What is the difference between Marion, Sumter and Lake counties?

[RayAndPat]

Hi! We are new to posting here so please bear with us until learn. Thank you.

We recently spent six weeks living (renting) in TV. We decided that we had to live there to be sure it was everything that everyone said it was. It was everything people said and more. We spent quite a bit of time looking at both new and pre-owned real estate. We have pretty much decided that we want to buy north of 466. TV sits in three counties north of 466. This is the question. What are the differences between Marion, Sumter and Lake counties. This is what I think I know about the three. Lake County has no bond and the CDD can’t levy improvements on residents. Marion and Lake Counties have a higher tax base than Sumter. Sumter’s tax base is lower and has gone down the last couple of years. Can anyone offer any additional information about the counties such as restrictions, police and fire protection, etc. Thanks.

[swrinfla]

Ray & Pat:

First and foremost, Welcome to TOTV and to The Villages! Whatever you decide to do, you will find it RIGHT!

I'm sure that many folks will have strong opinions about which county is better! For me, the differences between the three are very minor!

It's true that the majority of Villagers live in Sumter County. But, that's not necessarily because of their decision, more because that's where the available land was!

I would definitely NOT make any decision about where to buy in TV based upon which county is involved!

SWR
:beer3:

[redwitch]

I'm with SWR on this one, pick your house and don't worry about the county. You'll get good fire/police protection in all of the counties. You've listed the main differences. As to deed restrictions, they are not really based on the county so much as when a development was built -- the older the development, the less there are restrictions. One difference is that you can't put up a for sale sign on your lawn in Sumter County, which is by county ordinance rather than a TV restriction.

[golfnut]

Actually red i think restrictions on signs on the lawn (and gnomes) is a district restriction not county, signs are not allowed south of CR466....gn

[chuckinca]

Lake County residents in TV live in the City of Lady Lake and receive City services not available to those living in Marion or Sumter Counties.


.

[drdodge]

I just recently bought a house in Springdale and the taxes are cheaper tham my house in Sumter county. You should try to get a house with little or no bond. I bought one with no bond
drd

[Pturner]

Ray&Pat,

:wave: Welcome to TOTV. I agree with others who have said the differences in counties are not that significant. Find a home you'll love that fits your budget and rejoice!

[thomas borst]

welcome to the villages, and good luck finding your home

[RayAndPat]

Thanks everyone for your help. We are in that state of limbo where we are trying to sell our house. Hope to be back soon.

[wendyquat]

We are in that "state of limbo" with you guys. Trying to sell in a dead market is NO FUN! Looking forward to getting it done so be can become FROGS! Good luck!

[Pturner]

Hmmm. I think Limbo is the fastest growing state in the country right now. :undecided:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Hmmm. I think Limbo is the fastest growing state in the country right now. :undecided:

Ha! Good one! :) And yes.....it is unfortunate.

Bill

[Lynn222]

I, too, am in a state of limbo in Richmond, Virginia. My home has been on the market 20 months. Had a contract last month and I was sooo excited to move to TV but the engaged 40+ couple backed out on the deal. So, with their deposit money, I spent one week, in November, at TV. It was better then nothing! Looking forward to my new friends.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2504-Winston-Court_Glen-Allen_VA_23060_1121924902#Detail

[RVRoadie]

In Lake County you have to get your electric from Leesburg Electric, a municiple operation. It takes a trip to Leesburg to get the hookup, about a dozen forms to sign plus a credit check that you have to pay for, then a deposit of $250 to $750 depending on your credit score. In Sumter County, you give SECO a call and they do it over the phone.

[gratton]

In Lake County you have to get your electric from Leesburg Electric, a municiple operation. It takes a trip to Leesburg to get the hookup, about a dozen forms to sign plus a credit check that you have to pay for, then a deposit of $250 to $750 depending on your credit score. In Sumter County, you give SECO a call and they do it over the phone.

We live in Lake County and we get our power from Sumpter electric

[red tail]

We live in Lake County and we get our power from Sumpter electric

i live in sumter and get mine from progress.

[RayAndPat]

gratton
Do you see any major differences between Lake, Sumter and Marion counties?

[Xavier]

Hi! We are new to posting here so please bear with us until learn. Thank you.

We recently spent six weeks living (renting) in TV. We decided that we had to live there to be sure it was everything that everyone said it was. It was everything people said and more. We spent quite a bit of time looking at both new and pre-owned real estate. We have pretty much decided that we want to buy north of 466. TV sits in three counties north of 466. This is the question. What are the differences between Marion, Sumter and Lake counties. This is what I think I know about the three. Lake County has no bond and the CDD can’t levy improvements on residents. Marion and Lake Counties have a higher tax base than Sumter. Sumter’s tax base is lower and has gone down the last couple of years. Can anyone offer any additional information about the counties such as restrictions, police and fire protection, etc. Thanks.

When we bought we didn't really pay much attention to the county we were going to be in. We chose to be away from the high traffic areas and yet easy in and easy out for our travels. We are in Marion County and honestly don't see a big difference. Our evaluation seems to change each year for our tax bill. The market is down and our assessment goes down. The market picks up and our evaluation goes up. I'm not sure that happens in the other two counties. I believe our taxes to be very reasonable. I don't know if counties have anything to do with it, but we have natural gas through TECO and electric through SECO. Some areas don't have natural gas available to them. I've found that dealing with Marion County has been quite pleasant. Originally we got our drivers licenses in Wildwood and it wasn't a nice experience. On another occasion, I think it was for Passports, we used the Sumter County Annex office on Rt. 466 and it was just as pleasant as can be. We have excellent access to shopping at our north end and it's a quick ride by car down Rt. 301 or Rt. 27/441 to where the action is in the lower parts of The Villages. We often head north from here for some of our shopping in the Markets of Marion (Flea Market) and Ocala. The sales tax in Marion County is 1/2 percent lower than Lake and Sumter Counties. Our Police and Fire Departments are within a mile of our home. We actually see patrols by the Marion County Citizen's Patrol both in a car and in a golf cart.

One thing is for sure - you are gonna love it no matter where you are in The Villages.

Xavier

[texasfal]

Where did you buy? I live in Springdale west off of Belle Meade and Grassmere.

[Xavier]

Where did you buy? I live in Springdale west off of Belle Meade and Grassmere.

We're north and west of your Buena Vista gate.

[Pturner]

We live in Lake County and we get our power from Sumpter electric

If Russ weren't alive, he'd be turning over in his grave. lol (There's no "p" in Sumter.)

BTW, we live in Marion and get our power from SECO too.

[golfnut]

where is russ???...gn

[happy employee]

Easy answer: Lake county wants to be Orlando. Marion County wants to be Lexington Ky. and Sumter County wants to be in the 21st century................. LOL

[2BNTV]

Thanks everyone for your help. We are in that state of limbo where we are trying to sell our house. Hope to be back soon.

:welcome: to TOTV. Best Wishes to find a place that feels like home.

As many posters have said, there isn't a bad place to own a home in TV.

You are going to love wherever you land.

I am another person who has been in limbo for a year and would love to stop dancing and move to TV. :smiley: