[Barefoot]

Best Village is so different for every single individual. Trite but true. I've heard the statistic that most Villagers move 3 times .. don't know if that is true .. but it wouldn't be surprising. I think you have to live in a Village for a couple of years and get the "lay of the land" before you can even start to figure out what you want to be close to.

I've seen people happy about being near the Town Squares and others that complain about the noise and traffic. Many people back on major roads and don't seem to mind; for others it would be way too busy. Some people back on wildlife preserves and water, others (like me) have a morbid fear of gators. Some people want a mature established area with big trees (think north of 466). Others like us wanted a resale, but less than 5 years old so we wouldn't have to think about replacing the roof or furnace. Some want new so everyone in the neighbourhood is a newbie, for better social interaction. Others don't want the "bald" look and the hassle of starting from scratch.

We just lucked out on a few things .. 2 minutes from an adult pool, 5 minutes from the Library, I can even take my golf cart to Walmart and be there in 10 minutes .. great for all that shopping you have to do after you arrive. Even though our Villages is "established", everyone is very friendly and we've been invited to neighbourhood parties.

Tal mentioned noise from the schools in his post. We are south of the Elementary School, backing on a bit of golf course, in the Village of Belvedere; we don't notice any school noise at all. We love the privacy in our back yard. We are in the southwest portion of TV and sometimes notice the sound of trains in the distance, but it is not a problem at all. We are so close to 466, Southern Trace, Buffalo Ridge and there are a lot of new restaurants and shops under construction. For us, the location is perfect.

Yes, the number of choices is overwhelming. However I think you'll look at new homes, VLS resales, MLS resales, and as you look, you'll make decisions about your criteria and location. Suddenly you'll find it ... the perfect house .. and you'll join the thousands and thousands of happy Villagers. ;D

Good luck and happy hunting.