An Alternate To Living At The Villages

[annie]

I have visited TV several times and think it's a nice place. Because of the growth many retailers have come into the area. But it's over crowed at times. Many people have trouble driving in a safe manner. There is a large bond you have to pay off and yearly assessments. The residents will never own the amenities. And yes there are 100'S of clubs and dozens of pools but how much can one person do in a day? I know I'm not being forced to move there but we are considering Stonecrest just 2 miles up the road. It's gated, about $95.00 a month in fees, no bond, private roads etc. It seems to me I can still use most of what TV has brought in, shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc. without the extra cost of living at TV. I welcome any input you might have on my thoughts.

[Taltarzac]

I have visited TV several times and think it's a nice place. Because of the growth many retailers have come into the area. But it's over crowed at times. Many people have trouble driving in a safe manner. There is a large bond you have to pay off and yearly assessments. The residents will never own the amenities. And yes there are 100'S of clubs and dozens of pools but how much can one person do in a day? I know I'm not being forced to move there but we are considering Stonecrest just 2 miles up the road. It's gated, about $95.00 a month in fees, no bond, private roads etc. It seems to me I can still use most of what TV has brought in, shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc. without the extra cost of living at TV. I welcome any input you might have on my thoughts.


441/27 is pretty congested at times. That's the major road which is I believe that one Stonecrest is "2 miles up" from TV. This whole area seems to get a lot of traffic especially when the snowbirds are here. It is a lot better as far as traffic is concerned than many other areas of Florida though. One thing, TV is a lot easier to get lost in for newcomers.

[784caroline]

It is your decision based on the life style you want and of course what you can afford. The crowds in TV will be no different than in Stonecrest or other near by developments come Januray February and march. Traffic...again its not even close to where I came from. The biggest issue is learning how to navigate the round-a-bouts or traffic circles. I will say this while you may be considering living 2 miles away from TV and expect to drive to TV for shopping and entertainment, others want to live "within" 1 mile of a Town Square to be close to the activities. Too many communities we looked at simply had only one golf course and a club house with limited activities. Having the convience to select and partcipate in a variety of activities/clubs in The Villages that is golf cart ride away with little or no traffic, is what TV is all about. You either like it or not. There are many different price levels of homes available and in todays market there are many resales with the Bond paid which would not be an issue.
Good luck in your decision.... the choice is yours but I find it interesting that you even ask your question on "Talk of the Villages" a board dedicated to living in the Villages. I suspect you may get a more positive response from a board dedicated to Stonecrest...OH but they probably dont offer that .... so you are back to square one!

[Hope2b]

If you buy in Sumter County there will be a bond. It is county not Villages. Can you imagine the traffic you will need to go through to visit TV or do your shopping? You need to do what you feel is right for you.

[drdodge]

The bond is not a county thing. It is a village bond, you could buy anywhere else in sumter county and there is no bond. The bond works this way, the developer gets a bond to build the infrastructure and the each house in a given district is assesed a certain amount to pay off the bond. The developer does not have to put out any money to build roads, sewer, electric. cable tv, drainage. Bond amounts increase with each district because each year the cost to build roads and utilities go up.
drd

[Taltarzac]

The bond is not a county thing. It is a village bond, you could buy anywhere else in sumter county and there is no bond. The bond works this way, the developer gets a bond to build the infrastructure and the each house in a given district is assesed a certain amount to pay off the bond. The developer does not have to put out any money to build roads, sewer, electric. cable tv, drainage. Bond amounts increase with each district because each year the cost to build roads and utilities go up.
drd


I believe Stonecrest is in Marion County, too, unless I am mistaken. A few days ago a woman at the Doggie Doo Run Run was from there and said it was near the Super Wal-Mart on 441/27.

[Russ_Boston]

DRD - Every builder has a bond in some fashion. Either they include it in the sale price and THEY pay the county or it is a separate item and the home OWNER pays the county. So you need to add the current bond into the sale price of the home at TV. The bottom line is that you need to compare apples to apples in terms of total $ spent for the home you are purchasing in either TV or any other development.

Correct?

[villager99]

living near but not inside the villages means you'll need a car to shop, eat or play in tv. one hugh plus of actually living in tv is the option of a golf cart lifestyle with no need to go out into 441 traffic at all.
i drive all over tv choosing a combination of trails and less congested streets.

