If You Could Not Live In The Villages

[elizabeth52]

There have been a lot of posts recently about other 55+ communities. I'll admit that I haven't found anything that compares to the Villages, but , for the purpose of this thread only, what if the Villages was officially closed, no more new homes or resales. What would have been your 2nd choice?

[graciegirl]

My choice would then would be to live in Beautiful Cincinnati.

[memason]

There have been a lot of posts recently about other 55+ communities. I'll admit that I haven't found anything that compares to the Villages, but , for the purpose of this thread only, what if the Villages was officially closed, no more new homes or resales. What would have been your 2nd choice?

Downtown Chicago . . .

[judyO4123]

I ditto, downtown chicago

[nitehawk]

Detroit

[Lovey2]

Back down to SW Florida...just in a gated community this time...

[elizabeth52]

All of these must be beloved hometowns. I understand perfectly, as I love my hometown, also, even though as I type this we are currently buried under 18 inches of new snow on top of a foot of old snow.

When telling people of our decision to retire to the Villages, everyone said "look around", there are many, many other good choices. But they never seem to say what they are.

[DougR]

Definitely the Gulf Coast. Somewhere between Clearwater and Ft. Meyers. Within a gated community with amenities.

[collie1228]

We would be at a development on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, probably. We were originally looking at a development with a marina and one golf course in that area, but once we visited TV, all thoughts of Winter Haven went south.

[John_W]

As far 55+ communities, probably in Timber Pines (http://www.timberpines.com/) in Spring Hill, Florida (Hernando County). Otherwise, outside a community it would maybe the towns of Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, somewhere in northern Pinellas County. Maybe yet, Pensacola, Florida somewhere in Escambia County. I have lived in all these places before on the Gulf Coast.

[keithwand]

We would have stayed in Winter Park, FL

[redwitch]

Back to San Francisco for me.

[Cajulian]

Stonecrest by Spanish Springs, The Villages is a very nice 55+ community. Peaceful, with plenty of activities, pools, softball, courts, golf and is a golf cart community with shopping by cart close by. Well maintained and run association.

[JP]

I would have gone to a Del Webb or Sun City.

The places we looked at and liked were Sun City Hilton Head, Sun City Texas(in the hill country), Sun City Palm Springs, and Del Webb Lake Ocone.

We looked at several others but really didn't consider them either due to the limited size of the development or lesser amenities.

The Villages has them all beat by a lot.

[jbdlfan]

Lakeside Landings with a street legal cart!

[2BNTV]

Halfway between Ft Lauderdale where my son lives, and Palm Beach Gardens, where my cousin just moved to.

It's all about family for me. :smiley:

[Bonny]

Probably near Tampa.

[telder]

Tampa Bay golf and country club near dade city fl

[kbace6]

Coming from the Northeast, I would have to say that I have never been a fan of Florida weather, but "The Villages" offsets that for me and I am very excited to join you all when we retire.

However, to answer the OP, if "TV" did not exist I would say it is a tossup between living in a trailer or some other inexpensive roof over my head in San Diego or under a bridge in Honolulu.

[Bavarian]

Stayed in St. Mary's County, MD probably, or if I had my wish, out West in the Rockies.

[Mikeod]

I would have stayed in San Diego County, just not in the house I left.

[Jullie]

John W, do you remember how much the ammenties are in Timber Pines?

[jhrc4]

This is a very interesting thread out of the ordinary that should get some very good responses.

It is interesting that one person chose Del Webb, Summerfield, and another chose Stonecrest.

Now the Stoncrest person gave reasons why I would like to know why others would not consider Del Webb Summerfield about 20 min. from the Villages.

As a footnote, Stonecrest has had multiple builders, and reclusive developer, and a transition problem from Developer to HOA. Could very well have a serious problem sooner rather than later.

[geri317]

Naples, Florida

[villagerjack]

Sun City Hilton Head.

[perrjojo]

This is a very interesting thread out of the ordinary that should get some very good responses.

It is interesting that one person chose Del Webb, Summerfield, and another chose Stonecrest.

Now the Stoncrest person gave reasons why I would like to know why others would not consider Del Webb Summerfield about 20 min. from the Villages.

As a footnote, Stonecrest has had multiple builders, and reclusive developer, and a transition problem from Developer to HOA. Could very well have a serious problem sooner rather than later.

If TV did not exist there would be no reason to live in Stonecrest or Del Webb. I would have liked Mazatlan, Mexico until the drug lords took over so now I will say in my children's backyard so that I can be a burden to then. LOL

[gomoho]

I have no idea.

[Lbmb24101]

Isle of Palms, near Charleston SC
The ocean and friends live there.

[Steve9930]

Actually I live in StoneCrest. Been here since 2004. Just a note to let you know there is no problem with the Developer. There have been two developers and two builders in StoneCrest. The first developer, I don't remember the name. Its was Florida something, went bankrupt. The current developer, who picked up the project, so far has done an excellent job. Within the next year, based on the development documents, the Association will now be run entirely by the residents. Currently meetings are being scheduled to inform and educate the residents, and those that will run for the Board of Directors, on just how the association works and what is necessary to run the association. Hall Robison is the current President of the Board and has done a very good job of trying to get the residents trained to take over even if some do not believe so. You can lead the horses to water but you cannot make them drink. Financials for the Association are in excellent shape. Since the development survived during the down turn attests to the fact that the facilities are well run as some good developers went belly up a few years ago. The first builder was a Company called Oriole Homes, they built my house. Oriole is no longer in existence due to the down turn a few years ago. Another casualty of the recession. The second builder, Armstrong Homes is currently building here. Both builders were and are about normal for Florida. The only problem I've seen so far here are people that speak and complain before they research what they are talking about. We have some very nice facilities that the developer built and gave to the association and the amenity fees are very low. Monthly amenity fees are $105 per month.

