The answer to why villagers on average move three times..

[Craig Vernon]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

[frayedends]

My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.

[Topspinmo]

Price of my home when up 120K in 10 years. But even if I sell here I won’t gain anything unless I move off bubble. I think when some retires they really down size, notice I said some? For those Some once they get here for while they figured out they need more space. especially in garage that says 1 1/2 but got half house in garage, heater, water heater, half room. So 1 and 1/2 really small 1 car garage plus not to mention small bed rooms and open are that includes kitchen and living room.

[Stu from NYC]

I think it is because people move here without throughly investigate the place and after awhile decide to move to another area.

IMHO foolish to buy without renting for at least a month giving yourself time to explore.

From the folks we have met here very few are in their third home, mostly first or second.

[Happydaz]

I think that this undocumented statement may not be true. In my neighborhood where we have lived for 10 plus years many houses are filled with the original owners. I would say more than 50%. I do believe that the people who did move out have bought at least two or three more homes after they sold here. So maybe this rumor started with those people. Once they move they keep doing it. I would be suspicious, though, of someone telling me that the average Villager moves three times in the Villages and then observe that they work in the real estate business!

[asianthree]

No guessing for some..

Death..of spouse downsize.

Our 4 moves no guessing involved.

1. Bought PV as a vaca home 2/2 1165sf
2. Cottage with 2 car garage 3/2 1534sf
3. Designer with 2 car garage & golf cart garage 3/2 1954sf
4. Premier with 800sf garage & golf cart, pool 4/3 2875sf

Reason for all is larger garage.
4th More sf house parents will no longer be capable of living alone, so need 2 primary suites.

Is it our forever home no idea, moving is not an issue for us it is for many.

Life changes so does living arrangements

Older gens seem to have thought process of age in place. Younger seem to have very little issues with changing addresses. After all zero attachment to any houses in TV.

Our up north home has the attachment, on the fence when to sell, but the Lake house has been in the family over 150 years, and will continue to be passed to next gen.

[Djean1981]

I think it's... Those that move, move an average of three times.

[Villagevip]

Three moves in T.V. is obvious... Everyone gives up, on the third move...

[Normal]

Three moves in T.V. is obvious, to flee the ubiquitous T.V. "Karens"... But, this to no avail, is futile... Everyone gives up, on the third move...

Interpretation:

Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me
Fool me three times, I’m tired, do we have to move again? What’s our address?

[gatorbill1]

downsize for my move and very happy now - frog for sure

[Velvet]

I think that this undocumented statement may not be true. In my neighborhood where we have lived for 10 plus years many houses are filled with the original owners. I would say more than 50%. I do believe that the people who did move out have bought at least two or three more homes after they sold here. So maybe this rumor started with those people. Once they move they keep doing it. I would be suspicious, though, of someone telling me that the average Villager moves three times in the Villages and then observe that they work in the real estate business!

Same in my neighbor hood. There may be some people who move several times, but none of my Villager relatives did in 32 years and most of my neighbors are original owners. I think that moving 3 times is simply a myth. Probably good motto for sales. That’s all.

[Dusty_Star]

I also agree with HappyDaz, the move 3 times is a myth. I am a relatively new arrival, & I am surrounded by original owners. Some are thinking of moving, (they aren't doing it, & might never) but either out of state to be in an assisted living facility near their children, or out the The Villages into an assisted living facility. I suppose once you arrive at a certain age it is something you think about. Check back in five years to see if any did move.

[JP]

I've seen people move for all the above reasons PLUS they are chasing the "I'm new to this new area and everybody's my friend and people and neighborhoods are more active".

[Topspinmo]

I don't know anybody here who has moved three times. I also bought a 20-year-old house surrounded by 80-somethings in the largest retirement community in the country at the height of Covid and never knew anyone who died from it, even though everybody I know was fully vaccinated and got it anyway.

Neither of those anecdotal observations are related in any way.

I'm sure there is an excellent explanation for "Villagers move 3 times in their old age within the same real estate development". But I think you need to be either a real estate salesman or a pharmaceutical salesman to understand it. Or maybe a used car salesman.

I also live in village were nearly all brought originally 20 years go. Out of 84 maybe 15 moved elsewhere in villages. Probably 50% had spouse die and moved somewhere. Out that 50 % probably 40% went to assisted living home.

[Topspinmo]

No guessing for some..

Death..of spouse downsize.

Our 4 moves no guessing involved.

