Can we afford to buy and live here?

[ScottYvonne]

Hello,
My husband has disabled vet pay, and I have disability pay. Total $4800. He still works where we are in a federal gov job in NC. NC is not overly senior-friendly for retirement places. At some point, he needs to stop working. The only debt we have is our truck payment. Can we afford to live there on such little money? My husband seems to think we can, I think, no. What if something significant happens in the house we buy and is costly? By the time we pay movers, closing costs, and other expenses, life-savings will be much lower. We are not rich by any means. We both have no family and need to find a home to settle in one place after years of military service.
What does a couple do when you have no family and are getting old? Do they have places or companies to help people who will need help in the future if that happens? Currently, we live on a military base as retirees, which is super cheap. $1025 for EVERYTHING! But NC does not have options when we get older...thatsbhowbwe oaid all our debt off :)

A lot of questions, I apologize in advance for so many.

Any advice and knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yvonne

[Lottoguy]

Maybe this short video will give you some answers. What It Costs To Live In THE VILLAGES - YouTube (https://youtu.be/7Ps_LpYfuG4)

[Foxtrot]

$4800 a month is more than enough. You can easily get by on 3200 a month.

[Stu from NYC]

Thank you for your service.

I think you need to consult a financial adviser and figure out what you will have available in income so you could figure out costs (including housing) of living here.

Best of luck to you.

[champion6]

Please read the three Sticky messages at the top of this thread:
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/nuts-bolts-villages-139/
Moving to The Villages - Part 1 & 2 & 3
They will give you more information about the cost of living in TV.

[Toymeister]

Yvonne,

You are leaving an important source of revenue out of the equasion, the FERS annuity. Perhaps social security as well. If he has 30 years and has reached the minimize retirement age (MRA) or 60 and 20 years service he will get a special retirement supplement until age 62 as well.

[thelegges]

Think of renting a long term home, monthly $$$ will be more than you are paying now, but gives you all the amenities. You can rent for a year then decide if you want to live here. We also have A base near Tampa that you can get supplies from.

You have not mentioned if you will need to buy a home with a mortgage, that will also influence where and what you want to buy. On base you should have the ability to see a financial advisor that can help guide you.

[bluedivergirl]

Florida is extremely Veteran-friendly. I have an acquaintance, 100% disabled, who pays less than $100 in property taxes.

This link (https://floridavets.org/resources/va-benefits-guide/) should have some info for you.

Good luck with your decision.

[kpd3062]

There is a VA clinic up in the far North end of the Villages I believe also

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It depends on whether or not you'll be able to buy a house outright, or if you'll need to secure a mortgage.

With a mortgage, it'll be affordable, you'll be able to handle all the mandatory monthly bills, plus typical weekly expenses (groceries, gas in your car), yearly expenses (car maintenance, HVAC checkup, etc), and all your typical "interests" expenses (dining out, a couple of concerts every year, a yearly trip to somewhere else for a week), but not much left over for savings.


If you own property now and will be selling it to buy a new home in the Villages, it'll not be merely "affordable." $4800 will be enough to cover all your expenses, all or your interests, with plenty left over to save "just in case."

Your medical and your husbands' medical are covered since you're both disabled, so you'll have minimal expenses for that unless you get into long-term or catastrophic care needs.

[Dond1959]

No one on here can tell you if you can afford it. There are so many variables. I would encourage you to do a detailed budget of income and expenses when you both retire. There are ways to supplement your income here if needed. Look at all the expenses you will have and make your determination. A six month or one year lease may be a good idea. It will help you fine tune your expenses, get a feel for this place and weather, and see if you want to spend your senior years here. This place is not for everyone, but for many of us it is a perfect fit. Good luck on your adventure.

[Bjeanj]

Lottoguy and Stu are correct. You need to speak to a financial advisor to find out how much you can afford to spend, both upfront and an ongoing basis. Then, check out the YouTube video that lottoguy referenced. We don’t have the information to tell you whether you can afford to live here.

[Stu from NYC]

We really enjoy living here but it is a major change so please review this thoroughly and be very careful before making a financial commitment that does not work for you.