[Steve9930]

If TV did not exist there would be no reason to live in Stonecrest or Del Webb. I would have liked Mazatlan, Mexico until the drug lords took over so now I will say in my children's backyard so that I can be a burden to then. LOL

Hummm, then I wonder why there are almost 15 different 55+ communities between here and Orlando. They are not even close to the Villages. I do thank the Morse's however for taking your money so he could build the nice shopping areas and provide the land for the restaurants. Saves me from driving to Belleview, Ocala, or Leesburg.

[renielarson]

We would move to the Tellico Lake area south of Knoxville near either Lenoir City, Tennessee, or Venore, Tennessee in Tellico Village. Although they have some winter there, the summers are beautiful, the lake is huge, and the area is scenic. We are boaters and miss being able to jump in the water without fear of alligators.

[villagerjack]

Steve, Stonecrest sounds like a nice place. Good luck with the transition.

[Steve9930]

Steve, Stonecrest sounds like a nice place. Good luck with the transition.

Thank you. These things always work their way out. Transitions are never easy.

[Monkei]

Fairfield Glade, Tennessee

[Steve9930]

Fairfield Glade, Tennessee

Have friends there. It is a very nice area.

[DougB]

Since I could never convince my wife to move back to beautiful Miami, we would probably just stay in our second home in Melbourne.

[CFrance]

1126 Pearl St, Key Weird, FL.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

If TV didn't have CYV we never would have considered living here. Does anyone know of any other 55+ communities that have homes with fenced properties? I came from an area that had many, many adult communities and NONE of them ever had any with personal fences. All the amenities were just the bonus that pushed us into purchasing. If TV didn't exist and we couldn't have found any other with fences we probably would have found a home in NOLA in the Quarter or in Algiers.

[perrjojo]

Hummm, then I wonder why there are almost 15 different 55+ communities between here and Orlando. They are not even close to the Villages. I do thank the Morse's however for taking your money so he could build the nice shopping areas and provide the land for the restaurants. Saves me from driving to Belleview, Ocala, or Leesburg.

Touché :beer3:
You're welcome!

[jhrc4]

Actually I live in StoneCrest. Been here since 2004. Just a note to let you know there is no problem with the Developer. There have been two developers and two builders in StoneCrest. The first developer, I don't remember the name. Its was Florida something, went bankrupt. The current developer, who picked up the project, so far has done an excellent job. Within the next year, based on the development documents, the Association will now be run entirely by the residents. Currently meetings are being scheduled to inform and educate the residents, and those that will run for the Board of Directors, on just how the association works and what is necessary to run the association. Hall Robison is the current President of the Board and has done a very good job of trying to get the residents trained to take over even if some do not believe so. You can lead the horses to water but you cannot make them drink. Financials for the Association are in excellent shape. Since the development survived during the down turn attests to the fact that the facilities are well run as some good developers went belly up a few years ago. The first builder was a Company called Oriole Homes, they built my house. Oriole is no longer in existence due to the down turn a few years ago. Another casualty of the recession. The second builder, Armstrong Homes is currently building here. Both builders were and are about normal for Florida. The only problem I've seen so far here are people that speak and complain before they research what they are talking about. We have some very nice facilities that the developer built and gave to the association and the amenity fees are very low. Monthly amenity fees are $105 per month.

I am merely quoting a HOA meeting that is on youtube, that was recorded in May 2013 8:23 seconds long, you can google, SHO meeting, and watch and listen for yourself, it came out loud and clear that the board was very concerned about the developer. This was May 2013 so perhaps by some stroke of luck everything has changed, I certainly hope so for all of the owners there.

Now as far as Armstrong Builders go, I would not want to have them build my home. I looked at a development that they put in on 25A, about 8 miles east or so from Belleview.

[Steve9930]

I am merely quoting a HOA meeting that is on youtube, that was recorded in May 2013 8:23 seconds long, you can google, SHO meeting, and watch and listen for yourself, it came out loud and clear that the board was very concerned about the developer. This was May 2013 so perhaps by some stroke of luck everything has changed, I certainly hope so for all of the owners there.

Now as far as Armstrong Builders go, I would not want to have them build my home. I looked at a development that they put in on 25A, about 8 miles east or so from Belleview.

Here's where we get into only half truths. SHO was formed by a handle full of people that did not like what they perceived the developer had done. SHO has no legal authority with in the community. SHO came about when the developer sold the Golf Course and there was a dispute about some drainage ponds. SHO has done nothing to help the community. There were about seven or so individuals that started the mess and inflamed a whole bunch of people by giving only part of the story. I would not waste my time with the SHO group. That board you mention has no authority in the community what so ever.

I'm not sure what the Armstrong Brothers did somewhere else but the housing they are building here is of a decent quality. That's my professional opinion.

I trust very little what I see or hear on the Internet. Especially an 8 minute clip of a meeting by people I did not know on a subject I have no background on. That's my personal opinion.

[DonH57]

My second choice if it were up to me would have been the U S virgin islands or the British virgin islands or actually Belize.

[Steve9930]

I am merely quoting a HOA meeting that is on youtube, that was recorded in May 2013 8:23 seconds long, you can google, SHO meeting, and watch and listen for yourself, it came out loud and clear that the board was very concerned about the developer. This was May 2013 so perhaps by some stroke of luck everything has changed, I certainly hope so for all of the owners there.

Now as far as Armstrong Builders go, I would not want to have them build my home. I looked at a development that they put in on 25A, about 8 miles east or so from Belleview.

I went and watched the video you referenced. Yep its lead by exactly who I thought. As usual I heard only half the story and very little of the facts.

[TheVillageChicken]

Highlands, NC. Had a place there but sold it. I now have an acute case of seller's remorse.

[Steve9930]

Highlands, NC. Had a place there but sold it. I now have an acute case of seller's remorse.

That is a very nice area.

[duffysmom]

I would go back and live in Key Biscayne, Fl., but only if TV didn't exist. At this time in my life I love the ability to use my cart to shop and play.

