Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61
You really have to come and do a lifestyle visit. After doing my intensive online homework for almost five years, I finally came and saw The Villages for the first time this past summer. Even though I watched a ton of you tube videos, nothing compares to actually visiting in person. I then returned for a second lifestyle visit, and then rented a house for a few weeks on a third visit. During all my visits, I spent a lot of time at all three town squares, ate at virtually every non-chain restaurant, walked many trails, took the golf cart everywhere, getting lost until I finally knew my way around without a GPS. Played pickle ball, saw multiple concerts at both the Savannah Center and the Sharon, went to the movies, and most importantly talked with a ton of villagers by eating most meals at the outside open bars. By my third visit, I felt like I already lived in The Villages. I literally visited every single village, taking notes of pros and cons of each village (obviously from my biased view). I came to the conclusion that I could be happy in any of the villages, but finally decided to try for a new house in Richmond - which I finally got after 6 attempts (I close in two weeks) - I’m looking forward to living in the village of Richmond, and I am sure I will be a vocal cheerleader of my new village, but I would never tear down or talk negatively of any of the villages - they are all unique and have something special to offer in their own right. Luckily, via golf cart, I get to spend time enjoying the amenities and beauty of any of the villages.
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Perfect response.
We did not do a ton of research or do multiple lifestyle visits. We actually signed a purchase agreement on the first day we were here. Looked at four houses, picked one, were lucky enough to get it, and Bob’s your uncle.
We knew we wanted new with warranty, so we picked from what was being released the next morning. Luckily we got our first pick in the Village of Hawkins. We literally knew nothing but we are very happy with our choice and love living here. As many folks have often said, we were buying the lifestyle. There is literally no bad area here IMHO but different people have different sensitivities or desires and we have no idea what yours are.
Many people say “don’t buy down south, you’ll go crazy from the turnpike noise, the quarry blasting, or the noise from the federal prison. Not true on any three counts at least not where I am and I can see the turnpike traffic from my front lanai. Nary a peep from the other two.
If you love golf and want to play a different course every day you might be happier up north. If you are a walker or cyclist and love having trails to ride or walk, down south might be a better choice. If you like music and food, you can get to that from anywhere. Every area has recreation centers, pools, and tons of activities. If you are a paddler we have a new recreation center down south that has a launch ramp into Lake Okahumpka.
From my perspective you could pick your house by just figuring out what you need in the way of space and going for it because there are literally no bad areas in The Villages. But judging by the amount of judging and complaining that goes on here on TOTV it’s apparently not that easy for some. Different areas do have different personalities. My husband had a Navy career. I have moved a lot over the years and have learned how to make myself at home pretty much anywhere. I gather not everyone has that ability. What kind of person are you?
So, what is it you want exactly?