[samhass]

So Annie, what state are you coming from? You sound like the Sales office for Stonecrest.
It's really quite simple...if you don't buy in The Villages, you'll always regret it. Although many of the outside communities are nice, they aren't The Villages....just pale imitations.
PS- I do not work for TV. I'm just a regular lucky Villager.

[redwitch]

I would think that non-Villagers cannot join the clubs. That would seem to be a major drawback to living outside TV to me (even though I have yet to find the nerve to even go to a club meeting rofl).

Given the problems that TV has had with NYE and some other events, I'm wondering if some events won't soon be closed to non-Villagers and their guests. That is, the parades, tree and Menorah lightings, etc. That would add an additional reason why TV would be more preferable.

Other reasons: Golf carts; more to do here; friendliness (I have a friend that lives in Del Webb -- she's been there for 2 years and has met one of her neighbors; took her 18 mos to be able to play with her Mah-Jong group). Basically, I've the community to be better overall here than other local retirement villages.

[villager99]

that's correct non-villagers can't join rec center sponsored clubs or various sports leagues.
you have to live in tv to really join in the lifestyle.
outsiders can visit to shop and eat but tv is more than it's stores and restaurants. it's a community

[tony]

OK, everybody,

Do you think annie is sincere, or is annie promoting Stonecrest?

Keep in mind that she registered at 8:22 a.m. today and posted by 8:27 a.m.

I'm just curious what everybody thinks. :)

[ejp52]

It seems to me I can still use most of what TV has brought in, shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc. without the extra cost of living at TV.
I find it ironic that some don't want to live here and share the costs,but can't wait to enjoy what the villages has to offer,in the squares and entertainment,etc. :dontknow:

[nyclicker]

I think Annie is working on commission for Stonecrest. I'd bet her e-mail address is a phony to.

[redwitch]

Frankly, I'm with Rhett -- I don't give a damn. She wants to promote Stonecrest, let her. We know the good that is here and why we are here or want to be here. If we wanted Stonecrest, we would be there or getting info about it. So, this gives us a chance to think about why TV is better than living in surrounding communities and thinking is good for the soul. It's all good.

[another Linda]

I think Annie is for real. We certainly investigated Stonecrest before we bought. And on TOTV I can't imagine that anyone could do a very good job of promoting Stonecrest. If we had anything positive to say, we'd be there and not here. So, annie, ask away. I've looked at both and there was no question in my mind.

[handieman]

I think Annie is for real. We certainly investigated Stonecrest before we bought. And on TOTV I can't imagine that anyone could do a very good job of promoting Stonecrest. If we had anything positive to say, we'd be there and not here. So, annie, ask away. I've looked at both and there was no question in my mind.

DITTO
Mr and Mrs Handie :joke:

[Taltarzac]

DITTO
Mr and Mrs Handie :joke:


She seems real to me too. But, who can really tell on TOTV especially with a handle from someone who has only posted once??

[chuckinca]

If Annie was from Stonecrest she would know that the monthly fee hasn't been $95 since 2006.

[Russ_Boston]

As an outsider I appreciate any and all information. Who cares if it is a plant. If so it doesn't appear to have been very effective.

[drdodge]

Russ
correct, you either pay the bond seperate or it is included in the price of house but it is not a county bond. You could buy a peice of land in sumter county and have a house built or build it yourself and there would be no bond.
drd

[784caroline]

Annie is for real...but she is confused like most of us were when we decided if TV was the place for us. I know it took a close relative of mine 3 years to decide to move to the Villages and they are the ones that introduced us to this life style (thank you)....so the decision is not easy for everyone.
It all comes down to "wants, desire and afford" and all I can say in todays market the afford aspect is really negotiable on many different levels. Annie obviously wants and desires TV (or else she would not keep comming back and looking at this site) so its down to afford. Even that some people can afford but simpy do not want to spend what they think is a large chuck of cash every month or simply for the house itself. I my younger days I compaed it to "YODDLES" and if I got alot of YOUDDLES from buying somethign it was good for me....not necessarily for you.

[gfmucci]

If I move to TV, it will be for the following reasons, most of which, in combination, are exclusive to TV:

- The "sense of community" and enthusiam for TV shared by its' residents
- The wide array of clubs, activities, and common interests. Granted, no will join all upteen hundred clubs or activities. The point is that the "critical mass" of folks with shared interests is here. There will be many diverse interests shared by many people in TV that might only be shared by a lone wolf in most other communities.
- The "instant assimilation" that I expect to experience in TV
- It's not a bad "bang for the buck", house-wise and community-wise
- I have been a "City Planner" for 35 years and appreciate the multi-modal transportation network and planning of the mix of land uses in TV. Kudo's!

