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Originally Posted by Pamela1130
I have been looking extensively into the Villages for quite a while now and really want to visit and feel it is a great place for retirees. My DH has agreed to do a lifestyle visit. Because I really want to buy a winter home there, I want to make our lifestyle visit interesting and fun so I can get him onboard. All I have read about LS visits is people driving around in a golf cart trying to figure out the lay of the land and visiting the different areas and rec centers, etc. I am wondering if I can set up things beforehand or even when we get there. We don't golf but my husband goes to the gym 6 days a week so would like to visit a state of the art gym. He loves music, so I am sure the nightly concerts would be great. He especially likes doo wop music if that makes a difference. I would be interested in trying out pickle ball. We have never played but are in good shape but I don't know how you go about it. Do you make reservations? I heard that it is very competitive but are there just pickup games for beginners? He's not a swimmer but I love water aerobics. Bocce sounds fun too. Bike riding sounds great also. I know there are many clubs but with only a one week visit, probably not doable or practical. We are coming in early December if that makes a difference in the activities. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and answer my post and I am looking forward to visiting the Villages and ultimately buying a home there.
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Newbies beware. The lifestyle is reasonable and yes you get a brand new house. However, the goal of the Village Realtors is to sell you a new home. Right now they are pushing DeLuna but they will show you resale homes if you ask. I did this when I first arrived for my initial visit but ended up buying a for sale by owner property. My first visit I was put in the Atrium right next to Brownwood. It took 2 minutes to get to the square with shopping about the same distance. I have biked DeLuna it is far from all of the main activities. South of 44 is nice but you certainly do not have the amenities we have North of 44. For instance I have 5 pools, two Rec Centers in the Village of Gilchrist West within 2 miles. If I want to swim laps I have three sports pools within a mile. There is only one at Ezel for all of the homes in the southern area. Next you have one shopping center Magnolia for all of the South. I have 4 Publix's within 2 miles and most of my other shopping within 5 miles. You will have quite a distance to go to get to a Sam's Club or BJ's where most of the Shopping Centers are located. Same with Golf the mass of courses are in the Northern areas. Another caveat is to really see homes realize the Village Realtors will not show you any MLS listed homes (homes for sale by other Realtors) and Realtors cannot show you Village Owned listings. Many do not realize this when they come to buy. I now own 2 homes. My second I bought from the Villages in Duval. I use it as a rental. It is beautiful and is located where all of the action is complete with bikes, chairs for the square, golf cart etc. A week is really not enough time to even touch the surface of the homes available for sale here. Do your homework and you will find what is perfect for you. I enjoy the activities too much to want to be in the South. Good luck.