May retire to The Villages.

[Retiring]

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot?

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get?

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days?

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages?

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning?

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative?

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks?

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great!

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

[Moderator]

Bumping for OP....his thread was stuck in unapproved status for several hours.

Moderator

[JoMar]

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot?

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get?

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days?

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages?

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning?

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative?

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks?

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great!

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

Rent a place here for your next vacation, stay a month and talk to the people that live here, rent a golf cart and explore. Check out The Villages web site, you will find most of your house information there. Contact the sales group and hook up with a sales rep and they will give you a bunch of information including the covenants that apply to the various areas. You will get a lot of diverse opinions on here so please take the time to independent due diligence. This place isn't for everyone, be sure it's right for you before you commit.

[graciegirl]

You have NO idea how surprised and delighted you will be with this amazing and beautiful and carefully maintained place. Many of us call it "lower paradise".


You won't believe how BIG this place is. "Several neighborhoods" just doesn't come close to describing it. We have 77 public pools. Three Catholic parishes and 34 Executive golf courses and 12 Championship courses. About 120, 000 of us call it home and do NOT make the mistake that age defines us. We are all alive and kicking. Around here we say "55 or BETTER".


There are many singles and a lot of couples too who are getting younger all of the time. That is what this place does for you.

[xkeowner]

I am embedding answers/comments to many of you questions below. I am sure others will provide additional information soon.

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot? Call the Villages sales offices for this answer.

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get? We moved in five years ago and bought sinkhole insurance. They can be scary but are not concentrated in a particular area to my knowledge. There is a thread on this forum plotting at least most of the past occurrences.

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples. Married, but do know there are singles groups that are Villages wide as well as smaller neighborhood groups. Third wheels are not uncommon either.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days? Some stay in others adapt to it gradually and get out more. Two showers are in order on some days.

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement. We have DTV, as well as many neighbors. You will experience outages occasionally when thunderstorms come through mostly late in the afternoons that can last from two minutes to many minutes.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages? Yes but I don't know details.

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning? You can get air conditioning but most don't. With The Villages growing so large many believe that gas is the best so you don't have to worry about running out of charge on longer trips. Some will say they stink but I believe if you maintain them properly and we also use premium gas the smell is not an issue.

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative? My experience is conservatives are in the majority but there are also a significant number of liberals. The current U.S. Representative for the Southern portion of The Villages where we live is a Republican.

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks? No lots with docks as far as I know but small boat owners are not scarce. Many lakes nearby with public boat ramps.

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great! No problems that I am aware of. We are very pleased overall with the quality of our home.

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas. I would venture to say that most would say they live in the best neighborhood because they know and are comfortable with most of their neighbors. The big decision is do you want a resale home that is centrally located or new construction which will be nearer to the edges of the community. The rumor (approximately 50% of rumors you hear have some basis in fact) at the barber shop yesterday is they are still buying more land and will continue building for several more years.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be? While there are many places to eat and shop, I would like to have additional choices in all price ranges. We frequently travel outside the confines to eat and shop, especially during the high season.

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

Overall this is a great place to be. I know many residents who initially retired elsewhere in Florida them moved here.

[graciegirl]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/repeat-fun-facts-about-villages-135316/?highlight=facts+villages

[graciegirl]

youtube golf carts in the villages - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+golf+carts+in+the+villages&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=4B721360EACCFC3B06614B721360EACCFC3B0661)

or this;

youtube golf carts in the villages - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+golf+carts+in+the+villages&FORM=VIRE9#view=detail&mid=70855670F390E8BA991E70855670F390E8BA991E)

Or this;
youtube, the villages florida - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube%2c+the+villages+florida&FORM=VIRE3#view=detail&mid=9896947813A0CDE890839896947813A0CDE89083)

[The Buckeyes]

If you are looking to build the area would be south of 466A.

[NavyNJ]

If you are looking to build the area would be south of 466A.

Depending on the type (size, style, etc.) of home you're seeking, Buckeyes is mostly right, but they are also building new Villas in the Northern area off of State Rt. 42. Oh, and one other aspect of "building a home" that you may want to be aware of and ask for more info from The Villages Realty Sales Dept is that The Villages is somewhat different than many other developments you may have knowledge of, or experience with. By that I mean:

1) You "typically" cannot buy and "sit" on a lot for an extended period of time waiting to build. In fact, even just buying a lot is not the norm in TV, although they have resurrected that program recently this year after not having it for a long time.

