What is most improtant to you - home value or lifestyle

[npwalters]

There have been several discussions lately regarding the huge and rapid expansion of TV. Discussion of the pros and cons often includes a comment like "the expansion and demand has and will drive up the value of your home".

I'm going to accept those statements as fact for the sake of argument and ask this question. What is more important to you; increased home value or a happy, active, and relaxed lifestyle?

For me the lifestyle far outweighs the increase in home value. Sure, I am happy with any increase but I'm not looking to sell my house so that really only means my property tax will increase and my heirs might get extra money when I die. Before I suffer the inevitable folks slamming my comments - let me say that I realize that is MY situation and doesn't apply to everyone buying here.

I'll flesh my thought out a bit. I don't want to wait an hour at a restaurant. I don't want to have to buy my ticket to the Sharon, Savannah Center, Katie Belles, etc in the first hour after they go on sale. I don't want to scramble to get on a championship golf course. I don't want to go on a year long waiting list for a club....you get the idea.

I'm happy where I am in TV and with my current lifestyle but I'm keeping a wary eye on the future. Maybe I'll be forced to take that increase in my home value and move to a smaller community in the future. I hope not.

[bob47]

What a well thought out posting.

[VApeople]

I'm keeping a wary eye on the future. Maybe I'll be forced to take that increase in my home value and move to a smaller community in the future.

So what is your problem?

If you think you would be happier in a different house, then move there. That is what all of us did. What's the big deal?

[ColdNoMore]

What a well thought out posting.

:agree:

Thanks for the thread npwalters. :thumbup:

While I agree with a lot of what you say (particularly about not being concerned about my house value), I personally don't really see myself leaving...until I stop breathing.

But you're right about the community getting...almost too large. :(

[villagetinker]

npwalters, I agree with you, we are FROGs (here till we croak), we love the life style, we dread the once yearly influx and the resulting wait for stuff. We have learned to adjust dinner times to around 4 pm or well after 7 pm. I have reminders for ticket sales, but due to several blunders at the Sharon, I have skipped many recent shows. I am going to explore some activities outside the villages. My wish (OK hope) is that this area will get to a tipping point where we will see development outside of the bubble to support all the people inside the bubble.
This will be an interesting topic to follow. GRIDEEP, GRIDEEP.

[asianthree]

The more south they build, I don’t see them spending an hour in a golf cart to get to anything I am doing. I use fitness centers off campus. I shop on line including 80% grocery. There are more open tee time on championship courses then in the past 5 years.

Have to say we really don’t go to events in TV, and have never waited more than 20 minutes for a table in a restaurant here. But we eat later than most. Rarely get to bed before 1am. As younger gens move here the lifestyle will change

[PanamaKim]

[QUOTE=asianthree;1723582]The more south they build, I don’t see them spending an hour in a golf cart to get to anything I am doing. I use fitness centers off campus. I shop on line including 80% grocery.

Your comment got my attention. I love online shopping, but I haven’t made the transition to gro shop online. I’d love to hear more about how you do it. Thanks!

[JoeBoroden]

Increasing value is nice, but not a big deal, especially if we stay in home forever. If we decide to move, the increased value is nice, but that means the next home will cost more too (if in TV).

It seems as they expand, they are keeping ratios of homes to amenities consistent and making them really nice. It also adds variety, things to do, areas to explore.

Traffic..... we just bought in TV in February and spent time there last May and this February during snowbird season. After growing up on Long Island, then living or driving through many big cities, I was pleasantly surprised of the lack of traffic even during snowbird season. The biggest issue seems to be parking around the squares at times. So the little walk from the parking lot to the square is exercise. I guess it is all your perspective. If you come from Tiny Town USA there is traffic in TV. This February I finally expected to see all this “traffic” people complain about and never found it.

I, for one, like the expansion, increased amenities, things to do. What a great place to live.

