Location, Location, Location

[Opulence]

Hi Guys! Very shortly I will be arriving in TV & experiencing first hand the preview lifestyle. I can hardly wait . . . . I am also looking forward to viewing homes that are for sale & arrangements have already been made.

Everyone knows how important LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is! How close to town squares, shopping, golf, view, back yard privacy, neighbors, traffic etc.~ so important - And I agree. BUT, here is my question - I have noticed that some advertised TV homes are across the street from shopping centers. It would certainly make it very convenient for the home owner but I am wondering if a location like this could devalue the home? Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

Betty

[Opulence]

I neglected to mention that I saw (online) a CYV that I really liked and it was located across the street from a Regional Shopping Center. This fact was mentioned as one of the selling points (which really does apeal to me). I am requesting opinions of other members who live in TV and who may have some insightful opinions. Much appreciated,

Betty

[SteveFromNY]

So it's not hard to imagine that a home overlooking a lake, a golf course, a lake on a golf course or a nature preserve would fetch more than a home across from the shopping center. And the home across from the shopping center may fetch more than an interior home.
But only you can decide if it's the right location for you. Does being able to walk to the town sq matter to you? Or walk to the store? Or sit on your lanai and sip coffee in the morning as the alligators swim by, or the golfers hack their way along the course.
For me, I wanted to maximize the house I could get - for the money I was able to spend, I had a choice between a CYV with a bit of a view, or a larger house on a somewhat larger than normal interior lot. I went for the interior lot. My logic was (for me at least) simple - get the most house for the money.
Others see it differently - and find the location to be worth the premium. And others simply weren't constrained by the price!
A freind of mine just purchased a CYV in Spanish Springs so he can stumble home form the town square (at least that's what he says), and he though the premium was well worth it.
It's really up to you! Check it out, and see for yourself.

[duffysmom]

Villages like Belevedere, Bonnybrook and Tall Trees are close to 466 and a 5 min cart ride away from banks, Publix, Wallmart, FreshMarket, many restaurants and we love the convenience. There is something for everyone in TV. When you visit and ride around in a golf cart you will begin to know what you like and don't like. Enjoy the adventure. :wave:

[Barefoot]

Villages like Belevedere, Bonnybrook and Tall Trees are close to 466 and a 5 min cart ride away from banks, Publix, Wallmart, FreshMarket, many restaurants and we love the convenience. There is something for everyone in TV. When you visit and ride around in a golf cart you will begin to know what you like and don't like. Enjoy the adventure. :wave:


I honestly don't think there is one inferior Village in TV. Everyone seems to love their own location. I particularly like the area mentioned by Duffysmom, close to so much shopping and restaurants (Bonefish Grill, Red Lobster, Olive Garden) and the library and the dog park. Not within walking distance of the Town Squares, but a 12 minute ride by golf cart.

[Opulence]

Thanks Steve - much appreciated.

I suppose the draw to that location has more to do with my background. Presently I live is a small rural town in VA. I moved here from Philly - not far from Center City Philadelphia. Everything you could want was a stone's throw away. I do enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town, but by it's very nature, you are not close to much of anything. I thought I could have the best of both world's with that particular CYV - Naturally, I will have to wait and see what it's really like, after I get there. I see you are from NY! City or outskirts? I love NY - China Town best of all - thanks again, Betty

[Opulence]

Hi Duffysmom and Barefoot At Last ~ The Village where this CYV is located is Briar Meadow - northern most Village I think. At least it appears that way from the map I have. I wasn't questioning the Village but the location of the CYV to the Shopping Center. I am sure all of the Villages have wonderful amenities and loyal residents.
I really like what you have both mentioned - sp many nice restuarants & stores, so i will be sure to check it out when I arrive. Where are the dog parks located? Are there any good Vets in TV or do you have to go outside? Betty

[SteveFromNY]

Thanks Steve - much appreciated.

I suppose the draw to that location has more to do with my background. Presently I live is a small rural town in VA. I moved here from Philly - not far from Center City Philadelphia. Everything you could want was a stone's throw away. I do enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town, but by it's very nature, you are not close to much of anything. I thought I could have the best of both world's with that particular CYV - Naturally, I will have to wait and see what it's really like, after I get there. I see you are from NY! City or outskirts? I love NY - China Town best of all - thanks again, Betty

I'm from NYC - living in Staten Island at the moment - on the verge of retiring. Everything in Staten Island is close, so I can appreciate your desire for convenience.
If you listen, almost everyone loves the location of their home in TV. I think the mantra "location, location, location" applies to TV in its entirety. I've yet to see a place there that I would not be OK living.

[graciegirl]

Oh Opulence. There is nothing so wonderful as seeing this place for the first time and then trying to describe it to someone else.

I can't wait to hear your impressions.

Welcome. Enjoy your stay.

[Opulence]

Hi Gracie Girl - so glad you have replied! I read your posts to all of the time, heck - I feel like your an old friend <g>

Ok - arriving soon (10 days) what should I do first - after checking in I mean!
Will arrive around 12:30 PM or so - get settled into one of the cottages, have lunch (where do you suggest) and then what is the very first thing I should do to start off my preview lifestyle visit! I am all ears.

