Wisdom of advice on TOTV?

[MplsPete]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

[CarlR33]

What’s to wonder about it’s seems all good advice to me? So many people come on here with no idea about TV so everyone including myself recommend a minimum one month stay before pulling the trigger. I am sure most adults who do not have a clue by the first one month stay will stay temporarily longer after that but that’s a personal choice. It’s sounds like you have done your homework so come on down and enjoy the heat, LOL

[villagetinker]

We got very lucky, when we bought (2013) we were at the southern end of the villages between 466a and 44, we did not look at other neighborhoods just looked at house designs. We found a design we liked and then found a lot and had our house built for us. I understand this is no longer an option. In any case we ended up with great neighbors and we are just North of the center of TV. We did like the layout of the area.
OP, your points are well taken. As for your wife, health care could be better, if you move before she turns 65 she will need to find suitable coverage, and you might want to start looking early. Also, be very careful about traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage there is an organization SHINE (Senior Health Infromation Network) SHINE - Home (https://floridashine.org/) that provides unbiased information, that saved us from making a big mistake.
There are some areas that some people regard as less desirable but this is a matter of opinion. I am sure you can find an area you will like and a home you will like.

[rustyp]

We arrived at TV in 2005. Snowbirds and still are snowbirds. Cannot handle the summer heat here. They say where ever you landed will be your favorite neighborhood. I found that to be true until Fenney. The supporting infrastructure was not in place. No golf cart connection to rest of TV. Lack of golf courses and amenities. Time is solving those issues. However this seems to be a reoccurring theme as new build continues. Ask yourself - how many years do you have left. Waiting a couple years is a rather large percentage of what is left. Health care ? We belong to TV Health Care System. Never had better health care in our lives. In fact the shine of TV for us is not quite as bright as day one (too big) however the healthcare is the major reason we remain.

[Pondboy]

I’d agree that you don’t really need to do multiple visits to determine if it’s for you. If you know, you know.

As far as where you live…..some/most of the older homes are in need of updating, yet still command a higher sale price. Newer homes have more modern amenities and features. Do you really want to get a new roof or update the kitchen? The right home on the right lot will talk to you. Don’t rush to buy the first one you see. Use google maps to see what’s around you, walk the neighborhood to get a feel for the area.

Personally, I do all my shopping on line. Don’t care for malls and stores. I only go shopping for groceries. Food in the villages is mediocre at best. It’s also expensive to eat out. We hang / dine with neighbors vs going out to eat.

It might also be harder to break into a “click” with people in an established community vs a new area.

As far as types of people, good and bad, crazy vs normal everywhere you go. It’s a crapshoot not limited to one village.

As far as work, it’s a service oriented area. You’re probably looking at $16-18 per hour for non professionals. So are you not working and she will be?
Make the best of your time together in the golden years. Spend it together, not apart with one working and the other not.

Hope that helps.

[Dusty_Star]

I agree with you, those who insist on a multi-week, month, year visit, are giving the best advice FOR THEM. It does not necessarily apply to the rest of us. I disregard it totally & I sure wouldn't blame you for disregarding it either. For you, a lifestyle visit & another vaction visit probably are enough. You know you. You know your likes & dislikes & no one on this site, however well meaning knows you.

The bond cost does need to be taken into consideration. As do the property taxes.

I don't know about Santiago vs Fernandina - never lived in either. When I was looking for a house DuVall had a bad rep. Snobby women. -I still don't know if it's true or not - I didn't buy in DuVall. But, I think it is one of the largest villages & therefore probably does have a decent amount of lemons, but probably has many more friendlies.

& finally yes, you are right, if your wife wants a job in a healthcare facility NOW then up north (of 44) is for you. There is a lot of talk about new facilities being built, but how long will that take?

If you are careful in your house shopping, (there are a lot of houses always coming on the market) then you can find: low bond, new roof, new HVAC, updated facilities. Or some combination.

One thing that is often not mentioned is with a preowned purchase you can get a lot of improvements. Improved landscaping, enclosed air conditioned lanai, with updated fans & floors. Improved garage flooring, painted or improved driveway, added birdcage. With a newly built house all of this is on you & it is not inexpensive.

TLDR: Location is always important in real estate. Good Luck!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

We’re staying in a rental while we’re looking. We came here last July for two weeks to see how the heat felt. I didn’t even notice the humidity and thought it fine about the temperature. (I came from Arizona where it get’s up to 115 degrees) You can get out and ride in the golf cart and feel the breeze when it gets hot.

The main difference between the north and the south is trees. And the lack of restaurants and other amenities in the southern areas. But the trees in the northern areas are fabulous with moss hanging down.

The southern areas are quite nice and the houses have a more modern look. Grays, whites, and blacks are the colors in most of the houses.

As far as the Village goes you will see it doesn’t matter because all of them have the same range of houses that the next one has. And one of them may not have any for sale at the moment you’re looking. But there maybe some in the next Village.

The main thing is relax and enjoy everything that TV has to offer!

[blueash]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

[Bogie Shooter]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

Well said……I hope it gets read. (Maybe twice)

[Kenswing]

The advice you get on this site is worth every penny you paid for it.

[MplsPete]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

I am amused and grateful for your interpretation of my situation,
and also your gentle response to said questions.
If I make it, perhaps someday I will apprise how it all worked out.

[MrChip72]

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.


I think that it's obvious to most people that have visited that you can figure out within a week if TV is the right place for them, or not. I wouldn't worry about visiting in the summer. People just spend less time outdoors when it's 100 degrees outside.


2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously?

I think you're underestimating the importance here. Buying in a new village is great because everyone is moving in around the same time. It's like going away to college where no one knows anyone and everyone is looking for new friends. Driveway parties are much more frequent in the newer areas and I find we meet new people at every single one. New golf buddies, people to borrow a wheelbarrow from or share their expertise with if they're formerly a tradesperson.

Location is also a big consideration. We bought 2 years ago but almost bought in two other areas before deciding on our Village. Almost everyday we think about how lucky we were to check the golf cart distance from existing amenities to where we had planned on buying before deciding. We took a golf cart ride down to Moultrie Creek this afternoon from our village that's just south of Brownwood. It looks to be an outstanding location 2-3 years from now. As for the bond, I would just consider that an addition to the price. Buying a preowned property just to avoid the bond is absurd to me. Especially when the newer home prices are very close to the preowned price. Not to mention, you only live once.

[Randall55]

It is not hype or BS. People have different likes and needs. Read the advice on this forum and determine how it will fit your particular lifestyle. I am thankful for plenty of great advice that helped improve my situations. Advice that did not help me may have helped someone else. To me, most threads are interesting reads. The only time I have a problem with any of them is when I make the mistake of reading with emotion. Now, I take a deep breath and try to understand that some may be experiencing something I am not. It helps if I read the threads like the Wall Street Journal. Just information, good or bad.

As far as choosing where to live, you will get plenty of advice. Don't ignore what you do not want to hear. Sometimes, that advice is golden. It may save you from kicking yourself later.

[Bhighley]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?


Each point of advice is legit. The south is nicer, newer and younger. North is more established, more chain restaurants and shopping, but older homes. I was up in Spanish Springs yesterday - depressing. I live close to Brownwood - much nicer. The contrast between north and south reminds of Lowell, MA vs Boston, MA.

Choosing the right neighborhood is an important factor like any move. Choosing a location based on bond costs will disappoint. Remember, you get what you pay for.

[Rwirish]

You should long over a few years and visit each season. Newell and south are perfect if you want to be removed from most things and don’t mind driving long distances to play golf.

[bowlingal]

the salaries here are NOWHERE near where you are currently living. It doesn't matter what you were working as. I found the benefits suck also. No sick pay either. If you don't show up for work, no pay. At least in the field I was working in. Everyone has to take a drug test too. As for where to live, I live in the "middle", but when I go to say, Chatham, I find it much more countryish, roads seem wider, houses further apart. But, many, many more oak trees. Nice for shade in the summer, but a total headache in the fall/winter. Very messy trees with leaves/acorns, and beware of the "suckers" that come up through the grass from the hidden acorns in the lawn. Back breaking work if you want to keep your lawn looking nice. But, the villages is still the best place to live.

[Laurawilcox]

A couple of other differences not mentioned. Where will your working wife best find other people her age to interact with?

I am in De Luna, we are both still working, and late 50s and early 60s are a common age.

I work in Leesburg and my husband remote so medical work could be possible in the newest facilities down south as well. Are there things you want to do outside of the bubble?

We are in Orlando area, Ocala, Tarpon Springs, Costco, wherever about every other weekend. Highway access was crucial to us. Adding the difference from up north to get to a wonderful brunch at Winter Park wasn’t a consideration.

Of course we wish there was more shopping and golf cart access within our location but the items above were more important.

[Nusch]

Most will be new the Villagers and you get to enjoy the fun of discovery around you together.


I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

[MikeN]

Well, there are other employment opportunities than Publix. There’s Winn Dixie and newspaper delivery. But you’re spot on with what section you choose to live in. If you use a village salesperson rather than a realtor you will be lead to a new section and never be told about resales in the more established areas. That is why so many people have moved once they fall for the sales pitch and find what they want elsewhere, mostly within TV. Good luck. Take your time. Use a realtor

[R&J in NJ]

You are correct in your assessments. Beautiful, well appointed homes available as resales. So much to choose from so don't get overwhelmed. Good luck.

[skippy05]

You have an excellent grasp on everything therefore buy when you see fit. Don't over improve for a period of settle in time in case you later decide you don't like it after all and wish to sell. The heat has never been the real issue. No real 4 change of seasons I hated. No more somewhat frequent all day rain I hated. The thing with clubs, squares, social stuff wears off with amusement quickly too. Everyone is different so buy now and know it is easier to exit than a bad marriage... in case you didn't like the milk before buying the cow.

[sallyg]

Seems you have learned a lot in your brief visit. I would still recommend renting before buying, there is a reason people move an average of three times. We moved twice. Got lucky on the second place.

[Ducatigator]

Good morning! Happy Monday. I think everyone has given you some solid advice. I think one thing not mentioned about living in the new areas, is the excitement that comes along with building a new house. The design appointment, picking out the lot, watching your home go up in record time. It's part of the "moving " process that makes it fun and exciting to come to the Villages.

Also, this is a golf cart community. It's a absolutely so much fun to get around everywhere by golf cart. We took a couple of years to find the perfect lot we wanted. To give you perspective, when we start seriously looking (didn't need a lifestyle visit to figure it out, fyi) in 2022 we were looking at new construction in Richmond!!!! We ended up buying in Dabney 1 year later. Things develop very quickly here. Anyway, the point is we ended up being very South compared to when we started this venture. The distance is nothing! What else do you need to do but enjoy here. And yes, my wife and I still work. However, I ride around everywhere on a golf cart. It's fun, you see new things, you ENJOY! Our cars never move unless we need to leave the bubble. From Dabney, by golf cart... Sawgrass 10 minutes, Brownwood 25 minutes and we timed to the Eastport gate 18 minutes. I go to Rotary in Charlotte, 37 minutes. Belle Glade for dinners and shows 34 minutes. So, I guess what I am saying is don't worry about distance, time, ammenties. If you learn anything here is that everything all develops quickly. I am sure people building in Lake Sumpter years ago, said they would never build south. New construction, no amenities etc. Then came Brownwood. Wow. So don't worry. Enjoy the process! Eastport is going to be crazy good. I will take a couple of years of "dust" to enjoy the end game. By the way, literally 1 year ago, everything South of Sawgrass was flat dirt. Not one house. Now it is fully complete and the construction is on the west side of the turnpike as they develop Moultrie Creek.

As for work, UF Health is building a huge facility here in the South. There are plenty of work opportunities anywhere in the area.

Finally, this is Florida. I just moved from South Florida. Summers are hot in the entire state. Don't let that discourage you. Enjoy the pools, the nearby lakes and everyone uses their AC lol. It's 3 months. Nothing you can do but just travel north a bit during vacation time.

Anyway, super excited for you. You will love it here. As I mentioned earlier, we knew we wanted to live here the first weekend we accidentally booked a room in TV at the Lake Sumter. Seriously! 1 weekend. Came back a few weekends and stayed at the Brownwood Spa and Hotel and bam! We started looking.

Good luck. Message me anytime you want to meet up and talk more. I'll drive you around via golf cart and show you TV through my eyes.

Have a blessed day. Thanks Serge

[seecapecod]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

Or maybe Pete needs to pick up the PT job?

[NotGolfer]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

On social media you'll get a plethora of "advice". Some folks over-think before moving ahead. I'd say work with what you observe and know already. We didn't rent first before buying and we're still in the same house 15 yrs later. I'd come through to check out T.V. early in 2008 as we had friends who'd purchased a place here. We didn't stay over-night but visited the sales office to ask a few questions. Later that year we did a "Life-styles" visit. Then in Feb. of 2009....we came to buy a house. We'd done a lot of lurking online before that. When we came down---we booked app'ts with both an MLS agent as well as a Villages salesperson. We did a "blitz" looking at homes and almost bought a used one but 1st wanted to see some new ones. Ended up purchasing a new home and haven't looked back. Yes, do some homework 1st---taxes, how the local "gov't" works....and location too, maybe. From our experience, we didn't rent first and never looked back. Best wishes in your search.
As for the jobs here....don't expect wages to compare to where you're from.

[Laker14]

I wouldn't say you "must" rent before buying. Very few of my friends here did that, and they are very happy. Some of them decided to sell their original home and buy a different home, but they are still happy.

I rented for 3 snowbird seasons, in 2 different homes, and I learned valuable things both times, that I believe gave some insight into what I wanted and what I didn't want. That worked out great for us, but if you feel you know what you need to know after one visit, go for it.

You might have some bigger issues to deal with than which village in TV you buy into.

[Joe C.]

People are people no matter which village you live in. I pur chased up north in Santo Domingo because I liked the pre-owned home. I stayed there for 4 years before moving. I moved to another pre-owned home nine houses down on the same street because it was a bit bigger with a larger lanai and a pond view. My neighbors are great. My wife and I are in our mid 70's and our neighbors are anywhere from the early 80's to the late 50's. We have driveway get togethers once a month. If you move to a newly constructed village, you may get neighbors around your age, and most likely you all will be looking for and learning what to do, where to go, how to get there, etc. It's nice to have neighbors who have been here for a while and can give you most of the information you need.
New construction is nice for sure, but from what I've seen, things are mostly "builder grade" materials. Older homes up north ....some need updating, but those that already have updates usually have better materials.
I like being up in Spanish Springs because I'm super close to my doctor's office, medical labs, hospital, and other medical facilities. The same goes for Publix, Lowes, BJ's, restaurants and shopping. We use the golf cart to get to all these places instead of the car or truck. It's great to save on gas.
Take your time and look online for home sales by the villages and pay special attention to homes listed by realtors on MLS.
BTW ..... Most homes up north have NO BOND, as they are older and the bond has been paid off. Another benefit is lots of those homes are in Sumter County in the unincorporated township. So we don't pay any town or city property taxes. The towns of Wildwood, Fruitland Park, and Leesburg are in Lake or Sumter county but those homes there pay both town and county taxes.

[Karmanng]

We got very lucky, when we bought (2013) we were at the southern end of the villages between 466a and 44, we did not look at other neighborhoods just looked at house designs. We found a design we liked and then found a lot and had our house built for us. I understand this is no longer an option. In any case we ended up with great neighbors and we are just North of the center of TV. We did like the layout of the area.
OP, your points are well taken. As for your wife, health care could be better, if you move before she turns 65 she will need to find suitable coverage, and you might want to start looking early. Also, be very careful about traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage there is an organization SHINE (Senior Health Infromation Network) SHINE - Home (https://floridashine.org/) that provides unbiased information, that saved us from making a big mistake.
There are some areas that some people regard as less desirable but this is a matter of opinion. I am sure you can find an area you will like and a home you will like.

BUY preowned ususally more upgrades and go with regulare medicare and a supp then you can go all over advathange plans have many disadvantages to it. IF you move in the middle which will happen soon you can go north and south much easier........everyone loves there village just sayin........no need for a 1 month visit. i bought on 3rd day here came with a renter in place........

[MidWestIA]

I built here pine hills then moved to north Dallas and came back mid 2021. I had 2 rules when looking - it had to have a 2 car plus golf cart garage and it had to be above hwy 44.

They want to sell you below hwy 44 for new houses with not much to go to down there just houses. The original idea is you can drive a golf cart 20 min to lots of golf, stores and restaurants - guess what only if you buy preowned ABOVE hwy 44.

Don't worry about 1 village versus another but I wouldn't get to north like by hwy 42 - it's not the village it's the people in your neighborhood. But if that doesn't click for you join some activities and socialize with them.

[Angelhug52]

Start checking on the cost of health insurance now. You may do best staying put till the wife is 65 and can qualify. Most non professional jobs do not offer full time or health insurance without it being costly.

[Ski Bum]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

Nailed it!

[Rodneysblue]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?
Yep that’s about right.

[vintageogauge]

If you are afraid of construction dust you are eliminating the opportunity to live in some great new upcoming neighborhoods. It is recommended that you power wash your home yearly if stucco anyway and that will take care of any dust accumulation you might experience.

[Justputt]

I did a lifestyle visit when they were hosted next to Brownwood. I spent most evenings listening to music and had fun meeting people, which is easy to do without trying. Everyone talked about their village and why they liked it. Point being, no one I spoke with went on about why they hated their village! Of the complaints, the two most common were distance to golf and number of renters detracting from the neighborhood feeling.

I golf some but I don't live for it. For decades, I've gotten in my car and driven anywhere from 10-20 miles or more to play, and I never saw that as a real issue. Point being, there was life before the residential golf cart! Add to that, even if they let everyone in a foursome ride everywhere in their own cart would it be as fun?

