Looking to buy - which area would be best

[mrsstats]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

[Tom&JenC]

West DeLuna is where all the cool kids live.

[Stu from NYC]

You need to come down here for at lest a week probably more hook up with agent for villages and mls and explore.

We rented for a month before we decided we knew enough to pick an area.

[MartinSE]

Well, there are dog parks everywhere. And easiest access to shopping via golf cart is still North of 44.

You really should come spend a week here and look around. All areas and the same and different. And no one can say what will be important to you.

[Michael G.]

You really should come spend a week here and look around. All areas and the same and different. And no one can say what will be important to you.

Best advice yet and well worth your time and $$$$$.
There's to many Zombie's down here to take a chance.

[thelegges]

Everyone will tell you they live in the best area, so too many biased opinions.

Summer is cheap rent, if you can come for a month I would strongly suggest. You will need a MLS for preowned only, and a village rep if you want new, or one of their preowned.

Best way to find a rep is to go to different open houses, and you will find the person who you are comfortable with.

Our second villages rep was so highly recommend on this site in 2012, we met and I truly wouldn’t have bought a dog house from her. So we found agents at open houses and have been happy ever since.

[villagetinker]

If you are looking at a villa, be sure you understand the limitations and the property lines, they were a deal killer for us.

[billethkid]

You will eventually conclude the best is the home/area that matches all you looking/hoping for.....regardless new or resale......regardless location!

[Stu from NYC]

Many people will move here and quickly decide they bought the wrong house and move and sometimes do it again.

That is why it is best to spend time here to understand this place and where you want to fit in

[Altavia]

Many people will move here and quickly decide they bought the wrong house and move and sometimes do it again.

That is why it is best to spend time here to understand this place and where you want to fit in

The paradox is that at the rate home values increase here, waiting has a cost.

[Stu from NYC]

The paradox is that at the rate home values increase here, waiting has a cost.

True but at some point prices here will level off and perhaps even drop as interest rates go up and the economy probably goes into a recession.

[Topspinmo]

New, you have one choice, south end of villages. Be few months before any shopping close way down there. Anywhere between 466a and 44 expect lots of traffic and congestion. Further north/northwest the lighter the traffic. Nobody can make up you’re mind where to live here. You have to scope out where you want to live. Naturally everybody going to say their area the best? If not they wouldn’t moved in that area.

[RoyCooper]

West DeLuna is where all the cool kids live.

You're wrong Tom - It's Hammock at Fenney - sorry LOL

[Two Bills]

From my observations over 20+ years of snow birding.
Avoid traffic through routes, and anywhere golf carts have a short cut.
Only have a golf course view, if you don't mind the sound of mowers at 6-7am.
Storage is at a premium, so go for as much space as you can afford.
More mosquitos the further south you go, but that area has the best nature walks and open areas, although houses seem closer together.
Personally never liked the Villa set ups. Found it claustrophobic. Many love them though.
Definitely rent for as long as you can, and in different areas, before committing to purchase.

PS. Swat up on roundabout procedure. There are, on the last count, 374 different ways to navigate them!:icon_wink:

[Sandy and Ed]

In my opinion: buy a courtyard villa (fully enclosed for your dogs) NOT backing up to a golf course. Location between 466 and 466A. More established than newer construction areas Suggest closer to 466. That will allow you better and quicker golf cart access to stores and restaurants. Look for “bond paid” houses as bond payments would otherwise be part of your monthly expense. Again just my opinion. Everyone has one and you know what they say about opinions

[skippy05]

Decide if LOUD Turn Pike highway noise bothers you upfront. Understand quickly that the noise levels change dramatically based on temperature, time of day, and humidity levels. The noise can be fine on Monday and so loud on Wednesday that it will blow your mind. Do not underestimate what I am trying to tell you here. Otherwise, you might regret buying so close to the Turn Pike.

[merrymini]

Why would anyone ask such a question on this site? You have to do your due diligence and decide what is best for you. Caveat emptor.

[Rwirish]

Generally speaking nothing near the turnpike.

[me4vt]

Take your time and shop around the area! The “Villages” as such, is just a catch all melting pot. Many wonderful areas outside the wire……

[Ealdrich]

We were thinking about a villa and are glad we went for a bigger home. Why? Because of the larger garage! A full sized car, a golf cart, a couple of bicycles, seasonal decorations, trash can and our two car garage is packed tight. We’d never have made it in a 1.5 garage. We’re happy to have the third bedroom also for visitors and inside storage. If you’ve come from a house with a basement, you’ll underestimate how much space you need.

All the areas have pros and cons. I live between 466 and 466a and love It. Love access to shopping, Sumter landing, but envy the nature paths in the south.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Do a minimum two week life style visit through villages. They will let you stay in villa and give you golf cart and pass for all activities . This time of year is least expensive. Then do again in fall when all snow birds are back so you can see both times of year. Meet with both villages and mls agent. I would say stay north of 44.

[jimschlaefer]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

Best suggestion is visit first or even rent a couple of times and find out where and what you like. If you consider buying via a Villages' agent, think about doing a Lifestyle visit for a week and get introduced to what's going on. They will set you up with things to do, places to go and see, transportation and plenty of time to explore on your own as well as get you showings of homes for sale at that time so you can get a first hand view of the insides.

[Altavia]

True but at some point prices here will level off and perhaps even drop as interest rates go up and the economy probably goes into a recession.

At the rate The Villages is expanding some people far smarter than I don't expect an impact.

If I recall correctly, prices still rose here during the last recession.

+80% of buyers here are cash so interest rates have a small effect.

[Stu from NYC]

In my opinion: buy a courtyard villa (fully enclosed for your dogs) NOT backing up to a golf course. Location between 466 and 466A. More established than newer construction areas Suggest closer to 466. That will allow you better and quicker golf cart access to stores and restaurants. Look for “bond paid” houses as bond payments would otherwise be part of your monthly expense. Again just my opinion. Everyone has one and you know what they say about opinions

Our bond payments are done yearly. Nobody other than you knows whats best for you so take your time before buying.

[banjobob]

Good point about the garage , we have a courtyard villa and love it. Quiet ,private our lanai doesn’t face the neighbors lanai as most other homes do. The courtyard privacy is worth the smaller garage.

[Mushkie]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

I have 2 dogs so I knew I needed a fenced yard. You can’t add fencing to a home that didn’t already come with fencing/walls. There are only 2 types of homes that have fences- Courtyard villas and Veranda homes. Since I wanted MORE FUN, LESS HOUSEWORK, I chose a Courtyard Villa- 3/2 just under 1460 sq feet. They come in 2 bedroom/2 bath and 3 bedroom/2 bath models.
There are dog parks everywhere and more being added as the community grows.
I moved here without ever having golfed but The Villages Golfing Academy teaches a golf that is FUN and beginners friendly. There is sooooo much here to do, things I didn’t even knew existed- dragon boat racing, glass fusion, twirlers and drum corp, cardio-drumming- just keep an open mind and explore!!! Never say never.

Everyone will say they live in the best Village and in the best house- and they will be right- it’s best for them. Besides a fenced yard being essential- here is the criteria I used when I bought my house- sight unseen, having never visited The Villages:

1). North facing lanai with the west side of the lanai blocked by the house- I can enjoy my lanai year round, all day long. I enjoy the morning sunrise and early morning sun on my lanai but quickly in shade for the rest of the day while still having views of the gorgeous sunsets.

2). Not built near the Turnpike or a busy major road, not next to a pickleball or tennis court. I LOVE peace and quiet while on my lanai- listening to the birds and frogs while gazing at my pretty yard and fountain and Florida sky is my thing!!

3). Not built backing to vacant or privately owned property. I wanted to know what will be going in on the other side of the wall/fence. I didn’t want a multiple unit apartment building or noisy business being built.

4). Walking distance to an ADULT pool- we are 4 houses from our adult pool. Didn’t want to be close to a family pool for sure.

5). Gas appliances.

6). I was 60 when I bought 2 years ago, so I wanted to be in the younger area of The Villages- which is the new area.

7). I wanted a “vacation resort” style Village instead of a “subdivision” standard neighborhood Village. I love nature and open spaces- Fenney was the perfect fit for me. When I pull in to the front of Fenney, even after 2 years, it takes my breath away with its beauty and nature.

8). I wanted block and stucco, not stick/vinyl. The Honeysuckle Villas are actually poured concrete - the only ones that I know of. The Developer is now building a lot with tilt wall design- pre-poured walls off site and then craned into place.

I am NOT a shopper - I am not interested in going daily to clothing stores, Knickknack stores, chatchzky shops, so close proximity to huge shopping areas was not in my list.

I bought in June 2020, coming from the state of Washington, without ever coming to visit The Villages but I stalked all the YouTubers (Jerry and Linda, The Village Newcomers, Gold Wingnut, Skip Smith) here in The Villages for about 18 months- so I felt comfortable and confident buying sight unseen. But how much I loved it the first day I drove into Fenney doesn’t match, doesn’t come anywhere close to how much more I love it 2 years later. I love LOVE it here more every single day!!!

