How important is it to be near shopping?

[Michael 61]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?

[Bikehike]

Not at all because it's too hot and too slow to carry groceries in a golf cart. More important to be close to the squares and restaurants. But a lot of people do it. Because they can.

[Kenswing]

Nobody can really answer this question for you? Just ask yourself, "Self, how important is it to be close to shopping?" Then answer yourself.. lol

[Rainger99]

It is a bit inconvenient now. At the present time, there ain't much south of 44. There is no a gas station, drug store, or Big Box store. All you have is Magnolia Plaza and Sawgrass. I do wish that there were more stores down here (a Walmart or an Aldis - or, dare I say, a Costco or a Trader Joes) but I expect that to change in the next year or so. I am amazed that a store has not opened up down here. There must be at least 25,000 people living south of 44 so they would have a captive market. I was surprised that BJs opened a new store in Spanish Springs area. They have almost every store in the world in a three mile strip - Sams Club, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Walgreens, Best Buy. Not sure if there was a demand for BJs.

We usually go up to Lady Lake area a couple of times a month to do shopping - Walmart, Home Depot, Target, etc. We also shop online. Amazon is great.

[Two Bills]

Wife and I travel a lot further at home for shopping.
Shouldn't think anyone in TV has to travel more than 15-20 mins. for any essentials.
How close do you need a shop?

[coffeebean]

It is a bit inconvenient now. At the present time, there ain't much south of 44. There is no a gas station, drug store, or Big Box store. All you have is Magnolia Plaza and Sawgrass. I do wish that there were more stores down here (a Walmart or an Aldis - or, dare I say, a Costco or a Trader Joes) but I expect that to change in the next year or so. I am amazed that a store has not opened up down here. There must be at least 25,000 people living south of 44 so they would have a captive market. I was surprised that BJs opened a new store in Spanish Springs area. They have almost every store in the world in a three mile strip - Sams Club, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Walgreens, Best Buy. Not sure if there was a demand for BJs.

We usually go up to Lady Lake area a couple of times a month to do shopping - Walmart, Home Depot, Target, etc. We also shop online. Amazon is great.

Besides the retail stores, the 441/27 run has lots of restaurants, mostly chain restaurants. There are also plenty of restaurants on 466 and 466A. If the OP doesn't dine out much, then those restaurants are not important. Anyone looking to purchase here in The Villages has to have a heart to heart with themselves and decide what is really important to them. It really doesn't matter what the posters on this forum find important.

[Boston-Sean]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?

The only "close" shopping I care about is a grocery store and maybe a gas station.

Once Meggison is finished and connects to 470 (I think that's the road) which should be soon, it will be a quick ride to Rte 27 in Leesburg. The intersection of 470 + 27 has a couple of grocery stores, gas stations, fast food, etc. And is not far from a giant regional post office.

[Bogie Shooter]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?

What’s ok for me may not be for you.
How did things look on you visit?

[justjim]

OP, funny you ask but it is a question that only you can answer. Wife and I just discussed our location between 44 and 466A. We both play golf twice and sometimes three times a week and there are plenty of courses to choose. We have a Publix and Neighborhood Walmart very close, several restaurants and within the last two years Trailwinds along 466A opened and we have a Lowes, more shopping and more restaurants. Across from Trailwinds is more shopping including a Winn Dixie, restaurants, etc. We rarely go to Sam’s or any stores along 441 but are members. We do like Target and wish one was closer. Lake Deaton Plaza is a short golf cart ride too. Brownwood and Sumter Landing are about 15-20 minutes by golf cart. Yep, we like our location and it’s only gotten better. I believe in the near future (three or four years) south of 44 will have similar conveniences.

[kkingston57]

We live in the Spanish Springs area and this is the best place in TV for proximity to stores, gas stations, warehouse clubs, chain restaurants and health care professionals. We love it. We do forget to buy certain things when we go out. No problem 2 Pubilxes an Aldi < 1 mile away. Even though we take car, most of these businesses are accessible by golf cart.

To us proximity is great.

