How safe are the Villages?

[skarra]

As I look to buy something in TV (within a few miles of Sumter Landing), a few places have ADT systems in place. Where I live now, there is little need for such things.
Do people feel safe without security systems, or do you recommend them? I'd think with good, observant neighbors it would be mostly unnecessary.
Thanks.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Some folks come from places where having a security system is common, so they simply continue their own preference to do it down here. Burglaries and break-ins are not common in the Villages though I'm sure it happens on occasion; it's not immune just because it's the Villages. On the other hand, there are multi-million-dollar homes here, and an extra $20/month for security would be a drop in the bucket, and worth their piece of mind.

I come from the burbs, we had a brief rash of burglaries one year but other than that one year (they caught the kids doing it) it was a sleepy suburb where not much happened. I feel no need to add security system to my home in the Villages.

[retiredguy123]

The Villages are very safe. In my opinion, if you want a security system, get a DIY system, but you don't need to pay ADT or another company $37 or more per month for monitoring by a call center. The chances of them ever helping you are slim and none, and slim just left town.

[Fredman]

North or south of sumter landing?

[JoMar]

The inside of the bubble is very safe and a security system is a personal preference. You will find many have them and you will get all kinds of recommendations. Personally, I don't think they are necessary however my wife doesn't agree so yes, we have one :)

[manaboutown]

I have multiple cameras covering my property, a doorbell camera and an alarm system backed up with a cell phone in case my landline is cut. TV is not a truly gated community.

[tophcfa]

In my opinion the Villages is very safe, but for added protection we have a 9 MM Sig Sauer with a laser sight as our security system.

[skarra]

South

[Wiserbud47]

I have lived one mile south of Lake Sumter in a village called Largo for 13 years. Honestly, I believe the Villages is a very safe place to live. I am not being critical, but some people feel insecure and need additional devices to make them feel safe.
The facts show are there is very little crime of any type in the neighborhoods where we live. We have a Community Watch vehicle that passes every house in our community three times in every 24 hours. There are some businesses that are affected by shoplifting and there are occasional domestic issues in homes.
The best way for me to describe the Villages is like going back and living in the 1950's again. Men and women can safely walk their dogs or jog at 5 am, it is very clean, there is no graffiti and it is just a beautiful place to live. I am so thankful a place such as this exists in 2020.

[jswirs]

I have lived one mile south of Lake Sumter in a village called Largo for 13 years. Honestly, I believe the Villages is a very safe place to live. I am not being critical, but some people feel insecure and need additional devices to make them feel safe.
The facts show are there is very little crime of any type in the neighborhoods where we live. We have a Community Watch vehicle that passes every house in our community three times in every 24 hours. There are some businesses that are affected by shoplifting and there are occasional domestic issues in homes.
The best way for me to describe the Villages is like going back and living in the 1950's again. Men and women can safely walk their dogs or jog at 5 am, it is very clean, there is no graffiti and it is just a beautiful place to live. I am so thankful a place such as this exists in 2020.
Very well said, and you echo my sentiments exactly.

[vinricci]

We didn’t have a security system in Texas until our 3rd break-in. Also had two vehicles stolen from our driveway. After moving here we feel very safe. Community watch is great. Knocked our door to let us know our garage door was open at night.

[Windguy]

When I was looking for homeowners’ insurance just before I moved here, I was told that if I had artwork worth over $20,000 I would need a security system. Fortunately, I don’t have a lot of artwork so I don’t need or have a security system.

[Quixote]

Our security system was a knee-jerk result of a family issue, nothing out there in the community. We went with a DIY system by SimpliSafe, not only easy to self-install in 2-3 hours but also relatively inexpensive. Monitoring is non-mandatory and non-contract at $15/month. We leave our monitoring on all the time because the resulting discount we get in our homeowners insurance for having a security system covers a large portion of the cost of monitoring. Still, after all is said and done, a security system here is a personal preference, not a necessity.

[Bay Kid]

Just the sign.

[bmit16]

A lot of people come from places where they had a high crime area and they now feel more secure with a security system. Also, a lot of people are only in their homes 4 to 6 months thus leaving them vacant. Perhaps they feel better leaving them that long with a security system. Either way, it never hurts to always be vigilant. Criminals go where they can get their hands on valuables.

