New to The Villages- NEED YOUR HELP

[adamcurtis]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

[Stu from NYC]

We spent a month here renting a house before buying.

Turned out during our rental we wanted to be in middle and purchased a home between Lake Sumter and Brownwood.

We also do not golf but have joined a bunch of clubs to keep us busy.

From your post would suggest you rent for a month or two and decide what you like and do not like.

[villagetinker]

I agree with above, what works for us may not work for you. Also, there are some differences between the various sections of TV, Historic, north of 466, between 466 and 44, and south of 44. You need to look at these areas an see what suits your desires. We found an area between 466a and 44 to be ideal for us. At the time this was the southern border, it is now north of the center of The Villages. If you do not want construction noise and dirt you may want to stay north of 44, but there are some areas that are almost complete. If you desire to use your golf cart as primary transportation look very carefully at current amenities, shopping, etc., as some locations may have a much longer travel time, the same goes for health considerations (doctors, hospitals, etc.).
Hope this helps.

[Bill14564]

Agree with the above, between squares is best to make it equally convenient to visit either.

Other amenities: Pools, Recreation Centers, Activities. Check the list of activities in the weekly Recreation publication and the list of clubs off districtgov.org -> Departments -> Recreation -> Resident Lifestyle Clubs & Contacts.

Definitely spend time in the different areas before you buy. We wanted something newer yet still established so we bought near 466A. Others might want brand new and will purchase below 44. The landscaping is different above and below 44 - make sure to look at that when you come for a visit.

[Koapaka]

I also agree renting a few months is the best way to figure out where you want to end up with a forever home, but advise you to check rental rates for "snowbird" season and select months NOT in that time frame if at all possible. The same rental that will cost you $1,700 per month May thru Oct can cost you $4K+ per month with a minimum number of months commitment (normally 3 months during snowbird season) which would be a nice chunk of change difference to pay towards that new house! WELCOME to the best place on earth to enjoy living!

[Stu from NYC]

We were planning on purchasing a golf cart but decided to wait awhile before buying it.

Found that many of the places we were going to were not golf cart accessible and since we do not play golf became a two car no golf cart family.

Also as this place has grown can take a very long time to get places via golf cart. In other words pack lunch.

[Papa_lecki]

We rented a bunch of times - a week at a time. We rented near each of the 3 squares, close, not close. We quickly decided where we wanted to look and where we didn’t want to look.
We ended up in a location that fits us.
What fits us, may not fit you.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Totally agree with renting first. It will give you time to decide where and what type of home to purchase.

Our first home purchase was a second home while we were both working.

Thought we found our forever home on purchase number 2. Hubby then wanted house with pool.

We finally found our forever home on the third try!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm a little confused by your post, OP. In the first sentence you say you love "all there is to do!" and at the end you want to know if there's anything else to do besides play golf.

What kinds of things "besides play golf" do you want to know about, since there's obviously a lot "to do" that you already know about?

[tvbound]

I also agree renting a few months is the best way to figure out where you want to end up with a forever home, but advise you to check rental rates for "snowbird" season and select months NOT in that time frame if at all possible. The same rental that will cost you $1,700 per month May thru Oct can cost you $4K+ per month with a minimum number of months commitment (normally 3 months during snowbird season) which would be a nice chunk of change difference to pay towards that new house! WELCOME to the best place on earth to enjoy living!

I totally agree with renting first. While there is definitely a large cost difference between 'high winter' season and summer, we've rented during both periods to ensure that we could not only live with the crowds - but also with the 'heat index' (temp and humidity) of July & August. Ironically, even though we've lived in a smaller community forever now and TV during high season is pretty nuts, I think the latter (heat), will be harder for me to personally adjust. Being able to play February golf, in shorts no less, is like heaven though.

[Bogie Shooter]

Start by looking at ALL the pages on this site.
Village Community Development Districts (http://Www.districtgov.org)

[DAVES]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?
We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

The replies-people are guessing what is important to you. What they are saying is what is important to them.

Golf carts. We use ours for basic local transportation. For food shopping, to the rec centers. Wife to beauty parlor, to doctor.

Noisy? I don't think I would want to live next to one of the places where they have outdoor live entertainment.

