Moving to Lady Lake

[BuckeyeNuts]

Hi,

My wife and I are moving to Lady Lake soon. We had a horrible week...she got layed off from her job after 23 years of excellent performance at the credit union. We are devastated. We live in South Florida...Hollywood...and feel that it is time to leave. Her Dad and step Mom live in The Villages. We have visited the area several times and we love it.

We are not over 55 yet. I sure feel like it, but the span of geological times does not concur. I am 46 and she is 45. I would like to know if The Villages has any homes that we can purchase. Could there be a separate area for those of us a little younger? We have no kids...just a great little dog named Frisky.

I found some homes on the other side of the road...route 27...Harbor Hills...but would rather live in The Villages. I also have issues with paying fees to associations...I guess they are pretty mandatory around those parts?
Thanks for any advice you could give us.

[Russ_Boston]

By rule the Villages can have 20% of homeowners who are under 55. You can buy in The Villages if you find something that suits you.

The amenity fee seems to be about $140 per month from what I read on this forum and it is not optional. There may also be a bond on top of the purchase price + some yearly district fees. I'm sure that your in-laws can fill you in on what they pay.

I'm very sorry to hear about your personal situation but it sounds like you have it under control. Good luck.

Russ

[aln]

And, You'll probably find a few opportunities for employment here.
Tho' probably not very high paying.
With the CU experience your wife can probably find a banking job. We seem to have an abundance of them. It seems the Villages Bank, Citizens 1st has openings pretty oftenand from what I hear, the bennies working for TV is pretty good.
Best of luck to you

[billethkid]

The Villages, the age restriction does not apply. There is no requirement on the home owner to abide by TV new home sale guideleine.

BTK

[NJblue]

Boy, I'm not so sure about some of these responses. I'm not saying they are wrong, but they don't pass my "smell" test. I think Russ is correct about the 20% rule, but, unless I'm mistaken, I think the lower limit is age 50. That is, up to 20% can be between 50 and 55. I'm willing to be proven wrong on this.

As far as resales are concerned, I can't imagine how a 55+ community could stay that way if rules governing the sales of property only apply to new sales. If that were the case, then people buying resales could have children as well. I suspect that there are deed restrictions which apply to the property and which must be complied with by future buyers. Again, I'm willing to be proven wrong (but hope not).

[rshoffer]

Check out The Village at Parkwood.... it essentially borders TV, the brand new homes are beautiful and VERY affordable.

[spk7951]

When we were looking to move here last summer the sales rep told us about the 20% rule for folks under 55. Since we were both 53 we had to get "permission" to buy and move in. But that "permission' was granted almost instantly. However, one of our neighbors, who are in their mid 40's, had a much tougher time then we did getting cleared.

[Rokinronda]

Russ is correct. As long as 80%+ are 55+ you may purchase. No one under 19 is allowed to live in your dwelling. We purchased here in 2004. I was 48 and hub was 52.........Best wishes to you in finding your new home!By rule the Villages can have 20% of homeowners who are under 55. You can buy in The Villages if you find something that suits you.

The amenity fee seems to be about $140 per month from what I read on this forum and it is not optional. There may also be a bond on top of the purchase price + some yearly district fees. I'm sure that your in-laws can fill you in on what they pay.

I'm very sorry to hear about your personal situation but it sounds like you have it under control. Good luck.

Russ

[rshoffer]

When we were looking to move here last summer the sales rep told us about the 20% rule for folks under 55. Since we were both 53 we had to get "permission" to buy and move in. But that "permission' was granted almost instantly. However, one of our neighbors, who are in their mid 40's, had a much tougher time then we did getting cleared.new or previously owned home?

[billethkid]

department to get some clarification.
The age requirement is that one of the individuals buying a "new" home must be 55 years of age.

If both are younger than 55, each case is reviewed separately. As one can imagine there could be a single individual, or a couple or either with children.
The cut off on the age of the children allowed to live permanently is 18 or younger.

They said there is no magic number like 20% non 55.....

Regarding new....the home owner does in fact have the authority to sell to some one under 55. The best example is a couple in their 40's....the only requirement is the live and abide by the rules/restrictions of TV.

It sounds to me while there are "guidelines".....exceptions to the guidelines are handled on an individual basis.

So with the above minimal information one can interpolate, extrapolate or smell the next step.

Good luck

BTK

[NJblue]

I looked into it a bit more and can see where there can be confusion on this.

This article is quite informative:
http://www.meeb.com/legal_alert/legal_alert_09_04.htm

Essentially it says that there are HUD requirements that specify that for a community to be a 55+ community (and thus be allowed to discriminate against children), the developer/association MUST restrict occupancy to those under 55 to no more than 20%. HUD does not specify a lower limit as to the age of these 20-percent buyers. However, it DOES give leeway to the developer/association to be MORE restrictive on this if they desire. In other words, a developer is allowed to mandate that ALL residents must be over 55 if it desires.

