Visiting in January

[geofitz13]

My wife and I are considering the Villages for retirement, and will be visiting for the first time in January. We will likely do the Lifestyle thing. Initially, we plan on just looking around and soaking it all in. Does anyone have recommendations for specific things we should be looking at on our first visit? We plan on going down again during the summer, to experience the opposite side of the weather spectrum.

[Phanatic Luvr]

My wife and I are considering the Villages for retirement, and will be visiting for the first time in January. We will likely do the Lifestyle thing. Initially, we plan on just looking around and soaking it all in. Does anyone have recommendations for specific things we should be looking at on our first visit? We plan on going down again during the summer, to experience the opposite side of the weather spectrum.

January is our coldest month just so you know. Remember to bring some warmer clothes but you can shed them by 11am and back into lighter ones again. In the summer, bring your suntan lotion. Enjoy!

[John_W]

Here's a quick reply, call now, the LSV usually get booked up 2 to 3 months in advance. January is prime season. I did that myself, originally scheduled for February and when the weather forecast was for colder than normal, I called and moved it to late April. Also, this question gets asked at least once a month going back years. To get you a quicker response, I've done a search for you at this link. There are hundreds of past replies.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/search.php?searchid=12694041

[Schaumburger]

My wife and I are considering the Villages for retirement, and will be visiting for the first time in January. We will likely do the Lifestyle thing. Initially, we plan on just looking around and soaking it all in. Does anyone have recommendations for specific things we should be looking at on our first visit? We plan on going down again during the summer, to experience the opposite side of the weather spectrum.

Hello geofitz13,

First of all, welcome to TOTV. This is the place to get information about moving to and living in The Villages. As a Villagers wannabee, this site has been so helpful in keeping up what is going on in The Villages from 1,500 miles away.

My recommendations...take the trolley tour. The last time I took the trolley tour was on a visit about 3 years ago. It lasts about 1 hour. The trolley tours used to leave from the sales center at Lake Sumter Landing, but that may have changed since the last time I took the trolley tour. If you call The Villages' sales office, they will be able to give you the correct info.

As another poster mentioned, I would also not wait too much longer to book the Lifestyle Visit if you are planning to come to The Villages in January as that is high season.

There are open houses in The Villages every day so you may want to visit some while you are in TV. The open houses are advertised in The Villages Daily Sun newspaper, and also on The Villages web site.

Definitely visit all three squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood) in the evening as there is free entertainment nightly from 5:00 to 9:00.

When you are in a restaurant or just out and about, don't hesitate to ask Villagers about life in The Villages. Most people are glad to answer questions and share their experiences.

Enjoy your visit, and when you visit The Villages, please post about your visit. :wave:

[2BNTV]

Hello geofitz13,

First of all, welcome to TOTV. This is the place to get information about moving to and living in The Villages. As a Villagers wannabee, this site has been so helpful in keeping up what is going on in The Villages from 1,500 miles away.

My recommendations...take the trolley tour. The last time I took the trolley tour was on a visit about 3 years ago. It lasts about 1 hour. The trolley tours used to leave from the sales center at Lake Sumter Landing, but that may have changed since the last time I took the trolley tour. If you call The Villages' sales office, they will be able to give you the correct info.

As another poster mentioned, I would also not wait too much longer to book the Lifestyle Visit if you are planning to come to The Villages in January as that is high season.

There are open houses in The Villages every day so you may want to visit some while you are in TV. The open houses are advertised in The Villages Daily Sun newspaper, and also on The Villages web site.

Definitely visit all three squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood) in the evening as there is free entertainment nightly from 5:00 to 9:00.

When you are in a restaurant or just out and about, don't hesitate to ask Villagers about life in The Villages. Most people are glad to answer questions and share their experiences.

Enjoy your visit, and when you visit The Villages, please post about your visit. :wave:

:agree:

Talk to anyone and everyone as villagers love their hometown and enjoy talking about it.

I would visit the Eisenhower Rec Center near Brownwood if you get a chance. If you coming for a few days, time will fly by. One thing about TV is that it is enormous, (anywhere from 36 to 42 sq miles). Buy a map to study for your future visit.

[Fraugoofy]

My wife and I are considering the Villages for retirement, and will be visiting for the first time in January. We will likely do the Lifestyle thing. Initially, we plan on just looking around and soaking it all in. Does anyone have recommendations for specific things we should be looking at on our first visit? We plan on going down again during the summer, to experience the opposite side of the weather spectrum.
Welcome to TOTV!

