View Full Version : Do you think someone can survive in The Villages without a car.
Vikingjunior
02-03-2019, 05:34 PM
The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?
JSR22
02-03-2019, 06:02 PM
The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?
I would not live here without a car. We have season passes to Disney, go to Costco, Malls for shopping, day trips etc.
There are many things we do that require a car. We basically use the cart for golf not for transportation.
Arctic Fox
02-03-2019, 06:19 PM
The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?
While it is true that you cannot park your golf cart right outside Best Buy, it is really not that far to walk from where you can park it. And Five Guys is en route should you feel the need for sustenance.
On the odd occasion where we do need a car we avail ourselves of our kind neighbors who have one, rent a car or get a taxi. Cheaper in the long run (and, yes, we do take our neighbors out for a meal to thank them).
fw102807
02-03-2019, 06:26 PM
Yes
asianthree
02-03-2019, 06:38 PM
For 3 years we didn’t have a car here. Once a month we rented at enterprise for a week usually under $125
. Got all our out of the bubble shopping done, Disney and beyond. But I do 90% of any retail online. For us how many time do you really need Best Buy, Sams, and such. Not a problem for us but we are very organized.
Fredster
02-03-2019, 06:41 PM
It is handy to have a car in The Villages, but I find over time that I use it less and less.
Of course where you live in TV might be a factor!
Polar Bear
02-03-2019, 07:44 PM
...To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible...
Not so sure those properties are within the boundaries of the CDD's which officially define The Villages.
sirknor
02-03-2019, 08:15 PM
Do your shopping on Amazon. That eliminates most of the running to stores.
n8xwb
02-03-2019, 08:32 PM
No car needed -- just as Best Buy isn't needed!!!
Topspinmo
02-03-2019, 08:42 PM
The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?
Sure the can, Leesburg bush stops off 441, you can park in pet smart parking lot out by 441 and walk across street. Village taxi option also. Take a lot to taxi rides to cover cost of insurance and car. Village airport van goes to airport which should open up Orlando buses and trains.
rjm1cc
02-03-2019, 09:13 PM
I think the key would be where you want to go for medical service. A taxie could probably solve this problem at no more than a car would cost.
Fraugoofy
02-03-2019, 09:15 PM
I do not think you need a car in The Villages. I am not the average Villager. I shop mostly online and am a person of modest means. You can get almost all grocery items delivered or do curb side pick up at Wal-Mart. Aldi and Publix and Winn Dixie are all within golf cart driving distance from my home. I do own a car, however because I enjoy the beach and the ocean.
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mamamia54
02-03-2019, 09:39 PM
Fraugoofy, just curious what beach do you visit and how long does it take to get there? Thanks
Nucky
02-03-2019, 10:19 PM
You can do without a car if you can stand driving in a Cart during the Bitter Freezing Cold We Experience. :cold::a20:
Fraugoofy
02-03-2019, 10:40 PM
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Fraugoofy
02-03-2019, 10:41 PM
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Fraugoofy
02-03-2019, 10:41 PM
You can do without a car if you can stand driving in a Cart during the Bitter Freezing Cold We Experience. :cold::a20:You always make me laugh. It was -45* wind chill here just last week... now THAT my friend is cold oh so cold... peace out!
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Fraugoofy
02-03-2019, 10:42 PM
Fraugoofy, just curious what beach do you visit and how long does it take to get there? ThanksI love all beaches, but my favorites are Cocoa, Playa Linda and Clearwater. You can go ocean or gulf side in about 1.5 hours if you drive like me (fast)...we are almost equal distance to each...
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Vikingjunior
02-03-2019, 11:54 PM
Thanks for all the input, I do realize in certain situations I can park and walk across the street.
I was just under the impression that everything was golf cart accessible and was surprised it's a mixed bag of nuts.
I did take a taxi they other day and I find it's not cheap.
I just find it baffling they just didn't make everything golf cart accessible.
I did take a taxi the other day and one hour waiting each way. Maybe I'll try Uber next time. Thanks again.
jebartle
02-04-2019, 04:36 AM
I do not think you need a car in The Villages. I am not the average Villager. I shop mostly online and am a person of modest means. You can get almost all grocery items delivered or do curb side pick up at Wal-Mart. Aldi and Publix and Winn Dixie are all within golf cart driving distance from my home. I do own a car, however because I enjoy the beach and the ocea
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There are beach clubs in the villages that schedule monthly trips to beach by bus also.
dewilson58
02-04-2019, 06:29 AM
For 3 years we didn’t have a car here. Once a month we rented at enterprise for a week usually under $125
. Got all our out of the bubble shopping done, Disney and beyond. But I do 90% of any retail online. For us how many time do you really need Best Buy, Sams, and such. Not a problem for us but we are very organized.