[NoMo50]

At a minimum, come for a lifestyle visit, and look at as many properties as you can. As has been said, if you want new construction, South of 44 Hwy is the only option. For resales, there are many great homes and areas, but they typically last for a very short time on the market. You may want to check out resales in the villages of LaBelle, Pine Hills, and Pine Ridge. Those are between 44 and 466a, have a dog park close by, close to shopping in Colony Plaza and Lake Deaton Plaza, and nearby country clubs for dining.

Keep in mind, it is impossible to get a feel for The Villages without being here. Any advice you receive here, mine included, might be way off the mark for your goals.

[dpdale]

With two dogs, a courtyard villa would be a good choice and there are many, in a lot of areas. Single family homes in TV are not fenced so the courtyard is a quick, easy way to let your dogs out for a quick potty break without having to walk them. Good luck and welcome to The Villages

[La lamy]

I personally love the more established villages near Spanish Spring, but around Sumter is also beautiful. More privacy/bigger lots north, newer homes the further south you go, but trees and shopping are less established.

[bowlingal]

the golf courses are everywhere. You may not play now, but you can't see into the future. I didn't play either when I moved here, but now I do. Shopping is on 441 ( the big box stores and restaurants). Sure, someday they may be in the south section, but if you look at the paper, there are tons of houses south of 44 for sale. Why? they are practically brand new. People are moving there and realizing it is way too far away from everything! Not to mention....Coleman prison, the Florida tpke, constant blasting from construction sites. You really need a month here to see for yourself, learn your way around and talk to people already living here. Good Luck!!

[airstreamingypsy]

My thoughts. I would want a courtyard villa with the bond paid off. I would want to be closest to Lake Sumter Landing, that would give me good shopping on 466 and easy access to 441. I like natural trees and established neighborhoods so north of 466. I would want to be close to a main artery, like Morse or Buena Vista...... also you should know, there are dangers here for small dogs. Coyotes, Bobcats, Eagles and of course gators. You must always be diligent walking them. That said, everyone moving south of 44 is new, so you won't be moving into a neighborhood with long time cliques.

[jprudente]

My rental is available for July-August. A 2 bedroom that is close to a dog park:
List Properties (https://www.villagershomes4rent.com/properties/?id=6909)

[Tom&JenC]

You're wrong Tom - It's Hammock at Fenney - sorry LOL

Haha...I posted that cuz I knew you'd get a kick out of it and defend your village...haha
Btw born in Brooklyn here 82nd st Bay Ridge

[OhioBuckeye]

Yea, golf isn’t the only thing to do. So are you just donating your $160.+ amenities every month? I’m sure lots of people do live in TV & don’t take advantage of all the things to do. I’m sure you’ll find something to do!

[mrf0151]

Great dog park (HUGE) and divided into sections for size of dog off highway 466 not 466A.
Lots of smaller homes/Villas on both sides of 466. Two big advantages to this area also are that you want for nothing in that there are many restaurants and several grocery stores. Another big advantage to this area is that you will not be looking at that big bond because many are already paid off and if not, the bond dollar amount will be much lower than homes further south.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I agree with most there’s many different areas to choose from. And there’s many different models to choose from. From new to used homes. If you have the time you should invest some time coming down here for a week to a month to explore the area. The villages is approximately 10 miles wide by 30 miles long it’s a pretty vast area to check out. But within a week to a month you get the basic layout you’ll still be lost making U-turns but you kind of get the idea. Or maybe you’ve already been here and know the area. We bought our house site un seen but that was after we were here for 10 days checking out the area and the models that we wanted
Good luck and happy house hunting

[sallyg]

So many options. Best to rent first if you can. We lived in the oldest section and moved to the newest - advantages and disadvantages to all areas. Best of luck.

[itsaly]

We've been visiting my father here for over 20 years. I personally prefer the older sections - Lady Lake, Spanish Springs over towards Lake Sumpter. I like that most of the homes already have the bond paid. We use to take our dog to the dog park in Orange Blossom a lot. I haven't done much exploration in the newest sections, but I feel like everything you need is available in the northern areas and is accessible by cart.

[Villages Kahuna]

The Villages is pretty close to being as long from north to south as the City of Chicago. So if your question was re-phrased to ask “where should we locate in Chicago”, I think you’d appreciate how impossible it would be to answer.

[Luggage]

Pennbrooke Fairways , is right down rt 44 - and there are about ten other places to see- don't count them out - Plantation, Arbor ridge etc ... all 30% less than Villages. get a non village realtor if you wan to check them out. save $ 200,000


DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Don't play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

[Stu from NYC]

Wonder if the OP will ever come back on here

[Bradley60]

If you would like to come down and rent for a month and let us shown you around so you can make a knowledgeable decision. Give us a call. Team Craycraft at Next Home Sally Love Real Estate. We have a company we work with on rentals. 859-983-1440 or 859-983-0129.

