California Vs. The Village or Fl in general

[Danenew20242]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

[Stu from NYC]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

No state income tax seems to tip the scale in Florida favor

[Taltarzac725]

I have lived in various places in Northern California and the prices for real estate there were a lot more than here in the Villages.

[Michael 61]

Real estate is far cheaper here. I just sold two homes in California two years ago for far more than what I paid for my new build here in The Villages.

[Bill14564]

Florida in general will be cheaper. The Villages comes with higher restaurant prices and a monthly amenities fee but you get a lot in return.

[Nana2Teddy]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!
I’m a native Californian who moved here full time in Nov 2022 after my husband retired. We came with Calif equity and bought a spacious home with cash. Our cost of living here is so much less than California. For me the only downsides are humidity and missing our 3 adult kids and 2 y/o grandson. Thankfully they visit us, and we can go out there for visits anytime we want. We would never live there again unless the kids moved us back to put us in a senior home, lol. Hopefully at 71 we have a bit more time ahead of us to enjoy The Villages. Oh, and we would never have moved to FL if The Villages didn’t exist. We moved here for The Villages lifestyle, not the FL lifestyle.

[Topspinmo]

If I was you I would escape while got the chance.:ohdear:

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I looked at a lot of retirement places and none of them have half the stuff TV has. Having golf cart access over this entire place is amazing. Having the numbers, and complexity, of the clubs is astounding. The beauty along the corridors you have to see to believe.

Come out and rent a house - that’s what we did, but you can rent through TV for a lifestyle visit and look for self.

[manaboutown]

The OP did not say where he resides in CA. Housing costs vary widely depending on location, (Holmby Hills vs Palmdale) but taxes and the price of gasoline there are onerous. The Villages is pricier than most of the communities surrounding it but you will not be paying $5 - $7 for a gallon of gasoline here or 14.4% top state income tax bracket- yet.

Of course the nicest parts of South Florida such as Palm Beach are quite pricey.

[Rainger99]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Is it cheaper to live in the Villages? It depends on where you are living now. If you live in a small town in the south or Midwest, the Villages may be more expensive. If you live in the northeast, the Villages is cheaper.


What are your property taxes?
How much do you pay in state and local income tax?
How much do you pay for energy each month?

The only negative is that summers are hot. California has better weather than Florida.

I suggest coming out for a lifestyle visit so that you can see it for yourself. I wouldn’t move to a new state - a huge decision - based on what people say on TOTV.

[tophcfa]

No state income tax seems to tip the scale in Florida favor

In addition, the cost of homes, property taxes, gas, electricity, and just about anything highly regulated, are all significantly cheaper in the Villages. North Central Florida, in general, is much cheaper than either coastline. Insurance is very high, but so is California. The only thing I can think of that would be on Californias plus side would be better availability of quality health care.

[Kelevision]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

CA is the 2nd most expensive state to live. Florida isn’t even in the top 10 most expensive states.

[SoCalGal]

Florida in general will be cheaper. The Villages comes with higher restaurant prices and a monthly amenities fee but you get a lot in return.

How much is the monthly amenities fee?

[Sabella]

Maybe you need to look up the two most expensive states to live in

[Keith1911]

According to Forbes

Cost Of Living By State Statistics & Trends In 2023 – Forbes Advisor (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/cost-of-living-by-state/)

[SoCalGal]

Check YouTube for many videos about The Villages. Here are two; one pro and one con.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX4i8qprP2I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KGEauDN5Jc

[Rwirish]

No advantage, has become over crowded, best to stay in California.

[La lamy]

How much is the monthly amenities fee?

It's slightly different for everyone depending on how long one's been in the same house, but here is what I found online:
"Our surprisingly affordable monthly amenity fee of just $195.00 includes: Free golf on all of our executive courses* Swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce and many more facilities are all conveniently located throughout the community. Over 3,000 organized activities every week through our Recreation Department."

[nancyre]

No State Income Tax #1, Cost of Living from Forbes --- CA: California $53,171 3rd in nation, Florida $40,512 21rd in the nation.

[donfey]

Restaurant prices in California make ALL restaurant prices here look like Denny's.

[MikeN]

Florida in general is much less than other states for retirement. However there are high amenity fees in the villages that do cover a lot of entertainment but going to the squares every night gets old quick. There is the lack of quality medical care to consider. The restaurants here are mediocre at best. Then there is the “bond” you really have to quiz a salesperson about. Good luck with your decision and Florida is beautiful

[Sandy and Ed]

One of the rarely attributed benefits of the villages is its location in the middle of the Florida peninsula. Seems to be somewhat insulated from the heaviest weather that hits Florida.

[huge-pigeons]

I have lived in 2 states that didn’t like Californians moving there, Oregon, and Washington, this was 50 years ago and now those states are terrible (Portland anyone). We had license plates that said “have a safe trip back to California“. Now, We want to keep this state unlike California/NY/etc for the reasons some others stated above: high gas cost, high taxes, high cost of living, dictating what you can buy or not buy: gas cars, gas stoves, etc.. There are numerous reasons why people in California, NY, NJ, and from other states want to move here and we don’t want people coming in and changing it.

[ackissmary@gmail.com]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!
We came herein 2005 because there was so much to do & a very safe place to live. Unfortunately I lost my husband 3 years ago & have my singles friends now, they are great. Left NC & love life here, best of luck to you, Mary Neal 👍

[Warcats]

No state income tax seems to tip the scale in Florida favor

The facilities are peerless. For all villagers the entertainment options are endless

[gmpmex]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Yes, it's less expensive and many things to do I moved from California 3 years ago and as far as I am concerned this is the best place to live you have real professional doctors here not armatures.

[GATORBILL66]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!


The Villages is way too crowded. It has so many alligators, no-see-ums and mosquitos that bite, The heat is unbearable! Stay in California!

[nn0wheremann]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!
Move here for the humidity. Also, no income tax, a sales tax that, at 7 or 7.5% is not unserious. The Villages tends to be well engineered, with reliable power and storm water management. Not much of an un housed population around here because rents are cheap, and those who prefer to live alfresco have the huge Ocala National Forest in which to roam.

