Where to buy????

[The O's]

We will finally be in TV on June 1st. Then the decisions will begin. We are wondering where, in TV, the best location to buy will be? i.e. North of 466, South of 466, South of 466A. We realize this will be our preference, but we are wondering.....if you could do it all over again, where would you buy, now that TV has grown. Thanks in advance. Bob & Janie

[RErmer]

All of the following is just my opinion, and I know others will chime in with equally valid POVs: There are pluses (and very few minuses) for anywhere in TV. We're North of 466 (Glenbrook) & like the fact that we're about equidistant between Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing, though getting to Brownwood is a chore. Big plus for North is that you will get a resale, which saves you $ in that the bond will likely be low if not paid off. Then again, a new home is always nice - no renovations needed.

[Bonnevie]

if I had it to do again, I would look for something in Tall Trees, Winifred, Belvedere....that area. It has great proximity to stores, restaurants...you can really do everything by golf cart (in fact I recently met someone who lives in that area and does not own a car) and it not too far from LSL and Spanish Springs though would be a hike to Brownwood. but the convenience of close by pharmacies, publix, walmart, banks, the high school where the Lifelone Learning college is....lots of pluses.
seems like I'm always driving up there to get something

[buggyone]

I live in Glenbrook which is great. Homes are available with little or no bond. Other great neighborhoods are Virginia Trace, Mallory Hill, Bonneybrook, and even Lake Sumter Landing.

The bonds of $24,000 to $50,000 in the area below 466A really turns me off especially when there is no negotiation in price for a new house.

[JMEZARIC3]

if I had it to do again, I would look for something in Tall Trees, Winifred, Belvedere....that area. It has great proximity to stores, restaurants...you can really do everything by golf cart (in fact I recently met someone who lives in that area and does not own a car) and it not too far from LSL and Spanish Springs though would be a hike to Brownwood. but the convenience of close by pharmacies, publix, walmart, banks, the high school where the Lifelone Learning college is....lots of pluses.
seems like I'm always driving up there to get something
I vote for Lynnhaven,Bonnybrook,Ashland and Belvedere.Two rec centers,one with 3 executive courses and the four pools are only five minutes apart by golf cart.Sumter Landing is 12 minutes by golf cart.
My other choices were Va Trace and and Caroline But I settled on Lynnhaven for the shopping.

[Happydaz]

My recommendation is to choose a house in one of the new sections. Everyone is new and you can make friends easily. Don't worry about travel times to places you might not go very often after Brownwood is completed. There are many stores and a new Publix going in soon so you won't have to wait long for convenient shopping, Moving into an established area means you have to try to break into existing social groups. If you have friends elsewhere in The Villages this may not be that critical for you, but then you probably wouldn't have asked this question if that were the case. We moved into a new neighborhood and have been extremely happy with our decision. One neighbor of ours moved down from another Village up north because their neighbors were not very friendly.

[Villageshooter]

well, lets jusy say with the huge sinkhole, i am sure the r some real bargins in buttonwood! just my opinion now: people north of 466 are trying to stay alive, south of 466 are living, south of 466a are still in awe of this place! these are not 100% just my obsevations! when u move in a new place evrybody is in the same boat looking to make new friends,,, established areas others have there lives established sometimes they will include u somtimes they dont, kind a crap shoot, but there are many ways u can carve your own life and live a very wonderful life here in your golden years

[DougB]

My village can beat up your village!
:22yikes:

[gomoho]

Oh yeah, well mine is bigger than yours!!! Drive around, talk to people, and decide what feel right. We all think we live in the best place in The Villages 'cause it's where we call home and have made friends. We moved into a 4 year old neighborhood and were welcomed with open arms. I have heard of new places where no one comes out. See what feels right for you and you won't go wrong.

[buggyone]

well, lets jusy say with the huge sinkhole, i am sure the r some real bargins in buttonwood! just my opinion now: people north of 466 are trying to stay alive, south of 466 are living, south of 466a are still in awe of this place! these are not 100% just my obsevations! when u move in a new place evrybody is in the same boat looking to make new friends,,, established areas others have there lives established sometimes they will include u somtimes they dont, kind a crap shoot, but there are many ways u can carve your own life and live a very wonderful life here in your golden years

I have several friends who all in to a brand new community at the same time. It was like a tight knit community and as soon as one person told another, it was all over the community in one day.