[vintageogauge]

We live in the Spanish Springs area and this is the best place in TV for proximity to stores, gas stations, warehouse clubs, chain restaurants and health care professionals. We love it. We do forget to buy certain things when we go out. No problem 2 Pubilxes an Aldi < 1 mile away. Even though we take car, most of these businesses are accessible by golf cart.

To us proximity is great.

I don't care about stores like Target and Kohl's, etc. Living south of 44 is less than 10 minutes to the businesses on 44 and in Brownwood which include Publix, Walgreens, more than a dozen restaurants, pizza shops, gas stations, primary care, specialists, auto repair, etc. plus we have the Fenney Grille and McGrady's Pub. When they start building big box retail the traffic will be a nightmare just like it is in Lady Lake on 441/27.

[Timothyimitchell]

OK, here's the deal. If it makes any sense. Ya just don't feel like doing a bunch of driving. And that for us, outweighs going anywhere to "shop". Kinda like being in our part of this big old bubble.

[Tvflguy]

For us when buying it was a 9 on a 1-10 scale. We are between Morse & Buena Vista and just south of 466a. Great location IMO. Key shopping is no further than 10 minutes and Brownwood 15 minutes. So for us it worked our perfectly. And truly we would never consider moving south of 44. Just sayin’. Personal preference.

[coffeebean]

I don't care about stores like Target and Kohl's, etc. Living south of 44 is less than 10 minutes to the businesses on 44 and in Brownwood which include Publix, Walgreens, more than a dozen restaurants, pizza shops, gas stations, primary care, specialists, auto repair, etc. plus we have the Fenney Grille and McGrady's Pub. When they start building big box retail the traffic will be a nightmare just like it is in Lady Lake on 441/27.

The traffic on 441/27 in Lady Lake is a nightmare right now because of this ongoing construction. When this construction is complete, it will be a breeze. Prior to the beginning of this construction, the 441 stomping ground (starting at Kohl's at the southern end and ending at Walmart at the northern end) took a maximum of about 10 minutes from one end to the other and that was at busy times of the day and in season. I don't have any idea what the hold up is with the completion of the road but it can't come quickly enough.

[Babubhat]

Essential. Love having quick golf cart access. Only want to keep one car

[Stu from NYC]

We wanted to be fairly close to major shopping for groceries such as big box stores so we bought a resale about 8 miles away.

No desire to be say 18 miles away down south.

However what is important to us may not be to you

[vintageogauge]

No, it's always been bad and by the time construction is completed so will all those new family homes be completed adding thousands more vehicles to that area. People that liver there are already complaining and they haven't even completed one home yet.
I quit driving up there over a year ago and won't go back, nothing up there that I need that I can't get down here or in southern Leesburg.

[EdFNJ]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store? South of 44 you're closer to Orlando. :) Depends on what kind of "shopping" you need or want. If it's just FOOD then you have no problem. If it's hardware stores, big box stores, a lot more restaurants, a lot more gas stations (so lower prices in many cases). Depends on what your lifestyle demands. Being from NNJ/NYC area we like a LOT of shopping areas not filled just with Cremation companies, nail salons, banks and financial services ;) but we have adjusted a bit but find ourselves going to Orlando more often than planned. :D

We are just north of 466A equidistant (~6miles) between Brownwood & 441 and pretty close (3 miles) to LSL and chose that location for a weird but specific reason. :)

[thelegges]

We are 11 minutes to BW, 14 minutes to LSL, by cart. Have access to 3 grocery (Publix, Winn Dixie, Walmart) in 10 minutes or less, by car/cart.

Yet I travel to Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Whole Foods, Costco, Commissary. I buy gas at Sam’s, while shopping, maybe once a month. So no living near shopping that is available in TV is not important to me. But you will be entirely different in your quest compared to my needs

[Papa_lecki]

We like being near a Publix/Winn Dixie. We are close to both
We would place being close to restaurants pretty high too. But we eat out fairly often.

[Altavia]

With Amaxon, who cares?

Kroger delivers groceries.

Plenty of up to date shopping south of the Turnpike within 20 min in Leesburg and Clairmount.l (Costco, BJ's, Walmart, Target, etc.) Tampa is 45 min, Orlando/Disney Springs less than 60.

