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Originally Posted by mrsstats
We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.
Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.
I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.
Thoughts from those living there.
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You don’t need to do any outdoor sports or activities to love it here. You don’t need to have a golf cart. You don’t need to like the far-too-loud music at the town squares. It’s a beautiful place to live. You know that. But to get you money’s worth, get involved with some of the huge number of activities available here. That’s where the fun is. That’s what makes us different here. For example, I love to play various musical instruments, and I’ve learned several new ones since moving here. I play or perform at seven jams or performances a week, all in rec centers. About two hundred people come to hear us, and many get to know each other, so you don’t have to play to have fun. For an example of learning new things, there are several hundred people here who get together at least once a week to play ukuleles together and sing. Most of these people learned to play here, and they may not play very well and may not sing very well, but they do it with enthusiasm and have a great time. This applies to all sorts of fun activities, or at least fun for some people.
If you’ve been here for two lifestyle visits, you probably know that if all you have is Social Security income for two, that really isn’t enough to have a relaxed, fun life here. After one spouse dies, it’s much harder. A number of people here in that condition are struggling. Unless you have a substantial pension, too, I’d say aim at a home of about 1200 sq ft. I downsized to a courtyard villa and love it. And if medical care is important, you can try to be close to our hospital and nursing homes and all in the northern parts of The Villages, or you could look for a home near, say, Colony Shopping Plaza, close to 466A and Morse, but in Sumter County for tax reasons. AdventHealth/Waterman in Tavares is the top-rated hospital in the area, and it is building a fancy new ER just past Colony on 466A. Living near there would closer to things as you age,
At your age, I’d say don’t buy new construction. There’s a lot more involved with being a first owner, and the new homes are a long way away from most of the shopping plazas and rec centers and all the bowling, if you’ve want to continue that. Buy a home where you don’t need a mortgage, where the roof was recently replaced, where there is no bond. Not in Fruitland Park because the taxes are much higher. All the money you don’t have to pay every month in mortgage and all is money you can spend having fun.