As for location, we looked mainly at taxes, proximity to shopping, amenities, healthcare, proximity of town squares, etc. In the end we decided $200-300 a year tax differences weren't going to drive our decision and we purchased a preserve lot and built in Dabney. Having to forgo the golf cart for a car was a better option because of how much a cart vs. car can carry, especially in the rain and at night. As some have noted, being closer to the town square is nice when you want to go, but ultimately, we found ourselves going maybe once a week for the music and we'd both would rather be in a car than a cart going home late at night. Neither of us spend much time at the doctor's office outside of annual stuff so jumping in the car is an easy choice. Lastly and most importantly, IMO, we are close enough to get to what we want in amenities but far enough that noise and renters won't be as much of an issue. So, what we like about our village, we've met most of our neighbors and we feel comfortable that we live in a true neighborhood where there is friendliness, driveway socials, and a sense of community.

[Papa_lecki]

I would take any advise on an Internet forum with a grain of salt.

Put it this way, the top rated restaurant on The Villages Gourmet is City Fire in LSL.

[Michael 61]

No one can really tell someone else they don’t know what area of The Villages is best for them. Most people are understandably biased. For some, golf is king, and is the number one amenity here for them. For others, shopping is extremely important. Some absolutely want a new home, with more modern options (higher ceilings, island kitchens, golf cart garages, etc). Some want to live in area where most residents are in their 50s and early 60s. Others want a home with no bond. Some want to be within minutes of the town squares, as the nightly entertainment is a huge draw for them.

The only advice I would give to someone - do your homework ahead of time. I spent five years almost “obsessed” with The Villages before I retired at age 59. Every day I would be on the new home sites. I also watched probably almost every you tube on The Villages during those years. I came for a lifestyle visit in July 2022, my first visit to The Villages. I felt I already knew The Villages and had a very good feel for the “lay of the land”. Decided during that visit I would be moving here, and decided I wanted a new build, wanted to be in the “future” center of The Villages, and wanted neighbors around my age. Shopping is not important to me at all, outside of groceries. I returned the next month in August 2022 for a second lifestyle visit, and then returned a third time in October 2022 and rented for a few weeks. I won the Richmond lottery in November 2022 and closed in December 2022. Best decision I’ve ever made. People told me then the “newness” will wear off, having drank the “kool-aid”. Well, I’ve been here now 16 months, and my enthusiasm and gratitude being able to live in such a marvelous community only grows deeper each day.

OP, it sounds as though you have done your homework and research. If you are able to tolerate the heat during your summer visit, I think you’re in a position to make the decision which village is right for you.

[ThirdOfFive]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?
Excellent points.

I think that the bottom line to most of the advice is that TV is HUGE. Landmass-wise we're larger than the city of San Francisco--but that was a year ago. They don't build houses here; they build neighborhoods--so we're probably a lot larger now. Villages differ as well: it is true that all Villages have certain similarities vis a vis rules, bonds, amenity fees, etc. but individual Villages when compared to one another can be as different as night and day. You can SEE a lot in a week--or a month. But it takes longer to actually EXPERIENCE the variety in TV. We did the lifestyle thing, then rented for a time, so we were pretty sure what we wanted and have not been disappointed in the least.

Pay no (or not too much) heed about the relative age of Villagers in any Village. Down south may have more younger folks now, but demographics change over time, often significantly, and especially with the Geezer generation. A good example: our particular village came online in (I think...not certain...but according to neighbors anyway) around 2000. So that's roughly 24 years in existence. But among the neighbors we know (quite few) only one couple has been here that long. On our block alone we have a Sconnie couple (don't worry, readers, mplspete will know what that means) in their late 50's who work from home, a recent retiree who is much into local sports, a younger guy and his wife who repair computers on the side, etc. etc. In other words the average age of Villagers in the more established villages is getting younger, while that in the new just-coming-online Villagers will only get older.

Work? As long as you have a heartbeat you can easily find work here. But as others have said the pay will be far lower than equivalent jobs in Minnesota. If it is your wife's objective to increase her SS payment she'll be getting at age 65 vs. what she'd get at age 62, she can do it here: but finding a job with good bennies such as insurance will be problematic.

But as one Minnesota expat to another (potential) one, come on down and welcome! I think you'll find that living in TV, while not perfect, is better than living in Minnesota in just about every way.

[M2inOR]

Here's our take of how we got here and how we selected our home:

Visited my aunt once back in 2014 on our way to Disneyworld, a short stop for a few hours. Absolutely no idea what The Villages was all about.

From 2014-2019 explored possible retirement places in Georgia, South Carolina, Nevada, and Tennessee. All just short visits as part of vacations, not retirement search

In Feb 2919, visited The Villages for surprise 80th birthday party for my aunt. Asked cousins where we should stay so we didn't accidentally run into her and spoil the surprise.cousins laughed as we had no idea how big The Villages was Google Maps doesn't tell you, and we did not know about The Villages web site.

We stayed for a few days at the Marriott near Spanish Springs.

Wow!

What a surprise!

Stopped at the sales office at 5pm, and talked to a sales rep. He gave us some pointers and info, and told us about the website.

We trekked down to Fenney, and remembered how far it was from Spanish Springs and so far from everything. Met and talked to a lot of people at the Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter squares. Brownwood was like a ghost town with little activity.

On our return to Oregon, told our friends about exploring future retirement options. Two friends said we'd never survive the heat and humidity.

From March - August 2019, we explored The Villages web site, Talk of The Villages, and other retirement info sites.

Stayed in contact with our sales rep, and decided that area between 466 and 466A would be best for us. We thought areas south of 466A were too remote and too far from everything. We

We made a list of 44 homes to checkout between the 466's that we would checkout when we returned in August. We contacted my aunt about our visit, and she insisted we stay with her rather than do a lifestyle visit. We wanted to be sure to checkout the heat and humidity of the summer months.

We wanted a 3/2 Designer, with Lanai facing the east or south, and not near major roads, and not on the golf course.