1. Bought PV as a vaca home 2/2 1165sf
2. Cottage with 2 car garage 3/2 1534sf
3. Designer with 2 car garage & golf cart garage 3/2 1954sf
4. Premier with 800sf garage & golf cart, pool 4/3 2875sf

Reason for all is larger garage.
4th More sf house parents will no longer be capable of living alone, so need 2 primary suites.

Is it our forever home no idea, moving is not an issue for us it is for many.

Life changes so does living arrangements

Older gens seem to have thought process of age in place. Younger seem to have very little issues with changing addresses. After all zero attachment to any houses in TV.

Our up north home has the attachment, on the fence when to sell, but the Lake house has been in the family over 150 years, and will continue to be passed to next gen.

Realtors should have golden metal Award. Sure money maker award! :$::$::$: Bingo! Opps I forgot one :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm happy with my neighborhood. If I won or inherited enough money to afford a multi-million-dollar home, I'd probably just tear down this double-wide and roll in an updated model, maybe a tiny bit bigger, and replace the old golf car garage and laundry shed with something more functional. But I wouldn't move. This is too nice an area to want to leave.

[margaretmattson]

We lived in a cyv by a square. Once airbnb arrived, neighbors starting renting their homes or sold them to investors. After 3 years, we grew tired of this and moved. We love our new home and have no plans on moving. We are blessed to be living in a neighborhood full of wonderful people.

Life changes is probably the reason most move. Second, the size of the home is not efficient for their lifestyle. Either too large with lots of maintenance or too small to entertain. Most realize even if you make a profit on your home, the next home you purchase will cost more. So, the MAJORITY stay put.

Realtors often tell buyers that residents move often to hook them into buying. "Don't worry! If you don't like it, you can always move. In fact most Villagers move three times!" is their favorite line. Every buyer has heard it. Makes me wonder if they are trained to repeat the same sales pitch to all.

[JRcorvette]

My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.


Yep we are on house number 4… 1 small to see if we liked it we were snowbirds. 2 A larger house but it backed up to Powell Rd which got crazy busy. 3 A 4 br with a pool and spa. The pool was expensive and not used all that much and we made a ton of money on the sale. 4 A 3 BR no pool but a large birdcage area and outdoor kitchen…. Perfect.

[asianthree]

Realtors should have golden metal Award. Sure money maker award! :$::$::$: Bingo! Opps I forgot one :eclipsee_gold_cup:

We were LIVING THE DREAM Selling our third home, because we needed to make room for parents, who can no longer remember who we are, or where they were 20 minutes ago. Then again we have been in TV since 2007, so 4 houses in 17 years is definitely at slow pace.


You are forgetting One can choose to sell by owner is always a good option. Then again according to our financial advisor and tax accountant, unbelievable income profit every 2-4 years, surpassing stocks, investments, and retirement accounts, is a bonus.

Some create great income, who sell every 2-3 years buy new home and live extremely well on profits, with or without realtor. We know of 7 couples who have moved 4-9 times, always to the next new neighborhood. Then again they are younger age bracket.

Many of the inspection guys keep count on their recurring customers, so far 16 homes is their best customer this year. So we are way down the list for that gold cup honor you so speak of. Unless it the award for taking on parenting of parents

[patfla06]

In 42 years of marriage we’ve only lived in 4 houses.
So the idea of ever moving from our current Villages house is low.

[thelegges]

After nearly 5 years of living the Village Lifestyle on TOTV ... you should have figure out by now, where and what you should buy.

If you read OPs tread he hasn’t bought a house yet, 5 years reading looking to buy first house.

[Bogie Shooter]

After nearly 5 years of living the Village Lifestyle on TOTV ... you should have figure out by now, where and what you should buy.

Wow! Rather strong with your unnecessary criticism………….

[BrianL99]

If you read OPs tread he hasn’t bought a house yet, 5 years reading looking to buy first house.

The reason for my post. After 5 years, I would think the poster would have it figured out by now.

[BrianL99]

Wow! Rather strong with your unnecessary criticism………….

I fail to see the "criticism".

Merely an observation of the facts.

[thelegges]

The reason for my post. After 5 years, I would think the poster would have it figured out by now.

Sure 5 years of reading posts would make anyone blindly figure out where to live with little experience boots in.

Then again OP was asking a question of something he heard, and their experience.

Those who have moved more than once have given their experience.
You have been here since 2021, with all those years of experience, Maybe you could include how many times you have moved, and was it for bigger smaller garage or location. That would help answer OPs question.

[MrChip72]

IMHO foolish to buy without renting for at least a month giving yourself time to explore.

Many people in my neighborhood were still 1-3 years from retirement when they bought so wouldn't have the luxury to take a full month off from work. Also when we were looking in our Village as it was being built, there were about 10 people trying to buy each house. If I waited a month, I would've ended up in a different location than we wanted.

I bought after spending a week and don't regret it. There's not really a scenario that I can think of that another 3 weeks would've changed my mind one way or another. One thing that I have to say about The Villages is that what you see is what you get for the most part.

[Velvet]

I guess as a child I moved a lot. My dad was wanted by the Communist party, we were on the run. Every time you move, you leave people behind. You leave friends, relatives, schoolmates (when you are young). You start over again, it is not fun. The amount of money one makes in a move may be substantial but when you have enough, it no longer means much. It’s the quality of life, not the quality of the house that makes most people happy.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I guess as a child I moved a lot. My dad was wanted by the Communist party, we were on the run. Every time you move, you leave people behind. You leave friends, relatives, schoolmates (when you are young). You start over again, it is not fun. The amount of money one makes in a move may be substantial but when you have enough, it no longer means much. It’s the quality of life, not the quality of the house that makes most people happy.

That is so true.

[Rwirish]

They move three times because they make quick emotional decisions.

[La lamy]

I think it is because people move here without throughly investigate the place and after awhile decide to move to another area.

IMHO foolish to buy without renting for at least a month giving yourself time to explore.

From the folks we have met here very few are in their third home, mostly first or second.
I agree. I rented in 2 different areas before I bought.

[Black Beauty]

We rented for 4 years to decide what and where we wanted. happy now close to everything and quiet Forsyth Villas

[dewilson58]

i think it's... Those that move, move an average of three times.

bingo.

[Sandy and Ed]

My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.
Bingo !!!!

[Havingfun]

I overheard a Sales Representative at Sawgrass Sales Office say to some folks that your 5th purchase here is your free one. He must have missed 2008 and what followed

[Cliff Fr]

I would think that high income people would be more apt to move several times because they can afford to.

[rrman77]

Move so friends and family can't find you!!! 😂

[Villagesgal]

I don't know anyone here that has moved 3 times here and I have lived here for 23 years in the same house and lost 2 spouses. I worked in the Villages for 16 years, so know thousands of people here. I think that it is an urban myth that the average Villager moves three times. We looked over our Designer home plans for 2 years making all the changes we wanted before having our house built and honestly I still love my home. It took us over 2 years to find the perfect lot with no one behind and one that would stay that way. Do your homework, don't rush into anything, pick your location well and there will be no desire to move. My home has gone up just under $400,000 in value in 23 years. Not a bad return.

[MidWestIA]

I had 2 rules it had to have a 2 car and golf cart garage and be above hwy 44 but not too close to hwy 42. This will let you get to lots of activities, shopping and restaurants in about 20 min in a golf cart.

[Nana2Teddy]

In 42 years of marriage we’ve only lived in 4 houses.
So the idea of ever moving from our current Villages house is low.
Same for us except 46 years of marriage. Ironically, it’s our biggest (4/3) home out of the four. We raised our three kids in smaller homes in SoCal. They all love to come visit us because they have the whole guest suite to themselves, lol.

[MX rider]

bingo.

100% agree. I always thought people who said villagers average 3 moves was bs.
My neighborhood was built in 09, and the majority on my street are original owners.

[msmr23@gmail.com]

Ist home, PV for me. 2 months later met the love of my life, needed more garage space.

2nd, designer with 3 garage stalls for 1 car and 2 gc.

[Ithreeputtoo]

Exactly what we did too! First house was a ranch and we were part time for a year. Decided to move here full time and bought a designer and the added a pool and hot tub. Lots of work with that every month. So after 8 years in that home, we sold it and bought a very nice villa and now we do not have all the work to do with the pool and hot tub. Travel is very easy now! Love it.

[tophcfa]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

It’s something I never understood. Buying, selling, and moving is stressful, time consuming, expensive, and a pain in the butt. We did much research and home shopping before making such an important decision to insure we bought a home that would fit our long term needs and be one and done. In my opinion it’s much easier buying pre owned homes as at any given point in time your options are significantly enhanced. Best of luck with your very important decision.

[Switter]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

Yeah, I think this is the scenario I'm in. I bought last summer and probably overpaid a little for the place I bought, but I also sold my place in Minnesota for a great profit and was able to reduce my mortgage down here significantly. I don't think I could swing that again.

I think if you can find an area you like you should be OK. For example, if you like the quiet, then you don't wanna be right on a busy road like Morse, Buena Vista, or the turnpike and you wouldn't want to be too close to a rec center (Pickleball courts) or town square. I remember I was looking at a cheaper place on El Camino Real that backed right up to the road, which can get pretty busy. After I bought my place I would regularly drive on El Camino Real and noticed a sewer smell close to the location of the other house. Turns out there's a sewer plant nearby. Really glad I didn't buy that place.