[rubicon]

My choice would have been Charleston SC. We decided to move here after a second visit but found that the homes were over priced and the sales people were telling prospective buyers they had to take a house as they found it.

I told our sales person that my list included and named item by item and if she could not meet those requirements item for item I was going to my second choice Charleston.

[Portia]

provincetown..mass

[Cathy H]

Hawaii!

[manaboutown]

If money were not an object, Cap Ferrat. I got lost one night driving around on it about 15 years ago. It is an unspoiled forested peninsula on the Cote d'Azur. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on it is unbelievably well placed and appointed.Cap Ferrat, France: The perfect break - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/riviera/7255647/Cap-Ferrat-France-The-perfect-break.html) I absolutely love French food prepared by French chefs in France, French wines, a sunny, mild climate, trees, flowers, the views from a bluff over a large body of water, sea breezes and not being too far from an airport (Nice in this case).

[Barefoot]

If The Villages didn't exist, we'd be wintering somewhere on the ocean in Florida. I miss beaches. Maybe St. George Island. We rented there for a month and loved to watch the dolphins swim past.

[duffysmom]

provincetown..mass

Loved Provincetown, spent many Summers there.:agree:

[Barefoot]

Loved Provincetown, spent many Summers there.:agree:

I love Provincetown, and any beach area on the East Coast in Mass. Also Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in Canada. Beautiful beaches. But darn cold in the winter. :cold:

[Florida native]

I think I will just stay right here, thank you

[graciegirl]

I think I will just stay right here, thank you



I have been maligned for my sincere belief that this has to be the nicest and most beautiful and interesting place to live in the WORLD for seniors.


I hope no one ever changes a single thing about it. It hurts me that people have said I get paid for my overwhelming endorsement of this incredible place to live.


It is still, after almost seven years, unbelievable to me. I have learned so many things about my fellow countrymen and about art, and enjoyed so much golf. And tasted REAL Italian cooking and added 11 short and lovely Italian girls to my group of friends. As well as several other long suffering souls who seem to enjoy my company. I love the casualness of the dress, the beautiful sunshine and gorgeous miles of perfect landscaping. I have heard amazing life stories and am awed by the accomplishments of my peers.


I am a happy girl to be here with all of you. Well most of you.

[SisalPhil]

I would live here: Hang Your Hammock Mexico - Casa Palmeras on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/71151068) but after visiting The Villages, we decided to put this house up for sale and brought a house in Village of Collier.

[capecodkev]

For those of you who mentioned Provincetown, you couldn't touch anything there for what you paid for your home at the villages. In the winter there are only about 2000 people compared to 50,000 during the summer.

[justjim]

The so called Space Coast is close by and Cocoa Beach would be suitable with golf courses, beach and plenty of restaurants. A plus----the prices of homes and condos are rather depressed because our space program has been put on the "back burner.".

[Topspinmo]

Tightwad Mo. Country living at it best.

[Shimpy]

The mountains of Tenn, NC or north Ga.

[DougB]

The so called Space Coast is close by and Cocoa Beach would be suitable with golf courses, beach and plenty of restaurants. A plus----the prices of homes and condos are rather depressed because our space program has been put on the "back burner.".

We have a home here and one on the Space Coast. Space Coast is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't suggest anyone retire there permanently.

[senior citizen]

The so called Space Coast is close by and Cocoa Beach would be suitable with golf courses, beach and plenty of restaurants. A plus----the prices of homes and condos are rather depressed because our space program has been put on the "back burner.".


Many advantages to living on the Space Coast of Florida.

Beyond rocket launches, the Space Coast has advantages that are attractive to more than 500,000 people who live in Brevard County. That would be including the "mainland".

The barrier island has a very low population and life moves at a much more leisurely pace.

The "barrier island" offers a whole new world for those who enjoy serene small town living in close proximity to beautiful peaceful non touristy beaches. We've looked at some homes that are only three houses in from the Atlantic Ocean beach. Even if you lived midway on the barrier island, it's a narrow strip.......you could walk to the beach or walk to the intracoastal river. Ideal for those who love the water.

The beaches are a major attraction. Some of the more famous beaches are Sebastian Inlet Beach, Indialantic Beach and of course Cocoa Beach, home of the hit TV show of the late 60's, I Dream Of Jeannie. Also, Indian Harbor Beach and Melbourne Beach.
A great Hilton Hotel Resort is on Melbourne Beach.

The pretty little town of Indialantic by the Sea is merely one mile wide by one mile long with a population of no more than 3,000 people, with a slower pace of life in general and slower traffic, for sure. One would never ever get lost......that's for sure.

To it's north is Satellite Beach; to its south is Indian Harbor Beach and Melbourne Beach......then down to Sebastian Inlet.....

We like the thought of a town that is one mile long by one mile wide, with every convenience and service needed. Fifth Avenue has upscale shops, restaurants and so on......no need to leave the island except if one needed a hospital or the airport 8 minutes away in Melbourne.

The Space Coast is a great retirement place for seniors as the Melbourne and Palm Bay areas were voted the 4th best place to retire in the nation a few years ago. Many senior communities dot Brevard County and the medical community offers a wide range of advanced services for retired citizens. The Space Coast a great place to spend your golden years.

Boating is a major outdoor recreational activity in Brevard County. With the Indian River Lagoon, also known as the Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Washington, the St. Johns River and other waterways, boaters can enjoy such activities as water skiing, fishing, air boating, canoeing and more. Canal 54 on the Brevard County, Indian River County line is a favorite area for waterskiers and ski clubs. Professional level ski tournaments have been held in canal 54. Many marinas and mooring/docking boat facilities on the intracoastal.

Life along the Space Coast evolves at a serene pace without the business, traffic, congestion and crime of the big city. It's a safe and serene place to live.

All the towns in Brevard County still somewhat have that small town feel while having access to big city amenities.