[Chatbrat]

Home value was and is never important to us, we never looked at home value as an investment--once you back out maintenance, taxes and other items its a break even--life style is way more important-since we were self employed--investment income gives us the means to live and do whatever we want to, without the worry of running out of $$, never had a mortgage and refuse to pay any interest, its the way I was brought up--if can pay for it, you don't need it

[TomPerry]

I’m sure some people north of CR-466 felt the same as the OP when they expanded south of CR-466. Then I’m sure some people north of CR-466A felt the same as the OP when they expanded south of CR-466A. Then I’m sure some people north of north of SR-44 felt the same as the OP when they expanded south of SR-44. Then I’m sure in the future some people north of CR-470 will feel the same as the OP when they expand south of CR-470. Etc, Etc....

[prettyw102@aol.com]

Hi Joe. We couldn't have said it better. We moved here last August from South FL, originally from NY as well. Was concerned about what we heard about "season" as far as traffic , restaurants, clubs etc. Here we are in March, and to us it was much ado about nothing. We really don't see much of a change. I guess if one is from a rural area, they might feel differently. To us, this is no biggie. We absolutely love it here...beautifully aesthetically, so much to do, friendly people, beautiful weather...we could go on and on. Welcome to Paradise!

[rjn5656]

I enjoy the villages right now, usually some of the amenities primarily golf, but not other things, spend a lot of time outside the bubble at restaurants, shopping, entertainment.

With the future growth, I would be more than willing to pack it in and find a nice gated golf community but wife is not on the same page with me.

So I am staying.:)

[jacivell]

What blunders have you seen at The Sharon? Just curious. Thx!

[Bethwill]

I just spent the last 2 months weighing my options about getting out of TV, due to overcrowding and rude people. I am more concerned about my property being worth less because of overbuilding. Since my husband recently got a job closer to TV, I guess we're staying for now.

[Westie Man]

[QUOTE=asianthree;1723582]The more south they build, I don’t see them spending an hour in a golf cart to get to anything I am doing. I use fitness centers off campus. I shop on line including 80% grocery.

Your comment got my attention. I love online shopping, but I haven’t made the transition to gro shop online. I’d love to hear more about how you do it. Thanks!


Walmart Grocery (https://grocery.walmart.com)

[vintageogauge]

I don't see a problem with crowds. We eat out only once per week and never have to wait. Living south of 44, the only traffic problem I've encountered is an occasional back up on 301 due to accidents on the turnpike or I-75 with traffic being re-routed onto 301. As far as home values, we got in early down here and the homes purchased back then have appreciated quite a bit which is nice but that is not why we bought when we did, it was our time and we were fortunate.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

[QUOTE=Chatbrat;1723634]Home value was and is never important to us, we never looked at home value as an investment--once you back out maintenance, taxes and other items its a break even--life style is way more important-since we were self employed--investment income gives us the means to live and do whatever we want to, without the worry of running out of $$, never had a mortgage and refuse to pay any interest, its the way I was brought up--if can pay for it, you don't need it[/QUOTE


I was self employed my whole life also. Mary and I have always paid cash for everything and invested the money we would have paid in interest. During the Snowbird season We buy season tickets to the many theaters in the surrounding towns. Take day trips and cruises. During the off season. We stay in St Augustine, St Pete's Beach or Dunedin. Hotel rates are 30% cheaper their rates change at various times. This puts us closer to all the venues in these areas. The beach is 13 feet from our door in St Pete. Finally, we are Frogs so the home our home value is not that important to us. Let our heirs worry about it. Len & Mary

[skyking]

Lifestyle is more important. I am confused about the growth causing waits, etc. I am not aware of a city or community where growth in businesses and services has not followed population growth.

[Phogstr]

That’s why we’re moving to S Carolina on Lake Hartwell...

[Dent Repair USA]

I was reading Ray Kurzweils new book The Singularity is Near, and he was touching on some of these themes. Well, in all honesty, I wasn't reading, I was Audio booking it. He deals with the S-Curve of Technology and expansion. In the end, expansion is inevitable and also, as was the conclusion of the author, life quality will be somewhat diminished. However, I think the real issue is an inconvenience rather than $.

