For Jody and Cari Bennett, moving to Del Mar was the result of years spent getting to know the area. After regular vacations and extended stays, they decided it was time to make the community their permanent home. "We just love this location in Del Mar, the view and architecture of the house and homes around it," Jody said when asked why they chose the neighborhood. Now their favorite part of living here is the activity level. "This is the most active community we have ever lived in!"

The couple enjoys spending time on the water, whether boating, relaxing at the beach, spending time at the pool, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Cari stays active in her church and enjoys helping her mother, while Jody continues his interest in community service. Jody served for seven years on the homeowners’ association board for his condominium community in Gulfport. He is also a candidate for the SOA Board of Directors in the upcoming October election.

The Bennetts moved to Baytowne Avenue in early March and have now called the neighborhood home for a little over four months. Although they are new residents, their connection to the area began many years ago. The couple first visited around 2000 and began vacationing here regularly about six years ago. As retirement became part of their plans, they spent more time in this neck of the woods to see what everyday life would be like. "We fell in love with the area and started to stay here more frequently as a 'trial run' for our retirement home," they said. "Needless to say, everyone at the Residence Inn Grand Blvd knows who the Bennetts are."

Their move followed a relationship that began more than two decades ago. Jody met Cari in Brandon, Mississippi, in 1999. “We fell in love almost immediately and have been together ever since," Jody said.

Jody was raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, while Cari was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. Both built careers before making the move. Jody graduated from Mississippi State University and spent more than 40 years in sales and marketing for technology companies before retiring in June. Cari studied General Business at the University of Mississippi and has worked as a real estate agent for more than 17 years.

Their college loyalties add some fun competition each fall. "This creates a competitive household every Thanksgiving as these two college football rivals play each other every year in the Egg Bowl," Jody shared.

In addition to football, the Bennetts enjoy cooking, boating, entertaining friends, and discovering local restaurants. Among their favorites are Tuscany, Surf Hut, Boshamps, Wine World, and Cantina Laredo, although they admit that there are "too many great ones to list."

Travel also plays a major role in their lives. They recently took a birthday trip to New Orleans aboard the Amtrak Mardi Gras train. They also look forward to a Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving and an anniversary trip to Paris and Barcelona in May 2027. Favorite destinations include New Orleans, the Caribbean, Italy, Maui, and Napa.

As they settle into their new environment and neighborhood, Jody and Cari have no doubts that they made the right choice. The active community and friendly people sealed the deal. "We both enjoy meeting new people, participating in community events, and making this community our home.”