Starting to learn about The Villages

[RalphTheElder]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Bogie Shooter]

Sometime prior to 2030 you need to come on a lifestyle visit or rent for a month or more. This will give you a chance to form your OWN opinion of The Villages.
You can explore and see what would be acceptable to your future lifestyle.
Good Luck!

[Stu from NYC]

You need to come here for a good period of time and explore and explore. Lots of stuff here and more to come and what you like today might not be what you want down the road.

Rent for at least a month.

[asianthree]

In 2030 you could have Disney as your neighbor. When we were Snowbirds, each year we came down there were drastic changes. In “07” SS was the hopping place, and LSL was empty storefronts. Brownwood is finally starting to fill in with retail. Middleton and Eastport is being built as I type (well voice to text).

Don’t listen to you need to be 5 minutes to your Doctors, unless you need to take up residence in their office. Groceries can take 5-10 minutes to get to, unless you are prefer more upscale organic shopping, then again Krogers does drop at your door. No travel involved.

Squares they are intriguing for the first 6 months, then you are so busy, where do you find the time to stop.

No worries if you don’t love your house, pick and move to different area, is very easy to do here. No attachment to homes, and sometimes just want to move to a different area, house, or neighbors. We bought 10 years before one semi retired. It’s done often here.

By the time you move close to the area you are considering homes will be over 15 years old. New models will emerge, and better options. Just remember what you love this year will change by 2030. You drive more than 10 minutes to shopping, groceries, and gasoline. We have traffic, and some just can’t get past that, not they would drive to that area, but it’s obvious it bothers some who find their village is better than any one else, and the rest shouldn’t exist

[Marathon Man]

What others have said is exactly correct. You simply cannot learn about this place online. You need to come here and see things in person.

[npwalters]

There is no place in TV suitable for hiking. There are several greenways within 30 miles that are.

[ThirdOfFive]

I’ll echo other posters. Spend some time here, and not just a week “lifestyle” stay. Rent for some time—several months if possible, divided up among two or three villages you think might fit your needs. Talk to the neighbors, the people you’re paired up with on the golf course, folks at the squares. Attend a church or two if that is your thing. But get as Much firsthand experience as possible and then make up your own mind.

[Smalley]

I’ll echo other posters. Spend some time here, and not just a week “lifestyle” stay. Rent for some time—several months if possible, divided up among two or three villages you think might fit your needs. Talk to the neighbors, the people you’re paired up with on the golf course, folks at the squares. Attend a church or two if that is your thing. But get as Much firsthand experience as possible and then make up your own mind.

Agree that time here in The Villages is essential. You could start with a lifestyle visit. In general, the northern villages are more shady (and prettier) because of the mature trees. We love the north. Hiking at Lake Weir is 25 minutes drive for us. The Florida Greenway is 35 minutes. The Greenway is north of TV as is Lake Weir. Both are natural surface.

[Pairadocs]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Many of us full time residents are likely to reply to you with similar thoughts:

. 2030 is so many years away that even residents here can only guess how many miles E-W, N-S, the Villages might be by then. 40 miles across ? 50 ? Four counties rather than the present three ?

. There are so many factors, keep in mind which county your villages is in will make a difference in choices (utility choices for gas, electricity, etc.), cable providers, land line phone companies, not to even get started on the property tax and retail tax structure you will live with depending on which county you choose to live in. Come counties like Sumter, have non profit electric companies. Our utilities, compared to when we lived in a Marion county village, is HUGE, on we have a larger home than we had in Marion county. Difference is for profit utility providers versus non-profit. You may not care at all, other things may be more important, but it all illustrates how impossible it is NOT to spend time here in order to know what you really want.

. Most know it is a very large place, yet they are still overcome the first time they realize it will take them 45 min. at least to drive from one side to the other. You will always be near squares with live music nightly, you will always be near hiking areas, bike trails, pools, etc. Also, once here you will find that Florida is such a paradise for hikers you'll want to get out of the "V's" some too. Many many wooden hiking trails along water areas, lots of wildlife to see, can't even begin to adequately describe.

. Finally, if there is any possible way financially, you can come and spend some serious time.... a month would be fantastic, but may not be possible for you... but the best would be to be able to come long enough to just live a "normal" life pattern, where you like to shop, which major highways would you rather be near ? Would you often use the Florida turnpike ? Or would you be visiting south Florida frequently, or going north on I-75 ? There is really no way to listen to others, only YOU can come, rent, see what will mean the most for YOUR life.

[Pairadocs]

You need to come here for a good period of time and explore and explore. Lots of stuff here and more to come and what you like today might not be what you want down the road.

Rent for at least a month.

Pay attention to the advice people posted here ! There is no way you could come and rent for a week near Spanish Springs, and go home saying THAT's IT, that's where we want to be... by all the major department stores, by the major highway 441 (called Orange Blossom Trail), that's nearest the Atlantic side beaches. It's just way too large to even see all the areas in one week ! Maybe you'd find you like being closer to the west, Gulf, side and the beaches on that side ? Or you'd rather have easy access to the toll way ? I don't know how anyone could ever make those decisions without time to "live their own normal life routine" first. The mind boggling numbers of people who buy, only to sell when they find another area makes more sense for them... keeps the real estate agents doing very well here....LOL ! One tip we found, not wanting to appear to give the opinion one area or one villages is "better" than another, agents will tell you there is no difference. That is not true of course. Like in any area of the country that covers many counties, you have to do your own in person or on line research to get the tax mils, the retail taxes, compare the utilities you will have to use, etc.

[Stu from NYC]

Pay attention to the advice people posted here ! There is no way you could come and rent for a week near Spanish Springs, and go home saying THAT's IT, that's where we want to be... by all the major department stores, by the major highway 441 (called Orange Blossom Trail), that's nearest the Atlantic side beaches. It's just way too large to even see all the areas in one week ! Maybe you'd find you like being closer to the west, Gulf, side and the beaches on that side ? Or you'd rather have easy access to the toll way ? I don't know how anyone could ever make those decisions without time to "live their own normal life routine" first. The mind boggling numbers of people who buy, only to sell when they find another area makes more sense for them... keeps the real estate agents doing very well here....LOL ! One tip we found, not wanting to appear to give the opinion one area or one villages is "better" than another, agents will tell you there is no difference. That is not true of course. Like in any area of the country that covers many counties, you have to do your own in person or on line research to get the tax mils, the retail taxes, compare the utilities you will have to use, etc.

Very true will add one more thing. Sales agent are in business to make money and will push in often very subtle ways to buy on a lifestyle visit.

You do not know what you do not know.

[merrymini]

Nine years ago, a life style visit of five days was enough. We had a rental car and cart and went to every recreation center from one end to the other. Got a map and looked at everything inside and outside of the villages. A week to ten days may be more appropriate now because this place has grown. Seeing is believing but you can do a lot of prep before you arrive. A great deal of hiking outside the villages too. Good luck.

[srswans]

…
So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.
…
The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.
…


The preserve is not that big - you can see the entire walkway from the entrance - less than a mile in length. It is pavement and boardwalk. Nice place to walk but I wouldn’t call it a hike.

Hogeye Preserve in Marshview is similar but longer - approximately 3 miles but still not what I would call a hike.

South of 44 has plenty of paved pathways for walking - I can easily do a 10 mile walk from my house - again, not really a hike.

For true hiking, you need to leave TV. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is 17 miles with a few spurs. Loose gravel, hard pack and some dirt make up the trail as it wanders through woods and along the lake. A decent hike but not much elevation change.

As another poster mentioned, the Florida Greenway has many miles of hiking and camping too.

[bowlingal]

2030??? wow, that's a long long time away. So much will change by then. Come now, do a lifestyle visit and get your bearings. Who knows what your health will be like then.

[MandoMan]

Agree that time here in The Villages is essential. You could start with a lifestyle visit. In general, the northern villages are more shady (and prettier) because of the mature trees. We love the north. Hiking at Lake Weir is 25 minutes drive for us. The Florida Greenway is 35 minutes. The Greenway is north of TV as is Lake Weir. Both are natural surface.