Lot of great info here and the people are very helpful so ask your questions.

[Topspinmo]

Beings none of use know what bills you have, how much saving you have, what you consider affordable in housing down here? Now if you have house and vehicle paid for, and no credit card debt you can live comfortably and probably Save over 1000.00 month again depending on what you have on hand and what you purchase. IMO insurance down here cheaper for where I came from, but food and services are higher.

[rjm1cc]

I think you should see if the base has any one services that can help you with a budget. You need a good budget and it has to cover all your retirement years.
Remember you will need to buy a car or two
Paint the home
Put on a new roof
A new A/C system
Check your insurance expenses - auto and home, hurricane, sink hole (?), real estate tax, utility costs (for the actual home not just the community)
etc etc.
You can probably find an existing home at a lower costs than a new one. But remember to get a home inspection.
Be sure to include taxes in your budget.
As a ball bark answer which means a guess I think you will have a tough time. First couple of years maybe ok but it will get harder as the years pass and inflation takes over.

[Stu from NYC]

I think you should see if the base has any one services that can help you with a budget. You need a good budget and it has to cover all your retirement years.
Remember you will need to buy a car or two
Paint the home
Put on a new roof
A new A/C system
Check your insurance expenses - auto and home, hurricane, sink hole (?), real estate tax, utility costs (for the actual home not just the community)
etc etc.
You can probably find an existing home at a lower costs than a new one. But remember to get a home inspection.
Be sure to include taxes in your budget.
As a ball bark answer which means a guess I think you will have a tough time. First couple of years maybe ok but it will get harder as the years pass and inflation takes over.

Great suggestions but would add make sure you know if there is still a bond to be paid and the cost per year of doing so

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It also depends on the home you're interested in buying. There's a home for -almost- any budget here. But if you require a garage, then the least expensive option - the manufactured home - will not be an option. If you are willing to pay extra for repairs on a fixer-upper, you can probably get a smaller home in the Del Mar area for under $150k (there was one recently, asking was I believe $135 but it needed a lot of work).

If (as I said in the previous post) you are using the proceeds from the sale of an existing home to buy in Florida and won't need a mortgage, then the $4800 you earn between the two of you will go a long way in the Villages.

[graciegirl]

It also depends on the home you're interested in buying. There's a home for -almost- any budget here. But if you require a garage, then the least expensive option - the manufactured home - will not be an option. If you are willing to pay extra for repairs on a fixer-upper, you can probably get a smaller home in the Del Mar area for under $150k (there was one recently, asking was I believe $135 but it needed a lot of work).

If (as I said in the previous post) you are using the proceeds from the sale of an existing home to buy in Florida and won't need a mortgage, then the $4800 you earn between the two of you will go a long way in the Villages.

I agree.

Be careful with your money and don't eat out a lot. There are so many things to do with no charge when there is NO pandemic at the rec centers and the ball courts and when you meet people who have get togethers, the price is a pot luck addition to the meal. Good friends and careful managing will make it lovely to live here. I haven't met a single person here who really cared WHERE you live or what you drive.

[LoriAnn]

I know many people who live here comfortably and happily with much less monthly income than $4,800 a month. You didn’t say if you plan to rent or obtain a mortgage. Rent is not cheap here. Do a house search on thevillages.com and see what you can buy for under 200 thousand dollars. The mortgage would likely be less than rent. It’s always better to pay off all debt before you retire. Work long enough to pay off your truck and that money will go a long way toward a monthly mortgage. You’ll love it here and it’s possible to live very comfortably here on your income.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I know many people who live here comfortably and happily with much less monthly income than $4,800 a month. You didn’t say if you plan to rent or obtain a mortgage. Rent is not cheap here. Do a house search on thevillages.com and see what you can buy for under 200 thousand dollars. The mortgage would likely be less than rent. It’s always better to pay off all debt before you retire. Work long enough to pay off your truck and that money will go a long way toward a monthly mortgage. You’ll love it here and it’s possible to live very comfortably here on your income.

