New Villages

[Pstty]

My husband and I lived in the Villages for 9 years. Now we want to go back but we don’t know the newer Villages. I like driving my golf cart shopping and friendly neighbors. Which Villages are best for that. Other reasons that make a village a happy place?

[Stu from NYC]

The older neighborhoods near Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter

[Dgizzi]

My husband and I lived in the Villages for 9 years. Now we want to go back but we don’t know the newer Villages. I like driving my golf cart shopping and friendly neighbors. Which Villages are best for that. Other reasons that make a village a happy place?
It depends if you want to pay more for a older home or if you want new home. The way I see it is all of this will build up. Spanish square is old. I like the newer stores we are getting in Brownwood. And resales are more money and I got the colors I wanted and a newer home with no worries. Lake Sumter same way, all this stuff was built up. Brownwood is building up and will be beautiful.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Another reason? All the reasons you lived here for 9 years, are the same reasons now.

The "old" Villages is still here, still occupied, still has friendly people, still is golf-cart accessible. The entirety of the Villages is 70 square miles. If you never see the "new" Villages, you won't even notice. If you liked the area you lived in for 9 years, you'll probably find homes for sale in it even now.

[billethkid]

Keep in mind old or new is only relative to a number on a piece of paper .....like age.

Most homes have had only two little old people living in them. Except for appliances most homes will be in excellent or like new condition.

Location, location will be the final determinant.

[davem4616]

plenty of "pre-owned" homes in the more established parts of TV for sale that would seem to meet your desired location

align with a Real Estate professional and start reading the Daily Sun

[Joeint]

Most homes have had only two little old people living in them. Except for appliances most homes will be in excellent or like new condition.

Location, location will be the final determinant.

The condition depends on how the home was cared for, not the age of the occupants. I've always left my homes in better condition than when I purchased them.

[Two Bills]

The condition depends on how the home was cared for, not the age of the occupants. I've always left my homes in better condition than when I purchased them.
Agree.
We built new once, otherwise only bought run down dumps, and did them up.
Best way to make the $$$$'s!

[raynan]

Between 466 & 466A off of Buena Vista, St Charles area is between Brownwood and Lake Sumter Landing. Pennecamp, Buttonwood, St James area are active neighborhoods and easy access to shopping.

[Stu from NYC]

It seems to be taking forever to build up amenities such as shopping in Brownwood.

Wonder if Feeney will be even worse

[bilcon]

Both our homes in TV were resales, but I would never buy a rundown dump. You never know what is behind the walls. Too many nice resales in good neighborhoods to look at. We also buy a home to live in, not to rent out or flip.

[John_W]

I live in Tamarind Grove for 9 years, it's 3-1/2 miles from LSL and 4 miles from Brownwood. If I were moving here to another location, ground zero would be the Villages of Duval or Hemingway. They're just slightly more central and closer to Buena Vista and Morse which have MMP's. One village away in any direction would be OK. For example going south would be Sanibel or Gilchrist would be good, or going north would be Bonita or going west would be St. Charles or St. James.

With the shopping we have in our area with Colony, Walmart, Trailwinds and the two squares, I almost never go north of 466. For a golfer, I can reach 8 championship golf courses in my cart in 20 minutes or less, and I've got a great gym in MVP at Brownwood. The homes are newer, most are built since 2010 and the landscaping is mostly done.

[Stu from NYC]

I live in Tamarind Grove for 9 years, it's 3-1/2 miles from LSL and 4 miles from Brownwood. If I were moving here to another location, ground zero would be the Villages of Duval or Hemingway. They're just slightly more central and closer to Buena Vista and Morse which have MMP's. One village away in any direction would be OK. For example going south would be Sanibel or Gilchrist would be good, or going north would be Bonita or going west would be St. Charles or St. James.

With the shopping we have in our area with Colony, Walmart, Trailwinds and the two squares, I almost never go north of 466. For a golfer, I can reach 8 championship golf courses in my cart in 20 minutes or less, and I've got a great gym in MVP at Brownwood. The homes are newer, most are built since 2010 and the landscaping is mostly done.

What is an MMP?

[canyonblue]

What is an MMP?

A Multi-Modal Path. The multi-modal paths are for use by NON-AUTOMOTIVE traffic such as bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, and skaters.

[Stu from NYC]

A Multi-Modal Path. The multi-modal paths are for use by NON-AUTOMOTIVE traffic such as bicycles, golf carts, pedestrians, and skaters.

So that is why I keep getting such funny looks while driving down a path:bigbow:

[Oneiric]

The older neighborhoods will put you closer to golf cart accessible services. Newer neighborhoods south of the turnpike will require about 10 more years.

