Quote:
Originally Posted by Trayderjoe
There are previous posts on costs of living in the Villages for which you might want to use the search option. Click here for an example. I wouldn't say that you need to be wealthy to live in the Villages, unfortunately there are too may variables to answer your question succintly. For example, what type of home would you buy? New (and associated bond payments) or used (which may or may not still have bond payments to account for in your costs)? Do you have debt, beyond the mortgage which you will be maintaining? Health issues which may require medical care and those associated costs?
As to the parking lot incident to which you referred, I am unaware of any place that has zero crime or incidents. If this is truly a concern of yours, you may find it difficult to relocate anywhere. I find the Villages to be very safe compared to other areas in which I have lived,
By the by, the Villages is not a "gated" community. It IS a fun place to live and offers may opportunities-not all of which cost a thing to enjoy! |
The Villages is not that expensive, really. Bear in mind we are not lving there all the time, but we have had rentals each month on a consistent basis so costs are roughly the same.
We had a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo in Kissimmee and here is a breakdown of what we paid in the Condo and what we pay(ed) in The Villages (on average). This is for a 2 bedroom 1163 sq st Patio Villa against a 2 bedroom 1110 sq ft condo.
Monthly fees
Villages
HOA/Amenities fee $145
Water sewer etc $ 75
Electric (average) $ 80
Phone/Internet/Cable $140
Lawn care etc
$ 75
Average month total $515
Condo
HOA/Amenities $350
Water sewer etc Included
Electric $100
Phone/Internet/Cable $135
Lawn care etc
Included
Average per month total $585
Annual Fees
The Villages
Property taxes $850
Insurance $800
Bond
About $900
Annual total $2550
The Condo
Property Taxes $975
Insurance $725
Bond
Nil
Annual Total $1700
Golf (we play a lot)
The Villages
Executive courses/month Free
Championship courses $250
The Condo (playing public courses)
Executive and Championship courses at least $600 per month
So we make the costs roughly equal for monthly and annual necessities. However we are saving at least $350 a month on golf, not including cost of travel and eating away from home!