When we returned in August, we quickly learned to stick with a block/stucco home, not siding and wood frame. Block/stucco was much quieter. Didn't like seeing critters and lizards scampering into the siding we saw in a few of the homes.

We had a budget then of $300-400K, and due to location, no new homes were considered as there weren't any. Everything new was south of 44 near Fenney.

Never looked at all 44 on our list. Did not consider any homes far to the north due to sink holes.

After 3 days of looking that August, we didn't really find anything that satisfied us.

Had lunch with reconnected friends who lived nearby in Clermont. The wife was my wife's maid of honor when we were married back in the '70s.

Friends encouraged us to visit the newest homes just listed down near Fenney sales office. That took us to Village of Marsh Bend. We looked at a few homes in Marsh Bend, Monarch Grove, and DeSoto.

When we drove up Marsh Bend Trail, the Hogeye Sink, the Spanish Moss covered trees, the Marsh View Pitch and Putt, Edna's, and Lowlands golf course (under construction), all impressed us. We liked so many of the homes we visited but were especially influenced by one of the neighborhoods surrounded by holes 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 of the Lowlands Executive Course that was under construction. Only 20 of the planned 103 homes were under construction or finished.

We ended up purchase the 2nd home we looked at of the 10 that were finished and for sale.

We are glad we did. All homes in the neighborhood are block/stucco, walking distance to pool and Edna's. So glad we got this home in this neighborhood with one entrance in/out.

We love it and our neighbors!

[Topspinmo]

Pete you sound like most of use on TOTV. We already know everything don’t we. Course we picked the prefect house of us and we make sure everybody knows it.:BigApplause:

[GoRedSox!]

The most valuable things I obtained from TOTV and various YouTube videos were facts and information. “Advice” is well-meaning and is helpful to consider, too, but that is based more on opinion and individual experiences, which can vary. But there is a lot of great information that can be found here and on You Tube, and I appreciate it very much.

Things like how much taxes are, how much they vary depending on County, City, etc. How much the bonds are and where to find the amortization tables. How to become a FL resident. Future building plans, progress on current developments, news about what’s going on, insurance, medical care, shopping, weather, the list goes on and on. I learned a lot about a place 1,100 miles from where I lived my whole life. I am still learning and grateful for those who provide facts and information. TOTV is a great resource.

[Stu from NYC]

After spending a few weekends here we decided that we would seriously consider becoming a villager.

We also decided that based on the sheer size of this place, and getting bigger all the time, we would need more time to decide where to live.

As a result we rented for a month and glad we did.

Have suggested that to others and if they want to do so great, if not that is ok too.

This is a great place for advise but you can either take it or leave it but to criticize folks for friends advise is not a great way to make friends. Just saying.

[Grinchie]

Third house I’ve purchased without seeing it. Each were great for where I was in life.
For retirement/aging, the Villages is perfect.
I only viewed a few self-made videos by homeowners here, checked reviews, looked up property taxes, values, crime stats, governance (HOAs and insurance issues (hurricanes & sinkholes) & all were in ‘normal’ expected parameters.
I never saw the house before purchase, but did get a very thorough inspection.
Took me 6 months to get here after purchase, and I love it!
I felt I needed to do ‘due diligence’ on information regarding the important stuff, and the ‘lifestyle’ visits would only distract me from knowing the hard and possibly negative information.
I wish you success & happiness in your search and purchase.

[Grinchie]

Third house I’ve purchased without seeing it. Each were great for where I was in life.
For retirement/aging, the Villages is perfect.
I only viewed a few self-made videos by homeowners here, checked reviews, looked up property taxes, values, crime stats, governance (HOAs and insurance issues (hurricanes & sinkholes) & all were in ‘normal’ expected parameters.
I never saw the house before purchase, but did get a very thorough inspection.
Took me 6 months to get here after purchase, and I love it!
I felt I needed to do ‘due diligence’ on information regarding the important stuff, and the fun ‘lifestyle’ visits would only distract me from knowing the hard and possibly negative information.
I wish you success & happiness in your search and purchase.

[kendi]

Well said……I hope it gets read. (Maybe twice)

My thinking was along the same lines, be honest and open with wife.

[coleprice]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses. Rather, they should buy a pre-owned home in the Middle or Northern areas which have plenty of Executive golf courses nearby. Also, the Bond is usually paid off and you are MUCH CLOSER to shopping & restaurants.

[huge-pigeons]

There are definite's here in the villages:
North of 466 has the older, smaller houses, more congested, outdated houses, more mature trees/ landscaping, no separate app for golf carts and walkers, and older adults, and now you will probably have to start putting new roofs on your home to get insurance.
We wanted a new house, more PB courts, younger crowd, separate paths for golf carts and bikes/walkers, gas for furnace and cooking, newer house designs, etc.. so we moved south of 44 and glad we did. We golf a lot and this year, the courses in the south have been maintained better than northern courses (Truman is terrible, Rosevelt is bad, and others around the 466a area are pretty bad.

We play in a lot of groups and over a big area within the villages. we got lucky because most of the groups we play in are in our area. I would hate to move here then find out a few of my groups that we enjoy playing in are in a village up in Spanish springs, in the winter the traffic is bad up north.

[dtennent]

One other point that was touched on in one post is how much do you want to go to places outside The Villages. For us, we find the restaurants on campus to be average. Rarely, do we have a meal that we find outstanding. So we go to Prime 3 or McCrackens in Leesburg or head towards Orlando. My wife is also a big Disney fan so we are there 4 to 5 times a year. I understand that Ocala has some interesting restaurants as well so being North would be closer.

Golf on 18 hole courses is cheaper and easier to schedule outside TV.

As for heat and humidity, I adjusted my lifestyle during those months much like I adjusted my lifestyle up north during the winters. Truthfully, I can’t take the cold like I did 50 years ago so I take the heat and humidity today.

Good luck and enjoy your retirement.

[Velvet]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

Blueash, I can rarely disagree with you, but, as most of the time, I surely do admire your insights.