[brianherlihy]

it is bad stay away

[Terstr]

I moved from Norco (Riverside County)and worked at LAX. For me no more 2-3 hour commutes. The Villages is a breath of fresh air. No trash or weeds lying around. People my own age. Zero crime as compared to LA/Riverside county. One downside is no variety of grocery stores compared to the many different chains in Ca. Come for a lifestyle visit (no pressure to buy from salesman) and decide.

[Katss]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Whereabouts are you on CA? We live half time here, half time San Diego...hard to make the big commitment to FL, and life is pretty sweet as it is. Message me and we can hash it over!

[NoMo50]

I don't know anyone living in The Villages that moved here solely based on the cost of living. Folks come here for the lifestyle. If it happens to cost less to live here versus wherever you came from, that's a nice bonus. I was born and raised in SoCal, and it was a great place to grow up. But, the best move I ever made was back in 1977 when I put Kalifornia in my rearview mirror for good. You will find the vast majority of people in The Villages to be friendly and very open. But, one thing that is disliked HERE is when folks move away from THERE (pick any place) to come HERE, and then proceed to try and make HERE like it was THERE.

[MaryMS]

Generally speaking, it is cheaper to live outside The Villages than inside. There are many decent retirement developments in Florida, however, most do not include the number of amenities that The Villages has. If you choose to live in a regular town or city as compared to a retirement development, it will depend on the community you choose. The better municipalities will be more expensive than The Villages. Bottom line: you get what you pay for.

[MidWestIA]

For the activities, golf, pickleball .... and house cheaper than CA

[TeresaE]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

I’m a native California Gal myself. San Francisco to be exact. Moved east to Georgia in 2002. Then down to Florida in 2015. We moved to The Villages two years ago. Best thing we ever did. The pace of life is much less stressful here. No more rolling blackouts, no more horrendous traffic, lower taxes, and you can get a much nicer home without selling your first born. And yes, no income tax is nice.
The heat and humidity do take getting used to. I personally like the heat. You do have to be careful in the summer not to get overheated. Many people go north to the mountains of North Carolina, North Georgia or Tennessee. Or you just stay inside during the heat of the day and hug the shade.

I suggest you come for a long visit if you can and explore. Good luck in your search and don’t let the naysayers yuck your yum. Take care.

[Girlcopper]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!
Monetary reasons should not be the main factor in moving anywhere. Take into consideration the weather, access to things, lifestyle of the areas, ages of neighbors, safety of the neighborhoods etc. You can always find a cheaper state to live in but does it have the thing you are Interested in?

[Remembergoldenrule]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

If your only concern is money, you should stay put. You’ll be happier there.

[midiwiz]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

There is far more than just that. You need to consider, lower taxes (RE), no state taxes, easier on your SS checks, lower cost of living (our minimum wage isn't ridiculous), we don't have a crazy idiot for a governor, housing prices across the state are far less than CA, the atmosphere is far different. We are far different from CA, we had looked years ago at a relo to SoCal, I am so happy I turned it down. I would be totally miserable now.

Keep in mind all the advantages don't have to be just monetary.

[qka gurl]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Having come from California, I believe you are too late for any monetary benefit here in Florida. Having no State Tax does not seem to line my pocketbook. Of course, this also depends on where in Cali you are coming from and what you are retiring from.

[Villagesgal]

The Villages lifestyle is amazing. The homes are much more reasonable than most of Califirnia. We have no income tax, you are within an hours drive of the beach, over 3,000 clubs to join, tons of free golf, free swimming pools, tons of friends, cheap gas, cheaper food, and just a great place to live. Moved here from Florida would never go back. Come and rent a home here for a month in the summer and a month in the winter and then decide for yourself.

[Catfishjeff]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

We moved from SoCal to The Villages 4-½ years ago. The property tax and homeowners insurance are about equal to CA. Everything else is far less. For instance, to register our motorhome in CA it cost $ 2,000 a year. In Florida it’s $ 87. The multi tiered electricity system in CA peaked out at around 52 cents a KWH and it’s 11 cents in FL. And with no personal state income tax nor capital gains tax, there’s a substantial savings. And of curse there’s the fuel cost differential. Financially it’s a no brainer. And generally after a year your body will adjust to the summer humidity. So come on down!

[Michael 61]

I’m a native Californian who moved here full time in Nov 2022 after my husband retired. We came with Calif equity and bought a spacious home with cash. Our cost of living here is so much less than California. For me the only downsides are humidity and missing our 3 adult kids and 2 y/o grandson. Thankfully they visit us, and we can go out there for visits anytime we want. We would never live there again unless the kids moved us back to put us in a senior home, lol. Hopefully at 71 we have a bit more time ahead of us to enjoy The Villages. Oh, and we would never have moved to FL if The Villages didn’t exist. We moved here for The Villages lifestyle, not the FL lifestyle.

Nana, we have a similar trajectory. I did my first lifestyle visit to The Villages in July 2022 and closed on my home in Richmond in December 2022. I’m a California native, living there through my mid 30s, then 20 years in Colorado. Like you, I moved here for the fabulous community that The Villages is, NOT because it is in Florida. With that being said, I’ve taken quite a liking to this state.

[sowilts]

We moved from SoCal to The Villages 4-½ years ago. The property tax and homeowners insurance are about equal to CA. Everything else is far less. For instance, to register our motorhome in CA it cost $ 2,000 a year. In Florida it’s $ 87. The multi tiered electricity system in CA peaked out at around 52 cents a KWH and it’s 11 cents in FL. And with no personal state income tax nor capital gains tax, there’s a substantial savings. And of curse there’s the fuel cost differential. Financially it’s a no brainer. And generally after a year your body will adjust to the summer humidity. So come on down!
Played 18 holes of golf last evening for 23.54. This is the safest place to retire in the US.

[remedythis@sbcglobal.net]

I moved here from Ca in 2020. Move because of a different life now in retirement. More to being here that just your house purchase. I would be happy to speak with you and/or help with a tour of the place if I knew how to get in touch with you.

