Should I factor in Alligators when looking for a home location?
 

My wife and I just finished a lifestyle preview visit, and are planning on returning in a few months for a longer stay. I know that gators are a fact of life in TV, but we're not anxious to find one on our doorstep when going out to get the morning paper :). When it comes time to pick a home location, is there a part of TV where a close encounter is less likely?

The closer to water, the better you'll find an alligator. But the chances are slim. However, don't be walking your dog near the water and be alert if you go there.

I hope
 

you get what you want with this post.

You would be better off worrying about real risks like fumes from the turnpike or electro magnetic fields from power lines than gators. Your risk of being struck by lightning is far greater than the risk of a gator attack.

There are all kinds of deniers but OP has a valid question. Alligators like water, marshes, ponds, lakes. They go from one water to the other. Look at the house you are interested in on the map. Is it on an alligator path?

On the other hand, it is true, alligator attacks are rare in TV.

Wouldn't allow such a fear to dominate my choice of location for a home. Probably much more likely to be hit crossing a street or slipping in your own bathtub. But both of those things DO happen. So, if you choose a lot on a pond or lake, always be cautious but if that is going to dominate your thoughts, maybe not pick a lot on water ! Also keep in mind, many many people in all parts of Florida have found small gators on porches, stoops, crossing lawns, on just "relaxing" in the sun on the patio. Almost everyone of those people was NOT harmed.

Thanks, everyone for your thoughts so far. I know that issues are unlikely to arise, but I thought that maybe areas further north (where folks have been living for several years) might be less likely spots for alligators. Maybe this theory doesn't pan out, but I appreciate everyone's thoughts on the issue

Alligators all over Florida, around lakes. The lakes are connected via underground pipes, it’s part of the water management system. Gator use the pipes to move around.

you might have a gator at your front door, and you might win the lottery.

I know where Alligator Alley is but unsure about Alligator Path.

Best advice is to stay away from the ponds. That said, a number of houses that have water views from their backyard just slope down to the pond. There would be nothing to stop a gator, if motivated, from walking up to your house. If you are constantly putting your dog out there, it might be their motivation.

I live on a pond, but there is a three foot retaining wall and a 42" fence on top of that. Vertical balusters, so gator couldn't climb it (probably). So if you want to live on water, and are really concerned, consider what is between the back/front of your house and the water, and could a gator breech it.

This is good to know. Thank you.

Gators have been known to climb fences, North, South, East and West...the gators are everywhere. Does not matter in the villages if you buy in the historic section or the newer section.

Thanks! That was really what I was looking for with my original question. My original thought was that, with the established community to the north, there might be fewer gators there and more in the relatively undeveloped south. Seemed logical to me at the time I posted :)

What you said is so true. I just read an article that coincidentally proves your point. A woman in St Lucie county was walking her dog near water in her retirement village. She got attacked by a gator that authorities said was at least 700 lbs. I feel very sad for her and I am not one to blame a victim. But yeah, try not to do that.

Consider Small Grandkids
 

I have found that the correct answer for “is there a gator in that pond, swamp etc.?”
Is Yes! Always assume that. My concern would be small grandkids visiting getting too close to the water. So It’s ok if you want to be on the water, but know the risks and act accordingly