[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Retiring

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot?

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get?

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days?

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages?

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning?

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative?

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks?

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great!

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

Rent a place here for your next vacation, stay a month and talk to the people that live here, rent a golf cart and explore. Check out The Villages web site, you will find most of your house information there. Contact the sales group and hook up with a sales rep and they will give you a bunch of information including the covenants that apply to the various areas. You will get a lot of diverse opinions on here so please take the time to independent due diligence. This place isn't for everyone, be sure it's right for you before you commit.