[Schaumburger]

:agree:

Talk to anyone and everyone as villagers love their hometown and enjoy talking about it.

I would visit the Eisenhower Rec Center near Brownwood if you get a chance. If you coming for a few days, time will fly by. One thing about TV is that it is enormous, (anywhere from 36 to 42 sq miles). Buy a map to study for your future visit.

:agree: The Villages is quite large, and it has grown quite a bit since first time I visited The Villages in 2011. I think TV's population is now 110,000+, and in 2017 the new Village of Fenney will be open with eventually another 3,000 homes, according to the news site that cannot be named.

If you want to buy a $5 Villages map and have it shipped to you before your visit, call Banner Merchantile at Lake Sumter Landing, (352) 753-2129 or Spanish Springs (352) 753-4676 or Brownwood (352) 205-8902, and you should be able to order one.

[geofitz13]

Thanks for the replies. I spoke to Isabelle at TV, and she is sending some info out to us. She says the January dates are not yet out, and won't be till Oct or Nov. She did take my info, and said as soon as the dates are released, she will contact me. So, here's hopin'....
Also, we chose January for the first visit precisely due to the weather. We want to see the extremes...January and either July or August. I have a feeling anyone could fall in love with the weather down there in spring or fall. I didn't think about either the trolley tour, or the idea of getting a map before we go. Being the obsessive type, the map is a great idea, I can probably get it memorized in no time! And we will definitely be doing some open houses.
Thanks again!

[Schaumburger]

Thanks for the replies. I spoke to Isabelle at TV, and she is sending some info out to us. She says the January dates are not yet out, and won't be till Oct or Nov. She did take my info, and said as soon as the dates are released, she will contact me. So, here's hopin'....
Also, we chose January for the first visit precisely due to the weather. We want to see the extremes...January and either July or August. I have a feeling anyone could fall in love with the weather down there in spring or fall. I didn't think about either the trolley tour, or the idea of getting a map before we go. Being the obsessive type, the map is a great idea, I can probably get it memorized in no time! And we will definitely be doing some open houses.
Thanks again!

You are wise to plan visits for different seasons, especially if you are thinking about moving to The Villages full time; beneficial to see how you deal with central Florida weather in the summer. I have visited TV several times in July and August, once in May and once in October. I have a brief visit scheduled over New Years weekend, but I have been to Orlando in January, so I know the nights/early mornings can be chilly, but by late morning you can usually ditch the jacket/sweater. Believe me, I would rather deal with wearing a jacket for a few hours at night than putting on a heavy coat, boots, hat, gloves, etc.

[2BNTV]

If you come in August, it will be hot. Drink plenty of water, 8 to 10 OZ glasses, minimum. Do things early in the morning or later at night.

Afternoons should be for indoors like the movies, events at rec centers, etc.

BTW - This August was hotter than usual.

[asianthree]

Call for lifestyle visit today you will have to take the time that is available. January is the start of high season, so you will get an idea of how busy TV is

[daverobertson2000]

I too am coming for the month of january. My wife and I stayed for a week in july and loved it so we came back for another week in august and didnt want to leave. We now rented a house for the month of january and plan on looking for something to buy. Seems like the perfect way to spend your retirement.

[2BNTV]

I too am coming for the month of january. My wife and I stayed for a week in july and loved it so we came back for another week in august and didnt want to leave. We now rented a house for the month of january and plan on looking for something to buy. Seems like the perfect way to spend your retirement.

It's a decision that many of us have not regretted.

Can over 110,000 people be wrong? :D

[EllenSR]

We rented a house last year for the month of February and made a decision based on that. We found the rental in the daily rental section of the Villages website. We loved it and now live here full-time.

[Aloha1]

If you do the lifestyle visit you will have a golf cart and 2 bikes at your disposal. Make use of them but do yourselves a favor and search You Tube for the videos that show you how to navigate the multi modal paths and the rules for golf carts. It will make your visit go that much smoother. There are also a number of videos available from TV on You Tube.

[geofitz13]

It's official! Reservations made, flight booked, rental car all set. We'll be starting out for a couple days in West Palm Beach, then it's on to the Villages for six nights! We arrive at TV on Jan 17th.! Can't wait to see what it's all about!

