If privacy is important to you TV is probably not the place for you.
- The commercial infrastructure keeps rapidly expanding but never seems fast enough to keep up with residential building. You can't find a parking spot at a grocery store in TV within the last five years during high season. Keep in mind high season seems to have expanded to include December through April. I believe this is a function of such high demand on rentals during cold months that landlords insist on 3 - 4 months minimum.
- You talked about town squares. There are three squares for 130000 residents plus any and all public that wish to attend. Not only has TV expanded exponentially so has the surrounding area. Many people buy outside of TV to get more house for the money but know they can utilize the town squares, restaurants and all other commercial facilities (hospital, doctors, bowling alley, etc.). If they are snowbirds (not full time residents of the three adjoining counties) their TV buddies can get them guest passes to use other amenities. In the squares you will be lucky to get a drink during happy hour at the bar huts after spending the first set standing in line waiting during high season. And lets squelch the "only during high season" justification. I can not tolerate heat and in the summer months I wouldn't utilize the amenities nearly as much as I do during the dreaded "high season". It is very hot I'll repeat very hot here as compared to oceanfront (cooler with breezes off the water) June through September.
- The other half truth - your neighborhood is quiet. Well unless you are prepaid to spend north of $400K for a house there is a very high chance of getting the dreaded kissing lanai. So close you can hear every word the neighbor is whispering and hopefully they don't smoke. Also the newer neighborhoods are attacking newly retirees. They are young and still have a lot of partying to let loose of. These neighborhoods tend to start cilcks and join each at the hip with driveway and house parties. Not a sales feature if privacy is at the top of your list.
- Remember who you asked your question to. People that live here in TV. While on this site TV'ers are the overwhelming majority they are but a very small minority of Florida's retirement population.
- If activities and socialization are your priority you won't beat TV. If privacy or small town feel is your priority you will be very unhappy here.
- Best advice seen here - do not buy before you rent at least one season. Also ask your same question on social media of other Florida retirement communities.
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