2) As opposed to other developments where you buy the lot and then "find" your own home plans and a builder to build that home, or even build some/all of it yourself if you're inclined, in TV the only homes that can be built are specified by The Villages Sales Dept, the type of home (Designer, Premier, Rancher, etc.) is usually specified for the lot being purchased (i.e., you could not choose to have a 1250 sq. ft. Rancher built on a lot intended/sized for a 3000+ sq. ft. Premier home). And, once you've chosen a home model to build, it is The Villages Construction Co. that actually builds the home - you don't go out and find a builder you like to build the home for $75K less, for example.

All that said......there is what seems like a limitless variety of homes to select from, both in size/style and price point. Even the homes that have already been built as "spec homes" by TV are quite well appointed and finished out, while still leaving substantial areas for individual customization for the new owner. Much of the current sales situation can be obtained by simply going to the Home Page of TheVillages.com and looking around. Current models and floor plans of homes being built or available as spec can be found at the Model Home Gallery link.

Good luck with your research and your overall search!! Best advice has already been given I believe - come down and rent a while and have a look see for yourself. Nothing like your "gut" as the best source of info for you!! Cheers!!

[Wavy Chips]

We were in a similar situation to you last year. We purchased a recently constructed home and are renting it out until we move down full time.


I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot? Check with TV sales office for all the info.

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get? Sinkhole insurance was required when we purchased last year and was part of our entire insurance package.

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples. Not sure but I believe there are many active singles groups. You will make friends from your village so it should not be a problem at all.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement. Yes, there are groups both in TV and outside TV. There are 2 airports fairly close by.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community. I believe the average age is about 62.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days? Only you can answer that question.

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement. There are tons of threads about cable vs. dish and the various providers.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages? Yes, there are at least 3 that are in very close proximity to TV with St. Timothy's being in TV on the far north end.

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning? Yes, but it's not cost effective. Most people get gas carts.

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative? Depends on what your definition of conservative is. :)

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks? No

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great! You are locked in to the plans and builders that TV uses. You hear very few complaints about quality of construction / workmanship, and we have had few warranty issues and they are taken care of quickly. You will be looking at a Premier style home. You need to visit and judge for yourself

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas. This is totally personal preference. You need to visit to see what area/home style fits your needs. The AVERAGE villager moves 3 time while living here. Don't discount existing homes versus a new home. Every village is very well maintained regardless of its age. Again, you need to visit to see what would work for you.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be? What would you change about your current neighborhood? :)

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

OK, as an airline pilot, I assume that you may have flown into KCLE a time or two, and you may know that they are constructing a new tower that will go live in September. I got a tour of the entire facility last night from my neighbor who is a controller there. It is a sweet facility!

[bluedivergirl]

DH is 63, I am 58. Agewise, we feel quite comfortable. We rented for a month in January, and purchased a Gardenia. We came with a budget of $300k - $350k, but after talking to many people who had moved within The Villages, decided to up the ante.

We wanted a full 3-car garage, and we wanted a view. We chose a home on Evans Prairie. The pluses are more air movement than the 'kissing lanais'; because it is attached to a natural water prairie or water level is much more stable than the man-made ponds. We went through a dry spell, and a few ponds turned into rubbish laden mud puddles.

The Villages real estate is unlike any other real estate transaction I have ever encountered. Homes sell so quickly, they are in the driver's seat. Don't expect free upgrades or bargaining. They just don't do it.

We have sinkhole insurance, don't remember the cost but it was reasonable.

I would say The Villages runs conservative, which was a big draw for us. It isn't cookie-cutter, though. There are a wide variety of beliefs.

The Villages frowns on satellite dishes, but they can't stop you. Direct is available, but we have Dish. We made sure to have it neatly installed in an unobtrusive place, and have had no complaints. It does go out in heavy rain, but we watch mostly recorded shows, so it doesn't matter.

Minto homes in Sun City Center gives you much more house than The Villages, but no one can beat the community here. :a040:

Couple more things: the local newspaper is The Daily Sun. You won't find anything bad about The Villages, but it is a window to the community.

There is an Aviation Club. thevillagesaviation.com

[graciegirl]

DH is 63, I am 58. Agewise, we feel quite comfortable. We rented for a month in January, and purchased a Gardenia. We came with a budget of $300k - $350k, but after talking to many people who had moved within The Villages, decided to up the ante.

