Other nearby communities vs. The Villages

[JohnN]

OK, I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I'd like to stir the pot again since I've not actually bought there yet.

Interested in both PRO and CON:
Villages vs. Spruce Creek, Stonecrest, et al

My impressions:
- we don't golf, non-issue
- Villages have the great golf cart capability to get anywhere, others have to venture onto highway 27 to visit the churches, restaurants and town center shops
- Villages are higher priced for a comparable dwelling

what else strikes you? Thanks,,, J

[chuckinca]

villages gates are easier to get thru

villages has more clubs with larger membership

villages has more and bigger clubhouses and recreational facilities

villages has 60k population and will grow to 100k versus 3k - 5k for smaller communities

[pm10]

Villages has TOTV - others don't :bigthumbsup:

[rekops]

The number of clubs and activities in The Villages cannot be matched by any other nearby communities. We consider that only a plus, and was the main reason we bought here.

[redwitch]

The people! I have a friend at Stonecrest. She moved in a little over 18 months ago. It took her one year to be invited to play Mah-Jongg with the people there. She still hasn't found a bridge group. She would love to learn pinochle but no offer from Stonecrest residents. It took a long time for her neighbors to start talking to her. Now, this may be her street or whatever. It is not her because, she is a very nice, quiet woman, albeit a little shy.

Here, you're greeted almost before you've pulled in the driveway. People will even offer to help you move in, bring you dinner, etc. You're included in almost everything you want.

So, that's the biggest difference, at least to me.

[REDCART]

Our cousins in Spruce Creek South have been there more than 10 years. Although they're happy and have no plans to move, they frequently say, if they had any idea that TV would have developed the way it has over the last 10 years, they'd have bought in TV in a heartbeat. As it is, they're always in TV for one reason or another, either for the music, the restaurants, or the movies.

[bamafan]

Yes homes in the villages do cost more, but it has been said here before that the value will increase more and faster. Just look at this forum and how many are wanting to move to TV. Do they want to move to the others? NOOOOO......

[golfnut]

Like you said John you're just stirring the pot and that's OK, but for anyone trying to decide my recommendation is to visit each community you're considering and when you've done that you can make up your own mind. This is not a decision you can leave up to someone else, it will be up to you to decide. It's what we did and the decision for us was easy.

[JohnN]

golfnut, I just like perspectives, and perhaps tips that I didn't catch,

I've visited a lot of 55+ areas, but none of those near TV except TV

just a curious sort

[Village Kid 2]

Reasons I love the Villages:

1. A myriad of activities and groups with special interests.
2. I can get everywhere (activities, shopping, banking) by golf cart.
3. A large choice of pools, some where lunch can be ordered poolside.
4. A LARGE community of friends.
5. The feeling of resort living at a very reasonable cost.
6. Love the golf course view from back lanai.

Reasons a friend is buying in Stonecrest:

1. Needs a larger garage for his "toys".
2. Doesn't participate in activities except golf.
3. Likes the "pasture" he has for scenery from his back lanai.

So, I guess it just comes down to what you want for your lifestyle. The money issue seems irrelevant as both are affordable. TV just offers more of what I like and apparantly what 60,000 others like.

[handieman]

OK, call me a snob. When I drive into TV I feel like I'm entering a resort community and I'm on vacation. I'm very proud to be a Villager and I'm proud of the choice I made. I and many of my friends have been to many other retirement communities and we have found that nothing compares to the quality of life here in TV. My 60,000 plus neighbors have done a wonderfull job with their property's and all the rules and covenants have made it all work. I say "Hats Off" to the staff of TV and also to the residents, for making TV one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Handie :joke:

[Donna]

Villages has TOTV - others don't :bigthumbsup:


pm10....http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yesssmileyf.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[JohnN]

you all wouldn't let me be on the TOTV board if I lived in Spruce Creek? *sigh*
Now THAT would be a real consideration

Villages is still our choice, and about 99% likely, just trying to study and examine.
Several good points above, and my appreciation

[JohnN]

oshunluva,
www.arcadiavillage.com
manufactured home community south and inland from Sarasota
don't know anything more

[lm01]

If you need to ask this question than you should also look into

The Plantations in Leesburg and the Pringle development in Mount Dora. Both very nice but not the Villages.

