It’s getting expensive to use the dog parks

[CosmicTrucker]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

[Dotneko]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

Don't look at the flowers, get your mail, swim in the pool, drive the golf cart either?

[Papa_lecki]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

Wow, you go to the dog park, then sit in your house all day? Don’t do anything else, no clubs, events, activities, the squares? If so, you picked the wrong place to live.

[coffeebean]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

You mean I'm paying for dog parks and I don't own a dog? Well, hot damn. I want my money back!

[JGibson]

I’m sensing sarcasm where the OP uses other facilities but tries to make a point with the dog park narrative.

Which see like most things in the last two years things have skyrocketed but we all know the reason for this but it borders politics and that's forbidden here.

[Laker14]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

Rather like joining a country club that offers golf, tennis, a swimming pool and a fitness center, and complaining about the dues because you really only joined so you could park your car in the lot.

Good planning.

[Keefelane66]

They are toxic waste dumps.

[dewilson58]

You mean I'm paying for dog parks and I don't own a dog? Well, hot damn. I want my money back!

:bowdown::bowdown:

[JohnN]

I don't own a dog either and my turtle doesn't use the parks! Sure the amenity fee is getting high and I don't like that, but.....
my real estate taxes and state income taxes are way down compared to where I came from, so I'm OK with the local fees.
If really unhappy about it, I'd move on along down the road, but I don't know of anyplace better.

[Bill14564]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

Not sure what your frustration is. You bought in a community that has an amenity fee that increases each year based on the CPI. Are you frustrated that you didn't give more thought to what that meant? Are you frustrated at yourself for not taking advantage of all the things your amenity fee pays for?

[Papa_lecki]

I don't own a dog either and my turtle doesn't use the parks! Sure the amenity fee is getting high and I don't like that, but.....

I would support a turtle park.

[MrFlorida]

Most other communities have an HOA fee, but you won't get what you get here for the money, and pay a lot more.

[Michael G.]

Wait people, you haven't seen anything yet when it comes to expenses in all segments of everyday living.
The $1.00 dollar bill has already been replaced by the $5.00 bill.
All our personal spending habits will have to be altered in 2023.

[MX rider]

I consider the fee a bargain for what we get.

[Taltarzac725]

The Amenity fees cover using the Rec Centers, pools, golf courses, etc. with various limitations and additional fees. As well as the dog parks.

[Chi-Town]

Anybody who thinks the amenity fee is high here has never paid an anemity fee before.

[JohnN]

I would support a turtle park.

A turtle park! I think we're onto something here. There is a turtle park in Largo and endangered turtles:
Visit Turtle Park in Largo, Florida | Julie Journeys (https://juliejourneys.com/2017/06/04/visit-turtle-park-in-largo-florida/)

I'm not sure what Del Webb charges these days, but when we visited the Ocala location some 16 years ago, even then I think it was around $250/month for amenity fees and not much to show for it.

[Rainger99]

A turtle park! I think we're onto something here.

I'm not sure what Del Webb charges these days, but when we visited the Ocala location some 16 years ago, even then I think it was around $250/month for amenity fees and not much to show for it.

For Del Webb, Ocala, as of January 1st, 2023, the HOA fees for classic and estate series homes are $216 / month, the garden series homes are $342/ month, and the villas (only available via resale) are $527/ month. The Garden series and the villas also include landscape maintenance and outside irrigation. The Villas also include exterior pressure washing, painting of the home, and roof replacement as needed.

Golf is not included at Del Webb. Single Membership: $5,000 initiation fee PLUS $4,300/year, which equates to $9,300 for the first year, just a yearly fee after that. Couple Membership: $5,000 initiation fee PLUS $7,400/year equates to $12,400 for the first year, just an annual fee after that.

[MX rider]

A turtle park! I think we're onto something here.

I'm not sure what Del Webb charges these days, but when we visited the Ocala location some 16 years ago, even then I think it was around $250/month for amenity fees and not much to show for it.

My sister in law and her husband live in Dell Webb Stonecreek in Ocala. I'm not sure what the pay but I know it's more than we do, and they get way less for it. We thought DW was boring, but they like it.

[I'm Popeye!]

I would support a turtle park.

They can walk their Turtle on my lawn anytime they want. :1rotfl:

[Papa_lecki]

They can walk their Turtle on my lawn anytime they want. :1rotfl:

As long as you don’t post about turtle poop

[RPDaly]

///

[Laker14]

They can walk their Turtle on my lawn anytime they want. :1rotfl:

Mine as well, as long as they clean up after it. I hate entitled turtle owners.

