This thread is an interesting read since our home has a preserve abutting our back yard. Our preserve is older and one that used to have views, but now is grown in and is basically a swamp filled in with vegetation. Still a wonderfull thing, privacy and a wildlife refuge. Lots of birds, an occasional gator, snake, coyote, or other mysterious critter. The only thing that scares me are snakes, I fear those slithery creatures, especially the water mocasons. Bugs don't bother us, they can be bad at sunset, but not in the birdcage. The sunset painting the sky behind the preserve is spectacular. And the privacy is wonderful. We love going in our back yard and not having to look at the back of abutting homes. This was a requirement when we searched for our Villages home. Some of the premium prices for a preserve stated in this thread seem outrageous. We paid about $20K more for our house than a similar home across the street without a preserve in the back yard. Also, I love golf, but would never want to live on a golf course. The cost premium is huge, mowing and course maintenance starts at sunrise each morning as your wake up alarm, and there is little privacy until it gets dark out. Just my opinion for what it's worth.
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