[Sable99]

It's official! Reservations made, flight booked, rental car all set. We'll be starting out for a couple days in West Palm Beach, then it's on to the Villages for six nights! We arrive at TV on Jan 17th.! Can't wait to see what it's all about!

Good for you! You will love TV!

[Schaumburger]

It's official! Reservations made, flight booked, rental car all set. We'll be starting out for a couple days in West Palm Beach, then it's on to the Villages for six nights! We arrive at TV on Jan 17th.! Can't wait to see what it's all about!

Good for you! After your visit, post your impressions of TV!

[Andrew_lester]

Welcome to TV! Rent a golf cart and get the full experience!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Tommy2k]

Hello, I am booked for the Lifestyle thing for 4 days at the end of January but I'm not clear on what the visit includes. ie how much golf. Can someone enlighten me?

many thanks

[baustgen]

Golf is scheduled by computer. I believe the sales staff has some tee times reserved for potential owners. Be sure to ask someone before you get here.

[geofitz13]

Here we sit, in our Courtyard Villa, decompressing after our first day in TV! Despite all the reading, research, questions and answers, this place intimidates the snot out of me! In only the best way... We spent a good part of the day getting lost, of course! And as expected, some friendly Villagers were quick with directions and help. And the Villages App turned out to be a life saver! I know there must be a downside here, but I haven't found it yet!
More to come....

[gpnfish]

Geo - where did they put you up? We are coming in April and we're wondering what area of the villages would be our home base. Thanks, and looking forward to your posts!

Gary

[John_W]

If you're in Alden Bungalows, when you exit the gate look straight across the highway (Powell Rd) and the big brick building is MVP Health Club. My wife and I will both be there this morning taking classes, as we do every weekday morning. Stop by at the front desk and they'll give you a free tour, if you're interested they'll give you a 3 day pass.

Just past MVP on the same road a couple of doors down, is McAlister's Deli. They've been open about 2 years and have great sandwiches. They get packed starting about 11:45, we eat there one day a week. The 'club sandwiches' are really good, or if you want something warm the French Dip sandwich is good. The potato salad and fruit cup are good sides, don't get the cole slaw. The sweet tea is also good, free refills.

You probably discovered this by now, but you can go north on Powell Rd and in about 1-1/2 miles you'll hit a red light which is 466A, you turn right and it brings you into the heart of TV. On the corner at the light is the Winn Dixie shopping Center, so if you want some groceries, you have that place and the Publix which is just south of the Alden Bungalows.

[walter.hinman@att.net]

recommend you rent a place in villages and stay for awhile to get a good idea if its for you and where to buy. My place in St Simon/Bellaire is taken thru April...but available for rest of year. Min stay...one month--prefer longer

[geofitz13]

We've stopped into McAlister's for a light meal, found it to be very good. We've been doing a lot of open houses, trying to get a handle on what kinds of homes we like, and what areas we prefer. We are in Alden Bungaloes, which I believe are extended Courtyard Villas. Way too big for my taste, we seem to be gravitating toward Patio or regular Courtyard Villas, mainly due to size. With the volume ceilings, even an 1100 sf villa seems spacious. At any rate, we have a lot more researching and visiting to do. Love the entertainment at the squares at night. Good band at Sumter last night, and they had a pretty good crowd.
We were intending to make a number of trips to different areas of Florida, to try to determine where we wanted to retire. We started off in Destin/Ft Walton Beach for a couple days, then came here. I have been looking for the negative about this place, and cannot find it. We've pretty much written off the idea of any place else in Florida, and will likely be focusing all our research and efforts right here.
Boy, that cool-aid tastes great!!

[John_W]

We've stopped into McAlister's for a light meal, found it to be very good. We've been doing a lot of open houses, trying to get a handle on what kinds of homes we like, and what areas we prefer. We are in Alden Bungaloes, which I believe are extended Courtyard Villas. Way too big for my taste, we seem to be gravitating toward Patio or regular Courtyard Villas, mainly due to size. With the volume ceilings, even an 1100 sf villa seems spacious. At any rate, we have a lot more researching and visiting to do. Love the entertainment at the squares at night. Good band at Sumter last night, and they had a pretty good crowd.
We were intending to make a number of trips to different areas of Florida, to try to determine where we wanted to retire. We started off in Destin/Ft Walton Beach for a couple days, then came here. I have been looking for the negative about this place, and cannot find it. We've pretty much written off the idea of any place else in Florida, and will likely be focusing all our research and efforts right here.
Boy, that cool-aid tastes great!!