[Rwirish]

Just about anything north of 44.

[RealJudy]

The new villages are south of Rt. 44 and are not yet golf car accessible.

[jacksonbrown]

The older neighborhoods near Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter

I agree.

And, I appreciate the "greenery" and wildlife (animals).

Having spent most of my life in a rural, country setting, I would feel uncomfortable with a house in a strawberry field.

[La lamy]

Keep in mind old or new is only relative to a number on a piece of paper .....like age.

Most homes have had only two little old people living in them. Except for appliances most homes will be in excellent or like new condition.

Location, location will be the final determinant.

I disagree somewhat with this post. The villa I rent in Orange Blossom is in an older village and I can smell and see that there's been humidity/mold issues in the home. Just one week of an air conditioner failing in the summer while no one is in the home or a leak in an older roof can definitely bring about unsafe living conditions. The floors feel a little spongy too, so like other homes in the area, it probably needs to be torn down and rebuilt. Newer homes hopefully can be more trustworthy.

[pv1313]

The older neighborhoods near Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter

We are selling our house near Lake Sumter Landing in Largo. The "new" villages is very far away by golf cart, no shopping no town square and a bond that has tripled in cost (average bond is $37K). If you want a nice lot, be prepared to spend $69K.
Oh, and a lot of it is built on swamp land or close to 345 KV towers. I suggest you look for resales.

[Bethwill]

Agree with all remarks, BUT, TV agents are known for pushing new builds and are desperately trying to sell south of 44. Don't let them steer you away from what YOU are looking.

[Blinky1973]

Pinellas is in the middle of everything now

[stan the man]

My husband and I lived in the Villages for 9 years. Now we want to go back but we don’t know the newer Villages. I like driving my golf cart shopping and friendly neighbors. Which Villages are best for that. Other reasons that make a village a happy place?

Maybe time to move on :boom:

[jimbo2012]

We are selling our house near Lake Sumter Landing in Largo. The "new" villages is very far away by golf cart, no shopping no town square and a bond that has tripled in cost (average bond is $37K). If you want a nice lot, be prepared to spend $69K.
Oh, and a lot of it is built on swamp land or close to 345 KV towers. I suggest you look for resales.

Gotta love it when a newer poster throws out opinions

So U don't know the meaning of a preserve & call them swamps
U don't know the bond costs depend on the lot
U allude to KV towers but fail to state the safe distance
Shopping is under construction as well as a square

please be aware you mis leading readers

I get U don't like anything S of 44, civility aside, no need to go negative

[Sbrothnj]

In most of the world, a 20 year old home (resale) would not be considered old, and may have more character than brand new. I often hear from people in the "new" construction areas, that they wished they hadn't bought there. Too far to reach the nicer, more charming squares in the north part, and all the shopping, and 441/27 and 466. Plus issues with lovebugs and mosquitos, blasting for construction, prison nearby, and other things are commented on as detractions. I would guess you are older, since you were here before and moved and are coming back. The more recent the development area, the younger the overall population tends to skew. Have also heard concerns about clique-ishness and status with the newer home areas. Only hearsay, but i've heard it more than once. Plus you pay a substantial bond with new construction ($20 - $30 thousand dollars) which you will never get back. Someone mentioned the areas around Sumter Landing - they are nice and established, with full plantings and growth, plus access to everything. We are north of there and half way between Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs. Close to both highways and shopping. For us, great place to be.

[bjd0105]

We love our area on tv. Our neighbors are nice and watch out house when we are not home. We are located between SS and LS. Browns wood is a long but peaceful ride by golf cart. Do your research before you buy. Good luck

[dennisgavin]

Also, if you like to cook, a lot of areas do not have gas. That was important to my wife and I.

[deebrock]

Most of the villages down south as you know have no golf cart path to the north. We live in Dunedin and our selling our home and moving to Collier. Both very nice neighborhoods.
Want to buy a house. 😉

[Boilerman]

I live in Tamarind Grove for 9 years, it's 3-1/2 miles from LSL and 4 miles from Brownwood. If I were moving here to another location, ground zero would be the Villages of Duval or Hemingway. They're just slightly more central and closer to Buena Vista and Morse which have MMP's. One village away in any direction would be OK. For example going south would be Sanibel or Gilchrist would be good, or going north would be Bonita or going west would be St. Charles or St. James.

With the shopping we have in our area with Colony, Walmart, Trailwinds and the two squares, I almost never go north of 466. For a golfer, I can reach 8 championship golf courses in my cart in 20 minutes or less, and I've got a great gym in MVP at Brownwood. The homes are newer, most are built since 2010 and the landscaping is mostly done.