[marjoy]

My husband and I are trying to sell our home in Indiana so we can move to the villages we checked out On Top of the World also but there was no comparison to the Villages. Everyone at the villages were so friendly on our 3 trips there and we can't wait to get there and start our lives as Villagers. We can't wait to move.

[Ooper]

Plain and simple... :bigthumbsup: The Villages... 040 What's not to love!!! :#1:

[chuckinca]

If you need to ask this question than you should also look into

The Plantations in Leesburg and the Pringle development in Mount Dora. Both very nice but not the Villages.


We checked out Plantations a few times. Very nice homes and very close to the Turnpike. Have to drive too far to buy a loaf of bread and/or a half gallon of milk.

[whartonjelly]

My husband and I are trying to sell our home in Indiana so we can move to the villages we checked out On Top of the World also but there was no comparison to the Villages. Everyone at the villages were so friendly on our 3 trips there and we can't wait to get there and start our lives as Villagers. We can't wait to move.
:agree: :agree:

[JohnN]

I'm about 99.9% sure it's the Villages, I just needed other perspectives
thank you all, I'll be taking a 2nd visit later this year

[graciegirl]

John? I thought you had already bought in Hadley. A Villa? There are three Johns on here and I can't keep them straight. lol

Anyway. I think Stonecrest looks a little shabby and has some WILD colored houses and junky stuff in lawns.

[uujudy]

Reasons I love the Villages:

3. A large choice of pools, some where lunch can be ordered poolside.

Wait... WHERE? That's where I want to live!
I want to order lunch poolside!
:hot: :hot: :hot: :2excited:

[poromo]

Harbor Hills offers a very upscale environment, views of the lake at very affordable prices.

[JohnN]

graciegirl,

to try to clear the confusion, I had asked the original question back in January.
We did buy in The Villages in June, there's nothing else comparable (and we did look - a lot)

and in Hemingway

[Rokinronda]

The Country Club pools serve lunch poolside. LOL They are a priority pool and costs $260 per year. The free adult and family pools you may bring your own food and drink, which is nice also, but I LOVE my pool!!! One reason we picked a house on the historic side is they have the most beautiful pool at Orange Blossom Country Club. http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj267/rokinronda/v10.jpg Almost 4 years of resort style living has been INCREDIBLE!!! There are cabanas and umbrella tables to the right of the pool and a tiki bar to the left that are not in the picture. BTW, there is a hot tub behind the waterfall!!.

[graciegirl]

graciegirl,

to try to clear the confusion, I had asked the original question back in January.
We did buy in The Villages in June, there's nothing else comparable (and we did look - a lot)

and in Hemingway


Thank heavens. I am so glad you ARE my neighbor. I hadn't realized it was an old thread.

Good for you. ...whew. I"m not as dumb as I look...What a relief.

[benj]

Rok, Ok this is new to me. There are priority pools that cost extra? I thought the country clubs where free. What other things(besides golf) are there that cost extra? Wannabe Benj

[Russ_Boston]

The country club pools are extra as Rhonda mentioned. They do come 'free' if you are a priority golf member however. With the priority golf membership you get discounts on green fees at the championship courses and it also pays for the household trail fee which you need to ride your cart on the executive courses.

You can search other threads for ideas on if the priority membership will work for you in terms of payback. You can read about the memberships here: http://golfthevillages.com/tee-times/membership.asp


In my opinion the only pool that is worth the extra is the one Rhonda mentioned. Others may have a different opinion.

[uujudy]

In my opinion the only pool that is worth the extra is the one Rhonda mentioned. Others may have a different opinion.

Wow! Rhonda, that's some pool! I think now that I want to be at Rhonda's pool! Rhonda, let's do lunch!
Do ALL the country clubs serve lunch poolside? If you pay the priority fee can you go to all the country club pools, or do you have to use the one in your own neighborhood? Are there any pools that are open after dark? Do they all have hot tubs? Can you get dinner served poolside, too? If you have houseguests can you take them to the cc pool?