[I'm Popeye!]

Better for you and them to take them on a nice walk.

On other people's property. :coolsmiley:

[vintageogauge]

Wait to you get the vet bill to cure your dog of the nasty GI tract infection they get at the dog park sniffing around. My dogs loved going but they are not a very healthy place for them after the last illness. My vet agrees. Better for you and them to take them on a nice walk.

Agree we had three different vets advise against the use of dog parks one even stated that if you want to get your dog sick take him to the park, we tried one when it first opened and found it to be very disgusting even during the first week

[I'm Popeye!]

Agree we had three different vets advise against the use of dog parks one even stated that if you want to get your dog sick take him to the park, we tried one when it first opened and found it to be very disgusting even during the first week

Why was that, were dog owners not picking up after their ugly mutts? :confused:

[JohnN]

[QUOTE=RPDaly;2191419]Wait to you get the vet bill to cure your dog of the nasty GI tract infection they get at the dog park sniffing around. My dogs loved going but they are not a very healthy place for them after the last illness. My vet agrees. Better for you and them to take them on a nice walk.[/QUOTE

Now turtles don't poop on lawns, they much prefer water (so watch out for your pool).
Also, I've had my turtle 54 years and my vet bill in total has been, let's see, zero $.
I take her for a daily walk on the lanai, big area for her! And turtles are solitary, so I don't have to worry about her getting diseases from other nasty turtles!

[Djean1981]

I think if you leave your house, you're pretty much using a lot of the amenities. Drive around the residential areas outside the villages (or other nice planned community) - it's quite a contrast. If you're not going to the rec centers, going swimming, driving your golf cart, walking on the trails, looking at flowers, etc., you really should.

[jebartle]

Why was that, were dog owners not picking up after their ugly mutts? :confused:

I must ADVISE, every night every wild critter known to mankind has pooped in your yard and the kicker, they don't have anyone picking up after them. I always wondered what our dog Moses thought about me following him around and when that very special moment arrived, I would grab the PRIZE, yipsters!!!!!

[njbchbum]

A turtle park! I think we're onto something here. There is a turtle park in Largo and endangered turtles:
Visit Turtle Park in Largo, Florida | Julie Journeys (https://juliejourneys.com/2017/06/04/visit-turtle-park-in-largo-florida/)

I'm not sure what Del Webb charges these days, but when we visited the Ocala location some 16 years ago, even then I think it was around $250/month for amenity fees and not much to show for it.

What did residents receive for that fee - any property maintenance? Or did they pay an HOA fee?

[I'm Popeye!]

I must ADVISE, every night every wild critter known to mankind has pooped in your yard and the kicker, they don't have anyone picking up after them. I always wondered what our dog Moses thought about me following him around and when that very special moment arrived, I would grab the PRIZE, yipsters!!!!!

Looks like those large pooping night critters are attracted to your yard because they don't visit me at all.. :cryin2:

[Shansonmarx]

We are closing on our first house in The Villages and ultimately decided on TV because the amenity fees were quite lower than other 55+ communities in central Florida, with the average cost being between 200. To 300./mo, offering far less clubs and activities. Look around and you will see.

[Cobullymom]

I would support a turtle park.
Villages already has them, but not for the public, turtles only...

[La lamy]

I kinda feel the same way as OP because all I use is the outdoor pickleball courts which are free up north. I feel I subsidize the golfers, but I do enjoy the flower beds. Still no regret to have chosen this retirement heaven.

[John Mayes]

you mean i'm paying for dog parks and i don't own a dog? Well, hot damn. I want my money back!

lol!!!

[hosegooseman]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.


You can always move out. This is a retirement community not a dog park only community.

[me4vt]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.
Put a fence in your backyard for your pups to play and enjoy the Villages!! I mean they’re your kids….

[me4vt]

I don't own a dog either and my turtle doesn't use the parks! Sure the amenity fee is getting high and I don't like that, but.....
my real estate taxes and state income taxes are way down compared to where I came from, so I'm OK with the local fees.
If really unhappy about it, I'd move on along down the road, but I don't know of anyplace better.
Outside The Villages bubble;)

[ithos]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

It is the wide array of amenities that is a major reason why The Villages is so popular. Without them then this place would just be another housing development and the value of you home would be significantly less. I also believe that without them there would be far few social activities that are significant part of the lifestyle here.

