Another Life Style Visit Question

[Pamela1130]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

[Bill14564]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

About 30 mins from Sawgrass to Brownwood.

Roughly:
20-30 mins: Rohan, Publix@Lake Deaton, Everglades, Publix@Magnolia, Edna's, Brownwood, and Eisenhower
30-45 mins: Fenney
45-60 mins: Lake Sumter Landing

If you just want to see the Villages then you will not need a car. Obviously, if you want to explore Leesburg, Wildwood, Ocala, or Inverness then a car would be required.

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest that you install the free Villages App from the Google Play Store. You can get golf cart and car directions to almost any location in The Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

Spanish springs is considerably further. If you want to check out shopping will need a car.

[GoRedSox!]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.We were scheduled to have a LSV starting in mid-July which ended up being canceled because our plane flight was canceled. We were going to be staying in the Christopher Villas in DeLuna. I'm not sure if there are other locations down there, but that's where we were going to be. I'm not sure if there are any more LSV's in Alden Bungalows next to Brownwood, but I don't think so. The last time I checked, The Villages was selling them fast and there were 21 homes in pending status. We had a previous LSV last December in Alden Bungalows, and we used the golf car about 80% of the time but took the car for events at night such as the orchestra at The Sharon and a concert at The Savannah Center when we didn't want to have a long golf car ride later at night. Good luck and have fun!

[Pamela1130]

About 30 mins from Sawgrass to Brownwood.

Roughly:
20-30 mins: Rohan, Publix@Lake Deaton, Everglades, Publix@Magnolia, Edna's, Brownwood, and Eisenhower
30-45 mins: Fenney
45-60 mins: Lake Sumter Landing

If you just want to see the Villages then you will not need a car. Obviously, if you want to explore Leesburg, Wildwood, Ocala, or Inverness then a car would be required.

Thank you so very much for your reply. You made my day and I appreciate it!

[Pamela1130]

That would be great to see the shopping but doesn't warrant renting a car for the entire time. I'm taking transportation to the airport, back and forth. Thank you very much for your input.

[Marathon Man]

No. You will not need a car since you will be here later with one. Enjoy your LS visit with the golf cart. So much to see and do.

[Pamela1130]

I would suggest that you install the free Villages App from the Google Play Store. You can get golf cart and car directions to almost any location in The Villages.

Yes, I need to do that. Thank you for the reminder!

[Pamela1130]

No. You will not need a car since you will be here later with one. Enjoy your LS visit with the golf cart. So much to see and do.

Yes, that is a good point. I will be able to see everything when I go later that is outside of the Villages. We might drive down too. Thank you!

[Pamela1130]

We were scheduled to have a LSV starting in mid-July which ended up being canceled because our plane flight was canceled. We were going to be staying in the Christopher Villas in DeLuna. I'm not sure if there are other locations down there, but that's where we were going to be. I'm not sure if there are any more LSV's in Alden Bungalows next to Brownwood, but I don't think so. The last time I checked, The Villages was selling them fast and there were 21 homes in pending status. We had a previous LSV last December in Alden Bungalows, and we used the golf car about 80% of the time but took the car for events at night such as the orchestra at The Sharon and a concert at The Savannah Center when we didn't want to have a long golf car ride later at night. Good luck and have fun!

First of all, where are you from? I'm from Milford, MA. I saw the Red Sox in your user name! Thank you for the information. That is a real bummer about the LS visit though. I hope things improve regarding the flights. My Village rep said it is definitely in the Sawgrass area but she didn't say exactly. We are coming the first week in November. We also had a LS visit scheduled in that area last December but we had to cancel. Don't want to rent a car just for the night driving. I hope it will be okay. i will check out Deluna. I have heard about that name. Thanks again and go Sox!

[GoRedSox!]

