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[rjn5656]

I have a friend looking at houses south of 44. Since I live north of 466a, I am somewhat biased on where to point them (lol).

But looking for some objective viewpoints, what are pros and cons of living south of 44 that I can share with them.

[mulligan]

Closer to the equator.

[retiredguy123]

Here are some.

Pros:
You can get a new house with a warranty
Newer house designs
Lower prices

Cons:
Smaller lots
Higher taxes
Fewer stores and other facilities close by
Fewer restaurants close by
Not as many rec centers and golf courses
Some newer houses have noise from the turnpike
Landscaping is not established
Longer drive to a town square
Construction traffic and noise until the area is developed

[GoPacers]

I've got a few friends that live down that way. They really like it and feel that area has a "younger vibe" than north of 466a. You will most likely get more for your money at this time and while there are some nice amenities and more "nature" settings in the new area, the breadth of amenities is limited unless your friends are willing to drive north of 44. I expect that will change over time and my guess it could be 2-4 years (or more) before things are built out in a way that is comparable to north of 44. If they are avid golfers it's not clear if there will be championship courses down there - but that may not matter. I agree with the other post that they should spend some time determining if the highway noise will bother them. Depending on which way the house faces and how close they are to the interstate it could be very annoying or it could be unnoticeable. Despite some of the naysayers I do expect there will be good shopping options, restaurants, etc. over time. It's just a matter of how long that will take and if the benefits of being down that way are enticing to your friends while the community develops and is built out. Look how long it took for Brownwood to develop - it's still not done years later. The new section should make Brownwood a thriving square just like Lake Sumter.

[dewilson58]

Must look at Pro's & Con's thru both Short-term and Long-term glasses.

[vintageogauge]

I live here so am a little biased but here is what I like. The entire area is peaceful with lots of open spaces, water, marshlands, nature trails, and wildlife. Abundance of pools including family pools for when children visit, we have all of the amenities that are available north of 44 and some that are unique to this area such as the Putt and Play and the Pitch and Putt courses, we have 3 great recreation centers, Fenney, Linden, and Everglades, Fenney also has the Bar & Grille. For those wanting championship golf, it is being developed on the east side of the Turnpike south of Warm Springs. We are less than 5 miles from Brownwood and two typical villages Plazas, 15 minutes to the Leesburg Hospital, 10 minutes to the new Villages Emergency Center on 44, easy access to the Turnpike and I-75. As far as the Turnpike noise, that affects parts of only 3 of the villages down here, it is not heard in Fenney, DeSoto, McClure, western Linden and western Monarch Grove. I'm sure there is more that I like about being here but there are still some things we are waiting for, specifically, Magnolia Plaza, retail shopping, and connectivity by golf car all of which are in the works.

[Chi-Town]

If you don't mind waiting for what north of 44 already has and golf cart accessibility is no big deal South of 44 can be inviting. New territory and new relationships await. Kind of a pioneer experience.

[billethkid]

In my opinion one can do no wrong anywhere in TV.

Once the type of home and surroundings is determined look at availability of both new and existing. Most of the homes north of 466A are 15 years old plus. But remember most only have two little old people living in them and most can be viewed as "still new" condition.

I would keep an open mind and not let "new" be the determining factor.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have a friend looking at houses south of 44. Since I live north of 466a, I am somewhat biased on where to point them (lol).

But looking for some objective viewpoints, what are pros and cons of living south of 44 that I can share with them.

Have you not been reading all the objective comments...………………….

[JoMar]

Here are some.

Pros:
You can get a new house with a warranty
Newer house designs
Lower prices

Cons:
Smaller lots
Higher taxes
Fewer stores and other facilities close by
Fewer restaurants close by
Not as many rec centers and golf courses
Some newer houses have noise from the turnpike
Landscaping is not established
Longer drive to a town square
Construction traffic and noise until the area is developed

Slightly biased lol?

[npwalters]

Slightly biased lol?