Too nosey and gossipy!

I moved in at the same time to an established village. Friendly neighbors and helpful but not intrusive.

[rockyisle]

We rented for 6 months before purchasing our pre-owned home in Bonnybrook. Living in TV in a rental for that long gave us a good sense shopping, golfing, proximity to the things we like to do. We decided to focus our attention on the Winifred/Bonnybrook area and were very fortunate to find just what we wanted. Beyond our close proximity to all things on 466 and LSL, we lucked out with a fabulous neighborhood. Don't believe people when they say you will not be able to infiltrate an established neighborhood - not true for us.
No matter where you buy, we hope you will be as happy as we are 4 years later.

[ValerieJo]

Subscribing to this thread.

[The O's]

Sold the House - Check
Arranged for TV Rental (June and July) - Check
Closed on House - Check
Moved out of House (things we didn't give away went into storage) - Check
Living in Local Hotel (until medical commitments are completed at end of May) - Check
Looking at a lot of houses on line and dreaming - Ongoing

I guess things are going great, still. Can't wait to head South.

[eweissenbach]

Agree that no place in TV is bad. Personally, I would not care to be in the northwest or northeast, but there are certainly compelling arguments for both. We stayed in Summerhill once for a month and loved the location, proximity to shopping and restaurants, easy to get to Sumter and SS, but not as convenient to executive courses as some locations. We have stayed the last three years in Hemingway, and love the location, close to 15 executive courses, just off Canal, which is the most convenient street in TV, and close to Colony and Pinellas Plaza, with good access to all three squares. If I were ready to buy, I would focus on south of 466 and north of 466A, with my preference being Va. Trace, Sable Chase, Largo, Bonita, Hemingway, and Duval. JMHO

[Villageshooter]

THIS IS JUST MY Opinion. I am sure others will have differing, i understand that,,

North of 466 is much older crowd,,, lots of folks that came here long time ago,, some very unhappy bout all the construction in the south,, this area has become the redheaded step child of the villages,, ,,,, they have real problems at Spanish Spring Square with smokers and alcohol ,, there is a cop EVERY night! they have pumped LOTS $$$ into SS square trying to get the thing rolling again.. the church on the square spent lots of money to get folks to come back north.... they have upgraded the square last summer... whenever there is a any type special event, they really try to make sure SS gets it make folks come back, no bonds on most of the units

South of 466 ,,,, the thing that is said ,, north of 466 folks are trying to stay alive,, south of 466 they are living.... Most of the current activity is in this area,, Most sinkholes are in this area or at least is seems that way,,, if you buy used in this area it is hit an miss as to the neighborhood,, most folks have established friends ,, even tho this i Americas friendliest hometown,, it can be difficult for some to break into some social circles in the established areas. will be some bonds,, most will be paid down somewhat

South of 466a,, this all new within the last 4-5 years,, many are younger and looking for a real party time, are still developing social circles and friends.me and my bride love to roam the area at nite we get pulled over to come to the party many times, we have made some great friends this way. there are many rentals of folks who are planning on retiring here. or have latched on to an investment and will turn them for a tidy profit in the future. Brownwood is a real cross cut of the area, there have been issues with outsiders bring in snakes, and other things that disrupt the atmosphere. There is a police station on the square for a reason, (no there are not any donut shop around). The Morris family will not let the square fail! This is the future , they have just purchased a HUGE area for future development that will DOUBLE the size of the local town, (long term residents of the area are NOT happy bout this!), bonds in this area are out the roof,, most of these buyers have the $$ so they set the prices higher here.
To be honest every area has it plus and minus. all in all it is a great place, no it is not a cult, if you talk bad about be prepared to defend yourself or just wilt away. folks will defend there area, and that is there right, just as i can give you one persons perception You know what they say a bout getting a contest with skunk!
Enjoy.. hope this helps

[dewilson58]

My recommendation is to choose a house in one of the new sections. Everyone is new and you can make friends easily. Don't worry about travel times to places you might not go very often after Brownwood is completed. There are many stores and a new Publix going in soon so you won't have to wait long for convenient shopping, Moving into an established area means you have to try to break into existing social groups. If you have friends elsewhere in The Villages this may not be that critical for you, but then you probably wouldn't have asked this question if that were the case. We moved into a new neighborhood and have been extremely happy with our decision. One neighbor of ours moved down from another Village up north because their neighbors were not very friendly.

