I'm still using the telephone tee times - thought I would switch once we moved down as snowbirds, but haven't found it to be necessary yet at all. I play 3 or 4 times a week depending on the weather - maybe only once a week when it's cold. Can still play in neighborhood leagues - you just call instead of checking online. Just more cumbersome, that's all. That's $96 in savings.
I did pay for the yearly trail fee, although when practical I still walk most of the executive courses. Figured the trail fee would still pay for itself when we golf in leagues, questionable rainy days or hot weather. Not absolutely necessary though. That's about $141 in savings.
There are a lot of start-up, one-time expenses when you first move down, like anywhere. Taxes and utilities are cheaper than most of the country. Usually several hundred, or thousand, $ in savings right there.
Those on a budget or limited funds should question why they need "comparable housing" down here. If you're retired, why do you NEED 2000 plus sq. feet? If you want it and can afford it, that's fine, but if you can't afford it, think harder. I see people going into debt to have an impressive retirement house, and I just don't get it. Patio villas and older, smaller resales are a really good value down here. Please consider if your budget is tight.
I think the real key is to be happy with what you can afford - you can have a great lifestyle down here on much less than most (not all) other places. Just take the time to figure out what your expenses are and what you can afford to buy.
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