General Prices paid inside TV

[Michael G.]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

[DAVES]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

You can often find better prices no matter where you are. Cost is often different than price. For example if you drive 20 miles to save say $10 on groceries ie shoppers clubs,
a fair TRUE COST of running a car, wear tear, fuel is just a small part of the real cost it comes to around .65 a mile. If, you drive 20 miles to save $10 your true cost is three dollars more not $10 less and that values your time at zero.

Aside, because of where we live, groceries we can go to Winn dixie, Publix and Wallmart
by golf cart. Walmart is furthest away 3 miles to Winn dixie, 2.5 to Publix Wall mart is like 45 min. golf cart, more money involved we did buy outside the villages, our cart is 9 years old. Perhaps in another 9 years I will need to buy another one.

[wisbad1]

It’s called “Village pricing “. We come here “ loaded “with money. But after paying for housing your poor again.

[Papa_lecki]

Commercial rent is definitely higher inside The Villages - i.e. Golf Cart accessible. So yes, items will be more expensive. Good news is, you can get in your car and save money. Some people do, some don’t.

The Villages has 7 million sq ft of commercial space, and its like 98% occupied.
Same source, we (Villagers) spend $200 million in eating and drinking establishments
Cool Facts About The Villages Florida (https://www.insidethebubble.net/the-villages-cool-facts/)

[Stu from NYC]

Commercial rents inside villages is higher than outside, ergo higher prices in the bubble.

[Bogie Shooter]

.........rents inside villages is higher.......
:shrug:
………..rent inside villages is higher……..

……….rents inside villages are higher…….

[kkingston57]

Forgot to include price of golf. Golf inside the "bubble" is more and not any better.

[GrumpyOldMan]

If you are a diligent shopper you can save some money by shopping around. I find my time is more valuable to me than saving $10 or $15 on a grocery shopping trip if to save that I have to drive an extra 20 or 30 minutes.

One of the BIG draws to us when we moved here was everything being convienent.

[JSR22]

If you are a diligent shopper you can save some money by shopping around. I find my time is more valuable to me than saving $10 or $15 on a grocery shopping trip if to save that I have to drive an extra 20 or 30 minutes.

One of the BIG draws to us when we moved here was everything being convienent.

100% agree!

[DAVES]

100% agree!

There is a sport to shopping not always rational.
We went to Mexico many years ago. On the plane many tourists compared prices.
Oh the shame you paid $15 for your onyx chess set I paid $12. Hum, who added the airfare and hotel into the price.

We had that stuff for years. Sold it at my garage sales. If, I don't count the hotels, airfare
I could say I made money on it.

[Garywt]

Forgot to include price of golf. Golf inside the "bubble" is more and not any better.

Golf inside the bubble is free unless you choose to pay more.

[JoMar]

.........rents inside villages is higher.......
:shrug:
………..rent inside villages is higher……..

……….rents inside villages are higher…….

Guess some of the business's are lying huh?

[Topspinmo]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

Yes, convenience usually carries higher price.

[Bill14564]

Yes, convenience usually carries higher price.

That's an odd answer - those businesses that are less convenient to Villagers are more convenient to someone yet the prices are still lower for them.

Higher rents in the Villages will drive prices up. Prices can also rise to meet what the market will bear and the market in the Villages will clearly bear more.

[jimbomaybe]

A number of factors , The villages is a well run ie a profitable business and designs development adoringly and probably realizes 2cents on every dollar that changes hands in the county, economy of scale . I come from Chicago major population center a nexus for rail traffic. . a greater supply at a better price, more competition for your dollar . I think this is all demonstrated at the food stores I drive farther to pay more for less quality and less selection

[Billy1]

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.

[bowlingal]

Michael, of course prices are higher here in the villages. That's why people go OUTSIDE the bubble for products/services

[DaleDivine]

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.
DITTO...
:ohdear::ohdear:

[thevillages2013]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?
Gas is not more expensive in TV unless you are buying rec gas/non ethanol

[J1ceasar]

Even if you go outside of the bubble once they know you're a villager the prices are automatically higher just like tourists get the different menu from restaurants when they go to Paris. The reality is as many people have stated below real estate is more money for rent although I feel that's a false narrative because real estate is higher because there's more concentration of wealth and the potential for a larger sales here. The restaurants generally do much better because more people eat out more days of the week and in fact I know people that don't even know where their kitchen is in the house. In actuality if you're doing more business your prices should actually be lower but that's really a hard thing to see statistically or even when you go shopping. I can tell you for things like food there are generally three to four different classes of supermarkets here with all these and save a lot being on the low end of pricing as well as Walmart. If you want something more expensive like a golf cart or a car I think naturally you're going to go shopping inside and outside of the villages to compare and I think if they're hungry for business you'll get a deal somewhere. Overall I don't think I would worry about this if you can afford the villages you're better off than 98% of the population of the US

[Papa_lecki]

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.