Where I got the 50-year lower limit was from another developer who obviously imposed this as his lower limit on age (i.e, at least one person must be over 50 and that no more than 20% of the houses could be occupied by households whose oldest member was between 50 and 55). What I have not seen in writing is what TV's rules actually are. They may also have a similar restriction on at least one member of the household must be over 50 ... or they may allow any age as long as they maintain the number of households under 55 to no more than 20 percent. My gut (and my fading memory from discussions with our sales agent) tells me that TV also imposes a 50-year lower limit on the oldest member of the household. However, it certainly is worth looking into if you don't meet the 55 age limit. Apparently every developer can have his own rules as long as he maintains at least 80% of the units with at least one person above 55.

[billethkid]

Oooopppps!!

[spk7951]

Both our house and our neighbors were bought new in Hadley.

[EdV]

Section 2.24 of the Villages of Lake Sumter Declaration of Restrictions (available for viewing in the Nuts and Bolts section of this forum) states:

"2.24 The Subdivision is an adult community designed to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older. All Homes that are occupied must be occupied by at least one person who is at least fifty-five (55) years of age. No person under nineteen (19) years of age may be a permanent resident of a Home, except that persons below the age of nineteen (19) years may be permitted to visit and temporarily reside for periods not exceeding thirty (30) days in total in any calendar year period. The Developer or its designee in its sole discretion shall have the right to establish hardship exceptions to permit individuals between the ages of nineteen (19) and fifty-five (55) to permanently reside in a Home even though there is not a permanent resident in the Home who is fifty-five (55) years of age or over, providing that said exceptions shall not be permitted in situations where the granting of a hardship exception would result in less than 80% of the Homesites in the Subdivision having less than one resident fifty-five (55) years of age or older, it being the intent that at least 80% of the units shall at all times have at least one resident fifty-five (55) years of age or older. The Developer shall establish rules, regulations policies and procedures for the purpose of assuring that the foregoing required percentages of adult occupancy are maintained at all times. The Developer or its designee shall have the sole and absolute authority to deny occupancy of a Home by any person(s) who would thereby create a violation of the aforesaid percentages of adult occupancy. Permanent occupancy or residency may be further defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Subdivision as may be promulgated by the Developer or its designee from time to time. All residents shall certify from time to time as requested by the Developer, the names and dates of birth of all occupants of a Home."

Notice that it states the Developer’s intention to maintain the 80% 55+ ratio. This is needed in order to comply with Federal laws allowing a community to enforce the restriction.

[BuckeyeNuts]

Hey, thanks everyone...great info...but still not a definite as it looks like it will be a case by case decision. I hope I pass muster with the Village elders!

Any information about jobs for us would be awesome...in fact, why don't one of you just hire the both of us right now. You know you want to! I would think a job selling golf carts would rule. I own an exterminating company down here in Hollywood...I really don't want to kill bugs anymore.

It's peanut butter jelly time :pepper2:

Sorry, where was I...begging for a job...any good driving jobs around town...what are the best part time jobs you can think of that are available?

The other question...do Villagers want people under 55 to move into their community? Are younger couples treated differently?

I have done some homework and I see nothing about a CDD that looks anything like reasonable with the way the money gets spent without residents having any type of say...the Villages sure has a lot of fees. We don't have bonds, CDD fees or community impact fee's down here. Sounds kind of whacked out to me. I understand what they are for...and I agree with the amenity fee, but a community impact fee? Ewwwwwww...that sounds awful. Those developers ain't no dummies.

I really do appreciate your time and effort here. God bless. V

[BuckeyeNuts]

The most important question of all...

What is the best pizza place from Ocala to Leesburg...including The Villages and Lady Lake?

:icon_hungry:

[jeffy]

Hey, thanks everyone...great info...but still not a definite as it looks like it will be a case by case decision. I hope I pass muster with the Village elders!

Any information about jobs for us would be awesome...in fact, why don't one of you just hire the both of us right now. You know you want to! I would think a job selling golf carts would rule. I own an exterminating company down here in Hollywood...I really don't want to kill bugs anymore.

It's peanut butter jelly time :pepper2:

Sorry, where was I...begging for a job...any good driving jobs around town...what are the best part time jobs you can think of that are available?

The other question...do Villagers want people under 55 to move into their community? Are younger couples treated differently?