As others have stated, traffic is a mess in SS. Businesses are old and the homeless are stalking some big chain parking lots...

[bowlingal]

where is the closest hospital? ER? Urgent care? Doctors, Dentists offices? these are questions you should be asking yourself....not restaurants.

[Rwirish]

Not much convenient south of 44. Plan to travel for most things including golf if you play.

[rrtjp]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?
I wasn’t sure at first, we have been here almost a year now and can whole heartily say we love being a bit away from a major shopping plaza for the reasons you have mentioned, congestion and traffic. We bought a home south in Citrus Grove.
Love life in The Villages.

[westernrider75]

Absolutely fine. I would rather not have all the traffic that so many stores brings.

[Luggage]

Route 44 has two Publix grocery stores already for several years. And Route 301 has two gas stations what's always seem to overcharge more and those on 44. But I bet in two or three years you'll have half a dozen decent largest stores for shopping but of course there's always Amazon and walmart.com so really what do you need? For Hardware go up 301 a few miles is in Ace Hardware and on 44 is sparr. If I were you I would be more concerned with the lack of doctor's offices and Specialists currently in the in the area although there are several Urgent Care facilities already on 44 10 minutes from anywhere near you. Remember the hospitals that are nearest to you or at least going to be 20 minutes or more. I'm talking about Advent Leesburg and The Villages Hospital

[Cupcake57]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?
You already have it figured out; I agree with you about shopping and you will be happy down south. Don't listen to those who bash the newest areas-I am very happy shopping at our grocery store at Magnolia Plaza and otherwise shop online or in Orlando for better options than along 441/27. Welcome.

[ThirdOfFive]

"If you build it, they will come..."

I remember our first trip to TV, some years back. Some of the prime retail outlets today rest on what was pasture or scrubland then. It won't be long until those types of businesses are built in the south too.

[jimkerr]

I wouldn’t live North of LSL. Too much traffic compared to the south end of TV. Personally, I like not having big box stores around. Less traffic and if I must go to a big box store it’s a close drive.

[mrf0151]

Convenience is exactly why 17 years ago we bought close to 466. We really want for nothing as we have a ton of choices. Publix, Walmart, Aldi, Fresh Market, Sprouts coming, Homegoods, Wallgreens and CVS. By golf cart we can get to all of these in time from 2 minutes to 10 minutes. This convenience is why homes in this area sell super-fast.

[Chueyboy]

We purchased our forever home 3 years ago in Briar Meadow. It was extremely important for us to be less than 5 minutes to a grocery store, dentist, doctor, restaurants, etc. as we are planning to age in place. Here's what gave us the notion,
my out of state, 82 yr old, mother in law won't drive to her Costco because it's waaay across town. It's less than 10 minutes from her home.

[sallyg]

Most of my friends and neighbors like being close to a grocery, pharmacy, bank, and maybe a couple of restaurants. Convenience has become more important than it used to be and it is much faster to go by golf cart than drive. We live in Marsh Bend and love the easy access to these things.

[joelfmi]

Thats why I will not buy there, They have no community travel. which to a senor is very important that cannot drive. Lets be real!

[JSR22]

Thats why I will not buy there, They have no community travel. which to a senor is very important that cannot drive. Lets be real!

You are a broken record. Great that you are not moving here. How many times do you have to post the same thing?

[Normal]

We have lived south of 44 in Citrus Grove since December. Groceries aren’t that far for us. We drive the cart to Lake Deaton plaza if we feel like using the cart. We do take the car quite a bit when we need to get other things, but how often do you have to go to TJMaxx or the furniture store? Brownwood square is about a 20 minute golf cart ride away, but then we have Sawgrass opening up as we speak. We are very satisfied with how things are evolving and if you are into shopping/retail, the Bexley bridge should be open within the year to the brand new world of Eastport.

[Djean1981]

For me, not so much. I dislike shopping. I do the minimum - groceries every couple weeks. But, for hubby, having a Home Depot closer to Hawkins would save us a lot of miles. :)

[JayK!]

Groceries 👍🏻. Retail and large box stores 30-35 min. drive to Lady Lake but lots of choices!

