fenced in yard, 2 dogs. Looking for home in the Villages.

[lizkey88]

Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?

[margaretmattson]

Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?
Courtyard villas, verandas, and cottage villas all have fenced in yards. They seem to sell quickly so you will have to check often for availability. Be certain to check both the Villages real estate website as well as MLS through companies like trulia, zillow etc. Outside real estate agents can only sell preowned homes and are unable to sell any properties on the Villages website. The Villages website offers newly constructed and preowned homes.

Be certain to check BOTH listings and have a real estate agent from each source. Yes, you should work with two real estate agents not just one. Unless, you know for certain you want a newly constructed home. If that is your focus, the villages website is the only source for new homes.

[lizkey88]

Courtyard villas, verandas, and cottage villas all have fenced in yards. They seem to sell quickly so you will have to check often for availability. Be certain to check both the Villages real estate website as well as MLS through companies like trulia, zillow etc. Outside real estate agents can only sell preowned homes and are unable to sell any properties on the Villages website. The Villages website offers newly constructed and preowned homes.

Be certain to check BOTH listings and have a real estate agent from each source. Yes, you should work with two real estate agents not just one. Unless, you know for certain you want a newly constructed home. If that is your focus, the villages website is the only source for new homes.

Thank you!! That is VERY helpful!

[villagetinker]

OP, you do not want to leave your dogs outside unattended, we do have wildlife that may attack the dogs, especially if they are small ones. Also, be careful of the access to "your" back yard there are versions of the houses where the neighbor has full access to the side gate (you cannot lock it), so if your dogs are out, they might accidently get released.
There have been several threads on this issue in the past, with lots of additional information, please try the search function and be sure to ask questions on any house you are looking at.

[metoo21]

Well, I was typing when VillageTinker responded.

Just an FYI, I hope you don't plan to just let them out in the yard unsupervised. Many critters here that love pets - bobcats, bears & gators, etc.. And don't think an open aluminum or PVC rail fence will keep anything out. Saw a photo awhile back where a gator was working its way through an aluminum rail fence. And yes all the critters do come out in the daytime so it isn't just a night issue. We have a resident bobcat in our neighborhood that has been seen day & night and I'm sure there are other critters we don't see.

There are numerous dog parks in The Villages for unleashed play. Oh, and there are leash laws here.

[splashes]

The best thing is to talk to the Villages Real estate person. I strongly recommend Beth Pope 352-552-1511 Excellent person and can help you find the perfect home

[Papa_lecki]

In addition to the wildlife,
It’s also too hot for most of the year to leave dogs outside,

[Remembergoldenrule]

Please take matters into your own hands. Make sure you look on Zillow and the villages home finder yourself each day. Mls and Villages don’t show each others houses. No one shows For Sale by Owner. Special tab on Zillow. Some realtors won’t show others listings. I think your smart putting out announcement here and on NextDoor. Realtors “working” for me have never found a house for me over last 40 years. Always had to call them to unlock door after I found it. ������������

[Sandy and Ed]

Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?
Courtyard with oversized lot (preferably not a corner but at end of a street). Give requirements to realtor and let them do the legwork too.

[sharonl7340]

I ride my bike through neighborhoods and there is one behind the Bonifay CC that has an invisible fence installed. It seems to work for their dog. When he is outside and I ride by he never attempts to chase me. So that would be an alternative for you.

[NotGolfer]

Someone wrote about "invisible" fences....an FYI with them....they might keep your dogs in the yard but won't keep the other critters out. We have friends with two dogs that have one. One of their dogs somehow knows how to escape and when it does it's long gone with the owners having to go on a search. NOT the best scenario! Here too we have alot of ponds/lakes. You'll not want to let your poochie go near those nor will you want to walk near them neither as gators lurk and could attack. While T.V. is "dog friendly" it's not always friendly in that the habits you have in your home state will work well here.

[Papa_lecki]

the habits you have in your home state will work well here.

I think that quote is key to many things in the villages. Just because it works at home now, it may not work in TV.

I found a birdcage is best for our dog. They are safe, I can let them out in the yard to do their business, there are spots that are shaded, etc.

[bowlingal]

the Village of Hemingway on Nash Loop has houses with an enclosed yard that are NOT courtyard villas.

[jerseyjoy]

Search for a Veranda home - they are designer homes with fenced backyards. You can only find them in the Villages South of 44. Also, there is a street in Pine Hills, Wise Way, that has designer homes with fenced yards.

[westernrider75]

We have a courtyard villa villa and also have dogs. It works well for us, we only let them out supervised and also to make sure they aren’t bothering neighbors by barking. We DO lock our gate so there are no accidental escapes and our neighbor is aware of this. If they need to get to the side of their house they just ask, but they have never seemed to need to. Good luck!

[sallyg]

Check out the home search on-line, thevillages.com, pre-owned. The house listing VLS239688 on Kate Court. It's an incredible neighborhood, very dog-friendly, and great house with fenced yard. Best of luck.

[oldtimes]

We have a courtyard villa villa and also have dogs. It works well for us, we only let them out supervised and also to make sure they aren’t bothering neighbors by barking. We DO lock our gate so there are no accidental escapes and our neighbor is aware of this. If they need to get to the side of their house they just ask, but they have never seemed to need to. Good luck!