[MandoMan]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.

I don’t have a golf cart, but I get pleasure in seeing carts zipping by on cart paths. I don’t golf, but driving for miles alongside green golf courses gives me pleasure. I don’t go to listen to music and dance at the town square, but I’m glad that those who enjoy those things get to do that. I don’t pick the flowers at intersections and roundabouts, but I take pleasure in them. I’m sincerely glad that if we get a foot of rain here—and it happens!—our carefully-designed drainage system will keep water out of my house. I live in a state with a high rate of violent crime and property crime, but I live in a place with virtually no crime except for DUI and spouse abuse and shoplifting. That’s what my amenity fee and the (relatively, in comparison to outside The Villages) high cost of housing gets me. I’ve spent most of my life in rural areas where nearly everyone more or less shares my culture and values. The Villages isn’t rural, but despite political differences, nearly all of us share that culture and those values. That is NOT the case in large parts of Florida. I realize I could buy a similar house in Ocala or Wildwood or Orlando for half the price and not pay any amenities fees. I pay for what I get here because I like it and wouldn’t be happy living in an area very different from what I’m used to.

I pay for house insurance and car insurance, but I haven’t made a claim in twenty years. I can SEE and experience what I’m getting for my amenities fees. Just as Freedom has a cost we have to pay, and the privilege of living in America has a price we have to pay, so does living in The Villages, but living here is a choice, not a requirement.

May I politely suggest, original poster, that if this doesn’t make sense to you, you might as well save yourself a lot of money and move to a place without these fees.

[Topgun 1776]

Sell...make a profit. Move. Problem solved.

[jimbomaybe]

Wait people, you haven't seen anything yet when it comes to expenses in all segments of everyday living.
The $1.00 dollar bill has already been replaced by the $5.00 bill.
All our personal spending habits will have to be altered in 2023.
Remember when a silver coin had silver in it ? a silver dime , 80% silver ,is now worth $1.50 melt price . Inflation has been just about where it is needed for for some time recent developments have changed that, the question now is how long will the latest inflationary pressures continue and to what extent?

[xcaligirl]

You mean I'm paying for dog parks and I don't own a dog? Well, hot damn. I want my money back!
I don't use any of the amenities... oh wait, I love the flowers around here, I love the fact that there are places to go in the golf cart and my husband loves pkaying pickle ball and golfing, I love the scenery. We paid "dues" at previous developments prior to living here and it was for the streets and street lights and front gate, one tennis court and a pool.....$300 a month, I enjoy living here even though I don't everything offered, I know it's there if I want to join in.

[roadrnnr]

I thought the fee was already $189

[chrissy2231]

New amenities fee $187.57 starting March 2023.

Honestly the only amenity I use on a regular basis are the local dog parks. Not using any of the other options is purely my choice at the moment.

Venting my frustration.
Sadly, no one empathized w/your frustration. All criticized you. Since 2016 my amenity fee only increased from $139 to $173; quite the bargain. Here's a plus. Most residents only talk about their health issues for 10 minutes when w/someone; then on to fun topics. Find gratitude & inner peace.

[Pachine58]

Not everyone is young and healthy. Some bought here over 20 years ago and are on limited income. One day you too will be there.

The dog park may be the only joy in a persons day to get out and socialize.

Lot of these comments are cruel and down right arrogant. I am ashamed of those who posted such heartless views.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Don't look at the flowers, get your mail, swim in the pool, drive the golf cart either?

What about having your trash picked up twice per week, attend a concert in a town square, play shuffleboard, horseshoes or shoot hoops, attend an educational presentation in a recreation center, join any one of the 3,500+ clubs listed by TV, or (my favorite) sit on the sidelines of an actual polo match? You need to get out and get your moneys worth..

[Dotneko]

What about having your trash picked up twice per week, attend a concert in a town square, play shuffleboard, horseshoes or shoot hoops, attend an educational presentation in a recreation center, join any one of the 3,500+ clubs listed by TV, or (my favorite) sit on the sidelines of an actual polo match? You need to get out and get your moneys worth..

Yep. Add Community Watch too

[carhirsch]

Best comment yet.

[Gpsma]

Not everyone is young and healthy. Some bought here over 20 years ago and are on limited income. One day you too will be there.

The dog park may be the only joy in a persons day to get out and socialize.

Lot of these comments are cruel and down right arrogant. I am ashamed of those who posted such heartless views.

