[Ohiogirl]

but would have considered resale also; however, at the time (2006) the Florida buyer boom was almost at its height. Resales were quite a bit more expensive than new. Had to get on the waiting list for a 3 BR CYV, took about 2 weeks, then 4 hours to take it or leave it. Know people who only had 2 hours.

Those wannabes or mightbes are correct in that homes are more expensive here than other parts of Fla., and some places don't have a bond (infrastructure cost is built into the home price, like most places up North).

But - and this is a big BUT - you aren't nickel and dimed to death to join activities and golf - unless you play a lot of championship courses. The current amenity fee is about $139 - for almost everyone (OK, a few from the historic side may be grandfathered in), no matter the value of your home.

Can't tell you how many people I've met who moved here from other parts of Florida, many from other retirement communities, who have told me they could not afford to do all of the things where they used to live that they do here. Or have the expansive choices.

For instance, if you golf, belong to an art league and want to go to zumba classes, you might have to pay country club fees, an art assoc. fee, and a gym fee plus class charges. Plus you'd probably have to drive to some of these thru heavy traffic in season. Plus homeowner insurance is cheaper than on the coast, and probably auto insurance too (but I'm not sure). For sure, we spend less on gas for our car and minimal wear and tear because we drive our golf carts most of the time. And - when we get older and really don't want to drive much in traffic, we will still be driving our golf carts here (I know, I know, but let's not go there right now).