Headline musical and entertainment acts can be found in concert at The King Center on the campus of Brevard Community College in north Melbourne and the Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball team call Space Coast Stadium home for spring training. The Brevard County Manatees round out the rest of baseball season for sports fans in Brevard to enjoy.

For more big time entertainment and culture, the Space Coast is situated so that Orlando and everything that goes with it is just a 45 minute drive from anywhere in Brevard County.

With so much to enjoy and access to many activities, recreation, beautiful weather and more, the Space Coast of Florida is one of the best places to live in the nation.

If you ever get the chance to see a Shuttle launch and spend time in any of Brevard County's many quaint communities you will be hooked and then you to may want to call the Space Coast home.

The beaches are empty and peaceful. The Catholic Church in Indialantic by the Sea has held their Easter Sunrise Services on the beach with huge crowds attending.

The summer sea breezes off of the ocean are another plus. Lovely homes close to the beach offer the best of both worlds.........small town living and the seashore. Prices are amazingly low due to the downsizing of the space industry. A four bedroom, 2 to 3 bathroom home with fireplaced living room, family room, dining room, eat in "open kitchen", inground pool/spa and birdcage can be had for around $300,000. Taxes are low. Some have "cabana guest suites" off the lanai and pool....for visiting guests. I doubt if they'd ever leave with these private accommodations. Many custom built homes at excellent prices.

ONE BIG PLUS. Mail is delivered in all of Indialantic TO YOUR OWN MAILBOX ON YOUR FRONT LAWN.....or to your slot in the front door of your home.

There is a very attractive very long fishing pier which juts out into the ocean and two great beachfront parks.......it's a beach community....but not necessarily a tourist destination. Kind of like a best kept "secret".

Another plus is that many cruise ship lines depart from Port Canaveral up by Cape Kennedy. South of Indialantic is Sebastian Inlet, known for its great fishing....and below that is Vero Beach.......Hutchinson Island, then Jupiter, Palm Beach and so on..........just a nice leisurely, slow Sunday ride up and down the coast....

A Sunday drive along A1A , through all of these small towns , is very relaxing compared to the Florida turnpike.

Also, as I mentioned, Melbourne has a regional airport on the mainland........just about 8 minutes from the barrier islands of Indialantic, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbor Beach, Melbourne Beach.

Two short causeways connect the mainland of Melbourne to the barrier island.........

For those who do like "small town living"..........it's an option.

The ocean breezes can't be beat. Right now they are tracking Katherine, the Great White Shark. I sent our grandkids the link to that.......

Canal homes can also be found......for the boating enthusiast. What's better than being able to dock your boat in your own backyard.

WE just received TWENTY INCHES OF NEW SNOW on top of mounds of OLD SNOW.........now have had to knock off five feet long icycles from the doors of our three season sunroom........it's like living in SIBERIA.

However, we were so thankful for our thirty something year old neighbor who came often to plow us out with his snow plow even though his transmission on his truck was konking out.........it made us realize that it can be a "plus" to have neighbors of all ages in our town and neighborhood.........because just as we helped our elderly neighbors when we were young, we now are the beneficiaries of the kindness of the more able bodied youthful neighbors.........plus living in such a place as the space coast barrier islands would assure us that our children and grandchildren could freely come and stay as long as they wished, especially our five grandchildren (with more to come) during their school and summer vacations.......they'd love the Florida beaches as much as they love the Maine and Massachusetts beaches......with no traffic jams, as the beaches are wonderfully empty.

So much to think about and ponder. Sometimes it just comes to one.....in a flash.

[DougB]

Senior, nice copying and pasting from Living On The Space Coast Of Florida
written seven years ago by Alan LeStourgeon
Too many inaccuracies to address. This is 2014.

[LynnDeb]

These once beautiful areas are not as safe as before

[senior citizen]

Senior, nice copying and pasting from Living On The Space Coast Of Florida
written seven years ago by Alan LeStourgeon
Too many inaccuracies to address. This is 2014.



Just sharing our own memories of the place, along with information that is out there........

Indialantic, Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indialantic,_Florida)

Indialantic Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


It hasn't changed much since we lived down there in the 1970's.
We've always had fond memories of the area.......and have come to the conclusion we prefer a smaller community near the ocean.

Can't beat walks on the beach........nor a nice place for the grandchildren to play. God willing. Hope it works out for us.

Obviously, no place on earth is absolutely perfect, but we still have contacts there who have enjoyed a long happy life with no major issues. We've explored both coasts of Florida (except the Panhandle) and always keep coming back to Indialantic.......

To each his own. We are used to low density.....and less traffic.
Always gravitate to the seashore..........so it's kind of a no brainer for us, especially since we are not golfers. I'm hoping my husband can find a nice boat to replace the one he sold.........again, God willing.

p.s. On several occasions when our adult kids were vacationing in Disney World, they would take a "side trip" to see where they once lived as little ones, collecting shells and coral on the beach. Both had fond memories of the area. Our daughter went to kindergarten at Patrick Air Force Base. My husband worked for a retired Air Force Colonel, name of Kelsey. Just happy memories. Sorry they bothered you.

[TrudyM]

Hawaii!

If you haven't lived there you might not like it over time.
It is 59% more expensive than the villages. Ie electricity was in 2012 $.35 a kilowatt versus I think I read about $.07 here. Plus locals really don't like mainland transplants, my inlaws are still not thrilled about me. But then maybe that's just me.

Did no-one consider Nevada or Arizona or did I miss a post?

[Medtrans]

Interesting that you mentioned Nevada and Arizona as we have been thinking of TV versus Arizona. We have been to TV on a few occasions and this weekend we are coming for the lifestyle preview. I think we have decided on TV based on the golf alone, and everything else that comes with retirement there. I wonder though if anyone has a thought about TV versus AZ. I have to say that we like the hot dry weather, but we like golf better. We can't wait to come down there this weekend and get out of this weather in the Chicago area, 6 to 8 inches of snow today so everyone reading this, enjoy your day in the nice weather!