Oh yeah - rent is definitely pricey in the Villages. In fact it's expensive enough that I personally don't recommend renting for 6 months "just to check it out" to ANYONE on a fixed or limited income, unless they're very wealthy, in which case they can afford to just buy whatever home they want and sell it if they change their minds. That would be the better investment in their money than throwing $1500/month or more for 6 months down the drain.

What I definitely -would- recommend is to spend 5-10 days in August, December, and May. Here's why:

August - do you have a sense of what it's like to live in Florida in the WORST heat of the year, also hurricane season.

December - so you know what it's like to live in the Villages at the height of the busy season, when all the snowbirds are down and many have their grandchildren visiting for winter break.

May - to get a general idea of love bugs, that come around twice a year - once including May. Also it is the month after all the snowbirds go back north, and the weather is usually tolerable, so you get to experience the Villages when it's not crazy-busy, and outdoor activities are still attractive.


If you spend just a week each of those times of year, one of which is the Lifestyle visit at $100/night, you'll spend juuuust around as much as 2 months rent total, including golf cart rental, meals, and whatever activities are available at the time (including golf). And that'll give you an idea of life in the Villages, and time to look for homes without feeling rushed or frustrated.

If you can handle visiting in the worst heat/insane Florida hurricane threats and other weather anomalies, in the worst traffic/densest population/longest lines and wait times for EVERYTHING, and with the worst lovebug infestation, then at the absolute least - you'll be able to handle living in the Villages. In other words - it's a great way to rule out any deal-breakers.

There are tons of plusses to living in the Villages. But none of them are worth a tinker's damn if your body can't tolerate August in Florida.

[Nucky]

Yes, you can afford to live here. I would say you could live here rather comfortably with $4800 coming in. You did a very good thing asking on this Forum instead of asking the person selling you your house.

Pick someone who you feel comfortable with on here and who is willing to help and reveal the entire picture to them. That's when you will get the real low down on where you stand financially.

It was my goal at one time to help as many people headed this way as possible so I could pay back what was so freely given to me by so many. I'm not the only one who likes to help. Many people will give you a hand. Just don't get scammed. That's a problem down here. Good Luck. You'll fit in and Probably Love It!

[Robyn1963]

Consulting with the financial advisor is a great start. There are many over 55 communities around The Villages if this proves not to be affordable or within your budget.

[J1ceasar]

If your both not playing golf , then there are many affordable community within 10 miles of villages much less per square foot with many activities you'll enjoy . a real home 1500 safest for $150,000 to 200,900 is obtainable .

[Skunky1]

My ,brother after working hard for 45 years, retired with no savings and a $625 Social Security monthly payment.

[Stu from NYC]

My ,brother after working hard for 45 years, retired with no savings and a $625 Social Security monthly payment.

Here? I dont think that is possible. Especially if you have a mortgage to pay

[La lamy]

It sounds like you are renting where you are. If you plan on renting in TV it can be quite expensive. Take a look at rental websites. I'm paying about $14,000 for 6 months and there's a lot more expensive than that. If it's for a full year, there should be better rates for you as well.

[nick demis]

Do the in house realtors have consultants to help determine affordability? Basically an investment counselor?

[rlcooper70]

Advice ... figure out what you can spend per month and live on 60% of it ... and buy a very small house in The Villages when you come down. If you find you are spending less than you thought (very likely) then you can move to a bigger house. Start small. If you have no mortgage and choose a small villa you can get by for $6000 per year plus food.

[SIRE1]

You ask "how much does it cost to live here". That question, of course, really includes a number of items to answer. And many, only you can determine based on your personal habits and lifestyle. For example, how many times will you eat out and how expensive of places do you like, or how much do you want to spend for a house & golf cart, or do you want to golf at championship courses or are you happy with the "free" executive courses. But for your monthly house expenses, I think I can provide some guidance based on our cost.

As a retired engineer, everyone kids me about all my spreadsheets. But I have maintained one since we moved here in 2011 and have included all of our home related expenses (e.g. insurance, tax, heat, light, lawn maint, amenity & VCCD, misc home improvements, etc.) I have calculated it has cost us $1,100 a month to own a house here. I've also compared that annual cost to what it would cost us to rent and found that if we rented for 4 months or more, it is cheaper to own our home. If we were going to be in The Villages any less than that, it would probably be cheaper to rent. That does not include any return on your home investment that will hopefully come through appreciation when it does come time to sell.