[JSR22]

Pennbrooke Fairways , is right down rt 44 - and there are about ten other places to see- don't count them out - Plantation, Arbor ridge etc ... all 30% less than Villages. get a non village realtor if you wan to check them out. save $ 200,000

Buying outside of TV you will not have all of the amenities, clubs and the ease of golf cart transportation. There are very good reasons that homes outside of TV are cheaper they don't have what TV have.

[Jameson]

If you are looking at a villa, be sure you understand the limitations and the property lines, they were a deal killer for us.

There are patio villas and courtyard villas. Could you provide more detail on which series you are talking about and the issues? I'm looking too. Thanks.

[normanleroux@hotmail.com]

Located in Crestview Villas, village of Buttonwood. Crown Moulding throughout, wood flooring in living areas.
Granite countertops Kitchen/bathrooms
Enclosed Lanai, floor to ceiling sliding windows with screens. Expoxy garage floor. Painted concrete & back wall.
All appliances, new BBQ. All electric garden tools, 2 vacuums, pressure washer.
And it’s Turnkey fully furnished, fully equipped kitchen. Comes with Electric Club Car Golf Cart and a Honda Accord Ltd automobile, 4 cylinder great on gas consumption. Used in the last 5 years as a snowbird home
Price $409K
Contact by email (leroux53@yahoo.com) for photos.
Call Norman 1-514-238-3260

[joelfmi]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA
What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

[JSR22]

What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

To start we do not have an HOA, we have excellent amenities, you can drive a golf cart everywhere and I have lived her 10 years and I'm very happy. You come on to TOTV to bash TV. I don't understand your reason for all the negative posts. I don't think you have ever visited here, and you have no intention of moving here. Why are you wasting your time posting nonsense? Time for you to move on.

[Stu from NYC]

What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

Do you live here? If not why are you here? Obviously you have no interest in becoming a villager.

[rjdfitzpatrick@aol.com]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIADo not buy a new house unless you are up for 3 months of fixing it.Bought new in January and still working on it. Buy preowned 2-5 years old that someone else has fixed

[Marathon Man]

What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

I really don't understand why someone who claims to have decided not to live in The Villages hangs around so much. It's like peering in the window, wishing you could be inside but knowing you never will. I'm beginning to think that it was not a decision but an inability to live here.

[Altavia]

Do not buy a new house unless you are up for 3 months of fixing it.Bought new in January and still working on it. Buy preowned 2-5 years old that someone else has fixed

Really?

As many others have reported, they had subs out fixing the minor things on mine the next day.

[Carlsondm]

the golf courses are everywhere. You may not play now, but you can't see into the future. I didn't play either when I moved here, but now I do. Shopping is on 441 ( the big box stores and restaurants). Sure, someday they may be in the south section, but if you look at the paper, there are tons of houses south of 44 for sale. Why? they are practically brand new. People are moving there and realizing it is way too far away from everything! Not to mention....Coleman prison, the Florida tpke, constant blasting from construction sites. You really need a month here to see for yourself, learn your way around and talk to people already living here. Good Luck!!
We live on Linden Isle, in the middle of the turnpike, Coleman prison, the mining area, and the new construction. We rarely see or hear noise from the turnpike, prison, or mining/construction activities. We hear birds, frogs, walk the nature trails, watch the alligators, dance in the streets at block parties, and enjoy the peacefulness. We came from a smaller town and enjoy the reduced traffic, quiet, and smiles. Essential stores and amenities have been constructed in this area, so we are pleased. It is a trek to HD or Lowes, but that keeps us from starting new projects. : ). We dance, drone, and ride bikes. No golf yet. A lot of fishermen like our area. Definitely find a place n of 44 if you like activity and traffic.
(Leave us alone.)

[eweissenbach]

At the rate The Villages is expanding some people far smarter than I don't expect an impact.

If I recall correctly, prices still rose here during the last recession.

+80% of buyers here are cash so interest rates have a small effect.

FYI Not quite true. During the 2008 + recession most prices regressed in TV though not as drastically as elsewhere in Florida. We looked at dozens of resale homes in 2010 and 11 and often looked up their price histories. We found homes were being sold at prices well under what they had originally been purchased for pre-2007. We could have bought one particular pool home north of 466 for under $250k that had been purchased in 2006 for $340k.