Which of his points are not accurate?

[vintageogauge]

Which of his points are not accurate?

For one not as many rec centers and golf courses. per capita it probably is the highest in TV. There is no construction noise in Fenney, DeSoto, or McClure, that's 2, the landscaping IS established and a ton of natural landscape is located here, that's 3, taxes are lower than homes north of 44 that are located in Lake County, that's 4, there are homes in Lake County that are farther from Brownwood than it is from Marsh Bend and even Fenney, that's 5. Enough said.

[MIskra]

We live just north of 44 (near the Rohan Rec Center. I love the amenities south of 44 - the pools, rec centers, dog parks, walking trails, and executive golf courses - and I often travel south to use them. I too am looking forward to golf cart connectivity.

[ts12755]

I heard you can have a $30,000.00 bond to pay in addition to cost of house. I bought north of 466A 4 years ago and bond balance ($800) was paid off at closing.

[Dburesh]

Call Angie Taylor @ 352-446-5477! She is a friendly, caring, & considerate realtor who will assist you in any way possible...

[speedo8357]

This is very helpful. I'm heading down to TV tomorrow. Just sold my home, and am on a mission: to find my full-time home in TV. I thought my biggest decision was CYV versus Designer Home. Then I had this decision to add to the mix! But it's all good. I know wherever I end up, I'm blessed.

[Dilligas]

All new purchases in the villages had bonds. If yours was paid off, it was in the price of the house. Bonds are the vehicle to pay the costs of amenities in perpetuity.

[rmd2]

I have a friend looking at houses south of 44. Since I live north of 466a, I am somewhat biased on where to point them (lol).

But looking for some objective viewpoints, what are pros and cons of living south of 44 that I can share with them.

location north of 466 (where I too live) - better shopping for everything - better grocery stores, Publix, Super Walmart, Fresh Market, all the stores on 441, near 2 town squares, more doctors and dentists nearby, hospital and Ocala ER nearby and one of the best things - no reclaim water systems north of 466. I am biased too but for good reasons. :)

[jrieker68]

I heard they are selling lots in Chitty Chatty now. That's east of the turnpike and Morse Blvd. and just south of 44. They'll have connectivity once the bridge over 44 by Rohan is done. I'm guessing that will be before those of us on the west side of the turnpike get it. Anyone betting against me?

[Lottoguy]

Lack of restaurants, shopping and a championship golf course are the big three. If your a serious golfer you would want to live north of 44. Many preowned homes have many upgrades that will cost thousands in a new home. A town square like Brownwood will not be up and running for at least another four years.

[Lottoguy]

A putt & play will be installed at the new First Responders recreation center in Calumet Grove. That will all be built by July 2021.

[VApeople]

Many preowned homes have many upgrades that will cost thousands in a new home.

That is true, but a lot of the 'upgrades' (like an enclosed lanai or a summer kitchen) may be things you do not want. It was nice to buy a new home and choose the exact features that we wanted.

[Joanne and Mike]

When you move into a new area, everyone else is also new. Everyone is so friendly and want to meet their neighbors and do things together. In a more established area, people are more likely to already have their friends and routines. There is an excitement and positive vibe in the new villages South of 44. Best decision we ever made.

[Colby]

We built in a Fenney a year and a half ago and love it. The nature/preserve areas are beautiful and tremendous walking options. Road noise is not an issue for vast majority of homes in the 6 “finished” villages. 7 golfing options and 18 hole under construction. 5 rec centers within 3 miles that have facilities like no other (remote control cars and boats, beach volleyball, platform tennis etc) yes we drive 10 minutes to a square but another coming down here in future but that’s about the only downside I can think of. Overall it’s a personal choice and sure they’ll know what’s right for them after looking at both north and south areas.

[billethkid]

When you move into a new area, everyone else is also new. Everyone is so friendly and want to meet their neighbors and do things together. In a more established area, people are more likely to already have their friends and routines. There is an excitement and positive vibe in the new villages South of 44. Best decision we ever made.