Storage, is a problem. We have a two car garage a stretched home so there is space beyond the length of a typical car plus we have a golf cart garage.

My suggestion. Make a list of what is important to you. Have your wife also make a list.
See what you agree on and what you don't. Likely there will be some surprises.

Cost is an obvious factor.

[Garywt]

We never rented but visited friends. We knew we only wanted new so that is all we looked at. Did not really matter where we were as we bought mostly to be able to drive the golf carts, we have 2. We rarely drive the car when there as we only go to places we can get to by cart. For us it is all about the miles…

[thevillages2013]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

Beware the turnpike noise and pickle ball court noise. Drives people insane here:bigbow:

[La lamy]

I agree renting and checking the place out is best. The squares have music every night from 5 to 9 pm. Depending on wind you may hear it from pretty far, but I don't mind it, and it does stop right at my sleep time! Good luck finding your home in this active retirement heaven where you can pretty much do anything you want! If a club of your favorite activity doesn't exist, you can start it.

[GRACEALLEMAN]

my wife and i have visited the villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

never next to a pickle ball court noise all day

never with a bond

never new

never next to a thoroughfare

never a villa. Can hear your neighbos fart and dogs barking

drive by at 10 pm and listen

drive by at 9 am and listen

[sallyg]

Renting before buying is an excellent idea. Because of the huge size of this place, and the wide variety of activities you may find yourselves gravitating toward one area over another. Only way to find out is to spend some time living here. Each area has advantages and disadvantages. Good luck!

[LoisR]

Think about pre-existing. Why wait years to have shopping, banks, health offices, town squares, golf courses, rec centers, etc. promised to be built.

[J1ceasar]

Real quickly let me just say most people don't actually look at a full map of Florida to see where they're going to be living. In other words do you know that the Orlando airport can be 75 minutes away or almost 2 hours away depending on where you live in The villages. If you're going to be the type and wants to go see grandkids a lot or take vacations that's also important. If you're the type that wants to explore Florida and gets bored with just going to the pool and wants to explore Disney etc tampa, miami, clearwater, Cocoa Beach St Augustine who want to go to the casinos a lot, and you have to consider how close you are to the major highways, especially route 27 which is a major thoroughfare and route 44. FYI if you're in the older section of the villages you going to be upwards of 30 minutes farther away from most everything excluding Ocala and Wildwood. There are a few cities with great rest restaurants that could be an hour away even though on the map they're pretty close like Mount Dora. just consider that also. Although a lot of people get golf carts to go around they can be hot in the summer I may not get you everywhere you want to go as fast as you can in the car

[Mrfriendly]

Close to the Squares is great if you entertain out of town guests often and close to 466 or 466A so you can shop or leave the bubble more easily.

[Skunky1]

Beware of nearby sewer treatment facilities located throughout the villages!

[ronda]

Hey Mr. Friendly, wanted to give you a shout out… we are from Toms River.

[merrymini]

You cannot be close to everything.
You go to the things you wish to attend and they occur all over.
You should go to sites and sit around to listen.
No one here can really answer your questions.
Your preferences will determine where you will end up.
Do the math.

[butlerism]

Marbles.
We play a lit of marbles here!

[butlerism]

My house is for sale

[Heytubes]

The areas north of 466 have more established trees and landscaping as well as lower or no bonds. Closer to Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter. Less than 30 minutes to fine restaurants in Ocala and less than an hour to Mt. Dora and an hour to the Airport. All established shopping via golf cart. The south areas are newer but higher bonds and less shopping and doctor offices. Older homes can be upgraded but make sure they have newer roofs and AC’s are newer. Appliances can be purchased for an easy upgrade as well as hot water heaters. Just my experience, but may not coincide with your needs. Either way, you’ll love it here.

[wganderson13]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

Bought starter house & forever house here in the Historic Side. Everything within reach by Golf Cart, sold my car for I drove < 200 miles/year. Have a friend if I go to Sams drive us there.

[airstreamingypsy]

Me, I would look north of 466, but near Lake Sumter Landing. Even between 466 and 466A is nice, but by the time they crossed 466A they razed everything in their path.