I agree. If Lake Weir is 25 minutes for you, then you probably live north of 466A, right? But if they buy a new house south of Florida’s Turnpike, Lake Weir will be more like 50 minutes to an hour, won’t it? They throw around a reference to “six miles” as if that were nothing, but that’s a good 20 minutes by car and twice that by golf cart. The homes south of the Turnpike are nice and new and a good place to make friends, but they really are sort of a different world, rather inconvenient. It may be that they are wanting a hiking place in The Villages because they want to get there by golf cart. But that may not be as romantic as it sounds. I used to drive from 466 and Morse to Aviary Rec Center down near Bradford for a club, and that took 30 minutes by car, and it would have been well over an hour by cart. This is all to say that they have their fantasies, and they read the brochures, but the reality will be different. Good, but different. I bought a great golf cart when I moved here, then realized I wasn’t going to be playing golf, and a cart was too slow and inconvenient and hot in the summer and cold in the winter for my life the way it was shaping up, so I sold it.

[asianthree]

Very true will add one more thing. Sales agent are in business to make money and will push in often very subtle ways to buy on a lifestyle visit.

You do not know what you do not know.

For all of our 4 lifestyles, here’s my number call if you want to look, we didn’t look at a house until the fourth visit. What our rep did do was put us in different style houses to get a feel for them.

We were dead set on a CYV, until the 3rd visit, the dogs barking, and hearing clear conversations from houses farther down, changed our minds by day 2. We also thought living by the polo grounds was a great place and changed our mind on that.

Fourth visit was the first time we looked at homes, he took us to 4 preowned in different areas, and one new village almost built, and new village just starting. Then again we aren’t the type of people to let others help us make up our minds.

[Ellwoodrick]

Don't forget to educate yourself on the cost of the Bond payments for many newly developed areas. In older areas the Bond on the home may be paid off. However you may be looking at a new roof for an older home that your insurance company may not like. Lots to learn.

[Topgun 1776]

All of these long winded advice posts!!!
Sometimes I wonder if some of you have nothing better to do than craft these up for TOTV!
Just come down here for a Lifestyle Experience and/or rent for at least a month ...that will tell you everything you need to know.
Simple ....to the point....and done.
Have a great day!

[Altavia]

Don't forget to educate yourself on the cost of the Bond payments for many newly developed areas. In older areas the Bond on the home may be paid off. However you may be looking at a new roof for an older home that your insurance company may not like. Lots to learn.

Related FYI - newer homes built to current wind mitigation standards will have lower insurance rates.

[DrHitch]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Lifestyle visits are highly recommended. Be sure to visit the web site www.thevillages101.com, mostly for new renters but lots of geography info as well.

[MidWestIA]

The Villages lifestyle is all about driving a golf cart to most things you do hopefully in 15-20 minutes. So above hwy 44 or around hwy 466a or 466. Hiking is mentioned more down south without much in stores, golf, restaurants but there a trail on 44 by brownwood. I lived by Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve see this pic that is all there is short walk

https://www.**************.com/2017/02/09/sunrise-sharon-rose-wiechens-preserve-villages-3/

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.
My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.
close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.


The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs.

[hosegooseman]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Best you can do is to do Lifestyle visit or rent a home here. Unless you are planning to buy soon, I would not pay to much attention (other than basic knowledge) to recommendations when your target date is around 2030. A lot is going to change from now until then

The longer you can do a stay here, the more benefit you will get. It will allow you to REALLY explore first hand what you are looking for and the rest of The Villages.

[NotGolfer]

I've seen so many who post here, who also over-think and plan. As so many others stated....why not take time to come and visit?? When you plan too much, you might be disappointed or frustrated. You're looking at 7-8 yrs from now?? A LOT can happen in that time and what you've planned will be twarted.

[sharonl7340]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.

[Andyhope]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.
If it takes you more than 3-5 years to move here, any information you requested will be Obsolete. Growth is near outta control

[Moonrunner]

There’s no way to assess the “vibe” of various areas without being in it. Nobody can be YOU in making these decisions.

[rjm1cc]

Spend a few vacation weeks here. VH4R Home Rentals in The Villages Florida The Villages Rentals (https://villagershomes4rent.com/)

[Bogie Shooter]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.

Disregard the above post.
A million $, not!

[deborahcme]

Between now and your planned retirement, you've got plenty of time to come for a lifestyle visit but also a "tour on your own" visit. As I'm sure you are aware, there are many nice rental properties you can stay in. Renting a home here for your vacation is a great way to experience actually living here -- all the fun stuff to do, but the practical stuff as well--grocery shopping, traffic, navigating traffic circles, getting lost in your golf cart and so on. We visited at least three times before deciding that getting vacation/retirement home was what we wanted. And the first home we chose, once we lived in it for a vacation, was actually not the home we really wanted! So use the time you have pre-retirement as other posters have said to get your own feel for this place. And I think your gonna like what you find :)

[asianthree]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.

With lot premium some houses new and preowned are already at a million and up. If you were sited for a compliance issue, you went against deed restrictions, that you signed at closing. Unless you lived as a hermit prior to TV there has always been rude, entitled, and privileged people.

Have you investigated your water and electricity issues, sounds odd, but depends on where you live.

[lindaelane]

I recommend renting for a year. So many of the things I thought I would enjoy are not the things I do enjoy here. I found different things to enjoy, of course. My regrets: I enjoy travel and Orlando airport to North Villages is quite a slog not to mention expensive (or a slow or crowded shuttle). I liked "art film" but they closed the North Villages theater, and it will never re-open. I thought I would enjoy the squares, but I found them hot, weatherwise, most of the year, and I can hear good recorded music. I like volunteer work but the main volunteer luncheon for the group I like is in the far south villages. - - So, rent for a year, find the special things you like. Commuting here is unpleasant due to very slow speed limits, avoiding problem drivers and lots of traffic circles. I don't like 15 minute drives, let along the common 30 minute drives in these conditions.

[wmcgowan]

watch the jerry and linda video on youtube

[MSGirl]

By 2030, The Villages thumbprint will change tremendously! That’s a lifetime away for retired folks, who may or may not still be here. I agree! Check this place out as soon as you can. Even for a week at a time.. do it frequently before you plan the move.

[SusanStCatherine]

Keep an eye on new construction near Eastport. If you get in there early and don't like it, you will be able to easily sell and make a profit.

[margaretmattson]

Related FYI - newer homes built to current wind mitigation standards will have lower insurance rates. The current wind mitigation standards include homes that were built from 3/01/2002 to the present. New roofs on older homes are required by insurance companies because roofs deteriorate over time. Knowing this, most resales have newly replaced roofs. No one wants to see their home sit on the market because a buyer cannot get insurance.

[margaretmattson]

Keep an eye on new construction near Eastport. If you get in there early and don't like it, you will be able to easily sell and make a profit. You have to pay realtor commission and closing costs when you sell your home. Those fees can add up. An easy sell is up for debate. Most homes on the market today are sitting and are not selling at the higher prices demanded by the post-Covid craze. Companies are demanding workers return to the office, interest rates are high, people are choosing to rent because it is cheaper than buying, inflation is high, and there is an overabundance of short term rentals. If you purchase a home with the intent of flipping it quickly, you may find it is not as easy as it once was.

[Darield]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.
The best hiking is down South and living near Wiechens would give you access to a nice boardwalk as well as Hogeye (wonderful 2.5 mile path) as well as at least 4 more very nice hiking areas in the newer areas. Okahumpka Recreation Center has a beautiful 1/2 mile trail and soon the boardwalk will be open. Although I live on the North end, I belong to the birding groups and often am down South. The VIllages also just built a new "soft" walking trail at Lake Miona that is 2/3 of a mile one way. I heard they are building a new town square down South but don't know when it will open. Brownwood Square is closest to Wiechens and the area you are looking at and Lake Sumter is not that far away. And yes, they have music 7 nights a week.There are a number of neighborhoods that might fit your needs including La Belle. There are other things to consider also. An example; we are dog people. We would never consider living near one of the ponds or a large natural area. Unfortunately, there have, on occasion, been dogs killed by alligators. We also have other wildlife. Another thing to consider is will you want to drive your car or do you want to use a golf cart? I go to a number of the recreation centers/hiking trails and because I live up North, I drive my car. Just about everything is accessible by golf cart if you don't mind the extra time it takes. So I agree, spending some time here is the best way to move forward. I will say, there is no perfect place but I really enjoy living in The Villages. With over 2000 clubs (including hiking clubs), there are a lot of things to explore. Clubs are listed in an insert on the Thursday paper.

