Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnN
I'd strongly urge you to spend at least a week (if not a month) on a lifestyle tour or rental in a type of home (and preferably the area) that you'd like.
Different people have different needs/interests/finances/etc.
We did, and feel we didn't really make any mistakes when we bought, we're very happy. It's great here, no matter what you choose.
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Where a lot of people mess up when it comes to Florida is that the climate and pace doesn't match life north of the Mason-Dixon.
As far as the climate is concerned, I'd suggest a
minimum of three trips here, with one of the trips between July 15th and August 25th. Summer here shakes a lot of Northerners as being extreme. It is something you adapt to, just the same as people adapt to ice and snow. However, a trip during summer is a "due diligence" experience so that you know what you're getting into. The additional cost for these trips isn't that bad, when looked at as being part of the overall house (and move) cost, and the fewer surprises, the better.
Be sure when you come that you program time to ride around here - by yourself - several times to learn the topography. Viewing a map is one thing, while really knowing where you are is so much better. If you decide to fly to Orlando and take the shuttle here, rent a golf car for the time here, and Enterprise rent-a-car is in Lake Sumter Landing for substantial transport. I'd include time to ride to and through Ocala, Inverness, Crystal River, Leesburg, and everywhere else within a 40-mile circle of The Villages that time permits. See if you really want to LIVE here, as opposed to short-term touristing.
The pace of things here mirrors the climate. Things are slower here, especially outside of TV, as compared to the urban north. So, if you expect the locals to rush through things at New York speed, you will be disappointed and frustrated. There's a popular bumper sticker that says "We don't care how you did it up North" and that really is the theme here.
I've lived half my life in Central Fl, with the other half in many other places, including New England. To me, CentFL is fabulous, but you must be ready to adapt to it, rather than the other way around.