[busdriver54]

I agree 100%!!! If their going to expand this much then they need to build more golf courses, entertainment centers, town squares and restaurants! It should not be a hassle to partake in any of these. We are retired and do not need to be stressed out! I thought I would live here forever but if we can’t participate in the things we love and the things they promised us then what’s the sense in staying here. Now their raising our taxes to pay for their growth that we don’t need! The golf course prices are going sky high forcing people to play outside of the Villages. We always get a tee time and the cost is half or less. They are loving it, saying we’re glad the Villages are forcing you to play elsewhere, that’s good for us. The Villages used to raise prices 1 or $2.00 a year. AlI this expansion scares me! How much money do they need!!! This generation has sadly gotten very greedy!! The founder Is turning over in his grave because he did not intend for this to happen to his Friendliest Home Town!

[villagetinker]

What blunders have you seen at The Sharon? Just curious. Thx!

A few concerts has the sound system so loud the speakers were actually distorting the sound, for example the Charlie Daniels concert, during the last song 'The devil goes down to Georgia' you could not understand the words, Masters of illusion had supplementary speakers on the stage floor, blocking the view of the people in the first 3 or 4 rows of seats.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For us lifestyle was MUCH more important than home value. We want our house to feel like a home, for sure - but some of our deal-breakers stopped being deal-breakers when it was crunch time. Absolutely no manufactured homes - we want a site-built. No carpeting because who wants to scrub cat litter off the carpets all day (my cat is a slob). Privacy is a must - and since fences aren't allowed, that means a courtyard villa.

So now we live in a manufactured house, with carpeting in the bedrooms only, no fences, no walls, and the neighbors text me to find out if I'm okay since they haven't seen my car move out of the driveway in three days (I golf-cart most places, hah!).

I STILL hate Florida for lots of reasons and wish the Villages wasn't in Florida. But as communities go - the Villages is a perfect place for healthy retirement, or for pre-retirement living.

I'm here for the lifestyle, and because hubby said he'd miss me if I didn't move with him from up north. A basement would've been awesome but - Florida - so we'll just have to live without one.

[dewilson58]

I agree 100%!!! If their going to expand this much then they need to build more golf courses, entertainment centers, town squares and restaurants! It should not be a hassle to partake in any of these. We are retired and do not need to be stressed out! I thought I would live here forever but if we can’t participate in the things we love and the things they promised us then what’s the sense in staying here. Now their raising our taxes to pay for their growth that we don’t need! The golf course prices are going sky high forcing people to play outside of the Villages. We always get a tee time and the cost is half or less. They are loving it, saying we’re glad the Villages are forcing you to play elsewhere, that’s good for us. The Villages used to raise prices 1 or $2.00 a year. AlI this expansion scares me! How much money do they need!!! This generation has sadly gotten very greedy!! The founder Is turning over in his grave because he did not intend for this to happen to his Friendliest Home Town!




Interesting first post.


The prior generations made over $1,000,000,000. That's a billion.


People on the North-end, thought the expansion South of 466a was too much.


Golf use to be below $20.


How did you determine greed, the founder grave action, appropriate golf prices, who promised what to you, when should the expansion start to scare you????


All these questions...........please enlighten.




:pray:

[mykvalentin]

There have been several discussions lately regarding the huge and rapid expansion of TV. Discussion of the pros and cons often includes a comment like "the expansion and demand has and will drive up the value of your home".

I'm going to accept those statements as fact for the sake of argument and ask this question. What is more important to you; increased home value or a happy, active, and relaxed lifestyle?

For me the lifestyle far outweighs the increase in home value. Sure, I am happy with any increase but I'm not looking to sell my house so that really only means my property tax will increase and my heirs might get extra money when I die. Before I suffer the inevitable folks slamming my comments - let me say that I realize that is MY situation and doesn't apply to everyone buying here.

I'll flesh my thought out a bit. I don't want to wait an hour at a restaurant. I don't want to have to buy my ticket to the Sharon, Savannah Center, Katie Belles, etc in the first hour after they go on sale. I don't want to scramble to get on a championship golf course. I don't want to go on a year long waiting list for a club....you get the idea.