I have done some homework and I see nothing about a CDD that looks anything like reasonable with the way the money gets spent without residents having any type of say...the Villages sure has a lot of fees. We don't have bonds, CDD fees or community impact fee's down here. Sounds kind of whacked out to me. I understand what they are for...and I agree with the amenity fee, but a community impact fee? Ewwwwwww...that sounds awful. Those developers ain't no dummies.

I really do appreciate your time and effort here. God bless. V

We have NOT found that being younger here has had a negative effect on the wife and me. We bought 4 years ago when I was 50 and my child bride was 46 :laugh: We were told at that time by our villages agent about the 80/20 rule and was advised that as long as one of us was 50 there would be no problem. Not sure with the downturn in sales if they have modified that 50 rule. I cant imagine they are anywhere near that 20%.

We have found that it is more important that you have things in common (golf, pickleball, clubs,etc )with your villages friends/neighbors than any age differences. Many of our best friends here are 10-20 years older than us. Do be prepared though that several times a day you will get "you dont look old enough to live here".

jeffy

[BuckeyeNuts]

We have NOT found that being younger here has had a negative effect on the wife and me. We bought 4 years ago when I was 50 and my child bride was 46 :laugh: We were told at that time by our villages agent about the 80/20 rule and was advised that as long as one of us was 50 there would be no problem. Not sure with the downturn in sales if they have modified that 50 rule. I cant imagine they are anywhere near that 20%.

We have found that it is more important that you have things in common (golf, pickleball, clubs,etc )with your villages friends/neighbors than any age differences. Many of our best friends here are 10-20 years older than us. Do be prepared though that several times a day you will get "you dont look old enough to live here".

jeffy

Thanks Jeff. I do a lot of condo work on Hollywood Beach...People in the Villages make them look like they are standing still. I have customers in their mid 60's who just sit around and watch tv all day. Their life is basically over. I love the mindset of The Villages...the energy... and I guess what I would call fellowship. People that have a common goal to live their lives to the fullest and not just give up and call it a day.

My wife and I have decided to slow down and rent for a year when we move to Lady Lake. That way we can live it for awhile and not jump into the first house that we see that is for sale. Take our time and find the best deal to meet our needs. It will be a huge task to sell our house down here anyway...

I am looking forward to it though. I am tired of the huge amount of traffic and congestion down here. The crime and young punks that steal us blind. I did some study...a half hour commute in Broward County and you will see over 9000 people. A half hour in Lady Lake...around 400. That is awesome.

I have a few issues I need to work out though. I have a hard time with giving a group any say over what I can do with my own property. I respect rules and follow them...and understand the need. But...if I want a satellite dish...no one should have the power to tell me I can't. If I buy a boat...I should be able to park it at my house if I need to. If I want to put a little gnome near my bushes, no one should ever be allowed to tell me I can't. And if I'm paying community fees...every month...I, as a resident...MUST have some say in how this money is being spent!

So, I need to acquaint myself with the various rules before I can decide what to do. Their are pro's and con's to every situation.

[Julie]

If I buy a boat...I should be able to park it at my house if I need to. If I want to put a little gnome near my bushes, no one should ever be allowed to tell me I can't. And if I'm paying community fees...every month...I, as a resident...MUST have some say in how this money is being spent!

So, I need to acquaint myself with the various rules before I can decide what to do. Their are pro's and con's to every situation.

Actually some of the reasons I am highly interested in TV are the "rules." While a gnome in a neighbor's bush would probably be cute I would not want to look at their boat parked in front of their house day on end. The next thing you know they have a junker car out front leaking oil and then an old refrigerator... The list goes on and on.

I have a sister who believes we are a little crazy for even considering TV because of what she perceives as lifestyle restrictions, but you know what I say to her? "Fine, don't come live here"

As you stated there are pros and cons for every situation. Interestingly enough what is appealing to one may be appauling to another.

Good luck with your decision. I'm going for my second visit in a couple of weeks and have been doing a lot of research (especially on this board) so I can decide if TV is really the place for me.

[graciegirl]

Actually some of the reasons I am highly interested in TV are the "rules." While a gnome in a neighbor's bush would probably be cute I would not want to look at their boat parked in front of their house day on end. The next thing you know they have a junker car out front leaking oil and then an old refrigerator... The list goes on and on.

I have a sister who believes we are a little crazy for even considering TV because of what she perceives as lifestyle restrictions, but you know what I say to her? "Fine, don't come live here"

As you stated there are pros and cons for every situation. Interestingly enough what is appealing to one may be appauling to another.

Good luck with your decision. I'm going for my second visit in a couple of weeks and have been doing a lot of research (especially on this board) so I can decide if TV is really the place for me.

Julie,

I bet you decide you will love it here. I like the restrictions too!!!!