[punkpup]

I had only fleeting thoughts about adult communities. Most of the ones I read about and visited were much too expensive and exclusive for my taste and had far fewer amenities. TV has affordable housing, lots of Golf courses, pools, etc. But then again we all know that lol.

Originally I had thought I'd be living in an adult community in Walnut Creek, CA called Rossmore in the San Francisco Bay area. My family already owns a condo there but there are only 3 Golf courses, one movie theater and not nearly the number of amenities and clubs in which a person can participate. I never saw a single adult community with as developed a town square let alone the evening entertainment and vendor concept. I know there are other Golf Cart accessible communities but how many have cart paths that get you to as many retail shops?

TV is definitely the place for me!! 040

[mmclover]

I think Annie is for real, but has not weighed the options. I looked at several communities while trying to make up my mind. Yes the other communities are nice, the homes maybe even give more bang for the buck, but it comes back to ammenities. The cost of golf at one of these communities woukld pay the bond at TV. I am also thinking long term. I really don't plan to move again, and want a place with shopping, medical, banking, church, etc. that I may not be able to drive to in 20 years. Boy am I thinking long term or what? Good Luck Annie, I am sure you will figure it out and find the best fit for you.

[johnleachjr]

ANNIE IS RIGHT, AND MOST OF YOU CANT HANDLE THE FACT THAT YOU DO NOT LIVE IN A GATED COMMUNITY, THEY CAN NEVER CLOSE OFF THE ROADS IN TV, THEY ARE ALL PUBLIC, IM MOVING TO STONECREST ,I CAN ENJOY ANYTHING I WANT TO IN THE VILLAGES WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY, I SIT NEXT TO PEOPLE IN POOLS ,GOLF WITH GOLFERS WHO DONT OWN IN TV. I DONT HAVE TO DRIVE ON 441 AT ALL TO GET TO TV.. NICE BRIDGE JUST FOR CARTS.
NOW MY REASON FOR LEAVING THE VILLAGES,, I PAID OVER 150.000 DOLLARS FOR MY VILLA WHEN ALL WAS SAID AND DONE, I HAVING A 3 BD RM,2BH,2CAR WITHGOLF CART DOOR,BLOCK STOCCO.I WAS ABLE TO CHOOSE EVERYTHING.CHANGE BLUEPRINTS, THE COSTS WITH ALL THE CHANGES,,199.000 AND THE AMMENTIES ARE 96 DOLLARS,THEY ARE CONVERTING THE OLD CLUB HOUSE TO A WORK OUT CENTER,, INCLUDED IN THE 96 DOLLARS. THERE ISNT ANY BOND OR IMPACT FEES EITHER, THE SALES PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND NOT AFFAIRED TO HELP YOU BUILD YOUR HOME LIKE YOU WANT IT.
I LOVE THE VILLAGES, BUT I CANT AMAGINE ANOTHER 30.000 HOMES HERE, THE TURN AROUNDS NEED TO BE TAKEN OUT,.IVE BEEN IN AN OUT OF STONECREST FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS, AND ONLY TRAFFIC I SEE IS RESIDENTS, AND LAWN PEOPLE..THE ROADS ARE PRIVATE, AND THEY DONT HAVE A SQUARE THATS TRUE, BUT IF I WANT TO SEE A DOG SHOW, ILL COME TO TV SQUARES...DONT BE TOO HARD ON ME, IM JUST GETTING IN ON THE FUN,, ONE NOTE, THE TOTAL COST OF THE HOUSE IS 199.OOO.