From my observations, the north part of the villages has less traffic. This is probably because as the villages goes south, it gets geographically wider, which means more homes, more people, and more traffic. That's not necessarily good or bad it just depends on what you like.

The north (north of 466) is more like regular neighborhoods with mature oak trees, whereas as you go south it's more palm trees and resort-like.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, it's very easy to get distracted by aesthetics of the villages while looking around (because it's all so beautiful) and you can end up missing the little things in a specific location that could turn out to be really important for you later on. I suspect that accounts for at least some of people who move multiple times.

[thelegges]

They move three times because they make quick emotional decisions.

I agree it was very emotional going from a vacation home for profit and a long term home for investment and a vaca/retirement home that worked for 9 years. :1rotfl:

After full time for a year, we just wanted to be with neighbors our own age. So we moved south, for a different lifestyle. Which works well for us, the only emotion I get is when our Wednesday golf group has 7a tee time at Silver Lake.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

In 42 years of marriage we’ve only lived in 4 houses.
So the idea of ever moving from our current Villages house is low.

Yeah this is our third home since we moved in together, 34 years ago. The first was a condo. The second was a house one town away from the first.

We come from families who live in their homes for decades. My parents bought our family home in 1960, we moved in on my first birthday in 1961. It remained our family home for a little over 30 years, when they finally retired and moved to Florida. Mom died in the house they retired in, this past year. Dad's still there.

I moved around a lot during college and the few years after that, but that was the nature of college and wanting to learn 'how' to be independent.

[paulajr]

Exactly


My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.

[KimmieK]

My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.
Sounds about right. We are on 2nd home.

[OhioBuckeye]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

When we lived in TV our realator said people moved twice & we did.

[HoosierPa]

What you said plus we like to always have the newest designs available

[HoosierPa]

They move three times because they make quick emotional decisions.

Your statement is totally inaccurate and based solely on emotion.

[llaran]

Original post is correct. Before 2006 homes were far less expensive, a patio villa under $60 thousand, prices going up and there was a waiting list for houses, you put your name on a house you wanted and hoped everyone ln front of you got something else. Also only spec homes were being sold, the market has gone back and forth from spec to site built. Earlier you could double your money almost every year.

[DebMil]

I don't know anybody here who has moved three times. I also bought a 20-year-old house surrounded by 80-somethings in the largest retirement community in the country at the height of Covid and never knew anyone who died from it, even though everybody I know was fully vaccinated and got it anyway.

Neither of those anecdotal observations are related in any way.

I'm sure there is an excellent explanation for "Villagers move 3 times in their old age within the same real estate development". But I think you need to be either a real estate salesman or a pharmaceutical salesman to understand it. Or maybe a used car salesman.

Vaccine keeps you from dying! Not catching it.

[DebMil]

We would love to move into a larger place. Ours too small for having a hobby. But prices on patio homes have plummeted and sitting on the market a long time. 100 days +.

[T&SMiller]

Your interpretation of the 3 moves is spot on. So far, my husband and I are on number 2. The first house was on a visit to friends and we said let's not get caught up, let's not leave here with a new house! And, well we left after purchasing a villa...something small, a house we will use once in a while. We'll fast forward two years and we were closing on our "dream house" big enough to spend the winter in Florida, host friends and family, entertain in our oversized lanai. Currently after almost 3 years here we are saying we are never moving! We shall see......

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.[/QUOTE]

[T&SMiller]

Your interpretation of the 3 moves is spot on. So far, my husband and I are on number 2. The first house was on a visit to friends and we said let's not get caught up, let's not leave here with a new house! And....we left with a villa...something small, a house we will use once in a while. Well fast forward two years and we were closing on our "dream house" big enough to spend the winter in Florida, host friends and family, entertain in our oversized lanai. Currently after almost 3 years here we are saying we are never moving! We shall see......