[OhioBuckeye]

Hope you can afford it by 2030, Florida is probably the most wanted state to move to, hope there’s some land left. If I were you I would buy some property in TV now & even if you don’t decide now to build you’ll make money on it if TV let you buy it now or let you buy land without building now. I take it you’re not old enough now!

[sharonl7340]

For a house with more than 1156 square feet? By 2030? Yep close to a million. If you doubt me hang around until then and try to buy a house with1600+ sf with a golf cart garage, stucco.... mark my words. Oh yes, the bond payment, the fire assessment...dint forget that.

[margaretmattson]

For a house with more than 1156 square feet? By 2030? Yep close to a million. If you doubt me hang around until then and try to buy a house with1600+ sf with a golf cart garage, stucco.... mark my words. Oh yes, the bond payment, the fire assessment...dint forget that. If that happens, people will evacuate Florida just like those in California, New York, Chicago, etc are doing now. And, who wants tented homeless areas?

[RalphTheElder]

Sometime prior to 2030 you need to come on a lifestyle visit or rent for a month or more. This will give you a chance to form your OWN opinion of The Villages.
You can explore and see what would be acceptable to your future lifestyle.
Good Luck!Thanks for the reply, Bogie Shooter.

I have tentative plans to visit The Villages within the next year.

The reason that I am investigating and asking questions now is so that I can target which area within The Villages I will staying during my visit. Does that make sense?

[RalphTheElder]

You need to come here for a good period of time and explore and explore. Lots of stuff here and more to come and what you like today might not be what you want down the road.

Rent for at least a month.Thanks for the reply, Stu.

[RalphTheElder]

In 2030 you could have Disney as your neighbor. When we were Snowbirds, each year we came down there were drastic changes. In “07” SS was the hopping place, and LSL was empty storefronts. Brownwood is finally starting to fill in with retail. Middleton and Eastport is being built as I type (well voice to text).

Don’t listen to you need to be 5 minutes to your Doctors, unless you need to take up residence in their office. Groceries can take 5-10 minutes to get to, unless you are prefer more upscale organic shopping, then again Krogers does drop at your door. No travel involved.

Squares they are intriguing for the first 6 months, then you are so busy, where do you find the time to stop.

No worries if you don’t love your house, pick and move to different area, is very easy to do here. No attachment to homes, and sometimes just want to move to a different area, house, or neighbors. We bought 10 years before one semi retired. It’s done often here.

By the time you move close to the area you are considering homes will be over 15 years old. New models will emerge, and better options. Just remember what you love this year will change by 2030. You drive more than 10 minutes to shopping, groceries, and gasoline. We have traffic, and some just can’t get past that, not they would drive to that area, but it’s obvious it bothers some who find their village is better than any one else, and the rest shouldn’t existThank for the reply asianthree.

[RalphTheElder]

What others have said is exactly correct. You simply cannot learn about this place online. You need to come here and see things in person.I'm a little confused. Are you saying that it is a waste of my time to do any online research about The Villages?

[RalphTheElder]

There is no place in TV suitable for hiking. There are several greenways within 30 miles that are.Thanks for the reply npwalters.

Are you including the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve in your 'no place suitable for hiking' assessment?

[RalphTheElder]

I’ll echo other posters. Spend some time here, and not just a week “lifestyle” stay. Rent for some time—several months if possible, divided up among two or three villages you think might fit your needs. Talk to the neighbors, the people you’re paired up with on the golf course, folks at the squares. Attend a church or two if that is your thing. But get as Much firsthand experience as possible and then make up your own mind.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

Agree that time here in The Villages is essential. You could start with a lifestyle visit. In general, the northern villages are more shady (and prettier) because of the mature trees. We love the north. Hiking at Lake Weir is 25 minutes drive for us. The Florida Greenway is 35 minutes. The Greenway is north of TV as is Lake Weir. Both are natural surface.Smalley, thank you so much for the helpful information about Lake Weir and The Greenway!

[RalphTheElder]

Many of us full time residents are likely to reply to you with similar thoughts:

. 2030 is so many years away that even residents here can only guess how many miles E-W, N-S, the Villages might be by then. 40 miles across ? 50 ? Four counties rather than the present three ?

. There are so many factors, keep in mind which county your villages is in will make a difference in choices (utility choices for gas, electricity, etc.), cable providers, land line phone companies, not to even get started on the property tax and retail tax structure you will live with depending on which county you choose to live in. Come counties like Sumter, have non profit electric companies. Our utilities, compared to when we lived in a Marion county village, is HUGE, on we have a larger home than we had in Marion county. Difference is for profit utility providers versus non-profit. You may not care at all, other things may be more important, but it all illustrates how impossible it is NOT to spend time here in order to know what you really want.

. Most know it is a very large place, yet they are still overcome the first time they realize it will take them 45 min. at least to drive from one side to the other. You will always be near squares with live music nightly, you will always be near hiking areas, bike trails, pools, etc. Also, once here you will find that Florida is such a paradise for hikers you'll want to get out of the "V's" some too. Many many wooden hiking trails along water areas, lots of wildlife to see, can't even begin to adequately describe.

. Finally, if there is any possible way financially, you can come and spend some serious time.... a month would be fantastic, but may not be possible for you... but the best would be to be able to come long enough to just live a "normal" life pattern, where you like to shop, which major highways would you rather be near ? Would you often use the Florida turnpike ? Or would you be visiting south Florida frequently, or going north on I-75 ? There is really no way to listen to others, only YOU can come, rent, see what will mean the most for YOUR life.
Thanks for the reply.

I would like to emphasize a couple of points.

Firstly, "sometime prior 2030" could mean "2024", right? Please don't assume that "sometime prior to 2030" translates to "2030".

Even though I asked very specific questions about hiking and town square, please do not assume that I am ignoring all other aspects of this many-faceted investigation and decision.

[RalphTheElder]

Many of us full time residents are likely to reply to you with similar thoughts:

. 2030 is so many years away that even residents here can only guess how many miles E-W, N-S, the Villages might be by then. 40 miles across ? 50 ? Four counties rather than the present three ?

. There are so many factors, keep in mind which county your villages is in will make a difference in choices (utility choices for gas, electricity, etc.), cable providers, land line phone companies, not to even get started on the property tax and retail tax structure you will live with depending on which county you choose to live in. Come counties like Sumter, have non profit electric companies. Our utilities, compared to when we lived in a Marion county village, is HUGE, on we have a larger home than we had in Marion county. Difference is for profit utility providers versus non-profit. You may not care at all, other things may be more important, but it all illustrates how impossible it is NOT to spend time here in order to know what you really want.

. Most know it is a very large place, yet they are still overcome the first time they realize it will take them 45 min. at least to drive from one side to the other. You will always be near squares with live music nightly, you will always be near hiking areas, bike trails, pools, etc. Also, once here you will find that Florida is such a paradise for hikers you'll want to get out of the "V's" some too. Many many wooden hiking trails along water areas, lots of wildlife to see, can't even begin to adequately describe.

. Finally, if there is any possible way financially, you can come and spend some serious time.... a month would be fantastic, but may not be possible for you... but the best would be to be able to come long enough to just live a "normal" life pattern, where you like to shop, which major highways would you rather be near ? Would you often use the Florida turnpike ? Or would you be visiting south Florida frequently, or going north on I-75 ? There is really no way to listen to others, only YOU can come, rent, see what will mean the most for YOUR life.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

Pay attention to the advice people posted here ! There is no way you could come and rent for a week near Spanish Springs, and go home saying THAT's IT, that's where we want to be... by all the major department stores, by the major highway 441 (called Orange Blossom Trail), that's nearest the Atlantic side beaches. It's just way too large to even see all the areas in one week ! Maybe you'd find you like being closer to the west, Gulf, side and the beaches on that side ? Or you'd rather have easy access to the toll way ? I don't know how anyone could ever make those decisions without time to "live their own normal life routine" first. The mind boggling numbers of people who buy, only to sell when they find another area makes more sense for them... keeps the real estate agents doing very well here....LOL ! One tip we found, not wanting to appear to give the opinion one area or one villages is "better" than another, agents will tell you there is no difference. That is not true of course. Like in any area of the country that covers many counties, you have to do your own in person or on line research to get the tax mils, the retail taxes, compare the utilities you will have to use, etc.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

Nine years ago, a life style visit of five days was enough. We had a rental car and cart and went to every recreation center from one end to the other. Got a map and looked at everything inside and outside of the villages. A week to ten days may be more appropriate now because this place has grown. Seeing is believing but you can do a lot of prep before you arrive. A great deal of hiking outside the villages too. Good luck.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

The preserve is not that big - you can see the entire walkway from the entrance - less than a mile in length. It is pavement and boardwalk. Nice place to walk but I wouldn’t call it a hike.

