[njbchbum]

beyond the advice already provided - I think you would want to make sure that the current code for tie downs has been met so that they are current. a home inspector will pick that up in a flash - and unnecessary if the homeowner has evidence of same.

our manufactured home is 950 or so sq ft and comfortable for our snowbird nest - would want more sq ft if we were permanent residents or would be comfortable for a single person.

the house is well insulated and cozy on winter nites and cool on the hot nites. we have acrylic windows on the lanai and no climate control other than opening/closing the windows - it is great for a couple who appreciates not having temps often dip into the 30's - we're not limited to 3-season use.

re quiet - all is quiet except for when the landscapers are around and unless one has neighbors who have noisy pets or loud tv/radio on their lanai.

we will be adding a golf cart garage this season - for add'l storage area and the security it offers when we are not here. do not anticipate a mold prob since there is no mold prob in the current storage/laundry area.

as far as comparing it to stick bulit home - can't really offer an opinion since I don't spend much time in them when here and the ones I have been in do not compare to the construction up north!

and any comparison of utility costs is futile since so much depends on how hot/cold one likes their interior, which cable/tv/phone service is chosen, who is the lawn/landscape service, yada, yada, yada. but I can offer that I don't think those decisions differ depending on whether one lives on the historic side or not.

and one of the best things that the historic side has to offer [in my mind anyway] is the tranquility of not having shopping centers or a morse/buena vista blvd running thru it! walking and bike riding here are a pleasure due to the lack of traffic. our pools are open later than others and we have a hot tub at one of the adult pools here - other villagers come her to enjoy it since they are not found elsewhere. and we have a brick and mortar post office here that others sections of the villages do not have [and the main post office bldg. is a short drive away by car.

what do we have in common with other villages here? - you will have great neighbors wherever you decide to purchase!