Have I (yet again) managed to get off-topic? :cop:

[chuckinca]

Rhonda:

That pool is supposed to be a secret - the newbies would never think of looking in the historic side for the best pool in TV! Now you'll never be able to get a cabana.

[Rokinronda]

Chuck, I get there when they open! Its a 2 minute walk, 1 minute golf cart ride! OK, I will delete the post very very soon, promise!! I like the chat pack here right now and would enjoy meeting some at the pool! With the priority fee, all CC pools are included.

[Sidney Lanier]

We visited Stonecrest for their annual community-wide yard sale this past spring. A little more space between houses, but the houses seemed a little on the shabby side and there didn't seem to be a sense of community as we chatted with residents who were selling. The place seemed like what we in the Northeast (and possibly in other parts of the country) call a 'development' or a 'subdivision,' not a 'community.'

As far as TV is concerned, we know why we're here or want to be here. There's just no comparison, but to a great extent I'm preaching to the choir!

'-)

[chuckinca]

I would imagine it wasn't too many years ago when the people in Spruce Creek South, in their site built homes, were lookin down their noses at all the manufactured houses in TV when TV was only East of 441.

What goes around comes around

[Frangyomory]

Villages is really a close knit community. People here really watch out for each other. We have hundreds of clubs with annual fees of about $10 or less. Each Thursday you will read about a hundred or more of these clubs in the Recreation Newsletter published with the Daily Sun. There are neighborhood pools close by to almost all the homes. The recreation centers have shuffleboard, boccie, pickle ball (sp), and all other kinds of games going on all year long.

Yes, golf is the big thing and if you don't play, you never know, you just might make friends with some who do and find yourself playing a day a week at some point.

Entertainment free every night at the town center; great shopping and restaurant; getting around almost everywhere in golf carts and saving on gas.

I can't even get nearly half of the wonder of living here. I don't think if everyone posted just their favorite things we would hit everything that is great about the Villages. We have been here three years and while I do get irked from time to time I have NEVER regretted moving here.

I found a great church; an excellent doctor and wonderful friends. Can't ask for more.

[Bryant]

uujudy: To the best of my knowledge, all the country club pools serve lunch; don't know about dinner. Once you are a priority member, you can go to all of them and your guests as well. When the guest pass is scanned, it shows they are a guest of a priority member. I joined priority pool just so I can take my guests to the Orange Blossom Pool. It is the most beautiful in the Villages and the water appears to be a little cooler than the other pools. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The bathrooms and locker rooms are in desperate need of updating.

[chuckinca]

uujudy: To the best of my knowledge, all the country club pools serve lunch; don't know about dinner. Once you are a priority member, you can go to all of them and your guests as well. When the guest pass is scanned, it shows they are a guest of a priority member. I joined priority pool just so I can take my guests to the Orange Blossom Pool. It is the most beautiful in the Villages and the water appears to be a little cooler than the other pools. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The bathrooms and locker rooms are in desperate need of updating.



Why can't the Developer build a pool complex better than Orange Blossom that was built maybe 20 years ago?

[Muncle]

Villages is really a close knit community. People here really watch out for each other. We have hundreds of clubs with annual fees of about $10 or less. Each Thursday you will read about a hundred or more of these clubs in the Recreation Newsletter published with the Daily Sun. There are neighborhood pools close by to almost all the homes. The recreation centers have shuffleboard, boccie, pickle ball (sp), and all other kinds of games going on all year long.

Yes, golf is the big thing and if you don't play, you never know, you just might make friends with some who do and find yourself playing a day a week at some point.

Entertainment free every night at the town center; great shopping and restaurant; getting around almost everywhere in golf carts and saving on gas.

I can't even get nearly half of the wonder of living here. I don't think if everyone posted just their favorite things we would hit everything that is great about the Villages. We have been here three years and while I do get irked from time to time I have NEVER regretted moving here.

I found a great church; an excellent doctor and wonderful friends. Can't ask for more.