[OpusX1]

We like The Lower Keys and Key West and Sun City Summerlin in Nevada both have pluse's and minus's. Also would consider waterfront property in Inverness but we like th planned retirement communities better.

[collie1228]

If TV didn't have CYV we never would have considered living here. Does anyone know of any other 55+ communities that have homes with fenced properties? I came from an area that had many, many adult communities and NONE of them ever had any with personal fences. All the amenities were just the bonus that pushed us into purchasing. If TV didn't exist and we couldn't have found any other with fences we probably would have found a home in NOLA in the Quarter or in Algiers.

This is an interesting question. When we were looking for possible alternatives to TV, I checked as many 55+ communities as I could find in Florida, and never found any that had walled-in CYV's like TV. There are a few communities that allow fences, and a few with CYV's that have mostly small paved courtyards (more of a walled-in patio like you see at the condos in Spanish Springs), but nothing like the CYV we bought in TV with a nice sized, grass covered, private courtyard for the dog. The CYV was a huge selling point for us, along with the golf and virtually unlimited activities.

[Bay Kid]

The Northern Neck of Virginia! We are surrounded by rivers and creeks all leading to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and on to the Atlantic Ocean. We are a rural area of around 11,000 people, but we have all the convenience of city living and within 1-1 1/2 of Richmond, Willamsburg. Several restaurants, good shopping, a hospital and a fine country club. Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club has indoor/outdoor tennis, pickelball, pool, yacht dockage, beautiful 18 hole golf course and an excellent private restaurant.
All the fresh seafood you can eat and great bay beaches.

[billethkid]

my first criteria is no SNOW, threat of snow or nearness of or related to snow weather.

We have been a lot of places in the world and FL fits 90% of our requirements.

If no TV then we would gravitate to the Clearwater area.

I suspect there are few if any communities with the extensive lifestyle array available in TV.

I am glad this is a hypothetical exercise only!

[coconutmama]

My sister has been priced out of TV for a villa or 3/2 home, so she is looking at other 55+ communities listed in the top 50 survey for master planned communities (TV made the top 100, but not the top 50 in the retirement magazine's survey). She has lived in VA, MD, OK, CA & ME, among other states. She'll be looking at Del Webb, Mt Dora & Solivita this spring. Wish I knew the criteria the magazine used, but I bet pricing was one of them.

[Cisco Kid]

My sister has been priced out of TV for a villa or 3/2 home, so she is looking at other 55+ communities listed in the top 50 survey for master planned communities (TV made the top 100, but not the top 50 in the retirement magazine's survey). She has lived in VA, MD, OK, CA & ME, among other states. She'll be looking at Del Webb, Mt Dora & Solivita this spring. Wish I knew the criteria the magazine used, but I bet pricing was one of them.

I can relate to being priced out. If the prices keep going up even 1/2 as much as they have lately by the time I retire there will be no chance of TV.

[coconutmama]

Can you buy now & rent it out? How far away from retirement are you? We bought 4 years before retirement. With rates down it seemed the thing to do, but we know not everyone can.

[red tail]

back to my condo in waikiki

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I hope prices and value in TV keeps on the rise. True you can get a lot more for your money elsewhere but you don't get TV live and that is what it is all about.

[jhrc4]

I hope prices and value in TV keeps on the rise. True you can get a lot more for your money elsewhere but you don't get TV live and that is what it is all about.

Without a doubt purchasing a home in one of the nearby Retirement Communities Del Webb, Stonecrest, Spruce Creek South, you will get a very nice home compared to The Villages. But....the value of those homes continue to fall or remain flat. The communities I mentioned are all looking " Tired", I know I moved from Del Webb ( The Best ) of the three that I mentioned.

The roads are the responsibility of the residents, care etc. $$$$$, a lot of negatives, having said that it is Villages Lifestyle vs Retirement Lifestyle in a nutshell.

[beachx4me]

The Northern Neck of Virginia! We are surrounded by rivers and creeks all leading to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and on to the Atlantic Ocean. We are a rural area of around 11,000 people, but we have all the convenience of city living and within 1-1 1/2 of Richmond, Willamsburg. Several restaurants, good shopping, a hospital and a fine country club. Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club has indoor/outdoor tennis, pickelball, pool, yacht dockage, beautiful 18 hole golf course and an excellent private restaurant.
All the fresh seafood you can eat and great bay beaches.


Love the Northern Neck, especially love Urbanna area. If we didn't live here we would possibly move back home to Poquoson, VA,or surrounding area, or to the Outer Banks of NC.

I miss our seafood!!!

[swrinfla]

Provincetown: I grew up in neighboring Truro, where Mother made it a point to do her shopping in P-town well before the boat from Boston arrived! And, rightly so; the over-endowed Southie women in their pink halters and purple shorts were - umm, shall we say, horrendous!

Today, were The Villages not here, I'd have to seriously consider a condo aboard The World, a cruise ship sailing the world with owner-owned suites. Saw her in the Mediterranean last fall; she's beautiful and suitably sized. Also suitably priced way out of my league!

In lieu of cruising all the time, I'd opt for a Caribbean island - probably St. John or maybe St. Croix.

Dreamer!

SWR
:beer3:

[CFrance]

Provincetown: I grew up in neighboring Truro, where Mother made it a point to do her shopping in P-town well before the boat from Boston arrived! And, rightly so; the over-endowed Southie women in their pink halters and purple shorts were - umm, shall we say, horrendous!

Today, were The Villages not here, I'd have to seriously consider a condo aboard The World, a cruise ship sailing the world with owner-owned suites. Saw her in the Mediterranean last fall; she's beautiful and suitably sized. Also suitably priced way out of my league!

In lieu of cruising all the time, I'd opt for a Caribbean island - probably St. John or maybe St. Croix.

Dreamer!

SWR
:beer3:

:mademyday:I have the same dream--that world cruise ship. But first our ship has to come in.