It depends from where you are moving. The Villages is MUCH less expensive than most major metropolitan areas/cities.
If you are moving from NY/NJ/PA/Mass/Ca/etc, your property taxes will be MUCH less.

Not sure I would make a major decision like that based on a book, might make sense to rent for a week or two to see for yourself.

[The Caretaker]

Yes take advantage of the mature they are rich anyway. Also The Village triple net lease is why to high and also drives prices up! Why do you think it is so hard for business to come here? The Villages$$$$$

[paulajr]

I don't know where these people live...as I find prices to be much less IN The Villages than elsewhere. I am a "frugal" person, and know how to shop. Supermarkets are reasonable, and we have many choices.

As for the "higher rent" comments that keep appearing, they have been disproved over and over again..but people love saying it!

The most obvious "savings" in The Villages is cocktails, when we go out with friends from outside the bubble they can't believe how much less we pay.

So ..NO ... prices are not higher in The Villages than other areas of FLORIDA.


Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

[Mhollowaygleasom]

Higher prices are common in any densely populated area, not just TV.

I agree that it’s annoying but there is something to be said for the convince. No one is forced to shop within the area.

Don’t like it, don’t shop here. Seems like an easy fix.

[davem4616]

I've found that some things may be a little less expensive outside the bubble, and sometimes about the same price...during the 'run' on toilet paper a year ago we traveled outside the bubble just to find some, it didn't matter what the price was.

having a variety of retail inside the bubble makes it a lot easier than having to always travel outside the bubble to do any shopping

[DAVES]

Endless chatter about nothing.

We are lucky to have a choice. History, not that long ago, there was one general store and it was half a day to go to another. Mail order, Sears saw and covered that opportunity. You would wait weeks to get your order. Amazon? Amazing, they deliver in a day, no charge shipping.

Future, is yet not written. Higher prices? Are things getting more expensive or is the dollar loosing value? Gold was fixed at $35 an oz. Today, if I recall it is $1500.

We need to discuss one issue at a time but reality is not that simple. It is all happening at once and it was always so.

[DAVES]

A number of factors , The villages is a well run ie a profitable business and designs development adoringly and probably realizes 2cents on every dollar that changes hands in the county, economy of scale . I come from Chicago major population center a nexus for rail traffic. . a greater supply at a better price, more competition for your dollar . I think this is all demonstrated at the food stores I drive farther to pay more for less quality and less selection

Re: food prices
Interesting reality. Food is one thing that is best when it is cheapest. Simple examples
cherries, this week peaches. Reason is simple. Bulk of the crop is being picked now.

Pricing? What to charge for an item is an art and a science. Charge too much or too little and you will find you are bankrupt.

Posts. I find it interesting what people think. I also find it interesting people who think anyone who does not agree with them is a FOOL. It is sad where we are today. Perhaps, it was always that way but I do wonder.

[Spalumbos62]

Higher prices are common in any densely populated area, not just TV.

I agree that it’s annoying but there is something to be said for the convince. No one is forced to shop within the area.

Don’t like it, don’t shop here. Seems like an easy fix.


Finally, someone stating the obvious....thank you

This thread was bringing on a headache. Lol
I don't think prices are out of control inside the bubble. There really is allot of choices..ie walmart or aldi's for your groceries...total savings
And come on folks...you can buy wine in the grocery store!! Can't do that in upstate ny.

If you are wasting your time in beautiful Florida running from store to store to save a few pennies, you missed the memo......enjoy that fund, you're not taking it with you.

Ps.....happy we all got thru the storm!

[Chi-Town]

Even though prices are going up here it is still less than other parts in Florida that I have visited recently.

[M2inOR]

I disagree with the original premise stating "more expensive in The Villages"

I moved from the West Coast, Portland Metro area. Everything is less expensive here for me: groceries, restaurants, beer/wine/spirits, daily necessities, housing, property tax, utilities, and NO state income tax. The sales tax doesn't bother me at all, as state and local public services are very efficient. Even landscape/pest control is less expensive.