Fran calls it perfectly. After my 3 years here, I still find myself almost in awe that I stumbled into this wonderful place. Yeah, like Fran said, we all get irked about the little stuff on occasion, but it pales by comparison to what we have. Walk along the boardwalk at LSL around sunset and when you look at the forethought and detail of what we've stepped into, you cannot help but be amazed. Drive the length of Buena Vista and look at the landscaping. Look around and remember that this was not forest, it was pasture land, and look at the giant moss covered trees that were saved. Look at the acres and acres of wetlands and other green in a "housing development" of 70,000 people, areas that support our friendly gators, the gorgeous and quirky sandhill cranes, and plethora of other birds that seem so alien to a midwestern/DC boy like me.

I sure am lucky that back in 2003, someone mentioned to me a strange "retirement" place called The Villages and I followed up on my investigation. Oh, and did I mention that the vast, vast majority of the people I've met here have been just superb, and I've been lucky enough to make some of the best friends I've had in my life.

[uujudy]

uujudy: To the best of my knowledge, all the country club pools serve lunch; don't know about dinner. Once you are a priority member, you can go to all of them and your guests as well. When the guest pass is scanned, it shows they are a guest of a priority member. I joined priority pool just so I can take my guests to the Orange Blossom Pool. It is the most beautiful in the Villages and the water appears to be a little cooler than the other pools. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The bathrooms and locker rooms are in desperate need of updating.


Bryant, thanks for answering my many questions. Once I become a priority member I could schedule lunch at a different country club pool each day! Now I need to find a house for us that has very wide halls -- because with all that poolside eating, I'll be getting wider every day! ;)

[Lil Dancer]

As others have mentioned, the clubs and socializing opportunties are much greater in TV than in Spruce Creek for example. I take art classes at TV Learning College, and its just a 5 minute drive in my golf cart. They do allow outsiders to fill in on the classes after residents have a chance to register, and I remember there was a lady from Spruce creek in one of the classes - she had to pay more money and of course it was probably a half hour drive in her car to get to each class. So there is the convenience factor as well.

Also to consider is facility maintenance. The Villages has very new facilities - the rec rooms and pools are beautiful and seem to be maintained very well. I don't think the facilities at the other communities compare.

But if you don't think you'll use those facilities or join clubs for example, no use paying for that priviledge. The homes are cheaper with nicer lots at the other developments.

[Best Mom]

We looked at homes in "Top of the World " yesterday. It is like comparing apples and oranges. It is much smaller and quieter. The homes are site built and large with a great deal of space. Tons of trees and plants native to the area. They only use energy efficient appliances. They also have only native plants that conserve water. The indoor/outdoor pools were hugh and very well kept. The exercise equipment is new and all this is included with your amenity fee.

Everyone we talked to that lives there now were past Villagers. The theme seemed to be it- was less crowded and no traffic or problem getting to use any facilities. Woodworking club was very active and cheap to join. It has a large Fine Arts building with professional broadway troops coming in. "Annie" was coming. They have classes taught in an education building.

Every window you looked out had trees and squirrels, rabbits, etc.
Beautiful views for everybody. No houses back to back. Beautiful well kept public facilities. They say you can go everywhere on a golf cart except for one small area. You use the real city of Ocala for most your shopping etc.

Now before I get bashed and beat up again...this is NOT SAYING ANYTHING BAD about The Villages. It all depends on what a person likes. They are just very different. One is small and quiet. One is big and has alot activity and people. So I won't get bashed for not responding...I am going to be gone all day. Let's just say I hope I won't get bashed. :)

[jadebox]

To survive the new communities outside TV need to be better and better to even come near competing with TV. I have seen this as the years go by. Top of the World and Arlington Ridge are two of these. Ask the people who live in most of the places outside where they take out of town visitors and they still will say The Villages.

[Indy-Guy]

One comment has been made that I often hear. That is that other communities near The Villages have many people living there that have moved from The Villages. I don't doubt that this happens I just wonder if it happens with the frequency that I hear. If you visit another community they always say that people are moving into their community from The Villages.

I have owned in The Villages for 3 years and have lived here full time for going on two years. I don't know anyone who has sold their place in The Villages and moved to a community near The Villages and I don't know anyone who knows someone who has moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages.

Perhaps I have lived a sheltered life. I am asking are there people out their who know someone who has moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages? Are there people out there who have moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages.

[jadebox]

One comment has been made that I often hear. That is that other communities near The Villages have many people living there that have moved from The Villages. I don't doubt that this happens I just wonder if it happens with the frequency that I hear. If you visit another community they always say that people are moving into their community from The Villages.

I have owned in The Villages for 3 years and have lived here full time for going on two years. I don't know anyone who has sold their place in The Villages and moved to a community near The Villages and I don't know anyone who knows someone who has moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages.

Perhaps I have lived a sheltered life. I am asking are there people out their who know someone who has moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages? Are there people out there who have moved from The Villages to a community near The Villages.



We have been here 7+ years and have meet many many people. No one is a stranger to me. I too have never known anyone to move from here to another community. When we were looking for a place to retire we went to Solvita and the sales person told us they were selling almost all their houses to disgrumbled Villagers. They were on the phone to me at least weekly trying to get us to buy there. The Villages only called once and that was to tell us one of the houses we told him we liked was available. I am sure some have moved but not very many. Most moving from here are going back home or dying.

[Best Mom]

You are right. I agree.
TOW is a small place compared to here. Small town vs city. Different people like different things.
We talked to three people in the indoor pool. My point is these 3 wanted a less busy, less crowded, development and all had been Villagers. They said that others were like them. :dontknow:
I say again-everybody is different and I am not knocking "the Villages".

[samhass]

TOW sounds lovely. TV is not the only place in the world. It's just our choice for this time in our lives. In the future..who knows??? :)

[KayakerNC]

Thank heavens. I am so glad you ARE my neighbor. I hadn't realized it was an old thread.
Good for you. ...whew. I"m not as dumb as I look...What a relief.

I'm not as dumb as I look either......but my wife explained that nobody could be as dumb as I looked. :dontknow:

[Rokinronda]

GG, you opened up Pandora's Box!! lol
TOW sounds lovely. TV is not the only place in the world. It's just our choice for this time in our lives. In the future..who knows??? :)
SAM, You are not going anywhere! Unless you buy a cruise ship and travel the world! Just the disgruntled move!! Some want small and quiet? There are plenty of choices. I want to LIVE!. Be busy! Join groups, learn new things, meet lots of people... In TV you may go everywhere by golf cart. Grocery stores, (4 different markets), a plethora of stores and restaurants, adult or family pool choices, executive GOLF courses (how many)?? HOW MANY championship courses? I have tried golf and like it, just don't have much time, yet. Miles upon miles of golf cart trails to the most gorgeous recreation centers, on beautiful clean paths, doctors, wellness center, HOSPITAL, lakeside boardwalk, clubs, wildlife sanctuaries, recreation centers. I believe many people just want to do nothing when they get older except act old. Stay in, cook, read books, watch TV, go to the pool. I want to feel young! I am in awe that our beautiful town squares have special gatherings on holidays for families and folks living anywhere, Plantations, Harbor Hills, TOTW, and a hundred others. AND daily entertainment. When those living in the other communities have their driving privileges revoked, how will they get to TV for their fun? If they take my golf cart privileges away, I can walk! If I can't walk, I'll call a taxi. And if you live here and can't get somewhere call me and I'll take ya! Thats the friendliness!!! I can go on and on about what other communities are missing. But then again, I also want the gates closed. Actually, golf cart parking only would actually be a big improvement in TV for the residents. This could be around all the SQUARES and close streets, with parking lots for Visiting cars! ........Oh well. 1 question, what will all those other communities folks do without drivers licenses?? To me , I have much peace of mind knowing I can be independent and as busy or not that I want.

[samhass]

Ronda, I so agree.LOL. I love it here and have no intentions of moving. If others care to move elsewhere, then I wish them the very best. there is no need to live here if you find a place that suits you more.
I'm just saying that things chage in our lives. It's amazing. I never thought I would live in Florida. Who knows where we'll all be before departing our bodies forever. I hope it will always be TV for me..but it could be .... :dontknow: Tahiti???

[Russ_Boston]

Easy answer - They don't need to. People are buying anyway. No need to entice with pool complexes that may be more costly to build and upkeep.