Hogeye Preserve in Marshview is similar but longer - approximately 3 miles but still not what I would call a hike.

South of 44 has plenty of paved pathways for walking - I can easily do a 10 mile walk from my house - again, not really a hike.

For true hiking, you need to leave TV. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is 17 miles with a few spurs. Loose gravel, hard pack and some dirt make up the trail as it wanders through woods and along the lake. A decent hike but not much elevation change.

As another poster mentioned, the Florida Greenway has many miles of hiking and camping too.srswans, that was a super-helpful reply. Thank you so much!

I had read that the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve is the largest preserve in the Villages, so I ASSumed that I would be able to take a long walk / hike there. Thanks for educating me about that.

And, thanks for mentioning that it is possible to take a 3-mile hike / walk in Hogeye Preserve in Marshview! That is the sort of distance that interests me.

Thanks again for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

2030??? wow, that's a long long time away. So much will change by then. Come now, do a lifestyle visit and get your bearings. Who knows what your health will be like then.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

I agree. If Lake Weir is 25 minutes for you, then you probably live north of 466A, right? But if they buy a new house south of Florida’s Turnpike, Lake Weir will be more like 50 minutes to an hour, won’t it? They throw around a reference to “six miles” as if that were nothing, but that’s a good 20 minutes by car and twice that by golf cart. The homes south of the Turnpike are nice and new and a good place to make friends, but they really are sort of a different world, rather inconvenient. It may be that they are wanting a hiking place in The Villages because they want to get there by golf cart. But that may not be as romantic as it sounds. I used to drive from 466 and Morse to Aviary Rec Center down near Bradford for a club, and that took 30 minutes by car, and it would have been well over an hour by cart. This is all to say that they have their fantasies, and they read the brochures, but the reality will be different. Good, but different. I bought a great golf cart when I moved here, then realized I wasn’t going to be playing golf, and a cart was too slow and inconvenient and hot in the summer and cold in the winter for my life the way it was shaping up, so I sold it.

You wrote, "if they buy a new house south of Florida’s Turnpike, Lake Weir will be more like 50 minutes to an hour, won’t it? They throw around a reference to “six miles” as if that were nothing, but that’s a good 20 minutes by car and twice that by golf cart..."

and that is precisely why I am doing this research.

I don't want to consider living in a portion of The Villages that so far from the activities that attract me that I will be discouraged from participating in those activities.

Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

For all of our 4 lifestyles, here’s my number call if you want to look, we didn’t look at a house until the fourth visit. What our rep did do was put us in different style houses to get a feel for them.

We were dead set on a CYV, until the 3rd visit, the dogs barking, and hearing clear conversations from houses farther down, changed our minds by day 2. We also thought living by the polo grounds was a great place and changed our mind on that.

Fourth visit was the first time we looked at homes, he took us to 4 preowned in different areas, and one new village almost built, and new village just starting. Then again we aren’t the type of people to let others help us make up our minds.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

Don't forget to educate yourself on the cost of the Bond payments for many newly developed areas. In older areas the Bond on the home may be paid off. However you may be looking at a new roof for an older home that your insurance company may not like. Lots to learn.Ellwoodrick, thanks for that helpful information. I'll take bond payments into account.

[RalphTheElder]

All of these long winded advice posts!!!
Sometimes I wonder if some of you have nothing better to do than craft these up for TOTV!
Just come down here for a Lifestyle Experience and/or rent for at least a month ...that will tell you everything you need to know.
Simple ....to the point....and done.
Have a great day!Topgun, are you referring to my post as long-winded? Or are you referring to replies to my post?

[RalphTheElder]

The Villages lifestyle is all about driving a golf cart to most things you do hopefully in 15-20 minutes. So above hwy 44 or around hwy 466a or 466. Hiking is mentioned more down south without much in stores, golf, restaurants but there a trail on 44 by brownwood. I lived by Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve see this pic that is all there is short walk

https://www.**************.com/2017/02/09/sunrise-sharon-rose-wiechens-preserve-villages-3/

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.
My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.
close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.


The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs.MidWestIA, thanks for the helpful reply.

Unfortunately, it appears that this forum censored the URL that you provided.

[RalphTheElder]

Best you can do is to do Lifestyle visit or rent a home here. Unless you are planning to buy soon, I would not pay to much attention (other than basic knowledge) to recommendations when your target date is around 2030. A lot is going to change from now until then

The longer you can do a stay here, the more benefit you will get. It will allow you to REALLY explore first hand what you are looking for and the rest of The Villages.Thanks for the reply, hosegooseman.

[RalphTheElder]

I've seen so many who post here, who also over-think and plan. As so many others stated....why not take time to come and visit?? When you plan too much, you might be disappointed or frustrated. You're looking at 7-8 yrs from now?? A LOT can happen in that time and what you've planned will be twarted.Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.Shronl, thank you for the helpful reply!

You wrote, "The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. " <-- Wow, I didn't realize that was legal!

You wrote, "If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care." <-- I did not know that! So, perhaps online research such as I am doing in this forum actually is useful!

[RalphTheElder]

If it takes you more than 3-5 years to move here, any information you requested will be Obsolete. Growth is near outta controlYou wrote, "more than 3-5 years ".

I think you mis-read my OP.

[RalphTheElder]

There’s no way to assess the “vibe” of various areas without being in it. Nobody can be YOU in making these decisions.Yes, that seems obvious.

Thanks for the reply.

[RalphTheElder]

Between now and your planned retirement, you've got plenty of time to come for a lifestyle visit but also a "tour on your own" visit. As I'm sure you are aware, there are many nice rental properties you can stay in. Renting a home here for your vacation is a great way to experience actually living here -- all the fun stuff to do, but the practical stuff as well--grocery shopping, traffic, navigating traffic circles, getting lost in your golf cart and so on. We visited at least three times before deciding that getting vacation/retirement home was what we wanted. And the first home we chose, once we lived in it for a vacation, was actually not the home we really wanted! So use the time you have pre-retirement as other posters have said to get your own feel for this place. And I think your gonna like what you find :)Thanks for the reply.

While I did not mention it in my OP, my plan has been to do a rental tour.

[RalphTheElder]

Between now and your planned retirement...As I mentioned in my OP, I am already retired.

[RalphTheElder]

I recommend renting for a year. So many of the things I thought I would enjoy are not the things I do enjoy here. I found different things to enjoy, of course. My regrets: I enjoy travel and Orlando airport to North Villages is quite a slog not to mention expensive (or a slow or crowded shuttle). I liked "art film" but they closed the North Villages theater, and it will never re-open. I thought I would enjoy the squares, but I found them hot, weatherwise, most of the year, and I can hear good recorded music. I like volunteer work but the main volunteer luncheon for the group I like is in the far south villages. - - So, rent for a year, find the special things you like. Commuting here is unpleasant due to very slow speed limits, avoiding problem drivers and lots of traffic circles. I don't like 15 minute drives, let along the common 30 minute drives in these conditions.Thanks for the reply, lindaelane.

Yes, I realize that my interests may change over the years.

[RalphTheElder]

The current wind mitigation standards include homes that were built from 3/01/2002 to the present. New roofs on older homes are required by insurance companies because roofs deteriorate over time. Knowing this, most resales have newly replaced roofs. No one wants to see their home sit on the market because a buyer cannot get insurance.Thanks for the reply and the helpful info, margaretmattson.

[RalphTheElder]

You have to pay realtor commission and closing costs when you sell your home. Those fees can add up. An easy sell is up for debate. Most homes on the market today are sitting and are not selling at the higher prices demanded by the post-Covid craze. Companies are demanding workers return to the office, interest rates are high, people are choosing to rent because it is cheaper than buying, inflation is high, and there is an overabundance of short term rentals. If you purchase a home with the intent of flipping it quickly, you may find it is not as easy as it once was.Yes, I would like to avoid buying and selling several times, if possible, which is why I am 'doing my homework".

