You might want to consider writing up a list of what you consider to be requirements for your dream retirement home and then contact not just The Villages but any of a number of other retirement communities in the area (and there are a bunch of them scattered all over Florida) for answers on who allows or disallows what. And definitely try to come down and see whatever communities are the finalists on your list. All will be willing to show you around and many have something similar to the "lifestyle preview" that is offered by The Villages where you can stay for a week at a modest price and see what it's really like to live and play in the given community.
The Villages definitely has some restrictions but when my wife and I were researching, we found that most retirement communities have similar ones. Some other communities may be open to a fenced-in yard or multiple flag poles or expansive yard decoration or multiple pets or whatever floats your boat. Remember, The Villages isn't your only choice. It's just what most of us who bought here thought was the best choice for us.
Good luck on your research and your decision. It's a big decision to make and you don't want to rush yourself into making the wrong one.
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