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.[/QUOTE]

[huge-pigeons]

I know people that have moved 7 times within the villages. I also know many couples who have moved 3 or more times.
Within 6 months after buying a new designer home, we were looking.
Some of the responses on this site were right on like not knowing the area 1st before buying. When new in TV, you have no clue where are all your clubs are, pickleball/tennis groups play, shopping to match your lifestyle, new or used home, pond view/golf course view, pool, and many more. I know friends that move every 2 years to live off this income in retirement.
There are also many people leaving the older sections of the villages to move to the younger crowd/new homes south of 44, and now south of meggison.
When traveling in the north parts of the villages, the houses look small and dated, and I can see why people move around in the villages.i know people that sold their designer homes south of 44 and bought in Richmond and Newell to come out with cash after selling their original homes.
Even staying for a month in the villages doesn’t give you enough time to figure out all you can do here and where do you want to live. If you don’t mind traveling to go to places, then you can live anywhere in the villages. If you want new, you have no choice: you are going to meggison or further south.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I know people that have moved 7 times within the villages. I also know many couples who have moved 3 or more times.
Within 6 months after buying a new designer home, we were looking.
Some of the responses on this site were right on like not knowing the area 1st before buying. When new in TV, you have no clue where are all your clubs are, pickleball/tennis groups play, shopping to match your lifestyle, new or used home, pond view/golf course view, pool, and many more. I know friends that move every 2 years to live off this income in retirement.
There are also many people leaving the older sections of the villages to move to the younger crowd/new homes south of 44, and now south of meggison.
When traveling in the north parts of the villages, the houses look small and dated, and I can see why people move around in the villages.i know people that sold their designer homes south of 44 and bought in Richmond and Newell to come out with cash after selling their original homes.
Even staying for a month in the villages doesn’t give you enough time to figure out all you can do here and where do you want to live. If you don’t mind traveling to go to places, then you can live anywhere in the villages. If you want new, you have no choice: you are going to meggison or further south.

If you want new, you can buy one of the tear-down single-wides for sale in the Historic section, and have a new home built there to your specifications, by the builder of your choice.

[JohnT106]

My guess...

1st house: Let's not spend too much, buy a small house, see if we like it.
2nd house: Love it here, let's buy hour dream home with a pool.
3rd house: We don't need this much space, we never use the pool. Let's downsize.

I agree with this post. I still haven't bought in TV because of the high prices. It's more cost effective to rent for the 3 or 4 months I would be here then return to me condo down the jersey shore. I keep my money invested and do quite well. When I do buy it will be near Palmer and Lopez because of the CC's, Access to town squares, CC golf and shopping not to mention the restaurants. JT.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I agree with this post. I still haven't bought in TV because of the high prices. It's more cost effective to rent for the 3 or 4 months I would be here then return to me condo down the jersey shore. I keep my money invested and do quite well. When I do buy it will be near Palmer and Lopez because of the CC's, Access to town squares, CC golf and shopping not to mention the restaurants. JT.

Lopez Legacy isn't close to the town squares. It's around 25 minutes by golf cart to Sumter, and around 20 minutes by golf cart to Spanish Springs. Longer for shopping other than the Publix plaza on 441 next to the hospital.

Palmer Legends is very close to Sumter Landing - just a few minutes away.

[margaretmattson]

Lopez Legacy isn't close to the town squares. It's around 25 minutes by golf cart to Sumter, and around 20 minutes by golf cart to Spanish Springs. Longer for shopping other than the Publix plaza on 441 next to the hospital.

Palmer Legends is very close to Sumter Landing - just a few minutes away. Lopez is 6 miles from Spanish Springs and 7 miles from Lake Sumter. Lots of shopping and restaurants on 466 are approx 8 miles.

If you purchase on the Morse Blvd side instead of Buena Vista , both squares will be 2-4 miles away. Shopping and restaurants can be reached in minutes in nearly every direction. Brownwood is 9 miles away. Sawgrass Grove 12 miles. Plus MANY golf courses scattered throughout.

[rrman77]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.
So friends and family can't find you 😂🤪😂

[Craig Vernon]

Wow...Thank you all for the great insight. Wife and I will be in for the month of May and the research will continue. Retirement end of this year or soon after. If new build will take 4-6 months per VLS agent. Thanks again one and all. Be thankful for all you have in TV!

[Guzzel]

Spot on!!

[FloridaLady]

I have lived here a few years and still have just under 2 from retirement age. Financially it was not possible for me to rent for a month before moving and still pay my rent up north. Lifestyle visit or 2 can be enough. Decided like Sumter area best so that makes it easier. No plans to move again

[Packer Fan]

Craig - here is my take. That villagers all move 3 times ranks up there with "The villages is the VD capital of the world", and "The Lufa's are for swinging". The problem is SIMPLE MATH. Now math is not a strong suit for most people, so here it is. Since I bought in Hillsborough in 2014, I would say conservatively half the residents are original. This would mean that the half that moved would ALL have to move elsewhere in TV and ALL have to move 6 times to average 3. The idea is rediculous on its face. Now some do move 3 times, some more, but it is not the norm.