First of all, where are you from? I'm from Milford, MA. I saw the Red Sox in your user name! Thank you for the information. That is a real bummer about the LS visit though. I hope things improve regarding the flights. My Village rep said it is definitely in the Sawgrass area but she didn't say exactly. We are coming the first week in November. We also had a LS visit scheduled in that area last December but we had to cancel. Don't want to rent a car just for the night driving. I hope it will be okay. i will check out Deluna. I have heard about that name. Thanks again and go Sox!Another challenging year for the Sox, but hopefully they are heading in the right direction and they are going to have a new head of baseball operations as ownership lost patience with the current head. My wife and I are from Connecticut. Our second LSV was scheduled for the second week of July, and we were going to look at new as well as pre-owned homes. But we ended up contracting to buy a pre-owned home the previous week. We were going to still come for the LSV just to have a week of fun....but when the flight got canceled and was going to be hard to reschedule, we canceled the second LSV. The Villages was very accommodating and easy to work with. Good luck and have fun, the LSV is an opportunity to have a blast.

[JMintzer]

Yes, I need to do that. Thank you for the reminder!

Of note... The times given on both of the GPS Apps tend to over-estimate the amount of time it will take to get to your destination.

For example, if it says 30 minutes, it's typically only 20 minutes...

[JMintzer]

First of all, where are you from? I'm from Milford, MA. I saw the Red Sox in your user name! Thank you for the information. That is a real bummer about the LS visit though. I hope things improve regarding the flights. My Village rep said it is definitely in the Sawgrass area but she didn't say exactly. We are coming the first week in November. We also had a LS visit scheduled in that area last December but we had to cancel. Don't want to rent a car just for the night driving. I hope it will be okay. i will check out Deluna. I have heard about that name. Thanks again and go Sox!

Pretty sure the LS Visitors are now being housed just south of Citrus Grove, in Newell. It's just down Morse, a bit, from Sawgrass...

[Pamela1130]

Of note... The times given on both of the GPS Apps tend to over-estimate the amount of time it will take to get to your destination.

For example, if it says 30 minutes, it's typically only 20 minutes...

Oh good to know! Thank you!

[Maker]

A couple random thoughts for you...

Today there is only one way to cross the turnpike by golf cart. That's near the Water Lilly rec center. Some of the places mentioned preciously (Magnolia shopping, etc) are on the south side of the turnpike, whereby Sawgrass in on the north side.
There is a new bridge to cross the turnpike a little bit south of Sawgrass. BUT It is only open to cars today, and only leads to more southern things. Many people are anxiously awaiting golf cart paths to be put in.

On DISTRICTGOV.ORG there is a listing of the various clubs and activities. Might want to look for a card game to sporting thing to check out.

Google maps also has bike paths that can be shown as an optional overlay display. Some of those are also available to golf carts. Those are called multi-modal paths.

If you are lost on your golf cart, pull off to the side. As others pass, many people will check on you to see if you are ok. I have led people to where they need to go many times. I'm sure many others have also.
There are new signage on the paths that point you towards rec centers. Google maps will indicate those locations. There are also maps in districtgov. Print out something so you can figure out where you need to head.

On your phone, when you are at your rental, tag its location. Every area looks similar, and getting lost is easy. Also look up the closest rec center. People can point you to that place far easier than a random new street.

Golf cars sometimes share the streets. If there is a narrow lane on the right with big diamonds painted on them, that's where carts go. Carts are secondary to cars, so yield when entering the diamond lane, and yield if that lane ends. Many car drivers know the rules and do not stop for carts. Although, occasionally a car driver does stop and other car drivers become upset. It's a passionate fight for some people. Be safe, let the cars pass. Especially where there are gate arms.

Look in this site's posts for a month long listing for the entertainment schedule. One of the only places where there is a description about what the entertainment style. Most other listing might only say "Joe's Band", but listing here would also say "Playing classic rock from the 80s and 90s". Or "Big band hits from the 40s". Helps decide if you want to go or not.
Sawgrass is not a "square" but somewhat imitates one sometimes. There is music there, some days of the week, and sometimes in the afternoon, sometimes in the evening. Closest square is Brownwood, with something every night 5-9pm.

There is a radio station here that has information about events. They play random music and sometimes live broadcasts from events. On 104.5 and 102.(something too noisy to hear here).

You may get a CATV channel with local events and info. I don't have that, but have seen it in the rec centers.

Look for the weekly bulletin on districtgov for general information. Comes out on Fridays. Also has listings for rec center phone numbers. They have stuff available for using many of the amenities, such as pool cues. You can call and ask them.