I agree with no car and rent as needed. Determine your annual cost a owning a car here and divide that cost by a daily rental rate ~$75. This will give you a breakeven rental opportunity. If you do any traveling out of state, include a weekly rate.
Good Luck.
rustyp
02-04-2019, 06:43 AM
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?[/QUOTE]
No car required. We have cars that have no drivers required.
valuemkt
02-04-2019, 07:51 AM
To each his/her own. While time might be on your hands, anything more than a 20 min golf cart right is downright tedious to me. And working up a sweat during those 90 degree humidity days while running an errand ?.. As the Villages moves closer to the 200,000 people mark than 100,000, and you want to take advantage of everything it has to offer, you'll quickly realize that golf cart accessible isnt golf cart practical. You might be able to walk to your neighborhood pool .. but try walking to the grocery store. Oh, and ever get Island (village) fecer ? There is a world outside the bubble awaiting your exploration.
NotGolfer
02-04-2019, 07:53 AM
When we 1st came we had 2 golf carts (we're full-time) then more and more the car was used for various app'ts. The weather can play a factor too...the heat/humidity in summer along with the rain that comes due to it's being "rainy season". The rains here are torrential many times! We sold one of the carts as the insurance etc. didn't warrant it sitting in the garage. All this said, it depends on your life-style and needs---which is individual.
Personally, I'd not want to live here without a car!
billethkid
02-04-2019, 08:11 AM
One can/could easily do without a car. It is a personal lifestyle decision.
For us a car is still a significant part of our lifestyle.
spring_chicken
02-04-2019, 08:20 AM
Thanks for all the input, I do realize in certain situations I can park and walk across the street.
I was just under the impression that everything was golf cart accessible and was surprised it's a mixed bag of nuts.
I did take a taxi they other day and I find it's not cheap.
I just find it baffling they just didn't make everything golf cart accessible.
I did take a taxi the other day and one hour waiting each way. Maybe I'll try Uber next time. Thanks again.
I'm not sure who "they" is, but if you're referring to the developers, they have no control over who built shopping centers on property surrounding the villages. For the most part, if it is not golf cart accessible, it is not in The Villages and considered "outside the bubble".
karostay
02-04-2019, 08:41 AM
Our car sits in garage for 6 months till it's time to head north or go outside the bubble for trips
When were in the bubble it stays garaged
Bay Kid
02-04-2019, 08:49 AM
I quit bringing a car down several years ago. It just got in the way. Once a month I had to take the car for a drive to save the battery. Perfect waste of fun time. So far I have no reason to leave TVs. Everything I need I can get to by cart or UPS will deliver!
Two Bills
02-04-2019, 09:00 AM
Our first winter break here without a rental car.
No problems.
$1400 wealthier so far!
leftyf
02-04-2019, 09:53 AM
We drive our golf cart a lot more than we drive our car, so I would say YES we could live without a car. It is a 2015 with 17,000 miles.
600th Photo Sq
02-04-2019, 10:00 AM
Not so sure those properties are within the boundaries of the CDD's which officially define The Villages.
Park the cart in the Target shopping plaza take a stroll across the street.Shop...lunch at a variety of places, stroll back to your cart and head back.
Next question.
600th Photo Sq
02-04-2019, 10:02 AM
Sure the can, Leesburg bush stops off 441, you can park in pet smart parking lot out by 441 and walk across street. Village taxi option also. Take a lot to taxi rides to cover cost of insurance and car. Village airport van goes to airport which should open up Orlando buses and trains.
Hitchhike is another option:
EdFNJ
02-04-2019, 10:10 AM
Could one live without a car? Yes. I use my GC for probably 85% of our driving here. I could also live without internet & cable tv and Sams and Costco and Trader Joes and Disney and malls but would I want to and would it be CONVENIENT? Not for me. It all depends on your lifestyle and what you like to do "on the spur of the moment." Last week on miserably cold day we decided last minute to leave the bubble. Sure, you can rely on friends, neighbors, car rentals, buses, taxi's & bicycles but it just depends on what you do. Also depends on age. I doubt most folks in the 65-75 - 80 range would want to but if I was 90+ maybe I could. :)
If you have an older paid off car all you would need to pay is insurance (on an old car you can get cheaper insurance with low coverage) and basic upkeep. Add up taxi, car rental and other transportation costs and you're probably not saving that much. I'd REALLY hate to reply on friends and neighbors because as nice as they are it is still an imposition.