To be honest, I think you have been around the villages enough times to know where everything is, and where you want to buy. Just be thoughtful, and don't over downsize and you will be fine.

[Dilligas]

Tip…..buy location and view and livable size for next 20-30 years. Get larger garage than you think necessary. Don’t need 4/5 bedrooms for 1 or 2 weeks of visitors.

[jimjamuser]

Three moves in T.V. is obvious... Everyone gives up, on the third move...
Like baseball. Three strikes and you are out.

[jimjamuser]

Yep we are on house number 4… 1 small to see if we liked it we were snowbirds. 2 A larger house but it backed up to Powell Rd which got crazy busy. 3 A 4 br with a pool and spa. The pool was expensive and not used all that much and we made a ton of money on the sale. 4 A 3 BR no pool but a large birdcage area and outdoor kitchen…. Perfect.
I find it humorous that people want their OWN pool. Then they do at least some of the maintenance on it, but they often won't cut their OWN GRASS. The main reason that I go to a neighborhood pool is to socialize with the neighbors. And, I can enjoy it WITHOUT having to maintain it.

[jimjamuser]

Yeah, I think this is the scenario I'm in. I bought last summer and probably overpaid a little for the place I bought, but I also sold my place in Minnesota for a great profit and was able to reduce my mortgage down here significantly. I don't think I could swing that again.

I think if you can find an area you like you should be OK. For example, if you like the quiet, then you don't wanna be right on a busy road like Morse, Buena Vista, or the turnpike and you wouldn't want to be too close to a rec center (Pickleball courts) or town square. I remember I was looking at a cheaper place on El Camino Real that backed right up to the road, which can get pretty busy. After I bought my place I would regularly drive on El Camino Real and noticed a sewer smell close to the location of the other house. Turns out there's a sewer plant nearby. Really glad I didn't buy that place.

From my observations, the north part of the villages has less traffic. This is probably because as the villages goes south, it gets geographically wider, which means more homes, more people, and more traffic. That's not necessarily good or bad it just depends on what you like.

The north (north of 466) is more like regular neighborhoods with mature oak trees, whereas as you go south it's more palm trees and resort-like.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, it's very easy to get distracted by aesthetics of the villages while looking around (because it's all so beautiful) and you can end up missing the little things in a specific location that could turn out to be really important for you later on. I suspect that accounts for at least some of people who move multiple times.
One thing happened to us was that we moved to a house on a lake. Which was very nice most of the time. Then SURPRISE !!!! in 2017 it dried up during June or July and then in September, Irma hit and filled it back up. While the lake was dried out, besides all the fish dying out, the area started to SMELL like swamp gas as the underwater vegetation dried out and DECAYED. Then and to this day, I believe that the powers that be pumped out the lake during the drought to WASTE the water by spraying it out over the various GOLF COURSES. I imagine that golf course grass is more important than human lungs getting messed up by the STINK of swamp gas.
.....So, basically, everything has an upside and a downside. The trick with real estate is to TRY and visualize if there are any downsides that you don't see at first.

[asianthree]

I find it humorous that people want their OWN pool. Then they do at least some of the maintenance on it, but they often won't cut their OWN GRASS. The main reason that I go to a neighborhood pool is to socialize with the neighbors. And, I can enjoy it WITHOUT having to maintain it.

You must be very old school or haven’t owned a pool in a very long time.

Maintenance on a pool in modern day is walk out start clean program from IPhone drop C3PO pool robot (name optional) sit, enjoy a book, have a cold drink and 90 minutes later pool sides, bottom, and steps completely clean of all debris. Control pool completely from IPhone.

Every Monday take water sample for free testing while out for lunch. 3 minutes to drop in chemical. Done. Heating, chemical, on salt water for 18x32’ is $36 on month.

We also have Chillers for summers that you won’t find in any public pool in TV. Even in Winter with liquid cover we rarely drop more than 4 degrees. Swim 4 miles a day year round, anytime I choose. I love peace and quiet and midnight swims.

We have weekly dine arounds at homes and restaurants with 4-40 friends

Not sure why everyone say pools are work. Maybe just not up on todays pool maintenance

Oh we mow our own lawn with ECO mower, blower, trimmer. We have WIFI vacuum /mop robot for inside (R2D2) along with WiFi washer/dryer, and range. Life is no longer a chore or requires cleaning services that we used while working.

[Randall55]

You must be very old school or haven’t owned a pool in a very long time.

Maintenance on a pool in modern day is walk out start clean program from IPhone drop C3PO pool robot (name optional) sit, enjoy a book, have a cold drink and 90 minutes later pool sides, bottom, and steps completely clean of all debris. Control pool completely from IPhone.