[RalphTheElder]

The best hiking is down South and living near Wiechens would give you access to a nice boardwalk as well as Hogeye (wonderful 2.5 mile path) as well as at least 4 more very nice hiking areas in the newer areas. Okahumpka Recreation Center has a beautiful 1/2 mile trail and soon the boardwalk will be open. Although I live on the North end, I belong to the birding groups and often am down South. The VIllages also just built a new "soft" walking trail at Lake Miona that is 2/3 of a mile one way. I heard they are building a new town square down South but don't know when it will open. Brownwood Square is closest to Wiechens and the area you are looking at and Lake Sumter is not that far away. And yes, they have music 7 nights a week.There are a number of neighborhoods that might fit your needs including La Belle. There are other things to consider also. An example; we are dog people. We would never consider living near one of the ponds or a large natural area. Unfortunately, there have, on occasion, been dogs killed by alligators. We also have other wildlife. Another thing to consider is will you want to drive your car or do you want to use a golf cart? I go to a number of the recreation centers/hiking trails and because I live up North, I drive my car. Just about everything is accessible by golf cart if you don't mind the extra time it takes. So I agree, spending some time here is the best way to move forward. I will say, there is no perfect place but I really enjoy living in The Villages. With over 2000 clubs (including hiking clubs), there are a lot of things to explore. Clubs are listed in an insert on the Thursday paper.Darield, thank you for the thoughful reply.

Do you happen to know whether the boardwalk at the Okahumpka Recreation Center will significantly lengthen the walk / hike beyond 1/2 mile?

[RalphTheElder]

Hope you can afford it by 2030, Florida is probably the most wanted state to move to, hope there’s some land left. If I were you I would buy some property in TV now & even if you don’t decide now to build you’ll make money on it if TV let you buy it now or let you buy land without building now. I take it you’re not old enough now!Thank you for the reply, OhioBuckeye.

I currently live in an area where real estate costs are a lot higher than in The Villages, so I am not anticipating being priced out.

[jimjamuser]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Don't think about the geography other than the fact that Florida is closer to the equator than say, North Carolina. Think about the HEAT, record heat this summer in Fl. and ALL over the globe. Next year will be MORE record HEAT on top of this year's record HEAT. It will continue for about 8 years or until people understand that Internal Combustion Engines are causing excess CO2 which goes up to the upper atmosphere and reflects solar heat back to earth. The oceans are also overHEATED too and are storing too much CO2 which is killing Fl. coral reefs. .......Do yourself a favor and forget about Florida for about 8 years and if global warming is under control, then re-evaluate the idea of moving to Florida. I suggest writing to Crossville, Tn. and asking about retirement areas - they are cheaper and have most of the same activities as The Villages, just smaller, cheaper situations. Also, look at North and South Carolina.
........I have lived in the Villages for 12 years and, believe me, if I could move, I would in a heartbeat. Summers here are obscenely HOT.

[Pat2015]

Things change here quickly with TV building about 5000 new homes a year and adding new rec centers and activities along with a 4th new square in Eastport which is under construction. All the villages are wonderful in their own way, and upon visiting you can decide what’s the best location/fit for you! There’s miles of walking trails with preserves in the southern areas, but no hiking trails within TV. Good luck to you.

[RalphTheElder]

Don't think about the geography other than the fact that Florida is closer to the equator than say, North Carolina. Think about the HEAT, record heat this summer in Fl. and ALL over the globe. Next year will be MORE record HEAT on top of this year's record HEAT. It will continue for about 8 years or until people understand that Internal Combustion Engines are causing excess CO2 which goes up to the upper atmosphere and reflects solar heat back to earth. The oceans are also overHEATED too and are storing too much CO2 which is killing Fl. coral reefs. .......Do yourself a favor and forget about Florida for about 8 years and if global warming is under control, then re-evaluate the idea of moving to Florida. I suggest writing to Crossville, Tn. and asking about retirement areas - they are cheaper and have most of the same activities as The Villages, just smaller, cheaper situations. Also, look at North and South Carolina.
........I have lived in the Villages for 12 years and, believe me, if I could move, I would in a heartbeat. Summers here are obscenely HOT.Thanks for the reply, jimjamuser.

Please don't assume that I am planning to live year-round in The Villages.

[RalphTheElder]

Things change here quickly with TV building about 5000 new homes a year and adding new rec centers and activities along with a 4th new square in Eastport which is under construction. All the villages are wonderful in their own way, and upon visiting you can decide what’s the best location/fit for you! There’s miles of walking trails with preserves in the southern areas, but no hiking trails within TV. Good luck to you.Thanks for the reply, Pat.

[jimjamuser]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.
I liked that post because it showed the realities that people find out about as they live here for a pretty long time. The houses are too close together and the NOISE is INCREDIBLE. Very few Villagers complain about this - probably because most are ex-military and are quasi-deaf from bombs and jet engine noise. I should add that the NOISE is from LOUD LAWNMOWER professionals. If everyone did their own grass with electric lawn mowers, it would be ZERO problems......but, that is the kind of thing that NEVER gets addressed in TVLand because everyone gets propagandized into believing that they live in paradise.
......Also, the ICE golf carts are noisy and especially the ones (about 30 %) where people have illegally jacked up the governors (top speed) to as much as 25 to 30MPH. They are MUCH noisier than cars and trucks. And their suspension systems are not equipped for those higher speeds and are dangerous.
.......Those are just some small REALITIES about TVLand. You need to experience DETAILS LIKE THOSE and also the EXTREME HEAT in the summer.
.......Like I said.......look at Crossville, Tn before deciding on this place.

[Bogie Shooter]

Not being critical……
A thanks for each reply is really not necessary, just clutters up the thread.
Often see “Thanks to ALL that replied”.

[dougawhite]

Chinsegut Hill – Historic Manor House and nature trail to Lake Lindsey.

Sumter: Half Moon – Half Moon Wildlife Management Area.

Sumter: Lake Okahumpka – Lake Okahumpka Park.

Hernando: Cypress Lakes Preserve

Sumter: Hog Island

Hernando: Chinsegut Conservation Center – Beautiful Chinsegut - home of the red-headed woodpeckers.

[jimjamuser]

Thanks for the reply, jimjamuser.

Please don't assume that I am planning to live year-round in The Villages.
Yes, I did kind of make that assumption. If a person can afford 2 homes then Florida starts to make more sense. But, with the global warming taking place, today Florida has HOT summers for about 5 or 6 months - not like summer in Buffalo, NY which would be for 3 or 4 months. The good things about the Villages are the MANY activities and they can be shared with people basically the same age (retired).
........I personally played some sports this morning (it was sweaty HOT, even my socks were wet) (my eyelids were sweating). But, now there is nothing to do outside so I am inside until about 7 pm when it cools enough to go outside and do some things in the yard. So, I am typing and warning you that The Villages is not All, La Land, and Rainbows. There are downsides. Many people have recommended renting for several months in different areas, that is good advice. I have just taken it a step further and recommended Crossville Tn (a retirement center near there). Also, a good combination would be The Villages for 6 months in the winter and 6 months in the summer in a place like Crossville, Tn or further north like Wi. With 2 homes, there are many good options. Just avoid Fl. in the summer.

[asianthree]

The south has walking trails, that can be combined to become miles. Since they are around natural ponds, prairie, and weird wooded areas, views are always different. You take your cart to one of the parking areas, and take a walk.

You speak of hiking, are you looking for wilderness, or high climbing? There are great state parks within driving distance, but no real high altitude climbs. We tend to keep to the well groomed trails here, not a fan of the snakes, plus gators during mating season you will be amazed at how well traveled they are.

At our 3rd home in TV ( what used to be considered the middle) we have a pond across the street, that pelicans come in the winter, and fish out, staying for about a week, then move to next stocked pond. We have had panther, black bear, coyote, wander past our lanai cameras. We watch bald eagles and split tails soaring over our house.

We started in TV in 2007, and wondered every year what will come next, in 2023, it’s every month what is new. The charter school attracts families that come here to work, and get a great education in new state of the art HS. We tend to leave go to our northern lake home, cause this summer has been beyond any high temp Fl has ever seen.