[maistocars]

how much is the monthly amenities fee?
$180-$190

[coleprice]

My wife and I moved to The Villages from Orange County, California 4 years ago and are very happy here. Not only does The Villages have numerous Activities, including Live Bands at Town Squares every night and over 2,000 Clubs covering any interest, but the cost of living is much lower. The Government here in Florida does not overwhelm the people, yet Govt services are typically helpful, not constraining. We moved here from the affluent community of Seal Beach, CA, yet we find the quality of life is higher here in Florida. Crime is very low, and the area is beautiful. Come for a "Lifestyle Visit" and decide for yourselves!

[MandoMan]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

As a boy, I lived in the mountains above St. Helena, California for five years. I loved it. I lived in beautiful towns half an hour from Riverside, in Southern California, for four more years in my late twenties and visited several weeks a year for decades. There’s so much to like about California, though it was much better in some ways in the sixties, with half the population. But the modest homes I lived in then now cost way more than my beautiful paid off courtyard villa in The Villages. I can’t afford this nice a home or this level of beauty in California. Plus, taxes are very high in California, gas is far more expensive, there are too many homeless people, the chance of losing my home to wildfire or flood or drought scares me. The big thing for me is that there are so many things to do here that I couldn’t do anywhere I lived in California. I know from experience that I would be much lonelier there.

[sowilts]

$180-$190
Varies depending on the home and county. We pay more than that.

[jacqueline larsen]

I moved from Borrego Springs, CA to Wildwood, Fl and experience a great reduction in living expenses.
No state income tax, and purchasing or renting housing much cheaper.
Auto insurance is generally less but property insurance is higher
The political atmosphere is much more palatable.

[JMintzer]

Florida in general is much less than other states for retirement. However there are high amenity fees in the villages that do cover a lot of entertainment but going to the squares every night gets old quick. There is the lack of quality medical care to consider. The restaurants here are mediocre at best. Then there is the “bond” you really have to quiz a salesperson about. Good luck with your decision and Florida is beautiful

The squares are not an amenity...

My TV realtor brought up the bond during our first encounter...

[Harold.wiser]

Seriously?
Kalifornia vs The Villages?
There is no contest in my mind, The Villages wins easily!

[justjim]

OP,I see this is your first post. Welcome. You ask a good question. Post #2 is spot on. No State income tax is a very big draw for a lot of people. Overall, the cost of living is cheaper in Florida (and The Villages) than California.

[Robojo]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Its safe. Its fun. People get fit here. Its about the same as living anywhere else pricewise.

[Bodrum]

To answer your question, while I cannot say how much cheaper not knowing your situation,I can bet it is lower. But it isn't the cost of living it is the pure enjoyment living in the best retirement village by far.
Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

[Ducatigator]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Good morning!!!

Great question. The real answer is what are you looking for?

As you read through all these replies, you will see different perspectives so you must understand what lens they may be looking through and what their past experiences have been before moving here.

From my point of view, the Villages is in a category of its own, hands down!!!

Let me explain.

Grew up in NYC and then moved to Miami. My sister lived in LA. I happen to be in LA right now for my daughter's graduation. So I have alot of big city experience if you will, and in the two major states NY and California.

I have traveled all over the States and the World. I mean alot. We travel almost monthly, if not quarterly. Funny enough, since I moved to the Villages, my travel is starting to decrease. My absolute love for the Villages is "calming" me down from having to travel and get away so much.

Listen, like anything in this world, there are positives and there are negatives.

Let's start with California. By far, the most beautiful landscape in the country. The mix of mountains and ocean and the delicious weather, nothing beats it. As a wine drinker, love Nappa. But would I ever ever live here. Nope. Not for me. Happy enough to get on a plane, come in and come out.

From a "cost" perspective, this will absolutely depend on where you are coming from. Major Metropolitan Cities??? The Villages are far cheaper. Small town in Midwest, maybe not so much but not this huge spread.

The amenities fee is 195 per month. Now this is also a perspective area. If you live in any planned community retirement or not, there is an association fee. It will be anywhere from 125 to 500 for homes, 750 to 4k for condos depending on the area. And what you get for that is peanuts if anything at all. Maybe basic cable. The Villages you have access to thousands of daily and weekly activities that are included.

Someone mentioned the squares are not an amenity. We'll, that's an opinion. I would love to know where you can find 4 different places EVERY night that offer free entertainment 365 days a year accessible by golf cart. Bring your chair and your Yetti and voila. Every night you have a "free" event. I would call that an amenity myself.

Temperature. Hmmm tricky depending where you are coming from. California, you may or maynot "dislike" the weather here. You have delicious weather in California. Hands down. If you come from the north, big winter upgrade. Even during the summer. Coming from South Florida, like I did, heat is higher but humidity is lower so I loke it better. We have better mornings and far better evenings then South Florida.

Cost of insurance is also perspective. I can only speak of South Florida. The Villages has cheaper taxes, cheaper car insurance and cheaper home owners insurance. And by a far margin. I can give you hard numbers of what I experienced if you like.

Crowds/traffic??? Hmmm Another perspective area. Where are you coming from? I came from South Florida. There are no crowds here and no traffic. If people spent 1 week in South Florida they would turn right back and say what was I complaining about? Lol

Now, dive deeper. The Villages versus Florida in general. Sure can you can get cheaper? Yes, you have to go more north and pretty isolated towns in Florida. Forget South Florid. People are being priced out and it is only getting worse.

You can try looking at Margaritaville in Daytona. Same "concept" of the Villages. We found it to be way inferior in every aspect and everyone felt "older" there. Not as friendly either. That is one thing the Villages has over everywhere else. It really is so freaking friendly. If you can not make instant friends here there may be an issue with you. Everyone smiles, waves, talks to you. Especially if you are building new. Community is strong here.

I moved here while in my 50s and still working. Best decision ever. So much, that every friend that comes to visit buys. Everyone is amazed. It takes 4 full nights and then you "get" it.

We call it the bubble. It almost doesn't seem real. Seriously, we say it everyday. I feel we put on extra years on our life living here and still working!!!!!

I have friends that bought this year, 2024, for 275k. I have friends that build homes at a million. There is a home for every budget. And the best thing noone cares which home, which village you live in. We are live and experience the exact same lifestyle.

Btw, there is so much to do outside the bubble. It's endless. Orlando is 45 minutes away, Tampa 1 hour. Concerts, restaurants etc.