Every week there is some sort of special event. Farmer's market at Brownwood. Art shows. Car clubs' car shows. Things at the north end will be a long cart ride, but you would get to see a lot of the area on the way.

Multi-modal paths are not lit. It's getting dark earlier now, so some areas can get very dark - especially from Brownwood to Sawgrass.
Most streets have streetlights (a lot more than many cities). Golf carts are allowed on some streets, typically within neighborhood in the southern area. On more streets in the north.

[mtdjed]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marathon Man View Post
No. You will not need a car since you will be here later with one. Enjoy your LS visit with the golf cart. So much to see and do.


Yes, that is a good point. I will be able to see everything when I go later that is outside of the Villages. We might drive down too. Thank you!

I would strongly recommend that you should have a car. While driving a golf cart is quaint, you will probably find yourself spending much of your time getting to and from various regions. We live in Lake Sumter landing and drive to Brownwood to visit our health club and it is about 15 plus minutes by car. Figure twice that for golf cart.

A lot depends on what you think a Lifestyle visit is. If you expect to get up and go to the pool for several hours, walk a trail, golf a bit, perhaps a golf cart will do.

We looked at it more as a housing trip. Before we even left, we made a list of what we wanted. Location, price of house, type of house, size of house, two car garage, with golf car area, new area, older established area, near town, near shopping, golf course setting, pond review etc. Check out the model homes. They will be in the new area, but if you want to buy in a previously developed area such as Lake Sumter Landing, the home Models are similar.

The Villages is not a small town. It has an area 80 sq miles. (Compare that to Boston at less than 50 sq miles). Wouldn't you want to visit shopping areas such as north Highway 441, Mid CR 466, south rte 44. Perhaps check out nearby towns such as Leesburg, Mount Dora, Wildwood, Ocala. Check out medical facilities. Access to Orlando, Tampa etc. Even check out some nearby housing developments outside of The Villages for comparison.

We made two trips. The first was to explore to decide if this was the right place and narrow down our expectations. Some people recommend a rental for month or so for further definition.

A point to consider is your age. The Villages started out in the north and has developed towards the south. While there is turnover, you will find the new areas obviously attract the new buyers. As an illustration Lake Sumter Landing was developed around 2005. It quickly filled up with newly retired buyers ie 55 +. Guess how old most of them are now?

Good luck and enjoy. (Note that Daylight savings time will end and you will be loosing some daylight that is preferable for driving golf carts

[Kelevision]

Of note... The times given on both of the GPS Apps tend to over-estimate the amount of time it will take to get to your destination.

For example, if it says 30 minutes, it's typically only 20 minutes...

So true…..

[arbajeda]

In the Sawgrass area there is no gas station, no grocery stores, no drug stores, no retail other than what's available in the Sawgrass market, which is pricey. Nearest retail is either Lake Deaton Plaza or Magnolia Plaza. Be prepared for a long golf cart excursion to either if you don't drive.

[Nell57]

No car? How will you get to your rental unit?
You are in the newest area with the fewest amenities. In area,The Villages is the size of Manhattan. You will have a very narrow view of our Lifestyle.
They will probably include movie tickets in your lifestyle package.
Someone who knows the geography will be able to tell you how far it is by golf cart to the movie theater and a grocery store.
If you should need an Urgent Care…..can you even get there via golf cart? (COvid is slamming the Midwest again. But at least it’s treatable)

[bowlingal]

yes, I would suggest getting a car. If you want to purchase anything and keep driving your cart, you will not have anywhere to store your purchases and there is a lot of stealing going on here with things left in golf carts.

[ColtsFan]

Just my opinion, but I would still want a car. You need to see the entire Villages from Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter, to the newest area. Even places in the new area are far apart. What would you do if it would happen to rain and you are not familiar with The Villages yet and trying to get around in the cart. You might want to see some of our strip malls like on 466, WalMart, Lowes, etc.---places you will need if you move here. I guess you might be able to tell I am the wife (share site with husband) but riding every where in the cart can get tiring. Just all my opinion. You will love it here....so much to do....close to both the Gulf and Ocean and cruise ports. Have a great visit.