[coffeebean]

No, it's always been bad and by the time construction is completed so will all those new family homes be completed adding thousands more vehicles to that area. People that liver there are already complaining and they haven't even completed one home yet.
I quit driving up there over a year ago and won't go back, nothing up there that I need that I can't get down here or in southern Leesburg.

I guess it all depends on what we are used to as far as traffic. Living on Long Island a good part of my life then down in South Florida then up to New Jersey gives me a different perspective than someone who hails from much less populated areas. This traffic here in The Villages is nothing compared to the areas where I have lived. There are more farm animals to see in these parts than I have ever seen in my life. This traffic, even at its worst is a pleasure compared to what I have driven in over the years.

[pauld315]

It is a bit inconvenient now. At the present time, there ain't much south of 44. There is no a gas station, drug store, or Big Box store. All you have is Magnolia Plaza and Sawgrass. I do wish that there were more stores down here (a Walmart or an Aldis - or, dare I say, a Costco or a Trader Joes) but I expect that to change in the next year or so. I am amazed that a store has not opened up down here. There must be at least 25,000 people living south of 44 so they would have a captive market. I was surprised that BJs opened a new store in Spanish Springs area. They have almost every store in the world in a three mile strip - Sams Club, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Walgreens, Best Buy. Not sure if there was a demand for BJs.

We usually go up to Lady Lake area a couple of times a month to do shopping - Walmart, Home Depot, Target, etc. We also shop online. Amazon is great.

It has been 12 years since they started building south of 466A and that road is just now catching up with some shopping needs. It has been 5 years since they started developing Fenney and the area south of 44 and there is still nothing there or on 44. It will be many years before there is commercial development from 44 down if it ever happens at all.

[coffeebean]

We purchased our forever home 3 years ago in Briar Meadow. It was extremely important for us to be less than 5 minutes to a grocery store, dentist, doctor, restaurants, etc. as we are planning to age in place. Here's what gave us the notion,
my out of state, 82 yr old, mother in law won't drive to her Costco because it's waaay across town. It's less than 10 minutes from her home.

I don't know where Briar Meadow is located but I just love the name of your village.

[FloridaLady]

I live near Sumter but I like being close to the shopping. My brother lives south of 44 and goes to Leesburg. There is a super Walmart and AMC and Aldi and a gym

[MrFlorida]

I do most of my shopping on line like you, but it's nice to be near a Home Depot or Lowe's when you need something quick.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

I live in the “south” and I don’t hear the turnpike or the prison or the quarry. I don’t see the allure of putting perishables in a golf cart and driving around for 15/20 minutes, so I don’t have any issue with the proximity to the grocery stores by car. I am 4 minutes from Magnolia Plaza (if I get the red light) and 7 minutes from Lake Deaton Plaza by car. Magnolia Plaza will have a CVS and gas station very soon. Lake Deaton already has a gas station (with car wash) and Walgreens. I go to the grocery store nearly every afternoon for dinner items and never see an inconvenience. I am happy to patronize the independently owned ACE hardware on 301 when I need a hardware item over the Lowes, but Lowes is still only 15 minutes away. I have had no trouble finding a doctor (Lake Deaton), dentist (Magnolia), or nail salon. The only provider that I “travel” to is the vet twice a year 15 minutes away but my vet has always been 15 minutes away. The south is closer to the “better” hospital in Leesburg (15 minutes which will go way down when Meggison connects to the turnpike) and there is an emergency room 7 minutes away by Brownwood. The south is much much closer to the airport and Orlando and will be an even shorter distance when the Meggison connection opens which again should be very soon. I have zero desire to wait on the checkout lines at Walmart, but I do wish a Target was closer (and I’m fairly certain one will come with the Middleton construction). We have 1 car and 1 cart. We go to dinner by cart all the time and there are many restaurants within a 20 minute cart ride and more to come soon too. The TOTV posters always south bash because they are worried how great it’s going to be down here very very soon!

[airstreamingypsy]

I live about a mile and a half to Lowes, Publix and Aldis on 466A. I really love being that close......