Ocala 30 minutes away with full of outdoor activities

So, in summary, you can tell I am a fan. It may not be for everyone. You will always have complainers out there. The full experience of what you get in the bubble coupled with the endless surrounding things you can do outside the bubble and the low cost of living, is truly priceless.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions or need more detail feel free to send me a private message.

You were given some good advice here. Come for a 1 week lifestyle stay and see for yourself. You can extend by doing some bnbs after the fact. Rent a golf cart, travel the bubble and then you will have better input.

Good luck. Hope it works out!

Have a blessed day
Thanks
Serge

[Ptmcbriz]

We lived in Los Angeles for 45 years. Property taxes here are about the same, but houses significantly cheaper. No state income tax. Even though we have hurricanes the home insurance is significantly cheaper in Florida, but I lived in a fire zone on California. We moved because we couldn’t afford to retire in California and it’s very affordable here in Florida. However, we do miss living on the west coast but our standard of living here is much higher than it could have been out west.

[Rainger99]

Played 18 holes of golf last evening for 23.54. This is the safest place to retire in the US.

That is a championship course. The executive courses are free.

[sbasso]

My wife and I escaped California for The Villages a year ago. Best move we could ever made!

[sallyg]

Comparatively reasonable. Depends on your lifestyle - if you play championship golf courses and dine out a lot etc.
Cheaper than Calif I'll bet. Visit a couple of times to check it out.

[sowilts]

That is a championship course. The executive courses are free.
Still have to pay trail fees.

[Stu from NYC]

Great place to live.

Only downside is quality of restaurants around here leave something to be desired

[ElDiabloJoe]

The OP has not returned to the thread, may have moved on in their search to other states and areas.

FWIW- We enjoy the best of both worlds. As native So Cal folks (L.A. and OC areas - last 17 years in Dana Point), we fled with our equity to East Tennessee. Enjoy the lake life near the Smokys. Great way to spend summer. Winter times are in The Villages, enjoying everything clean and pretty and well maintained - unlike all of SoCal.

Both states have zero income tax (unlike up to 13% in CA), and car registration in TN is about $45/year whether your car is a brand new 2025 or a 2005. No Smog checks! Sales tax was more in OC (about 10%) and about 8% in TN. Property tax is much lower in TN than CA but FL is about the same as CA. TN has no tax on investment income.

I don't know with what kind of equity and resources you are fleeing CA, but consider a small place in each and derive the best benefits of both.

PS - I've heard people say in both places that while the south is welcoming and friendly, that welcome is not with open arms if you voted to make CA the way it is. Neither FL nor TN want to be like CA. If you did vote that way, you may like IL or MI better.

[JMintzer]

Still have to pay trail fees.

Not if you walk. Otherwise, it's only a few bucks ($4.00)...

[Macevoyja]

I’m from PA where there is state income tax and 4.5% inheritance tax. Resident of Fl and love the villages.

[Luisa]

$400 in California to register car each year; same car in Florida $76. for 2 years. Highest energy bill in California over $500 in one month; highest in Florida $122 for one month.
They lock up shaving cream in California.

[Jerseybob]

How much is the monthly amenities fee?

HI, I think about $190/month. It includes an incredible amount of "lifestyle" events and locations. Currently, approx. 115 recreation centers, appox. 100 saltwater, community pools and over 100 miles of multi model pathways. With approx. 3, 500 clubs and organizations, it is not difficult to locate your interest, learn about an interest you have had and would like to explore, increase your skills in an area or share with others, your abilities in a common hobby etc..

[Stu from NYC]

$400 in California to register car each year; same car in Florida $76. for 2 years. Highest energy bill in California over $500 in one month; highest in Florida $122 for one month.
They lock up shaving cream in California.

Wow what a ripoff

[wisbad1]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!
Beware, mostly Republicans and we love it

[dewilson58]

Dude..................doing a VS's.............could be 200 posts.

:a20:

No comparison.

[Nana2Teddy]

Whereabouts are you on CA? We live half time here, half time San Diego...hard to make the big commitment to FL, and life is pretty sweet as it is. Message me and we can hash it over!
Wow! Lucky you! We had to sell our SoCal home to buy here, and now that we have there’s no going back if we wanted to because of how high home prices and interest rates are now. Thankfully, we love it here, but I do miss the great weather, and our kids and toddler grandson. We visit them every 6 months or so for a week or two, and they all visit us individually once a year. Wish we could’ve kept our home there though.

[Nana2Teddy]

I don't know anyone living in The Villages that moved here solely based on the cost of living. Folks come here for the lifestyle. If it happens to cost less to live here versus wherever you came from, that's a nice bonus. I was born and raised in SoCal, and it was a great place to grow up. But, the best move I ever made was back in 1977 when I put Kalifornia in my rearview mirror for good. You will find the vast majority of people in The Villages to be friendly and very open. But, one thing that is disliked HERE is when folks move away from THERE (pick any place) to come HERE, and then proceed to try and make HERE like it was THERE.
///

[Nana2Teddy]

The Villages lifestyle is amazing. The homes are much more reasonable than most of Califirnia. We have no income tax, you are within an hours drive of the beach, over 3,000 clubs to join, tons of free golf, free swimming pools, tons of friends, cheap gas, cheaper food, and just a great place to live. Moved here from Florida would never go back. Come and rent a home here for a month in the summer and a month in the winter and then decide for yourself.
Um, you are in Florida, so how could you have moved from FL when you’re living here in The Villages?

[Nana2Teddy]

Nana, we have a similar trajectory. I did my first lifestyle visit to The Villages in July 2022 and closed on my home in Richmond in December 2022. I’m a California native, living there through my mid 30s, then 20 years in Colorado. Like you, I moved here for the fabulous community that The Villages is, NOT because it is in Florida. With that being said, I’ve taken quite a liking to this state.
Michael, I’m very familiar with your journey and love your posts here, and your appearances on the Newcomers YouTube channel. We tried to buy a veranda in Richmond when we arrived in Nov 2022, but had no luck. On day three here after four tries in Richmond we saw an open house for a veranda in DeLuna and it ended up being perfect for us. We love it here! So glad it has been a great experience for you too. We are Disney fans so we go there often, but haven’t really seen much else in FL so far. Hopefully eventually. I’ve personally never been to any of the North Eastern states (nothing east of Michigan where my hubby grew up), so I’m hoping we get up there eventually now that we live so much closer. 😊

[Marty411]

Really liked the Forbes article. Great information and state comparisons.