I agree 100%

[KMGraham]

I like that area too. My husband and I close on our Villa in a couple of weeks. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
We bought in Liberty Park. It is so convenient to pools, rec centers, golfing, etc..... it’s crazy!

[Stu from NYC]

Gotta love it when a newer poster throws out opinions

So U don't know the meaning of a preserve & call them swamps
U don't know the bond costs depend on the lot
U allude to KV towers but fail to state the safe distance
Shopping is under construction as well as a square

please be aware you mis leading readers

I get U don't like anything S of 44, civility aside, no need to go negative

They are building a 4th square? That is news to us.

[kendi]

My husband and I lived in the Villages for 9 years. Now we want to go back but we don’t know the newer Villages. I like driving my golf cart shopping and friendly neighbors. Which Villages are best for that. Other reasons that make a village a happy place?

You’ll get so many different opinions. Best to come see for yourself. The area that is now considered to be South will eventually be in the middle with all the land TV has purchased so far. I for one think North is way too crowded. Especially the Sumter area. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the South and the wide open walking/biking trails.

[wganderson13]

I bought a starter house on "The Historic" side with a Water View. Bought a "Forever House" on Lake Paradise. Got rid of the car. Everything is Golf Cart accessible except for Sams. Lake County Taxes, no bond, bigger lots. Stay north of 466.

[davbrindle]

The Vilages north of 466A and South of 466 are an ideal location, close to the Landing and about equal trip to Brownwood or Spanish Springs

[Shamp]

If you want a new community, you should be looking south of 44, that's where all the new construction is. The cart access is still not available to Brownwood, but it's coming. I have a strong feeling there will be another square in the next few years south of 44. Its the new in place!

[Nusch]

I looked for 10 years and have a lot of family in the villages. My brother gave me the best piece of advice. Buy new. Your house will be great and what you want. Your neighbors will be your age. Neighborhoods age and unfortunately residents with them. We found a very vibrant situation in Monarch Grove with a lot of active people.

[Rosebud1949]

Certainly NOT ANYTHING below SR44........ not established, next to no facilities, and may never be many if any, and shopping in your cart no way..... good luck

[photo1902]

Certainly NOT ANYTHING below SR44........ not established, next to no facilities, and may never be many if any, and shopping in your cart no way..... good luck

And here we go, again :popcorn:

[John_W]

...My brother gave me the best piece of advice. Buy new. Your house will be great and what you want. Your neighbors will be your age. Neighborhoods age and unfortunately residents with them. We found a very vibrant situation in Monarch Grove with a lot of active people.

I would agree with your statement until 2017. That's the year that Pine Ridge, Pine Hills and Osceola Hills and Osceola Hills at Lake Deaton build out ended. Pine Ridge alone built 544 new homes in 2017. After 2017 your faced with living south of 44 to buy new.

I bought new in 2011 and much of what you said is true, we were mostly the same age, the homes were new, we all learned from each about contractors, landscaping choices, decorating ideas, etc. Our neighborhood has grown, however of our of 13 CYVs on my street, three have died, six have moved and changed hands, the one next door has changed hands four times. Three are snowbirds, and six have been here since the beginning like us. The neighborhoods ebb and flow.

Before living here, I've owned 8 homes in my life, eight were new, never a resale. However, if moved here now and wanted new, I would look in Pine Ridge area, unless of course Lake County higher taxes bother you, then I would definitely look below 466.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I would agree with your statement until 2017. That's the year that Pine Ridge, Pine Hills and Osceola Hills and Osceola Hills at Lake Deaton build out ended. Pine Ridge alone built 544 new homes in 2017. After 2017 your faced with living south of 44 to buy new.

I bought new in 2011 and much of what you said is true, we were mostly the same age, the homes were new, we all learned from each about contractors, landscaping choices, decorating ideas, etc. Our neighborhood has grown, however of our of 13 CYVs on my street, three have died, six have moved and changed hands, the one next door has changed hands four times. Three are snowbirds, and six have been here since the beginning like us. The neighborhoods ebb and flow.

Before living here, I've owned 8 homes in my life, eight were new, never a resale. However, if moved here now and wanted new, I would look in Pine Ridge area, unless of course Lake County higher taxes bother you, then I would definitely look below 466.

Actually you're not forced to live south of 44 to buy new. There are homes in the Orange Blossom/Silver Lake areas that can (and should) be torn down and replaced. There's been one for sale for only $21,000 for a month now. You can pull the old manufactured home out and build something to your specifications, and voila - brand new home in the established, "historic" section of the Villages.

There's another property that has no home on it anymore, it was removed awhile back and stands ready for someone to build on it.

