I highly recommend renting first. My plan was to rent for eight months but within three months I ended up purchasing a house. I went everywhere during that first month (open houses, classes, club meetings). I had a preconceived notion of where I wanted to live but that quickly changed. A few things I learned while renting: a courtyard villa is too small, a gas-powered golf cart is a must, a new home was preferable over a previously owned one, and I wanted to be south of 466A. Three years later, I couldn't be happier. Everything is a personal choice so it's best to explore your options before committing. Good luck!
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