Best villages for a walker?

[LMBNY]

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods. ;)

Much appreciated!

[John41]

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods. ;)

Much appreciated!

The Villages of Virginia Trace and Sabal Trace are near Lake Sumter Landing and there is a scenic walking trail along a river and the lake.

[Troy8432]

Consider Marsh Bend

[Troy8432]

Marsh Bend/Deluna is situated around Hogeye sink. From our home at the northern end of Marsh Bend, we walk the 2.5 mile loop around the Hogeye sink Marsh preserve. Along the walk are numerous ponds with a variety of birds, alligators and other wildlife. There are also plenty of other friendly walkers and bicyclists and at least two golf greens. I suspect that once Magnolia plaza is completed, there might be a coffee bar where one could stop in for a morning cocoa or coffee. The trail also runs next to the baseball fields and down to the Everglades recreational center. The only con, is that part of runs parallel to the turnpike. But, there are a lot of trees in between, so I don’t think it is too noticeable. I usually complete about 3.75 miles when done.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

LMB, I'm your man. I recently moved to Country Club Hills specifically for the walkability factor. I can walk to Spanish Springs town square, two regional rec centers, my pickleball and tennis courts, the country club with the Villages' best pool and hot tub, and a myriad of restaurants and stores. All kinds of medical facilities are a stone's throw, too, if you need them, as are many parks and a lake with a gazebo pier.

By that I mean all those places are less than a mile away! Take a look at a map with Spanish Springs in the center. I'd vote for anywhere around that area. We're all biased and think our own village is the best, but if you want walkability, that vicinity wins hands down.

[JoMar]

South of 44 will have close to 12 miles (maybe more) of trails, they don't share the trails with golf carts, bikes or cars and has been designed for those that like walking with nature. Suggest your next visit is via a multi-month rental so you can invest the time in exploring before you make a buying decision.

[Dgizzi]

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods. ;)

Much appreciated!
It depends if you want a new home or pre-owned.

[JohnN]

I think the north end (north of 466A) doesn't have much neighborhood walking.
The golf cart paths are mostly out in the street, etc. and there are fewer sidewalks.

Heading south around Lake Sumter, the developer started more open areas for walking.

Far south, the new area near the turnpike, there are indeed more walking trails and new homes. The downside is that services haven't kept pace. They'll get there in a few years but not there yet.

Enjoy The VIllages, great place.

[VApeople]

Drive down to the neighborhood pool in the Village of Bradford, which is south of Route 44 and north of the Turnpike.

Just behind the pool there is an asphalt path. Go right on the path and keep going until it runs out at the huge power lines at the end of St. Catherine.

[FenneyFanatic]

Fenney is amazing for walkers!!

[Topspinmo]

Pretty much anywhere in villages.

[HIgolfers]

I think the north end (north of 466A) doesn't have much neighborhood walking.
The golf cart paths are mostly out in the street, etc. and there are fewer sidewalks.

Heading south around Lake Sumter, the developer started more open areas for walking.

Far south, the new area near the turnpike, there are indeed more walking trails and new homes. The downside is that services haven't kept pace. They'll get there in a few years but not there yet.

Enjoy The VIllages, great place.

This is spot on.

[John_W]

...Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods. ;)

Much appreciated!

You left out some of the important information. Another poster already asked, do you want a new home or a resale? Without knowing that, we are back at square one. You also didn't include a budget (price range), what other factors are important such at near championship golf courses, near MVP gym, near shopping, what else plays into your decision?

All new homes other than some CYVs built west of Brownwood square in 2016 are south of 44. That villa community by Brownwood is Alden Bungalows, they were never sold but used as Lifestyle Visit homes and they are now on the market. Only one is listed at this moment, it's a 3 BR 2 BA for $365K. Once you leave those villas you can walk all over BW square, the only negative is getting across a busy four lane road, Powell Road. I would drive my golf cart through the tunnel under Powell Rd. and park at the square and then start my walk. For the new homes south of 44 someone who lives in that area can answer your question better. Here's the Alden Bungalow villa. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S969.79?preowned&lng=-82.0208617314264&lat=28.850500324794123&lvl=5)

https://image.thevillages.com/api/ulikey/S969.79.jpg?w=648&h=400

If you live in the north end near Mulberry Rec Center and Shopping Center and Mulberry VA Medical Center there is the Springdale Fitness Trail, named after the village at the south end. It's about 12' wide and about a mile and half long and goes right through though Lopez Golf Course. Just go on the TV website resale homes for sale and zillow.com homes for sale and look for some in the area of the trail. Here's a map of the trail going through the championship golf course. It starts at the red arrow and runs northwest toward the Mulberry Rec Center.

Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Springdale+Exercise+Trail/@28.9759856,-82.0194855,3134m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88e7c50bdac2acef:0xacf64 283a6dc3dcd!8m2!3d28.9656642!4d-82.0006455)

I like walking around the squares and the adjacent commercial areas because there are sidewalks and places to see. When I had my LSV (Lifestyle Visit) in 2011 we stayed at Lakeshore Cottages, which are on the east side of LSL (Lake Sumter Landing) sales office. We had golf cart and never used it it. It was a 3 minute walk to the square and plenty of places to go in the area. There is only 53 homes in that community and they are on the pricey side. Currently there is just this home and it's listed for $799K. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S657.11?preowned&lng=-81.97048378301095&lat=28.91009630514615&lvl=9)

https://image.thevillages.com/api/ulikey/S657.11.jpg?w=648&h=400

On the west side of LSL there are CYVs and cottages in the mid-range price, that's just west of Barnes & Nobles and the Waterfront Hotel. There are about four homes in that section for sale now. Here's a CYV or Bungalow is the series name, this one is $374K. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/S828.180?preowned&lng=-81.97900225341182&lat=28.906503319027347&lvl=9)

https://image.thevillages.com/api/ulikey/S828.180.jpg?w=648&h=400

[LMBNY]

Wow. Thanks so much, everyone! I'm renting a house for the month of July (ugh, I know), so this will be very helpful for my exploring!

I will definitely be looking at re-sales and love a fixer-upper challenge. Also, think I'd like to be within a mile to one of the squares.

[mike1946]

I agree with the poster who said County Club Hills !! We have had a home there since 2002 and absolutely love it !! It's quiet with no through traffic (Morse Blvd nightmare) big old live oaks and full sized lots before the family started to cram in more homes per acre.
As to the poster who said depends if you want new or re-sale ... you just have not been keeping up. Many of the homes on the historic section were manufactured some were single wides on full sized lots - someone (I think the developer) spotted a profit potential and started buying up the older ones, tearing them out and building a variety of new homes - Ranches/Block and Stucco Designers/Stick built... If my info is correct in the last couple of years they've done over 200. So it is perfectly possible to buy a brand new home in this area which may also come with Golf/Lake Front Live Oaks etc. with an added bonus of no bond. Open your eyes and do some proper research ...the historic section is there for a reason ...it was built first because it's in the best place !!!

[Two Bills]

This question is a no brainer.
The new southern developments have the best walking areas.

[PensacolaBob]

South of 44 will have close to 12 miles (maybe more) of trails, they don't share the trails with golf carts, bikes or cars and has been designed for those that like walking with nature. Suggest your next visit is via a multi-month rental so you can invest the time in exploring before you make a buying decision.
Bikes are allowed on these walking trails!

[RealJudy]

There is a walking trail in Springdale. Several people walk El Camino Real from Savannah Center to Morse Blvd. there are walking trails in Marsh Bend and Fenney. Many people just walk their neighborhoods after determining the distance they desire.

[michtofla]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

[andercat]

LMB, I'm your man. I recently moved to Country Club Hills specifically for the walkability factor. I can walk to Spanish Springs town square, two regional rec centers, my pickleball and tennis courts, the country club with the Villages' best pool and hot tub, and a myriad of restaurants and stores. All kinds of medical facilities are a stone's throw, too, if you need them, as are many parks and a lake with a gazebo pier.

By that I mean all those places are less than a mile away! Take a look at a map with Spanish Springs in the center. I'd vote for anywhere around that area. We're all biased and think our own village is the best, but if you want walkability, that vicinity wins hands down.

I live in Country Club Hills and walk between 2 and 3 miles a day. I love the trees and we have a few hills, so it is not all flat. The one thing I do not like it that there are no sidewalks. (I think this is a problem for most areas.) I feel like I am constantly pushing to my left into the curb or grass to avoid both large and small vehicles. That is the biggest problem for me.