[jimdecastro]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

You will be staying in Newell (my village). Well, you won't NEED a car but it will take you quite a while to get anywhere except for Lake Deaton Plaza and Sawgrass Grove. As others have said, Brownwood is about 30 minutes away. The good news is, if this doesn't bother you by the end of the visit then The Villages is for you. This part of TV has a good 2 to 3 years before it's developed sufficiently in my opinion. I knew that coming here and was OK with that. By the way, the Florida Turnpike is only about three minutes away from where you'll be staying as a reference for when you do move here. 🙂

[MikeN]

If your goal is to explore just the villages a golf cart will suffice, weather permitting. All is accessible. If you’re interested in areas around the villages then a car is handy to have. Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

[Papa_lecki]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

If you are there for 2 months, you really don’t need a car. If you are seeing houses, have your realtor drive.

From Sawgrass grove, the Publix in Lake Deaton is 20 minutes. Brownwood is 20 to 25. The drive to LSL will be longer, but you have the luxury of time. It will take you a week to figure out the multi modal paths, plan on getting lost a few times. We all did/do.

the key is figuring out WHERE you want to buy. Spend time in all areas. Go to different pools, rec centers, etc.

[retiredguy123]

If you are there for 2 months, you really don’t need a car. If you are seeing houses, have your realtor drive.

From Sawgrass grove, the Publix in Lake Deaton is 20 minutes. Brownwood is 20 to 25. The drive to LSL will be longer, but you have the luxury of time. It will take you a week to figure out the multi modal paths, plan on getting lost a few times. We all did/do.

the key is figuring out WHERE you want to buy. Spend time in all areas. Go to different pools, rec centers, etc.
I don't think you will be able to get a real estate agent to pick you up and drive you around for 2 months showing you houses.

[Marmaduke]

That would be great to see the shopping but doesn't warrant renting a car for the entire time. I'm taking transportation to the airport, back and forth. Thank you very much for your input.
As a woman who enjoys shopping from time to time, just take it from me that you'll be happy with the many choices of shopping and dining. (Minus Trader Joes) Roadtrip, once a month to Gainesville for that, but worth a nice drive to combine with other things).

Truly, there's so much to make you happy here that shopping becomes a thing you do to add it the fulfillment of life here.

There's the usual, but not mirrored stores along the 441, 466, and 466a cooridors. There are boutiques, consignment stores and unique furniture shops along the outskirts. We recently discovered a Polish and Italian Deli in Leesburg.

For shopping, you'd drive in most instances to combine trips to the many plazas in the more northern 'hemispheres' of TV.

We live near LSL and unless grabbing something quick and easy, at our local Publix, etc., I drive my car. Other folks use their carts.

Enjoy your LSV, you can shop anytime, but the choices are there!

[Marathon Man]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

I think that some missed this part of your original post. It sounds like you will not have a car for your LS visit. I would not rent one. Explore the southern half by golf cart, and then more in January and February. Groceries and restaurants are not far away from your LS home. Besides, getting there by golf cart is part of the fun.

Be sure to download "The Villages" app to help you navigate.

[defrey12]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

My two cents: Golf carts aren’t really a form of transportation. Especially if it’s your only form…if only for a week. It may not be raining when you leave, but it is NO fun getting stuck in rainstorm in a cart. Sure, you can zip up…150 degrees @ 100% humidity in 4 minutes is not this guy’s idea of fun. I’d get a car…we have weather here.

[Dgodin]

We did a car free lifestyle visit. Shuttle from the airport to a sales office(pickup point). Salesperson took us to the house. We used the golf cart from then on.
Use the villages (official-free) app for directions.

[NotGolfer]

My two cents: Golf carts aren’t really a form of transportation. Especially if it’s your only form…if only for a week. It may not be raining when you leave, but it is NO fun getting stuck in rainstorm in a cart. Sure, you can zip up…150 degrees @ 100% humidity in 4 minutes is not this guy’s idea of fun. I’d get a car…we have weather here.