[Velvet]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

OP, don’t worry too much. Figure out what’s important to you, eg wife, or house etc. Then go ahead do what you want, buy what you think will please you guys. If you later find you can make a better choice, it’s really easy to change houses here.

[JMintzer]

Each point of advice is legit. The south is nicer, newer and younger. North is more established, more chain restaurants and shopping, but older homes. I was up in Spanish Springs yesterday - depressing. I live close to Brownwood - much nicer. The contrast between north and south reminds of Lowell, MA vs Boston, MA.

Choosing the right neighborhood is an important factor like any move. Choosing a location based on bond costs will disappoint. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Unless you're south of 44, you're now considered "The North"...

And a funny thing about TV... People do leave and are replaced by younger people... That is exactly what is happening in those 20+ yo neighborhoods right now... And in 20 years, those living south of 44 along Morse, those in Fenney, Marsh Creek, and DeSoto will be considered to be "old"...

As Simba learned in "The Lion King", the "Circle of Life" goes on...

[JMintzer]

Well, there are other employment opportunities than Publix. There’s Winn Dixie and newspaper delivery. But you’re spot on with what section you choose to live in. If you use a village salesperson rather than a realtor you will be lead to a new section and never be told about resales in the more established areas. That is why so many people have moved once they fall for the sales pitch and find what they want elsewhere, mostly within TV. Good luck. Take your time. Use a realtor

All we had to do was tell our sales person ONCE that we had no interest in homes underneath or within sight lines of power lines (which eliminated all of the ne construction at the time) and we were shown nothing but resales between 44 and 466A...

[DDToto41]

I came here in 2005. I was 64 and my wife was 58. I had gotten AARP Medicare coverage sometime before moving here. I had to get a job to get insurance for my wife. I got a job with Walmart and got their insurance. I went to my Doctor and he sent me to a Cardiologist for a stress test. The Cardiologist said I needed an ablation. I went to get the procedure. The procedure cost over $20,000.00. Walmart Insurance only covered $1000.00 and AARP Insurance covered the rest. I would suggest getting the AARP Insurance until you turn 65. I later got a job at Publix That their insurance was better than Walmart's. There are no good paying jobs here in Florida. Publix is a very good company they start you out at about $15.00 per hour and you can purchase their stock.

[psjordan]

I think the setup here in TV (retirement community, ammenities, golf car life, condensed housing, developmental districts, bonds, etc.) maybe leads to advice covering (or partly based on) a lot of those areas, which we found valuable because they were new to us.

The rest - what kind of house do you want, how old, what upgrades, location, location, etc. to us were pretty much the same as buying anywhere else. In other words, we had our list of wants, did our homework on what was where in TV, shared our list with the sales agent and made our decision accordingly.

We purchased after a lifestyle visit (we covered a lot of ground then) a few years ago and have been very happy as six-month snowbirds. The advice here allowed us to ask better questions, but really did not influence the core values we’d have buying a house anywhere else. Or the process we’d need to get there (i.e., renting for a month, more than one visit, etc.). We typically don’t need a lot of time to make “couples decisions”.

Other folks need a month or more to get comfortable with such a big decision. Decision time could be influenced by whether one is buying their “dream retirement home” or just looking for something great to get out of the snow annually. No right or wrong answers.

We are early 60’s and live near the things in TV that are important to us day-to-day. Same with the home up north. At some point our list of “important things” may change, and we’ll address the situation(s) then.

Good luck!

[Nana2Teddy]

No one can really tell someone else they don’t know what area of The Villages is best for them. Most people are understandably biased. For some, golf is king, and is the number one amenity here for them. For others, shopping is extremely important. Some absolutely want a new home, with more modern options (higher ceilings, island kitchens, golf cart garages, etc). Some want to live in area where most residents are in their 50s and early 60s. Others want a home with no bond. Some want to be within minutes of the town squares, as the nightly entertainment is a huge draw for them.

The only advice I would give to someone - do your homework ahead of time. I spent five years almost “obsessed” with The Villages before I retired at age 59. Every day I would be on the new home sites. I also watched probably almost every you tube on The Villages during those years. I came for a lifestyle visit in July 2022, my first visit to The Villages. I felt I already knew The Villages and had a very good feel for the “lay of the land”. Decided during that visit I would be moving here, and decided I wanted a new build, wanted to be in the “future” center of The Villages, and wanted neighbors around my age. Shopping is not important to me at all, outside of groceries. I returned the next month in August 2022 for a second lifestyle visit, and then returned a third time in October 2022 and rented for a few weeks. I won the Richmond lottery in November 2022 and closed in December 2022. Best decision I’ve ever made. People told me then the “newness” will wear off, having drank the “kool-aid”. Well, I’ve been here now 16 months, and my enthusiasm and gratitude being able to live in such a marvelous community only grows deeper each day.

OP, it sounds as though you have done your homework and research. If you are able to tolerate the heat during your summer visit, I think you’re in a position to make the decision which village is right for you.

Awesome, thoughtful response as always, Michael. We pretty much ditto your experience except we closed in DeLuna in December 2022 rather than Richmond. We love it more and more with each passing month. We are older at 70/71, and have neighbors our age and younger, and have fun with all of them. 😊

[GoRedSox!]

I came here in 2005. I was 64 and my wife was 58. I had gotten AARP Medicare coverage sometime before moving here. I had to get a job to get insurance for my wife. I got a job with Walmart and got their insurance. I went to my Doctor and he sent me to a Cardiologist for a stress test. The Cardiologist said I needed an ablation. I went to get the procedure. The procedure cost over $20,000.00. Walmart Insurance only covered $1000.00 and AARP Insurance covered the rest. I would suggest getting the AARP Insurance until you turn 65. I later got a job at Publix That their insurance was better than Walmart's. There are no good paying jobs here in Florida. Publix is a very good company they start you out at about $15.00 per hour and you can purchase their stock.Pretty much the only way to get on Medicare prior to age 65 is if you are disabled, have End Stage Renal Disease, or ALS. Medicare is not an option before 65 for healthy individuals. There are not many options for those not covered by health insurance at a job. COBRA from a previous job, and the Affordable Care Act are probably the two most traveled routes. Good luck to everyone with health insurance before age 65.

