wanting to move to the villages

[fallingcow2]

My wife and I have been researching the villages. We would like to buy a pre owned 2b/2b ranch style 160k to 190k. The info we have found on this site so far has been WONDERFUL. We are wanting info on the "flavor" of the many, many different villages / subdivisions you have. We are both very active and love to walk, lift weights, fish and dance. We plan on being full time residents but are not golfers. We would rather be closer to a fitness center, walking trails or a good fishing lake. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.

[graciegirl]

:welcome::welcome::welcome: Love your screen name!

Well you will be warmly welcomed whereever you choose and people often think they need to be in this village or that so they can be close to a certain activity. Actually all villages are quite accessible to all activities. There is a natural spirit of fun here that I haven't experienced since school. It is just delicious to be with grown up people who have accumulated a few life experiences and as a result have a great sense of both compassion and humor.

It won't matter if you buy a new house or a used one because the things people value here are not THINGS.

Come on down and taste the Kool-aid. and you will lose your heart.

Kindest wishes, GracieGirl

P.S. Why don't we have a spell checker. Accessable , acessible........OH rats.

[chuckinca]

Fishing Lakes all over the place within a half hour to hour drive, some small ponds in TV have fish also.

Dancing 7 nights a week to live music at the two "squares" (Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing). Also dancing in Katie Belle's residents only restaurant/dance hall. Third Square (Brownwood) in the works and about 4 or 5 years away.

Walkers share the cart paths with golf carts. Or maybe (?) can walk the golf courses at dusk.

check out with website also: http://www.virginiatrace.com/

Watch that Kool Aid drinking - one glass and you're a convert.



.

[Bonice Hartley]

Great to hear you wanting to move here. We love living here in Disneyesque "Epcot" for seniors. People are very friendly and sociable, you don't need to play golf to get around in a golf cart. In fact, more and more of us here are buying a second golf cart so we can go our individual ways during the day. A good electric cart will get you everywhere in The Villages without a problem. There is rarely a time that you need to leave the community as there are so many many stores and restaurants here. At last count, there were 71 restaurants (majors like Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Outback, Applebees, and many many fine small restaurants. Health care is covered by many specialists and testing centers. The hospital is wonderful and there is a larger hospital for major trauma just a few miles away in Leesburg. There is a great assisted living facility here as well as a wonderful hospice center. There are more clubs and activities than you could possible join. Almost every major religion is here.

The new homes are wonderful, but my husband and I preferred to buy a preowned home to avoid having to buy all the drapes, etc. that a new home needs. We searched www.thevillages.com site for preowned homes and found a great list.
Your best bet is to come on what they call "The Lifestyle program." It is inexpensive and a great way to really see for youself how this is the most unique community in the US.
I recommend a few sites to visit that can tell you more of our story.
http://www.districtgov.org/ Be sure to read this as there are quite a few districts in the Villages, and these are the local governing bodies.

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/ Villages Newspaper.

If you would like to talk, give me a call or drop an email. Welcome to the rest, best of your live! bonicehartley@comcast.net

[darylj2000]

we did a lifestyle tour and we loved it so much when we came back to Iowa we put our house up for sale and when it sales we are coming to be full time village people

[JohnN]

We like to walk. A "real" walking trail is impossible to find. Sharing the cart paths is really not a good idea in my humble opinion, find a sidewalk or use the less busy side streets.

Fishing, nearby for sure, but doens't matter regarding your TV location since you'll have to travel anyway.

Fitness Center, all regional centers would be close to you. The one and only existing Wellness Center (indoor pool, more equipment, etc) is on the north side and costs some extra $$$, but worth it if you'll use it.

Good luck in your venture, we love it here.

[fallingcow2]

thanks for the reply. The Wellness Center with the indoor pool you spoke of, is that the Mulberry Grove Center or the Laurel Manor Center? I think I am getting the Regional Rec Centers mixed up with the Fitness Centers. Is the Wellsness Center the same as the Fitness Centers?? and they cost extra to join??

[DickY]

There are 3 fitness centers, Mulberry Grove, Laural Manor, and Colony Cottage, The annual rate for a single is $363.49 plus tax. The Wellness center is a separate facility located next to The Villages Hospital. They have many programs and the rates vary accordingly. The wellness center is staffed with a professional cadre of people while the fitness centers may have one or 2 attendants.

[rshoffer]

My wife and I have been researching the villages. We would like to buy a pre owned 2b/2b ranch style 160k to 190k. The info we have found on this site so far has been WONDERFUL. We are wanting info on the "flavor" of the many, many different villages / subdivisions you have. We are both very active and love to walk, lift weights, fish and dance. We plan on being full time residents but are not golfers. We would rather be closer to a fitness center, walking trails or a good fishing lake. Any suggestions or opinions are welcome.This is an easy answer. Move here and RENT for 3-6 months... find your dream home and have fun taking your time doing it. All of your questions are good ones and will be answered over the 3-6 months you're renting.

[downeaster]

I believe walking the golf courses "at dusk" or at any time, other than as an active player, is a no-no.
I find walking the multi modal paths (sharing with golf carts, bicyclists, etc.) is less than desirable. On the other hand, walking on the streets facing the traffic is not a problem. I have had very few occasions where a cart driver or biker has "shown an attitude". Just return their courtesy with a wave. If you see a situation where oncoming auto traffic will make it dangerous for the cart to get around you, just step up on the curb.
This is only a problem in the areas (north of CR466?) where there are no side walks
BTW, many times I have seen oncoming autos see a problem and slow down so the cart can get safely around the walker.