As you are a first time home owner, I would recommend renting an unfurnished place for a year. This will enable you to check out the neighborhoods and find out what part of TV your chosen classes/groups are. TV is now very big and you can waste a lot of time moving from one rec center to another (and in season you have to be in line for certain groups/classes an hour before the start to ensure getting in!!!). Waiting for a year also will give you an option for the new apartments being built near Brownwood Paddock Square called 'The Lofts' - estimated completion 2020.
The Lofts at Brownwood | The Villages
I wish I had rented prior to buying as some decisions I made were a mistake.