[kansasr]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

Wow! You must have the most sensitive hearing in the world if you can hear the train whistles over by 301 and the noise from the Turnpike!

Seriously, ignore this. Moved to Monarch Grove this summer and have never heard blasting from the quarry down off CR 470 (and my understanding is they only do this once a month anyway.) Unless you buy a house visible to the turnpike you won't be bothered by the noise either.

And I am 3.5 miles from shopping center next to Rohan Rec and 5.5 miles from all the new shopping across from Pinellas Plaza.

And this is the area if you want walking trails!

[Fanfaron2020]

You'll get a gazillion responses, but I always enjoyed walking around the lake at Lake Sumter Landing... and enough shops to get you spending moolah!

[Carla B]

I live in Country Club Hills and walk between 2 and 3 miles a day. I love the trees and we have a few hills, so it is not all flat. The one thing I do not like it that there are no sidewalks. (I think this is a problem for most areas.) I feel like I am constantly pushing to my left into the curb or grass to avoid both large and small vehicles. That is the biggest problem for me.

I agree that the lack of sidewalks is a problem in most of the neighborhoods. The multi-modal paths are supposed to include walkers but walkers have to dodge golf cart traffic on them. The developer must have had negative input from buyers about this and is trying to increase walkability by building paths off limit to golf carts in areas south of Hwy. 44.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

I agree with the poster who said County Club Hills !! We have had a home there since 2002 and absolutely love it !! It's quiet with no through traffic (Morse Blvd nightmare) big old live oaks and full sized lots ...the historic section is there for a reason ...it was built first because it's in the best place !!!

This reminds me of how "historic districts" of so many cities and towns have been revitalized all over the country and become the cool place to live and hang out. I see this happening in the Villages with our historic district, too. OBB, it's destined to become the Villages' bohemian area! You saw it here first.

[Jackie Hogan]

Our place a 2 bedroom patio villa is recently for sale in the Village of Belvedere. Location is ideal not only for beautiful neighborhood walks but also because we are walking distance to shopping and the Library. please call if you would like more information... 716 510 4916.

[RealtorKaren]

Hi! I’m moving to TVs in January, near Spanish Springs area. I want to find a Pickleball group to play with. Where do you play? Thanks for any info you can give me. I love that area! Karen

[PugMom]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

lmao. been here 3 years & haven't heard it yet.

[kenoc7]

I think the north end (north of 466A) doesn't have much neighborhood walking.
The golf cart paths are mostly out in the street, etc. and there are fewer sidewalks.

Heading south around Lake Sumter, the developer started more open areas for walking.

Far south, the new area near the turnpike, there are indeed more walking trails and new homes. The downside is that services haven't kept pace. They'll get there in a few years but not there yet.

Enjoy The VIllages, great place.
Wrong. The north end is great for walking - very little traffic and the 1 1/4 mile Springdale multi-modal trail wit real differences in elevation.

[kenoc7]

Hi! I’m moving to TVs in January, near Spanish Springs area. I want to find a Pickleball group to play with. Where do you play? Thanks for any info you can give me. I love that area! Karen
Join the Villages Pickleball Club. Membership usually opens up once a year in January/February.

[Pandan]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

We live South of SR-44 and we could not be happier with out decision to buy a home in Monarch Grove. Lived here for the last 6 months and have not experienced the issues michtofl is talking about. The new areas South of 44 have very nice pathways that go around the ponds and lots of green spaces. The only difficulty, we experienced so far, is wiping the smiles off our faces every time we take a walk.

My guesstimate is that in 2-3 months, the Water Lily Bridge will open and the rest of The Villages will be accessible by golf car. Brownwood Square will be only 6mile away, for us. The Magnolia Plaza is 1.5 miles away (from Monarch Grove) and will provide some of the amenities we’ve been waiting for. There are other exciting developments for our area, however, the are 1-3+ years down the road.

As other posters mentioned, already, the best thing to do is to come and see for yourself. Good luck.

[Keninches]

Rent for sure and being close to Spanish Springs Square is the best value for your money, house wise. Lake Sumter Square is really nice, but the houses are more expensive and will probably still have a bond to pay off, which Spanish Springs area does not. Good luck.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Hi! I’m moving to TVs in January, near Spanish Springs area. I want to find a Pickleball group to play with. Where do you play? Thanks for any info you can give me. I love that area! Karen

There's pickleball at most or all the numerous rec centers around Spanish Springs town center. Pick up Rec News at any rec center or check it out online (link follows) to find open play. Just show up and you'll get rotated in.