[rsmurano]

Spanish springs area is a mess. Traffic on Morse going north is very slow, golf carts sharing the streets, no multi-modal paths, and then it gets worse at 441. I get my sams club items delivered to me.
South of 44 is within a golf cart away from lake Sumter and Brownwood, then the new sawgrass grove and soon the new bridge will lead to the new square. We have many executive golf courses all around us within a 30 min golf cart drive. Publix, soon a 7/11 with gas, marathon gas on 44 near the chatty chatty bridge, lowes on 466a, Walmart neighborhood store, and many restaurants. In a few years, south of 44 will be the center of the villages the way it’s growing

[Boilerman]

Of course everyone’s needs are different so nobody can really answer for the OP.
But I think it’s a lot more than just grocery shopping to consider when choosing a place to live.
In a typical week or month between the two of us we make:

- 2 to 3 trips monthly to Walgreens for medications
- Maybe 2 Dr appointments monthly on 441
- 2 to 3 visits to the gym weekly
- Trip to gas station every couple weeks for car and every month for each golf cart
- softball games near 466 two times a week
- monthly club meetings at Lake Miona and La Hacienda
- golf 2 to 3 times a week
- trip to Sam’s every 3 or 4 weeks
- trip to Lowes every month or so (or 3 times in a weekend if doing a project!)
- dentist is on 466
- Savanah Center or The Sharron for show every month or so
- Out for dinner once a week
- Walmart once a month

All these things can be done from south of 44, but for us it would much less convenient. To each their own.

[rsmurano]

Of course everyone’s needs are different so nobody can really answer for the OP.
But I think it’s a lot more than just grocery shopping to consider when choosing a place to live.
In a typical week or month between the two of us we make:

- 2 to 3 trips monthly to Walgreens for medications
- Maybe 2 Dr appointments monthly on 441
- 2 to 3 visits to the gym weekly
- Trip to gas station every couple weeks for car and every month for each golf cart
- softball games near 466 two times a week
- monthly club meetings at Lake Miona and La Hacienda
- golf 2 to 3 times a week
- trip to Sam’s every 3 or 4 weeks
- trip to Lowes every month or so (or 3 times in a weekend if doing a project!)
- dentist is on 466
- Savanah Center or The Sharron for show every month or so
- Out for dinner once a week
- Walmart once a month

All these things can be done from south of 44, but for us it would much less convenient. To each their own.

Most of those things can be done south of 466a, a few of those things can be done at sumter like going to new movies or the square.
Check out the golf cart paths south of 44, check out the bike/walking paths we have south of 44, no other place in the villages have these types of paths. Most golf cart paths south of 466a are off the main road whereas north of 466: aren’t. Brand new health care centers are aplenty around 44. The only establishment that is on the north side in Spanish springs are 2 bowling alleys, so we go to leesburg which is closer and faster to get too.
The op needs to spend a week with a golf cart/bikes/car and check everything out.

[csricksdds1]

I would be more worried about Freeway noise, prison noise or quarry blasting noise than shopping issues!?

[LG999]

In person shopping may not matter to you but it does to me. Sometimes I need to shop in person; on line shopping often doesnt work.

I have to try on shoes before buying bcs I have foot issues. I like to try on clothing bcs clothes look different on me than on the model & I seem to be btwn sizes.

The Millennial Mall is near Orlando but my house is near LSL so its a long drive.

[JSR22]

In person shopping may not matter to you but it does to me. Sometimes I need to shop in person; on line shopping often doesnt work.

I have to try on shoes before buying bcs I have foot issues. I like to try on clothing bcs clothes look different on me than on the model & I seem to be btwn sizes.

The Millennial Mall is near Orlando but my house is near LSL so its a long drive.

The Tampa Bay Internationa Mall is nice then the Mall at Millenia.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's important to me to be near shopping, because I enjoy the adventure. I don't buy much, ever. I'm not a big-time consumer, I make whatever gifts I give to people rather than buy them (most of the time). But I love window shopping, people watching, the experience of shopping in and of itself.

I love parking my golf cart at Petco and walking all the way down to Ulta, stopping in the different stores that have interesting things for sale just to see them. I don't need to fill my house with doodads, when I can see them on display for free.