If there are critical things I need, I can compare local to Amazon/Costco/Sam's.

Orlando and Tampa are a shirt drive away. And the roads are in great shape.

I'm so happy that I found The Villages. I told my Oregon friends that it's cheaper to visit them than to live there full time.

For those citing that The Villages are more expensive, I disagree for what I need or use.

Thanks to those who brought us The Villages!

[Stu from NYC]

Finally, someone stating the obvious....thank you

This thread was bringing on a headache. Lol
I don't think prices are out of control inside the bubble. There really is allot of choices..ie walmart or aldi's for your groceries...total savings
And come on folks...you can buy wine in the grocery store!! Can't do that in upstate ny.

If you are wasting your time in beautiful Florida running from store to store to save a few pennies, you missed the memo......enjoy that fund, you're not taking it with you.

Ps.....happy we all got thru the storm!

Walmart and Aldi and Sams are not inside the villages, that is why prices at those stores can be as inexpensive as they are.

[JMintzer]

Just last week, I decided to "let the smoke out" of an outlet in the garage

Turns out it tripped one the GFI outles and simply pushing the reset button didn't seem to work.

I tried everything I could think of, and in the process, decided to test some of the other GFIs in the house. NONE of them would reset.

We called Grant Electric (saw their truck with a guy working on the lights at our postal station) and they were there the next day.

Turns out THESE GFIs require a screwdriver to push the reset button, and all was well. He replaced the one I fried and reset all of the others, including one on the patio I'd missed.

When the bill came, I was shocked at how low it was. Here in the DC suburbs, it would have easily been double the cost...

When we're back at the end of the month, he'll be replacing a chandelier, switching out 3 hi-hats to pendant lights and replacing all of our GFIs to a better quality outlet...

[Villagesgal]

The major retail stores within the Villages are priced the same nationwide. Grocery store chains priced the same nationwide. Restaurant chains within the Villages priced the same region wide. I see no difference at all. Specialty stores are high no matter where they are as are privately owned restaurants. People like to complain about everything, especially around here, apparently have nothing better to do.

[PleaseBeKind]

I totally agree with you. Also, if we don't support Villages businesses they will leave or go out of business. So everyone please support local businesses even if it may cost a bit more. Quality of life will be much better with conveniently located businesses.
Best wishes. I am not a local business owner!


If you are a diligent shopper you can save some money by shopping around. I find my time is more valuable to me than saving $10 or $15 on a grocery shopping trip if to save that I have to drive an extra 20 or 30 minutes.

One of the BIG draws to us when we moved here was everything being convienent.

[Michael G.]

I have a golfing buddy living outside TV and here's his take (opinion) about prices on services.

Any service company that does business inside TV ( electricians, plumbers, lawn, etc.) he stays clear of and here's why.

He claims there's so many "fat cats" in TV with tons of $$$$ that come down here from Boston, NY, Pittsburg etc. that are stupid enough to take the first estimate for services because money don't matter to them.

Then these same Service Co.'s come in the surrounding subdivisions and except to charge the same prices.

First thing he ask when they show up at his front door: "Do you do business in TV"?
If they proudly say "yes", he say's "Get the hell out of here, your prices are to high".

[Curtisbwp]

Without a doubt. TV is a tourist attraction, the average village resident has $$ and they are too lazy to trave. When I first moved here I was searching for a golf cart....I bought a club car out of Orlando $1,500 less expensove.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have a golfing buddy living outside TV and here's his take (opinion) about prices on services.

Any service company that does business inside TV ( electricians, plumbers, lawn, etc.) he stays clear of and here's why.

He claims there's so many "fat cats" in TV with tons of $$$$ that come down here from Boston, NY, Pittsburg etc. that are stupid enough to take the first estimate for services because money don't matter to them.

Then these same Service Co.'s come in the surrounding subdivisions and except to charge the same prices.

First thing he ask when they show up at his front door: "Do you do business in TV"?
If they proudly say "yes", he say's "Get the hell out of here, your prices are to high".
I think he is a blowhard………

[mrf6969]

Paid 3.35 per gal for rec gas for golf cart at the Sumter Landing store and noticed today that WAWA at 441 and 466 the price is the same for that fuel.

[Tim C.]

