We bought our home in August in the Designer Home neighborhood bordering holes 1, 2, 8, and 9 of the Lowlands Executive Course. After closing, we've walked the surrounding areas between Marsh Bend Trail, Everglades Rec Center, and the Lily Pond Rec Center that is under construction. Very happy with our choice, and will be even happier after the Brownwood Bridge is completed. 3.2mi from our home to Brownwood Paddock.
After looking at 40+ existing homes between Sumter Landing and Brownwood, a friend asked why we weren't considering the new homes south of 44. We replied that when we visited back in February 2019, there wasn't any "there there"; too remote and no services.
Of those 40+ homes we looked at, we noted either too many $$$ for what the home offered, or expected $$$ to repair key parts of 10 year old homes that needed maintenance. We wanted 3bdrm/2ba 2000 sq ft home with 2+1 garage. We found issues in some homes that even the homeowner was not aware of.
Well, after that friend's question, we popped into the Fenney Sales Office, and asked to see the newest homes. They happened to be in Linden Isle and Marsh Bend. The 2nd home we saw in Marsh Bend helped us to decide, and we agreed to purchase an Iris.
What helped us to decide:
1. Everglades Rec Center opening in November
2. upcoming Magnolia Plaza due in 2020
3. multi-use bridge connecting Marsh Bend to Brownwood Paddock due in 2020
4. All Designer Home neighborhood; with all homes stucco
Someday there will be a new square, but we suspect it will be down near Monarch Grove or the new St Catherines and Bradford villages south of 44 and Rohan.
Being from the engineering project field, I'm sure that The Villages would rather have the connecting Brownwood bridge today rather than tomorrow. The biggest challenge will be closing down the Florida Turnpike for the time necessary to move the bridge in place. More important will be making sure that all contingencies are planned for in case something goes wrong with the move. No one will happy if the turnpike is closed longer than absolutely necessary.
2020 is going to be a great milestone for The Villages just south of 44.
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