[Vicki.baker@aol.com]

Living here has been quite an experience, however, for this small town gal, it is getting too large, too crowded and I am considering a move within 1/2 hr or so from the Gulf into a nice, planned community. Perhaps gated, well maintained with recreation area, pool and some activities. My question to you out there, has anyone checked out any retirement communities in other areas that could have suited your needs, but you settled on TV instead. I am looking on line, but they always sound so great and then for whatever reason.....are not. I am sure there are folks out there that may have "considered" other locations before they decided to move here. I would appreciate any info you may want to pass along, either here or at my email address. Vicki.baker@aol.com. Thanks so much.

[CFrance]

You might want to contact a member here called SeniorCitizen. She too has been looking around at places other than TV. She has also lived in FL before, although it was a long time ago.

I think in her last post, she talked about the Cocoa Beach area. Go to "Community" at the top of the page, pull down the menu to "member list," and an alphabet will come up. Scroll through the S one till you come to Senior Citizen, and then click on her name for a menu that says PM (private message) this person. Might have to left-click rather than right-click. Hope this helps.

[Vicki.baker@aol.com]

Thanks!!

[Jbirds99]

I'd go back to marco island in a heart beat. I really miss the green grass yr. Round and the lovely warm weather.

[Bonny]

Living here has been quite an experience, however, for this small town gal, it is getting too large, too crowded and I am considering a move within 1/2 hr or so from the Gulf into a nice, planned community. Perhaps gated, well maintained with recreation area, pool and some activities. My question to you out there, has anyone checked out any retirement communities in other areas that could have suited your needs, but you settled on TV instead. I am looking on line, but they always sound so great and then for whatever reason.....are not. I am sure there are folks out there that may have "considered" other locations before they decided to move here. I would appreciate any info you may want to pass along, either here or at my email address. Vicki.baker@aol.com. Thanks so much.
I looked at a few places before coming to the Villages. Boring !! After we bought here, we did several what they call stay and play. Places gave you a place for the weekend and had a few planned activities. Checked out the activities. Wednesday at 12:00 water aerobics, Tues. at 2:00 line dancing, a small grill for lunch and 1 golf course. There is no where that you will find the activities that are here, the golf courses, clubs, entertainment, restaurants, shops, etc., etc. I guess it all depends on what you want to do with your life. If you are content with enjoying your home, cooking, etc., maybe the Villages aren't for you. Make a list of things you want to do and things you don't want to do. Go from there and I'm sure you'll find what type of place you are looking for. Good luck and whatever you choose, enjoy !!!

[senior citizen]

You might want to contact a member here called SeniorCitizen. She too has been looking around at places other than TV. She has also lived in FL before, although it was a long time ago.

I think in her last post, she talked about the Cocoa Beach area. Go to "Community" at the top of the page, pull down the menu to "member list," and an alphabet will come up. Scroll through the S one till you come to Senior Citizen, and then click on her name for a menu that says PM (private message) this person. Might have to left-click rather than right-click. Hope this helps.


Hey there. Never been to Cocoa which is on the mainland, nor to Cocoa Beach, Florida.

We lived in Satellite Beach Florida which is immediately south of Patrick Air Force Base. Next down is Indian Harbour Beach and the one below that is Indialantic by the Sea, commonly just called Indialantic........all these towns have very nice seaside parks for the grandchildren. Good surfing on the Atlantic Ocean side. Waves gentler on the Gulf of Mexico side (we lived in Venice on the beach).

Indialantic has a causeway connecting it to Melbourne on the mainland (where the hospital is located). Two other causeways slightly north of it, ditto, going to Melbourne, Merritt Island, etc.

This stretch is a barrier island, thus the growth has been limited.
At the present time it is a buyer's market due to the downsizing of the space industry. I've heard that since 2008, even more jobs have been lost. The beaches are still empty; in fact I do believe the corps of engineers are refurbishing them now or have recently done so.

Satellite Beach has a lot of nice bargains, as does Indialantic , Florida.

Our very favorite place was always Sanibel Island, Florida connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Sanibel is on the Gulf of Mexico and noted for its seashells. Astronomical prices, however. Ding Darling preserve/alligators, etc.

We also are used to a smaller population and a quieter way of life. Brooksville used to be a nice small town.
Florida has many small communities if that is what one wants, but none can compare with the infrastructure and offerings of THE VILLAGES, that's for sure.

If one likes a small "city" Naples is very pretty and on the Gulf of Mexico. Upscale. Plus it has Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Shop.
.................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .............................
Here are just a few hyperlinks for Indialantic by the Sea which is a small, low population town on the ocean....
One just has to weigh in their own minds the danger of hurricane, for which there usually is warning ahead of time, especially on these barrier islands........one would have to evacuate........vs. say tornados which are quite SUDDEN.

I have omitted SunTree and Viera, two master planned communities on the mainland in Melbourne, across from the barrier islands we are familiar with from Patrick Air Force Base down through Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic by the Sea, Melbourne Beach.....then to Sebastian Inlet noted for their fishing and then to Vero Beach, which is my all time favorite.....however, the prices are in the millions and high millions to live on that barrier island.

Whereas, the SPACE COAST mentioned above........is more than affordable if one likes a quiet existence and to see the sun rise on the beach in the morning, over the ocean...........and that same sun setting in the evening over the intracoastal waterway on the other side of town.......one mile away.

It's also known as the Indian River Lagoon, but we always called it the intracoastal. Great boating. Great fishing. Charter boats go out of Port Canaveral, etc. and ditto for the big cruise ships............a lot of good going for that area.........plus it's deemed very very safe. I'm talking the barrier islands , not the mainland.

For anyone who enjoys children, especially their own grandchildren, beach living has a lot of fun "in store"......for the man of the house who loves boating and deep sea fishing, ditto.......and especially the children.

