Our 1st visit

[j&dsilva]

In August my husband and I are visiting TV for the 1st time.
We have been checking out the cd and was wondering how does one chooses "a Village"-Is one location better than another? We are from Maine and want to sell and retire-there are so many selections-Any suggestions? :2excited:

[l2ridehd]

You need to visit the historic side and the newer side of The Villages. You need to spend a couple evenings at Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing. Something will let you know which one appeals to you more. Then you can look at the Villages closer to the town square and life style and housing style you prefer. I did that and ended up in Sunset Pointe village. And I love it there. But everyone will swear that they live in the "best village" and that "their" town square is the best. So it is really something you need to see, touch, feel, then decide for yourself.

[KathieI]

I hope your spending the whole month of August, cause there's so much to see and decide upon. I agree with l2ride, you need to be here to see it all and decide for yourself. Try to come to the Crispers TOTV lunch in August so we can meet and greet you. It will be on August 21 at 3pm.

Kathie http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/flowerysmile.gif (http://www.millan.net)

[graciegirl]

You will not make a bad decision no matter what you decide. The "flavor" of the villages permeate the new and the older, the Premiers and the cottages, all of them are just places where you climb into bed each night and sleep....but most of us find that our days are filled with being "out and about" and being really busy. I was told that people frequently lose ten pounds in a year just from increased activity.

Be sure to call the Mercantile store and buy a map before you get here. Read one of the threads on here about navigating a traffic circle and be sure to use the free meals and coupons because they take you everywhere in The Villages. Don't hesitate to talk to people. They will like answering your questions, most of us are so willing to help and very proud to be a Villager.

I would ask you to our home but we aren't going to be there when you come in August.

Welcome to you. It is all so unbelievable and so wonderful....I feel happy just thinking of your discoveries!

[allairenjadea]

You don't really say if you are looking for a new or pre-owned house. We are from Maine and visited The Villages once in 07 then spent the next year and a half researching houses on the web site before we decided to buy a new house in Bonita.Just wish we could spend more time there. Either way you won't be diasappointed,all the villages seemed nice to us. As far as getting a map if you are working with a sales rep they will give you one free. GOOD LUCK

[LELANDJANE]

Kathie, when is the luncheon this month? I'm coming down next Monday for about 10 days and would love to go if it worked out.

[katezbox]

My husband is from Port Clyde and we are also in Bonita. PM me if you want to chat while you are visiting.

Kate

[j&dsilva]

Thanks all for your responses. We will be sure to check out the "old" as well as the new. We will be arriving the 26th of August. Sounds like all "Happy Campers" there. Can't wait ! :coolsmiley:

[tpop1]

Hi,

Here's how we ended up with a contract on a house in Bonita!

After 10 months on the market, we recently received and accepted an offer on our house in Sarasota.

We had been to The Villages the last 2 May's & have been working with a sales agent .... got serious last month& then really serious with the offer!!!.

We gave our parameters to the agent; New Villa or Designer house, 3 BR or 2+ den. On our drive north to CT for the summer we planned a stop in TV to probably buy. The agent showed us 4 or 5 properties that were spot on our desires.

We got it down to 1 villa and 1 house and really liked the layout of the house best. Price was right, & the lot was nice( at top of elevated street) . That is how we ended up in Bonita.

We have 2 different friends who live in TV but above CR 466, but our desire for new construction kept us away from their neighborhoods.

Closing Sarasota on 7/9 & TV on 7/10....fingers crossed that all goes as planned!

[rshoffer]

Fight your impulse to buy something immediately. It takes 6 months to become familiar with all this place has to offer. If, after your visit, you decide this is where you want to retire, RENT a place for 3-6 months... play, have fun, attend open houses, and make a non-rushed decision where to live in TV.

[tpop1]

Sorry for the confusing edits..in error. thought I corrected them.

Line 2 - ...offer on our house in Sarasota.(end of sentance)

Line 3 should read: We had been to The Villages the last 2 May's & have been working with a sales agent .... got serious last month & then really serious with the offer!!!.

[tankdvr1950]

J&D......we did 3 lifestyle visits before deciding that TV was right for us...we just moved into our CYV in the Village of St Charles.

