[MarciaK]

Well, first off, we had the same struggles that you're having now. We weren't sure if we could afford it either. My husband retired at 55, I still worked full time after we moved here, and yes we are full time residents. Now we've been here 6 years, I'm now 55 and have been able to cut down to 3 days a week working, (I'd go crazy if I didn't at least work part time. My husband also works part time now, he got a job working with GMS, the golf division, not for the money, but mostly for the benefits. (helps with golf). We both golf so it can get costly. However, we also have the priority membership, which helps somewhat. Your golf fees a little cheaper, but mainly it helps in prime season to secure tee times. As for utilities, mind you, we moved from the Buffalo area. Enough said, yes our bills are much cheaper, even with running air conditioning in the summer, our gas and electric don't come anywhere near what we were paying. Water, I think is alittle expensive, but it was cheap back north. we only paid $25- 30 every quarter. Here we pay around $60/month. Taxes are cheaper, even with the CDD and those of course will vary depending on the county, the size of the house. We own one of the smaller designer homes, on a cul de sac and taxes run approximately 2300. which includes the bond. We choose not to pay it off. Car insurance is cheaper, food is about the same, maybe alittle higher. But we don't spend as much on clothing (everything's casual here). Of course depending on what your expenses are in Texas, you should be able to live a very comfortable life here. We're not millionaires, but we sure have it good. Granted the houses have gone up quite a bit since we moved here, we probably wouldn't be able to afford the house we have now, if we were moving here now. (and it's not one of the premier homes either) We're very happy and have not once regretted the move. So go ahead and grab the bubble. Life is short, take chances. You're gonna love it here!!!