[Linwood]

Russ,
I sort of assume nearly every pond is a retention pond as all are designed to gather runoff - I have a house on a pond, just off the first hole of Kilimanjaro,
it is so cool to watch the sunset over the water, the frogs are just coming in as the pond is only two years old, but there are lots of ducks, and the sounds they make are actually sort of comfortable,
I live out in the boonies now, and have coyotes, deer, owls ect making all kinds of noises - so the pond is noise I already like,
I do not yet live there full time, but love my visits because the water is so calming,
When we were making the decision to buy, the pond view and presence was the clinching factor, (other than the fact she wanted it.)
so I guess personal preference is the real decision point,
Besides, you will be so busy playing you'll only sit on the lanai looking at the pond at cocktail time - from a hammock!
Peace,