[dcammel]

The inside of the bubble is very safe and a security system is a personal preference. You will find many have them and you will get all kinds of recommendations. Personally, I don't think they are necessary however my wife doesn't agree so yes, we have one :)
There are several self installed solutions such as Simply Safe, Google or Nest based systems, as well as Ring.com. Many professionals admit that the sign in the front yard is almost as good as an alarm, plus, you need to remember to turn it on. Many of these alternative systems offer discounted monitoring for as little as $12-15 a month instead of the ADT inflated costs of $40+ and a 3 year contract. Crime in The Villages does happen, but rare. Many of these systems will alert you own cellphone and not a security center if you elect to set them up with that configuration. Good Luck.

[Professor]

We had a system up North and I brought the ADT sign with me and stuck it in the ground in front of our house. No system mind you...just the sign. :super:

The Villages is quite safe over all and we feel no need for a security system. We do travel frequently for anywhere from a week to two months at a time and have never had any issues and we have been here for 10 years.

[deestatham]

We live in Chatham, great neighborhood, great neighbors. Been here 4 years and do not feel unsafe. Plus our neighbors definitely keep an eye open for each other,

[ALadysMom]

DIY systems with video doorbells are great for many uses beyond a potential break-in. They allow you peace of mind by being able to click on the App to see where that package was stashed, or who is at your door, or when did your spouse come home or leave since he/she is not answering the phone, etc. I wouldn’t live without one now that I have them. They have a myriad of uses. And it is good for crimes which are, by design, unexpected. I also like hearing when a door has been opened rather than being surprised by someone I didn’t know was there.

[Maryland04]

Where do you think you live? Almost all home theift's in TV are either bad contractors/care givers or adult chrildren who come home to rest.

[dewilson58]

Where do you think you live? Almost all home theift's in TV are either bad contractors/care givers or adult chrildren who come home to rest.




Not true. There are transient individuals and groups flowing thru TV.

[Yukon9]

We rented a villa in Village of Collier a few years back. While gone for the day to Tampa, our villa was broken into and robbed in the middle of the day! After our burglary, the detective told us there were 17 more! We did not come back until this year. We rented another villa but brought with us a SimpliSafe alarm system that is portable and uses a 'command strip' technology to install and take down. We are paying for monitoring at about $25.00/ month. There is a cheaper program that costs around $15.00. Installation was simple and easy. There is crime here, but there is crime everywhere. We just feel more comfortable with the alarm. That way, we know if someone has been in our place!! And we sleep soundly at night! Good luck.

[juscause]

At most, I'd buy a Ring doorbell and call it a day. No real need for a full blown security system.

[theruizs]

We have half a dozen cameras (my idea, not my wife’s) but really not because of security concerns. I just like being able to see around my property, see when someone pulls into the drive, watch my wife swim, see if there are packages at the door I missed, and see who is at the door when the doorbell rings or they knock. It is more for convenience and fun than anything else. I have never not felt safe here.

[karostay]

Careful be on the lookout for lurking cougars and dog poop and trolls looking for white crosses

[jarodrig]

In my opinion the Villages is very safe, but for added protection we have a 9 MM Sig Sauer with a laser sight as our security system.

I have Mr S&W, Mr Colt and Mr Glock as my personal security force !!! LOL !!! 😂

[Two Bills]

Apart from the vagrants, drunks, hookers, drug dealers, gang shootouts, barking dogs, loud music, and next doors wind chimes, it's a great place to live!:icon_wink:

[John_W]

In the suburbs of Baltimore I used the fake alarm system sign, it had the red stop sign and said guarded by so and so. Here in TV it hasn't even entered my mine to put up a sign much less install a real system.

I live off St. Charles, it a busy road that runs through the Villages of Pennecamp, Buttonwood, Tamarind Grove and St. James. Occasionally I've had to go out at 5am, something you'll probably never see anywhere else, maybe in Beverly Hills. Lone women walking and jogging in the dark at 5am. Go out any morning that's not real cold and you'll see them on St. Charles. That's a sense of security you won't see anywhere else. Besides having the county sheriffs, TV has their own security patrols that will make at least one trip up every street everyday.

[MollyJo]

The main reason I’m moving to The Villages is that I feel it is safe. I’ve been collecting my yearly replacement security signs in anticipation of my move. I think I have enough to last my lifetime w/o the monthly cost.

[New Englander]

Feeling extra safe having a firearm in your home to protect yourself is great. I'm 100% in favor of that. But, what good does it do if a burglary happens when nobody is home?

[TimeForChange]

I have the following....plenty of weapons, ammo, homeowners insurance for break ins if we are not here. And, I sleep lightly as a Vietnam vet. We moved here from Atlanta and I feel a little more safe but am always protected.

[Velvet]

As a female, I feel quite safe when I’m by myself in TV. The only thing I worry about usually anywhere in the world is home invasion, and that doesn’t seem to happen in TV. I have insurance for everything else.