I'm happy where I am in TV and with my current lifestyle but I'm keeping a wary eye on the future. Maybe I'll be forced to take that increase in my home value and move to a smaller community in the future. I hope not.
For my wife and I, the lifestyle is definitely far more important than home value. We’re lucky with the location home that we got in TV (Pine Ridge) because everything are within 5 miles. We almost always drive our golf cart to go anywhere in TV. As far as waiting in line at restaurants or whatever, coming from NYC, the wait in TV is nothing compared to NYC. Besides... while waiting I’m always with a fun company (my wife, or Mom&Dad, friends) so no big deal waiting. What’s the hurry to enjoy dinner with love ones? As for shopping, we love Amazon online shopping! Even movie and theater tickets can be purchase online. And we’re only a mile away or two from WalMart & Publix Colony Plaza. If the dollar value of our home increased (which it is), that’s only a plus. -myk

[Driver8]

I hear you. My thoughts are clearly aligned with yours

[OhioBuckeye]

There have been several discussions lately regarding the huge and rapid expansion of TV. Discussion of the pros and cons often includes a comment like "the expansion and demand has and will drive up the value of your home".

I'm going to accept those statements as fact for the sake of argument and ask this question. What is more important to you; increased home value or a happy, active, and relaxed lifestyle?

For me the lifestyle far outweighs the increase in home value. Sure, I am happy with any increase but I'm not looking to sell my house so that really only means my property tax will increase and my heirs might get extra money when I die. Before I suffer the inevitable folks slamming my comments - let me say that I realize that is MY situation and doesn't apply to everyone buying here.

I'll flesh my thought out a bit. I don't want to wait an hour at a restaurant. I don't want to have to buy my ticket to the Sharon, Savannah Center, Katie Belles, etc in the first hour after they go on sale. I don't want to scramble to get on a championship golf course. I don't want to go on a year long waiting list for a club....you get the idea.

I'm happy where I am in TV and with my current lifestyle but I'm keeping a wary eye on the future. Maybe I'll be forced to take that increase in my home value and move to a smaller community in the future. I hope not.

Wow, tough question to answer not being in your shoes. If you like TV & plan to stay & never move or live there for the next 15, 20 or 30 yrs. You've got to decide how much you want to put in your house or if you want a premium home that could cost 1 million dollars or more. Do you want to put out a lot of money in taxes, I didn't so that's why I bought a Designer home that was discounted quite a bit. Personally I bought a home that I was comfortable with my Property Taxes & untilties. But the other things you mentioned as far as what you pay in amenities, probably $160, it sounds like you aren't a big fan of these things but want something to do. Golf, as far as Championship courses, to me it's high but these course are hard to get on because they do sell all their tee times pretty much every day. If you're a permanent resident these courses are discounted in the summer months or should I say a little cheaper. They say when I was there, $7. in summer but never got charged $7. it was a more than this. So just my opinion, if you're there to make money on your house spend the money, it'll sell. If you're there to have fun doing all the 2,000 things to do & live there quite a while buy cheap & have fun, you won't lose money on your home. Good luck, & enjoy the heck out of TV!

[Bogie Shooter]

That’s why we’re moving to S Carolina on Lake Hartwell...

First post.
Why should we care that you are moving to S. Carolina?

[Two Bills]

I would swap lifestyle and value of home, for quality of life any day.

[vintageogauge]

That’s why we’re moving to S Carolina on Lake Hartwell...

Take your coats with you.

[Debi-G]

Don't you think that with the growth of The Villages size-wise, there will also be other places to eat, for entertaining, other "Sharons"? There are already golf courses going in, so there should be plenty of new venues to keep up with the growth for each area. Not all of the new residents are planning to travel to the north or central part of the Villages for their needs, so adding to traffic or wait lines at restaurants shouldn't be an issue. I have no problem going outside the bubble to eat, either, but on occasion will visit some of the older areas when we feel like driving the car instead of a golf cart. We are planning to move there at the end of this year or beginning of next, but we want to be in the new areas. We feel sure since there are all of the needed amenities at and around each of the established Town Squares, that there are plans to have that in each of the new Town Squares, as well. It may take a little time, but hey, at this point I'm looking forward to having some time on my hands.