So I hope you can determine if The Villages is within your reach. I know you would enjoy it here.

[davem4616]

you most likely can afford to live here...just do your due diligence and buy a home that fits within your budget

I would agree with others that you may want to try The Villages out for a couple of weeks before making a commitment

[Villagesgal]

My designer house on the golf course is paid for, so is car and golf cart. I spend around $1,200 a month total for all expenses. I eat out once a week with a friend using a BOGO coupon, so it costs about $10 to eat out. So many free activities here, life is great. I'd say you can easily live here if you don't go house crazy. Try to buy an older well cared for home, there are lots out there, that way you have money left over for travel or whatever you want as opposed to being house poor. There is a VA clinic here and lots of specialty doctors. I'd rent here in the summer when rent is cheaper for a month, then if you like it here, buy. You'll love it here.

[Kahiland]

I am a LEO federal retiree. Depending on his time of service, is he a FERS or CSRS employee? ( He will know. If he hired on b4 '88 he is CSRS). Have him talk to his HR department. They should type up a pretty good guess of his retirement pay. Good luck!!!

[Stu from NYC]

Do the in house realtors have consultants to help determine affordability? Basically an investment counselor?

As far as I can tell all they care about is can you qualify for mortgage in price range they are showing you?

[djspinner1]

At $4800 a month you can do it in the villages.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

All good advise. Remember to buy a house you can afford. Easy to get caught up in homes that may be too big for you. We have a 1100 sq ft home. More than sufficient for two people. Remember no matter what house or where you live you have Access to all Villages amenities. Will be even better if and when this virus backs off. Still enough to keep you busy because we live in a beautiful and friendly community. Good luck.

[Alaska Butch]

It depends on your home cost. Do you have cash to buy a home? Least e pensive in TV are around $150,000. I think you can do that. Mom owns her home and spends$1700 a month to live including everything.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If your both not playing golf , then there are many affordable community within 10 miles of villages much less per square foot with many activities you'll enjoy . a real home 1500 safest for $150,000 to 200,900 is obtainable .

I don't play golf but there is SO much else to do in the Villages that it doesn't matter a bit. For me, the golf courses are part of the scenery. They enhance the overall appearance of the community, rather than being the focus of it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As far as I can tell all they care about is can you qualify for mortgage in price range they are showing you?

Maybe that's all the one you got stuck with cared about. Ours was more insistent that we consider a home that we didn't have to mortgage at all, based on the sales of our current home in the north. As it turned out, we still had to find other sources of income, but we chose not to mortgage. Borrowing from one family member, being gifted from another family member, in addition to the sale of our New England home, is how we were able to afford the move.

[17362]

$4800 a month is more than enough. You can easily get by on 3200 a month.

I agree completely.
We moved here a year ago.

[Bogie Shooter]

Do the in house realtors have consultants to help determine affordability? Basically an investment counselor?

Seems to be a conflict.........

[rjm1cc]

Also remember to consider your on going expenses after a spouse dies or has to move to a nursing home.

[Badrion]

There is much advice here in reply’s. The best ones In my opinion state consult with a financial advisor which will personalize your current FinancIal status and future affordability safety. Having a carefree and healthy retirement is what it’s all about.

[KRM0614]

It’s too expensive for you! Property taxes went up 25% food utilities cable is 20.% higher than the rest of the country. HO ins is high. They is no security for seniors here.

[Dgodin]

Hello,
My husband has disabled vet pay, and I have disability pay. Total $4800. He still works where we are in a federal gov job in NC. NC is not overly senior-friendly for retirement places. At some point, he needs to stop working. The only debt we have is our truck payment. Can we afford to live there on such little money? My husband seems to think we can, I think, no. What if something significant happens in the house we buy and is costly? By the time we pay movers, closing costs, and other expenses, life-savings will be much lower. We are not rich by any means. We both have no family and need to find a home to settle in one place after years of military service.
What does a couple do when you have no family and are getting old? Do they have places or companies to help people who will need help in the future if that happens? Currently, we live on a military base as retirees, which is super cheap. $1025 for EVERYTHING! But NC does not have options when we get older...thatsbhowbwe oaid all our debt off :)

A lot of questions, I apologize in advance for so many.