We have a large grassy corner lot CYV so they can run around and play. We also do not let them out unsupervised. I like the grass because it is so much cooler than the rocks and only needs to be mowed once a week in the summer and less in the winter.

[Lizlo]

I absolutely need a fenced yard for my boxers. After a lengthy search I decided to buy in Spruce Creek South where I installed a huge fence. I can also have a garden here; you can't in The Villages. This community borders The Villages and we get to enjoy all the public activities of the Villages and come home to the peace and quiet that this community offers. I've been here 9 months and love it! The lots here are mostly a quarter acre and home prices quite affordable.

[stevecmo]

the Village of Hemingway on Nash Loop has houses with an enclosed yard that are NOT courtyard villas.
Thanks for pointing that out! I didn't think there was anything north of 466A other than CYV's. Interesting.

[Normal]

Newer construction moved houses closer to the road so there were fewer “kissing” lanais. The back yards are generally larger. I would look south of 44.

[TeresaE]

Please take matters into your own hands. Make sure you look on Zillow and the villages home finder yourself each day. Mls and Villages don’t show each others houses. No one shows For Sale by Owner. Special tab on Zillow. Some realtors won’t show others listings. I think your smart putting out announcement here and on NextDoor. Realtors “working” for me have never found a house for me over last 40 years. Always had to call them to unlock door after I found it. ������������

No real estate agent I know “won’t show others listing”. Those that do don’t last very long.

[BikeRiders]

Some homes in The Village of Bradford have fences. The home we bought here did not have a fence but my Villages realtor Barbara Lightbody looked it up and found out that it is allowed on my lot. So I put one in for my 2 dogs. It has made our lives much easier (they still get 2 walks a day) but now they can go out any random time without me having to do more than open a door. There is 1 home for sale near me that would probably allow a fence to be added but you would need to check.

[TeresaE]

Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?

I suggest you download The Villages App and start looking at floor plans. All the new listings have them. For a fence, focus your search on Virandas and Courtyard Villas. Work with both a Property of the Villages agent and an outside agent. We did that. Ended up going with new construction, but there are some lovely preowned homes too. Many are under a year old, so practically brand new. Also, and this is important, look on Google Earth for what’s around the area. Many of these houses are very close to major roads, such as the Florida Turnpike. If you buy a pre-owned home, ask the seller if the landscaping was done with the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. Then ask ARC for the approval letter. Good luck in your search.

[rabranca@aol.com]

Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?

My neighbor is selling their courtyard villa. It is in The Village of Bradford off Warm Springs Ave. Very nice area. Easy to get around and you have Sawgrass and Brownwood within 10min.

[lorilorilori]

Fenced yards - i started w a CYV corner lot - large but i wanted bigger for my dogs so I purchased a corner lot Veranda w a block wall (harder to dig out). Lot size may depend on dog size - 2 little v 2 biggies. Of course also considering house & garage size, etc.




Hello, we are finally ready to make the jump and move to The Villages. Our family also includes 2 dogs and we absolutely have to buy a house with a fenced in yard and some grass to play on. Its difficult when searching for homes, there isn't alway a designated search box for that. I see the Courtyard Villas all seem to have fenced yards but there aren't many available. Are there any other series that I might want to look at that include a fenced yard?

[maistocars]

Courtyard villas are fenced and probably best for smaller dogs. Veranda homes are bigger and fenced with a bit more yard space for the dogs to stretch their legs.

[2newones]

My house at 6022 Swicord St. near Sawgrass recently went on the market for $474k with many perks ($5000. Bonus for new sod or however you want to use it). Fully fenced back yard, 2006 SQ Foot home, 2 car garage, etc. It’s a 2 year old Courtyard Villa with an oversized lot. Call me if you’re interested. 775 830 8549.

[jmpate]

Understand ur dilemma as we faced the same when we moved here. Suggest looking at the "Cottage series" as those are fenced & look at properties south of 44. Many of the newer developments, homes are fenced vs few in the older areas. The rile as I understand it is, when the house is built, the fence must be erected and can't be done after a house is built. More owners are wanting this amenity thus more new homes, (built after 2021) have fenced in yards.

[Marsha11]

I must say that in 11 years in old or new there is no fence. The courtyard villas have walls for privacy. Mostly very little grass and very hot concrete. Patio villas have an extremely small fence not really closed. Other than this there won't be any physical fences at all new or old.

But, the true answer is an electronically fence. This is the only answer.

[Sandy and Ed]

I think that quote is key to many things in the villages. Just because it works at home now, it may not work in TV.

I found a birdcage is best for our dog. They are safe, I can let them out in the yard to do their business, there are spots that are shaded, etc.
Yup. If you don’t get a courtyard (and not one that backs up to a golf course) definitely need a birdcage for the pooch

[Kelevision]

One thing that sold me on the CYV vs the others was the floor plan. I like the living room area being in the back and no windows in the front. All windows look into the private yard area except the 2nd bedroom window which looks out front.

[BillY41]

Studies say the Invisible Fence is 70% effective. The number to be concerned with is the other 30%. We love our dogs and look for what is best. Good luck on your search!