[LG999]

Coffeebean, this is so true. I have always lived in the NYC metro area. I take the subway or walk bcs both are faster & more pleasant than driving

[LG999]

Thanks!
I didnt know about the Tampa mall. I have a friend who lives near Tarpin Lake so I will take a look next time I go to see her.

[Stu from NYC]

Most of those things can be done south of 466a, a few of those things can be done at sumter like going to new movies or the square.
Check out the golf cart paths south of 44, check out the bike/walking paths we have south of 44, no other place in the villages have these types of paths. Most golf cart paths south of 466a are off the main road whereas north of 466: aren’t. Brand new health care centers are aplenty around 44. The only establishment that is on the north side in Spanish springs are 2 bowling alleys, so we go to leesburg which is closer and faster to get too.
The op needs to spend a week with a golf cart/bikes/car and check everything out.

We spent a month before buying and could have easily doubled it

[Boilerman]

Most of those things can be done south of 466a, a few of those things can be done at sumter like going to new movies or the square.
Check out the golf cart paths south of 44, check out the bike/walking paths we have south of 44, no other place in the villages have these types of paths. Most golf cart paths south of 466a are off the main road whereas north of 466: aren’t. Brand new health care centers are aplenty around 44. The only establishment that is on the north side in Spanish springs are 2 bowling alleys, so we go to leesburg which is closer and faster to get too.
The op needs to spend a week with a golf cart/bikes/car and check everything out.

I agree - that’s why we live just south of 466A

[mikeycereal]

Shopping was 5 min away north or south where I had lived before TV. The bottle water refill station was a traffic light away. That was a huge convenience. I don't feel like driving 16 min to walmart in comparison, or 24 min to Lady Lake. Before I could just go for a quick run, now I have to time it so I'm not wasting gas going as often or my food isn't running out. Love living here so won't complain too harshly, have to adjust the best way possible. But I just get lazy and have to manage my food stash better to where if I want something I have it and don't have to make a special trip more than 1 a week.

[Fun in the sun 2]

For us what made the difference was the design of the kitchen counters where the sink and dishwasher are, the home sizes, the new design of the floor plans, the number of bedrooms, being able to have a new home with new appliances, a new roof, new HVAC system, and the chance to expand the rooms, lanai, and garage. A new house also comes with more energy efficiency as the technology gets better. This includes more efficient appliances, windows, and HVAC including the air conditioner. We are south of 44 and love it here!

[La lamy]

I live near 441 and SO happy to be near everything. Especially when I was updating my home. Couldn't imagine having to drive 40 minutes to get to a Home Depot. Especially with the cost of gas now, you may regret being isolated from shops and restaurants.

[AnthonyO]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?

I don't live south of 44 but right near Sumter Landing. Shopping isn't important to me at all anymore and with you Michael on line does it.

Sometimes we'll take the trek to Ocala for Hobby Lobby or whatever is there but as long as I can get to the WD I'm happy! I'm with you...close to grocery but a bit away from plazas!

[coffeebean]

Shopping was 5 min away north or south where I had lived before TV. The bottle water refill station was a traffic light away. That was a huge convenience. I don't feel like driving 16 min to walmart in comparison, or 24 min to Lady Lake. Before I could just go for a quick run, now I have to time it so I'm not wasting gas going as often or my food isn't running out. Love living here so won't complain too harshly, have to adjust the best way possible. But I just get lazy and have to manage my food stash better to where if I want something I have it and don't have to make a special trip more than 1 a week.

I'm in the middle to Publix and Walmart Grocery on 466A one way and Winn Dixie the other way at LSL. Hubby teases me that if I miss a couple of days going to Publix, they are going to get a search party out for. LOL. I feel your pain.

[hosegooseman]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?

At Magnolia Plaza you have a Publix and soon a 7 Eleven Gas Station and a CVS. Also a few places to eat. At the intersection of Morse and 44 (next to Rohan Rec Center), you have another Publix, Gas Station and Walgreens plus some places to eat as well. If need/want to just google Walmart and you will see your options in terms of distance but in my opinion is not that far.