What this OP is true. We've been here 14 yrs....started out with one car, and one golf-cart and mostly used the latter at first. BUT the area you're going to be in wasn't even started as a developement. Morse Blvd ended at 466a. Traffic was less back then but the amenities we have now weren't quite here yet. Then we went to two golf-carts, which was handy for us as we had different schedules to tend to. Eventually though---we found that the comfort of our car was better and faster---in the heat we could have "air" and also it does rain here on a regular basis. It can come up quickly!! I once was caught in a deluge where I had NO time to stop and zip up the sides. By the time I got home I looked like a "drowned rat" as I was soaked through and through. There are some areas here that are not golf-cart accessible! Every so often one will also see someone in their cart on a street/road that is clearly marked "NO golf-carts beyond this point". You can only drive on ones that are 35 mph or less. It's scarey to see one on a highway!!! Also, what someone else said about driving a golf-cart after dark is also true. It's hard to see and if you're unfamiliar it might be easy to get lost or have an accident.
Hope all the comments in this thread will help you!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I use my golf cart most of the time, for almost all transportation needs. I even sometimes use it in the rain.

However - if you're doin a lifestyle visit, I don't believe those carts come with a sunbrella (basically a zip-up enclosure for the golf cart, with plastic windows). Even if they do - if it's pouring outside, you'll likely get soaked anyway; the rain comes through the vents in the top and bottom of the fold-down front windshield. It's also not practical when it's raining hard, on a super hot day. There's no AC in those things and if you can't open up the sunbrella because of the rain, you'll likely be melting by the time you get to your destination.

What I would suggest - despite those caveats - is to make sure that your golf cart DOES have a sunbrella. And bring a big ziplock bag with a couple of bath towels in it. Then you can "rough it" like a native!

[Nana2Teddy]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

I’m pretty sure the LSVs are still at Christopher villas, which is in DeLuna, not near Sawgrass. We stayed at Christopher villas for our 2nd LSV last November, and we used our car often. The carts they provide are not comfortable for long distances, and definitely not safe due to no seat belts. If you’ll be here during snowbird season you’ll definitely need a safe cart because of increased cart traffic, so IMO you should have a car, at least for longer distances. We used our car often on our first visit too in June 2022 so that we could easily see most of TV in one week. Have a great time! We live in DeLuna now and love it.

[Nana2Teddy]

yes, I would suggest getting a car. If you want to purchase anything and keep driving your cart, you will not have anywhere to store your purchases and there is a lot of stealing going on here with things left in golf carts.
Have never had anything stolen from our golf cart in the 10 months we’ve lived here, and we take it everywhere.

[Justputt]

I did my lifestyle visit in May and I only used the car to cross roads the cart wasn't allowed to. However, I was staying in units just across from Brownwood. I road all over the place. The only other reason I can think you'd want a car would be to browse the lots, as they may be further away.

[Regorp]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

Our sales agent had his assistant take us on a tour for 2 hours around TV to include each town square and a few rec centers. Of course we had our lifestyle near Brownwood. We had a car to enable us to go anywhere and not waste time during our short seven days that flew by.

[Glewellen]

I'm sure you'll get along fine with the golf cart. Consider Groome from MCO airport to the house - takes you right to the house for $40/each. Consider getting your start up groceries from Walmart or Kroger. Both deliver to your house. I don't think they'll deliver adult beverages. Trusted Villages, FL, news & more | The Villages D | Trusted Villages, FL, news, weather, events, and more. (https://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/) Lot of good scoop at Trusted Villages, FL, news & more | The Villages D | Trusted Villages, FL, news, weather, events, and more. (https://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/) YOU'LL HAVE FUN.

[psjordan]

I will second the notion that the golf cars you get for the LSV are NOT comfortable, at all, for longer trips. In our experience anyways.

If you are planning on investing in a comfortable golf car if/when you buy, it is an entirely different animal to go 30-40 minutes in a newer, plusher golf car with comfortable seating. Just be aware, they may be different experiences entirely.

During the LSV we used the supplied golf car about 75% of the time, but we were only five minutes from Brownwood and Publix.

And just a note on our LSV visit (ending of the story is that we bought in Hillsborough early 2022). We did the LSV when we were in our early 60’s. The first 1.5 days we seemingly ran into a very old crowd everywhere we went. Like it seemed EVERYONE was age 80 and above (they weren’t of course). Delightful people but this did not seem close to our demographic at all. We were ready to tell the realtor we'd like to cut our LSV short, but decided to give it one more day.