We wanted a full 3-car garage, and we wanted a view. We chose a home on Evans Prairie. The pluses are more air movement than the 'kissing lanais'; because it is attached to a natural water prairie or water level is much more stable than the man-made ponds. We went through a dry spell, and a few ponds turned into rubbish laden mud puddles.

The Villages real estate is unlike any other real estate transaction I have ever encountered. Homes sell so quickly, they are in the driver's seat. Don't expect free upgrades or bargaining. They just don't do it.

We have sinkhole insurance, don't remember the cost but it was reasonable.

I would say The Villages runs conservative, which was a big draw for us. It isn't cookie-cutter, though. There are a wide variety of beliefs.

The Villages frowns on satellite dishes, but they can't stop you. Direct is available, but we have Dish. We made sure to have it neatly installed in an unobtrusive place, and have had no complaints. It does go out in heavy rain, but we watch mostly recorded shows, so it doesn't matter.

Minto homes in Sun City Center gives you much more house than The Villages, but no one can beat the community here. :a040:

Couple more things: the local newspaper is The Daily Sun. You won't find anything bad about The Villages, but it is a window to the community.

There is an Aviation Club. thevillagesaviation.com



Excellent and helpful advice except that I have never heard about any frowning on Satellite dishes.


Not TOO sure about ponds either. Ponds are used as irrigation sources and sometimes lower or spring a leak. There was one that had real difficulty in the area near Spanish Springs that gave the POA fodder to fuss and one recently south that lowered and showed some debris, but it must have been fixed because no one is griping on here currently. It only went on for a week I think.


We do have the most lightning in Central West Florida of any place in the U.S. And a preponderance of right voting folks.

And then you should mention the chip embedded when they take your picture for the I.D. card. ;)

It makes about 90% of us act like we work for the developer.

[twoplanekid]

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement

While there are some pilots here, we are not a fly in community as there is no airport in the Villages. You must travel 10 plus miles to find an active strip.

[NavyNJ]

We were in a similar situation to you last year. We purchased a recently constructed home and are renting it out until we move down full time.



OK, as an airline pilot, I assume that you may have flown into KCLE a time or two, and you may know that they are constructing a new tower that will go live in September. I got a tour of the entire facility last night from my neighbor who is a controller there. It is a sweet facility!

Wavy - I thought the new tower at Hopkins wasn't going into full ops til sometime next year, at the earliest, but was structurally going to be done this fall. Last story I heard/read was that all the electronics would take 12+ mos. to install before it would start handling traffic, and the old tower shut down. You a Cleveland area native, by any chance? Cheers!

[John_W]

From your questions with phrases like neighborhood, community, I think about how it was for myself before my first visit. In 2004 and 2005 they played a college all-star football game in The Villages, the Gridiron Classic at the polo fields. I watched both years on ESPN and I thought The Villages must be centered around those polo fields since they are so big. Then when we came here for a week on our Lifestyle Visit in April 2011, we never saw the polo fields. The Villages (TV) is about 35 sq miles and growing, in comparison Manhattan, NY is about 34 square miles.

If you were to drive from the northern boundary of Rt 42 south on Buena Vista Blvd to the southern boundary of Rt 44, you would of driven about 16 miles. Go to this link, it will give you an idea of just how big TV is; 82-cool-facts-about-the-villages/ (http://www.thevillagesfloridabook.com/82-cool-facts-the-villages/)

There are no builder(s) in TV, just the developer and they have it down to a science since they have built about 50,000 homes. If you haven't, go to the main website and you can see what homes are available. The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square (http://www.thevillages.com/)

Here's a webcam of the 3 squares, you can see dancing and such around 5pm everyday unless it's raining. The Villages (http://www.stockers.ch/thevillages/)

http://www.joeydevilla.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/golf-carts-aplenty.jpg

[Bavarian]

There are several large Catholic Churches here. St. Tim's is officially in the Villages. Even though we live closer to St. Tim's we go to St. Vincent DePaul in Wildwood by the new area. There is also St. Mark the Evangelist and smaller ones like St. Theresa's . In Summer not hard to get your seat, but in Winter very crowded. Some Masses have over 1000 people. So fewer but larger churches.

There are Singles clubs, but no CAC (yet), maybe you can start one. A friend of ours from North Jersey CAC thinks of moving here and starting one.

[Wavy Chips]

Wavy - I thought the new tower at Hopkins wasn't going into full ops til sometime next year, at the earliest, but was structurally going to be done this fall. Last story I heard/read was that all the electronics would take 12+ mos. to install before it would start handling traffic, and the old tower shut down. You a Cleveland area native, by any chance? Cheers!