[jebartle]

Lady lake has NO BOND

[mikeycereal]

Not a bad thing to listen to some of the advice here. Also keep in mind that several others buy here, resell for profit, and then buy in another village. Some of the new areas can nearly double in a little over a year from what I've heard. You don't have to zero in on an investment but I've heard some have moved 5 times here. Maybe the rich ones, but it's not out of the equation to move at least once by selling and affording an upgrade. But check with the realtors, a lot of them know. There's an area that I've heard recently that some of the residents want to sell and move there. Not sure exactly the place. DeLuna is really nice though, I picked up a fridge early this month from someone there and the village is impressive. Right off the 301.

You may also want to think about moving within cart distance of your go-to stores/eateries/gas stations/doctors etc to save yourself shorter trips on a regular basis. Where I lived before moving here everything was 5-15 minutes away. Work, stores, airport, gym, bar, doctor, dentist. I didn't log too many miles.

[rjm1cc]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

Almost any village will work. If you can rent for a year. Maybe in several locations.
VH4R Home Rentals in The Villages Florida The Villages Rentals (https://villagershomes4rent.com/)
My guess is new will be younger neighbors and resale older neighbors more set in their daily activities.

[mrsstats]

Thank you everyone for your answers. We did go the Villages in March. We are now going back in August and staying for about a week. After living on Long Island our entire life, we need to decide if moving is even the right thing for us.

I did love what we did see in March.

[Bogie Shooter]

What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

From a non villager with an axe to grind?

[joelfmi]

To start we do not have an HOA, we have excellent amenities, you can drive a golf cart everywhere and I have lived her 10 years and I'm very happy. You come on to TOTV to bash TV. I don't understand your reason for all the negative posts. I don't think you have ever visited here, and you have no intention of moving here. Why are you wasting your time posting nonsense? Time for you to move on. With all respect if not for the light of different opinions about the villages there would be no shadow, please be respectful and Curtis.

[Stu from NYC]

With all respect if not for the light of different opinions about the villages there would be no shadow, please be respectful and Curtis.

HUH? BTW who is Curtis?

[MrChip72]

Generally speaking nothing near the turnpike.

That's a matter of opinion. You'll get just as much noise/air pollution or worse if you live in an area with traffic like if your house backs directly onto Morse for example compared to a quarter mile to the turnpike.

[Stu from NYC]

That's a matter of opinion. You'll get just as much noise/air pollution or worse if you live in an area with traffic like if your house backs directly onto Morse for example compared to a quarter mile to the turnpike.

Not after 8 30 pm when vast majority of us are home

[JSR22]

With all respect if not for the light of different opinions about the villages there would be no shadow, please be respectful and Curtis.

Your opinion has no value. You have never been here, and you always post negatively about TV. You need to move on. I will never be Curtis, but I can be courteous.

[donfey]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

There are lots of other considerations when picking a neighborhood (Village.). Since turn-key rentals are very available in the summer, why not rent - perhaps more than once - before you buy? After renting in three different places, we ended up in a 20 year old Village and have been very happy with our selection.

[NatureBoy]

Do not buy a new house unless you are up for 3 months of fixing it.Bought new in January and still working on it. Buy preowned 2-5 years old that someone else has fixed

You know you have a one year warranty, right? There’s fixing things that are broken (warranty) and fixing things to your liking - planting, landscaping, decorating, etc. Yes, a pre-owned will have a lot more of the second done, assuming you will like what the previous owner did.

[mkjelenbaas]

DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA
Why would you want my opinion? I don’t know your preferences and vice versa! Isn’t that is what a sales person is about??

[Black Beauty]

We rented for 4 years. North Briar Meadow has it all! Quiet too!

[Altavia]

Your opinion has no value. You have never been here, and you always post negatively about TV. You need to move on. I will never be Curtis, but I can be courteous.

If you haven't, try the ignore user option. For me it improves the experience here significantly.

[Stu from NYC]

Why would you want my opinion? I don’t know your preferences and vice versa! Isn’t that is what a sales person is about??

A salesman first interest in selling. Hopefully individuals will give an unbiased opinion

[JSR22]

If you haven't, try the ignore user option. For me it improves the experience here significantly.
I am kicking him to the curb.

[Regorp]

West DeLuna is where all the cool kids live.

Visiting our new DeLuna Villa end of next week. COOL!!

[geobar]

Recommend you take your time. Try to rent in TV for a month or more to actually see what's going on.
.................................................. ..
Restaurants can be hard to get into especially Jan. to April (Winter Times) as the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls" are now more concerned with making money from home sales for the new buyers now south past Interstate 91.
.
This is totally unlike what Harold Schwartz and Gary Morse had done to build "The Villages" being Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, Stores (Town Squares) Rec. Centers and Shopping for people's convenience and enjoyment in the Southern part of The Villages.