Betty

[Grill Meister]

Hi Opulence, and welcome to TV.

In your query about location across from a shopping center, you used the term "Regional", and I wonder if you really heard or read about homes across from Regional Recreation Centers, rather then shopping centers. I know of no shopping centers in TV environs which have houses across the street from them. There are houses, CYV's, across the streets from the two town centers (Spanish Springs and Sumter Landing) and there are houses, CYV's across the streets from professional centers.

You received a suggestion that seeing (experiencing) TV is the only way to go and you are on your way.

I would suggest that after you get settled, get a golf cart and sign up for the tour and get with a realestate agent. As far as lunch is concerned....go to any of the country clubs....they all have wonderful selections, good quality food and at a very reasonable price....or there are any number of restaurants located around both town squares. My favorites for dinner are Bone Fish on hwy 466 or Nancy Lopez Country Club:thumbup:. You will not be sorry selecting either or both.

[njbchbum]

Hi, Opulence! :welcome: to TV!

You mentioned that arrangements have been made for you to see some real estate; so I suggest that you hook up with that representative and structure your visit with that rep.

The trolley tour is a must do. Watching a sunset at Lake Sumter should be a priority, as should be strolling along the boardwalk lakeside.

Good deli meal can be found at Too Jays in either town square. But be sure to take advantage of the gift coupons you'll receive in the lifestyle visit pkg.

Check the activities schedule for the week and if you see Rocky and the Rollers entertaining in a town square - make sure you pencil that into your calendar!

What sort of sports interest you? Check out the facilities for those sports - and don't miss checking out the polo fields where you can catch a match in season. And check out a couple of the regional recreation centers to see what they have to offer.

Just try to enjoy yourself and don't over schedule - sometimes an evening on your lanai is all the pleasure you need!

[Hawkwind]

Ok - arriving soon (10 days) what should I do first - after checking in I mean!
Will arrive around 12:30 PM or so - get settled into one of the cottages, have lunch (where do you suggest) and then what is the very first thing I should do to start off my preview lifestyle visit! I am all ears.

Betty

Betty
I just returned from a LSP so here is what you will want to do. Not sure you have a sales agent as yet but if you do they will be with you during the check-in process. If not another agent will do it. The first day should be all yours to explore Lake Sumter Landing as it is not a full day. Set up some time to meet with the agent early the next day but not the day you arrive.

If you are arriving at about 12:30 and go through the check-in at the CYV just throw all your things in the room and it is time to explore. It should be about 2:00 by then so get in the golf card and ride over to LSL, park and walk around enjoying everything you see. If this is your first trip you will be amazed. Pick a street and walk from one end to the other then cross the street and walk back. By this time it will be ready for an early supper. The choice is yours and there are many to pick from. For me it would be Red Sauce but if you want BBQ it is Sonny's, and fish it is Up The Creek. There are even more to choose from with no bad choices.

After you finish eating it is time to hit the square. Entertainment starts at 5 and runs until 9. After that it is a short cart drive back to the villa and you can start unpacking then.

Here is a link to a posting I made as to what is included in the LSP and the check-in process.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?p=217369#post217369

Enjoy your stay and get a true feeling of TV from the north end to the south.

[Barefoot]

Hi Duffysmom and Barefoot At Last ~ The Village where this CYV is located is Briar Meadow - northern most Village I think. At least it appears that way from the map I have. I wasn't questioning the Village but the location of the CYV to the Shopping Center. I am sure all of the Villages have wonderful amenities and loyal residents.
I really like what you have both mentioned - sp many nice restuarants & stores, so i will be sure to check it out when I arrive. Where are the dog parks located? Are there any good Vets in TV or do you have to go outside? Betty

I think the CYV you mentioned in Briar Meadow must be close to the Mulberry Shopping Center. Which does have a grocery store and at least one restaurant. Briar Meadow is a bit remote from the southern part of TV, but the prices are excellent there, and the mature landscaping make it very pretty. There is also a Villages Dog Park planned for the Springdale Walking Trail area, very close to Briar Meadow. And there is a private Dog Park close by. There are a lot of good vets in TV, and tons of happy pet owners.

I can't remember what we did during our lifestyle preview, it was a blur, we were so busy. And we didn't have a golf cart or even take the trolley ride! We did look at a lot of homes, new and resale, and put in an offer on one. (Even though that was not our intention when we arrived). And that is what we mean by "drinking the Koolaid".

[Opulence]

Good morning - Frankly, I'm not sure where I got it in my head that it was a Regional Shopping Center. I just checked again and it's the Mulberry Grove Center, which has several resturants and Professional offices as well. I must have read something that triggered in my mind that "Regional" was connected with it. No doubt, I could be very wrong . . . thanks so much for your reply. Betty

[Opulence]

The trolley tour and boat ride are on the top of the list ~ Thanks for your suggestions, I never thought of the sunset - great idea! Tips for the Deli are great too. Everyone here has been so kind.

Betty

[Opulence]

Hawkwind you gave me a complete rundown and I can't thank you enough. I really appreciated the information on the link and have printed it out for my trip. I did plan for the first day to be all ours and our Village RE agent is meeting us the next morning. So TV here I come!