Take time, it was four visits before we chose first vaca home, then continued to move to the next area we wanted to live. No attachment here to house, homes are relatively easy to sell, we have moving companies that will pack you and move your furniture.

[jimjamuser]

Thanks for the reply npwalters.

Are you including the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve in your 'no place suitable for hiking' assessment?
There is a National Forest northeast of the Villages about a 45 min drive from the top end of the Villages where you could have about 100 sq miles of hiking. You would see lots of wildlife too. I have been there for hunting several years ago. It is tranquil and contains some SERIOUS Florida plants and animals in the wild.

[RalphTheElder]

I liked that post because it showed the realities that people find out about as they live here for a pretty long time. The houses are too close together and the NOISE is INCREDIBLE. Very few Villagers complain about this - probably because most are ex-military and are quasi-deaf from bombs and jet engine noise. I should add that the NOISE is from LOUD LAWNMOWER professionals. If everyone did their own grass with electric lawn mowers, it would be ZERO problems......but, that is the kind of thing that NEVER gets addressed in TVLand because everyone gets propagandized into believing that they live in paradise.
......Also, the ICE golf carts are noisy and especially the ones (about 30 %) where people have illegally jacked up the governors (top speed) to as much as 25 to 30MPH. They are MUCH noisier than cars and trucks. And their suspension systems are not equipped for those higher speeds and are dangerous.
.......Those are just some small REALITIES about TVLand. You need to experience DETAILS LIKE THOSE and also the EXTREME HEAT in the summer.
.......Like I said.......look at Crossville, Tn before deciding on this place.Thanks for the comments jimjamuser.

Actually, I have been building up my own private list of pros and cons for The Villages for about a year. The issues that you mention have been on my list.

Also, I will emphasize that I wrote in my OP, "...am considering moving to The Villages..."

[RalphTheElder]

The south has walking trails, that can be combined to become miles. Since they are around natural ponds, prairie, and weird wooded areas, views are always different. You take your cart to one of the parking areas, and take a walk.

You speak of hiking, are you looking for wilderness, or high climbing? There are great state parks within driving distance, but no real high altitude climbs. We tend to keep to the well groomed trails here, not a fan of the snakes, plus gators during mating season you will be amazed at how well traveled they are.

At our 3rd home in TV ( what used to be considered the middle) we have a pond across the street, that pelicans come in the winter, and fish out, staying for about a week, then move to next stocked pond. We have had panther, black bear, coyote, wander past our lanai cameras. We watch bald eagles and split tails soaring over our house.

We started in TV in 2007, and wondered every year what will come next, in 2023, it’s every month what is new. The charter school attracts families that come here to work, and get a great education in new state of the art HS. We tend to leave go to our northern lake home, cause this summer has been beyond any high temp Fl has ever seen.

Take time, it was four visits before we chose first vaca home, then continued to move to the next area we wanted to live. No attachment here to house, homes are relatively easy to sell, we have moving companies that will pack you and move your furniture.asianthree, you ask an excellent question about my walking/hiking preferences.

I think in terms of needs and wants.

My need is for non-concrete walking / hiking for 1-2 miles at a time.

My wants are for: walk / hike in nature; walk / hike that has a good amount of shade; walk / hike that involves climbing. I enjoy all of the above elements where I live now, but I am trying to be realistic wrt my criteria.

[JMintzer]

Thanks for the reply, Bogie Shooter.

I have tentative plans to visit The Villages within the next year.

The reason that I am investigating and asking questions now is so that I can target which area within The Villages I will staying during my visit. Does that make sense?

LaBelle is just a bit north of the center of TV right now. It's a nice (relatively new) area, close to golf, rec centers, squares, etc.

We first visited 4 years ago this coming Thanksgiving, staying with friends (who had moved off Moyer Loop in Pine Hills, 3 months earlier) for about a week. Just around the corner from LaBelle.

That was our "Lifestyle Visit". We were able to explore as much as possible, participating in as many activities as we could... Honestly, I was hooked, but the Boss wanted to rent for a bit to be sure.

So, a bit over a year later, we rented near our friends for two months. I traveled back and forth to work and the wife stayed in FL. When the weather was lousy, we went to open houses and went looking for new and resales with out friend's Villages Sales Agent (another friend had also used her and was also very happy with her). No pressure, showed us what we wanted to see after asking us a few questions.

She took us to see the new builds (only Chitty Chatty and Bradford we available at the time) and to see resales between 44 and 466A (as that seemed to be where we wanted to be).

There were some very nice homes for sale south of 44, but the Boss didn't like the views of the power lines, so Chitty Chatty and Bradford dropped off our list. We focused on the above mentioned ares. We found a nice Designer home in Oscola Hills at Soaring Eagle, a 3 BR 2 BA (that happened to be just down the street from another set of friends who had also moved to TV. We met them several years earlier before they moved to TV, thru the people we stayed with). Between all of them, we were able to experience much of what TV had to offer.

The price seemed right, we made an offer, came to an agreement, got a killer mortgage rate and settled in February 2021.

Luckily, we bought just before the "Covid Boom" hit, as prices skyrocketed a month or so after out offer was accepted...

We moved in in April and since then, we've been coming down as time allows. The Boss usually stays for 2+ months in the winter (I drive her down at the beginning for two weeks, fly back to work for 5-6 weeks, fly back to FL for another two weeks, then we drive back together in early March. She drove down in early June with our middle daughter and son in law, I flew down the last week of June and we drove back the weekend after the 4th of July. We'll probably do the same thing in October, then repeat the process until I retire (hopefully in 12-18 months)...

After living (albeit part time) in our home for 2.5 years, the Boss wants a 3rd BA (or at least another 1/2 BA), and I'd like a 4th BR and a pool (probably won't be able to talk her into both...). But once we sell the house outside of DC, we'll have a lot more cash to possibly make that move... As you can see, even in the short term, things can change!:D

And remember 2030 is a LOOONG time away and SOOO many things can change in that time.

[JMintzer]

Shronl, thank you for the helpful reply!

You wrote, "The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. " <-- Wow, I didn't realize that was legal!

You wrote, "If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care." <-- I did not know that! So, perhaps online research such as I am doing in this forum actually is useful!

ANY Realtor will sell you a property that may be out of compliance. It's impossible to check everyone's deed compliance before a sale. Especially since the different CDCs (I think they're now up to 14 of them) may have slightly different ones...)

Unless it's a glaring problem, you won't know unless someone complains about it (which most likely would have already occurred...)

[Randall55]

Darield, thank you for the thoughful reply.

Do you happen to know whether the boardwalk at the Okahumpka Recreation Center will significantly lengthen the walk / hike beyond 1/2 mile? If you are interested in hiking, attend the hiking clubs when you visit. Ask them when and where they hike, then you can plan accordingly.

[Randall55]

watch the jerry and linda video on youtube
Be careful when watching their videos. They are always cheerful and when questioned about wrong information they provided, their answer is always. "This is entertainment folks! Do your own research!" I find other YouTubers reporting on the Villages provide thorough, well-thought-out videos. Check out Rusty Nelson or Discovering the Villages with Jana Raber and a few others.

[mntlblok]

asianthree, you ask an excellent question about my walking/hiking preferences.

I think in terms of needs and wants.

My need is for non-concrete walking / hiking for 1-2 miles at a time.

My wants are for: walk / hike in nature; walk / hike that has a good amount of shade; walk / hike that involves climbing. I enjoy all of the above elements where I live now, but I am trying to be realistic wrt my criteria.

*Really* like your style. Find your thoughtful replies anything but cluttering and appreciate your use of the equivalent of "bless your heart" for rather diplomatically straightening out misconceptions. :-) INTP comes to mind, if that means anything to anyone. . .

Had to google Labelle, but see that it's just about a mile to our east. Only been here a few months. Drove through a couple of times (relatives in Ocala), stopping and asking a few questions, before taking a couple of days on a long weekend trip up from SE FL to check out the real estate on our own. Put in an offer on the second day and have been most pleased with the decision.

