We bought in 2013 in the most southern part of the LSL section, just north of 466A. That area is extremely convenient to golf courses, rec centers, shopping, restaurants, and pools — already there.
We bought a house built in 2007 and we were graciously welcomed and invited to join neighborhood get-togethers.
I specifically did not want a new neighborhood — for a couple of reasons. The main one being that I wanted most of my neighbors to be full-time — even though we would be going back and forth, continuing to own in Ohio, too.
We bought on a street of designer homes, mostly not snowbirds, and only one rental.
The other reason I did not want a new home is that I did not want to deal with the hassles of doing upgrades. I wanted a house that had good landscaping underway, had been well-maintained, with some upgrades, and done in a style that fit me. The house showed up, just when we had decided to forget about buying.
Back home, we have done a lot of upgrades to various houses we have owned, some upgrades were major. We know our contractors there. But in TV, I did not want the contractor and landscaper hassles I have read so much about here on TOTV. And being part-time in TV would make contractor-timing more difficult.
Being a hometown Ohio girl has been really helpful in projects-past. But in TV, I would be a fish out of water when trying to take on any major projects.
In Ohio, I get calls from friends and neighbors for contractor recommendations. It has been said to me, “You always know a guy.” That is true. We know what it takes to do home upgrades, big and small, and we like doing and having things done to our houses — but not a thousand miles from back home. . . but I digress. . .so anyway, back to the topic of neighborhoods. . .
It is mostly the luck of the draw with neighbors. You can do some of the things suggested in previous posts that can help you narrow your focus though.
Some of the LSL area villages are beginning to turn over. It is possible that you would not be the only new kid on the block. It is also possible that you would be widely welcomed by longtime neighbors who are happy to see new people moving in.
Also, at the age of 65, you would probably find others close to your age in an established neighborhood — and being a retired nurse might get you more interaction than you expect —
— with lots of questions maybe.
And if I may be so straightforward. . .you are a single nurse, retired. . .makes me wonder if you have ever heard about ol’ guys who are looking for “a nurse with a purse.” Be careful.
Boomer