[FromNY]

Should have rented? Could have rented? Would have rethought the whole thing. But here we are 18 years. Now take a few days when possible and hit the beaches. Closest an hour. Would have checked medical care quality. Now hunt for those doctors who care enough to touch ,listen,and do not insist we work patient portals. Should have realized as we got older things change. Activies are plentiful. Recreation guide loaded with clubs,you can find it on line or at any recreation center. Tampa Airport nicer than Orlando IMO. Best car dealers? Good luck. Now that Covid restrictions are lifted things are getting very active again. Rent for extended periods, Maybe even look around at other communities to compare lots of areas building up to entice seniors with money. Town squares are not restricted to The Villager.
Do what works for you. We all have different needs and thoughts on what is quality living.

[nick demis]

We also rented for a few weeks after which we decided to build new in the southern end. It gave us more opportunity to get in with groups before they became to established.

[Schaumburger]

I totally agree with renting first. While there is definitely a large cost difference between 'high winter' season and summer, we've rented during both periods to ensure that we could not only live with the crowds - but also with the 'heat index' (temp and humidity) of July & August. Ironically, even though we've lived in a smaller community forever now and TV during high season is pretty nuts, I think the latter (heat), will be harder for me to personally adjust. Being able to play February golf, in shorts no less, is like heaven though.

I have visited The Villages 3 times in high season and more than that in the summer. If the OP is going to be a full-time resident, I would definitely visit for a week or 2, or longer if you can in July or August to see how you acclimate to a Central Florida summer.

I will be renting in the Village of Bonnybrook for 2 weeks in July. I need another dose of Central Florida in July! This will be my first visit to The Villages since February, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing all of the expansion south of 44 that has taken place in the past 16 months. I really want to see Edna's on the Green. See you all at Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood starting one week from today! :MOJE_whot:

[Obrienx4]

Do a lifestyle stay and spend some time

[tmzakarian]

We just bought a home in the Villages and actually closed yesterday. While we were familiar with the different areas we found no matter where you purchased outside of the new section to the far south there was everything you needed. Many pools, golf courses, rec. centers, club activities all within a short golf cart ride from your house. As a result we focused primarily on the house we wanted ( Stucco exterior, laminate flooring, more sq. footage, open lanai/birdcage etc.) and we found it. While there are areas with a little more shopping, dining etc. nothing is that far away. Good luck on your search.

[ithos]

There is not best area for all. They all have their advantages and drawbacks.

The new homes for some models have substantial design improvements over the houses north of 44. The trails are also better and offer amenities that are not available anywhere else. However, many services, clubs and stores, etc., will take much longer to access via a golf cart for several years to come.

Lake Sumter Landing is the best town square and I don't believe that will ever change.

If you don't mind driving everywhere by car and the lack of greenery, I would give serious consideration for the new area. Some on TOTV have made claims that the average age will be considerably younger there too if that matters.

[John41]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

The REAL Villages is North of 44. South of 44 is a sad addendum. Within walking distance of squares is a prime location and they are not noisy.

[Bilyclub]

I hate high voltage power lines and would never buy close to them. There are many of these located all over TV. In Chitty Chatty the power company even replaced the power lines with higher capacity ones after the houses were built and sold.

[Conniehar]

We spent considerable time researching the areas. We decided we wanted new construction and will close on our designer home in 2 weeks. While the area south is not close to stores, we love the trees and walking paths. I’m sure it will be built up soon. We are currently renting and love that everyone in the new areas are looking for friends - haven’t found that where we are renting. But honestly everyone seems to like where they live. I don’t understand why it has to be a north vs south thing! We don’t golf but have already gotten involved with water volleyball and aerobics. Plenty to do!

[Villages Kahuna]

Recommendations to rent—maybe more than one in different locations—is a great suggestion. The Villages is a BIG place. You may have seen the posts that it’s already several miles longer from CR 42 on the north to where they’re building on the southern end than the City of Chicago!

[joelfmi]

if your not a avid golfer well that is a place that is known for golf which if you don't golf then it has a lot of cons buying their which will see looking in this talk of the villages treads

[Villagesgal]

Golf, tennis, pickleball, canoing, fishing, basketball, volleyball, shooting pool, swimming, gun range, shuffleboard, bottci ball, card games, foreign, independent, classic movie clubs, Mah Jong, Poker, The list goes on forever of things to do here besides golf. I prefer north of 466A because the lots are larger and landscaping mature, but to each his own. People are friendly everywhere in the Villages, so come, rent, drive around and see what you like, then buy and enjoy the rest of your life. Welcome.