[Barefoot]

I believe many people just want to do nothing when they get older except act old. Stay in, cook, read books, watch TV, go to the pool.

Oh dear, Ronda. I love to read books, swim at the pool, and I watch The View every day. Ulp. It never occurred to me that I was acting old! Does it count that I've never used my stove and hate to cook? I eat out almost nightly? That I dance by myself whenever I hear a song that I love?

Seriously Ronda, I know what you mean. I feel much younger when I'm in TV than I do anywhere else. Everything about the TV lifestyle fills me with glee. :clap2:

[efrahin]

I just wonder: If there are so many people who hate cooking; how comes that there are so many cooking shows on TV.

[efrahin]

In this case TV=Television

[ConeyIsBabe]

ronda..... ronda..... ronda.......... That pic you posted of Orange Blossom Country Club pool is AWESOME !! What's the name of the nearest village ?????? (Orange Blossom??) That's where I wanna live ;D ;D

In fact, it gave me an idea for a new topic (Swimming Pools).

[Lil Dancer]

We looked at homes in "Top of the World " yesterday. It is like comparing apples and oranges. It is much smaller and quieter. The homes are site built and large with a great deal of space. Tons of trees and plants native to the area. They only use energy efficient appliances. They also have only native plants that conserve water. The indoor/outdoor pools were hugh and very well kept. The exercise equipment is new and all this is included with your amenity fee.

Everyone we talked to that lives there now were past Villagers. The theme seemed to be it- was less crowded and no traffic or problem getting to use any facilities. Woodworking club was very active and cheap to join. It has a large Fine Arts building with professional broadway troops coming in. "Annie" was coming. They have classes taught in an education building.

Every window you looked out had trees and squirrels, rabbits, etc.
Beautiful views for everybody. No houses back to back. Beautiful well kept public facilities. They say you can go everywhere on a golf cart except for one small area. You use the real city of Ocala for most your shopping etc.

Now before I get bashed and beat up again...this is NOT SAYING ANYTHING BAD about The Villages. It all depends on what a person likes. They are just very different. One is small and quiet. One is big and has alot activity and people. So I won't get bashed for not responding...I am going to be gone all day. Let's just say I hope I won't get bashed. :)


I think most people are smart enough to realize that praising another community doesn't automatically mean you are bashing The Villages. Thanks for sharing the info, Best Mom. How were the prices of homes at Top of the World compared to TV? How about the golf course(es)?

I know one thing my husband likes about TV is the swim team. It has college level coaches, and they go and compete all over the state. There are swim practices 3 times a week. i can't image other communities having such a terrific swim program. I understand other sports in TV operate in a similiar manner - the running club, for example. Again, not to take away from Top of the World, it just depends on what you are looking for.

[Peggy D]

RR,

WOW, that is some pool! Have to check it out the next time we are in TV
(the secret is out!)

We looked into some other 55+ communities. Can't remember the names off-hand, but I do know most of them were land-leased (why so affordable) I do believe Plantations was one of them, but I might be wrong.

I knoe TV is not a land-lease deal.

[chuckinca]

Aerial View of Orange Blossom Pool:



http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1 dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=s&lat=28.950784&lon=-81.946336&zoom=19&q1=The%20vilalges%2C%20fl

[chelsea24]

Ronda, I completely agree with you.

And Fumar! :bow: Love your post! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :#1:

[gfmucci]

For us, TV is a resort community - a land lubber's cruise ship. Other developments, as nice as they may be, are subdivisions with amenties.

Examples:

Our interests are card games, model trains, tennis, and band. I went to an excellent FREE tennis clinic yesterday - it is given every week. I will be joining one of two 100+ piece bands - and maybe form a woodwind quartet. My wife will be participating in several of umpteen versions of Canasta. I have joined a model train club the has over 60 members catering to N, HO, O, and G-scale model trains.

To us, the scale of the community was important. You can't have these kinds of choices with just several hundred homes. Compared to most other retirement communities, The Villages is like living in an amenity rich larger city compared to living in a quiet country town. Yet the country is just a couple miles outside our gates.