[handieman]

John L Jr :cus: AKA known as John B
How dare you rain on my parade :yikes:
I know someone who will help me move you over to stonecrest so you can live with Wilma and Fred and Barney and whatshername
Ima gonna get u a t-shirt that says imposter on it and tell the guards to send u back to the quarry
That being said John, get a lovehorse
Your neighbor
Handie :joke:

[bamafan]

I would just like to add, how much will your home in STONECREST be worth in say 5 years compared to my home in The Villages. I also get a residents discount at the movie theatres that you don't get. Ha Ha

[Lil Dancer]

Its been said before, you can buy a nicer house for quite a bit cheaper outside The Villages. Our friends got a large villa on a golf course for $125K. (in the Villages, a comparable villa would cost $250+). Their amenities fee includes their lawn care and pest control, and also their workout center. But, they have to drive all the way over here thru the traffic on 27 to go to the Square for entertainment. They can't zip down to SweetBay in their golf cart. I think the golf cart lifestyle is an incredible feature about TV. I can't imagine navigating the traffic on highways when I'm 80, but a golf cart on cart paths I could deal with. Also, they only have one golf course to play, not the huge variety we have, they don't have the free/low cost executive courses, etc. They don't have the beautiful rec centers, art classes, etc.

And frankly, I think some of the developments outside the Villages are getting kind of old and crummy looking. I like that TV is so new. In any event, whatever floats your boat. We've made our choice, and personally I'm happy with The Villages for now.

[Russ_Boston]

Russ
correct, you either pay the bond separate or it is included in the price of house but it is not a county bond. You could buy a piece of land in Sumter county and have a house built or build it yourself and there would be no bond.
drd

Yes - I should have said that the bond is either paid to the developer in the price of the house or it is listed separately. The bond is for gross improvements (roads, infrastructure etc.). It is not a county tax.

[The Great Fumar]

Would someone please introduce Annie to John leach, They deserve each other............

[chuckinca]

You can access the Villages by golf cart from Stonecrest. Stonecrest is next to Wal-Mart on 441 and there is a path from the Wal-Mart to Orange Blossom Hills.

Also, Stonecrest isn't 2 miles from TV. Some homes in Stonecrest are adjacent to some homes in TV. Look at the homes on a map satellite view of the Lake Cty/Marion Cty line East of the Wal-mart on 441. From the main entrance to Stonecrest on 441 to the Morse Blvd entrance to TV on 441 (by car) is about 3/4 Miles.

The reason the residents of Stonecrest, Spruce Creek, Spruce Creek South and other nearby developments and older towns use the TV shopping facilities, squares, golf courses, movies, restaurants, etc., is because the facilities have been made public facilities by the TV developer (they could have easily been gated for TV residents only) who is looking for the sales from as many people as possible. The residents of TV should be encouraging more non-resident people to use the public facilities (like the family is) and spend more money in TV and thereby lowering the cost of living in TV.

[The Great Fumar]

couple of months ago I drove up to the Stone Crest gate and ask for a guest pass to look around . I was told I couldn't have one , when I asked why , I was told that no visitors were allowed in when Garbage Trucks were making their rounds.......
I knew they were blowing smoke at me as I was driving a Garbage Truck.....

They did say they were thinking about changing the name to RUNNER UP RETIRMENT COMMUNITY........ ;D ;D ;D

[REDCART]

Annie posted this morning and already generated 32 responses. Not bad. But I see she seems to have struck a nerve. Everybody's been defensive. No one ever said TV was for everyone--you either like it or you don't. One advantage of the Dell Web communities is they're all built out. You can pretty much see what you're buying into. TV is only 60-70 percent built out and who knows how the final plan will shake out as they develop South of 466A. So far so good but there a little bit of the unknown here. The stores, medical specialists, and restaurants seemed to have caught up with the population explosion of TV. Annie wouldn't have 3/4 of the places to shop and eat without TV. But I was trying to avoid seeming defensive.

[chuckinca]

couple of months ago I drove up to the Stone Crest gate and ask for a guest pass to look around . I was told I couldn't have one , when I asked why , I was told that no visitors were allowed in when Garbage Trucks were making their rounds.......
I knew they were blowing smoke at me as I was driving a Garbage Truck.....

They did say they were thinking about changing the name to RUNNER UP RETIRMENT COMMUNITY........ ;D ;D ;D



Maybe you misspelled your name too - FUBAR

[chelsea24]

As a new resident of TV I couldn't be happier. We looked all across the country and nothing compares to the friendliness, amenities, activities and sheer beauty of The Villages. I think it would be wise if, some day, they did restrict certain events in the town squares to residents only. I don't like people that criticize something, then want to sneak in to be a part of it. It reminds me of all of our countries enemies that "hate America" but want to go to school here and buy our products. I know that's a dramatic analogy, but I don't like sneaks of any kind. I, for one, love the Villages and will never move, so you're stuck with me folks! lol wav

[784caroline]

So Stonecrest redsidents are pround of their gated community and compare that to paying no bond. I would love to see their expression in a couple of years when they start getting the special assessments to pay for the road maintenance and replacement....not cheap.