[NewRealms]

Do NOT buy a house without having lived in The Villages for at least 6 months. The place is huge and you'll need to get the lay of the land to understand where best you will fit in. The Villages will probably push you to look down south where their new construction is happening. Don't let them do that to you.

[Andrea3051]

As I am in the middle of your situation, I can share my thoughts. I came here initially to purchase but when the prices all went up and as a safer plan, I decided to rent and try before I buy. I read many posts of people moving around the Villages, now I understand why because the area I chose to rent would not be where I want to stay or purchase and comparing it to the newer areas that I was staying during my lifestyle visit, I now prefer to go back there. Trying out different areas is definitely a safer route unless you have friends or other anchors on location, as I am finding out now. thank goodness this isn't uncommon and not just me ;)

[Hopeful Returnee]

Is it true that mail is not delivered to your home and you have to go to a mail station to retrieve it? If you are used to having your mail delivered every day (except Sunday) for your entire life, this is a pretty big change. Perhaps as you get older, you don't feel like or aren't well enough to go out each day. How do you manage with this mail delivery system. Are there other options other than relying on a kind neighbor who might be willing to do pick up you mail occasionally. I would never want to impose on someone to do this for me indefinitely.

[Hopeful Returnee]

When I move from New York to the Villages, I know it will be best to rent first for a few months because I have absolutely no idea what village would be best for me. I'll have to change all my mail to my new temporary rented address. This will include Social Security, pension, etc. Then when I move to a permanent home, I'll have to make all the address changes again (and there are many). Some of these like Social Security, etc. take a while to make the needed changes. There must be an easier way to do this--perhaps getting a P.O. Box number at the mail station rather than giving a street address. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas.

[wamley]

We bought a little over a mile from Sumpeter landing. We love the convenience and proximity to the Square and shopping. We have made friends through Golf & Pickleball that live in many parts of the Villages and they lover there neighborhoods as well. We were careful not to purchase too close to Pickleball courts as they can be noisy, but even so the house is usually closed up and under air conditioning. It seeks that no matter who you meet or where they live they like their neighborhood. Also seems that most people in The Villages that are living there for more then 4 years are in their second or third house.

[mike1946]

Historic side for us !! Fantastic ..no thru traffic and noise but close to everything ...and if you just want new house ...they are tearing out lots of older places and building new one of the only places on the villages you can buy new without a bond or impact fees or crappy landscaping !!

[ithos]

If you know your priorities for choosing a home then I don't think it is necessary to rent first for more than a month or two unless you are waiting for a dip in prices. In the off season you can get some bargains on month to month rentals.

Most long term residents and listing agents can provide very good information. If you like sitting at the bar then you can get plenty of recommendations. Villagers are the most enthusiastic salespeople.

[Bilyclub]

Recommendations to rent—maybe more than one in different locations—is a great suggestion. The Villages is a BIG place. You may have seen the posts that it’s already several miles longer from CR 42 on the north to where they’re building on the southern end than the City of Chicago!

False. You always post this and it's not true.

[Galmarini]

There a house just went for sale. 2079 yearling way. The Villages of Pinellas

[LindaNC]

I would try to stay away from pickle ball courts. Very noisy. I don’t see the squares as a problem unless you go to bed before 9:00. If you are a shopper, N of 466A is a good choice.

[John41]

Hey Mr. Friendly, wanted to give you a shout out… we are from Toms River.

We were from Bayville a few miles south of Toms River, and had a lagoon home on the bay, 22 years.

[FenneyFanatic]

Manasquan here!

[DALEPQ]

My reply is duplicating many others.
Rent first to find out what you are looking for in T.V.
I would think one month should be the bare minimum to rent, but that's up to you.
Suggest more than one month so you can really get a feel of all parts of T.V.
When looking for a preowned home it would be hard to fine one that's 100% of your likes.
We found one that hit about 90%, and are quite happy with it.
Good luck!