[vintageogauge]

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses. Rather, they should buy a pre-owned home in the Middle or Northern areas which have plenty of Executive golf courses nearby. Also, the Bond is usually paid off and you are MUCH CLOSER to shopping & restaurants.

That's why the average number of days of the market for used homes up north is 68 days instead of 45. Many more homes are being sold in the south vs the north and there is a reason.

[MSGirl]

A couple of other differences not mentioned. Where will your working wife best find other people her age to interact with?

I am in De Luna, we are both still working, and late 50s and early 60s are a common age.

I work in Leesburg and my husband remote so medical work could be possible in the newest facilities down south as well. Are there things you want to do outside of the bubble?

We are in Orlando area, Ocala, Tarpon Springs, Costco, wherever about every other weekend. Highway access was crucial to us. Adding the difference from up north to get to a wonderful brunch at Winter Park wasn’t a consideration.

Of course we wish there was more shopping and golf cart access within our location but the items above were more important.

You can live anywhere. Why didn’t you just go to Winter Park or Orlando, Tampa or Tarpon Springs if that’s what is most important! Living in the heart of The Villages, with everything The Villages has to offer including golf cart access anywhere, and golf cart country club crawls, golf, swimming, pickleball, polo, etc.
OP there are full time jobs available with The Villages, if not healthcare and insurance is pretty decent.

[Michael 61]

Pretty much the only way to get on Medicare prior to age 65 is if you are disabled, have End Stage Renal Disease, or ALS. Medicare is not an option before 65 for healthy individuals. There are not many options for those not covered by health insurance at a job. COBRA from a previous job, and the Affordable Care Act are probably the two most traveled routes. Good luck to everyone with health insurance before age 65.

I’m not Medicare age yet, and didn’t find it too difficult to secure medical insurance here. I’m with Florida Blue and am established through Villages Health. When I turn 65, I will more than likely have to leave Villages Health, as I’m not going on Medicare Advantage, which is a requirement for those over 65 at Villages Health.

[Heartnsoul]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

Your WISE. FROM SUMTER TO NORTH IS WAY to go. Nothing out south

[Taltarzac725]

We got very lucky, when we bought (2013) we were at the southern end of the villages between 466a and 44, we did not look at other neighborhoods just looked at house designs. We found a design we liked and then found a lot and had our house built for us. I understand this is no longer an option. In any case we ended up with great neighbors and we are just North of the center of TV. We did like the layout of the area.
OP, your points are well taken. As for your wife, health care could be better, if you move before she turns 65 she will need to find suitable coverage, and you might want to start looking early. Also, be very careful about traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage there is an organization SHINE (Senior Health Infromation Network) SHINE - Home (https://floridashine.org/) that provides unbiased information, that saved us from making a big mistake.
There are some areas that some people regard as less desirable but this is a matter of opinion. I am sure you can find an area you will like and a home you will like.

There are some very good resources here on Talk of the Villages.



Village Tinker is one of the best of them.

There have been many others over the years as well even though many of the excellent posters have gone onto unknown pastures.

[sowilts]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?
Made a two day trip and put a deposit for a lot two weeks later playing golf in Maryland and my wife designed our Designer Home in two days at Linden and was the best decision we made. Still own a home at Annapolis and we are hybrids go back when we want. Flew back last week for my Birthday and returned Sunday in time for a tee time at 1700.Spent the hot Summer and the golf courses were great and not crowded from 12 to 3. Sitting on our Lanai watching the Sunset at the moment. You will enjoy everything.

[Bonnien]

I would only buy in a bran new village…everyone is in good spirits and eager to do things and join clubs…we did buy our first home in an older neighborhood…first problem was how much older our neighbors were and we could tell that everyone already had their golf groups and picklegroup,,,everyone was nice but when we moved into a new village the energy was much better….

[MrChip72]

Unless you're south of 44, you're now considered "The North"...

And a funny thing about TV... People do leave and are replaced by younger people... That is exactly what is happening in those 20+ yo neighborhoods right now... And in 20 years, those living south of 44 along Morse, those in Fenney, Marsh Creek, and DeSoto will be considered to be "old"...


That's not really how it works in practice. Younger people are drawn to younger areas in general. Your theory of much younger people replacing areas occupied by much older people doesn't hold up to modern studies about age diversity.

Sure if a couple in their 90's pass and someone takes over, the next couple will be younger, but more likely to be in their 70's than in their 50's.

[Dotboyd]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

I will address one thing: your wife working. I worked at Leesburg Hospital for 7 years after we moved to TV. We live in Osceola Hills which is 1 mile from 44 then the hospital is about 12 miles after that. So if the south is your preference, try to chose an area easy to get to 44. If you like north of 466, The Villages Hospital would be closer, although a nurse that lives off of 42 said it takes her about 20 minutes down 42 then 441 to get to Leesburg. The traffic on 441 around the hospital is heavy. Both hospitals are owned by UF Health in Gainesville. There are also Urgent Cares and free standing ERs around both places. I worked until full retirement 66/6months and did feel I couldn't participate in a lot that went on. Good Luck.

[Desiderata]

No one can really tell someone else they don’t know what area of The Villages is best for them. Most people are understandably biased. For some, golf is king, and is the number one amenity here for them. For others, shopping is extremely important. Some absolutely want a new home, with more modern options (higher ceilings, island kitchens, golf cart garages, etc). Some want to live in area where most residents are in their 50s and early 60s. Others want a home with no bond. Some want to be within minutes of the town squares, as the nightly entertainment is a huge draw for them.