[Hope2b]

This is the truth--I heard someone say "I would never move to The Villages, the traffic gets worse everytime I go shopping there." DUH :dontknow:

[Boomer]

When we rented in TV, we had ID's that allowed us to do anything that residents could do. It pretty much boiled down to resident gates, Katie Belle's, and the regional rec centers and wireless computer connections at those rec centers. We did not golf but there was an ID number for that, too.

The people working at the regional rec centers were all very nice and very good about checking ID's. While chatting up the locals, I learned that there was a rumor that a busload of ladies from one of the outside communities had to be bounced from a rec center water fitness class. That sounds fair.

[chuckinca]

So Stonecrest redsidents are pround of their gated community and compare that to paying no bond. I would love to see their expression in a couple of years when they start getting the special assessments to pay for the road maintenance and replacement....not cheap.



The same will happen to TV in Lake and Marion Counties. The villages homes east of 441 have been around for over 20 years. Due to the light weight traffic usage, the roads there still look pretty good but may have to be resurfaced in about 10 years or so.

[handieman]

Quote John L "ILL COME TO TV SQUARES...DONT BE TOO HARD ON ME, IM JUST GETTING IN ON THE FUN,, ONE NOTE, THE TOTAL COST OF THE HOUSE IS 199.OOO."
Nice job John, :bigthumbsup: the adrenaline flow on TOTV set a new record. You sure know how to get someones attention, shame on you :o
Now change back into your John A costume and behave and stop harassing my friends or I'll walk my dog over in your yard ;D
Handie :joke:
PS: Friends, pay no attention to him, he reminds me of the late Walter Taylor of Taylor wine fame who invented a wine named "Get Your Goat". Get my drift??

[784caroline]

Chuckinca
Correct but the Village residents will not pay for the road repairs...they are public roads with the state and county responsible for maintenance and repair.

[Peggy D]

I'm confused. Annie and John don't want to live in TV, think this "Stonecrest" is the place to be, BUT, like TV lifestyle. Are they nuts??

Stonecrest has an "18-hole golf course, One clubhouse and One restaurant (would like to see that place when snowbirds are down!)--compared to TV.

Refresh my memory, how many golf courses, clubhouses, and restaurants in TV?

--and I should move to Stonecrest--why?!?
(big deal, the house is $199,000)

[nyclicker]

I think what Annie is saying is she could live close by at a reasonable cost of living and still enjoy almost everything that Villagers enjoy. That’s the way the developer wanted it to be. That’s why most things within TV are opened to all. She’s not saying that TV is a bad place but the way many of you make it sound is if the many retirees all over the country in all the other active adult communities are not living in TV they can’t be happy. And believe it or not some of us don’t play golf. I’m pretty good at using a snow blower though.

[chuckinca]

I have visited TV several times and think it's a nice place. Because of the growth many retailers have come into the area. But it's over crowed at times. Many people have trouble driving in a safe manner. There is a large bond you have to pay off and yearly assessments. The residents will never own the amenities. And yes there are 100'S of clubs and dozens of pools but how much can one person do in a day? I know I'm not being forced to move there but we are considering Stonecrest just 2 miles up the road. It's gated, about $95.00 a month in fees, no bond, private roads etc. It seems to me I can still use most of what TV has brought in, shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc. without the extra cost of living at TV. I welcome any input you might have on my thoughts.




Annie:

You pays your money and you makes your choice.

[Renee]

Peggy D
I think you are confused. TV developer wants outsiders to enjoy what they offer except for a few things that are available only to homeowners. So whats wrong with all this folks living close by coming in and spending their money here.

[Donna]

NYclicker,
Great picture..http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/military.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[nyclicker]

Thanks Donna. It was taken on Hill 225 near Phu Bai in 1965.

[JohnN]

well this topic sure stirred the pot. I agree with many above, you pay your money and make your choices. I've visited around and TV will be my choice as soon as possible.

Merry Christmas, all...

[Peggy D]

Peggy D
I think you are confused. TV developer wants outsiders to enjoy what they offer except for a few things that are available only to homeowners. So whats wrong with all this folks living close by coming in and spending their money here.


