[Tbugs]

I have posted a couple of things recently on my thoughts of new vs used houses. Personally, I think the residents of the new communities get together more as a group than established villages but it is hard not to meet the people you like anywhere. Everyone is a transplant and most are eager to meet new friends.

I thought (and still do think) that a "used" house offers a better deal due to the seller usually being willing to negotiate price and the bond will be partially or completely paid. I bought a home last year that was built in 2002 and there is only a $2,300 bond as compared to several friends who bought new homes with a $20,000 bond. My bond payment this year was only $435 as compared to their bond payment of $1,650. Use an "outside the Villages" realtor as well as a Villages Realtor as the Villages Realtor cannot show houses not listed with Villages Realty and vice-versa. We bought our house last year from an agent with ERA Tom Grizzard (Mike Herman) located on Hwy 441, Lady Lake.

The older communities (I live in Glenbrook) have established landscaping and no construction going on. No construction means no construction noise or dirt.

We moved from Silver Spring, Maryland and drove the infamous "495 Parking Lot" too many times to count. You will be amazed at the lack of traffic and the ease of getting around as compared to Northern Virginia and the DC area.
There are so many clubs to join that it does not really matter where you live to meet friends. I have met lots through Baby Boomer Club, 2nd Honeymoon Club, and Iowa Club as well as through being hooked up with golf groups.