This is why we moved out 2 years ago.
living there from 2009 to 2020.
.
Not saying it is not a nice place to live. We were tired of all the traffic bringing people north of 44 for their enjoyment and dining.

........................
DH and I are looking to buy in the fall. We just need a small house with 2 bedrooms. Dont play golf so don't need to be close to courses. More interested in being able to use golf cart to get to stores etc. Would like to be near dog park since we have 2 small dogs.

Not sure if we will buy new or resale. Open to both. Any suggestions. TIA

[geobar]

If and when looking so you know, The Villages Salespeople are told to sell new homes at The Moguls' requirements.
.
Perhaps pick a Broker other than "The Villages Salespeople" to shop used homes.

.............................................
Recommend you take your time. Try to rent in TV for a month or more to actually see what's going on.
.................................................. ..
Restaurants can be hard to get into especially Jan. to April (Winter Times) as the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls" are now more concerned with making money from home sales for the new buyers now south past Interstate 91.
.
This is totally unlike what Harold Schwartz and Gary Morse had done to build "The Villages" being Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, Stores (Town Squares) Rec. Centers and Shopping for people's convenience and enjoyment in the Southern part of The Villages.

This is why we moved out 2 years ago.
living there from 2009 to 2020.
.
Not saying it is not a nice place to live. We were tired of all the traffic bringing people north of 44 for their enjoyment and dining.

........................

[Bogie Shooter]

Recommend you take your time. Try to rent in TV for a month or more to actually see what's going on.
.................................................. ..
Restaurants can be hard to get into especially Jan. to April (Winter Times) as the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls" are now more concerned with making money from home sales for the new buyers now south past Interstate 91.
.
This is totally unlike what Harold Schwartz and Gary Morse had done to build "The Villages" being Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, Stores (Town Squares) Rec. Centers and Shopping for people's convenience and enjoyment in the Southern part of The Villages.

This is why we moved out 2 years ago.
living there from 2009 to 2020.
.
Not saying it is not a nice place to live. We were tired of all the traffic bringing people north of 44 for their enjoyment and dining.

........................

Two years ago……..makes your opinion worthless.
Money hungry moguls….,….. give it a break!

[Greg L]

We live in Spanish springs and won’t move because we are so close to all of the shopping

[Calisport]

Best shopping seems to be around 466 area just north and west of Sumter Lake.
There's even more shopping near Spanish Springs but it is an older area and more congested with other cities around.

[diannedobies]

What do you mean ?

[The Left Mitten]

Between 466 and 466A!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Best shopping seems to be around 466 area just north and west of Sumter Lake.
There's even more shopping near Spanish Springs but it is an older area and more congested with other cities around.

There is no shopping west of Lake Sumter Landing.
There are no cities around Spanish Springs.

[Marathon Man]

Recommend you take your time. Try to rent in TV for a month or more to actually see what's going on.
.................................................. ..
Restaurants can be hard to get into especially Jan. to April (Winter Times) as the "Morse Money Hungry Moguls" are now more concerned with making money from home sales for the new buyers now south past Interstate 91.
.
This is totally unlike what Harold Schwartz and Gary Morse had done to build "The Villages" being Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, Brownwood, Stores (Town Squares) Rec. Centers and Shopping for people's convenience and enjoyment in the Southern part of The Villages.

This is why we moved out 2 years ago.
living there from 2009 to 2020.
.
Not saying it is not a nice place to live. We were tired of all the traffic bringing people north of 44 for their enjoyment and dining.

........................

You've been gone two years and you are still hanging out, lurking, on TOTV. Regret is a bad thing. Please try to move on.

[Marathon Man]

What I have read in the past 5 years on this website from residences living there was not what I expected. That is why you must do your due diligence before you think of buying there. You have to remember there is no free community travel which a great deal of seniors need, they have to take private fee transportation, in this large community, renter problems, amenity problems, HOA rules, and alot advertised and about it is smoke and mirrors so be very careful

Poor Joe. Still standing on the outside looking in.

[BayLady57]

Thank you everyone for your answers. We did go the Villages in March. We are now going back in August and staying for about a week. After living on Long Island our entire life, we need to decide if moving is even the right thing for us.

I did love what we did see in March.