Navy, I'm not a Cle native but have lived here 30+ years. Next door neighbor is a controller. I believe he said the new tower was going live Sept. 18ish. We were in the Tracon Room and all the workstations were up and operational and emulating live traffic. it looked to be 95%+ done. They have room for expansion and I believe they make take over operations for KCAK at some point in the future. The tower was 95% done as well. I think I counted 45 monitors up there for a normal working crew of 4! If you want to hear more about this or TV feel free to PM me. Safe travels!

[Bay Kid]

Too much fun in TV!

[graciegirl]

Where is the OP? So many helpful comments and no further comments by OP.


Oh well.................He probably decided on Stonecrest. :(

[dewilson58]

Where is the OP? So many helpful comments and no further comments by OP.


Oh well.................He probably decided on Stonecrest. :(

I was hoping the OP would come back as well. I think the OP would get a good feel of the people in TV. Never met anyone from Stonecrest.

[dbussone]

I was hoping the OP would come back as well. I think the OP would get a good feel of the people in TV. Never met anyone from Stonecrest.

We have some friends from StoneCrest - a very nice couple we know from church. I suspect the OP probably had no real interest in learning about TV. It was his first and only post. But as GG noted, there are some really good responses on this thread. I always enjoy seeing nice folks responding about TV and those aspects of it that they like.

[Retiring]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. One thing I have to figure out is the distance from home to town. I guess TV is bigger than I thought. Once I come to visit I’ll have a better feel on the layout. Unfortunately, I don’t see the time for a long-term rental. I was hoping to have all in place on the first day of retirement. If I wait till I retire, probably 2017, then enter a rental for a few months- all the more desirable lots will be gone. I was hoping to spend a week at TV, 2 or 3 times. In those 3 weeks I should know if it’s the place for me. I hope.

Today I received the info packet I ordered from TV website. I just finished the 30-minute DVD and it was more an infomercial for the golf courses. I don’t play golf. Over the next couple days I’ll read thru the printed material. I may have more questions at that time. Thank you again for your time, and please continue to feel free with any advice.

[Retiring]

I just read some frustration from posters waiting for me to reply. Please understand my work takes me away from home from 2-5 days at a time. I no longer bring my laptop on layovers (too much of a hassle), consequently I may not get online for a week at a time. I do appreciate your patience and I am very sorry to cause some frustration.

[dewilson58]

I just read some frustration from posters waiting for me to reply. Please understand my work takes me away from home from 2-5 days at a time. I no longer bring my laptop on layovers (too much of a hassle), consequently I may not get online for a week at a time. I do appreciate your patience and I am very sorry to cause some frustration.

No frustration........just hoping you continue the conversation. Good Luck with your journey down the road to TV.

[golfing eagles]

DH is 63, I am 58. Agewise, we feel quite comfortable. We rented for a month in January, and purchased a Gardenia. We came with a budget of $300k - $350k, but after talking to many people who had moved within The Villages, decided to up the ante.

We wanted a full 3-car garage, and we wanted a view. We chose a home on Evans Prairie. The pluses are more air movement than the 'kissing lanais'; because it is attached to a natural water prairie or water level is much more stable than the man-made ponds. We went through a dry spell, and a few ponds turned into rubbish laden mud puddles.

The Villages real estate is unlike any other real estate transaction I have ever encountered. Homes sell so quickly, they are in the driver's seat. Don't expect free upgrades or bargaining. They just don't do it.

We have sinkhole insurance, don't remember the cost but it was reasonable.

I would say The Villages runs conservative, which was a big draw for us. It isn't cookie-cutter, though. There are a wide variety of beliefs.

The Villages frowns on satellite dishes, but they can't stop you. Direct is available, but we have Dish. We made sure to have it neatly installed in an unobtrusive place, and have had no complaints. It does go out in heavy rain, but we watch mostly recorded shows, so it doesn't matter.

Minto homes in Sun City Center gives you much more house than The Villages, but no one can beat the community here. :a040:

Couple more things: the local newspaper is The Daily Sun. You won't find anything bad about The Villages, but it is a window to the community.

There is an Aviation Club. thevillagesaviation.com

What a great choice! (I hope) Wanted some type of view other than the back of houses, and I love golf, so I also bought on Evans Prairie last year. Was there last year in June, it was 96 degrees outside. My lanai is oversized and faces east across the course, so within 2 hours of sunrise it is in the shade, and there are 4 overhead fans. I sat out there reading and watching the golfers go by, and between the breeze and the fans was not at all uncomfortable. Everyone speaks about how unbearable the heat and humidity is, but we came down right after visiting my son in Raleigh-Durham, where it was the same 96, and THAT was unbearable. don't know if I have to shout down the street or across the course to you, but thank you for helping reassure me that I made a good choice and for a good reason. Back in October, hopefully permanently if my house in NY sells.

