A long time ago, a relative bought two lots in Bronson FL. It was thought that they would build down there, after retirement. (specifically, the lots are on Ishie Avenue. It appears this is NW of Bronson off Alt Rt 27)
Unfortunately, situations change… and one of the couple has passed on.
The surviving spouse is not interested in living in Florida any longer… and is thinking of selling the lots in Bronson, if the market is appropriate (specifically, if there is a large amount of development in the area)
Unfortunately, I have only been able to get aerial photos that are over 10 yrs old… to determine what type of development has occurred in the area. I have spoken with a realtor in the area… but I really couldn’t seem to get a good feel for what is being developed in the area, if anything. Their sales pitch was high on platitudes… short on details.
Bottom line… I am looking to see if it is a good time to sell the lots… or if development has not yet reached the area. I am hoping that someone who posts here has either worked in the area… or has knowledge of the area.
Thanks in advance for any assistance. I would really like to give a reasonable outlook… but unfortunately cannot make a trip to Florida at this time to do a look-see. ANY info is helpful.
Edited 3/28/2005 6:38 pm ET by Rich from Columbus
Replies
Where is Bronson?
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Levy County, Florida
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&searchtab=home&address=&city=Bronson&state=FL&zipcode=View Image
Edited 3/28/2005 8:48 pm ET by Rich from Columbus
I live in Gainesville, FL and have been through Bronson a few times on the way to Cedar Key and for other reasons just passing through. I don't know a ton about the market here because I've only lived here since August. But from what I've heard, Gainesville and surrounding areas has absolutely exploded over the last couple of years and it is growing westward very quickly.
Since so much of Florida is built up, people are moving to less developed areas, even if it means they can't be on the beach.
I can't say anything about development in Bronson specifically, but I can say that there is a lot of development in Archer, which is the town between Bronson and Gainesville. We do a lot of work in Chiefland, which is farther from Gainesville than Bronson.
I'll ask my boss tomorrow what he knows about property in the Bronson area.
I can promise you that it is humid in Bronson.
If you've got the zip code for that immediate area, you could probably do a decent search (avg. or mean prop. values, education, occupation etc.) from federal census data. That might give you a start.
Bronson is located in Levy county. Levy county is on the Gulf coast where the peninsula and panhandle meet. The county is bordered on the west by the Suwanee River. While Levy county is on the Gulf coast, Bronson is about 30 miles inland. Attractions of interest include many springs, lakes, rivers, Cedar Key, and the Gulf coast. If you like the water, it isn't a bad place. If you don't like water, then there probably isn't a whole lot to recommend it.
Levy county is pretty rural -- according to the census bureau the population is around 36K, spread over an area of about 1100 sq. miles. As for development, the population growth from 1990 to 2000 (again, the Census Bureau) shows a 32% growth. Similar growth rates are continuing throughout north central Florida. The nearest minor metropolitan area is Gainesville, the next county over. That's where the major employers are located.
So, yes, there is development in Bronson, and the rest of Florida for that matter, but there is plenty of land in Levy county, so there isn't any major price pressure, nor is there likely to be anytime soon. If the lots are on water, that would be a major plus. Like most places, I'm sure that the property has appreciated somewhat since it was originally purchased. You might take a look at the property tax bill to see what it's currently appraised at. FWIW, the tax appraisal is likely to be low.