The Catholic Church in Indialantic even has Easter Sunday "SUNRISE SERVICES" DIRECTLY ON THE BEACH......photos out there at the website of Holy Name of Jesus Church in Indialantic, which is a vibrant parish of all ages.

It is truly a buyer's market now, unfortunately for the engineers and others who lost their positions from 2008 on.

Best wishes.......　(please see links below)

Town of Indialantic Florida official website


http://www.indialantic.com/how-do-i/ (http://www.indialantic.com/how-do-i/)


http://www.indialantic.com/history/ (http://www.indialantic.com/history/)


http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indialantic,_Florida (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indialantic,_Florida)


http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/florida/Indialantic (http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/florida/indialantic)


　


　


　








　

[Golfingnut]

If your looking for small, quant where everybody knows your name, look at Everglades city.

[senior citizen]

http://www.visitspacecoast.com/ (http://www.visitspacecoast.com/)
Florida's Space Coast tourism and Orlando's Closest Beaches


For those whose heart will always remain in The Villages, it is a nice getaway to tour Kennedy Space Center or even watch the monthly rocket launches bringing care packages to the space shuttle.......or depart on a cruise.......or just enjoy the empty beaches.........not to mention the great deep sea fishing excursion boats from Port Canaveral down to Sebastian Inlet.....entire area has beautiful empty beaches.


Disney's Cruise ships leave Port Canaveral as well......and the Disney Beach Resort is slightly to the south of this space coast area.......it's down by Vero Beach which is below Sebastian Inlet.


We know people from "up north" who bought condo timeshares on Satellite Beach and just love the laid back, leisurely lifestyle they can enjoy........so much so that they bought permanent homes.

We also have friends who have other friends who are still stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, on the beach, after all these years and still love it.


Again, a quiet low population area..........NOT a lot of traffic to this day........due to the low population.


The population is low due to the narrowness of the barrier islands; no place else to build out in either direction. Many homes totally updated and remodeled.


Plenty of retirees but also families with children. A nice mix and a safe area. Great high school in Satellite Beach. Great Catholic school in Indialantic.


Again, it's a buyer's market at present........what we recall most is that there never was any traffic........no matter where we went. A1A was empty. Our developement was empty.


Our one year rental home was on a canal with a dock.......you could look across at a distance to the other side of the water to see the people's pools inside their lanais and their boats at their docks............nice for boaters. Your boat in your backyard, at your own dock........how great is that? It wasn't that close across the canal as is a "kissing lanai". We didn't see details.....just could see the backs of the homes.....across the water.


If a canal front home is not in the stars.......then there is a nice free Eau Gallie boat ramp, etc., etc. in addition to the Eau Gallie Yacht Club for members.


Indialantic has some really nice restaurants including a great breakfast place, THE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN I believe it's called.

Nice shops for every need on Fifth Avenue plus a Walmart and a Publix.


Some super nice expensive homes on the waterfront (Indian River Lagoon/Intracoastal Waterway) in Indialantic and Satellite Beach too.


Million dollar homes with their own docks.......nice for a sailboat....all the way down to Sebastian Inlet. Boating men would never be bored, that's for sure.


The only golf course I know of is the one on Patrick Air Force Base, but there may be one on the mainland.........a very short hop across one of the three causeways.


We are not golfers, so it wouldn't matter. We loved the beauty of the beaches in Florida, as long as it was an empty stretch........and this is it.
************************************************** **********************
On the Gulf of Mexico.......another pristine beautiful WHITE SAND beach is Nokomis Beach, a small town next to Venice on the way up to Sarasota......


From Nokomis Beach......you go to Casey Key........pretty expensive if I remember correctly. Both beautiful pristine white sand beaches. Gorgeous turquoise water.


Alas, the Gulf of Mexico beaches have the red tide bacteria.


We returned to Vermont, from Satellite Beach, because we missed the four seasons, NOT because we didn't like the Space Coast.........and so that our daughter could begin 1st grade in town.


However at our age now, these oppressively cold winters made us realize that the four seasons can be revisited when we visit our kids.........better to live in a flat land warmer climate at our age.


Nothing is cast in stone as of yet. Getting ready to put the house on the market in May.........if the snow ever melts. Hubby thinks it might take two to three years , however, I believe it will sell quickly...........unless people read the New York Times article of this past week.

[carlanddiane]

we sold our home in The Villages and bought a house in The Groves just north of Tampa. So far we are loving it!

The Groves Golf & Country Club. A residential community in Land O Lakes, Florida (http://www.thegrovesgolfandcountryclub.com/default.php)

[graciegirl]

we sold our home in The Villages and bought a house in The Groves just north of Tampa. So far we are loving it!

The Groves Golf & Country Club. A residential community in Land O Lakes, Florida (http://www.thegrovesgolfandcountryclub.com/default.php)



Carl and Diane!


I read back on some of your posts and you posted that you were new here in June of last year. You didn't stay very long!

[keithwand]

Ocean Reef in Key Largo would be nice.

[senior citizen]

we sold our home in The Villages and bought a house in The Groves just north of Tampa. So far we are loving it!

The Groves Golf & Country Club. A residential community in Land O Lakes, Florida (http://www.thegrovesgolfandcountryclub.com/default.php)



The TRAVEL CLUB looks like fun.....many local trips, plus the cruise.

'The Groves Travel Club is a group of friends and neighbors who enjoy group travel and the good travel deals that a club can offer. We offer everything from day trips to trips around the world. We try to offer something for everyone.'

You are invited to join. (http://www.thegrovesgolfandcountryclub.com/editor_upload/File/The%20Groves%20Travel%20Club%20Reg%20Form.pdf)

Membership dues are $5.00 yearly, May 1 to April 30.
You can join anytime during the year.
Click here for a membership form you can print, (http://click%20here%20to%20open%20a%20.pdf%20file%20for%2 0opening%20and%20printing%20a%20copy%20of/)
Fill it out and return it to the addressee on the form.

Welcome Aboard !

OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 2 , 2014 CLUB FALL RIVER CRUISE ON BOARD M/S ARIA: AUSTRIA, GERMANY AND HOLLAND on the DANUBE MAINE & RHINE RIVERS

[senior citizen]

Living here has been quite an experience, however, for this small town gal, it is getting too large, too crowded and I am considering a move within 1/2 hr or so from the Gulf into a nice, planned community. Perhaps gated, well maintained with recreation area, pool and some activities. My question to you out there, has anyone checked out any retirement communities in other areas that could have suited your needs, but you settled on TV instead. I am looking on line, but they always sound so great and then for whatever reason.....are not. I am sure there are folks out there that may have "considered" other locations before they decided to move here. I would appreciate any info you may want to pass along, either here or at my email address. Vicki.baker@aol.com. Thanks so much.




''A stable community of homeowners was established in Indialantic during the Florida real estate boom that reached its peak in 1925. The 1.05-square mile area was incorporated in 1952 with a population of 1,500.

It is today a quiet, primarily residential Town with a population of 2,844.***

Strict zoning codes and enforcement of these codes keep Indialantic a unique and prestigious community.

Even though a large portion of the population is retired, there is still a diversity of residents consisting of young couples with children, professionals, business people, artists and students.'' (Quoted from town of Indialantic by the Sea information) See hyperlink.........

http://www.indialantic.com/history/ (http://www.indialantic.com/history/)


Obviously, you cannot get lost in a one mile by one mile town. Nor is there congestion.

It was supremely quiet except for the A.F. jets flying at night; but that no longer is an issue.

The Melbourne Airport is only an eight minute drive across the causeway. Not as huge as the Orlando Airport (but more what we are accustomed to in size and ease of travel). Their flight pattern is NOT over the barrier islands; I've checked that out.

West Palm Beach Airport is also a nice small pretty airport (if one is checking out Vero Beach)

Accustomed to a smaller population and trying to get away from crowds and traffic, you might like to just "check out" the Brevard County Barrier Islands.......nothing like a sea breeze, if truth be told. Nothing like walking at the shoreline for your morning and evening exercise.

We never felt overly hot living there, even in the summer months...........only when my husband would go out at 3 p.m. and the car would heat up while parked in the sun.......he didn't care for that at all during the summer months.

Also, we only had one hurricane "scare" which never came, nor amounted to much of a storm at all. We watched the water level rising in the back canal........had it risen higher, we would have evacuated.....but thankfully, did not need to. We had a five year old and a two year old at the time. Our daughter actually began kindergarten on Patrick Air Force Base and they were started on reading in kindergarten, whereas Vermont waited till first grade to introduce it. Both of my children knew how to read at an even earlier age of 2/3.....just picked it up naturally; her kindergarten teacher, Miss Dworkin, continued to correspond with this little five year old girl when we moved to Northfield, Vermont..........where Norwich University is located. She's probably long retired by now. Also, a young enlisted air force guy drove a truck with all of our furniture and possessions on it.....back up to Northfield; stayed over at our new home for a few days, ate his meals with us, before we drove him to the airport to fly home to Florida........all of our neighbors were great; of all ages, retired and also young families.

Obviously, our daughter loved to get her mail; she'd sit down and write a reply to her old kindergarten teacher in Satellite Beach/Patrick Air Force Base.

For a beach area, it was like small town living............and we were not Air Force.

Never was there traffic congestion.......the roads were practically empty; the traffic was at a leisurely pace. Just a relaxing place.........as friends of ours now tell us (it remains the same).

A1A the coastal road and South Patrick Drive, etc. on the other side of town, were the two roads .....in between were all the neighborhoods.....where you went even slower.

***I'm beginning to believe that when people live with large traffic congestion, too close together, and huge population centers, they get ticked off about every little inconsequential thing......and start nitpicking things to death, whereas a less populated community is more conducive to a peaceful and patient lifestyle.

But, different strokes for different folks. We've always enjoyed a calm and peaceful life......and do believe "to each his own"....there is a place under the sun for everyone and their divergent tastes and needs. Had we been able to afford Sanibel Island, Florida, that's where we would be, picking seashells on the beach.......on the Gulf of Mexico. We did buy the next best thing, a beachfront condo in Venice.......it was a lovely planned laid out "Florida Main Street Community" in its heyday.......unfortunately, it had a problem in its sewers, etc. Wish we had kept that condo though as it's doubled in price. When we purchased, it was a newly refurbished beach........we totally remodeled the condo as it was a buyer's market at the time.

Alas, we soon discovered that continued living with the "red tide bacteria" and other stuff on the gulf coast was not going to be.........but had we kept the condo as a rental, we would have made a nice profit. There were other matters that complicated things, such as having to return my widowed elderly mom who suffered from Alzheimers....back to her support system and ours. It was the right decision........even though moving back and forth is super expensive.

Had we realized the extent of her confusion, which seemed very minor upon our initial move to Florida, we would never have gone and never have sold our Vermont home..........so before you buy anything at all, be doubly certain it is the right place for you. This is why I always say that nothing is "cast in stone". The more one finds out about their potential "new home area" the better off they will be in making a final decision..........nothing in this world is perfect.

Best of luck with your ultimate decision.......just don't rush into anything. Enjoy the journey...

p.s. Just for the record, we vacationed in Florida every single year since 1965, coast to coast, up and down each coast and Disney World in the middle. We do know Florida.

We moved to Florida twice , once in our twenties, and once in our late 40's........eventually returning to Vermont. Both times we stayed put in Vermont for another twenty plus years the first time to raise our family and see them through their school years and their university years at the University of Vermont......marriage, etc.


We then moved the second time at age 49 when our adult kids had married, relocated out of state for their careers, etc. but this time had my new "baby" in tow......my mom. Returned back to Vermont for the past twenty years...........now, perhaps the time is right......for us. Plus, no way we are going to put up with another winter like the one just past.........the winter from hell.
Unbelievable.