[NavyVet]

Have had different security systems, found them to be annoying more than helpful. Now have bump proof digital deadbolts, 2 dogs, 2 guns (including a Ruger 38/357), excellent smoke and fire protection, and a comprehensive umbrella insurance policy. As someone with PTSD, it was real disappointing to learn after moving here 17 years ago, TV is not a real gated community. Though overall, I feel pretty safe here. :-)

[Bogie Shooter]

Feeling extra safe having a firearm in your home to protect yourself is great. I'm 100% in favor of that. But, what good does it do if a burglary happens when nobody is home?
They steal the gun.:duck:

[Curtisbwp]

I agree

[Shimpy]

We have half a dozen cameras (my idea, not my wife’s) but really not because of security concerns. I just like being able to see around my property, see when someone pulls into the drive, watch my wife swim, see if there are packages at the door I missed, and see who is at the door when the doorbell rings or they knock. It is more for convenience and fun than anything else. I have never not felt safe here.

LOL, sounds like you don't want to get out of the recliner.

[sipops]

A lot of these homes are also vacant for many months a year.

[tophcfa]

Feeling extra safe having a firearm in your home to protect yourself is great. I'm 100% in favor of that. But, what good does it do if a burglary happens when nobody is home?

Thats why the firearm is kept locked up when not home. They can take anything else they want in the house, except our golf clubs, and we wouldn't really care.

[asianthree]

We have 6 cameras inside and out. It’s very convenient to tell the cat to get off the couch, when we are out. If she gets bored, she goes to one of the cameras to make the red motion light turn on. So we feel very safe with a watch cat.

I run at 4am especially in warmer months. I carry spray, more for the wildlife than another person.

[prettyw102@aol.com]

I couldn't have said it better!

[Topspinmo]

Not true. There are transient individuals and groups flowing thru TV.

“Also”

[Topspinmo]

LOL, sounds like you don't want to get out of the recliner.

Or paranoid?

[ts12755]

Most of the crime is done by children of the folks that live here. Just don't bring your kids down to live with you.

[charmed59]

I feel the Villages is very safe, especially if you are in the middle. Between the friendly neighbors watching out for others and the community watch only an idiot would try to break into homes here. All cars coming in an out the gates are caught on camera, so the when you do hear of a rare break in it is closely followed by who they caught.

[Fast Freddy]

Personally, I never trusted the moderating company employees. If you report, they know when you will be gone and for how long. To make extra money, they could contact a person in that area, give them your address and how long you'll be gone.........I know it's a long shot but possible. They risk their employment and criminal involvement.

[J1ceasar]

The biggest issue you'll have is drunken golf cart drivers and obnoxious drunks at the bars since the "bar" on liquor liability laws are very low. also. most crimes are petty and from the "help"

[Topspinmo]

The biggest issue you'll have is drunken golf cart drivers and obnoxious drunks at the bars since the "bar" on liquor liability laws are very low. also. most crimes are petty and from the "help"

Drunks or drunk golfer’s speeding to next tee times? :1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

Personally, I never trusted the moderating company employees. If you report, they know when you will be gone and for how long. To make extra money, they could contact a person in that area, give them your address and how long you'll be gone.........I know it's a long shot but possible. They risk their employment and criminal involvement.
Most burglaries are inside jobs. Somebody knows you not home.

[Kountry]

I used to not even lock my house in the day time. And never locked my car. Now I lock up everything. And yes we do have theft in here. Sumpter is probably the safest place. Not near a highway and not where there are lots of houses around you that are new and not yet sold. And yes there are problems here now. When this Villages had locked gates I felt so safe. I rented before buying and stayed 1 mo a year in all different areas so that I would be sure where I wanted to be when I bought. I could not get into that rental until I pushed that red button that now opens the gate for you. When I pushed it there is a speaker next to it. The speaker would come on and a real person would ask your name where you were going and for what reason. Then they opened the gate. my neighbor had a golf cart taken and one was taken from the pool by truck while the person was swimming. If the gate was locked he couldn't have gotten in.

[OhioBuckeye]

As I look to buy something in TV (within a few miles of Sumter Landing), a few places have ADT systems in place. Where I live now, there is little need for such things.
Do people feel safe without security systems, or do you recommend them? I'd think with good, observant neighbors it would be mostly unnecessary.
Thanks.
Skarra, since you’re a junior member eventually you’ll see it’s just about the same as any other subdivision. You’ll hear your fair amount of houses that get broke into, a few fights at some of the downtown bars. But the sheriff dept. does a good job getting trouble makers out of there. TV is a little better than most places. Like some signs you see, “The most Friendly city in America “.

