I am coming to TV on 11/10 to look at properties. Where are some good locations?

[tekcormn]

I am coming there Nov 10 thru the 14th from Minnesota to look at properties to buy.
Where is the ideal location that is close to all the attractions and activities.
Also do Lakeside Landings residents have access to the Villages and the shops, restaurants, etc. Would appreciate any advice I can get. I will be staying at
the Waterfront Inn. I am 64 , male and single ! THANKS !!!

[tomwed]

Do your homework. There is a lot to learn. Read books about The Villages.

click here (https://www.google.com/search?num=100&safe=off&espv=2&q=nbooks+about+the+villages+florida&oq=nbooks+about+the+villages+florida&gs_l=serp.3..0i13j0i22i30.2561.6173.0.6391.13.13.0 .0.0.0.276.1189.10j1j1.12.0.ecynfh...0...1.1.55.se rp..1.12.1186.APdtoONPi1s)

Activities are all over.

Contact the Villages sales department and try to get into a Life Style house [program]. It may cost more than the hotel but it's well worth it. They will give you a cart but rent a car too if you are flying in. The golf is amazing all over but I wouldn't spend too much time on the course during a visit. Bring a camera that shoots video and narrate as you shoot. Later this will make a difference. It's so big it can be overwhelming.

[KathieI]

I am coming there Nov 10 thru the 14th from Minnesota to look at properties to buy.
Where is the ideal location that is close to all the attractions and activities.
Also do Lakeside Landings residents have access to the Villages and the shops, restaurants, etc. Would appreciate any advice I can get. I will be staying at
the Waterfront Inn. I am 64 , male and single ! THANKS !!!

To answer your question, Lakeside Landing homes are not golf cart accessible to the villages, although its very close to TV. Anyone can have access to restaurants (except Katie Belles), shops, entertainment at the squares and any country club entertainment or food. When you arrive, pick up a map of TV and it will show you all the different villages and its a personal thing as to where you might want to buy.

Best advice, your coming from Monday to Friday. Waterfront has entertainment every night in the week and some nights are singles dances. Walk around, talk to a lot of people and they will be happy to answer your questions. Look for me, LOL, I'm there 4 nights a week.

Good luck!!

[Villager Dude]

I really like South of 466 ; North of 466A; and East of Buena Vista.

I can get to Lake Sumter Landing in 10 minutes and get to Spanish Springs or Brownwood in 25. All by golf cart.

[VT2TV]

I am coming there Nov 10 thru the 14th from Minnesota to look at properties to buy.
Where is the ideal location that is close to all the attractions and activities.
Also do Lakeside Landings residents have access to the Villages and the shops, restaurants, etc. Would appreciate any advice I can get. I will be staying at
the Waterfront Inn. I am 64 , male and single ! THANKS !!!



You are looking at properties-(Plural???) to buy? The Village shops and retaurants are open by car to anyone. The golf cart pathways (multimodal paths), the Rec. enters, golf courses, pools are restricted to use only by people living in the Villages. Actually all outdoor activities are only for use by the people living in the Villages. I would not say that TV is close to any "attractions". Disney World is 1 hour+ depending where in the parks you want to go, basically the same for Universal, and Sea World. Ocala has Silver Springs which is a nice relaxing day outside with the glass bottom boat ride for a pretty view of the fish. If you are looking for night life, you would be better off closer to Orlando. We have some very nice restaurants, but if you are looking for a really big choice in dining "experiences", we aren't there yet.

Now, i am not trying to be negative, because in spite of what I have said, I love it here. But just trying to be helpful, because if you are looking for lots to do in the evenings, you will be disappointed. There is plenty to do in the daytime however.

[Schaumburger]

I am coming there Nov 10 thru the 14th from Minnesota to look at properties to buy.
Where is the ideal location that is close to all the attractions and activities.
Also do Lakeside Landings residents have access to the Villages and the shops, restaurants, etc. Would appreciate any advice I can get. I will be staying at
the Waterfront Inn. I am 64 , male and single ! THANKS !!!