[GizmoWhiskers]

I’m a native Californian who moved here full time in Nov 2022 after my husband retired. We came with Calif equity and bought a spacious home with cash. Our cost of living here is so much less than California. For me the only downsides are humidity and missing our 3 adult kids and 2 y/o grandson. Thankfully they visit us, and we can go out there for visits anytime we want. We would never live there again unless the kids moved us back to put us in a senior home, lol. Hopefully at 71 we have a bit more time ahead of us to enjoy The Villages. Oh, and we would never have moved to FL if The Villages didn’t exist. We moved here for The Villages lifestyle, not the FL lifestyle.
"Not for the FL lifestyle." -

Not sure what to make of a comment like that having lived in FL my entire adult life. The "Bubble" "lifestyle" is only so big. Eventually one has to leave T V.

For instance, going to the airport to go back to CA. Or even shopping for more than groceries. MAJOR MEDICAL episodes, one will find themselves in the midst of FL non-bubble as T V hospital can't handle ER open heart surgeries. What can one come up with that is "FL lifestyle"??

"Ya'll come back now" ??

Politics??

FL is a GREAT state, albeit a hot and humid cest pool at times. If one is fleeing CA to live cheaper, what happens in CA needs to STAY in CA. Florida doesn't need the CA lifestlye.

The Bubble IS FL and is for now free from lunacy.

2022? Was an especially great year in CA if I remember correctly. /s

[Andyb]

Cost of living is half that of California, due to “reasonable” policies.

[chuckpedrey]

For the most part Villager’s are God fearing, Bible believing, conservative people who treat their neighbors as their neighbor wants to be treated. We respect the law and believe that taking ANYTHING that does not belong to us is stealing. The majority of us are appalled by the Fake News and Fox News is piped into our town squares through The Villages radio station. We tend to ignore the progressive, left leaning residents who live here and privately pray that they would eventually decide to relocate to a blue state where more of their persuasion reside.

[ElDiabloJoe]

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Or you can keep your political views to yourself and not have to deal with a..holes that hate anyone that doesn't think like them.

Didn't say they were *my* political views, but thanks for lashing out. I don't appreciate being called an a..hole.

I certainly do not hate anyone that doesn't think like me. I just sit gobsmacked and slack-jawed about the absolute lack of common sense and the utter lack of understanding cause-and-effect. As in: You vote for X and three years later you're shocked that Y is happening. But "HATE?" that's awfully strong. You should be put in the penalty box for your post and personal profane insult to me, but we all know consequences are only reserved for one half the aisle.

[Federspiel]

Freedom

[jerryss]

We moved to the villages from Huntington Beach.

For us, we enjoy the lifestyle and cheaper costs. On the other hand, you can’t beat California weather and the great variety of food!

[Michael 61]

Michael, I’m very familiar with your journey and love your posts here, and your appearances on the Newcomers YouTube channel. We tried to buy a veranda in Richmond when we arrived in Nov 2022, but had no luck. On day three here after four tries in Richmond we saw an open house for a veranda in DeLuna and it ended up being perfect for us. We love it here! So glad it has been a great experience for you too. We are Disney fans so we go there often, but haven’t really seen much else in FL so far. Hopefully eventually. I’ve personally never been to any of the North Eastern states (nothing east of Michigan where my hubby grew up), so I’m hoping we get up there eventually now that we live so much closer. ������
I appreciate your posts as well Nana, and enjoy following you here on TOTV. I’ve been to Epcot twice (such an easy drive) since moving here, but need to branch out to the other parks as well. I’ve taken a few road trips outside the bubble (Clearwater, Sarasota, Tarpon Springs, Crystal River), and have taken a few of the Workman Bus Day trips (St Petersburg, Cape Canaveral, St Augustine). Now that I’m on the East Coast, I need to get up and explore the northeast states and upper mid-west as well. I just returned last week from a road trip through Amelia Island / Jekyll Island / Savannah / Charleston. Very enjoyable and an easy drive from TV.

[hmbfoxtail]

I was born and raised in California, and we escaped 15 years ago for Nevada. We'll it seems many more followed so we have now chosen Florida for weather and like-minded people in the political field. Two things, Florida offer that Nevada doesn't, is warm weather (a big deal for me as I have grown to detest cold and snow) and Florida supports law enforcement (my husband and I are both retired law enforcement) so it's very important to us to live in a place that actually supports law enforcement and holds criminals responsible and California is definitely not that place. California is a beautiful state but so is Florida. As someone mentioned no income tax in Florida, just as Nevada is no income tax.

[Karmanng]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?



Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Cheaper to buy a home but it depends on the size and if you buy new you might as well buy pre owned as bond prices are thru the roof............everything else I find coming from Arizona is actully much much higher such as food costs in grocery stores gas is cheaper but overall its more driving so its a wash there everything else is much pricier too BUT homes in AZ are thru the roof for small places

[OhioBuckeye]

Lots of nice people but you see the same kind of people there as you do in any town or city. But overall a very nice little place to live!

[Rainger99]

Still have to pay trail fees.

I walk. The exercise is good for me.

[luvdancin]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and
looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

I moved to The Villages from Temecula, CA. I researched warm weather retirement places like TX, AZ, etc. There is NO other place like The Villages to retire! If you are active, you will never be bored. Your only problem will be choosing what to do and where to go due to so many choices- every sport, every hobby, every club you can imagine! Temecula was dry heat, which I prefer. I literally wear ice around my neck in the summer here to survive. And I pretty much stay inside. Many people do sports in the summer here. I would have a heat stroke! But, I grew up in NY so heat beats cold anytime in my opinion. The Villages is
also great for people who lose a spouse or are single. You will never be alone, because there are groups for everything. Stay here for a week to check it out. I decided I decided to move here the second day I was here!

[Switter]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

I'm from Minnesota (a high tax state) and I feel property taxes here are a lot higher than I was expecting. I paid just over 300K for my house in The villages and my taxes will be about $5200 once I homestead. My place in Minnesota was worth about 450K and I paid about $5600. Gas is a lot cheaper but there are toll roads that you have to account for if you go to Orlando a lot.