A lot of good advice in some other posts...when you do visit...recommend you rent a golf cart...it is THE MODE of transportation in TV.....for us...it was the best way to really see TV like a resident does.....and getting lost, and you will, is great fun as well...don't worry...there are plenty of TV'ers on the paths to offer help to get you to your destination

do go historic side and S of 466 and take a good look....we chose way S because everything is/will be new...and we hope to enjoy the newest town Square (Bronville) when it is build just S of where we are

enjoy your visit...and trust me.....this is the best place to have your questions answered about TV

welcome

[TrudyM]

I asked this question last month. We are now planning more visits before we decide as it seems to be the recomendation of most on this site and they are
a pretty savy bunch. We may even rent the first year, I looked at the for rents and on an annual basis alot seem reasonable price wise some with carts included. The one thing my husband put on the like to have list that I hadn't thought of was not to far from a tunnel crossing as having to cart the wrong way alot to get to one he thought might get to be irritating. This is only and issue if you have little time and wer'e going to be retired right??

[Russ_Boston]

It can be circuitous route if you live between the main tunnels. (i.e. If you live on lower canal and need to get across 466A to Brownwood).

Question: Can a street legal cart cross 466A at Canal? If so that may be the answer.

[garsha]

Have the realtor show you the plans so you become familiar with them and learn which one you want. I agree, take advantage of the movie tickets and the meals, the bowling and the golf. It will get you to a few places. Be sure to rent a golf car for the week. New or resale? New neighborhoods seem to have more going on initially but we bought resale and if you golf, you will soon get to know neighbors. Check out Thursdays newspaper with the recreation schedule. Even if you don't have time to participate in any of the activities, it will help you become familiar with all that does go on here. Many of the activities, like the exercise classes, volleyball at the sports pools and line dancing, you just show up.

Have fun!!!!

[Brooklyn Senior]

I am in the Villages for this month of August. It has been very overwhelming for me in every way. Just to find locations of stores, rec. centers, etc.. I thought if I would rent for a month, I would get a good feel of living here. But I find it very lonely without knowing anyone and even though people are nice, they go home to their own spouse at the end of the day.
I would like to rent for 6 months before buying, but that means storing all my furniture( I rent an apt. up in WI) and trying to find a house that would accept 2 cats. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't feel ready to buy, but don't want to spend another winter up in WI.
I would appreciate any input. Thank you. Brooklyn Senior

[graciegirl]

Dear Brooklyn Senior.

I am so sorry that we G's aren't in The Villages this month. I would love to take you all around on a tour and we could stop at a few friends that you see posting on here and chat a bit.

I know that you will find a rental for you and your kitties.

Don't give up. It is VERY confusing to everyone at first. I know it will all make sense in awhile.

Welcome to you. Hoping to meet you in person soon.

Kindest wishes,
GG

[dwbevan]

Is the Crispers TOTV meeting every month? We will be there Oct. 23 to Nov. 19th and I would be interested in meeting all of you who I "listen" to regularly.

[Schaumburger]

Dear Brooklyn Senior,

For the winter rental you are desiring, did you check TheVillages4Rent.com? This site lists many TV homes for rent. I believe you can narrow it down to homes for the length of time you wish to rent, and also specify rentals that allow pets. I would like to rent a villa in TV for a week or two in the summer of 2011, and even weekly rentals can be selected. I know what you mean by winters in WI -- my sister and her family live in Mineral Point which is about 50 miles southwest of Madison. I grew up in eastern Iowa and have lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years, so I know what midwestern winters are like. Best of luck to you in your rental search.
Laura

[Pturner]

I am in the Villages for this month of August. It has been very overwhelming for me in every way. Just to find locations of stores, rec. centers, etc.. I thought if I would rent for a month, I would get a good feel of living here. But I find it very lonely without knowing anyone and even though people are nice, they go home to their own spouse at the end of the day.
I would like to rent for 6 months before buying, but that means storing all my furniture( I rent an apt. up in WI) and trying to find a house that would accept 2 cats. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't feel ready to buy, but don't want to spend another winter up in WI.
I would appreciate any input. Thank you. Brooklyn Senior

Brooklyn Senior, I so wish I was there to offer my friendship. Have you tried hanging out at your neighborhood pool? I bet if you did you could meet some folks and perhaps invite them to have lunch or a movie or something. There are many singles in TV, as well. Ask around. You'll find others like you who are looking to make friends. Keep us posted.

[swrinfla]

dwbevan:

Yes, the luncheon is every third Friday. According to your schedule, you'll miss the October one, as well as the November one, unless you decide to stay at least another day! My calendar say 10/15 and 11/19.

If you miss 11/19, then it's pretty clear that you'll just have to come back, soon!

