From the time we first visited The Villages to check it out 6 years ago, we came back yearly for the next 5 years for 3 days to one week each time. Finally one year ago we decided to rent for 3 months in the summer to see if we would like it. We moved here from the beach from the west coast of Florida, so we were accustomed to Florida summers, but not middle of the state summers. We did a "Deal Maker" list regarding where we wanted to retire (even though we both still work), and really looked at what were the top 15 most important things to us for the next 20 or more years of our lives.
The things that were tops on our list are not found many places outside The Villages. High on our list is to live in a safe, well-maintained community with plenty of easily accessible activities that we want to explore. On my Deal Maker list are values such as a warm, sunny climate; low crime rate; affordability; lifelong learning opportunities in close proximity; clean, well-maintained neighborhoods & common spaces; lots of active adult amenities; like-minded people; cultural events & entertainment; affordable fitness classes and clubs; easily accessible (within 15 minutes) walking & cycling paths; dance classes; live theatre; and opportunities for other future interests that I'm bound to develop with more time to explore.
After those first 3 months, we extended our lease, continued to rent for a year, and finally will be closing on a house on August 20, more than a year after we got to The Villages. My recommendations for finding your best place to live - 1) Rent as long as you comfortably can before you buy - that way you'll not only know if you love The Villages; you'll also know WHERE in The Villages is best for you. 2) Do a "Deal Maker" list of the top 15 things that are most important for where you want to live.
To get what we want and where we want to be in life, all of us must make choices. Those choices may mean giving up something that you have in order to get something that you want even more. Although The Villages is not for everyone, it sure is for me.
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