The only advice I would give to someone - do your homework ahead of time. I spent five years almost “obsessed” with The Villages before I retired at age 59. Every day I would be on the new home sites. I also watched probably almost every you tube on The Villages during those years. I came for a lifestyle visit in July 2022, my first visit to The Villages. I felt I already knew The Villages and had a very good feel for the “lay of the land”. Decided during that visit I would be moving here, and decided I wanted a new build, wanted to be in the “future” center of The Villages, and wanted neighbors around my age. Shopping is not important to me at all, outside of groceries. I returned the next month in August 2022 for a second lifestyle visit, and then returned a third time in October 2022 and rented for a few weeks. I won the Richmond lottery in November 2022 and closed in December 2022. Best decision I’ve ever made. People told me then the “newness” will wear off, having drank the “kool-aid”. Well, I’ve been here now 16 months, and my enthusiasm and gratitude being able to live in such a marvelous community only grows deeper each day.

OP, it sounds as though you have done your homework and research. If you are able to tolerate the heat during your summer visit, I think you’re in a position to make the decision which village is right for you.

Perfectly said Michael 61! Everyone has different wants & needs. I also think that if home value appreciation is important to a person, living south of 44 will gain the most as more stores and conveniences are added.

[Girlcopper]

Dear TOTV advice people,

My 60 year old wife wants to retire at 62 but I think she needs to work until 65 when she gets Medicare. My wife wants a new house but I think we should get an older home nearer to the place she is going to have to work to save her a LONG drive. My wife doesn't know I am telling everyone about this.

She should know that she can't always get what she wants.

Signed
Mpls Pete

Dear Pete,

I am not in the marital advice business, but sometimes you might consider what your wife wants or eventually she might not want you. If your income stream is so tight you can't make it without her working a minimum wage job and hoping it includes health insurance, maybe you're not financially ready to live here.

This area isn’t any more expensive to live than any other average income area. Working a minimum wage job for the benefits is smart. Doesnt make you too “poor” to live in an area like TV

[merrymini]

When I had to pay my own health costs before turning 65, the cost was astoundingly high. Take a good look at that before retiring early.

[Stu from NYC]

I would only buy in a bran new village…everyone is in good spirits and eager to do things and join clubs…we did buy our first home in an older neighborhood…first problem was how much older our neighbors were and we could tell that everyone already had their golf groups and picklegroup,,,everyone was nice but when we moved into a new village the energy was much better….

Agree with most of what you say but if you move into an established area join lots of clubs to establish a social life

[coleprice]

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses. Rather, they should buy a pre-owned home in the Middle or Northern areas which have plenty of Executive golf courses nearby. Also, the Bond is usually paid off and you are MUCH CLOSER to Shopping & Restaurants.

[mwpoet]

I'm planning on moving to TV in 3-12 months. We did a Lifestyle Visit last December for 3-4 days, in Newell.
There are two bits of advice I frequently see touted here, which I wonder about . . .

1. Many, many times I see advice from people on TOTV, you must rent in TV for a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a year, multiple years! to see if it's really what you want. Seriously? I figure another visit for two weeks in July, to see if I can live with the heat. That's it. The rest: you deal with.

2. The Village you choose is really important. Seriously? I think I have the idea: up NORTH: more golf, more businesses. some areas may have road noise, or electrical lines nearby, NEW homes are pretty much only south of Newell, or W of the turnpike, in a dusty area of new construction, with quarries, prisons, and noisy high schools nearby. Otherwise it's preowned. Then there's this wisdom that the people are fundamentally different in, say, Santiago versus Fernandina, I guess some Villages don't live up to the "friendliest hometown" standard.
I lean toward the north myself: I don't like the bond costs, and up N they are likely lower.
My Wife is only 60; she's thinking retire at 62, then draw her SS (a pittance) Don't tell her but I want to see her keep working until 65 (Medicare) and I hope she could find suitable employment as a non-professional in a big healthcare facility, those are usually good jobs and benefits, and benevolent employers, else it will likely be Publix. I think I saw some big healthcare facilities in TV near the middle and in the NE areas. A - - - LONG - - - drive from where the NEW houses are, which is what my wife thinks she needs. Well, what did Mick Jagger say about that? (You can't always get what you want.) TLDR: Is all this hype about village X vs Y mostly BS?

up north you have many more stores and it’s much easier to get to the Moore center for entertainment in the savanna center. If you don’t mind driving the houses down south are newer, but there is a lot of driving involved. Mostly older people live in the further north, but on the other hand, newer people are moving in as the older ones pass away. There are also more trees in the northern section. The houses are older so require more maintenance unless they’ve been fixed up. I myself in every single section of the Villages and I would prefer being closer to Lake Sumter, Landing and Spanish Springs. I found myself when I was in Fenny driving 300 miles a week and being unhappy about it. People might be from late sixties to 88 early 80s in the middle section.

[tedquick]

Many views on this topic. My wife and I visited friends here about 11 years ago. Riding around on our friend's golf cart the end of our second day I said to my wife: "If I ever retire this is where I want to live". Two years later I retired and now this is where we live. And we love it!!!

[miadford@gmail.com]

As far as healthcare jobs, there are many, many places to look and most seem to be hiring on a regular basis. There are a lot of places up on the north end for the villages healthcare systems such as the hospital and numerous individual facilities. There are also many urgent care places a little bit of everywhere. Then if you head a little south, there is a great hospital in Leesburg that is affiliated with University of Florida group. Healthcare jobs are everywhere! We bought in Linden a courtyard villa. We were considered the end of The Villages. After we bought the purchased more land, and continue buying more land. So now we are considered the “middle”. We lack shopping but it’s just a short drive away. All amenities will catch up as they continue to build so wherever you decide to land, it will be ok.

[Taltarzac725]

I have been here in the Villages since June of 2005. In the same house and neighborhood. Lots of changes since then here in the Villages. Probably would take a good two hours in a golf cart to get from one end to the other. Could have done it in 30 minutes back in 2005.

[Dusty_Star]

I would only buy in a bran new village…everyone is in good spirits and eager to do things and join clubs…we did buy our first home in an older neighborhood…first problem was how much older our neighbors were and we could tell that everyone already had their golf groups and picklegroup,,,everyone was nice but when we moved into a new village the energy was much better….

& I would only buy in an established Village. To each their own. The energy in my Village is fantastic. Sorry you got a lemon your first time out.