EDit: Just to clarify. If you never plan on leaving "the bubble" you absolutely DO NOT need a car. If you have to get to one of the non GC accessible local strip malls you can walk across a street or for the rare occassion take a taxi.
bandsdavis
02-04-2019, 10:38 AM
I haven't read every post, but another thing to consider is how late you think you might be out at night. I personally don't like driving the golf cart at night, although we drive it for almost everything during the day. Visibility at night is difficult, I find, and especially if I am driving on a roadway vs a multi model path, I worry about how well car drivers will see me. So as an example, if you are planning to go to a show at the Savannah Center or The Sharon, you will not get out until 8:30 at the earliest and often after 9:00 PM. Too late for me to be driving in the cart.
Brawnwy123
02-04-2019, 11:33 AM
[QUOTE=Vikingjunior;1621732]The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
REPLY ON TRAFFIC
1. We do not use the car much. At 3.5 years old, it has 900 miles on it.
2. We have one car, one cart, two bikes, works fine for us.
3. We have two neighbors nearby, who do not have a car, cart only
4. Our first visit here, 4 years ago, it was a real golf cart community, look now, the new building program requires a car. Good for the agency's and the kickbacks. ???
5. There are places you can park and walk across to other stores, we do that a lot.
6. There are real golf cart communities in Florida, we are planning on that soon.
7. How about the three cars and a pickup in the driveway and a garage full of stuff ????
:bigbow:
NoMoSno
02-04-2019, 11:42 AM
[QUOTE=Vikingjunior;1621732]The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
REPLY ON TRAFFIC
1. We do not use the car much. At 3.5 years old, it has 900 miles on it.
2. We have one car, one cart, two bikes, works fine for us.
3. We have two neighbors nearby, who do not have a car, cart only
4. Our first visit here, 4 years ago, it was a real golf cart community, look now, the new building program requires a car. Good for the agency's and the kickbacks. ???
5. There are places you can park and walk across to other stores, we do that a lot.
6. There are real golf cart communities in Florida, we are planning on that soon.
7. How about the three cars and a pickup in the driveway and a garage full of stuff ????
:bigbow:
The Best Buy/Five Guys property is not owned by TV.
You can park the golf cart and walk across Rolling Acres, but be careful. They really need a marked/light pedestrian crosswalk at that spot.
pauld315
02-04-2019, 12:36 PM
[QUOTE=Vikingjunior;1621732]The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
REPLY ON TRAFFIC
4. Our first visit here, 4 years ago, it was a real golf cart community, look now, the new building program requires a car. Good for the agency's and the kickbacks. ???
6. There are real golf cart communities in Florida, we are planning on that soon.
:bigbow:
Best Buy etc in Rolling Acres Plaza is not in a shopping center owned by The Villages and it never was owned by The Villages. See the link below and the excerpts from the article by the unnamed news source dated 9/17/2016 below
The Villages Commercial Property Management (https://thevillagescpm.com/portfolio/shoppingCenters.htm)
"Rolling Acres Plaza shopping center has been sold for $37.75 million"
"The seller was New Providence Rolling Acres LP."
Even when they announced the Fenney area, they plainly stated it would be a few years before it was golf cart accessible. I think that is scheduled for next year still.
Which communities in Florida, in your mind, are real golf cart communities if it is not here ?
Rapscallion St Croix
02-04-2019, 12:48 PM
I could make it without a car if I were willing to drastically limit my lifestyle but I'm not.
Bill32
02-04-2019, 12:51 PM
Using Lyft or Uber is much faster than waiting for and considerably less expensive than a Taxi, no need to make a phone call, everything is done from your smartphone with their free app, try it you will be surprised...
John_W
02-04-2019, 01:04 PM
...
Cedwards38
02-04-2019, 01:08 PM
Survive? Yes. Fully enjoy? No.
queasy27
02-04-2019, 01:09 PM
I agree with no car and rent as needed. Determine your annual cost a owning a car here and divide that cost by a daily rental rate ~$75.
Has anyone run the numbers for annual cost of cart vs car?
I'm on the other side of the spectrum and don't own a cart. There isn't only one way to "survive" here!