By car it takes about 35 min from the Fenney Pool area to US 27 Spanish Springs where a lot of shopping options are available (and yes, lots of traffic and congestion). In between you have 466a and 466 areas where there is quite a few options as well.

For basic needs, I think you are covered. The rest I do not think it's a major issue, based on your post.

Saludos !!!

[joelfmi]

Very Important! when you buy a home!

[Dlbonivich]

My house is S of 466A and N of 44. It is 10 years old. People are saying that it will be a year or two before shopping is S. It took until last year for a lot of things to open N of 44. So I think the time frame will be longer. I use my car for shopping. I never use my cart. I will say when there is one store close and they keep building it can get crowded

[MSGirl]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?
That’s really a personal question only you can answer. Personally, I want to be close to the squares and restaurants and medical. It’s going to be awhile before the area south of 44 will built up with these amenities. Who knows how long I have for that to happen. Right now I’m a golf cart ride away from all the squares.

[Fun in the sun 2]

From south of 44, travel time to Home Depot in Lady Lake was 24 minutes at 8:26 a.m. and 26 minute to Home Depot in Leesburg. We go to Ocala for some doctor’s appointments, shopping, and a mall and it’s 30 minutes. We go to Orlando for some doctors, a hospital, some shopping, and it’s 55 minutes. It is working out very well for us! And we have a new house that no one has lived in with more energy efficiency and items that may not have to be replaced as quickly. That Includes a new roof which is important for insurance purposes.

[Vermilion Villager]

I live in Marsh Bend and even with traffic cat get to Kohls in Lady Lake in about 30 minutes. When I lived in the burbs of Minneapolis it would take roughly the same time to get to MOA or any of the other large malls. With online shopping such a convenience it pretty much does not matter anymore.

[sallyg]

I live in the “south” and I don’t hear the turnpike or the prison or the quarry. I don’t see the allure of putting perishables in a golf cart and driving around for 15/20 minutes, so I don’t have any issue with the proximity to the grocery stores by car. I am 4 minutes from Magnolia Plaza (if I get the red light) and 7 minutes from Lake Deaton Plaza by car. Magnolia Plaza will have a CVS and gas station very soon. Lake Deaton already has a gas station (with car wash) and Walgreens. I go to the grocery store nearly every afternoon for dinner items and never see an inconvenience. I am happy to patronize the independently owned ACE hardware on 301 when I need a hardware item over the Lowes, but Lowes is still only 15 minutes away. I have had no trouble finding a doctor (Lake Deaton), dentist (Magnolia), or nail salon. The only provider that I “travel” to is the vet twice a year 15 minutes away but my vet has always been 15 minutes away. The south is closer to the “better” hospital in Leesburg (15 minutes which will go way down when Meggison connects to the turnpike) and there is an emergency room 7 minutes away by Brownwood. The south is much much closer to the airport and Orlando and will be an even shorter distance when the Meggison connection opens which again should be very soon. I have zero desire to wait on the checkout lines at Walmart, but I do wish a Target was closer (and I’m fairly certain one will come with the Middleton construction). We have 1 car and 1 cart. We go to dinner by cart all the time and there are many restaurants within a 20 minute cart ride and more to come soon too. The TOTV posters always south bash because they are worried how great it’s going to be down here very very soon!
Yes!

[wolfie]

Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?
north of 446 is less taxes closer to all doctors and stores, but harder to find a house that you want, they go fast, also some homes need update, I would rent for awhile and look around
:posting:

[Stu from NYC]

north of 446 is less taxes closer to all doctors and stores, but harder to find a house that you want, they go fast, also some homes need update, I would rent for awhile and look around
:posting:

Do not understand why some people buy without spending the time to understand the area and figure out what is really important to them.

[Fun in the sun 2]

Do not understand why some people buy without spending the time to understand the area and figure out what is really important to them.

