A new trend is bringing more residents to the marina resort community of Heritage Harbor: Sunbirding. The reverse of the snowbird who maintains a second home down south for winter, a sunbird lives in the south year-round but flees hot summers for the temperate Midwest.

A lot of sunbirds live in places like Florida or Arizona where it’s hot and sunny year round. Since these southern states can become too hot during the summer, sunbirds have begun buying second homes so they can “summer” elsewhere. By escaping the heat of a southern summer for that of the milder Midwestern summer, sunbirds are able to enjoy a temperate climate year round.

Why More Sunbirds are Flocking to Heritage Harbor
Many of these sunbirds are from the Midwest, so it’s a natural choice to come back to the area during the warmer months to be close to their children and grandchildren. As a marina resort community, Heritage Harbor draws sunbirds who enjoy the waterfront lifestyle. The location also places them in the heart of Starved Rock Country with numerous activities and adventures they can share with the whole family.

Since Heritage Harbor is comprised of pocket neighborhoods perfectly designed around a beautiful marina, a real sense of community spirit develops. For many residents, Heritage Harbor welcomes them back to a simpler time when neighbors knew one another.

Sunbirds tend to want homes they can enjoy as-is since their time up north is limited. The low-maintenance cottage homes are popular among those who don’t want to spend their time tackling home improvement projects. Most of the homes in Heritage Harbor offer waterfront views, and prices start in the upper $200s.

These active adults value the many recreational opportunities in Heritage Harbor as well as the surrounding area. Residents enjoy the convenience of daily rentals for boats, paddleboards and kayaks. Heritage Harbor’s 32-acre deep water marina and state-of-the-art docking system will support more than 400 boat slips, making this community an ideal base for summer on the water.

The entertainment onsite is another big draw. The community’s Director of Fun develops a busy summer event schedule for residents. There’s also the on-site restaurant, Red Dog Grill, that serves up fantastic waterfront views and tasty seafood and American cuisine.

Starved Rock Country
While the waterfront is the main attraction, there’s so much more to do and see in and around Heritage Harbor. Nearby Starved Rock State Park is the best-known state park in the area, but Buffalo Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are full of hidden gems as well. Whether it’s hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic sites, or forests, the natural beauty of these open spaces tempts residents.

Sunbirds can also enjoy other Starved Rock Country activities such as fishing, golf, horseback riding, water skiing, biking and jogging trails, and so much more just minutes from the Heritage Harbor community.

Over the last decade, the historic town Ottawa has transformed into a destination city for numerous one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. From wine and beer tasting events to local festivals, concerts, and entertainment, there’s always something exciting happening in Ottawa.

The cottage homes at Heritage Harbor come in an array of floor plans and prices. There are even options to build-to-suit your dream home. To learn more about the community, amenities and home plans visit www.HeritageHarborOttawa.com or call 815.433.5000 to schedule a Discovery Tour.