Essentially all of the surprises, as compared to our "fantasies", have been of the pleasant variety. Have been a little surprised by how much can be heard from nearby lanais and bird cages, but mostly concerned about what they must be hearing out of my strange self. I speak to the video cameras set up for my lanai "driving range" (they make "sponge" balls that aren't loud and don't break stuff). Doesn't begin to compare, to me, to the "nearness of neighbors" issue in a condo on the beach in SE FL. Maybe it's just our particular street, but our neighbors are unbelievably friendly, as compared to anyplace else we've lived in recent decades.

If you can tolerate golf, "hiking" the "pitch and putts" didn't spoil any aspect of the walking experience for "us". Actually might even be missing said hikes since finally getting our golf cart. That also reminds me that a very high percentage of "good info" I've received here has come from the nice folks who sit behind the windows of the "starter's shacks". Good luck in your quest. You sound like the kind of guy who "enjoys the journey". :-)

[RalphTheElder]

*Really* like your style. Find your thoughtful replies anything but cluttering and appreciate your use of the equivalent of "bless your heart" for rather diplomatically straightening out misconceptions. :-) INTP comes to mind, if that means anything to anyone. . .

Had to google Labelle, but see that it's just about a mile to our east. Only been here a few months. Drove through a couple of times (relatives in Ocala), stopping and asking a few questions, before taking a couple of days on a long weekend trip up from SE FL to check out the real estate on our own. Put in an offer on the second day and have been most pleased with the decision.

Essentially all of the surprises, as compared to our "fantasies", have been of the pleasant variety. Have been a little surprised by how much can be heard from nearby lanais and bird cages, but mostly concerned about what they must be hearing out of my strange self. I speak to the video cameras set up for my lanai "driving range" (they make "sponge" balls that aren't loud and don't break stuff). Doesn't begin to compare, to me, to the "nearness of neighbors" issue in a condo on the beach in SE FL. Maybe it's just our particular street, but our neighbors are unbelievably friendly, as compared to anyplace else we've lived in recent decades.

If you can tolerate golf, "hiking" the "pitch and putts" didn't spoil any aspect of the walking experience for "us". Actually might even be missing said hikes since finally getting our golf cart. That also reminds me that a very high percentage of "good info" I've received here has come from the nice folks who sit behind the windows of the "starter's shacks". Good luck in your quest. You sound like the kind of guy who "enjoys the journey". :-)mntlblok, thank you so much for the thoughtful and constructive reply!

You speculated that I am an INTP, and you were really close. Actually, I am an INTJ, and the 'J' helps explains why I am such an 'over-planner' (in the opinions of others).

Hiking a golf course would certainly work for me, and to be honest I had not thought of that since I wasn't sure if it was allowed.

Thanks again for your kind comments.

[RalphTheElder]

If you are interested in hiking, attend the hiking clubs when you visit. Ask them when and where they hike, then you can plan accordingly.Randall, joining a hiking club is a great suggestion.

Actually, I belong to a hiking club where I'm living now, so I understand the benefits.

The purpose of this discussion, though, is to try to find locations in The Villages that are close to the type of hiking that I want.

[RalphTheElder]

No hiking opportunities, houses will cost close to a million dollars by 2030, so property tax will be through the roof. If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care. Friendliest hometown? Not so much; people can file complaints about your property anonymously and you never understand why someone was bothered by whatever it was. The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. People are rude, entitled, and believe they are privileged. You are charged for water or electricity you didn't use and there is nothing you can do.

Yes you need to rent for at keast a year before buying. If we had done that, I don't think we would have bought and moved here.Sharon, when you say that Villages Health does not accept Medicare, are you referring to both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs?

My research indicates that Villages Health accepts a couple of Medicare Advantage programs, but not Original Medicare.

I would like to be corrected if my understanding is wrong.

[Randall55]

Randall, joining a hiking club is a great suggestion.

Actually, I belong to a hiking club where I'm living now, so I understand the benefits.

The purpose of this discussion, though, is to try to find locations in The Villages that are close to the type of hiking that I want. I think you misunderstood what I was saying. There are hiking clubs right here in the Villages. They would know best about your questions. Besides, when you do plan on hiking, you will have plenty of friends to join you.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Pay attention to the advice people posted here ! There is no way you could come and rent for a week near Spanish Springs, and go home saying THAT's IT, that's where we want to be... by all the major department stores, by the major highway 441 (called Orange Blossom Trail), that's nearest the Atlantic side beaches. It's just way too large to even see all the areas in one week ! Maybe you'd find you like being closer to the west, Gulf, side and the beaches on that side ? Or you'd rather have easy access to the toll way ? I don't know how anyone could ever make those decisions without time to "live their own normal life routine" first. The mind boggling numbers of people who buy, only to sell when they find another area makes more sense for them... keeps the real estate agents doing very well here....LOL ! One tip we found, not wanting to appear to give the opinion one area or one villages is "better" than another, agents will tell you there is no difference. That is not true of course. Like in any area of the country that covers many counties, you have to do your own in person or on line research to get the tax mils, the retail taxes, compare the utilities you will have to use, etc.

Actually that's exactly what convinced me to be WILLING to live in Florida again at all. We'd visited friends who live in the Villages, in a courtyard villa. One of the most non-neighborhoodly neighborhoods I'd ever seen in my life. All I could think of was "sardines in a can, SO glad I live in Connecticut, you couldn't pay me to move down here." Then hubby insisted we come for a vacation, and we rented through The Villages some patio villa somewhere off of Odell Circle near Mallory. I still felt like The Villages was 32 flavors of Stepford Wives, just not shoved into the sardine can this time.

The next time we stayed in whatever those homes are that aren't villas, but not as fancy as the Designer homes. Nice house. More Stepford. There was nothing that screamed "this is where I want to spend the rest of my life." No mature trees, no shade, no privacy between back yards, everyone's front yards looked the same - exactly three trees per property, two of which were palms, with all the same ugly ribbon cactuses in perfectly placed flower beds and not a single thing to show that "here lives someone with a personality and maybe a smidge of creative flair."

Everything was vanilla.

And then we checked the Historic Section, and spent a day in Spanish Springs. I thought - this is an actual neighborhood, with actual people who have real personalities and creativity, who don't think they're in Stepford. Yes there are some flamingo garden decorations. Most of them are sculptures and art, rather than mass produced kitch. People hanging out at each others' houses, pulling up chairs in the driveways for a cuppa, sitting on the porch or the lanai to watch the sunset or talk about the neighbor's hip replacement, getting to know the neighbors' grandkids when they come for Christmas vacation...

That's what convinced me to move to The Villages. If it weren't for this area, then yeah - I would miss my husband. But there's no way I would've come down with him.

[mntlblok]

mntlblok, thank you so much for the thoughtful and constructive reply!

You speculated that I am an INTP, and you were really close. Actually, I am an INTJ, and the 'J' helps explains why I am such an 'over-planner' (in the opinions of others).

Hiking a golf course would certainly work for me, and to be honest I had not thought of that since I wasn't sure if it was allowed.

Thanks again for your kind comments.

One may *only* walk the "pitch and putts" - all down south, I believe - but the executive courses *also* have "pull carts" available for rent - for a *dollar* - all lined up right there at the starter's shack! I only tried that once - at Volusia. It had more elevation change than I was prepared for - especially when it got very slow for a "single" and I decided to walk back in halfway through. :-)

Oh, and I sorta teeter between the "P" and the "J". :-)

[mntlblok]

Sharon, when you say that Villages Health does not accept Medicare, are you referring to both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs?

My research indicates that Villages Health accepts a couple of Medicare Advantage programs, but not Original Medicare.

I would like to be corrected if my understanding is wrong.

We just went through that process with Villages Health as our Humana plan from SE FL isn't available up here. Took the tour and all I could think was "too good to be true". However, the rep for United Healthcare got us all set up with their Advantage HMO program. So far, so good. No initial appointment with the primary care doc available until December, but then we both got texts recently about openings turning up within the next couple of weeks. About to have me a new, girl doctor. :-)

[mntlblok]

mntlblok, thank you so much for the thoughtful and constructive reply!

You speculated that I am an INTP, and you were really close. Actually, I am an INTJ, and the 'J' helps explains why I am such an 'over-planner' (in the opinions of others).

Hiking a golf course would certainly work for me, and to be honest I had not thought of that since I wasn't sure if it was allowed.

Thanks again for your kind comments.