Oh please, tired of hearing the comstant complaints of people living on a limited income.
I know many that lived here more than 20 years and still live just fine.
The only people that may experience that are the original settlers way up north.

The Villages is generally a very upper middle class place.
The complainers who balk about minimal increases and living on a limited income probably have millions but dont want to spend it.

[vintageogauge]

The only poop I've ever found in my yard over the last six years was from rabbits, not quite the same.

[JMintzer]

I kinda feel the same way as OP because all I use is the outdoor pickleball courts which are free up north. I feel I subsidize the golfers, but I do enjoy the flower beds. Still no regret to have chosen this retirement heaven.

They're not free everywhere in TV? :confused:

[Papa_lecki]

I kinda feel the same way as OP because all I use is the outdoor pickleball courts which are free up north. I feel I subsidize the golfers, but I do enjoy the flower beds. Still no regret to have chosen this retirement heaven.

I only play executive golf, for which I need to pay a trail fee.

I feel I am subsidizing
the pickleball players,
the swimmers,
the tennis players,
the paddle players,
the shuffle board players,
the dog park users,
all the clubs that use the thousands of square feet of rec center community rooms,
the table shuffle board players,
the woodworkers…..

See we all can do that.

If you are only doing one thing here, you picked the wrong place to buy a home.

[Pairadocs]

I’m sensing sarcasm where the OP uses other facilities but tries to make a point with the dog park narrative.

Which see like most things in the last two years things have skyrocketed but we all know the reason for this but it borders politics and that's forbidden here.

Bingo, you nailed it. That which might lead to truth is usually forbidden as "political"... I can only say I have personally known, and listened to, individuals who feel it is "worth" the fees to have have fresh flowers planted as the season's change, for whom the having the rec centers for clubs, group gatherings is a major factor, and so on. Not at all sure amenity fees have anything to do with activities of the retail "squares", believe that may be supported by state tourism funds and/or business contributions, but to the point, to many, 3 of my own relatives, have chosen to move out due to the fees that are "not worth it" to them ! They were used to HOA fees (which I still see Zillow lists our "amenity fees" as HOA fees ! ? Go figure ?) where they got things like lawn care, leaf blowing, tree and bush trimming, and so on for their HOA fee, so they didn't feel The Villages held any value to them. They don't play golf, or tennis, or softball, etc. They do belong to "clubs", ballroom dance, square dance club, dog obedience club, and several cards clubs, no charge for any of those, just people who form a "club" in the communities they moved to now. So, I guess it's like any "shopping", rather for an auto, a new suit or dress, or even groceries. If YOU see value in what you get, you buy it. If not, you pass. We golf, we'd be spending the near $200 a month on golf anywhere... but do have to add that championship golf is really getting priced higher every year for what sure seems to be ever decreasing course conditions. Guess when we decide we are not getting anything from the fees, we'll move on too, who knows ? I really don't appreciate people who say, don't like it, GET OUT, but, at the base of it, I suppose that is the answer. It's just that easy to do as we get older... and older !

[Pairadocs]

I kinda feel the same way as OP because all I use is the outdoor pickleball courts which are free up north. I feel I subsidize the golfers, but I do enjoy the flower beds. Still no regret to have chosen this retirement heaven.

I understand since I had commented before, I have 3 family members who came to the conclusion that was a LOT of money (for them, a small amount for others) for "flowers". They didn't even play pickle-ball or shuffle board... "amenities" you get in many communities and are covered by your tax money.. dog park(s), parks, bike paths, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, etc. are provided in many towns and cities by the parks and recreation department and funded with your property taxes. We DO play golf, and I have always felt it was "worth it" for us, but also have often wondered why people who do none of this, would chose to pay such a premium for things they don't need or use. But, no ones business but theirs....LOL !~

[Jimmydoodlebug]

Wow, you go to the dog park, then sit in your house all day? Don’t do anything else, no clubs, events, activities, the squares? If so, you picked the wrong place to live.
Outsiders can do most of those things for free. We pay for their enjoyment and it's getting very expensive. Whatever this lady chooses to do is none of your business. Your reply is insulting and you need to apologize.

[La lamy]

They're not free everywhere in TV? :confused:

Are you serious?!

Our pickleball courts in TV are taken care of by our amenities fees and are not available to the general public. So no, they are not free. But the ones in any public area in most cities in the world are.

[La lamy]

I only play executive golf, for which I need to pay a trail fee.