Every Monday take water sample for free testing while out for lunch. 3 minutes to drop in chemical. Done. Heating, chemical, on salt water for 18x32’ is $36 on month.

We also have Chillers for summers that you won’t find in any public pool in TV. Even in Winter with liquid cover we rarely drop more than 4 degrees. Swim 4 miles a day year round, anytime I choose. I love peace and quiet and midnight swims.

We have weekly dine arounds at homes and restaurants with 4-40 friends

Not sure why everyone say pools are work. Maybe just not up on todays pool maintenance

Oh we mow our own lawn with ECO mower, blower, trimmer. We have WIFI vacuum /mop robot for inside (R2D2) along with WiFi washer/dryer, and range. Life is no longer a chore or requires cleaning services that we used while working. Having to remove solar panels, then reinstall, when roof needs repaired or replaced, constant monitoring of chemicals, leaves, cleaning large lanai (especially after heavy rain or wind storm), covering when toddlers are around. No thanks! We sold our home with pool and will not get another.

[DeweyBeach]

Not sure I would move villages just to be closer to friends we made. The reason we chose TV is because of all the options with activities and networking. Crowding your eggs in one basket invites broken hearts and wallets.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Lopez is 6 miles from Spanish Springs and 7 miles from Lake Sumter. Lots of shopping and restaurants on 466 are approx 8 miles.

If you purchase on the Morse Blvd side instead of Buena Vista , both squares will be 2-4 miles away. Shopping and restaurants can be reached in minutes in nearly every direction. Brownwood is 9 miles away. Sawgrass Grove 12 miles. Plus MANY golf courses scattered throughout.

They specified they were looking at either Lopez or Palmer.

Lopez doesn't have a "Morse Blvd side." It's off of Buena Vista, wayyyy up at the very top of The Villages. Their reasoning was close proximity to shopping and the town squares. Lopez doesn't have a close proximity to shopping or town squares, it's miles away from both. Palmer, on the other hand, is less than a mile from Sumter, and depending on which village near Palmer you choose, it's in walking distance.

[coffeebean]

I know people that have moved 7 times within the villages. I also know many couples who have moved 3 or more times.
Within 6 months after buying a new designer home, we were looking.
Some of the responses on this site were right on like not knowing the area 1st before buying. When new in TV, you have no clue where are all your clubs are, pickleball/tennis groups play, shopping to match your lifestyle, new or used home, pond view/golf course view, pool, and many more. I know friends that move every 2 years to live off this income in retirement.
There are also many people leaving the older sections of the villages to move to the younger crowd/new homes south of 44, and now south of meggison.
When traveling in the north parts of the villages, the houses look small and dated, and I can see why people move around in the villages.i know people that sold their designer homes south of 44 and bought in Richmond and Newell to come out with cash after selling their original homes.
Even staying for a month in the villages doesn’t give you enough time to figure out all you can do here and where do you want to live. If you don’t mind traveling to go to places, then you can live anywhere in the villages. If you want new, you have no choice: you are going to meggison or further south.
Just curious.......which north parts of The Villages are you referring to? North of 466, south of 466 or both? I'm in the LSL area and wondering if you are referring to this area as having "homes that look small and dated."

[JMintzer]

I find it humorous that people want their OWN pool. Then they do at least some of the maintenance on it, but they often won't cut their OWN GRASS. The main reason that I go to a neighborhood pool is to socialize with the neighbors. And, I can enjoy it WITHOUT having to maintain it.

You just explained why other people want their own pool...:loco:

[Randall55]

They specified they were looking at either Lopez or Palmer.

Lopez doesn't have a "Morse Blvd side." It's off of Buena Vista, wayyyy up at the very top of The Villages. Their reasoning was close proximity to shopping and the town squares. Lopez doesn't have a close proximity to shopping or town squares, it's miles away from both. Palmer, on the other hand, is less than a mile from Sumter, and depending on which village near Palmer you choose, it's in walking distance.
i live near Lopez. Everything we need is a FEW miles away. Spanish Springs is easy to get to and is under 6 miles. Take some side roads and Lake Sumter is even easier to reach.
Only 6.5 miles away. There are PLENTY of stores and restaurants on 466, just minutes away. You can easily get on 301 for more options. Behind, is an ABUNDANCE of commercial. Hospitals and Doctors can be reached in minutes. First Responders Rec Center is CLOSE.It is only one mile from my home. Best of all, the amenities ARE NOT CROWDED. You can easily enjoy any at your leisure.