Oops. Looks like I made an unwarranted assumption. Had assumed that you'd meant walking whilst *playing* golf. Bet you *hadn't* meant that, based on the wifey's read. Sorry. Guess I figured that my cryptic reference to Twain's description of golf being a "good walk spoiled" was *too* cryptic. :-)

Great. Now learning that I might not even have the source quote right. :-( Golf is a Good Walk Spoiled – Quote Investigator(R) (https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/05/28/golf-good-walk/)

[RalphTheElder]

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. There are hiking clubs right here in the Villages. They would know best about your questions. Besides, when you do plan on hiking, you will have plenty of friends to join you.Actually, I understood what you were saying. I was trying to agree with you that joining a local hiking club has lots of benefits.

[RalphTheElder]

...

The next time we stayed in whatever those homes are that aren't villas....OrangeBlossomBaby, what is the difference between a house and a villa?

[RalphTheElder]

One may *only* walk the "pitch and putts" ...I'm not a golfer. What is a pitch and putt?

[RalphTheElder]

Oops. Looks like I made an unwarranted assumption. Had assumed that you'd meant walking whilst *playing* golf. Bet you *hadn't* meant that, based on the wifey's read. Sorry. Guess I figured that my cryptic reference to Twain's description of golf being a "good walk spoiled" was *too* cryptic. :-)

Great. Now learning that I might not even have the source quote right. :-( Golf is a Good Walk Spoiled – Quote Investigator(R) (https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/05/28/golf-good-walk/)No problem. I hadn't mentioned golf and The Villages has lots of golfing going on, so you made a reasonable assumption.

[Kenswing]

When you get here you might also want to check out The Villages Hiking Club. They are affiliated with the Florida Trail Association. They go on hikes every Wednesday. The hikes are usually within an hour drive of The Villages and range from three to nine miles in length. I know you’re looking for options inside the bubble but even with everything we have here you’ll run out of new places rather quickly. The Hiking Club does a lot of carpooling so you could hitch a ride with others while you get to know the area.

[mntlblok]

I'm not a golfer. What is a pitch and putt?

Like the "executive" courses, they are made up of par three holes, but the distances from the tees to the greens are significantly shorter than what are typically found on par three holes, mostly no more than 60-100 yards or so, thus requiring only "pitch" shots off the tees. Mickylee Pitch & Putt exceeds expectations | News | The Villages Daily Sun | thevillagesdailysun.com (https://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/mickylee-pitch-putt-exceeds-expectations/article_a0ba27ba-9a11-11ed-9d39-3793d6b8cf2b.html)

[Bogie Shooter]

Hi Everyone.

I am a retiree and am considering moving to The Villages sometime prior 2030.

I am starting to educate myself about the geography and amenities there.

My hobbies are hiking, listening and dancing to live music, and attending theater.

So, I would like to find an area in The Villages that is both close to good hiking and also a town square. When I say 'hiking' I mean walking off pavement; that is, on wood boardwalk, decomposed granite, dirt, etc.

My impression is that a lot of the live music takes place on the town squares. Is that right?

The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve seems like the premium place for my hiking needs. I believe that it is in or adjacent to the neighborhood of LaBelle.

The nearest town squares to the Preserve appear to be Brownwood Paddock Square and Sumter Landing, which are about 4.5 and 6 miles from the Preserve respectively.

So, I was thinking that the neighborhood of LaBelle might best fit my needs.

Please educate me regarding any wrong assumptions that I am making .

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Following sites have a lot of information.

Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/)
Golf The Villages (https://www.golfthevillages.com/)
Home - Sumter County Property Appraiser (https://www.sumterpa.com/)
Randy Mask - Sumter County Tax Collector (https://sumtertaxcollector.com/)
The Villages (https://stockers.ch/thevillages/)
https://www.**************.com/ villages - news.com
https://sites.google.com/view/virginia-trace/home
https://www.thevillages.com/
https://www.poa4us.org/
https://www.thevha.net/

[Marsha11]

I really can't refer a hike there. However, it's so far away in a cart to get to Sumnter, Spanish Springs and lastly brownwood. Very young people seem in the south under 40 move north, theater is all north. Film is north not south. Lovely trees etc up north not south. Buy one used up north. No bond to take. If you use agent non MLS, for Villages, we'll, not as helpfull.

[Bogie Shooter]

I really can't refer a hike there. However, it's so far away in a cart to get to Sumnter, Spanish Springs and lastly brownwood. Very young people seem in the south under 40 move north, theater is all north. Film is north not south. Lovely trees etc up north not south. Buy one used up north. No bond to take. If you use agent non MLS, for Villages, we'll, not as helpfull.

And in which village do you live?

[Nana2Teddy]

Shronl, thank you for the helpful reply!

You wrote, "The Villages Properties will sell you property that is out of compliance, but you are expected to spend money to bring it back into compliance. " <-- Wow, I didn't realize that was legal!

You wrote, "If you are on Medicare, the Villages Health does not take it, you have to go outside the villages to find care." <-- I did not know that! So, perhaps online research such as I am doing in this forum actually is useful!
Not true about Medicare. Plenty of doctors accept Medicare in TV. The Villages Health in particular only accepts Medicare Advantage plans for primary care doctors, but all specialists with Villages Health accept traditional Medicare + supplement plans.

[Nana2Teddy]

Darield, thank you for the thoughful reply.

Do you happen to know whether the boardwalk at the Okahumpka Recreation Center will significantly lengthen the walk / hike beyond 1/2 mile?
No, extension will be minimal.

[Nana2Teddy]

mntlblok, thank you so much for the thoughtful and constructive reply!

You speculated that I am an INTP, and you were really close. Actually, I am an INTJ, and the 'J' helps explains why I am such an 'over-planner' (in the opinions of others).

Hiking a golf course would certainly work for me, and to be honest I had not thought of that since I wasn't sure if it was allowed.

Thanks again for your kind comments.
As far as I know, hiking golf courses is not allowed.

[Marathon Man]

I'm a little confused. Are you saying that it is a waste of my time to do any online research about The Villages?

Not at all. I did lots of research online before coming down. However, be prepared to see, like so many of us before you, that you just gotta see it to understand it.

[Gunther]

We are thinking of coming in Jan for a LS visit. After reading comments I think a week is too short, but doing some research a month can cost $3000usd +. Does anyone know if anyone ever sublets one of the lofts or is that even possible?
Some of the rental sites don't let you search by $ which is also too bad because we aren't overly picky about location at the moment just looking for something small and reasonably priced.

[Marathon Man]

We are thinking of coming in Jan for a LS visit. After reading comments I think a week is too short, but doing some research a month can cost $3000usd +. Does anyone know if anyone ever sublets one of the lofts or is that even possible?
Some of the rental sites don't let you search by $ which is also too bad because we aren't overly picky about location at the moment just looking for something small and reasonably priced.

A lifestyle visit is a good way to start.

[Rosethorn]

I've seen so many who post here, who also over-think and plan. As so many others stated....why not take time to come and visit?? When you plan too much, you might be disappointed or frustrated. You're looking at 7-8 yrs from now?? A LOT can happen in that time and what you've planned will be twarted.
Thanks for this post. Overthinking is a real thing.

My new husband and I came down here for a 30-day visit and had the great blessing of knowing several people who already lived here and provided some guidance in the different areas.

That was a wonderful help in learning about the area and making a decision.

We came here planning to buy new construction but after learning about the bond and lack of completed golf courses at the newest areas, we decided on pre-owned.

Plus, we felt like something LESS than ten years old suited our unique needs better.

We looked at a bunch of houses and bought one a few days later.

At our age (mid-60s) there’s not much point in wasting years pondering a big decision. If it makes sense and feels right and “checks all the boxes” it probably is right.

Some of the best decisions I’ve ever made were decisions that I made without overthinking them.

[sounding]

Thanks for the comments jimjamuser.

Actually, I have been building up my own private list of pros and cons for The Villages for about a year. The issues that you mention have been on my list.

Also, I will emphasize that I wrote in my OP, "...am considering moving to The Villages..."

I've been here 7 years and love it - especially the warm weather - which is NOT extreme and never has been. From the University of Florida, I've attached is the temperature record (through 2022) for the city of Ocala - just north of The Villages - the horse capital of the U.S. As a meteorologist I can tell you - there is no climate crisis - just climate alarmism.