'm hoping this comment might come across someone looking for a tenant... I'd love to find some work while I'm there so I'd even be happy to accept a live in nannying position. I'm open to different options as well!

[@billschrader5139]

There are 2 parks. - North Park and South park

[@Livefreeordi]

I’m even more confused. We are actively looking to buy a home in Ave Maria. We have visited multiple times snd loved it. What’s not to love?? Anyone??

[@morgansnyder97]

Have you looked in The National at Ave Maria? Ask for Morgan Snyder if you check it out. It’s lovely!

[@luisamariavillegaslopez5822]

I loved it, thanks 💙

[@elizabethsmith38]

Thank you for sharing.

[@carissahanson9887]

Two more videos on Catholic towns and Catholic places tonight please

[@Merry19ss]

Eso seria genial,pero hay muy poca informacion sobre pueblos y ciudades crodtianas catolicos en USA.

[@stuartist]

I hope more towns like this sprout up around the country

[@jbowen828]

Ty for this review! I never knew this town existed. Are there more primarily Catholic towns! I’d love to live in a Catholic community.

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

thanks for the video. I click on Catholics to see authentic ones

[@billschrader5139]

The Collier county will be building a public elementary school in Ave in 2024-2025

[@tammeyquirion6816]

My daughters just visited there on vacation and they said what a beautiful church and community. They came back with blessed miraculous medals for our family. My husband and I want a place in Florida as we age. However, I need to continue to work as a teacher, but my husband will be retired soon. Can anyone add where to look specifically for places in Ave Maria for condos? Also, I would want to work at the catholic school (k thru 8) and just curious if jobs at the school are hard to come by in this community. .

[@morgansnyder97]

Hi Tammey, There is a community in Ave Maria that sells condos. It’s called The National at Ave Maria. Our condos start in the $255,000-$350,000 range. They are beautiful. If you decide to check it out, ask for Morgan Snyder. I’d also be happy to send you information.

[@kdittus9490]

There are condos around the church in the heart of town and also in the National. Lots of realtors in Ave :D.

[@elijahochoa8431]

Seriously!? A lack of parks is surprising and counterintuitive. Hopefully, that improves..

[@bobbikitowski2542]

Does anyone know the status of the hospital? My husband works in the medical field. Suggestions on employment opportunities?

[@jennbi1627]

Wow!! Would like to stay there ...... from india 🇮🇳

[@molliec4719]

Love the idea of a town like this, just have no personal desire to live in Florida. 🙃

[@richardcarroll9864]

I love Florida!!!

[@tracybethvidmar]

Thanks so much for sharing, Heather! It looks awesome! How much do people there worry about hurricanes? How far is it from the beach - does your friend go to the beach a lot? And what are home prices like there?

[@pajamamama16]

The nearest beach, Vanderbilt Beach, is about 40 minutes away. They did have a hurricane come through awhile back. The school is rated for a category 4 hurricane. Other than the football field, I don’t think they sustained any damage to speak of.

[@pajamamama16]

My son will be a junior this august. We have noticed the home prices increase significantly in that time, but they have everywhere in the country.

[@Emmaf91]

To answer your question about the beach, most of the beaches are about 50 minutes away

[@morgansnyder97]

Hi Tracy, We do not worry much about hurricanes because we are considered inland. It’s about a 40 minute drive to the Naples beaches. The National at Ave Maria has condos and single family homes. The condos range from $255,000-350,000 and the single family homes range from $555,000-850,000. If you decide to check out the community, ask for Morgan :)

[@joeperona3892]

Catholic parents beware there is a 200 student wait list at Donahue Academy.

[@ahzokatano0611]

Thanks!

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Thank you so much for the super thanks! I am so glad you liked this video!

[@tyliful]

sound like a nice place to live. reg moving... come to oc, ca.

[@agatap7385]

my sister cynia is at ave maria university

[@sandiegodream]

I'm moving there how's the grocery store I heard it's not that great and there's only one choice is that true

[@noelig4152]

Is Ave Maria mostly for upper class incomes? Are they making space for people who do not have wealth?

[@annashepard6337]

Health care services?

[@kesliegonzalez5816]

I've hear courdelaine, Idaho is a good place

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

Thanks for the suggestion! We’ll have to look into it!

[@RGRGIS]

Like!

[@Flogirl94]

Can anyone that lives there tell me about the wildlife? Are there a ton of gators? because I keep hearing that 😳 🐊

[@sandrabrock3191]

What do people do fir work there??

[@Emmaf91]

I live in the town, and alot of people work in Naples, at the university, or the private school.

[@Aliciaaa87]

I love this! It would be amazing to live in a community of Catholics...I do wonder though...how ethnically diverse this town is. Just wondering cause my family is mixed, we're latinos/afro-latinos and I know small towns in the south can be a little behind the times with people of color so I'm just curious if we would fit in there.

[@marykathleenhunt]

@Alicia, I live in the town and am a professor at Ave Maria University. The town really is diverse particularly for such a small town. I don’t know actual statistics but there are MANY Latino and African-American families…some Asian. I don’t think you would not need to worry at all about “fitting in” here. Come and visit sometime!

[@Merry19ss]

Haber los hispanos la mayoria somos cristianos catolicos y somos de diferentes etnias y colores entonces no se a que viene tu pregunta.

[@Aliciaaa87]

@@marykathleenhunt Thank you! It looks beautiful, I definitely want to visit some time.

[@ThePossibilityMom]

@@marykathleenhunt hi Mary! Asian Canadian married to a Canadian over here with mixed kids! I don't feel like we "stand out" because of our ethnicity- maybe ten years ago we would have but no longer! It has become so diverse.