[thelegges]

Having to remove solar panels, then reinstall, when roof needs repaired or replaced, constant monitoring of chemicals, leaves, cleaning large lanai (especially after heavy rain or wind storm), covering when toddlers are around. No thanks! We sold our home with pool and will not get another.

No solar panels we use liquid cover, also. Solar panels seems to be not as popular as it was in years past, just like solar covers. So far have only had to drop PH twice in 4 months, all other values are good even after rain. Auto fill/drain, takes care of rain issues. If one upgrades to better equipment more fun less work. Birdcage takes care of debris, plus we use a robot to do all the cleaning. (No cute names) We have a deck and pool robot, so no worries on how big or small.
Growing up with lakes and pools outside our door, self saving was mandatory.

All of our kids and grands could flip and float before they could walk. Yes they all tested at some point by jumping in the deep end. By 3 they could swim a full lap, to get to the side of pool or a dock in the lake.
Taught swimming for extra money for competition meets, so it was natural for our family. But covering a pool is an invitation for a child to test. Summers was always hard working ED, covered pools were 40% of near drowning or worse.

My guess those who complain about pool’s because it’s expensive and hard work, may not using today’s technology, or put in a pool for view, not because they were swimmers.
Our pool up north has less bells, but still had a robot to clean, and used a company to open and close.

The lake always had sand on the bottom but we just learned to live with it

[Mikeonheathrow]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

Your logic escapes me. If the value of your current home increases by 6% then it is also plausible that the value of the home you wish to upgrade to has also increased by 6%. Therefore the difference between the two homes is now greater than it would have been at the time you initially purchased your 1st home. I guess I'm lucky, the home I purchased 12 years ago it's the one I'm still in and happy to be here.

[asianthree]

It has been said that villagers on average move three times and many answers have been given as to why. The logical answer is that villagers moved three times because they could due to a stable six percent appreciation of value on their homes. Current inflated values from COVID may not allow for three moves so I hope I get my purchase right the first time.... Coming soon to a village near you.

Your logic escapes me. If the value of your current home increases by 6% then it is also plausible that the value of the home you wish to upgrade to has also increased by 6%. Therefore the difference between the two homes is now greater than it would have been at the time you initially purchased your 1st home. I guess I'm lucky, the home I purchased 12 years ago it's the one I'm still in and happy to be here.

You quoted OP, reread his initial post. OP is asking a question of what has been said, “average villagers move 3times”.

So OP isn’t using his logic, but asking a question. Next OP has not bought a home in TV yet, is coming to explore TV. Using information from TOTV (good or bad) to hopefully use information important to them while enjoying their experiences.

Posters that have moved more than once have given their thoughts on their own experiences. No guessing needed why they choose not to stay in the same house for multiple years.

Even Goldwingnut, has expressed possibly moving to newer area after multiple years in the same home.

Many believe in aging in place, but as younger gens come here, they have zero attachment and moving isn’t as big a problem as other residents.

Everyone has their own preferences on how to enjoy life, or increase their income by multiple home buying. It’s what make TV so unique, everyone get to enjoy what makes their lives better for them.

After close to 15 years, watching the growth of everything in TV, moving to new areas and enjoying what is important to us is just normal. After 4 homes up north, and 4 homes in TV, moving has never been a big deal. Our oldest just visited and even mentioned the new areas are looking inviting. Change and adapting never gets boring for us.

[Craig Vernon]

Craig - here is my take. That villagers all move 3 times ranks up there with "The villages is the VD capital of the world", and "The Lufa's are for swinging". The problem is SIMPLE MATH. Now math is not a strong suit for most people, so here it is. Since I bought in Hillsborough in 2014, I would say conservatively half the residents are original. This would mean that the half that moved would ALL have to move elsewhere in TV and ALL have to move 6 times to average 3. The idea is rediculous on its face. Now some do move 3 times, some more, but it is not the norm.

To be honest, I think you have been around the villages enough times to know where everything is, and where you want to buy. Just be thoughtful, and don't over downsize and you will be fine.

Thanks Ed. Looking forward to continuing the search in May. Looking like December will be the retirement month...Thanks for the educated comments.

[Laker14]

We bought our home in TV 3 years ago, and honestly, some days I barely move at all.

Wait...did I miss the point?

[Tustin714]

We bought our home in TV 3 years ago, and honestly, some days I barely move at all.

The definitive answer. :D

[yankygrl]

I have lived in TV almost 14 years. I am on my third home. First move after 4 years was because hubby wanted a pool in our yard. Second move was back to original neighborhood after hubby passed away and I didn’t want upkeep of the pool so now I’m on #3. Next move is to ALF sometime many years in the future OR Florida National Cemetery.