[graciegirl]

For us, TV is a resort community - a land lubber's cruise ship. Other developments, as nice as they may be, are subdivisions with amenties.

Examples:

Our interests are card games, model trains, tennis, and band. I went to an excellent FREE tennis clinic yesterday - it is given every week. I will be joining one of two 100+ piece bands - and maybe form a woodwind quartet. My wife will be participating in several of umpteen versions of Canasta. I have joined a model train club the has over 60 members catering to N, HO, O, and G-scale model trains.

To us, the scale of the community was important. You can't have these kinds of choices with just several hundred homes. Compared to most other retirement communities, The Villages is like living in an amenity rich larger city compared to living in a quiet country town. Yet the country is just a couple miles outside our gates.


:agree: :agree:GF

Today I went to a painting class at Colony Cottage for ONE dollar. I learned two things straight off that I did NOT know. I had an absolutely fabulous time. My first art lesson since high school. I was absolutely floating on cloud nine when I left. There were about 60 participants there. They will meet every Thursday. sigh. I have to go home again on Wednesday.

[KYTeacher]

Aerial View of Orange Blossom Pool:



http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1 dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=s&lat=28.950784&lon=-81.946336&zoom=19&q1=The%20vilalges%2C%20fl


Hi - I have been reading for several weeks now, learning much about the place - we have stopped by for several one day trips while traveling south visiting family. Have not found time to schedule a lifestyle tour yet, but like what we have seen (and read) so far. I have attempted to map addresses of several homes but never been able to get any positive results inside TV. Since you did this for the pool - can you share how?

Thanks very much - KYTeacher

[chuckinca]

KYTeacher:

I didn't know the address of the pool. Got on Yahoo Maps and entered "The Villages, FL"
then scrolled over to the pool (I know where it is) and zoomed in. Then highlighted the internet address and copied it, then pasted it to the message.

I have entered specific TV addresses in Yahoo Maps and it works.

Have you tried Zillow.com and searched TV? There are many listings on Zillow.

[samhass]

Gracie girl said "I have to go home again on Wednesday."

Gracie..you are home!! I say the same thing about Pa when we go back and forth. This is really my home now, though. I love it!

[sidbforever]

villages has 60k population and will grow to 100k


That is a con unless you are wanting to get lost in the shuffle of things. I hear the size of TheVillages doesn't interfere with the number of people "hooking up". :o

[ConeyIsBabe]

villages has 60k population and will grow to 100k


That is a con unless you are wanting to get lost in the shuffle of things. I hear the size of TheVillages doesn't interfere with the number of people "hooking up". :o


HUH ???

[Barefoot]

villages has 60k population and will grow to 100k


That is a con unless you are wanting to get lost in the shuffle of things. I hear the size of TheVillages doesn't interfere with the number of people "hooking up". :o


Sid, not sure ... what is a con about a growing population? :dontknow:

I guess the number of hook-ups grows as the population increases.
You're welcome.

[jeffy]

My mother lived in Ocala Palms. She and six other families moved to Hot Springs Village in Arkansas ( the one that the guy from "Chips" hawks on tv infomercials ) The couple that they bought their home from in Arkansas was selling to move to the Villages. This was just months after we had bought here in TV.

Well they hated the total lack of things to do or places to eat or shop. It is just the opposite of TV. They decided to move back to central fla. I tried my hardest to get them into TV but they decided on Stonecrest due to the fact that they could get a large half acre lot and the home was about 25k cheaper than a comparable in TV. That was this past october. After 3 months they put their home on the market. They hated their neighbors and all the yard work they had (watering, cutting, and gophers). Oddly enough the people that they bought from in Stonecrest were ALSO moving to TV. House has now been on the market for 7 months with 0 offers.

I am sure that many people love the other communities. I am sure I probably would have been one of them if I hadnt seen TV first.

jeffy

[njgranny]

I don't think it matters that there are thousands of people in TV (not in a negative way, I mean). There's so much to do and, if you don't want to do anything, you don't have to do anything. I agree with the person who said it's like being on a cruise ship vacation 24/7 - 365 days of the year.

Can't wait until we can get there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!