One poster suggested bringing along a camera that shoots video which is a very good idea. Another poster suggested contacting The Villages' sales office to arrange a lifestyle visit, and if you want to do that, I would call the sales office ASAP if you want to do a lifestyle visit in November. If you end up staying at the Waterfront Inn it is very nice, and you will be right at Lake Sumter Landing which is one of the three squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood) in The Villages. If you do end up staying at the Waterfront Inn, consider renting a golf cart to get the experience of driving one.

I would also recommend taking the trolley tour of The Villages which leaves from the sales offices at either Lake Sumter Landing or Brownwood. The trolley tour lasts about one hour, and it is narrated by a resident of The Villages. You won't get to see all of The Villages, but it will give you a taste of what the newer areas of The Villages are like. If you stop (or call) the sales office, they can tell you what time the trolley tours are scheduled for.

Visit the squares at night. There is free entertainment (music and dancing) at each square 7 nights a week (unless the weather is bad) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some of the country clubs also have entertainment at night; Bonifay Country Club on the south side of The Villages comes to mind for entertainment at night.

As far as location goes, that is a personal preference, depending on how close one wants to be to shopping, a particular golf course, rec. center, etc.
The Villages' population is now over 100,000 people, so it is not a small town. From north end to south end of The Villages is about 12 miles (maybe more), and from east to west is about 7 miles (someone correct me if those distances are not right).

While you are in The Villages, don't hesitate to ask people questions. Most people are very glad to share their experiences with you.

This wannabee hopes you have a great visit; in four days you won't get to see everything, but hopefully you will get a taste of what The Villages lifestyle is all about.

[2BNTV]

Everywhere is the short answer.

You need to ask your what is most important to you. Do you want to be near the squares, doctors, shopping, rec centers, or golf courses. I think it's important to make a list of what you want/need in a house that you want to purchase.

Most people don't go to the squares that often, after they have been here, for several months. A newbie might tend to think they will live at the squares, but that doesn't turn out to be the rule.

If the squares are so important to you, then get a map and select a section, that is equal distance, to all of the squares.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The area that starts around Mulberry where Buena Vista meet 42 continuing down to Brownwood where Buena Vista Meets 44 is very nice. Especially both side of Buena Vista easy and west. Also the area from Schwartz Blvd just northeast of 441 down to the end of Morse at route 44 is very nice. Again, both east and west are equally nice.

[Bogie Shooter]

Here are some sites to learn more about The Villages. Enjoy!
The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square (http://www.thevillages.com/)
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org)
http://www.districtgov.org/images/ClubsListing.pdf
*VIRGINIA TRACE,* THE VILLAGES,* FLORIDA (http://virginiatrace.com/)
http://www.golfthevillages.com/golf-in-the-villages/GolfingInTheVillages.pdf
Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com/)
Carting The Villages -Home (http://cartingthevillages.com/index.php)
The Villages Shopping Guide (http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp)
The Villages Homeowners Association Home Page - The Villages Homeowners Association (http://www.thevha.net/)

[tomwed]

I agree with the tour bus as an excellent place to start after you read the books. I have been on the tour bus a couple of times after I moved here and learned something new every time. If I had to do it over I would go on the bus the first thing every morning. I remember trying to get a feeling for the Villages using maps and getting lost on cart paths for hours.

Go to Google maps and practice getting to places down here from your hotel especially the north end the town. The bus is for sales so it takes you to where the new houses are and talks about the Villages along the way. The north end of town has much more to offer; softball fields, bowling, archery, lawn bowling, croquet, air guns, woodshop, Polo fields, hospital and the learning center.

I wanted to be a mile from a square. I'm not so sure why, resale value, a short walk? I don't go to Brownwood very often. It does have a Disney like theme look about it just like the other squares.

I like new and new neighborhoods. It's like an easy, fun right of passage being in a neighborhood with other newbies figuring things out. Older neighborhoods may be more practical and maybe a better buy, but for me, I didn't want to be so practical this time.

I’m still not sure I picked the best part of town but that’s me. I have trouble picking out sneakers.