SWR
:beer3:

[pauld315]

Fight your impulse to buy something immediately. It takes 6 months to become familiar with all this place has to offer. If, after your visit, you decide this is where you want to retire, RENT a place for 3-6 months... play, have fun, attend open houses, and make a non-rushed decision where to live in TV.

I agree and even though we have been aware of and looking at the website and videos for 14 years now, there is no substitute for actually trying it before making the decision to buy. We have been there 2 times this year for a week at a time and plan on visiting at different times of the year for the next 3 years. I will let you all now when we are comng so we can get guest passes :) Then we will rent for 6-12 months. By the end of the rental, we should be pretty sure this is where we want to retire.

The first time we were there this year we met a couple who had come down on the preview for the first time for 5 days with no intention of buying. Well, they ended up buying and movng to TV within a month ! I was amazed that somebody could make such a life changing decision so quickly but everyone is wired differently.

[pooh]

I agree and even though we have been aware of and looking at the website and videos for 14 years now, there is no substitute for actually trying it before making the decision to buy. We have been there 2 times this year for a week at a time and plan on visiting at different times of the year for the next 3 years. I will let you all now when we are comng so we can get guest passes :) Then we will rent for 6-12 months. By the end of the rental, we should be pretty sure this is where we want to retire.

The first time we were there this year we met a couple who had come down on the preview for the first time for 5 days with no intention of buying. Well, they ended up buying and movng to TV within a month ! I was amazed that somebody could make such a life changing decision so quickly but everyone is wired differently.

Actually a good number of people buy quickly. We came for a visit, just for the day. Then we came back about a week later and told the agent we had seen on that first visit to start looking for a house.

We have a neighbor that should get a commission for house sales. Everytime he had guests visit, they ended up buying...lol.

[Vinny]

Your answer is real easy; Pennecamp!

[dwbevan]

dwbevan:

Yes, the luncheon is every third Friday. According to your schedule, you'll miss the October one, as well as the November one, unless you decide to stay at least another day! My calendar say 10/15 and 11/19.

If you miss 11/19, then it's pretty clear that you'll just have to come back, soon!

SWR
:beer3:
Ahhh, as though anyone needs an excuse to return. A change of appointments at home could add another day though. Thank you for the dates.

[scrapple]

We were very overwhelmed on our visit in May so decided to rent 3 months while we figure out where to purchase. Even though I check the forum almost everyday, I'm still unsure of where to permanently land. Or maybe the Sages are right--they are all great neighborhoods. I know we want a CYV because of our dog. What I haven't figured out yet, is whether all villages have CYV or only certain ones?
See you after Oct 1st!And I'll put the TOTV gathering on my calendar!

[Ohiogirl]

Most, but not all, villages have CYVs. I don't think Sunset Pointe has CYVs and I don't think Largo has patio villas. I think the older villages (around Spanish Springs) may only have 2 BR CYVs, don't think they started building 3 BR ones until they started building around Savannah Center, but I'm not positive.

Really, if you already know you want a CYV, just have your agent show you the ones that are available, both new and resale, that look appealing on the website. Be sure to also look with an outside agent, if you might be interested in resales.

[Shimpy]

It can be circuitous route if you live between the main tunnels. (i.e. If you live on lower canal and need to get across 466A to Brownwood).

Question: Can a street legal cart cross 466A at Canal? If so that may be the answer.

Don't even think about crossing 466A on a street legal cart. They are limited to a max 35MPH speed limit and 466A is 45 MPH there.

[Russ_Boston]

Don't even think about crossing 466A on a street legal cart. They are limited to a max 35MPH speed limit and 466A is 45 MPH there.

Thanks Shimpy.

When I was there yesterday we checked out the crossing to get from BV (north of 466A) to the other side of 466A. You need to go on Turtle Mound path and under the tunnel. Not really that much out of the way. From my house in Buttonwood to the newly proposed hospital at 44A it is less than 5 miles.

[Shimpy]

Thanks Shimpy.

When I was there yesterday we checked out the crossing to get from BV (north of 466A) to the other side of 466A. You need to go on Turtle Mound path and under the tunnel. Not really that much out of the way. From my house in Buttonwood to the newly proposed hospital at 44A it is less than 5 miles.

Russ, That ride from BV under the tunnel and thru the golf course to 466A is one of my favorites. It reminds me of a Disney ride with the curves and hills. From my home in Buttonwood to Colony Plaza takes me 18 minutes. Brownwood would probably be about the same. LSL takes 15 from my house in Buttonwood and S Springs 28 mins. We seem to be in the boondocks now but in a few years in a very desireable location.