We were lifelong Rhode Islanders and I lived in the home my husband and I sold in March for 32 years which I built with my late 1st husband before we purchased a new home in TV in the lower St. Johns area that we closed on the beginning of this month. Deciding to relocate to TV or anywhere else for that matter full time if that is your intent may be your biggest challenge. For us, living in Florida in retirement was a desire we had for many years, but that could not happen until both sets of parents had passed on since my husband and I provided all 4 parents with a great deal of care and support during the last years of their lives. Along with that, my husband's two children had two children each and we both wanted to be around during the grandkids early years to watch them grow up and be there to babysit when needed and do all the other things that grandparents do. And lastly, having myself worked for the Federal Government, I wanted to get my 20 service years in along with qualifying age to be eligible for what is referred to as an immediate retirement which would have a significant impact on the level of my pension. I met the age requirement three years ago and this past September 11th got in my 20 service years in and retired the following week. With all 4 parents now gone, and the youngest grandchild age 9 who she and her 12 year old sister and our grandsons age 16 and 21 now all leading very busy independent lives, with no other immediate family close by and the few close friends we have too leading their own busy lives, the timing and all else was right for us to relocate. We spent this past winter getting our house sell ready and listed it in March which the timing was right for that too as it sold in a day for $50k over asking. Having made two lifestyle visits to TV over the course of two years, we liked what we experienced of the community on visit #1 and knew we wanted to live in TV. The focus of visit #2 was deciding where in TV we wanted live and model of home we desired to purchase.. We are not shoppers and prefer a more nature focused lifestyle and that led us to the newer areas. Also we decided what model best met our living needs was a 3br courtyard villa for the added space to allow for a guest room and in-home office along with the privacy aspect these model homes provide. And we wanted new construction which was an entirely personal preference. We were not detered by the high bond purchasing new as we were fortunate to be able to be cash buyers, so with no mortgage or other debt the bond would not stress out our personal budget. During the time we were waiting to close on the sale of our R.I. home we secured a two month rental in TV, packed and arranged for PODs to pick up and store what we were going to take with us, and did all the gazillion other things people have to do when they relocate. Immediately after the closing on the sale of our home we began the two day drive to our rental which was a patio villa in McClure. Day 2 of our arrival we met with our TV agent that we had been in contact with since out 1st lifestyle visit. She showed us a list of new homes being released for sale the following day and a 3br Avondale model courtyard villa with a golf cart garage in the lower St Johns area sparked our interest and it was in our price range so she took us over to see it. We really like the area and loved everything about the villa, and not a single thing we found we needed to change as everything about it especially it being all tiled floors suited our taste. Our agent called us the next morning at 8:40 to be exact to inform us she was able to secure a hold on the villa for us if we still wanted it. The answer to that was an immediate yes, and by early evening we put down the required 10% deposit and signed the contract and closed on it a month later. We love our new home, neighborhood, and the neighbors we have met are very nice and helpful to us new kids on the block. Whatever you decide, just keep in mind that all of us that made it to TV regardless of where we purchased our homes it all began with a leap of faith into truly the unknown. And it takes a great deal of consideration and courage to take that leap of faith because it involves for most leaving behind family, friends, doctors, churchs, etc. which all of those near and dear aspects of our lives we have to leave behind. Wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you choose to make.

[gmnirr]

Look it up on Zillow
5mins to everything
Huge back yard

[Flyers999]

Deciding where to move to in The Villages, is the same as deciding where to move to anywhere you are in the country — you want to be next to the things that you do often. The OP mentioned a dog park and shopping center. Springdale (North of 466) has a nice dog park and is close to Mulberry Grove Plaza Shopping Center, which has a Publix. It’s a nice drive on the recreational trail past the dog park through golf courses to that shopping center. There’s also the surrounding Villages to Springdale: Woodbury and Briar Meadow.

When my wife and I decided to move here five years ago, we knew what we wanted because we visited a friend here every March/April for five years. We are avid tennis players, so we wanted to be next to the har-tru courts at Glenview and Lopez. No more har-tru courts will ever be built in The Villages(if anyone would care to wager on this, name your price). Har-tru tennis courts are easier on the knees and are less dangerous if you fall. Being close to the Savanah center was a bonus too, since we like the shows.

So, our list included: north of 466, less than a mile drive from either Morse Avenue or Buena Vista Blvd, a designer (3bed 2bath), somewhat backyard privacy and less than a 2-mile distance (as the bird flies) from the train tracks. The further north you go the closer The Villages gets to those tracks. At route 42 and 301, the train is required to stop and blow its damn whistle for several minutes — most times in the middle of the night. We found a wonderful place in Piedmont and have no plans to ever leave.

That said, if you don’t play golf, I can’t see why anyone would move here. You are going to pay for. What’s unique about The Villages is the entertainment at the squares and the “free” executive golf courses. The OP mentioned they want to use their golf cart to go shopping. I don’t believe one would save much money owning a golf cart over a small automobile. I know some people here drive a golf cart because they can’t pass the driver’s license test, which is another issue.

