I would say do not buy on your first trip. Yes do try and rent for a few weeks to test the community and area. I would try to rent in the summer when it is hottest. I would also take time to visit other communities. I would take the community tour and talk to the employee sales people for each place you visit. You are looking for the life style of the community. Once you know the community you like then worry about the type of home. Location will be very important for the purchase. Go to the swimming pools so you can talk to residences and get their opinion. Look for forums like this one for surrounding communities. City-Data may help a little. Use Google earths street view to look around the areas you can visit or to scout out possible locations.
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