A chance meeting of friends from home (no clue they were there) on day three changed everything. They clued us in to the what to do and the where to go (for our interests), and we ended up looking for houses before our LSV was over. Made another trip down about 5-6 weeks after LSV and ended up buying.

The moral being it may behoove you to explore beyond the confines of a "non comfy golf car" during your LSV so that your first impressions are based on a wider range of people/locations/activities.

In any event, I hope both your trips go well!

[JMintzer]

No car? How will you get to your rental unit?
You are in the newest area with the fewest amenities. In area,The Villages is the size of Manhattan. You will have a very narrow view of our Lifestyle.
They will probably include movie tickets in your lifestyle package.
Someone who knows the geography will be able to tell you how far it is by golf cart to the movie theater and a grocery store.
If you should need an Urgent Care…..can you even get there via golf cart? (COvid is slamming the Midwest again. But at least it’s treatable)

The Urgent Care on the corner of Meggison and 44 is accessible by golf cart...

[JMintzer]

In the Sawgrass area there is no gas station, no grocery stores, no drug stores, no retail other than what's available in the Sawgrass market, which is pricey. Nearest retail is either Lake Deaton Plaza or Magnolia Plaza. Be prepared for a long golf cart excursion to either if you don't drive.

Lake Deaton Plaza is not that far from Newell. Maybe 15-20 minutes...

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

Yes, you can do many things on the golf carts but to go see the whole villages and surrounding areas. I would definitely recommend the car.

[skippy05]

There is almost nothing in the southern area. You must have a car to get to the northern area where everything is. Also consider heavily buying resale in Northern area for the same reason and to be located no where near the turnpike noise.

[Lancer]

Yes, I need to do that. Thank you for the reminder!

Also available in the App Store if you have an Apple device.

[FFlank]

I visited for the entire month of August and I was in the Richmond area. I had planned on only having a golf cart, but ended up with a rental car because I found that renting a car for the few days I would need one was almost the same price as having the rental car for the month. Having a car turned out to be a good idea. I enjoyed my cart rides, but remember that, if the purpose of your visit is to explore and see if TV is right for you, you can see a lot more if you can get to places in a timely fashion. Trips to the grocery store, trips to restaurants, etc are a lot more fun for you and your spouse if you have the option of just getting there. Personally, I could have been fine with just the cart, but there were plenty of times when my wife and I were going out to dinner or picking up things at the market when I'm sure she appreciated the fact that we were shielded from the elements and not taking twice as long in the golf cart.

[jimjamuser]

Have never had anything stolen from our golf cart in the 10 months we’ve lived here, and we take it everywhere.
Wait until you have been here for 10 years, then you will likely have experienced some crime.

[jimjamuser]

There is almost nothing in the southern area. You must have a car to get to the northern area where everything is. Also consider heavily buying resale in Northern area for the same reason and to be located no where near the turnpike noise.
That's good advice!

[kendi]

I suggest checking the weather unless you don’t mind driving golf cart in the storms.

[DAVES]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

Any reply, including mine is OPINION. Assuming you have a valid drivers license from a state other than Florida, you can drive in Florida.

Check with your auto insurance company it should does cover a rental car but not loss of use due to an accident. You can decide to pay for that or self insure. You pay in the event of an accident. A car rental is shockingly inexpensive.

Far as getting around by golfcart it is like learning to drive all over again. A wrong turn etc and you are on a road where you do not belong.

[jimjamuser]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.
I think that if you are going to be here in Jan and Feb that you need a car to see a wider area than in a golf cart only. Also, I don't think that is really very important. What is important is to decide if you want to live here year-round or only in the winter and have 2 homes - one north and one south.....here. Then decide if you want a new home or a resale. Next.......unless both people are deaf, you want to avoid the Turnpike area. You don't want to be far south near the Prison.
........Next, since The Villages is all about activities.......you want to be sure that you are close to the activities that you like. for example, if you wanted to play the over age 50 soccer, I believe that the soccer club only plays in the northern part of TV Land. Same with volleyball. So, if you lived way south, it would get to be a hassle to drive. Also, I believe that archery only exists in the northern part of TV. This may have changed because TV Land changes rapidly. But, the point is to locate where the activities that you are interested in are physically. Check where bowling alleys are if that is your interest.
.........If boating is your interest, some lakes are bigger than others and allow bigger boats. You can get a magazine about activities sent to you. You can learn a lot from this forum, just be aware that there is some negativity among retirees. And some positivity.
........I feel a need to warn you that the summers here are too hot and are predicted scientifically to keep getting hotter. if you intend to be a snowbird, then no problem. if you plan to live here full-time, I would consider South Carolina or Georgia to avoid Florida summer heat. If more detail as to WHY it is too hot, refer to my many other posts on this subject.......take care.