The Villages is great but if I were a non-golfer, I’d try somewhere else like Top Of The World. I haven’t been there. (Maybe someone reading this has and would like to share their experiences.) They claim to be like Villages in the sense that residents drive their golf carts everywhere. I believe they have a couple championship courses. They don’t have any “free” executive courses, so you won’t pay for that.

Be careful of the salespeople. I met one person on the tennis courts who had just moved to Fenney, which is a 40-minute commute. When I asked why they didn't move closer to the tennis, they said that the sales rep said because of the dangerous sink holes in the north.

Good luck.

[Packer Fan]

At the rate The Villages is expanding some people far smarter than I don't expect an impact.

If I recall correctly, prices still rose here during the last recession.

+80% of buyers here are cash so interest rates have a small effect.

I was watching at that time. Prices levelled off and maybe went down 3-5% for a year, then started rising again. I bought in 2014 because that upward curve had an increase in the slope, and I was worried where we might go because of babyboomers retiring. Bought a second in 2017 after I found out how easy they rent. Well, it was a great decision.
The reality is, things will level off. Anyone who is waiting to buy because they think prices will sink is going to be waiting forever.

[Packer Fan]

Thank you everyone for your answers. We did go the Villages in March. We are now going back in August and staying for about a week. After living on Long Island our entire life, we need to decide if moving is even the right thing for us.

I did love what we did see in March.

More visits is better than less. Give yourself some time. However, is there really a question about getting out of New York and moving to Florida? Weather, Traffic, cost of living, Taxes and escaping the stupid politics in New York makes it a no brainer to me. Wisconsin is way better than NY and I still can't wait to head south in a few years. I will have a lot of company :)
:crap2::crap2::crap2:

[Radamo]

Thank you everyone for your answers. We did go the Villages in March. We are now going back in August and staying for about a week. After living on Long Island our entire life, we need to decide if moving is even the right thing for us.

I did love what we did see in March.

Also from Long Island and considering a move here. Lifestyle preview coming up in August. Very excited for the visit.

[Nana2Teddy]

Deciding where to move to in The Villages, is the same as deciding where to move to anywhere you are in the country — you want to be next to the things that you do often. The OP mentioned a dog park and shopping center. Springdale (North of 466) has a nice dog park and is close to Mulberry Grove Plaza Shopping Center, which has a Publix. It’s a nice drive on the recreational trail past the dog park through golf courses to that shopping center. There’s also the surrounding Villages to Springdale: Woodbury and Briar Meadow.

When my wife and I decided to move here five years ago, we knew what we wanted because we visited a friend here every March/April for five years. We are avid tennis players, so we wanted to be next to the har-tru courts at Glenview and Lopez. No more har-tru courts will ever be built in The Villages(if anyone would care to wager on this, name your price). Har-tru tennis courts are easier on the knees and are less dangerous if you fall. Being close to the Savanah center was a bonus too, since we like the shows.

So, our list included: north of 466, less than a mile drive from either Morse Avenue or Buena Vista Blvd, a designer (3bed 2bath), somewhat backyard privacy and less than a 2-mile distance (as the bird flies) from the train tracks. The further north you go the closer The Villages gets to those tracks. At route 42 and 301, the train is required to stop and blow its damn whistle for several minutes — most times in the middle of the night. We found a wonderful place in Piedmont and have no plans to ever leave.

That said, if you don’t play golf, I can’t see why anyone would move here. You are going to pay for. What’s unique about The Villages is the entertainment at the squares and the “free” executive golf courses. The OP mentioned they want to use their golf cart to go shopping. I don’t believe one would save much money owning a golf cart over a small automobile. I know some people here drive a golf cart because they can’t pass the driver’s license test, which is another issue.

The Villages is great but if I were a non-golfer, I’d try somewhere else like Top Of The World. I haven’t been there. (Maybe someone reading this has and would like to share their experiences.) They claim to be like Villages in the sense that residents drive their golf carts everywhere. I believe they have a couple championship courses. They don’t have any “free” executive courses, so you won’t pay for that.

Be careful of the salespeople. I met one person on the tennis courts who had just moved to Fenney, which is a 40-minute commute. When I asked why they didn't move closer to the tennis, they said that the sales rep said because of the dangerous sink holes in the north.

Good luck.

This comment is very interesting in retrospect a month later now that a new sinkhole has opened up in Springdale. Good info about the trains though. Thx from a future villager.

[Lottoguy]

North of Savannah Center might be what your looking for.