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Originally Posted by Goldwingnut
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One thing I learned long ago, when every business compares themselves to another business, they are telling you who their main competition is. When every business compares themselves to the same business, you know who the best is, they are all telling you.
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Exactly right!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldwingnut
...I've visited several other 55+ communities since retiring nearly 7 years ago, curious yes, in search of greener pastures, perhaps. In fact Margaritaville in on my list to visit next - AFTER this COLD weather passes. Something about the name is drawing me to the bar...
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We visited all three of the existing Latitudes Margaritavilles (Hilton Head, Daytona, Watersound near 30A).
My greatest fear with them, besides their microcosm-like size compared to The Villages, is what happens when they reach buildout and the Developer pulls out. The sales office and staff go away, the subsidies go away, the resort pool needs acid-washing and replastering, etc..
That being said, they have one HUGE advantage over The Villages, imho. Their home floorpans and the interior design of the model homes are superior. None of the "shotgun" style Village floorplans wherein you walk in the front door and see straight out to the lanai. No, the floorpans are comfortable, well laid out, and interesting. The way they made the plans with the smallest square footage so usable is impressive. I'm speaking of the cottage and villa plans such as the dreamsicle, bamboo, Jamaica, and Nevis for example. For what it is worth, the interior design of the models at Hilton Head is more impressive than the other two properties.
My concerns stated in the first paragraph are why we opted against Latitude Margaritaville. We did a Lifestyle visit (I think they call it a StayNPlay) at theDaytona property. Aside from the ability to drive the golf cart off property to a Publix or to their version of a town center, there wasn't a whole lot of other use for a cart. Their town centers, by the way, consist of a gym, a business center for faxing, etc., a small performance area, and bar/grill. So, essentially a single restaurant. In my experiences it was not well used. I fear it will not be able to sustain itself once that sales office goes away.
Looking forward to hearing your insights after your visit.