Betty

[Opulence]

You are correct - the shopping center is Mulberry Grove. I looked at all of the stores etc on The TV Website and saw that they have several professional offices as well as a Publix there. I believe I was told that those homes are only a minute away from the Center - parking in the back, so you do not see any cars, noise etc. I will check it all out and let you know what my thoughts were about the close proximity of the homes to the Center, when I get back.

Thanks for the info as well regarding the dog parks. What do you mean by a "private" dog park though? Isn't everything in TV shared?

Betty

[jeffy]

Just a few ideas. These are personal views and obviously not for everyone. I live in the village of Winifred and believe it is one of the best locations in TV. It is small with only one car entrance so very little cross traffic. It is very much in the interior of TV. I would NOT want to be at any extreme, north , south , east or west edge of TV for convieniece and safety. Winifred, like Tall Trees, Bonneybrook, Lynnhaven, are very close to some of the best retail areas in TV. And it is right next door to the Palmer golf club.

I would look for an area not adjacent to any of the sewer treatment plants. Many say they do not smell it , but the wife and I sure do when we go past in the golf cart. Many people complain when they are too close to the railroad tracks on the west side of TV. I played golf at Tierra Del Sol this week and the smell of what i believe was horse manure (at it was close to a farm) near holes # 1 and 2 was far worse thn the smell of the sewage treatment plants.

If you look at a golf couse front, make sure you are not in an area that is easily hit by stray golf balls. Take your time and ask lots of questions. It is much more economical to move just once. We bought the first day we came to TV. However we comment everyday how lucky we were to have stumbled into Winifred and the incredible group of neighbors we have on our street.

jeffy

[Keedy]

CYV ...I did a search but can't find what it means. Can somebody tell me what CYV means?

[Kelsie52]

I believe its Court Yard Villa

[Russ_Boston]

We have been there twice for visits. The first time is a little bit of a blur but I do suggest renting a golf cart (I think they may be provided for free now while on the LSP?) and do some touring. Get one of the $5 maps (your agent may give you a free one).

I'm sure some TOTV folk will do a 'meet and greet' at one of the squares. From there you can get other ideas.

Remember - TV still has 5 or 6 years left until build out and even then there would be hundreds of resales always available. So don't feel any pressure to buy (the agents are usually great about no pressure since TV does sell itself).

If you are into golf then certainly try that. Or pickleball - they hold beginner lessons every tues and weds. You need to sign up in advance.

Have fun!

[BaylorBear]

May I suggest Too Jay's Deli for a nice lunch. That's always our pick.

[Keedy]

I believe its Court Yard Villa

Thanks

[coach]

CYV = Courtyard villa

[Barefoot]

Thanks for the info as well regarding the dog parks. What do you mean by a "private" dog park though? Isn't everything in TV shared?
Betty

Doggie Do Run Run is a private dog park very close to the heart of The Villages. DDRR is located just north of Southern Trace Plaza. It is on private property and costs $25.00 per month ($30.00 for two dogs). It is not owned by TV. It's a huge, well maintained dog park.

There is a free dog park owned by TV in the Historical area east of 441. And another planned for the northwest corner of TV.

[LisaJ]

My husband and I cannot decide between a Cottage home and a Villa? Any insights? My husband would like to be closer to Sumter Town Center which would mean a resale villa. All advice is graciously welcomed.

[paulandjean]

think you are better off with ranch home. villas seems to close to each other. ranch homes more room. ranch homes priced less than villas.

[SteveFromNY]

think you are better off with ranch home. villas seems to close to each other. ranch homes more room. ranch homes priced less than villas.

Patio Villas are less expensive than Courtyard Villas. Ranch homes are in between. Court yard villas have fences. Ranch homes do not. Neither do patio villas, other than the little picket fence out front.
Additionally, only some CYV's are available in concrete. The others are not (except designer& premier)
If the privacy afforded by the fencing around a CYV, or having a concrete home, is important, your choice is made! If not, the other homes are an option.
Those to me seemed the most important decision points.

[LisaJ]

Thank you for your advice. Privacy is the biggest issue so that means CYV. Then thei is the next decision. New or Resale? Any advice on that?

[SteveFromNY]

Lisa - Location will play into that decision. If you want to be near a town sq, well, there aren't new CYV's available. So you need to think resale.
If being near a town sq isn't that important then new is an option. (personally I live about 2 miles from LSL, and I guess about 4 from SS. I will be around 3 or so from Brownwood - All just a golfcart ride away) If you buy new, you get the opportunity to bond with lots of new neighbors in the same boat as you. Not to say the folks in an existing neighborhood aren't going to be friendly, but you'll find the folks in a new neighborhood to be less established in their routines and you'll be able to "grow" together.
I'd look at both and see if you can find the pefect house.

[jmemc46]

:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:
cyv means courtyard villa

[Number 6]

As it has been said many times, it is up to you. We moved here from rural Upstate NY and privacy was an issue for us. We thought that we were going to buy a CYV. We ended up with a ranch backing to a farm. It is pretty neat when the horses come up to our backyard fence. Different strokes for different folks.