The bond on the house I bought was already paid and it had a new roof put on, so that made a big difference. If you're buying a pre-existing house, make sure to check the age of the roof. Your insurance company could force you to replace the roof once it reaches 15 to 20 years old.

I think the amenity fees are very reasonable. Less than $200 a month and I get access to golf, swimming, and hundreds of miles multimodal paths for riding bike. The cost of owning and maintaining a private swimming pool is probably about $100 a month or more if you have someone service it. The pools here are great, especially the sports pools.

You'll want to read the deed restrictions in the area(s) that you're looking at. They are available at Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/). It might not hurt to look at the deed restrictions for all the districts to get a general idea of what they contain. You can even check the cost of utilities for a property on this web site. All you need is an address, no login or anything. You can look at anyone's utilities.

If you find a pre-existing home, make sure there's nothing on the property that is in violation of the deed restrictions. You'll be responsible for bringing it into compliance, regardless of who own the house before you.

There is a guy named Rusty who has a YouTube channel about the villages that talks about a lot of this stuff. He's very helpful.

Good luck in your decision.

[boxcarwilly]

Yes, it's less expensive and many things to do I moved from California 3 years ago and as far as I am concerned this is the best place to live you have real professional doctors here not armatures.
"Armatures" are components in motors and generators.

[Runway48]

The OP has not returned to the thread, may have moved on in their search to other states and areas.

FWIW- We enjoy the best of both worlds. As native So Cal folks (L.A. and OC areas - last 17 years in Dana Point), we fled with our equity to East Tennessee. Enjoy the lake life near the Smokys. Great way to spend summer. Winter times are in The Villages, enjoying everything clean and pretty and well maintained - unlike all of SoCal.

Both states have zero income tax (unlike up to 13% in CA), and car registration in TN is about $45/year whether your car is a brand new 2025 or a 2005. No Smog checks! Sales tax was more in OC (about 10%) and about 8% in TN. Property tax is much lower in TN than CA but FL is about the same as CA. TN has no tax on investment income.

I don't know with what kind of equity and resources you are fleeing CA, but consider a small place in each and derive the best benefits of both.

PS - I've heard people say in both places that while the south is welcoming and friendly, that welcome is not with open arms if you voted to make CA the way it is. Neither FL nor TN want to be like CA. If you did vote that way, you may like IL or MI better.

Interesting combo of TN and FL. We are looking to leave L.I. and have been looking at Tellico Village in TN and the Villages. Both "TV" so I'll use TN and FL. The community is much more extensive in FL but so is the traffic. TN has true four seasons which I enjoy with mild winters similar to Durham NC where I lived for several years. I see a lot of complaints about medical in FL. TN doesn't have TOV type web site so difficult to compare, UT med center which is a well-regarded Med cntr is 30 min away. Lots are larger in TN and prop taxes are much lower, but houses are generally more expensive and nearly doubled during the pandemic. (As an aside, prop taxes on L.I. are more than 3X FL and 10 X TN.). Before the great pandemic exodus from the high population areas, TN was by far the better deal. I like to walk (hike) and the smokies are an attraction but as the hips and knees age level ground is OK, shade would be nice. Spent three months in FL this winter, did a lot of walking but difficult to find unpaved walking paths. I'm curious, which state are you officially a resident of. Thanks

[mraines]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

I lived in CA for 22 years but retired here in The Villages. I could not have afforded to stay in CA on my retirement and SS. I also had family nearby and have macular degeneration so I can get around by golf cart to any place I need to go. The drawback for me is the politics but if you are a Republican, it may not be a problem for you. Not sure if I can say that on here. There is also plenty to do here.

[mraines]

"Not for the FL lifestyle." -

Not sure what to make of a comment like that having lived in FL my entire adult life. The "Bubble" "lifestyle" is only so big. Eventually one has to leave T V.

For instance, going to the airport to go back to CA. Or even shopping for more than groceries. MAJOR MEDICAL episodes, one will find themselves in the midst of FL non-bubble as T V hospital can't handle ER open heart surgeries. What can one come up with that is "FL lifestyle"??

"Ya'll come back now" ??

Politics??

FL is a GREAT state, albeit a hot and humid cest pool at times. If one is fleeing CA to live cheaper, what happens in CA needs to STAY in CA. Florida doesn't need the CA lifestlye.

The Bubble IS FL and is for now free from lunacy.

2022? Was an especially great year in CA if I remember correctly. /s
Really? You musn't get out much. Plenty of lunacy around here.

[Topspinmo]

How much is the monthly amenities fee?

When add all the attachments $230 plus, big grass lawn goes up amount of water you use. Yes it filled with amenities fees. Which good deal so far. In future? Who knows?

[Topspinmo]

I lived in CA for 22 years but retired here in The Villages. I could not have afforded to stay in CA on my retirement and SS. I also had family nearby and have macular degeneration so I can get around by golf cart to any place I need to go. The drawback for me is the politics but if you are a Republican, it may not be a problem for you. Not sure if I can say that on here. There is also plenty to do here.


In my retirement age I don’t care about pol—— (that word can get time out here). Just love it how some people escape and then want turn it into where they left. IMO when retired pol—- last thing I’m worried about. But pol—— do’t weight on my mind 24-7.

[Bilyclub]

I'm from Minnesota (a high tax state) and I feel property taxes here are a lot higher than I was expecting. I paid just over 300K for my house in The villages and my taxes will be about $5200 once I homestead. My place in Minnesota was worth about 450K and I paid about $5600. Gas is a lot cheaper but there are toll roads that you have to account for if you go to Orlando a lot.


My 2023 ad valorem taxes were less than $2300 for a $300,000 homesteaded house South of 466A. Are you paying Wildwood or Fruitland Park taxes too?

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

The HOA dues at my last home was about $5,300 a year, and they go up by 3% every year. That was with NOTHING to do unless you play golf. I’ll take $2,340, with everything to do thank you!

[JMintzer]

I lived in CA for 22 years but retired here in The Villages. I could not have afforded to stay in CA on my retirement and SS. I also had family nearby and have macular degeneration so I can get around by golf cart to any place I need to go. The drawback for me is the politics but if you are a Republican, it may not be a problem for you. Not sure if I can say that on here. There is also plenty to do here.

