[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Totally agree with this post. Others can only offer suggestions, but bottom line, only you can really decide. Existing homes have many advantages (just had dinner with a real estate agent friend last week who related the enormous cost of bonds on the new homes, but to many this is of no concern). We found a new home had a long list of expenditures that are not always considered, just small things like additional shelving, knee walls or enclosed lanai's, driveway additions, landscaping over and above the minimum of a new model, and much more. Some will advise a new home in a new village for neighbor's of similar age; but that is often misleading too. Many existing homes in older neighborhoods have changed metrics, plus, NEVER buy a home due to the neighbors/neighborhood, can change totally in a matter of months. Go with the "when I see it I'll know it's the one for me". So many groups and activities for socializing, I'd advise you not rely on that as a major variable, go more on your interests: travel, golf, scuba, tennis, photography, ballroom dance, or softball to name a TINY few. Changes are your social life will revolve around your interests not your address, but by posting you will certainly get enough replies to confuse you...LOL !

You know that I disagree. The person who will give you a ride if you need it to the bus depot is not going to be the guy you played water volleyball with. It’s going to be the lady next door. The person who lends you a part to your AC in an emergency is not going to be your pickle ball buddy, but the guy across the street. The person who brings you the AED should something happen, my husband needed it at age 62 when he had never had any health issues to that day, is going to be the closest neighbor who has one. And so on. A few neighbors may change but not your whole street in your life time.