The market self-corrects. if you aren't willing to pay the prices, don't pay them and do your shopping in Lady Lake or Leesburg etc

[Stu from NYC]

I totally agree with you. Also, if we don't support Villages businesses they will leave or go out of business. So everyone please support local businesses even if it may cost a bit more. Quality of life will be much better with conveniently located businesses.
Best wishes. I am not a local business owner!

It does appear that the developer charges quite a bit for rent and that is a reason so many stores locate themselves outside the bubble.

The stores we prefer to shop at are outside the Villages and see no reason to change just to allow the developer to make more.

Sams and Aldi are where we do the great bulk of our shopping and they located themselves outside and that is where we will continue to shop.

[jimjamuser]

Just last week, I decided to "let the smoke out" of an outlet in the garage

Turns out it tripped one the GFI outles and simply pushing the reset button didn't seem to work.

I tried everything I could think of, and in the process, decided to test some of the other GFIs in the house. NONE of them would reset.

We called Grant Electric (saw their truck with a guy working on the lights at our postal station) and they were there the next day.

Turns out THESE GFIs require a screwdriver to push the reset button, and all was well. He replaced the one I fried and reset all of the others, including one on the patio I'd missed.

When the bill came, I was shocked at how low it was. Here in the DC suburbs, it would have easily been double the cost...

When we're back at the end of the month, he'll be replacing a chandelier, switching out 3 hi-hats to pendant lights and replacing all of our GFIs to a better quality outlet...
How could it be a surprise that anything in Florida costs less than in the DC suburbs? The wages and cost of living are WAY higher in DC.

[Stu from NYC]

How could it be a surprise that anything in Florida costs less than in the DC suburbs? The wages and cost of living are WAY higher in DC.

Quite a few food items cost more here than where we came from in Va.

Apparently trucking will cost more as truckers come down here full and head north empty.

OJ costs more and no idea why that should be as oranges are grown down here.

[npwalters]

Paid 3.35 per gal for rec gas for golf cart at the Sumter Landing store and noticed today that WAWA at 441 and 466 the price is the same for that fuel.

They are typically 30 to 40 cents per gallon higher for non-ethanol (recreation) gas at TV cart stores. If they are the same as WaWa now expect it to go up tomorrow at SS and Sumter.

[jmaccallum]

I think it’s a more a comparison of store types. In the Squares you have a lot of boutique stores versus the big box stores and large brand name stores as are in the shopping centers. Boutique stores are always more expensive. All of the shopping centers around the Villages serve not only people from the Villages but the general public, too. They have to in order to get the needed sales. I don’t see a price difference in the Walmart’s, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Bealls, Publix or Winn Dixie stores in the shopping centers accessible by golf cart compared to ones further away from the Villages.

Also as far as rents being higher in the Villages than in “outside areas,” that’s a myth. Although the Villages Developers are big, I think either 5th or 7th largest retirement home builder in the USA, they aren’t THAT big. Not big enough to be able to charge a big box store or even a regional grocery overly premium rents. Location for these stores is determined by researching a lot of data and if some of the basics flash well in your potential catchment area, that’s just the start. To start for example, say a 45,000 sq. ft. grocery, Publix or Winn Dixie is looking at an area... They are gonna start with population and income - rooftops and cash. They know they want at least $12 per sq ft average weekly sales. Consumers, us, spend about 5.8% of disposable income on food, not including restaurants. So do the math and you can see the needed population to serve the store. That’s just the rudimentary beginning. There are are a ton of other factors. And when doing the analysis, really golf cart traffic doesn’t amount to a hill of beans, even here. If it did, all the shopping centers would have 100’s of golf cart parking spaces, and just a couple car spaces. That would be great for them, a lot less blacktop and retention ponds. But that’s not the case.

I retired from commercial real estate and find most people don’t understand that unique market. Is not like renting a house where you pay a flat rent every month. The commercial market is considerably more complicated in its leases/agreements than that. There is CAM, Nets, Triple Nets, Land Lease, Build to Suit, just to name a few you might have heard of, and a ton more exist that you’ve never heard of. Bottom line is the Developer does make money in their commercial endeavors, at least I hope they do, but it’s in all kinds of different ways. And if you’re not making money, I mean, why do it? So I guess that answers that question.

[JMintzer]

How could it be a surprise that anything in Florida costs less than in the DC suburbs? The wages and cost of living are WAY higher in DC.