You must have missed this notice, which is on the top of every page on this forum...

"NO POLITICAL REFERENCES ARE ALLOWED ON THE WEBSITE."

[GizmoWhiskers]

Really? You musn't get out much. Plenty of lunacy around here.
In the "FL lifestyle"?

If FL were to be so full of lunancy why would anyone stay in the state? People hating on the "FL lifestyle" are always FREE to - move about which includes leaving.

Some states seek to charge people to leave the state's lifestyle. Talk about lunacy. I bet a lot of people fled from that lifestyle in 2022 to come to the FL lifestyle.

Blessed to live in a lifestyle choice free state.

One day the BUBBLE is going to be so big it would seem it will encompass the state ( /s). Probably will be full of anti-Floridian lifestylers. That's when the lunacy in FL lifestyle would truly come in.

[GizmoWhiskers]

The HOA dues at my last home was about $5,300 a year, and they go up by 3% every year. That was with NOTHING to do unless you play golf. I’ll take $2,340, with everything to do thank you!

The HOA in TV is quite excellent... there ISN'T one.

Why would anyone live where there isn't anything to do?

There is a "lifestyle" fee. Yes, TV is quite reasonable too. People complain but they can find a better lifestyle somewhere else then.

[margaretmattson]

OP, your post stated you are newly retired. Maybe, you do not know the Villages has a website that includes available homes for sale with pictures and descriptions, info on cost of monthly expense, lifestyle visit information and more.

the villages.com

[OhioBuckeye]

Your taxes are $5,200., I paid $281,000. for our home & my taxes are $6,100. a yr. I live in Argyle, TX. Plus we get a senior discount! But in TV they were $4,400. a yr. $2,000. of that will disappear in 15 yrs. (I think)

[lorilorilori]

I sold my Bixby Hills (Long Beach) and Toluca Lake homes years ago to move to FL. So very glad I did. By the way, is California still part of the United States ???:22yikes:


Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

[MrFlorida]

You may not like the heat and humidity here, it's quite a bit different than California.

[Topspinmo]

You may not like the heat and humidity here, it's quite a bit different than California.

Change ($$$$$$) in my pocket allows me to crank A/C down some.

[Kelevision]

I sold my Bixby Hills (Long Beach) and Toluca Lake homes years ago to move to FL. So very glad I did. By the way, is California still part of the United States ???:22yikes:

I was in Valley Village for about 30 years. The Trader Joe’s in Toluca Lake was my regular go to but I always dreaded that parking lot.

[Packer Fan]

I'm from Minnesota (a high tax state) and I feel property taxes here are a lot higher than I was expecting. I paid just over 300K for my house in The villages and my taxes will be about $5200 once I homestead. My place in Minnesota was worth about 450K and I paid about $5600. Gas is a lot cheaper but there are toll roads that you have to account for if you go to Orlando a lot.

The bond on the house I bought was already paid and it had a new roof put on, so that made a big difference. If you're buying a pre-existing house, make sure to check the age of the roof. Your insurance company could force you to replace the roof once it reaches 15 to 20 years old.

I think the amenity fees are very reasonable. Less than $200 a month and I get access to golf, swimming, and hundreds of miles multimodal paths for riding bike. The cost of owning and maintaining a private swimming pool is probably about $100 a month or more if you have someone service it. The pools here are great, especially the sports pools.

You'll want to read the deed restrictions in the area(s) that you're looking at. They are available at Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/). It might not hurt to look at the deed restrictions for all the districts to get a general idea of what they contain. You can even check the cost of utilities for a property on this web site. All you need is an address, no login or anything. You can look at anyone's utilities.

If you find a pre-existing home, make sure there's nothing on the property that is in violation of the deed restrictions. You'll be responsible for bringing it into compliance, regardless of who own the house before you.

There is a guy named Rusty who has a YouTube channel about the villages that talks about a lot of this stuff. He's very helpful.

Good luck in your decision.

Nice post but something does not make sense to me. I have 2 rentals (designer homes) in TV, so no homestead and my taxes are WAY lower. One is worth about $450 and my taxes were $4100 last year (total including everything, bond is paid off), and the other is worth about $375 and I paid $3600 (not including the bond payment). Can I guess that you are in Lake or Marion county since your taxes are so high?

To the OP - buy in Sumter if you care about property taxes, and stay out of Wildwood or Fruitland park too if you can.

Either way, the taxes are WAY lower than in Wisconsin where I pay almost $5000 for a $275K condo a year....

[Ellis]

Wife and I moved here from California 3 years ago and it will depend on your situation, everybody's different and to each their own. The California I grew up in is not the California I left, Although we didn't live in SF, the Bay Area, LA or SD we lived fairly close to Sac and homelessness was creeping in when we left. This was just ONE issue in many. And because of these issues we left, pro v. con if you will.

To your question and I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you, "from what little you glean" sure sounds like to me you haven't researched at all? Ask your favorite internet browser the cheapest states to live in. This is one of the top states to retire in. We sold our home in CA and purchased our home for cash here at less than half on the profit we made off our sale. We could have retired in a different community instead of the villages for even less but we didn't because that falls under to each their own. Florida has no estate, inheritance or income taxes and they have an exemption for property taxes. We made money moving here! lol

Living expenses? Don't even get me going on that one. Here we pay .11 cents off peak .14 cents peak for electricity. Our extremely well insulated brand spanking new home typical electrical bill in summer is 75 bucks a month but we use the seminole winds much to our advantage and we don't mind it a little warmer. Our neighbors bills run about double ours. At .31 cents off peak and .34 peak in CA our bill was 350-400 dollars a month in CA.

I just checked gas prices back in CA and currently they are generally 4.65 a gallon, here it's 3.05 a gallon. Food prices are a wash. I find the prices in the stores back in CA to be a little bit less expensive but it's not like it's a quantum leap, not even close. We just registered our 2022 kia and it cost us all of $74.00 dollars to do so and we just walked in unannounced and were in and out of the DMV in less then 10 minutes. Yes, you read that right, 10 minutes. You KNOW the California DMV and that is not even possible there even if you make an appointment. To register our car in CA was 450.00 dollars.

