The Lifestyle visit is probably the best way to start because of the cost, freebies and central location of your first experience. But before you come, do lots of homework. First, familiarize yourselves with the map of The Villages, the names, "character", age and location of different Villages. If you are not too "map challenged", look at the major roads and try to get a clear mental imprint of how to get from one section to another. Second, study the resale homes offered by MLS and Villages realtors. Do this to learn what homes cost and what 'extras' you might expect to get for your dollar. Discuss not only your budget, but what you want in a home. The obvious differences are surprisingly simple: manufactured homes, villas, designers and premiers; golf/water/open land fronts, or lots surrounded by walls or neighbors; location north/central or south. After that it's a matter of what add-ons each place has. If you concentrate on studying the resales, it will be easy to compare them to new-builds when you tour a few of each. Thirdly, go to the TOTV home page and scroll down to "Nuts & Bolts" of The Villages. Read all of this stuff carefully.
If you do these three things you will not be overwhelmed on your first visit. Contact an MLS and a Villages realtor ahead of time and tell them what type(s) of homes you want to see during your visit. ONLY A FEW to start, then let your experiences guide where you go from there.
Finally, keep most of your time unscheduled. Take the trolley ride, drive your golf cart around, visit the squares at least a couple of times, and be sure you see how large the variety of restaurant and stores are available nearby. Then, just have fun!! Talk to residents and employees of businesses about life in The Villages. Those casual conversations will provide you with far more information than you expect and really help you make your final decisions. Good Luck!!
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