Licensed electricians are paid half of what they're paid up here?

Liability and Health Insurance costs half?

Electrical wholesale supplies costs half?

Trucks (and their maintenance) costs half?

Sure, why not?

[John41]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

The developer charges high rents plus a share of the profits. So prices are higher to reflect this.

[rogerk]

I here often hear the claims that commercial rent is higher in the TV compared to the surrounding areas. However, I've never seen anyone present any evidence to support that claim. I spoke with one restaurant owner located in SS about 10 years ago. He moved from Ocala becauthe rent was lower and the market was larger. It was and continues to be be a winning combination for he and his wife.

Does anyone have facts to back up this often repeated claim about the high price of rent

[jarodrig]

Paid 3.35 per gal for rec gas for golf cart at the Sumter Landing store and noticed today that WAWA at 441 and 466 the price is the same for that fuel.

Yamaha recommends “regular unleaded with no more than 10 % ethanol “ ……. In other words , regular gas. Don’t take my word for it, check your manual.

But , if you want to waste your money, it won’t hurt anything except your wallet :….

I’m assuming you have a Yamaha since they predominantly rule the market.

If you have another brand , check your manual. I would doubt their recommendation would be any different…..

[jarodrig]

Golf inside the bubble is free unless you choose to pay more.

What ??? Definitely NOT so !!!!

Everyone pays a greens fee at all of the Championship Courses . Nothing free there !

Are you referring to the Executive Courses ? Still not so ! You and I pay amenity fees every month….. part of our amenity fees goes to the maintenance on all executive courses….. so, you ARE paying to play on them ….

There is no free lunch ……;)

[LMBNY]

We're here visiting for a month from New York. We live about 15 mile outside of Manhattan = high cost of living. I cannot get over how expensive the grocery stores are! I keep trying new ones, and it doesn't really matter. Seems way more than NY.

[Mare2311]

Nope

[Dana1963]

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?
Needed a prescription renewal unfortunately Dr office had prescription refilled at Walmart Pharmacy in The Villages not as requested Westerly Ri. Had it corrected these are the texts I received and PRICES.
WalmartRx - 2 Rx ready now for DANA at 4085 WEDGEWOOD LANE $58.42 Open today 8:00AM-9:00PM INFO = info, STOP = opt out Q? 352-259-2844
WalmartRx - 2 Rx ready now for DANA at 258 POST ROAD $3.00 Open today 9:00AM-9:00PM INFO = info, STOP = opt out Q? 401-322-0793
Only a difference of $55.42.
And surprise grocery prices are less expensive too.

[GrumpyOldMan]

What ??? Definitely NOT so !!!!

Everyone pays a greens fee at all of the Championship Courses . Nothing free there !

Are you referring to the Executive Courses ? Still not so ! You and I pay amenity fees every month….. part of our amenity fees goes to the maintenance on all executive courses….. so, you ARE paying to play on them ….

There is no free lunch ……;)

Compared to comparable courses around the country the Executive course are virtually free. My brother lives in a retirement community in Texas and pays more per month for just golf than we do per year for everything amenity fees cover, and golf is a tiny part of all that.

[Ben Franklin]

Having lived in resort areas, I have found they all increase prices by 15 to 30%.

[thelegges]

One of us travels to many areas, between the Midwest to the east coast, and south.
Buying the same exact 10 items from different grocery in TV, not shopping sales, then other states. Receipt total is anywhere from 13%-27% higher in TV. Not doing a study, but buy the same 10 items every time when shopping.

[jarodrig]

Compared to comparable courses around the country the Executive course are virtually free. My brother lives in a retirement community in Texas and pays more per month for just golf than we do per year for everything amenity fees cover, and golf is a tiny part of all that.

“Virtually free” is not free as the subject to my reply indicated ….. ;)

But yes , compared to other parts of the country and even this state, our greens fees are what I would say , “reasonable”. (Despite all the bitching about them)

[GrumpyOldMan]

“Virtually free” is not free as the subject to my reply indicated ….. ;)

But yes , compared to other parts of the country and even this state, our greens fees are what I would say , “reasonable”. (Despite all the bitching about them)

:coolsmiley:

:bigbow:

[Michael G.]

So you pay to walk around on land own by said golf courses, hit a little white golf ball only to look for it to hit it again.

And we're suppose to be the intelligent species of the animal kingdom