I agree - multiple choices for multiple reasons. I'm with Gracie about liking to redecorate. I've moved so much over the last 30 years (4 years would be the longest in any one house) that I hope I can contain myself and be happy where I am. I figure I'll probably paint a lot - or maybe not, once I get into all the activities. Hard to tell. Also, the older I get, the harder it is to move - am hoping that will also deter me.
A couple of years ago, we started going thru open houses when we were down, seriously thinking we might move to a designer once we retired. Found out we like our CYV just fine. We have a Bonita with an inside laundry, which also gives more storage space possibilities. I do think we'd be looking to move if we had bought a 2 BR, but if we didn't have 4 kids and 2 grandkids (so far - the kids are still in production mode) maybe we wouldn't need a 3 BR (although I would miss the inside laundry anyway). Why doesn't The Villages build a 2 BR model with an inside laundry? Maybe they like all this moving about
and it's part of the master plan (good business move on their part maybe).
We also bought a 3 BR CYV so we would have room for family/guests and because we have a dog and will probably always have one. We also think we'll be snowbirds for awhile and like the lower maintenance and lower cost associated with it.
I love to garden, but honestly, there is about a 55 ft x 3 ft stretch along the villa wall on the side, another curvy planting area we added in the back (with hopefully, a live queen palm still when we get back down there), and a 2 foot planting area we added along the long edge of the lanai, plus the front stuff.
I will probably be adding an herb garden and another planting area in the back somewhere, and we also have grass (which we like because of the dog and just because it makes me feel cooler looking at green stuff). I found out when putting down mulch and weed mat that what I have is plenty for me. Everytime we come down I spend time weeding, clipping, etc. I enjoy it, but really don't want more. I was surprised as I thought I would actually like a bigger yard. Found out I don't think I do!
We don't mind the smaller garage - we can get in 2 golf carts and 1 car - going to sell the 2nd car when we move down this fall. It helps that the car we're keeping is a Honda Fit, but have also been able to easily fit in my Honda Accord when we've had that one down. Just have to be more careful getting it in the garage when the cart is in there.
I did play golf with a couple who didn't buy the CYV - only because the wife couldn't back up in a curved driveway. So far, I haven't met anyone who moved from a 3 BR CYV to a designer, but I'm sure sure they are out there. I've met several who moved down to a CYV. One of our neighbors moved from a 2 BR CYV to a designer. Have good friends who moved from a smaller designer into a Lantana (I think that's the largest designer). They have lots of stuff and lots of company too. I had a tenant (a single lady) who rented because she thought she wanted to buy a CYV and she found out it was too private for her - she wanted more contact with neighbors when she was outside. She bought a designer.
I think we kind of lucked out - that we made the right choice for us on the first go-around, but if anyone has the time, I'd say rent different types (in the off season it's pretty reasonable) and really try to figure out what's best for you. Talk to lots of people who are already thereto get their perspective as there are probably rationales that would never occur to you.
I've gone on long enough - back to cleaning out the closets and the basement so we can actually move down on schedule!