Agree

[rdhdleo]

Just another opinion.... We live North of 466, we moved there when there was nothing almost 12 years ago. I guess I don't understand the statement about those north of 466 are trying to stay alive??? Really? also the statement were "older" again, Really? We're in our mid 60's, we don't need to "try" and stay alive we are very much alive! Houses in my area when they do become available sell fast! We have always welcomed newcomers with open arms, we are active and friendly. Once you know your way around it's very easy to get anywhere both by car and golf cart. We're away from the congestion, houses here if they have a bond it is very low and many have beautiful mature landscaping and houses have been upgraded. I think anywhere in The Villages if fine, don't assume anything about any location, you'll find nice people everywhere as well as no so nice people. It all depends on what you're looking for. Enjoy yourself as you search for your new home. Do what's right for you. Best of luck to you!

[peteg]

Previous comments generally answer your question - almost anywhere in TV is great.

If you are not yet committed to a location why not try renting in a couple of areas to get a feel of that area.

Wherever you choose odds on it will be a great choice

[Jim 9922]

My village can beat up your village!
:22yikes:
Yah, but mine would win!:loco:!

Each has its own advantages, but 2 things to consider about the new areas;
1. North of 466 is a lot closer the the "good" off site stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Kohls, etc
2. The new areas are being crafted from cleared open farm land and for the most part there are no trees or shade anywhere except for some newly planted trees, mostly quick growing palms which provide no shade. (Including the golf courses). Now that the Summer has come, the new areas are really going to "cook" all day long for the next 5 months. If you don't believe me just drive around those areas in your golf cart for an hour or so at noon or early afternoon.


I wouldn't get too hung up on the "age" thing. The 10-15 year old neighborhoods are turning over to "younger ages" as people downsize or move on in life. There seems to a be a pretty good age mix of people in all the recreational facilities that I participate at. I've found that down here quality of the neighbors is more important than than the age.

[Billyworld]

I think Virginia Trace is the best location in TV. We can walk to Too Jays in seven minutes from our house. When your at the square and get stuck in the rain, we are home in 5 minutes or less (in the cart). When driving a cart at night, there is a danger factor with oncoming headlights glaring through the plexiglass windshields that makes driving a challenge. LSL will always be the best square( my opinion and many others).LSL has the most bars, dining facilities, the lake to stroll around and a grocery store. All in walking distance. The only thing it is missing is the Ocean. I will have my house for sale at the end of this year as I am moving back to Volusia County to lay on the beach and fish the Lagoon. Anyone looking for a Lantana with a 27 foot extension on the golf cart garage(43 feet long) that is air conditioned, please pm me. You won't find another house like mine.

[revkev]

OK, so I'm new to do this forum, and still dreaming of moving south (out of Minnesnota). So I am sorry to ask a question that the answer may be well know to all of you.

Where is this that the poster was talking about?
"This is the future , they have just purchased a HUGE area for future development that will DOUBLE the size of the local town".

Thank you,

[Shimpy]

well, lets jusy say with the huge sinkhole, i am sure the r some real bargins in buttonwood! just my opinion now

Seems every sinkhole I've heard about in TV was at a home on a golfcourse.

[Villageshooter]

OK, so I'm new to do this forum, and still dreaming of moving south (out of Minnesnota). So I am sorry to ask a question that the answer may be well know to all of you.

Where is this that the poster was talking about?
"This is the future , they have just purchased a HUGE area for future development that will DOUBLE the size of the local town".

Thank you,

it is fruitland,,, there will be monster size area there ,, the locals are facing being swallowed up! sure will bring tons of tax dollars, with all the yuppies retiring this will be a major change for those who have been here for generations now these yupps parachute in!