[dadspet]

Simple. Rent before you buy to decide what you want in terms of location, house size, near various things, not what other want. We love activity and want to be near activity (rec center, Tennis, PB, golf, Squares and entertainment). Others are the opposite. You have no clue what it's like here until you have tried the water on more than a short visit. Your ideas will also change over time which is why many, including us, buy a 2nd or 3rd house. Good luck. Maybe I should have said don't drink the water because there is no know cure for what happens when you do. I'm surprised the Food and Drug agency haven't required The Villages to post a warning

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Is it true that mail is not delivered to your home and you have to go to a mail station to retrieve it? If you are used to having your mail delivered every day (except Sunday) for your entire life, this is a pretty big change. Perhaps as you get older, you don't feel like or aren't well enough to go out each day. How do you manage with this mail delivery system. Are there other options other than relying on a kind neighbor who might be willing to do pick up you mail occasionally. I would never want to impose on someone to do this for me indefinitely.

Correct, the mail is sent to a postal station in your area. Mine is around 3/4 of a mile away from my house, so I typically walk to it on nice days.

Some deliveries (such as UPS and FedEx packages) go directly to your house.

It turns out that it isn't nearly as big a change as I thought it would be. I grew up in the burbs, we had a mailbox outside our house, same situation as you. Living here almost two years now, it turns out - I don't really need to pick the mail up every day. Just because it was a habit all my life, doesn't mean it was a necessary thing to do.

Now, I walk on nice days, or ride my bicycle. I also stop off if I'm coming back from the supermarket, since it's on the way. Or I'll take a quick detour a block in the "wrong" direction if I took the golf cart to the dentist or doctor's office.

I end up picking my mail up maybe 5 days out of the week anyway, and it's never an inconvenience.

[Topspinmo]

Good luck finding property in close proximity of the squares? Especially Sumter landing or Spanish springs (close as the music being problem) IMO as suggested it would be smart to rent for couple months to really check out areas and then decide what location you want to be in. As far as amenities, you will not find more than villages. You can get the rec guide online to see what interests you.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Historic side for us !! Fantastic ..no thru traffic and noise but close to everything ...and if you just want new house ...they are tearing out lots of older places and building new one of the only places on the villages you can buy new without a bond or impact fees or crappy landscaping !!

They're not tearing down lots. They were replacing older trailers with site-built homes at one point, but they stopped doing that a couple of years ago. Any lots you see that are currently vacant with no house on it in the Historic area is owned by someone other than the Villages.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When I move from New York to the Villages, I know it will be best to rent first for a few months because I have absolutely no idea what village would be best for me. I'll have to change all my mail to my new temporary rented address. This will include Social Security, pension, etc. Then when I move to a permanent home, I'll have to make all the address changes again (and there are many). Some of these like Social Security, etc. take a while to make the needed changes. There must be an easier way to do this--perhaps getting a P.O. Box number at the mail station rather than giving a street address. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas.

Get direct deposit to your bank account. Then it won't matter where you live. If you have an ATM card you have access to cash. And you can use your computer to do any transfers of funds or pay most of your bills.

You can't get a PO box at the mail station. The PO boxes are at actual post offices. The mail stations (postal stations they're called here) are just a series of canopied outdoor rows of cubbies with locks on them (just like a PO box but each one is assigned a specific address, no matter who lives in it).

[paulajr]

Think about pre-existing. Why wait years to have shopping, banks, health offices, town squares, golf courses, rec centers, etc. promised to be built.

Because…moving into a new neighborhood where everyone is new is the best way to make new friends!!

[Buckeye Bleau]

Renting first is a great idea.
Living between Town Centers is a great idea.
I would suggest investigating the different Rec Centers and what they offer.
I know this is weird and I don’t want to start a bunch of hate Mail, but I cannot coax my wife away from the “historic” areas of silver Lake and Orange Blossum, yes we have some trailers, we have manufactured and we have site built so the area is diverse but it is mature. We have trr we o executive courses, one CC, two adult, one family snd one CC pool that has a waterfall.
The roads are quieter, less traffic because nobody is passing through to get somewhere. We are on the extreme NE confer snd we like it that way. It takes 8 minutes from my NE corner home to Spanish Springs, add 1 minute for grocery snd liquor, restaurants andshopping via golf cart. We have a private gate and road to go to Walmart, Lowe’s and do much more in about 12 minutes by golf cart.
We have it all with NO BONDS and no through traffic.