[ColdNoMore]

I used to not even lock my house in the day time. And never locked my car. Now I lock up everything. And yes we do have theft in here. Sumpter is probably the safest place. Not near a highway and not where there are lots of houses around you that are new and not yet sold. And yes there are problems here now. When this Villages had locked gates I felt so safe. I rented before buying and stayed 1 mo a year in all different areas so that I would be sure where I wanted to be when I bought. I could not get into that rental until I pushed that red button that now opens the gate for you. When I pushed it there is a speaker next to it. The speaker would come on and a real person would ask your name where you were going and for what reason. Then they opened the gate. my neighbor had a golf cart taken and one was taken from the pool by truck while the person was swimming. If the gate was locked he couldn't have gotten in.

I'm confused.

Are you talking about a specific village...or all of the 'fake-gated' ones in general?

And when were the gates "gates locked?" :confused:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I used to not even lock my house in the day time. And never locked my car. Now I lock up everything. And yes we do have theft in here. Sumpter is probably the safest place. Not near a highway and not where there are lots of houses around you that are new and not yet sold. And yes there are problems here now. When this Villages had locked gates I felt so safe. I rented before buying and stayed 1 mo a year in all different areas so that I would be sure where I wanted to be when I bought. I could not get into that rental until I pushed that red button that now opens the gate for you. When I pushed it there is a speaker next to it. The speaker would come on and a real person would ask your name where you were going and for what reason. Then they opened the gate. my neighbor had a golf cart taken and one was taken from the pool by truck while the person was swimming. If the gate was locked he couldn't have gotten in.

I don't recall ANY Village within the properties known as The Villages, Florida, that ever had that setup. Definitely none that I'm aware of in Sumter County. Also, anyone who legitimately lives in the Villages can easily steal your golf cart, and always could. You never needed a pass to LEAVE, only to come IN.

They can walk over to your house, steal your golf cart, and drive it out where a buyer waits for their delivery. I'm not saying this happens but I am saying your logic is illogical.

[PugMom]

Careful be on the lookout for lurking cougars and dog poop and trolls looking for white crosses :1rotfl::clap2:

[dpmers]

Many of the very few issues are done by service people working in and around your house. Ive been here for 22 years and know of few problems

[Gpsma]

As the sumter county police said at my club meeting...if u have a gun, carry it...WE CAN NOT BE THERE ALL THE TIME

[dewilson58]

As the sumter county police said at my club meeting...if u have a gun, carry it...WE CAN NOT BE THERE ALL THE TIME




True every where.


Nothing specific to Sumter.

[Nursecasemanager]

I have always felt in the Lake Sumter area where we live.

[patfla06]

We have a security system and had one in each home we lived in ( only 4 homes in 38 years ).

Never installed security cameras outside but that might change.

I do feel very safe here and hope it continues to feel safe.

[patfla06]

After Spectrum pulled out of the alarm system business we had The Villages Alarm Co. install a new system.

They did a great job and our house was spotless when they left.

[Sharfrfla]

I pay only $80 a quarter to Village alarm and they did a great job. I like having an alarm especially when out of town.

[dave from deland]

They steal the gun.:duck:When I am gone, I have the gun legally concealed on my person. The rest my guns are locked in a large, secure safe that don't move. Unattended gun problem solved.

[graciegirl]

The Villages is safer by far than where most of us used to live. Kudo's to the devoted men and women in a variety of law enforcement districts who watch out for us and many thanks to the folks in Villages watch who drive around and keep an eye on things and report any suspicious things like garage doors up in the middle of the night. Many thanks to the watchful eyes of all the people who live here who used to be nurses and doctors and teachers and business executives and bakers and plumbers who are still smart as tacks and watch others now almost full time.

It still doesn't hurt to get doorbell cameras and other surveillance cameras and live next or near to someone who is further protected, I am guessing close to half of Villagers are.

If something or someone looks out of place call the police. Invite them to come to your local groups to talk about security.

During high season we have crooks who also come for the warm weather and easy pickin's.

If someone looks out of place walking down the street take their picture and let them see you do it. Then run in the house.

:pray:

[2BNTV]

I'm not saying there is no crime in TV but it is very small compared to where I used to live.

I moved from a town that at once was the murder capital of the US. I have never felt safer living in TV. Heck, I even left my house unlocked a couple of times in the 7 Years I have been here with no problems. No town is 100% crime free but everyone has to do what's right for themselves especially for those who would worry about a home invasion. IMHO