I think its great that outsiders are coming into TV and spending. It makes good business sense. I just don't think you get to experience the Village lifestyle as an outsider. Yes, there are somethings open to the general public, but not all that TV has to offer.

Just my opnion.

[bogeygolfer]

Russ
correct, you either pay the bond seperate or it is included in the price of house but it is not a county bond. You could buy a peice of land in sumter county and have a house built or build it yourself and there would be no bond.
drd

Have you checked the price of putting in septic system, bringing electric, phone, cable, etc. to your house? Digging a well or hooking up to public water. Is the road paved in front of your lot? May be an assesment by the county. There are lots of costs in building and in every development I've looke at in Florida there is a bond, either separate or included, in the price...

[johnleachjr]

to mr.handie,,,, im moving to stonecrest, but i failed to say that i will still own a villa in the villages.. and who ever stated gate gaurds, isnt true, they are greeters,, they cant stop anyone. public rds. annie sounds like a great catch,,, im looking, will the lady with the lucky number please come and get me... lol. I love this place..

[The Great Fumar]

Dear Leachy
I understand that your moving to somewhere called stone henge or crast or something like that, Sounds good , I hope you enjoy, You should fit right in , as your tone points out , you don't mix well anyway.....You can get more info at www. runnerup .com

[johnfarr]

An example of non-Villagers being "left out:"

Our Church, which is very close to TV property, started a men's golf group for the golfing-challenged, and we called ourselves the "not-so-hot golf group (we stink)." We number about 30 now, and we're growing fast! We play the 9 hole executive courses every Friday. We wear red shirts to show respect for our troops. After play, we go to a nearby watering hole and socialize. Great fun!

Non-Villages parishioners, who live nearby, very much want to join us, but cannot (visitors who use executive courses must live over 50 miles from TV).

[bamafan]

johnfarr, What church do you attend. Being new to TV we are looking for a church to attend. Thanks.

[Frangyomory]

What I find unconscionable is that other communities sell homes based on the ability of their residents using OUR amenities at no cost. If you want the Villages lifestyle, you should buy in the Villages. I believe those developers are bait and switch salespeople who want to show you how great the Villages community is but how even greater it is not to have to pay for the good things we have.

I wish there were some way to stop this stealing of our amenities. We all pay our share and are happy to do so because we bought not just a house but a way of life. I don't welcome interlopers who want everthing without paying for it. Shame of you and shame on Stonecrest for selling that way!!!

I hope we stay crowded enough to keep you out.

[nyclicker]

I think Frangyomory has some loose marbles. I have not seen where other communities are pushing the amenities of TV. What I’m reading is the things that are available to non-villages is because the developer of TV wants it that way. What does Frangyomory think they are stealing? And what the heck is this bate and switch she’s talking about?

[mzmom3]

Very interesting topic. Thanks guys for all the info.

"Retirement ain't for sissies" as the saying goes............ I like another saying too........."it takes all kinds."

Doesn't it amaze you how TV's developer thought of all of this? I'd be very proud.

[golfnut]

We've said before I'll say it again, it's more than just a bunch of beautiful homes and fabulous community it's truly a lifestyle, you either see the value or you don't, if everyone liked vanilla we wouldn't have chocolate. Johnl finds his best value at SC, I say good for him, I'm glad you found something that suits you, good luck and enjoy.

[annie]

I want to thank everyone for all the replies so far. It will certainly give me a lot to think about.

[Taltarzac]

I want to thank everyone for all the replies so far. It will certainly give me a lot to think about.


You will probably get a quick response from Handie with the picture like that. Just a joke. :joke:

[Donna]

You will probably get a quick response from Handie with the picture like that. Just a joke. :joke:


Oh Tal..that is not nice to say about Our Handi...http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/innocentsmily.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[Taltarzac]

Oh Tal..that is not nice to say about Our Handi...http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/innocentsmily.gif (http://www.millan.net)


How many seconds do you think it will take Handie once on TOTV to reply to Annie with a picture like that? I think it took me about 4? :joke:

[golfnut]

When I was Annie's age I was not the least bit interested in retirement communitites, this of course assumes that this is a recent picture of Annie.

[JohnN]

LOL, I like the girls pics, I may be old but I ain't dead.

And back on thread, while I've considered Stonecrest and others (and visited), TV is my choice, I want to be IN the action, not traveling to it.

[nanci2539]

I posted this on another thread concerning the TV bond.