EdFNJ
02-04-2019, 03:22 PM
Using Lyft or Uber is much faster than waiting for and considerably less expensive than a Taxi, no need to make a phone call, everything is done from your smartphone with their free app, try it you will be surprised... Have you looked for a Lyft or Uber here in T.V. ? There is rarely ever one around here unless they arrive here from another location plus they really don't want to take someone 1 mile to the local Publix which is probably why there are rarely any around.
sterlingcnslts
02-04-2019, 03:45 PM
I could live here without a car. THe few times I might actually need one could easily be handled by renting a vehicle (or a cab) for a short time. Also, Best Buy, etc. is technically not "in The Villages" .
Vikingjunior
02-04-2019, 03:46 PM
I'm not sure who "they" is, but if you're referring to the developers, they have no control over who built shopping centers on property surrounding the villages. For the most part, if it is not golf cart accessible, it is not in The Villages and considered "outside the bubble".
If I was opening a business in a golf cart community (or one surrounding a golf cart community) I'd want that business to be golf cart accessible. That's just me.
Target is golf cart accessible yet Best Buy which is literally across the street Rolling Acres Rd is not, so are you telling me Target is in the Bubble and Best Buy and many other stores and restaurants across the street is not? Sorry just seems odd.
I
NoMoSno
02-04-2019, 04:32 PM
If I was opening a business in a golf cart community (or one surrounding a golf cart community) I'd want that business to be golf cart accessible. That's just me.
Target is golf cart accessible yet Best Buy which is literally across the street Rolling Acres Rd is not, so are you telling me Target is in the Bubble and Best Buy and many other stores and restaurants across the street is not? Sorry just seems odd.
I
The bubble has to end somewhere.
You could get a street legal cart and have access to that plaza and the new one that's going to be built next to Ulta.
Topspinmo
02-05-2019, 11:35 AM
The bubble has to end somewhere.
You could get a street legal cart and have access to that plaza and the new one that's going to be built next to Ulta.
If I remember correctly???? Unless you come down rolling acres road from the driving range there no access, the street is blocked you can only turn right. Can’t remember if the workers villa has exit up the street?
Number 10 GI
02-05-2019, 08:52 PM
We don't own a golf cart and don't intend on buying one. As another poster said, I find a golf cart to be a tedious method of travel. I have interests that take me outside the bubble quite a few miles and numerous times a month. Renting a car to go to those places would be completely unworkable. We live in McClure and a couple of our medical specialists are up in the Spanish Springs area and even if we could drive a cart there the travel time would be ridiculous. The wife and I like airconditioned travel and the comfortable ride of our SUV.
tophcfa
02-05-2019, 09:11 PM
Survive? Yes. Fully enjoy? No.
Well stated, I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it.
Bill32
02-06-2019, 11:51 AM
Have you looked for a Lyft or Uber here in T.V. ? There is rarely ever one around here unless they arrive here from another location plus they really don't want to take someone 1 mile to the local Publix which is probably why there are rarely any around.
Looking right now, 11:49 am, there are 6 Lyft and 4 Uber cars showing on the apps. Some of these may be the same car driving for both...The app is free and simple to use just another low cost alternative to other forms of paid transportation...
EdFNJ
02-06-2019, 04:06 PM
Looking right now, 11:49 am, there are 6 Lyft and 4 Uber cars showing on the apps. Some of these may be the same car driving for both...The app is free and simple to use just another low cost alternative to other forms of paid transportation...
Been using Uber for years up north and the numerous times I have looked around since I moved down here just for fun I may have seen at most 2, sometimes one and often none. Obviously I don't look 24/7 but only when I may have been wondering. It's possible they could have been dropping off from elsewhere theyand are not required to accept a pickup. I always thought it would be a good part time job around here but from what one friend who did it elsewhere in FL told me that getting rides to go on errands for a couple miles just wasn't worth it. In order to be useful around here the drivers would have to hang out here and unless s/he lives here probably wouldn't be worth it. They would never cover their crazy insurance bill if they told their ins company they were driving commercially.
Edit: Right now 4PM Wed there are none Don't get what looks like Uber cars confused with the little black Golf Course or Walmart or other POI markers on the map :D
Edit Edit: Sorry, there is one in front of the hospital.
Stormlover
02-11-2019, 10:58 PM
My biggest concern with not having a car would be if I had to evacuate for some reason: gas leak, flood, hurricane, etc. I'd want to get out when *I* wanted to go taking items that *I* wanted to take with me. That's just me.
sallybowron
02-12-2019, 02:18 AM
The Villages advertises as a golf cart community but I'm discovering there are many places, stores, that is not accessible by golf cart which is disappointing.
To give an example the Best Buy and [many other stores] off 441 is not accessible by golf cart because you can't cross Rolling Acres rd.
It's odd because this property is in The Villages and many other stores on the property are just not golf cart accessible.
