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Originally Posted by AMB444
Hello! I just joined TOTV and have learned a bit from reading here the last few days and looking forward to learning more!
I'm interested in renting in The Villages to see if it would be a nice place to eventually buy property. Not sure how to find all options for renting.
Interested in a 6 month lease starting fall of '24. My ideal place would be small, 2 bdrm, 2 bath with a nice screened in porch. I'm an outdoor person. No smoking. I do have cats and a small 12lb poodle that thinks he's a human. 
Since I'd be moving belongings with me I'd need a garage for storage til I have my own place. I'm downsizing A LOT the next few months so will only need a single garage at the most. Don't want to pay to move it all. I'm moving from upper midwest.
I lived in FL many years ago on the east side close to the beaches so I'm interested to hear about where everyone goes for a beach trip. Looks like most beaches are about 1.5hr - 2hrs away?
I'm making a list of all the clubs and WOW I'm impressed at the options!
Anyway... thanks for reading thus far.
Ann |
A before-the-fact welcome, Ann!
Some quick comments...
There has already been some good advice about renting. Depending on when you plan to begin your six months here, we are approaching high snowbird season which lasts through March, with rentals correspondingly high. You can rent off-season (say, May through October) for significantly less. Of course we're talking summer with heat and humidity, but I'm from Minnesota (AKA "da Tundra") and had no problems at all adjusting to it. Better for a lot of reasons...less crowded which means correspondingly less headache shopping, tee times, etc. Also driving is (somewhat) better and less crowded during the summer/fall months.
A lot of storage here, both in-Villages and corresponding areas (Wildwood, Summerfield, etc.). You should have no problem finding some. The place you rent will probably have a garage but depending on the amount of stuff you bring it may not be enough.
Most people depend on golf carts for daily transportation. If the place you rent doesn't have one, you can get rentals from places (Villages Golf Cars, Villages DISCOUNT Golf Cars, etc.) that sell them.
North of 466 is more established (and frankly I prefer it) but that depends on your tastes. More entertainment, shopping, recreational opportunities, etc. in the north but south of 466 has a younger and consequently more active population.
IMO 90% of the folks who live here are happy, satisfied people who make great neighbors and friends. The 10% who aren't though sure seem to make a lot of noise. Don't take anyone's word for that though...keep an open mind and form your own conclusions.
Best of luck!!!