Looking to vacation in TV and learn the ropes

[DougandLaddi]

My wife and I are 45 and 50 but have plans to spend our winters at least in Florida starting in 5 years and TV sound like the right spot and lifestyle.

I am looking for advice on how and where to rent on weeklong vacations in TV to learn the area and see for sure if it is right for us. I really don't want to engage or waste realtors time at this early stage. What advice do you have ??

We are from southern Indiana

Doug...

[kwtoman]

My wife and I are 45 and 50 but have plans to spend our winters at least in Florida starting in 5 years and TV sound like the right spot and lifestyle.

I am looking for advice on how and where to rent on weeklong vacations in TV to learn the area and see for sure if it is right for us. I really don't want to engage or waste realtors time at this early stage. What advice do you have ??

We are from southern Indiana

Doug...

Lifestyle visit or Just rent a week from one of the many rentals at ****.com and look up the villages.

[Golfingnut]

My wife and I are 45 and 50 but have plans to spend our winters at least in Florida starting in 5 years and TV sound like the right spot and lifestyle.

I am looking for advice on how and where to rent on weeklong vacations in TV to learn the area and see for sure if it is right for us. I really don't want to engage or waste realtors time at this early stage. What advice do you have ??

We are from southern Indiana

Doug...

I would recommend going to start. The Villages 4 Rent, Rentals in The Villages (http://www.thevillages4rent.com)

[DougandLaddi]

I have used **** for down in cape coral a couple of years ago and forgot about it. TV4R is a new one I will look at too. Thanks, Doug...

[OBXNana]

What worked for us was getting a map, each day we'd get the newspaper, circle the open houses, hop in the golf cart, and went to every area of The Villages. We went to MANY open houses. We didn't put any restrictions on location of lot, village, new, existing, or model type. We went to activities in all the Town Squares. Went to several of the Rec Centers to get a feel for the crowds. We went to shopping centers by the different locations to see how convenient they would be. Before we came back to PA we each made a list of what was a must have and what was a would like to have. After 37 years, we had almost identical lists making the next step easy.

If you plan to make several trips to The Villages, stay in different areas. With the preview, you're at Sumter Landing. It's wonderful there, but you have a whole area that is open for exploration if you stay in multiple locations.

Have fun on your journey. The Villages is truly magical and a place that can't be explained in writing.

[DougandLaddi]

I usually think I am a good study but I am having trouble finding a comparison or maybe a matrix of the pluses and minuses of the different areas in TV, Something that would cover age, quality efficency and maybe shade cover and distance from .... It seems like the very stuff a Realtor would discuss during a sales speel but not finding it anywhere online or in print. Any Ideas ??

[RErmer]

To me (after 6 years of owning/2 yrs as full-timer), the primary difference in areas seems to be if you want new construction (south) or pre-owned (north). In any location you have easy access to 1 or more town squares, golf courses and shopping. Buying pre-owned can save you big $$$$ if the bond is already paid, then again you might spend as much or more on redoing a pre-owned home to your own tastes! I love TV and don't think you can go wrong, whatever choices you make.

[DougandLaddi]

Is living near the middle an advantage so easiest access to all areas, seems likely but I do not see anyone advocating it ?? What is the mileage or travel time from north to south if you find yourself in one and liking something from the opposite end on a regular basis. ? Special Thanks for replying to these newbi questions, !!!

[OBXNana]

From my view point, you won't find anything that is written in black and white. You can visit one area and see there are big lots with mature landscaping. You could fall in love with a house, but hate the noise of the golf cart path behind. You may want to be close to a town square for activities or far enough away to not hear the music. We read everything we could get our hands on. We worked with a Villages sales person and an MLS Agent. They both gave us facts and statistics. They drove us around and showed us all our options. It wasn't until we explored on our own that we could truly understand the dynamics of area to make a decision for a large investment.

[rayschic]

My wife and I are 45 and 50 but have plans to spend our winters at least in Florida starting in 5 years and TV sound like the right spot and lifestyle.

I am looking for advice on how and where to rent on weeklong vacations in TV to learn the area and see for sure if it is right for us. I really don't want to engage or waste realtors time at this early stage. What advice do you have ??

We are from southern Indiana

Doug...

The Villages has a Lifestyle Preview Plan. Check it out.
I tried to post a link to it, but the link doesn't work.
Just google "The Villages Lifestyle Preview Plan" and it should come up.
You get to stay in the Cabanas in Lake Sumter Landing for 4-7 nights for about $125 per night. You get a golf cart to ride around in and can get a real good feel for what it's like here. You get to use the pools, tennis, golf....all FREE during your stay. You'll love it.

[BritParrothead]

We have been renting on a regular basis for about 8 years now. Tried a different village and a different style home each time. Works perfectly. AND you get to meet so many wonderful folks.
In fact we are returning in July.
Where else, and what else, can you try before you buy?