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Originally Posted by Cheryl Barrios
I am looking for a home in TV. I am downsizing and would like a smaller home so I have mostly looked at villas. I was told by an agent the other day that villas are very frequently bought to lease/rent and as a result those who live in those communities year-round struggle with the frequent new faces and the issues that come with renters - even though it was clarified at the renters are over 55 and are not typical families. I was also told that no more than 25% in the smaller villas can be leased out. It was recommended that I look at a cottage instead. Do any of you live in villas? Is it "difficult" in any way to live there because people in the villas near you are transient? I will be living by myself, but I suspect that my family will want to visit me more there because it's TV in Florida instead of Kansas City. Any home-buying suggestions are welcome also.
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I don't live in a villa but know people that do and they are very happy. If you are a socialite, then maybe a more conventional neighbor. I live in a permanent home on a street with 14 other houses in Section of Duneden off Hillsborough Trail. Less than half the houses are full time, a few are empty (some buy and are waiting to retire), a couple keep getting new owners often, a few are only here during the few winter and early spring months, some just after the winter holidays. We get to know the people around us but not much farther away unless you join clubs. Then you friends can be further away. In the past years, impromptu driveway parties used to help meet people. Now with COVID, many of us are hermits. You want comradery...and are full time...I'd say buy a small house. The
most affordable, in my opinion, and the most manageable is a 1) house between houses and 2) not on a corner, 3) have a street behind with neighbors just like your street, 4) not on a 'water view' no matter what the view is, 5) away from the mail box centers and the rec areas because of the pickleball or pool noises. Get opinions but many on this Blog are not well informed and just arbitrarily make stuff up, even when they cite facts. You are doing good by double and triple checking.