We had our home built here in IL. The builder/developer became a good friend and we socialize with him and his wife often. When we visited TV a few years ago, we were turned off by this "bond" thing!

Over dinner, I asked our builder friend why TV had this bond as it was the only place we looked at in FLA that had it!

He kind of smiled and said that when you have a home built; regardless of where you have the home built; you are going to pay the infrastructure costs. It's rare that it's separated as most developers/builders put it in the price of the home. In has vast circle of friends, he doesn't know one developer with deep enough pockets to pay for the roads; utilities wires, water lines, etc. I asked him what it would have cost me if he, the builder, paid for the "bond" (they don't call it a bond here, they don't call it anything_. He replied "if I paid for the cost of the infrastructure, deduct $20,000".

So, the way I look at it, TV is just being up front about it. Maybe they should rethink this and just put the cost in the overall price of the home.

[chuckinca]

Nancy:

My guess is that it is a cashflow issue. If the developer paid the fees to the local agencies they would probably have to pay them prior to building the houses. In TV where they are building or have unsold a thousand or so houses at all times, it could mean that the developer would be out the fees which could be $20 Mil or more. They would always be out that money until TV was built and sold out.

The developer made a deal with the agencies that the agencies would accept payment by the buyers at a much later date instead of from the developer up front. I would imagine that the agencies didn't do that out of the kindness of their hearts and probably upped the fees to cover the late payments.

The deal saved the developer the $20 Mil or so that he would have had locked up by the agencies until the last homes were sold (maybe for a period of ten years or so - which means the developer can invest the $20 Mil and turn it into maybe $50 Mil in 10 years or so). Good business. The developer makes out, the agencies make out and the (insert appropriate adjective) buyers are happy to pay the higher costs.

[Frangyomory]

People are "bounced" out if they don't have a Village ID but that's only if they are asked for one. Some people use the pools and say they left their ID home and the rec folks tell them not to forget next time. I have this on good authority from other residents and rec employees. And, yes, some of the sales staff of other locations absolutely do tell potential buyers how they can use Villages entertainment, etc. without paying the fees if they buy there.


Don't kid yourself. Everyone in real estate is not totally honest. There are a few lemons in all types of industry.

[gfmucci]

The developer made a deal with the agencies that the agencies would accept payment by the buyers at a much later date instead of from the developer up front. I would imagine that the agencies didn't do that out of the kindness of their hearts and probably upped the fees to cover the late payments.

The deal saved the developer the $20 Mil or so that he would have had locked up by the agencies until the last homes were sold (maybe for a period of ten years or so - which means the developer can invest the $20 Mil and turn it into maybe $50 Mil in 10 years or so). Good business. The developer makes out, the agencies make out and the (insert appropriate adjective) buyers are happy to pay the higher costs.
We all desperately need Community Development District (CDD) training! Simply, the infrastructure (water, sewer, drainage, roads, etc.) is built in advance and financed over a long term through bonds, the payment of which is shared by new land owners, the home buyers. The "builder" just builds and charges for the home and lot.

[chuckinca]

We all desperately need Community Development District (CDD) training! Simply, the infrastructure (water, sewer, drainage, roads, etc.) is built in advance and financed over a long term through bonds, the payment of which is shared by new land owners, the home buyers. The "builder" just builds and charges for the home and lot.



The infrastructure inside TV is built and paid for by the developer and the cost pro-rated and passed on in each home sale - I don't believe the county came in and installed those items for the developer.

I believe the charges by the local agencies (county, city, sewer dist, water and power companies, schools, mosquito district, library, animal control folks, etc) are primarily "impact" fees due to the cost to service the new residents and are primarily to reimburse local expenses outside TV.

[BAILY]

Gee I just found this site. :) I live in Windermere Florida .We were looking into retirement communities as my husband will retire next year . We will be looking at a lot of different locations in Fl, N.C and GA Before we make our move .I feel it's smart to look around due to not wanting to move again. But I AM REALLY SURPRIZED AT THE FEED BACK SOME NOT SO NICE .Gee I thought it was fun in a retirement community ;)

[Avista]

Baily, So sorry you got a neg impression about The Villages. We moved here in Feb. from Tampa. Just love living here. Have you visited? What I like about The Villages is that it offers so much. We love traveling by golf cart. Went down to one car, and are really saving on gas. I hope you come see us and see for yourself.