I'm glad you liked McAlister's. We try and eat lunch there at least once a week. Ft. Walton is nice, I lived in Pensacola for six years back in the late 70's early 80's. If they had a retirement community we would of probably retired there. If someone is looking for a conservative, clean, friendly and reasonable place with beautiful beaches, then Pensacola is the place.

You mention 1100 sq, if looking at CYV's then look for a Durham or before 2012 it would be a Woodlawn. We live in a 2011 built Woodlawn and it's 1150 sf. It's 2BR 2 BA masonry and with the privacy fence we like it a lot. One thing to keep in mind, it's 1-1/2 car garages can limit you on what you might have. We have a small car and one golf cart and it barely fits. Big cars or trucks will have to sit in the driveway. Now a lot of CYV's built in the Brownwood area are available with a 2 car garage, but you'll pay more for those. Enjoy your stay.

[Kathrynsews]

We did a 10 day visit last April just to check it out. By day 6, we bought a Patio villa. We love everything about the Villages, we love our villa and it's location , but do caution about the size of the garage. It's a little tight for a car a, golf cart, two bikes, etc, etc. we see ourselves upsizing in the future, not necessarily for living space, but for storage. We are not here full time yet, but hope to be very soon. Enjoy your stay and welcome to paradise!

[2BNTV]

A standard patio villa, (1190 sq ft), 2B, 2B will have a garage that fits a car and a golf cart.

Keep on looking and you will find a home that suits your needs. :smiley:

[msendo]

These are all great suggestions. We finally bought on our sixth visit. We had gotten an overall layout of the land by taking the Trolley, which was most enjoyable and full of little interesting tidbits. With each visit, we had an agenda. Since we have dogs, we decided to check out all the dog parks, llocated both within the villages, and the private ones located outside. The Atlas Canine Recreation Center is the newest in TV if you have a furry pal. Close by, take a tranquil walk in the Sharon Rose Wichens Preserve.

Good luck and enjoy your visit!

[romanpaula]

Take a look a 2BR/2BA block stucco court yard villa in El Santiago with the new rec center. Many updates including new HVAC March 2016. **No Bond**

1136 SANTA CRUZ DR, THE VILLAGES, FL — MLS# G4835781 — ERA (https://www.era.com/property/1136-SANTA-CRUZ-DR-THE-VILLAGES-FL-32162/22567061/detail)

[geofitz13]

Well, it's been a few days since our return from TV. We've had some time to finish up moving into our new condo (rental) where we will be for the next 2 - 3 years. Have to wait for the wife to catch up to me! She still has three years to go till retirement.
We loved our stay in TV. So much so, that we have changed our plans on visiting other areas of Florida, and will be relocating to TV in the future. We learned a lot, but expect to refine our knowledge with a couple more visits.
So far, it seems that we both tend to favor something between Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs, leaning more toward the Spanish Springs area. We went to a lot of open houses, and drove around a lot of villages, and that area seems to fit us. But of course, things could change.
We find we are leaning towards a Patio Villa, due to the size. We both like the layout, and some upgrades would be easy.
Initially, we are planning on renting, will be looking for a one-year lease, with the idea that if it should turn out that we don't like Florida as much as we think we will, we would have the option of moving elsewhere with a minimum of complications. So, sometime in 2018 or very early 2019, we will likely be seriously looking for a place.
In the meantime, we plan on a couple more visits to TV, our future home!

[VApeople]

So far, it seems that we both tend to favor something between Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs, leaning more toward the Spanish Springs area.

Do you plan to ever turn left onto Morse Road north of 466? That can be very difficult under normal conditions, and almost impossible during the snowbird season.

[geofitz13]

So, I'll turn right, and find a roundabout. Or whatever. I've driven in Boston and New York City. Do you really see TV as a challenge?? Have a little patience, you're retired, why be in a hurry?? Most of the time, I expect to be in my own village, and can plan travel via the easier routes. I just don't see this as an issue. More important to me is the proximity to the services and facilities I am most interested in.

[SharonDonnelly]

Good for you! I hope you had a wonderful time and that you enjoyed the concerts in the town squares, some golf and exercise classes.