[bluedivergirl]

What a great choice! (I hope) Wanted some type of view other than the back of houses, and I love golf, so I also bought on Evans Prairie last year. Was there last year in June, it was 96 degrees outside. My lanai is oversized and faces east across the course, so within 2 hours of sunrise it is in the shade, and there are 4 overhead fans. I sat out there reading and watching the golfers go by, and between the breeze and the fans was not at all uncomfortable. Everyone speaks about how unbearable the heat and humidity is, but we came down right after visiting my son in Raleigh-Durham, where it was the same 96, and THAT was unbearable. don't know if I have to shout down the street or across the course to you, but thank you for helping reassure me that I made a good choice and for a good reason. Back in October, hopefully permanently if my house in NY sells.

Thanks! we like it very much. We face North, so have two panel with a west exposure. We've ordered roller solar shades for those panels.

DH would love to be on the golf course, but we both love birds and water. Getting both views would have squeezed the budget past the comfort zone.

Enjoy your home!

[JC and John]

Many folks here have DirecTV. While the deed restrictions state that they would prefer that satellite dishes be mounted on a pedestal near the rear of your property, they do not prohibit the dish being installed on the roof. No dish may be installed on the front of the house or in the front yard. We had our dish installed on the roof toward the rear of the house for best reception. As others have mentioned, you need to come for a lifestyle visit, meet with a sales person (there is absolutely NO pressure) and learn what TV is all about. We love it here! BTW, I have friends who belong to the 3 very large singles clubs. They have a great time going to socials and planned outings. Good Luck!

[Loudoll]

Where is the OP? So many helpful comments and no further comments by OP.


Oh well.................He probably decided on Stonecrest. :(

:1rotfl:

[dbussone]

What a great choice! (I hope) Wanted some type of view other than the back of houses, and I love golf, so I also bought on Evans Prairie last year. Was there last year in June, it was 96 degrees outside. My lanai is oversized and faces east across the course, so within 2 hours of sunrise it is in the shade, and there are 4 overhead fans. I sat out there reading and watching the golfers go by, and between the breeze and the fans was not at all uncomfortable. Everyone speaks about how unbearable the heat and humidity is, but we came down right after visiting my son in Raleigh-Durham, where it was the same 96, and THAT was unbearable. don't know if I have to shout down the street or across the course to you, but thank you for helping reassure me that I made a good choice and for a good reason. Back in October, hopefully permanently if my house in NY sells.


You made a fabulous choice. Hope I don't shoot a ball off your bird cage. (Don't worry, I'm sure I couldn't hit it if I tried). Glad you are happy here.

[golfing eagles]

You made a fabulous choice. Hope I don't shoot a ball off your bird cage. (Don't worry, I'm sure I couldn't hit it if I tried). Glad you are happy here.

Thank you. And btw, no bird cage---after 30 years of maintaining a pool I'm done with it, besides, the neighborhood pool is a 300 foot walk away. Also, to hit my lanai, you have to hit the mother and father of all duck hooks, which is a shot I've hit on occasion, but rarely on demand. The only way I would try to purposely hit a duck hook into a bird cage is if it counts as a "birdie"---lol (Bouncing it off one bird cage into another is an eagle---USGA rules of golf 67.3.c, (unpublished))

[Retiring]

Thank you all, I’m taking lots of notes.

I’ve seen “birdcage” come up on these forums. I assume it’s not the kind for our feathery friends, what’s a birdcage?

I’m sure I’ll see this on my visit but is there a centrally located town/entertainment/shopping area, or are the town squares spread out?

[bluedivergirl]

A birdcage is a metal frame structure (I assume aluminum) with screening on the roof and all walls. No sun shelter. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and features.

The town squares are spread out. Currently there are three. Some folks are saying a fourth will be needed when Pine Ridge is completed.

HTH!

[Retiring]

Is the birdcage for a pool, or sitting area? I’m unfamiliar with Pine Ridge, that is something I’ll have to ask about during my visit. What is the most popular town square?

Thanks.