Any advice and knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yvonne
We retired here with military retirement and Soc security. You can be comfortable in TV on less than $4k per month, even with a mortgage.

[Dgizzi]

Hello,
My husband has disabled vet pay, and I have disability pay. Total $4800. He still works where we are in a federal gov job in NC. NC is not overly senior-friendly for retirement places. At some point, he needs to stop working. The only debt we have is our truck payment. Can we afford to live there on such little money? My husband seems to think we can, I think, no. What if something significant happens in the house we buy and is costly? By the time we pay movers, closing costs, and other expenses, life-savings will be much lower. We are not rich by any means. We both have no family and need to find a home to settle in one place after years of military service.
What does a couple do when you have no family and are getting old? Do they have places or companies to help people who will need help in the future if that happens? Currently, we live on a military base as retirees, which is super cheap. $1025 for EVERYTHING! But NC does not have options when we get older...thatsbhowbwe oaid all our debt off :)

A lot of questions, I apologize in advance for so many.

Any advice and knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yvonne
Well yes, you need a financial guide. We can’t make this decision for you. It depends on your own personal spending. And for the future, I wouldn’t post such personal information as to what your income is. Just saying

[jonathanb]

I think as long as you can find a home with the bond paid, in Sumter county but not Sumter county/wildwood township you will probably be fine. Sumter county has the lowest property tax. The rainy day fund is another question.

[Stu from NYC]

It’s too expensive for you! Property taxes went up 25% food utilities cable is 20.% higher than the rest of the country. HO ins is high. They is no security for seniors here.

Do not understand why food is so much more expensive here than other places we have been.

[Shamp]

You can buy a brand new home here for under 200k. Then you can somewhat bank on not needing any repairs/replacements for about 10 years. The cost of living is about 1k per month for me, which includes taxes and bond on my new home (patio villa). You don't mention what you have in savings/investment. You really need to sit down with a financial advisor and talk this over. Some people earn money by renting out as bedroom thru Airbnb, but you don't want to do that until we have a good handle on the virus. Is hubby able to do some part time work after retirement? With your disability could you do something like pet sitting, alterations? etc. S much to think about. Best wishes.

[claytocl]

Continental Country Club is a very affordable alternative to living in The Villages.

It is located in Wildwood, FL which is where The Villages are building. It is literally surrounding it.

Continental has many great amenities such as a library, gym, huge pool, wood shop, crafts and an 18 hole golf course.

[Timothyimitchell]

I agree completely.
We moved here a year ago.

3200 monthly is do able. Even with a small mortgage

[Toymeister]

I am a LEO federal retiree. Depending on his time of service, is he a FERS or CSRS employee? ( He will know. If he hired on b4 '88 he is CSRS). Have him talk to his HR department. They should type up a pretty good guess of his retirement pay. Good luck!!!
In case someone is relying upon this to make a decision the year of the change was 1984, not '88.

[xkeowner]

We have been here for 10 years and I have kept a spreadsheet of monthly expenses the entire time. Some facts to form a basis for your assessment. We have a 1900 sq ft home with three adult occupants and an oversized lot so our water expense is probably above average but my average monthly planning estimates based upon previous years actual costs for 2020 are:

Electricity - $175
Water - $125
Amenity Fee - $156
Yard mowing - $55
High-speed Internet - $73.

Additional expenses for car insurance, phone, and TV. Will depend upon your situation. I have no doubt others will offer advice about lower costs for mowing and Internet, but the numbers above are what we are paying.

The overall total is we are paying ~$1,200 a month for what we consider our home basics. House payments (if required) and food/entertainment expenses will add to you monthly requirement.

BOTTOM LINE: The Villages is a great place to retire and I hope you can join us when you retire.