Those are just two that I know of. I haven't seen them all, and some of them aren't listed with MLS or TV Homefinder (for sale by owners don't always list).

[jmcica@aol.com]

Curious why the move to Collier? We are buying in the next 6 months- like both areas - just curious

[jmcica@aol.com]

So much negativity about the newer neighborhoods. Makes me want to buy there. If you haven’t lived it- please be kind to those considering these neighborhoods

[Saluce]

If I were you and you lived here for 9yrs prior, I would check out all areas old & new. Each area as you know has its pros & cons. There is a lot going on south of 44 regardless of what the opinions are north of 44. New homes south of 44 in DeLuna will be at 10 minute golf cart ride to Brownwood Square. Bridge & cart paths under construction over the Turnpike right now. Don’t let the residents living north of 44 push you that direction like they say the sales agent push you south of 44. You already know it’s a great place to live!! 🙂

[Dennis Keefe]

What I suggest to everyone thinking of buying a house in The Villages---buy a house between Route 466 and Route 466-A.

[newgirl]

I have the most awesome neighbors and close to everything! 2/2 villa close by for sale, one by owner. I am in Santigo

[Curtisbwp]

It depends if you want to pay more for a older home or if you want new home. The way I see it is all of this will build up. Spanish square is old. I like the newer stores we are getting in Brownwood. And resales are more money and I got the colors I wanted and a newer home with no worries. Lake Sumter same way, all this stuff was built up. Brownwood is building up and will be beautiful.

Ok....why is Brownwood the ONLY square that has a police station located next to the entrance on 44.??? There is a good reason for that.

[PugMom]

Gotta love it when a newer poster throws out opinions

So U don't know the meaning of a preserve & call them swamps
U don't know the bond costs depend on the lot
U allude to KV towers but fail to state the safe distance
Shopping is under construction as well as a square

please be aware you mis leading readers


I get U don't like anything S of 44, civility aside, no need to go negative

Thank You!!!!! :bigbow: this is a recurring issue

[JimJohnson]

We have done 10 years in Duval. Loved it so much we are now moving to Chitty Chatty. Only reason for the move, Duval residents are too old for us, so hoping to fine younger minded people in CC. I have no one to drink with and listen too my music at full volume anymore. That’s not a threat to CC, but rather a wish.

[rmorris575]

Village of Winifred
Centrally located

[champion6]

Ok....why is Brownwood the ONLY square that has a police station located next to the entrance on 44.??? There is a good reason for that.It is located next to the Barnstorm Theater. Are you saying it has been moved?

What is the "good reason for that"? Are you putting down the residents of Wildwood because Brownwood is located within Wildwood?

Heck, the Moyer Recreation Center on Moyer Loop has a Fruitland Park Police Department Annex in it. Do you also think there is a "good reason for that" too?

[NavyVet]

Plus you pay a substantial bond with new construction ($20 - $30 thousand dollars) which you will never get back.

Boy, that's the truth. Paid off 2 whole bonds on first 2 new homes here. It didn't help recoup anything at selling time at all. Not making the same mistake again, but stuck with a 3rd bond on a resale. So even though exempt from ad valorem taxes, still have an annoyingly huge tax bill every year. Definitely have paid my share to the infrastructure of TV, but getting my money's worth on the advertised "Lifestyle," not even close. It is what it is. I've accepted that. :shrug:

[buzzy]

I guess that the best situation would be to have a winter home in the south Villages, and a summer home in the north Villages.

[Spsmith444]

I live in Tamarind Grove for 9 years, it's 3-1/2 miles from LSL and 4 miles from Brownwood. If I were moving here to another location, ground zero would be the Villages of Duval or Hemingway. They're just slightly more central and closer to Buena Vista and Morse which have MMP's. One village away in any direction would be OK. For example going south would be Sanibel or Gilchrist would be good, or going north would be Bonita or going west would be St. Charles or St. James.

With the shopping we have in our area with Colony, Walmart, Trailwinds and the two squares, I almost never go north of 466. For a golfer, I can reach 8 championship golf courses in my cart in 20 minutes or less, and I've got a great gym in MVP at Brownwood. The homes are newer, most are built since 2010 and the landscaping is mostly done.

I really like Tamarind Groves location.

[jblum315]

Gas? Good way to cook your house if lightning strikes

[Langwelld]

The new Villages is better in every way EXCEPT for shopping. Stay in the older areas for shopping convenience.

[Stu from NYC]

The new Villages is better in every way EXCEPT for shopping. Stay in the older areas for shopping convenience.

Figure as we get older will want to travel less distance for groceries. Made finding home in older village a priority. Not to mention we sold our home faster than we expected and had less than a month to find house.