[baramu]

What is LS? No abbreviations please.

[mtdjed]

We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

Your parameters are First week in November Lifestyle visit, southern portion of The Villages. Your question is the Villages doable by golf cart?

Certainly, you have seen responses yes and no. No response given is wrong. It just a question of what you want and consider as doable.

If you just want to escape the daily routine and relax, swim, golf and see a bit of The Villages, yes it doable by golf cart or even by bike. If you need transport, you can even arrange for our version of paid transportation.

But some of the advice given should be heeded.

1/ Daylight Savings time ends Nov 5, 2023 Sunset will be around 5:40
2/ Temps ave high 73, ave low 56
3/ Golf carts provided may not have enclosures, some speed restrictions, likely gas
4/ Weather likely dryer than summer, less chance of pop up storms but???
5/ Make sure you have seat belts on Golf Cart
6/ Easy to get lost on travel. Example path going into lake Sumter Landing diverts thru Winn Dixie parking lot and several streets. It is marked but easy to miss.
7/ Golf carts are not toys and driving on streets with cars, curbs etc presents significant exposure if not familiar.


If you are on a housing search, you are limiting your time and options.

In any event, we moved here from Marblehead, Ma in 2007, and we do not for a moment regret the weather, lower taxes, friends and lifestyle. If we need a taste of the north, we drive or fly and are happy to get back.

Best wishes

[JMintzer]

What is LS? No abbreviations please.

Life Style, as in Life Style Visit...

Also, it is used to abbreviate Lake Sumter...

[Ktots]

Thanks in advance for bearing with me asking another question. Do we really need a car for the LS visit? We are on no time schedule and would just love to explore with the golf cart. I know we will be in the southern area. (Anyone know exactly where). My rep just said Sawgrass area. I know the Villages is really big but is it doable by golf cart if you have no particular place to go? How far is the Brownwood area for the Sawgrass area by golf cart? We are renting in Brownwood for January and February. We will have a car then though. Thank you again.

If your rep said Sawgrass area, I’m more inclined to think you will be in Newell. DeLuna isn’t really in the Sawgrass area.
Please don’t be discouraged by people telling you there is nothing in the southern area, etc. My mother has been here for 20 years and lives in the northern area near Lopez. It’s a lovely area and has a lot to offer. My sister has been here for 19 years and lives in the Sumter Landing area near Palmer. It’s a lovely area and has much to offer. We lived briefly in the Sumter Landing area, then south of 466a and enjoyed both thoroughly. Now, we live south of 44 and north of the turnpike, in the Sawgrass area, and absolutely love it. We have dogs, so we walk a lot and love the miles of recreational paths and green space in the southern areas. Every area in TV has plenty to offer, and where you might like it best depends strictly on you.

Brownwood is about a 25-30 minute golf cart ride for us… it’s a fun, lovely ride. Sumter Landing is a little farther… maybe 30-35 minutes. It’ll be a wee bit longer from Newell… maybe 5 more minutes. Spanish Springs will obviously take longer. We usually take our car to SS. If I want to golf cart to my mom’s up in the northern area, it’ll take about an hour. The Lake Deaton Plaza will be about 15 minutes. You can certainly explore all of TV by cart, (except Middleton)especially if you want to take your time and be leisurely about it… but it depends on you. We prefer to have our car after dark if we’re traveling home from one of the squares. Also, as another poster mentioned, it depends on whether or not your cart has curtains and how comfortable you are. Sometimes those carts have a slower top speed, too, which is probably a good thing when you aren’t used to driving the cart paths.

However you choose to explore, I hope you have a wonderful time. I suspect you will! BTW, we lived in northern RI, a hop and a skip from Milford :)

[Rwirish]

Yes you will need a car unless you want to spend hours in a golf cart.