[Marlo]

I definately agree with taking the tour bus. Each time we came down I scoffed @ doing the bus but finally I did it and I should have done it earlier if only to find out the different Villages and having the tour guide tell you different tidbits. That being said the really helpful thing is going to the open houses. To go to the different villages, seeing the houses and how they sit and are laid out is very helpful. Take alot of pictures ALOT of pictures so you remember what you like and don't like. We had come down to TV for apprx 5 years before we decided on which house we wanted, whether we wanted to build or buy used and where more importantly we wanted to live. One of the deciding factors was not wanting to look into our neighbors lanai so we built on a great lot where we have privacy. You need to go to open houses so you can see the privacy of houses, the no privacy of other houses, golf front or water view.............you only see that by going into the house and not by pictures. Hope this helps and good luck in your search. PS: When you go to the open houses ask questions and talk to the other people that are there looking. They could already own a home and are looking for a new one for a specific reason that might help you in your decision. We live in Collier and we're not far from Brownwood or Colony Plaza.......it's a great location!

[Schaumburger]

I agree with the previous poster about going to some open houses if you have the time. There are open houses held every day of the week by The Villages sales office for both new and preowned homes. If you look on The Villages' web site click on "Today's Open Houses" for both new and preowned homes. Open houses for preowned homes that are for sale by non-Village (MLS) agents are something else you may want to check out also. If you look in the classified ad section of the Daily Sun (the local newspaper in The Villages) you can find open houses held by non-Village (MLS) agents.

[tekcormn]

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I am lucky I came back in to to check for responses because I expected to be notified via email. Not true. This is a tricky website to maneuver.
I do have a rental car. No golf car and not in the Lifestyle program.
They said I could stay in a 2 bedroom Villa or at the Waterfront. When I said I wanted a Lake view, they said I could contact the hotel directly for that which I did at a rate of $111 per night as opposed to the $150 a nite they wanted. I told them I booked it and when I would be there and they said I had to book the hotel thru their office to participate in the Lifestyle program and they never told me that and they won't give me the free golf car and whatever else was free. I am ticked off at them to be honest.

[asianthree]

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I am lucky I came back in to to check for responses because I expected to be notified via email. Not true. This is a tricky website to maneuver.
I do have a rental car. No golf car and not in the Lifestyle program.
They said I could stay in a 2 bedroom Villa or at the Waterfront. When I said I wanted a Lake view, they said I could contact the hotel directly for that which I did at a rate of $111 per night as opposed to the $150 a nite they wanted. I told them I booked it and when I would be there and they said I had to book the hotel thru their office to participate in the Lifestyle program and they never told me that and they won't give me the free golf car and whatever else was free. I am ticked off at them to be honest.

You can rent a golf cart on your own. And other than golf there is not much that is free.

[tomwed]

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I am lucky I came back in to to check for responses because I expected to be notified via email. Not true. This is a tricky website to maneuver.
I do have a rental car. No golf car and not in the Lifestyle program.
They said I could stay in a 2 bedroom Villa or at the Waterfront. When I said I wanted a Lake view, they said I could contact the hotel directly for that which I did at a rate of $111 per night as opposed to the $150 a nite they wanted. I told them I booked it and when I would be there and they said I had to book the hotel thru their office to participate in the Lifestyle program and they never told me that and they won't give me the free golf car and whatever else was free. I am ticked off at them to be honest.

Stay in a 2 bedroom villa and get a cart if you want to know slightly what it's like to live here. It's like trying to figure out the best way to see Disneyworld on your own. Listen to the good people on this site that have been in your shoes.

[rjm1cc]

Spend a couple of weeks to see how well you like the area. Don't buy on your first trip.

[njbchbum]

Websurf over to youtube.com and type in the villages, florida and watch a bunch of the video clips before you come! Some of the clips are a hoot and others are professionally done by the villages and television shows like cbs and the golf channel.

[scottiee]

What I did was get a 5 dollar map then find the area close to what you like squares whatever. Next find what you think is the worst. You will probably be surprised how little difference there is. We bought in Lake Deaton.

[Barefoot]

Most people don't go to the squares that often, after they have been here, for several months. A newbie might tend to think they will live at the squares, but that doesn't turn out to be the rule.

I sure do agree with that post.
When we purchased in 2007, we thought proximity to The Squares was extremely important.
I love the vibe of The Squares, but we usually only visit maybe once a month, more if we go to a movie or meet friends there for dinner.
We always say "We should spend more time at The Squares", but unless we have company, or Rocky and the Rollers are playing, we rarely go.
We live close to Southern Trace Plaza so we have a choice of good restaurants.
And there is so much great stuff to do in each neighborhood.