We were among the first to build in our village....16 years ago...the positive vibe and excitement is still there in addition to a family like bond......that makes a point of welcoming a new home owner to the neighborhood.

We all have our perspectives. As I said previously look for what you want in a house and neighborhood feel....you will not go wrong ANYWHERE in TV.

[OhioBuckeye]

I have a friend looking at houses south of 44. Since I live north of 466a, I am somewhat biased on where to point them (lol).

But looking for some objective viewpoints, what are pros and cons of living south of 44 that I can share with them.

I have a friend that lives over there & he does like it, BUT he does say taxes are higher because it's in Wildwood school district, Aminities are higher & to do anything except golf you have to go north of St. route 44. Nothing in Fenney YET!

[JSR22]

My BIL moved to TV this summer. He chose North of 44 because there is only one planned 18 hole golf course. He and my husband play the Championship courses 3 days a week.

[Willow&Darla]

This is very helpful. I'm heading down to TV tomorrow. Just sold my home, and am on a mission: to find my full-time home in TV. I thought my biggest decision was CYV versus Designer Home. Then I had this decision to add to the mix! But it's all good. I know wherever I end up, I'm blessed.

I am planning to put my villa on the market in about two weeks. Lovely corner lot with a pool/spa. Large enclosed screen. Michele Halloy will be my realtor. Check with her after Feb. 19th.

[PugMom]

I live here so am a little biased but here is what I like. The entire area is peaceful with lots of open spaces, water, marshlands, nature trails, and wildlife. Abundance of pools including family pools for when children visit, we have all of the amenities that are available north of 44 and some that are unique to this area such as the Putt and Play and the Pitch and Putt courses, we have 3 great recreation centers, Fenney, Linden, and Everglades, Fenney also has the Bar & Grille. For those wanting championship golf, it is being developed on the east side of the Turnpike south of Warm Springs. We are less than 5 miles from Brownwood and two typical villages Plazas, 15 minutes to the Leesburg Hospital, 10 minutes to the new Villages Emergency Center on 44, easy access to the Turnpike and I-75. As far as the Turnpike noise, that affects parts of only 3 of the villages down here, it is not heard in Fenney, DeSoto, McClure, western Linden and western Monarch Grove. I'm sure there is more that I like about being here but there are still some things we are waiting for, specifically, Magnolia Plaza, retail shopping, and connectivity by golf car all of which are in the works.

if your friends love animals & wildlife, the newer areas are the place to be. we have all kinds of critters up here in our nature preserves, i can spend all day over on the fenney trails. yes, we have to go aprox 4-5miles to get to stores, etc., but it wasn't a deal breaker for us @ all. GOOD LUCK~!:coolsmiley:

[Doro22]

Here are some.

Pros:
You can get a new house with a warranty
Newer house designs
Lower prices

Cons:
Smaller lots
Higher taxes
Fewer stores and other facilities close by
Fewer restaurants close by
Not as many rec centers and golf courses
Some newer houses have noise from the turnpike
Landscaping is not established
Longer drive to a town square
Construction traffic and noise until the area is developed

Not necessarily lower prices. The bond over there south of 44 seems to be extremely pricey. You need to add that to the price of the house so to speak. Need to figure on comparative basis.

[Cranford61]

Which of his points are not accurate?

The claim that the feral hogs and the Zika carrying mosquitoes are gone.

[Cranford61]

I am planning to put my villa on the market in about two weeks. Lovely corner lot with a pool/spa. Large enclosed screen. Michele Halloy will be my realtor. Check with her after Feb. 19th.

Out of there so soon?