[npwalters]

Don't you think that with the growth of The Villages size-wise, there will also be other places to eat, for entertaining, other "Sharons"? There are already golf courses going in, so there should be plenty of new venues to keep up with the growth for each area. Not all of the new residents are planning to travel to the north or central part of the Villages for their needs, so adding to traffic or wait lines at restaurants shouldn't be an issue. I have no problem going outside the bubble to eat, either, but on occasion will visit some of the older areas when we feel like driving the car instead of a golf cart. We are planning to move there at the end of this year or beginning of next, but we want to be in the new areas. We feel sure since there are all of the needed amenities at and around each of the established Town Squares, that there are plans to have that in each of the new Town Squares, as well. It may take a little time, but hey, at this point I'm looking forward to having some time on my hands.

Actually, I don't believe there are any more Sharon's, Savannah Center type auditoriums, or championship golf courses scheduled to be built. Maybe I've missed the announcement if there is. TV has agreed in writing to build a 4th town square south of the turnpike but no date is specified.

TV will add rec centers, executive golf courses, dog parks, and other amenities as they always have. Clearly, restaraunts and stores will be built to meet increased demand by other private businesses (as capitalism works) but that will be awhile (years). Assuming the population of TV doubles, as is predicted, there no doubt is and will continue to be increased demand on the items I mentioned.

[Northwoods]

We moved here for the lifestyle. It's getting more crowded and Exec. tee times are harder to get, but we still love it here.
I've never spoken to The Developer nor have I seen anything in writing that said they were going to stop expanding. I don't expect The Developer to make decisions because it will make me happy nor do I hold The Developer responsible for what my realtor told me.
I have no issue with The Developer making money. Are they greedy? I don't know... I think they are smart business people. They are making choices just like all of us are making choices.
If there comes a time that The Villages doesn't work for me... we will move to another community. I will never blame The Developer or complain that I was sold a bill of goods. I don't have anything in writing that promises me anything about The Villages.
I'm an adult and walked into The Villages with eyes wide open. If I thought it was going to something it isn't (smaller), then I would find a community that better fits my lifestyle. I don't expect The Developer to adjust his business plan to fit what some realtor told me.
We love it here. We have no plans to move.

[tophcfa]

Lifestyle

[dewilson58]

Lifestyle






Same here.




I'm not moving, I'm young enough that I'm not counting on my home value for funds, so I don't sit around and get excited about home values going up 30%.




:ho:

[coffeebean]

Hi Joe. We couldn't have said it better. We moved here last August from South FL, originally from NY as well. Was concerned about what we heard about "season" as far as traffic , restaurants, clubs etc. Here we are in March, and to us it was much ado about nothing. We really don't see much of a change. I guess if one is from a rural area, they might feel differently. To us, this is no biggie. We absolutely love it here...beautifully aesthetically, so much to do, friendly people, beautiful weather...we could go on and on. Welcome to Paradise!

What we notice is the line of cars at the traffic light at 466 and Rolling Acres Rd. During the winter months, the traffic is backed up, sometimes 20 cars, depending on time of day. During the rest of the year, at the same time of day,we will either breeze through the light or have at best four cars in front of us as we wait for the light to change. We do see a difference but nothing like it was with the traffic on Long Island or South Florida roads.

[ladybugsmom]

Agree totally! Well said! And, might I add, THE TRAFFIC!!!

[rockandroller]

What is more important to you; increased home value or a happy, active, and relaxed lifestyle?


Well into my retirement, this will probably be my last single family residence. Hopefully, I will die in my sleep with a smile on my face, dressed for the next stage in my existence and singing along with Billy Gibbons - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Gibbons). The kids can do with the house as they please.

[perrjojo]

A few concerts has the sound system so loud the speakers were actually distorting the sound, for example the Charlie Daniels concert, during the last song 'The devil goes down to Georgia' you could not understand the words, Masters of illusion had supplementary speakers on the stage floor, blocking the view of the people in the first 3 or 4 rows of seats.
The Charlie Daniels band sound was terrible. I couldn’t understand the words of The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Thankfully I knew the words by heart.