[perrjojo]

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I am lucky I came back in to to check for responses because I expected to be notified via email. Not true. This is a tricky website to maneuver.
I do have a rental car. No golf car and not in the Lifestyle program.
They said I could stay in a 2 bedroom Villa or at the Waterfront. When I said I wanted a Lake view, they said I could contact the hotel directly for that which I did at a rate of $111 per night as opposed to the $150 a nite they wanted. I told them I booked it and when I would be there and they said I had to book the hotel thru their office to participate in the Lifestyle program and they never told me that and they won't give me the free golf car and whatever else was free. I am ticked off at them to be honest.

There is a reason TV charges 150 rather than the 111 that the hotel charges. The extra includes a golf cart, access to all amenities, free golf, and other benefits. I don't think they were deliberately deceptive but just did not explain the program so that you understood the difference.

[chachacha]

four days is not very long but watch the singles thread, we just might be doing something or could organize a little lunch one day....have done that lots of times! :)

[tekcormn]

i will take your advice ... Lake Miona looks just as close to all 3 squares that you can get.

[tekcormn]

Thanks, Not going to play golf. Really need to concentrate on find a place. I may need to rent a place until I find what I want. But that is expensive.

[tekcormn]

Thanks ! I will look for you.
Hope I recognize you !

[tekcormn]

Thanks I will get the tour bus for sure !!

[tekcormn]

Thanks Dr

[REDCART]

To keep this discussion moving, you might ask what "nuisances" should I be aware of and wish to avoid? For example some villages are closer to the railroad tracks than others and the train whistle especially at night might become an annoyance. Some streets are much busier than others. Proximity to a rec center might seem attractive until you're awakened every morning by the sounds of pickle ball. Proximity to a country club might include more noise than you'd care for. I'm sure I've just scratched the surface and that others could add to this list of annoyances.

[JSlaga]

Hello-
My husband and I just went to TV for the first time in September, and are closing on a house in Lake Deaton next week. I agree with the other posts that you need to go into the neighborhoods and houses. We thought our issue would be finding a house, but it was much more about the location (we wanted some privacy) whereas we quickly figured out we wanted a Gardenia model. We left without purchasing, but one of the ones we liked finally had a price reduction and we snapped it up. We are not moving there for several years, and are putting it up for a unfurnished long term lease. That might also be the best route for you as it allows you to really live in TV and get comfortable with where you want to buy. Many of the people we met in the neighborhoods and restaurants have moved at least once since they bought in TV, and said they wished they had leased for a year or so. We had planned on doing that too, but the house we picked was just perfect so we grabbed it. Best of luck to you. Check out thevillages4rent as there might be an option for you.

[janmcn]

To keep this discussion moving, you might ask what "nuisances" should I be aware of and wish to avoid? For example some villages are closer to the railroad tracks than others and the train whistle especially at night might become an annoyance. Some streets are much busier than others. Proximity to a rec center might seem attractive until you're awakened every morning by the sounds of pickle ball. Proximity to a country club might include more noise than you'd care for. I'm sure I've just scratched the surface and that others could add to this list of annoyances.

And make sure you keep a good distance from the sewage treatment plants.

One bit of research you can do before leaving home is to call reputable insurance agents and ask if there are any villages where they are not providing sinkhole insurance. That is, if sinkhole insurance is important to you.

[llaran]

What are looking for? new - only spec houses now, near what - a lot of shopping along 466 - library? life long learning college? squares have entertainment but shops are sort of vacation boutiques, and a few resturants. Clubs meet all over - swiming pools , some villages are large and pools are crowded - ask about the Bond?

[cquick]

I really like South of 466 ; North of 466A; and East of Buena Vista.

I can get to Lake Sumter Landing in 10 minutes and get to Spanish Springs or Brownwood in 25. All by golf cart.

Sounds like great advice, Jack!

[joldnol]

If close proximity to pools is important than look south of 466 and 466A (similar numbered roads but 4 miles between them). North of 466 along buena vista is a pool desert and they use the Nancy Lopez CC as a sales pitch but it is as far as you can get from the town centers.