Welcome to the 'hood!

Recreation & Parks Publication (http://thevillagesdailysun.com/app/recnews/index.html)

[rmd2]

Wow. Thanks so much, everyone! I'm renting a house for the month of July (ugh, I know), so this will be very helpful for my exploring!

I will definitely be looking at re-sales and love a fixer-upper challenge. Also, think I'd like to be within a mile to one of the squares.

After you rent for a while you will really know more about how you feel. You may find other things come in to play such as shopping, medical/dental, other recreational activities, etc.

[jimjamuser]

LMB, I'm your man. I recently moved to Country Club Hills specifically for the walkability factor. I can walk to Spanish Springs town square, two regional rec centers, my pickleball and tennis courts, the country club with the Villages' best pool and hot tub, and a myriad of restaurants and stores. All kinds of medical facilities are a stone's throw, too, if you need them, as are many parks and a lake with a gazebo pier.

By that I mean all those places are less than a mile away! Take a look at a map with Spanish Springs in the center. I'd vote for anywhere around that area. We're all biased and think our own village is the best, but if you want walkability, that vicinity wins hands down.
Add to that a dog park and an area with outdoor exercise machines - and a partridge in a pear tree!

[LiverpoolWalrus]

And softball and archery fields, petanque, bocce and shuffleboard. Oh and I think there’s that thing called golf around here too. All in our concentrated bubble within the bubble.

[JoMar]

Bikes are allowed on these walking trails!

I knew that, not sure why I said bikes, still less conflict then north.

[JoMar]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

Do you live down there or are you just parroting?

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods. ;)

Much appreciated!

Personally, I think just about any village is walkable. I'd stick to villages streets; cart paths can be a bit busy with golfers late for tee times & tunnels are not safe for walkers IMO. You can always hop on a cart to just about anywhere nearby for a walk. Enjoy!

[Diver Man]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

That's complete BS, we just finished a 4 mile walk from Bradford thru ST. Catherine's and it was the most beautiful and quiet walk we have been on. No noise. We went for a 3 mile walk yesterday thru Marsh Bend, it was also beautiful, but did get very loud near the turnpike. All the walking areas in the villages is nice, each area has it's plus and minus. People from the north say its better up there. And people from the south end say its better down here. You really need try each area, and see witch one YOU like the best.

[jmcica@aol.com]

Sooooo negative

[vintageogauge]

Just stay away from anything south of 44. After your walk you will hear the dynamite blasting at the nearby stone quarry, the loud speaker announcements at the Coleman Prison, the deafening noise from the turnpike and the lovely Train whistle. When you get tired of listening to that you can get in your golf cart and drive 25 miles to the nearest “anything”. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

You will never hear dynamite blasting south of 44, you will feel a 2 second rumble similar to a truck hitting a pothole every 6 weeks or so, I have lived here 3-1/2 years and have never heard a loud speaker announcement, the turnpike is only near the far eastern villages and cannot be heard in the most populous of all villages, The Village of Fenney. The closest train track is west of 301 so I have no idea where you came up with a train whistle. As far as warnings, there are over 3,600 residents in The Village of Fenney, more than any other village, ask any one of them if they are unhappy down here, there will be very few. They sell 6 or 7 new homes down here every day, 365 days a year and this is where you will find all of the new amenities, lots of nature and peace and quiet not available north of 44. I have nothing bad to say about north of 44 villages but have a lot of good to say about the south. Only people like (mitchtofla) that cannot live hear continue to criticize the southern villages.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Pretty much all of the Villages are fine for walking as long as you don't venture out onto the main roads or golf cart paths.

On the historic side, where I live, there really are no main roads but I see people walking along, Morse, Avenida Central, Del Mar, Rio Grande and other main roads and I just think that eventually someone is going to get killed.

Down south there are main roads like Stillwater Trail, O'Dell Circle, Canal St, Bonita, Pinellas Place and Hillsborough that you want avoid.

Stay in the neighborhoods and you'll be fine.

If you're looking for scenery and atmosphere take a golf cart ride to one of the many parks and walk there.

Just stay off of the main roads.