[Toymeister]

It’s too expensive for you! Property taxes went up 25% food utilities cable is 20.% higher than the rest of the country. HO ins is high. They is no security for seniors here.

To the OP, disregard generalized statements like this. To the point, in one of the three counties that TV encompasses one of the taxing authorities increased taxes, the total bill did not increase 25%, although the increase is frustrating. Utilities, particularly electricity, is slightly under the national average. Food, home owners insurance and cable (if you get it) could be higher or lower than the prices in your market.

[Topspinmo]

Do not understand why food is so much more expensive here than other places we have been.

Maybe it has to be hauled in? He’s right food and services are higher, might have something to do with no state tax? cause they tax ____ on everything else?:)

[willbush]

Someone mentioned a military base in Tampa - There is a Navy Exchange in Orlando exactly 50 miles from our driveway - easy and quick to get to - We normally go on Sat or Sun and are there in 50 mins.
Tampa is 90.4 miles with heavy traffic.

[Stu from NYC]

Maybe it has to be hauled in? He’s right food and services are higher, might have something to do with no state tax? cause they tax ____ on everything else?:)

Groceries are hauled in from all over the country so why should Florida be higher.

In any case lots of OJ produced near here why is it so much more expensive?

[Fieldsaj]

As a retired Federal workers, may I say that it’s the best job I’ve ever had. Take the retirement! With that said, the idea of renting is a super plan. It’s up to your packages and financial situation to see if The Villages Is right for you. There are other less expensive sites in Florida, generally with lesser amenities.
Take the time to explore your options and enjoy your retirement

[Topspinmo]

Groceries are hauled in from all over the country so why should Florida be higher.

In any case lots of OJ produced near here why is it so much more expensive?

T-a-x

[Stu from NYC]

T-a-x

Do not understand how that can be.

No state income tax for companies which over the state we cam from is a big plus.

[KRM0614]

You can’t afford it here! To budget monthly for annual expenses it’s at least 3000-/ mo

[Kenswing]

Groceries are hauled in from all over the country so why should Florida be higher.

In any case lots of OJ produced near here why is it so much more expensive?

Because there's very little to truck out of Florida. Truckers have to make their money on the load coming in because they are most likely leaving the state with their trailers empty (deadheading).

[Number 10 GI]

One thing you need to consider is if you plan on buying with a veterans loan you will have to look at pre-owned homes. The Villages doesn't accept VA financing for new homes. Even on pre-owned homes it will be difficult to find a seller willing to comply with VA loan requirements. Not impossible but it will limit your selection.

[Stu from NYC]

Because there's very little to truck out of Florida. Truckers have to make their money on the load coming in because they are most likely leaving the state with their trailers empty (deadheading).

OK that makes sense but what about OJ which is produced here?

[Topspinmo]

OK that makes sense but what about OJ which is produced here?

Tree fungus?

[Kenswing]

OK that makes sense but what about OJ which is produced here?

Unless being shipped locally, it’s probably going out on rail. Much cheaper to ship large quantities by train than it is by truck.

[2BNTV]

Hello,
My husband has disabled vet pay, and I have disability pay. Total $4800. He still works where we are in a federal gov job in NC. NC is not overly senior-friendly for retirement places. At some point, he needs to stop working. The only debt we have is our truck payment. Can we afford to live there on such little money? My husband seems to think we can, I think, no. What if something significant happens in the house we buy and is costly? By the time we pay movers, closing costs, and other expenses, life-savings will be much lower. We are not rich by any means. We both have no family and need to find a home to settle in one place after years of military service.
What does a couple do when you have no family and are getting old? Do they have places or companies to help people who will need help in the future if that happens? Currently, we live on a military base as retirees, which is super cheap. $1025 for EVERYTHING! But NC does not have options when we get older...thatsbhowbwe oaid all our debt off :)

A lot of questions, I apologize in advance for so many.

Any advice and knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yvonne


Like most people, moving to another state can be stressful. I can almost hear the anxiety is your post.