For us, we bought when a lot became available that we didn’t loose to someone else. We built. The driving factors were that we were daily watching, for 10 months, as the prices were increasing a lot. Also, we didn’t want to chance having to pay a higher interest rate which would mean we could buy less house and fewer upgrades and extensions. I found out my body could not bend in the direction to put dishes in the dishwasher, without pain. The design was so inconvenient. I needed a straight not angled counter, sink, and dishwasher so we bought a new house with a straight island. We are fortunate to have more space behind our house. I guess what I’m saying is you can make an informed decision if you drive to and from the locations from the various areas, do your due diligence about the surrounding area, looking at where the water treatment plants are, the highways including the turnpike, read this website and next door for comments about the prison, find the limestone quarries, and read about the areas impacted by this and keep an eye out for the distance to high tension wires. We moved 17 times in 27 years as we were in the USAF so we were used to having to evaluate living areas quickly. One time I chose our area based on reading the properties for rent on the drive from Denver to Sacramento. It was confirmed when we got there. I picked the perfect house in a few hours. But I don’t take the credit for this. A lot had to happen, including a war, for us to get this house.

[Garywt]

For me the further the store the more golf cart driving I have.

[fsusix]

It's a personal choice - my choice was to live very close to the store and the doctors. As we age - we are less able to get around. My husband has Parkinson's. So living within walking distance allows me to leave for short trips (only have 1 vehicle and a golf cart) and also you'd be surprised how often you do need things - and you don't have to plan for your trip to the stores:welcome:. Many of our neighbors walk every day to the shopping plaza (WD- PUBLIX) to get exercise and/or shop. Target is close by and SAMS just a hop away. I get SAMS fuel between 7-8 at night especially during the busy season with no lines. I doubt I would plan this if I had a longer way to go. Most of the houses are older over here - so that plays into your decisions too. Just a few thoughts....

[JeanPultorak]

Yes, I am fine with being near a grocery store.
QUOTE=Michael 61;2123171]Looking to buy very soon south of 44. I know shopping is limited (for now), but outside of a weekly grocery run, that is usually the extent of my shopping (buy everything else almost exclusively online). I only shop with a purpose, do not enjoying just casual, browsing and window shopping. To me, being near the Big Box stores just creates more traffic and congestion. Are you OK being a bit away from major shopping plazas, as long as you are close to a grocery store?[/QUOTE]

[Stu from NYC]

For us, we bought when a lot became available that we didn’t loose to someone else. We built. The driving factors were that we were daily watching, for 10 months, as the prices were increasing a lot. Also, we didn’t want to chance having to pay a higher interest rate which would mean we could buy less house and fewer upgrades and extensions. I found out my body could not bend in the direction to put dishes in the dishwasher, without pain. The design was so inconvenient. I needed a straight not angled counter, sink, and dishwasher so we bought a new house with a straight island. We are fortunate to have more space behind our house. I guess what I’m saying is you can make an informed decision if you drive to and from the locations from the various areas, do your due diligence about the surrounding area, looking at where the water treatment plants are, the highways including the turnpike, read this website and next door for comments about the prison, find the limestone quarries, and read about the areas impacted by this and keep an eye out for the distance to high tension wires. We moved 17 times in 27 years as we were in the USAF so we were used to having to evaluate living areas quickly. One time I chose our area based on reading the properties for rent on the drive from Denver to Sacramento. It was confirmed when we got there. I picked the perfect house in a few hours. But I don’t take the credit for this. A lot had to happen, including a war, for us to get this house.

Thank you for your service.

I am sure you are better at finding a good location for a home after doing so many times than we would be.

[44Apple]

Living by the Arnold Palmer area, most shopping done by us is by golf cart to the Southern Trace/Buffalo Ridge areas. Not that big a deal.

[Fun in the sun 2]

Thank you for your service.

I am sure you are better at finding a good location for a home after doing so many times than we would be.
Perhaps. I just used a lot of the same resources that all of you do. But living in so many different properties helped know what I did & didn’t want in a house in Florida. The biggest thing is to read peoples comments, evaluate them, go on google earth together with maps, view the u-tube videos, and keep up on The Villages website including homes and prices. It’s extremely time consuming but in the end it is helpful when you visit.

My husband was active duty. I was the support person. It was our pleasure and a great honor! Thank you for acknowledging his service!