[MaggieB]

We moved from Allentown to TV 2.5 years ago.

[justjim]

I really don’t see the growth south of 44 affecting my lifestyle. In our fourteen years of “The Villages lifestyle”, there has been much growth. We find ourselves excited by the growth. We see more improvements every year. The recent opening of new health care facilities and others projected to open in the near future are prime examples of improvements to our lifestyle. In the future, I visualize all the Development south of 44 as “The Villages South” which will bring more options for Interesting things to do and improvements not only for those of us north of 44 but also the lucky younger retirees who “stumble” into this wonderful retirement community we call The Villages. I see no reason why you can’t have both lifestyle and home value at the same time. That’s what has happen the last several years. Fore.

[valuemkt]

That’s why we’re moving to S Carolina on Lake Hartwell...

Beautiful Lake in the middle of nowhere between atlanta and charlotte. Great if you like a boat and don;t want to be near anything or anyone Generally used as a weekend getaway from Atlanta .. Different strokes for different folks .. Enjoy .. better than complaining about what the villages isn;t for you ..

[valuemkt]

What we notice is the line of cars at the traffic light at 466 and Rolling Acres Rd. During the winter months, the traffic is backed up, sometimes 20 cars, depending on time of day. During the rest of the year, at the same time of day,we will either breeze through the light or have at best four cars in front of us as we wait for the light to change. We do see a difference but nothing like it was with the traffic on Long Island or South Florida roads.

A "backup" of a whole 20 cars ?? I guess you were joking .. moved from 20 years of Atlanta and 7 wide highways at 85mph .. or dead stop ..

[J1ceasar]

If you travel mostly by car - traffic doesn't matter. however in the OLDER sections - Spanish springs etc - speeders are ridiculous - the good news is that we have alot oof doctors -the bad news is the villages hospitals suck . Lifestyle is what you make of it. golfers here get it free but I hear the courses are going downhill. 2,000 clibs are great unless they are full. Restaurants can be ridiculous to get into in winter. Glad I live on the outskirts and NO - I am not telling you the great restaurants of LAKE County !!!!! Stay away. !

[Rosebud1949]

A lot has changed in 12 years here in TV, and there is a huge influx in snowbirds and waiting times etc. Remember some people only want to make money on their houses... moving every 2 years and making 100's of thousands THATS what putting the prices up. Those of us on limited incomes faired well in the 2008's - 2012's but we are now being priced out by enlarged contractor prices for even the simplest job, that we at 70+ cannot do for ourselves. Overcrowding, less facilities and rude people do not help. It used to be a great place to live.. not so much now.

[2BNTV]

Lifestyle for me!!!

I agree with justjim point of view. I would never want to deny someone the opportunity to live in this wonderful place called TV. Every place has it's pro's and con's. TV has more pro's than con's.

It will get better when the snowbird season ends, (snowbirds brings a lot of revenue to the community).. I also don't see how people living south of 44 affects people living north of 466A. I trust the developer to build the corresponding amenities for all future residents. For my money, TV is a well cared for community in that all you have to do is go outside and see how immaculate it is kept! IMHO

[SunnyHester]

Good conversation Pam and Nick. Thanks for raising the issue for discussion on TOTV. I agree the current growth rate is a point to consider for new owners and longer-term residents. We manage to work around the some of the inconveniences of "the season" by using many of the suggestions already provided. I do appreciate when the amenities more readily available in the off season. However, I do understand, if you are snowbirds, how these wait times or missed events become more inconvenient than those of us here year-round.

My concern with the current expansion rate is sustainability. There was a great program in our earliest build communities to convert some of the modular homes to newer style homes. It is my understanding that program may be currently on hold pending the new construction. Having driven through several of our earlier built communities, we can see firsthand the beautiful new homes and the positive impact they have to our community.

I’d love to see another Town Center. Rumor mill discussions were around a New Orleans theme. However, I say this with absolutely no confirmed information and maybe just wishful thinking. 😊 I’m sure our local businesses struggle with the seasonal nature of our community, as do the staff. No solution here – just a couple of suggestions to keep us moving forward. Best of luck with whatever decision you make.