[slipcovers]

it is fruitland,,, there will be monster size area there ,, the locals are facing being swallowed up! sure will bring tons of tax dollars, with all the yuppies retiring this will be a major change for those who have been here for generations now these yupps parachute in!

Don't think "Yuppies" are anywhere near retirement years. You must mean "baby boomers".

[njbchbum]

There is no need to consider the original site of The Villages on the north end if you are not interested in mature landscaping, larger homesites, no bond payment, no traffic, easy walking/biking terrain, a lack of cookie cutter homes, convenient access to executive and 18 hole golf courses, no traffic, an active recreation center and two great adult pools [one with a rare villages hot tub], living amongst the legacy generation that is inheriting homes from their parents, a great dog park and new neighborhood park, did I mention no traffic, convenience to all the shopping one could want in LaPlaza Grand or Spanish Springs home of our own Dunkin' Donuts and the resident/guest only Katie Bell's, easy peasy access to the highway and its necessity shopping and restaurants and I hope I mentioned no traffic. Contrary to some beliefs there are site built homes located there along with the manufactured homes - some have golf course views or water views; and you can still see just a few of the original single-wide homes that are the foundation of The Villages. You can get home insurance for a manufactured home at a most reasonable cost; I can't remember if there was ever a sinkhole on that side; and there is no traffic to deal with. Taking your golf cart over the golf cart bridge is a bit daunting at first - but like an amusement park ride after a while!

And regarding making acquaintenances and new friends in ANY neighborhood...walk your street and hand neighbors an invite to your driveway party - just remind them to bring their own chairs! You will soon be a most popular neighbor, part of a golf foursome or a partner for pickleball!

[mickey100]

Take a look at a Villages Map, and check out homes in a central area. That would include Caroline, Mallory, Bonneybrook, Ashland, and so on. Anything in the perimeter around Sumter Landing is in the center of The Villages. You'll be close to shopping, golf courses, pools, and within a golf cart ride to all 3 town squares. And because they are pre-owned homes, there will be either no bond or a reduced bond.

[Barefoot]

if I had it to do again, I would look for something in Tall Trees, Winifred, Belvedere....that area. It has great proximity to stores, restaurants...you can really do everything by golf cart (in fact I recently met someone who lives in that area and does not own a car) and it not too far from LSL and Spanish Springs though would be a hike to Brownwood. but the convenience of close by pharmacies, publix, walmart, banks, the high school where the Lifelone Learning college is....lots of pluses.
seems like I'm always driving up there to get something

I vote for mid-Villages, not too far north or too far south.

We've owned two houses in the area that Bonnevie described, just south of CR 466. We love the location.

No worries about buying in an older area .. there are always new people moving in all the time.

[2BNTV]

Things to consider:
1. Most peopleprefer to be near shopping, doctors, rec centers etc, as one does not go the squares too frquently, after a few months.
2. There are sections north and south of 466 around Buena Vista Blvd that can you get to both squares easily. Brownwood will always be a hike, unless you buy new, and near to Brownwood. Then it's hike to the big box stores, and the other two squares.
3. I live in Alhambra, near The Savannah Center, and find it very convenient to everything. One gate to come in and out of and no through traffic.
4. If you like it deadly quiet, with no traffic, go to the northern most part of TV.
5. The historic section has close proximatity to SS, shopping, doctors etc and is near 441 where all the big box stores are.

There is no such thing as a bad section, so look and see what appeals to you. :smiley:

[DougB]

Seems every sinkhole I've heard about in TV was at a home on a golfcourse.

Those aren't sinkholes. Haven't you heard? They are widening the holes to make the game easier.

[njbchbum]

Things to consider:
snipped
4. If you like it deadly quiet, with no traffic, go to the northern most part of TV.
5. The historic section has close proximatity to SS, shopping, doctors etc and is near 441 where all the big box stores are.

