A Family’s New Chapter: East Coast Floridians fall in love with Ave Maria’s small-town charm
Donna and Luis Perez had always lived in Cooper City, enjoying the vibrancy of city life. However, when their daughter Ariel, son-in-law Juan and their two grandchildren, Elle and Kalel, moved to the growing community of Ave Maria, a familial change was on the horizon.
Donna and Luis Perez in their new home in Avalon Park.
At first, Donna and Luis Perez were hesitant. They couldn’t imagine leaving the bustling atmosphere of Broward County behind. There were doubts initially that as soon as Ariel and Juan’s family were moved in, they’d be homesick for the East Coast. But after a few months happily living in Ave Maria, the Perezes visited to see the community their daughter was raving about.
When Donna and Luis Perez arrived, they were captivated by the charm of the town and its family-friendly atmosphere.
“We thought we’d just visit and see how things were going for Ariel and Juan,” Donna Perez shared. “But we fell in love with it ourselves.”
Noting neighborhood kids riding their bikes down the streets, the pair understood what their son-in-law meant that this was the ideal place to raise his children.
Not long after, Donna and Luis Perez made the decision to move to Ave Maria. They built a new home – the Mystique – with Pulte Homes in Avalon Park, just a few blocks away from Ariel and Juan’s house. The move allowed them to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, and it didn’t take long for them to realize just how perfect the town was for family life.
Ariel Hernandez and her Little League team at North Park’s ball field for an evening game.
The sense of togetherness has only deepened since their move. Now, Ariel’s sister and the rest of Juan’s family are following suit. The Hernandez-Perez clan is expanding their roots in Ave Maria, with new homes being built and waiting for the final touches before they move in. The entire family looks forward to spending more time together in their new hometown.
Every Sunday, the family gathers for dinner at the Perez household, and the grandchildren enjoy sleepovers at grandma and grandpa’s.
“It’s a tradition now,” Luis Perez said, beaming. “The kids love it, and it’s wonderful to have the whole family close by.”
Donna Perez has also found a new sense of purpose in Ave Maria. She works at Salon d’ Maria in the Town Center, and Ariel has embraced her role as a coach for her son’s team with the Ave Maria Little League, further solidifying her family’s bond with the town.
What started as a leap of faith for Donna and Luis Perez turned into a life full of love and community. As they reflect on their journey, they acknowledge how quickly their doubts about Ave Maria faded away.
“At first, we weren’t sure if any of us could adjust to small-town life,” Donna Perez said. “But after experiencing it, we’ve come to realize how wonderful it is for families. It’s the perfect place to grow together.”