Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsstats
DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.
Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA
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I have 2 dogs so I knew I needed a fenced yard. You can’t add fencing to a home that didn’t already come with fencing/walls. There are only 2 types of homes that have fences- Courtyard villas and Veranda homes. Since I wanted MORE FUN, LESS HOUSEWORK, I chose a Courtyard Villa- 3/2 just under 1460 sq feet. They come in 2 bedroom/2 bath and 3 bedroom/2 bath models.
There are dog parks everywhere and more being added as the community grows.
I moved here without ever having golfed but The Villages Golfing Academy teaches a golf that is FUN and beginners friendly. There is sooooo much here to do, things I didn’t even knew existed- dragon boat racing, glass fusion, twirlers and drum corp, cardio-drumming- just keep an open mind and explore!!! Never say never.
Everyone will say they live in the best Village and in the best house- and they will be right- it’s best for them. Besides a fenced yard being essential- here is the criteria I used when I bought my house- sight unseen, having never visited The Villages:
1). North facing lanai with the west side of the lanai blocked by the house- I can enjoy my lanai year round, all day long. I enjoy the morning sunrise and early morning sun on my lanai but quickly in shade for the rest of the day while still having views of the gorgeous sunsets.
2). Not built near the Turnpike or a busy major road, not next to a pickleball or tennis court. I LOVE peace and quiet while on my lanai- listening to the birds and frogs while gazing at my pretty yard and fountain and Florida sky is my thing!!
3). Not built backing to vacant or privately owned property. I wanted to know what will be going in on the other side of the wall/fence. I didn’t want a multiple unit apartment building or noisy business being built.
4). Walking distance to an ADULT pool- we are 4 houses from our adult pool. Didn’t want to be close to a family pool for sure.
5). Gas appliances.
6). I was 60 when I bought 2 years ago, so I wanted to be in the younger area of The Villages- which is the new area.
7). I wanted a “vacation resort” style Village instead of a “subdivision” standard neighborhood Village. I love nature and open spaces- Fenney was the perfect fit for me. When I pull in to the front of Fenney, even after 2 years, it takes my breath away with its beauty and nature.
8). I wanted block and stucco, not stick/vinyl. The Honeysuckle Villas are actually poured concrete - the only ones that I know of. The Developer is now building a lot with tilt wall design- pre-poured walls off site and then craned into place.
I am NOT a shopper - I am not interested in going daily to clothing stores, Knickknack stores, chatchzky shops, so close proximity to huge shopping areas was not in my list.
I bought in June 2020, coming from the state of Washington, without ever coming to visit The Villages but I stalked all the YouTubers (Jerry and Linda, The Village Newcomers, Gold Wingnut, Skip Smith) here in The Villages for about 18 months- so I felt comfortable and confident buying sight unseen. But how much I loved it the first day I drove into Fenney doesn’t match, doesn’t come anywhere close to how much more I love it 2 years later. I love LOVE it here more every single day!!!