I feel I am subsidizing
the pickleball players,
the swimmers,
the tennis players,
the paddle players,
the shuffle board players,
the dog park users,
all the clubs that use the thousands of square feet of rec center community rooms,
the table shuffle board players,
the woodworkers…..

See we all can do that.

If you are only doing one thing here, you picked the wrong place to buy a home.
That's a very judgemental thing to say. Like I said, this is a retirement heaven that I have no regret investing in.

[Bill14564]

I thought the fee was already $189

When you purchase a house your amenity fee is set to the Contractual Amenity Fee in effect at that time. I don't recall if it is $189 currently or if that was the rate last year and it is now a little higher.

Each year on the anniversary of the house originally selling (the very first time, not reset on resale), the amenity fee can increase proportional to the CPI. Houses with anniversaries in February increased by 6.4% this year and it appears that a Contractual Amenity Fee of $176 increased by 6.4% to $187.

When the Contractual Amenity Fee is increased, it is usually set at a point greater than anyone is currently paying. The end result is the longer you have been in your house the less you pay in amenity fees compared to new purchasers. I have owned my home for five years and pay $164. If I sold my house tomorrow, the new owner would be assessed the current fee which may now be $189.

[bark4me]

I’m sensing sarcasm where the OP uses other facilities but tries to make a point with the dog park narrative.

Which see like most things in the last two years things have skyrocketed but we all know the reason for this but it borders politics and that's forbidden here.
Amen 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[Dusty_Star]

I must ADVISE, every night every wild critter known to mankind has pooped in your yard and the kicker, they don't have anyone picking up after them. I always wondered what our dog Moses thought about me following him around and when that very special moment arrived, I would grab the PRIZE, yipsters!!!!!

Yes! I'm convinced my pup thinks I have a weird poop obsession.

[OhioBuckeye]

Do you get a discount if you don’t have a dog?

[Garywt]

We generally don’t use the dog parks. Ours went up to $187 in January rather than the usual March which is our anniversary date. An $11 increase which is the largest we have seen but still a bargain. Too much to enjoy here to worry about any increases.

[joelfmi]

using a spread sheet and taking into all the fees and tax with cdd bonds about 4k a month. Thats not cheap

[Bill14564]

using a spread sheet and taking into all the fees and tax with cdd bonds about 4k a month. Thats not cheap

Throw in a mortgage, a couple of cruises, and dinners at nice steak places and it goes up even more. What's your point?

What is the cost at an equivalent retirement community? Is there even an equivalent retirement community to compare the Villages to? I don't like paying taxes either but I suspect that the combination of state taxes, property taxes, maintenance fees, and amenity fees is significantly less here and with many more amenities here.

As others have asked, do you even live here?

[gobuck827]

using a spread sheet and taking into all the fees and tax with cdd bonds about 4k a month. Thats not cheap

Your are paying $48K a year in fees, taxes and cdd bonds?

[Bill14564]

Your are paying $48K a year in fees, taxes and cdd bonds?

Good catch.

Maybe $450/month for property tax, school tax, bond, and maintenance fee and another $250 or so for water, sewer, trash, and amenities. Less than $800 per month.

[JMintzer]

Are you serious?!

Our pickleball courts in TV are taken care of by our amenities fees and are not available to the general public. So no, they are not free. But the ones in any public area in most cities in the world are.

You said "up north"... Since I know you live in the northern end of of TV, one could easily come to the conclusion that you were talking about that area.

So, yes... I was serious...

But if you want to get into the "semantics" of pickleball and executive golf "aren't really free" nonsense, count me out...

[JMintzer]

That's a very judgemental thing to say. Like I said, this is a retirement heaven that I have no regret investing in.

Methinks the poster was just trying to make a point about the inanity of the original post... Hence the "see, we can all do that" comment...

[JMintzer]

Do you get a discount if you don’t have a dog?

Yes, the very same discount you get if you don't play pickleball... :icon_wink:

[JMintzer]

using a spread sheet and taking into all the fees and tax with cdd bonds about 4k a month. Thats not cheap

Who is paying $4K/month?

[JMintzer]

Throw in a mortgage, a couple of cruises, and dinners at nice steak places and it goes up even more. What's your point?

What is the cost at an equivalent retirement community? Is there even an equivalent retirement community to compare the Villages to? I don't like paying taxes either but I suspect that the combination of state taxes, property taxes, maintenance fees, and amenity fees is significantly less here and with many more amenities here.

As others have asked, do you even live here?

He left, some time ago... But he still feels the need to trash the place...