Is that an Italian Greyhound in your avatar? What a sweetie!

[graciegirl]

Thanks Jeff. I do a lot of condo work on Hollywood Beach...People in the Villages make them look like they are standing still. I have customers in their mid 60's who just sit around and watch tv all day. Their life is basically over. I love the mindset of The Villages...the energy... and I guess what I would call fellowship. People that have a common goal to live their lives to the fullest and not just give up and call it a day.

My wife and I have decided to slow down and rent for a year when we move to Lady Lake. That way we can live it for awhile and not jump into the first house that we see that is for sale. Take our time and find the best deal to meet our needs. It will be a huge task to sell our house down here anyway...

I am looking forward to it though. I am tired of the huge amount of traffic and congestion down here. The crime and young punks that steal us blind. I did some study...a half hour commute in Broward County and you will see over 9000 people. A half hour in Lady Lake...around 400. That is awesome.

I have a few issues I need to work out though. I have a hard time with giving a group any say over what I can do with my own property. I respect rules and follow them...and understand the need. But...if I want a satellite dish...no one should have the power to tell me I can't. If I buy a boat...I should be able to park it at my house if I need to. If I want to put a little gnome near my bushes, no one should ever be allowed to tell me I can't. And if I'm paying community fees...every month...I, as a resident...MUST have some say in how this money is being spent!

So, I need to acquaint myself with the various rules before I can decide what to do. Their are pro's and con's to every situation.

I think these rules might be the deal breaker for you. They mean them, they enforce them and we find that in so doing it keeps everyone on a level playing field.

There are so many absolutely wonderful things about this place, 1000 clubs, the Lifelong Learning College, every sport and craft imaginable and the best thing are the residents, so friendly and so fun to be around.

We personally have no problem handing over the making of the rules and the enforcement of the rules to the owners, it is a benevolent dictatorship.

If you need control in those areas, it isn't a good place for you.

[BuckeyeNuts]

I think these rules might be the deal breaker for you. They mean them, they enforce them and we find that in so doing it keeps everyone on a level playing field.

There are so many absolutely wonderful things about this place, 1000 clubs, the Lifelong Learning College, every sport and craft imaginable and the best thing are the residents, so friendly and so fun to be around.

We personally have no problem handing over the making of the rules and the enforcement of the rules to the owners, it is a benevolent dictatorship.

If you need control in those areas, it isn't a good place for you.

I could deal with a boat issue...I don't own a boat...and the gnome thing would be alright. The main issue I have is the way the fees are spent. Don't you think that residents should have some say in how their money is spent? What if they were to take the money from the area you live in and spend it to fix something in a different neighborhood. I don't know how they work it out, but I have read in here that the residents have no rights and no say in most everything. Hopefully the post I read was in error.

We are coming to TV this Thursday and staying until Sunday. My wife will be handing out her resume to all the banks in town. I will read all of the rules and find out more about the fees from her Dad this weekend. I can't wait to get out of here and head up to The Villages.

My mother in law insists she cook every meal...and she is a fantastic cook! But I want get out and eat at that seafood place Sam St. Johns or something? That seafood platter is awesome! That rib joint down the street towards Leesburg is pretty fantastic as well.

We are going to check out Ocala on that Sunday...historic downtown Ocala...have never been there. But we will probably be at one of the movie theaters on Friday night. I'm really looking forward to it!

My father in laws Columbia par car is probably the fastest golf cart in The Villages. :22yikes:

[ijusluvit]

Isn't this BuckeyeNuts guy cute!!

Head is spinning faster than NASCARs.

The most sound comment you've made was deciding to rent in this area for a year. Try to avoid a full-year lease in favor of a month-to-month because you guys are probably going to get jobs and see places in TV you just have to have.

But the bottom line is you're on the right track. With a little luck you guys might eventually set a new record for number of years lived in paradise!

[BuckeyeNuts]

Well, we had our visit. Great time in The Villages. Cept for the Mall Cop movie...:ohdear:

We put at least a dozen job applications in. We looked at houses. The people at Harbor Hills are like straight out of The Godfather...However, I refused their offer. The Villages at Parkwood...great prices...but for what? No yard...zero lot line...I loved the location right down from the dog park though. Bison something was nice right down the street. I think either Spruce Creek or a Villages resale would be the best bet. Renting is out of the question now...

Sam St.Johns was awesome! The pizza place at the town square was pretty good. The non denom church there is gorgeous inside. We went everywhere. Ocala was pretty rough...will not want to live there. All I know is, as soon as we sell our house, we are headed north. I am counting on people in here to find us both high paying jobs with short hours and huge benefits as well as a mansion in TV for around 140,000 with no fees. :coolsmiley:

Good night you lucky people!