[mark47]

I'm also heading for TV Wednesday to prep for my closing early Thursday morning We are buying a veranda in Monarch Grove. Best of luck in finding your home

[dkaufnelson]

pros are that it's much prettier down there with all the nature, shaded walking/biking and golf cart trails and huge old oak trees with moss. really a more nature oriented area and less crowded, less traffic, more, quiet, peaceful + relaxing area. Homes much cheaper and better floor plans for patio villas and courtyards with 2 car garages. Also has entry for Fl. turnpike right in that area. cons are that they aren't yet fully developed so will be another year until stores down there and probably a few years until a square is built down there. It's only 5 miles to Lake Deaton Plaza now for shopping and 7 miles to Brownwood square and restaurants, so not that big of a burden really. Really just a matter of preference whether having more stores, restaurants closer is more important to you or a more peaceful setting for everyday life. My best friend just sold her 2nd home in the Villages and built her 3rd home down there, then I did the same and now one of my closest friends is building down there. Take a drive down there and turn right immediately after Everglades rec center, then stay on Marsh Bend road until the end and you will see what I mean. It's so pretty down there! The new Village of DeLuna just opened sales for lots down there 2 weeks ago, so still time to purchase beautiful lots and build your dream home or villas in between all the big old oak trees down there! It's directly across the street from the golf cart bridge going to Brownwood which should be finished in next few months. Also miles of shaded walking trails right there.

[asianthree]

Not necessarily lower prices. The bond over there south of 44 seems to be extremely pricey. You need to add that to the price of the house so to speak. Need to figure on comparative basis.

Every new house had a bond. Our preowned still had a bond. Same house on the other corner paid theirs off. Price of home reflected bond paid

[Knighterrant]

We live south of 44, and really enjoy the area. We purchased here primarily because the price points were lower, and we like the recreation centers here, walking trails, etc. Our only issue is the lack of golf cart connectivity to the rest of TV and golf cart accessible commercial development (shopping, services, etc.). We knew this when we purchased, but our realtor indicated that connectivity and shopping would occur by the end of the first quarter of 2020. The first shopping center might be completed prior to year end 2020, and connectivity to the rest of TV will likely not occur this year. Otherwise no complaints.

[Laker]

We rented in Caroline the past 3 years but are in Fenney this year and deciding where to buy. We liked Caroline but have pretty much decided to buy down here. We have met 2 couples who have moved down here from north of 44. They love it down here. They were joking about the bridges not being finished and said that it was a good thing because when they are finished it will provide access to all the people “up north”.
So it’s just fine if your friends buy up there...have a nice day in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown 😎

[capecoralbill]

Also miles of shaded walking trails right there.

I did not see MILES of shaded trails, a tree here and there, that's about it.

[VApeople]

I did not see MILES of shaded trails

The miles of beautiful shaded trails are definitely there. If you haven't seen them it is because you have not looked.

[mattlongrealtor]

Every district of the VCDD starts out with a 30-year bond and will be amused by every homeowner thereafter until the bond is paid. Some homeowners choose to pay it off before the 30-year bond is up, which could help in the event they were to decide they wanted to sell the property. Properties with no bond are more attractive to some buyers. But bond balance is all based on how the homeowner chooses to pay the bond.

All of the new builds will have a bond and as on January 1, 2020, will be $162.00 monthly Amenities Fee. Those homes that are in a "The Villages Community Development District (VCDD)" community will have an annual maintenance assessment fee, which "pays for the ongoing costs of maintaining the infrastructure." Properties in the "Historic" areas do not have bonds or annual maintenance assessment fees, Lake County oversees that maintenance in those neighborhoods, not the VCDD.

Every Unit within a District will have a different annual maintenance fee. You can look up maintenance assessment fees on the VCDD's website at this link (CLICK HER (https://www.districtgov.org/yourdistrict/index.aspx)), but per the VCDD the maintenance fee for 2019-2020 will remain the same for all Units/Districts in 2020, with exception to District 12 is under development.

So in short, the fees, bonds, and assessments will vary based where your home is and when you bought it. If anyone has any further questions, I'd be glad to answer them or help you find out who can help answer the questions best.