[Papa_lecki]

Is it true that mail is not delivered to your home and you have to go to a mail station to retrieve it? If you are used to having your mail delivered every day (except Sunday) for your entire life, this is a pretty big change. Perhaps as you get older, you don't feel like or aren't well enough to go out each day. How do you manage with this mail delivery system. Are there other options other than relying on a kind neighbor who might be willing to do pick up you mail occasionally. I would never want to impose on someone to do this for me indefinitely.

This is not a big deal. Some postal stations are walkable, if not, a quick golf cart ride.
Amazon and many packages come directly to the house - just the USPS stuff goes to the postal station

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Renting first is a great idea.
Living between Town Centers is a great idea.
I would suggest investigating the different Rec Centers and what they offer.
I know this is weird and I don’t want to start a bunch of hate Mail, but I cannot coax my wife away from the “historic” areas of silver Lake and Orange Blossum, yes we have some trailers, we have manufactured and we have site built so the area is diverse but it is mature. We have trr we o executive courses, one CC, two adult, one family snd one CC pool that has a waterfall.
The roads are quieter, less traffic because nobody is passing through to get somewhere. We are on the extreme NE confer snd we like it that way. It takes 8 minutes from my NE corner home to Spanish Springs, add 1 minute for grocery snd liquor, restaurants andshopping via golf cart. We have a private gate and road to go to Walmart, Lowe’s and do much more in about 12 minutes by golf cart.
We have it all with NO BONDS and no through traffic.

It's also a really beautiful area over on your corner (I'm up in the northwest corner of the Historic Section, closer to that golf cart gate). Over on Schwartz near St. Andrews you get that amazing pasture behind the property - according to google maps, it's at the end of Hidden Meadow Road, outside the Villages.

[beckylou152]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

We wondered the same thing when we first started thinking of TV. We came down and rented a place fairly near to Lake Sumter landing. We stayed there one month and spent significant time looking at each area. We ended up buying south of 44 in Bradford for several reasons. First, we wanted a new home. Second we wanted to be near a lot of nature trails and walkways. Third, we wanted to be where there are a lot of younger retirees like us. Fourth we wanted to NOT have the turnpike in our backyard. Fifth we were interested in being near some amenities like we will have nearby in Saint Catherine (music, restaurant, etc). We actually love riding our golf cart everywhere, love our neighborhood, and our new home. I do love going to Brownwood, and it is a 30 minute golf cart ride which doesn’t bother me. I have also ridden my cart to Sumter Landing. I think the town squares are really fun, but it is ok not to live right next door to them. All of TV is quite nice - you should be able to find a home you love! Good luck!

[Cranford61]

Bay Head here

[NotGolfer]

It sort of sounds like you're way over-thinking your situation and going with "what if's". The Villages is an active community but as far as the day to day living isn't much different than any other places you might settle in. It's neighborhoods and people. What things you do, depends on YOUR interests---which you may find here as well. I would rent first, rather than buy and then figure out the areas that appeal to you best.

[MandoMan]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

I live 1.6 miles by road from Lake Sumter Landing and 2 miles from Spanish Springs. I’ve never heard music from Spanish Springs at my house as there are thousands of trees and homes to muffle the sound. However, I’m one block west of Morse and one block north of 466. I can hear a little road noise on my patio, but it’s not loud. I don’t hear it in the house with the windows closed. However, even though I am 1.6 miles from Lake Sumter Landing, nearly all of that distance is LAKE, and music carries well over water. There are only a dozen houses and a couple dozen trees between me and the music. In the evening on the patio I can always hear the bass and sometimes a tiny bit of other instruments. Even in the house with the windows closed, I can often hear the bass in my bedroom. I wish I couldn’t, but so it goes. I can’t hear the bass when the television is on, however, and the bass stops at 9 pm.

How much of the music can you take? A village or two soaks up a lot of sound. High ground between you and the band stand will soak up even more. Swamps and wetlands like the ones south of 44 soak up the sound much better than do large lakes.

I downloaded a decibel meter app called SPLnFFT Noise Meter. It works great. It will tell you how much noise there is, moment by moment and by average. For example, in my quiet bedroom right now, the background noise is about 20 decibels. Give it a try. Then, any home you visit, you can check the noise level outside and inside. Go to the neighborhood at night, turn off your car, and stand outside. Then you will know how loud the music is on the patio. This is also very useful if you are considering a home near a freeway or major road. Just don’t buy a house, then petition to have the volume of the music turned down.