[Indy-Guy]

When the people who live in Stonecrest have guest do they spend the most time showing them The Villages or Stonecrest.

I wonder how they phrase the fact that I am showing you The Villages but I live in Stonecrest?

Do they ask their guest to excuse the heavy traffic as they drive down 27/441 to get to The Villages and say that is why they didn't buy in The Villages.

Do they not show and tell them about The Villages?

I have often wondered how they present this situation.

[chuckinca]

Baily: Got a pic we can see?

Indy Guy: Just guessing - probably just like you take someone thru traffic to get to the local mall.
Since all the TV folks are in carts, sure seems to be a bunch of outsider riffraff driving down 441 or on Morse, etc; maybe the State Police should be called to give them all tickets for misappropriation of TV roadway amenities.

[redwitch]

Since all the TV folks are in carts, sure seems to be a bunch of outsider riffraff driving down 441 or on Morse, etc; maybe the State Police should be called to give them all tickets for misappropriation of TV roadway amenities.


Not all of us TV folks have golf carts. This household has a Miata and a scooter. So, some of us on Morse Blvd. and on 441 are not riffraff. lovehorse crap

[punkpup]

Gee I just found this site. :) I live in Windermere Florida .We were looking into retirement communities as my husband will retire next year . We will be looking at a lot of different locations in Fl, N.C and GA Before we make our move .I feel it's smart to look around due to not wanting to move again. But I AM REALLY SURPRIZED AT THE FEED BACK SOME NOT SO NICE .Gee I thought it was fun in a retirement community ;)



Baily, despite what you may think from reading this thread; on our visit to TV we found the environment extremely positive. We talked to everyone... while standing in line at the burger joint, sitting on a bench eating ice cream, wandering around the town square in the evening, etc. More importantly folks talked to us.... if we looked lost or confused we were given assistance, folks we asked happily answered the myriad questions we threw at them about TV, how they got there and what their lives are like now that they live there.

As I've mentioned in another thread, we could just as easily move into a retirement community in the San Francisco Bay Area because my family owns a condo in an adult community called Rossmore which is gated, smaller and has some nice amenities but not nearly as many and certainly not anywhere near the variety of activities and clubs in which you can participate. Besides they have only three Golf courses. LOL

[chuckinca]

Punkpup:

30 degrees this AM in Rossmore - tee off times pushed way way back. Had to scrape off the ice on my car windows leaving for work this morning in Union City.

Chuck

[dobronte]

I love just jumping in the golf cart and go, how about the many many clubs we have I can go a month without using my car the library is at my use also or a good high school althletic event to me its a no brainer TV is the place

[Carol Ann]

BYE BYE

[funnygirl]

:) Hi,
I'm a home health nurse and as a result frequently visit patients in many of the other communities in the area. I can say for certain that I never would have left the San Francisco Bay Area for any of the other communities I have seen including Stonecrest. I have a feeling of warmth and "Comming home" when I'm in the villages. The other communities lack the warmth and the imaginative landscaping of the common areas. You won't see flowers or colorful plantings in Stonecrest, Top of the World, Oak Run, Spruce Creek or any of the others I have been to. The houses are ok but really not any nicer then anything available in The Villages. You may pay a bit more here; but, I am happy with my warm and fuzzy active lifestyle here.
I hope everyone is happy with whatever choice they make. We are very happy with living here and that is just confirmed every time I travel outside of this community.

[mzmom3]

Funny girl-- so happy that you like TV. However, please don't put down the other communities. There are other 55+ communities that are even more beautiful than TV. We have been all over Florida and there is much to offer for all different types of people. TV does lead in the active living participation type of lifestyle, I believe. Not everyone is attuned to this much activity and TV is busy; others may like a more laid-back lifestyle which is harder to find here. I have a friend on the water who would live nowhere else; he seems to need that solitude. So be it. ..... nothing wrong with either......just a different choice and isn't it nice to have choices...........

[carole131]

We have friends who live in Stonecrest, & the wife has repeatedly said that they don't have the advantages of volunteer-conducted clubs & classes, nor do they have a library, as we do in The Villages. If they really want to enjoy those activities, they must drive a distance and/or pay for them (I've belonged to health clubs, & it's not cheap). Of course, our Wellness Center is superb, but we don't have to buy a membership. I've enjoyed their monthly excercise classes, which are reasonable in cost. Stonecrest doesn't appeal to me at all. It seems cold & lifeless.