The "Nuts and Bolts" section will give you an example is what it cost to live here for a 1392 sq ft home. I quickly calculated about $1500 per month. You have to add your monthly truck fee and mortgage. Taxes in TV is very low compared to where I came from. I think it is doable with $4800 per month but that's for you to decide.

Most insurances will cover catrastrophes as I was also worried when I first moved here 7 years ago.

Friends of mine live her comfortably with the same amount of retirement income and I know people who live here on less. My friend has a mortgage also and is paying off a motorcycle loan. I have a friend who is disabled and there are many homes that are built for disabled people. Research and plan accordingly.

TV community has many resources for disabled people and your future neighbors will lend a helping hand.

I would plan for a visit to see if TV is right for you.

I hope this helps!

[John41]

Wife and I have annual total expenses of about $60,000 which includes a paid off CYV in The Villages and a mortgage on a vacation home in Georgia plus Medicare, food, car, fun, etc. Get out your checkbook and add up each months expenses. Then divide them into categories such as mortgage, taxes, insurance, amenities fee, medical insurance, food, entertainment in the form of a spreadsheet. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that you can afford to live in The Village. One note of caution is that the villages hospital system is poorly rated, but there are good hospitals outside the villages.

[Fishers2tall]

Good friends and careful managing will make it lovely to live here. I haven't met a single person here who really cared WHERE you live or what you drive.

That’s a good thing since I just bought this fine truck off of my cousin Jed for the trip down to The Villages to buy a new home!!

[Stu from NYC]

That’s a good thing since I just bought this fine truck off of my cousin Jed for the trip down to The Villages to buy a new home!!

We tried to rent it for our move this past Feb and thought I made an offer they couldnt refuse but they did.

[CrabCake]

Hello,
My husband has disabled vet pay, and I have disability pay. Total $4800. He still works where we are in a federal gov job in NC. NC is not overly senior-friendly for retirement places. At some point, he needs to stop working. The only debt we have is our truck payment. Can we afford to live there on such little money? My husband seems to think we can, I think, no. What if something significant happens in the house we buy and is costly? By the time we pay movers, closing costs, and other expenses, life-savings will be much lower. We are not rich by any means. We both have no family and need to find a home to settle in one place after years of military service.
What does a couple do when you have no family and are getting old? Do they have places or companies to help people who will need help in the future if that happens? Currently, we live on a military base as retirees, which is super cheap. $1025 for EVERYTHING! But NC does not have options when we get older...thatsbhowbwe oaid all our debt off :)

A lot of questions, I apologize in advance for so many.

Any advice and knowledge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Yvonne
Thank you for asking!!

[TomPerry]

We live in a 1,520 SF designer Wisteria with a 220 SF enclosed heated & A/C lanai, with a 5,400 SF lot.

Hear are actual average costs for the last 12 months:

Household Expenses:
Home owners Ins. 73.42
Amenity fee. 154. 87
Water,Sewer, Irrigation. 67.93
Trash collection. 19.13
Electricity (all electric). 121.96
High speed internet, ATT NOW
Netflix, Hulu, (for here and
MA home). 193.47
Mobile phone (2). 32.70
Home furnishings. 44.70
Real estate taxes. 146.74
CDD Annual Maintenance. 37.89
Lawn & yard care. 113.94
Repair & maint (including
house cleaner, window
washing & powerwashing). 144.32
Total. 1,151.07

Medical:
Medicare Part B (2). 281.62
Co-pays. 159.67
Prescriptions. 204.67
Total. 645.96

Auto & Golf Carts:
Insurances. 72.20
Auto Registration. 7.11
Gasoline for 2 autos & 2 carts. 96.11
Auto & cart maint. 15.50
Total. 190.92

All Miscellaneous expenses. 711.99

Grand Total. 2,699.94

This does not include travel, groceries, dining out, golf & entertainment which are based on your lifestyle.
This does not include mortgage and car payments if needed.

As a retired CPA and Financial Advisor for nearly 50 years I think you can do it.
Good luck!!,

[Tinaglapinski]

Maybe you might like a long term rental.They are usually less expensive than seasonal rentals and you can decide if this is a right move.