So I ask does one really need to have a car to live here in your opinion?
If you didn't go to doctors, or took a cab each time, didn't go to most fast food chains, didn't go to Walmart, Target, Steinmart. Homegoods T J Maxx, etc. If you bought in the section between 446 and 446A you might be able to do a lot, but most would necessitate the use of a cab. Going to church, getting drivers licenses, tax documents etc,...Cab. If you have a hefty budget for transportation you could do it, but you might as well buy a used golf cart. I don't recommend it!
:welcome:
charmed59
02-12-2019, 07:46 AM
If you didn't go to doctors, or took a cab each time, didn't go to most fast food chains, didn't go to Walmart, Target, Steinmart. Homegoods T J Maxx, etc. If you bought in the section between 446 and 446A you might be able to do a lot, but most would necessitate the use of a cab. Going to church, getting drivers licenses, tax documents etc,...Cab. If you have a hefty budget for transportation you could do it, but you might as well buy a used golf cart. I don't recommend it!
:welcome:
I have been to Walmart, Target, Homegood, TJ Max, church, the Driver’s License office, the County Tax Collector Office, and all my doctors by cart.
If you live near Spanish Springs or Lake Sumter you can easily (20 min or less cart ride) get to all those things. If I lived south of 466A I probably would do many less errands in a golf cart.
John_W
02-12-2019, 10:10 AM
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New Englander
02-12-2019, 10:20 AM
I think a person could survive without a car living in TV, but at times life would be more enjoyable if you owned an auto.
John_W
02-12-2019, 10:22 AM
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Dan9871
02-12-2019, 10:29 AM
For those thinking of Uber, I've heard that's it expensive in TV. I just did a price for Sterling Hgts Rec Center, (near my house) to Best Buy US Hwy 27 Lady Lake and it was $27 and XL (I guess is an SUV) is $38. That's one-way.
Get a Fare Estimate in Your City | Uber (https://www.uber.com/fare-estimate/)
Expensive compared to what? The fare for A1 taxi isn't published online so it's hard to do a comparison to that.
I just checked Lyft and it is about $18 from the Brownwood area to Best Buy. But that is with a promo applied that is only good for the next 10 rides. After that it looks like it is in the ballpark of Uber.
sallybowron
02-12-2019, 05:17 PM
Living south of 466A is not so bad; Walmart Neighborhood Grocery is at Colony, so is Publix and they're at Traverse as well. Tax collector, Driver's License and Library are at the Gold Dome on 466A & Powell (Cart Accessible). Villages Medical Centers are at Pinellas, Colony & Brownwood. Movies are at Brownwood, Evans Prairie, Bonifay & Belle Glade Golf Courses are all within 20 minutes. MVP Gym is at Brownwood. Lake Imaging is at Colony. It all depends on what is important to you.
Most of these things you mention cannot be accessed by cart, at least the ones which you have to cross 466A to reach.
sallybowron
02-12-2019, 05:18 PM
Uber and Lyft are way more expensive than I can afford.
John_W
02-12-2019, 05:36 PM
...
charmed59
02-12-2019, 09:07 PM
Living south of 466A is not so bad; Walmart Neighborhood Grocery is at Colony, so is Publix and they're at Traverse as well. Tax collector, Driver's License and Library are at the Gold Dome on 466A & Powell (Cart Accessible). Villages Medical Centers are at Pinellas, Colony & Brownwood. Movies are at Brownwood, Evans Prairie, Bonifay & Belle Glade Golf Courses are all within 20 minutes. MVP Gym is at Brownwood. Lake Imaging is at Colony. It all depends on what is important to you.
I have neighbors who go to 466 all the time in their cart. I play Glenview once month, it's about 40 minutes. I'm just above 466A and it's a great central location. LSL is 20 minutes, Brownwood 20 minutes, SS 45 minutes. For food at Colony you've got Bob Evans, McDonalds, PDQ Chicken, Fiesta Grande Mexican, Sakura's, Chinese carryout, plus all the restaurants at Brownwood, McAlister Deli being my favorite.
Good point. The only thing I can reach up north is either stuff easier bought online or things you only need to get to once or twice a year. (Clothes, small furnishings, linens) For that a long cart ride is an adventure.
Garywt
02-12-2019, 09:39 PM
The one thing about Best Buy is anything they have can be bought at Walmart or ordered through there website. I am guessing the main need for a car would be picking up visitors at the airport or going to the beach. My main plan and reason to move here was to get and drive a golf cart as much as possible. It is 55 minutes to get to our friends house so there will be plenty of miles.
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