There is no such thing as a bad section, so look and see what appeals to you. :smiley:

Deadly quiet?!?! Joe - You obviously have not visited the Paradise rec center, Hilltop/Webb Way pools, softball field, dog park and the brick & mortar post office building! Even the shell gas station is a hopping place when they lower the price of gas by a few cents! And once the lighting has been updated at our adult pools - they will be open late again! :)

And those who used to frequent the Orange Blossom bar & restaurant were anything BUT deadly or quiet! ;)

[buggyone]

I would vote for a home somewhere by Lake Sumter Landing such as Mallory Hill or Virginia Trace. Great established area and close to most things.

Remember that MOST of the recent spate of break-ins and burglaries have taken place South of 466A or on the edges of The Villages. Buy a pre-owned home in the interior, water view or golf front, lanai east facing, negotiate price, low bond, golf cart garage, and you will be happy.

Use BOTH a Villages agent and MLS agent as neither can show each others homes.

[Villageshooter]

I would vote for a home somewhere by Lake Sumter Landing such as Mallory Hill or Virginia Trace. Great established area and close to most things.

Remember that MOST of the recent spate of break-ins and burglaries have taken place South of 466A or on the edges of The Villages. Buy a pre-owned home in the interior, water view or golf front, lanai east facing, negotiate price, low bond, golf cart garage, and you will be happy.

Use BOTH a Villages agent and MLS agent as neither can show each others homes.

great advice,,,,

[CFrance]

My village can beat up your village!
:22yikes:
My village is an honor roll student.

[dewilson58]

Don't think "Yuppies" are anywhere near retirement years. You must mean "baby boomers".

I resemble that comment.

[ValerieJo]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but still trying to get my bearings of things around here while searching the real estate sites.

Are the towns of Lady Lake and Leesburg part of The Villages or are they separate towns?

Thanks for any help.

[OldManTime]

If you have unlimited resources, buy anywhere in Sumter County

[buggyone]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but still trying to get my bearings of things around here while searching the real estate sites.

Are the towns of Lady Lake and Leesburg part of The Villages or are they separate towns?

Thanks for any help.

The Villages does incorporate a little bit of Lady Lake in the Rio Grande area. The Villages is not any part of Leesburg. Other little towns nearby are Fruitland Park, Wildwood, and Oxford and The Villages does go into them a little.

Personally, I would suggest staying toward the interior parts of The Villages.

[jblum315]

I'm perfectly happy to be in Hemingway. I think it was the newest village when I bought in 2009 and it still feels new. Convenient to 301 and the turnpike and to 441.

[njbchbum]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but still trying to get my bearings of things around here while searching the real estate sites.

Are the towns of Lady Lake and Leesburg part of The Villages or are they separate towns?

Thanks for any help.

The Villages does incorporate a little bit of Lady Lake in the Rio Grande area. The Villages is not any part of Leesburg. Other little towns nearby are Fruitland Park, Wildwood, and Oxford and The Villages does go into them a little.

Personally, I would suggest staying toward the interior parts of The Villages.

In addition to what buggyone shared...the neighborhoods of the historic side of the villages are pretty much all in the town of Lady Lake; as are the neighborhoods of Mira Mesa, La Reynalda, Valle Verde and La Zamora [inside the El Cortez gate]; and there are lovely homes in each of those areas. Best of all - they are close to the main post office that serves the villages and there is a brick/mortat sub-station a golf cart ride away from the homes there!

[janmcn]

In addition to what buggyone shared...the neighborhoods of the historic side of the villages are pretty much all in the town of Lady Lake; as are the neighborhoods of Mira Mesa, La Reynalda, Valle Verde and La Zamora [inside the El Cortez gate]; and there are lovely homes in each of those areas. Best of all - they are close to the main post office that serves the villages and there is a brick/mortat sub-station a golf cart ride away from the homes there!


And the best part is there are no bonds attached to the homes in Lake County, ie Lady Lake. The town of Lady Lake provides the police protection for that section including the Spanish Springs town square area.

[Steve & Deanna]

Please take your time and shop to see where you want to be near for shops, squares, restaurants etc.As previously posted, we were quite happy in the Ashland, Bonnybrook, Lynnhaven area however there is no bad place to buy in The Villages. It is all 'pride of home ownership' here. Patience and enjoy and best of luck to you.

[mrbgull]

ALL is sooo Good