[Ptmckiou]

There are approximately 3300 clubs in The Villages. Whatever your interest, it’s here. Card clubs, radio controlled boats, archery, water skiing, chess club, wine club, book clubs, pottery, glass club, beer brewing, woodworking, dancing classes, Zumba, …..you get the picture.

[joelfmi]

I also agree renting a few months is the best way to figure out where you want to end up with a forever home, but advise you to check rental rates for "snowbird" season and select months NOT in that time frame if at all possible. The same rental that will cost you $1,700 per month May thru Oct can cost you $4K+ per month with a minimum number of months commitment (normally 3 months during snowbird season) which would be a nice chunk of change difference to pay towards that new house! WELCOME to the best place on earth to enjoy living! Please unless you are a golfer this is not the best place to live Please! just read the con's on the talk of the villages treads

[LizzieBorden]

We live between 466-466A with Sumter in the middle and we love it and it is also our favorite square to visit. We are just south of 466 and for me, it was important to be near the grocery store/restaurants as I truly enjoy cooking and like being able to drive my cart to the store daily if I want. I do most of my travel via cart. I would suggest a 2 car/1 cart garage, more space which you never have enough of. A couple thing to keep in mind as you make your decision. Know which way you want to the sun to hit your home. I wanted it on the back of my home not the front. The sun rises to the left on my lanai and ends on the right of my lanai which is perfect for me. Second suggestion is to be aware of where your rec center is in relationship to your home due to the pickleball court noise. We love the sport and play, but we are just enough away we dont hear the constant sound starting at 7AM daily. Come, rent for a month, decided where you want to be location wise, talk to many of us around and gather enough information and if you do it right, you many only have to buy a home once! LOL.... I was fortunate to do that. Good luck.

[graciegirl]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!


The thrill and excitement of dancing at the squares, drinking at the squares, shopping at the squares becomes less for many of us in a couple of years when we have a friend base group established and other activities that make us fairly tired in the evening. Don't discount the siren call of the Golf here. Many non golfers join the fray.

We had our first home in Hadley, nearer 466A and our second really close to 466. We like being close to shopping and other appointments that become quite common as we age. (medical) I enjoy being really close to Laurel Manor Regional Rec center and go there three days a week for various art and craft groups. We bought new and our neighbors are fairly close to us in age and we enjoy them.

[Scbang]

Good luck finding any house. The inventory of houses on sale now is ridiculously low.

[Rite2jamie]

Don’t do it! Either way.

[irish2468]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

We live 500 yards from LSL...it's great...if there is any sounds it's great music. choose whats best for your current situation.

[SERENITY52]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!
Buy near CR466. It's in between Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs. Very convenient to all The Villages has to offer.

[2BNTV]

Renting for a couple of months is a smart thing to do. Get a map from the sales center to give you an idea of where everything is located.

Most people find after being here for 6 months or more, it's more convenient to be closer to shopping and doctors.

Make a list of "must haves" and "would like to have" in a home that you want to purchase.

Only you can decide what's important to you!!!

[Polish Golfer]

I would stay away from the polo field, that can be very aloud when they have matches there. We live about two miles from Spanish Springs Town Center and can only hear something when we are out of our home. We are close to all the stores (Publix’s and Winn Dixie, etc.) the hospital and VA Clinic so we can use either our car or golf cart. There is a lot to do if you don’t play golf. Just to let you know all the, all the Executive 9 hole golf courses are free to Villagers if you walk. There is a fee to use your golf cart. There are a lot of things to do, like going to the pools. We go to the Sports Pool, because it’s for Villagers only! But there are other pools as well. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts, bocce ball, shuffleboard, basketball courts. Softball Complex and bike, walking and golf cart paths and more. We lived her for over 20 years, the No. 1 thing should be location, location and location! New homes have large impact fees. I would look for a used home where the impact fee is paid and in my thing is the best deal, if the location is right. Good luck. Alex

[paulajr]

The REAL Villages is North of 44. South of 44 is a sad addendum. Within walking distance of squares is a prime location and they are not noisy.