[helen lovely]

Rent before you build or buy. We bought & will never live there. Think of Disney when it first started. It was the perfect place to visit & especially for families & children. Look at it today. The Villages was that when we visited & bought in 2004. Today it is overcrowded, overrated & overpriced. Do your research before you make this big step. My most recent resident did rent for a year plus & planned to buy but instead moved out of The Villages last month. He was glad he rented. HL

[graciegirl]

Rent before you build or buy. We bought & will never live there. Think of Disney when it first started. It was the perfect place to visit & especially for families & children. Look at it today. The Villages was that when we visited & bought in 2004. Today it is overcrowded, overrated & overpriced. Do your research before you make this big step. My most recent resident did rent for a year plus & planned to buy but instead moved out of The Villages last month. He was glad he rented. HL



but first you should read all of the posts by this poster. AND THEN read all MY posts. We don't agree on how we feel about this wonderful place.

[golfing eagles]

but first you should read all of the posts by this poster. AND THEN read all MY posts. We don't agree on how we feel about this wonderful place.

Actually, read all the posts by that poster, and then read the OTHER 99%. HL is in the underwhelming minority

[dbussone]

As Gracie and GE state, read what people have to say but beware of the few negative commentators. I've been in TV for a relatively short time (3.5 years) but have never heard anyone I know say they regretted moving here. TV is not everyone's cup of tea but it serves most very well. I can't figure out why the naysayers just don't leave if they don't care for TV.

[manaboutown]

This free book by Parker Sykes, "50 Things to Think About Before Buying a Home in The Villages" is very informative and will answer more questions than most of us even think about asking. https://s3.amazonaws.com/TheVillagesMonthlyContent/50-things-2012.pdf

[deestatham]

I'm moving to TV in 2 weeks! Yeah! Tried to have a package sent to my new address and was told the USPS doesn't deliver to this zip code. Is this right? Is UPS the only carrier for packages in TV?

[graciegirl]

Perhaps you haven't opened your post office account yet, Dee. The USPS does deliver to the zip codes in The Villages. Ours is 32162 right around 466. Your package will be delivered to your mail station which is air conditioned so that any medicines won't be harmed.

[deestatham]

Thanks so much. This seems more logical. Have a lot to learn in the weeks ahead!

[John_W]

Is the birdcage for a pool, or sitting area? I’m unfamiliar with Pine Ridge, that is something I’ll have to ask about during my visit. What is the most popular town square?

Thanks.

Since you're looking at homes in the $500K - $700K range, and you don't care about golf, you'll get much more home on a non-golf course lot. You'll be shopping mainly for Premier homes which start at about $475K. The birdcage on a Premier would probably have concrete pillars and probably look like this, but there are a thousand different designs;

http://photos2.zillowstatic.com/p_h/ISpp4ypqpxjue70000000000.jpg

Pine Ridge is one of the newest Villages that is still being developed along with the Village of Labelle and Dunedin, but Pine Ridge will probably be the largest since it will have close to 2,000 homes. I don't forsee them adding a fourth square just because of that, it's only a 10 or 15 minute cart ride to Brownwood from any of those three villages.

All three town squares are popular. Go to The Villages - Florida - New Home Sales (http://www.thevillages.com) and click on the yellow temperature in the upper right of the page. A popup will open with a live webcam of one of the squares. Click the logo of the other two squares to see their webcam. The square with the better band each night is usually the busiest and also if it's a market night. Mon & Web at SS and Tue & Thur at LSL. Brownwood doesn't have a market night but a Saturday morning fruit & vegetable market instead.

[dbussone]

I'm moving to TV in 2 weeks! Yeah! Tried to have a package sent to my new address and was told the USPS doesn't deliver to this zip code. Is this right? Is UPS the only carrier for packages in TV?

USPS, FEDEX, &UPS all deliver to TV.

[yesi3putt2]

happiest 7 yrs of my life since we moved here

[tomwed]

///////////////

[graciegirl]

happiest 7 yrs of my life since we moved here



I never dreamed that this part of my life could be so much fun or that I would meet so many interesting and amazing people or continue learning so much.

[Retiring]

I looked at the new home models available on TV website. One thing that stands out, across the board, is there are few bathrooms in these homes. I understand they are catering to the empty nesters but some want guest bedrooms to have private baths. I model with 4-5 baths is unavailable. I haven’t come down to TV yet so I haven’t spoke to the sales people, but how flexible is the builder when it comes to customization?

[llaran]

To clarify,,, up north when builders are building a section they use a number, section 21or107, here they just give it a name. Pine Ridge is the newest section and supposedly they last. There are 3town squares, for boutique shops,movie, restaurant s,entertainment.