Welcome to EASY FLORIDA LIVING in The Lakes, a sought-after, pet-friendly, 55+ community of 172 single-family homes PERFECTLY POSITIONED between Clearwater and St. Petersburg with easy access to US Highway 19, Interstate I275, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers 935 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with an OPEN FLOOR PLAN that feels bright, spacious, and inviting, and it sits on a private, over-sized lot. The kitchen boasts white shaker cabinets, natural stone counters, and new appliances. A BONUS DEN provides additional flexible living space perfect for a second living room, home office, hobby room, or reading retreat, while the ENCLOSED FLORIDA ROOM offers even more flexibility. Enjoy the outdoors from indoors in this peaceful and relaxing bonus space. The home has been EXTENSIVELY UPDATED since 2021, allowing the next owner to move in with confidence. Recent improvements include a NEW HVAC system, NEW WATER HEATER, washer, dryer, range, microwave, gutters, fascia, soffits, flat roof, and garage door opener. The Lakes is known for its strong sense of community, low HOA fees, and excellent financial health, with a recent reserve study confirming the strength of the association's reserve funds. The very low HOA dues of just $305 per month includes water, sewer, trash pick up, cable service, wifi internet service, lawn maintenance, irrigation, club house, and pool, making ownership both convenient and affordable. Residents enjoy all that the clubhouse has to offer, including a full kitchen, meeting rooms, library, card room, billiards, shuffleboard, a raised stage area for community events, and a sparkling pool with patio area. HVAC 2023, WATER HEATER 2021, FLAT ROOF 2024, WASHER / DRYER 2023. RANGE 2021. GARAGE DOOR OPENER 2024. WINDOWS 2015. Whether you are looking for a year-round residence or a seasonal getaway, this well-maintained home offers the perfect combination of COMFORT, VALUE, AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE in one of Clearwater's most desirable 55+ communities.