Wow…just wow. The REAL Villages extends from 42 441 to south of the Turnpike. The new area has so much to offer…including new people that don’t judge. Beautiful walking trails, nature areas and a lot of great amenities we DON’T have north of 44. Soon they will have more stores and restaurants than “we” do, and we will be the ones that have to travel by car to get there.

[pablo cruze]

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!
Hello,
I just moved to Hemmingway. Great location. Straight up Canal St to Sumter Landing. 5 minute walk to Havana (good food), 4 minute by cart to Colony Rec and Shopping. 5 minute car ride to Lowes. I can quickly get to Fruitland Park and Wildwood, 10 minutes to Leesburg. 10 minutes by car to Spanish Springs by car up Morse. St Timothy's and St. Vincent de Paul each 10 minutes away. Lady Lake Home Depot less than 15 minutes.

[pablo cruze]

Hello,
I just moved to Hemmingway. Great location. Straight up Canal St to Sumter Landing. 5 minute walk to Havana (good food), 4 minute by cart to Colony Rec and Shopping. 5 minute car ride to Lowes. I can quickly get to Fruitland Park and Wildwood, 10 minutes to Leesburg. 10 minutes by car to Spanish Springs by car up Morse. St Timothy's and St. Vincent de Paul each 10 minutes away. Lady Lake Home Depot less than 15 minutes.
Oh yeah - I forgot to say something about the noise. The multitude of singing birds don't really bother me.

[pablo cruze]

The REAL Villages is North of 44. South of 44 is a sad addendum. Within walking distance of squares is a prime location and they are not noisy.
You should started your post with..."It is my opinion".....that's what I do when I'm not stating a fact.

[Dorebea]

When I move from New York to the Villages, I know it will be best to rent first for a few months because I have absolutely no idea what village would be best for me. I'll have to change all my mail to my new temporary rented address. This will include Social Security, pension, etc. Then when I move to a permanent home, I'll have to make all the address changes again (and there are many). Some of these like Social Security, etc. take a while to make the needed changes. There must be an easier way to do this--perhaps getting a P.O. Box number at the mail station rather than giving a street address. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas.

Strongly suggest you setup direct deposit for your Social Security and Pension. Not only is it more secure, your funds are available in a timely manner (no dependency on mail delays) and the money will be in your bank account regardless of where you are living.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Please unless you are a golfer this is not the best place to live Please! just read the con's on the talk of the villages treads

I'm not a golfer, and I have no problem finding lots of fun things to keep me entertained and occupied. The #1 con, for me, is that it's in Florida. Everything else that's "not great" is either a minor nuisance/annoyance, or something that can stand improvement, and I'm willing to help "be the change" rather than expecting everyone else to do all the work.

[ronda]

I would stay away from the polo field, that can be very aloud when they have matches there. We live about two miles from Spanish Springs Town Center and can only hear something when we are out of our home. We are close to all the stores (Publix’s and Winn Dixie, etc.) the hospital and VA Clinic so we can use either our car or golf cart. There is a lot to do if you don’t play golf. Just to let you know all the, all the Executive 9 hole golf courses are free to Villagers if you walk. There is a fee to use your golf cart. There are a lot of things to do, like going to the pools. We go to the Sports Pool, because it’s for Villagers only! But there are other pools as well. There are tennis courts, pickleball courts, bocce ball, shuffleboard, basketball courts. Softball Complex and bike, walking and golf cart paths and more. We lived her for over 20 years, the No. 1 thing should be location, location and location! New homes have large impact fees. I would look for a used home where the impact fee is paid and in my thing is the best deal, if the location is right. Good luck. Alex

I guess what you are saying is that there are no guests allowed at the Sport's Pools? Only Villagers and their guests at the other pools?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I guess what you are saying is that there are no guests allowed at the Sport's Pools? Only Villagers and their guests at the other pools?

There are 4 different "categories" of pools in the Villages.

There are sports pools, which can only be used by all residents and no guests.

There are family pools, which can be used by residents and their guests, including children/grandchildren under age 30, with the appropriate guest passes.

There are adult pools, which can only be used by residents and guests age 30 and above, with the appropriate guest passes.

And there are Country Club pools, which can only be used by Country Club members and their guests, with appropriate guest pass.