October through April in nor cal is dreary, rainy and cold with some really nice days sprinkled in-between. This isn't called the sunshine state for nothing. Come about Thanksgiving to mid March we have some cold days but mostly nights, that's our winter. Lot of people retiring in places like Tennessee but that's not for us as that weather is not as nice as nor cal. Weather was huge on our pro list. We miss our family and friends back in CA but that's about it.

Some food for thought, California...

-Highest real estate prices in the nation.
-Highest income tax rate nationally, Florida, zero
-Highest electricity rates in the nation
-Highest gas taxes in the nation
-Highest registration fees for a car
-Most expensive state to own a car
-Most expensive state to maintain a car
-7th highest sales tax rate
-3rd highest cost of living
-Highest poverty rate
-Lowest wage growth
-3rd worst state for inequality
-2nd highest unemployment rate
-2nd worst roads in the nation
-HALF of all homeless live in California
-20 billion and counting spent on homelessness
-1/3 of all welfare recipients live in California
-Medicare budget went from 7% to 30%
-45th worst state for school test scores
-Lowest literacy rate in the nation
-Spends 45% more per pupil than Florida
-Longest shutdown for covid in the nation
-The high speed rail will be 130 billion over budget
-Currently has a 55 billion dollar deficit
-1,144,000 people and counting have left California
-730,000 people have come to Florida

Gee, I wonder why?

[mraines]

Restaurant prices in California make ALL restaurant prices here look like Denny's.

Ahh, but the food is better.

[ElDiabloJoe]

... You KNOW the California DMV and that is not even possible there even if you make an appointment. To register our car in CA was 450.00 dollars...

With an appointment at CA DMV: 2+ hours. Without an appointment at CA DMV: 6-8 hours. And, you didn't even mention the every-other year requirement to pony up $100 and waste an hour or two for a smog check. Even if your car is just two years old!

... through April in nor cal is dreary,
...

Ya know how I know one is from NorCal? One says, "Hella!"

[GoRedSox!]

There is no question that CA has challenges. Part of that is really beyond it's control with some of the weather-related issues. Part of it is probably mismanagement. Part of it comes part and parcel with being the biggest state in the union.

I see the lists of all the things that are wrong with CA, but there are still many things about CA that are very good. If it truly was terrible, the median value of a home would not have hit $868,000 there. Some of the folks who are complaining and kicking CA in the butt on the way out the door became millionaires due to the incredible appreciation of their home and are set for life.

If CA was its own country, it would be the 5th largest economy in the world. Half of the fruits, nuts, vegetable and dairy in this country come from CA. It still has magnificent beauty, good weather, outstanding healthcare, and it remains the largest state in the union. Once again, that's not to deny it has its problems. It does. And some of them should be able to be fixed. For example, there is no good reason for gasoline to cost $1.50 more per gallon than it does everywhere else.

I am going to end with this. My entire life's experience has taught me this. CA's challenges did not materialize overnight, they were years in the making and exacerbated by huge growth. If anyone doesn't think that FL is going to have similar challenges if the population keeps increasing, I think you are very naive. Some of those challenges are already here....the state legislature seems to be able to act fast on some legislation, while a state-wide homeowner's insurance crisis eludes fixing. If FL wants to avoid problems similar to CA, the time for action to solve problems is now. The growth in the population of FL has outpaced the growth in infrastructure to support it. Medical care being able to keep up with the population growth is another real problem. Maybe many of us won't have to worry about this in our lifetimes, but I do not think FL can continue to grow at this rate without problems here, too.

[Inspector Mark]

At one time the villages was a cheap place to live. Sadly this is no longer true. But what I will say is that the villages is a great value. When you consider your cost to live there and the amount of "free Activities" the villages has to offer it has a better value than most places.

Also consider the life style, Golf cart community, Live music 265 days a year, golf, clubs, sense of community, climate, friendly people, pools, etc there is no better place for me.

[Ellis]

With an appointment at CA DMV: 2+ hours. Without an appointment at CA DMV: 6-8 hours. And, you didn't even mention the every-other year requirement to pony up $100 and waste an hour or two for a smog check. Even if your car is just two years old!Forgot about that one. Thanks for the memory jog.

[Ellis]

Part of it is probably mismanagement.There really is no probably about it.
I see the lists of all the things that are wrong with CA, but there are still many things about CA that are very good. If it truly was terrible, the median value of a home would not have hit $868,000 there.It's great if you are on the right side of the fence, otherwise it's a disaster. That is some seriously overpriced real estate. I have a friend in the bay area whose 70 year old 1,600 square foot 3/2 house is worth around 3 million dollars. His property taxes are just south of 22,000 dollars a year. Not even prop 13 can save him. Some folks back there talk about how great it is to have prop 13 in place but the issue as I see it is what good does it do you when the cost of your standard old suburban neighborhood home is 750,000 to a million dollars. lol.

If you have a 500,000 dollar home you are talking in the order of about 6,000 a year in taxes. His house, while completely remodeled, which wasn't for free mind you ($$$), isn't any nicer then ours and I would argue his neighborhood is nowhere near as nice as ours. And certainly where we moved from the neighborhood v. the one we are currently in, is night and day.
Some of the folks who are complaining and kicking CA in the butt on the way out the door became millionaires due to the incredible appreciation of their home and are set for life.Speaking just for me, I worked hard, very hard and scrimped and scraped to get to where I am at. Still do. All this despite the state of California doing everything they could to make it harder on us.

And I'll end with this, we would have never left the state of California if it wasn't such a mess and ridiculously overpriced. We didn't come here because it was a bad deal, we came here because it was so much better.

[golfing eagles]

I lived in CA for 22 years but retired here in The Villages. I could not have afforded to stay in CA on my retirement and SS. I also had family nearby and have macular degeneration so I can get around by golf cart to any place I need to go. The drawback for me is the politics but if you are a Republican, it may not be a problem for you. Not sure if I can say that on here. There is also plenty to do here.

Sorry about your deteriorating vision due to MD. But....are you saying it is unsafe for you to drive a car but perfectly OK to drive a golf cart?????

[golfing eagles]

There is no question that CA has challenges.

......... Half of the fruits, nuts, ..........in this country come from CA.

Couldn't agree more! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Kelevision]

Couldn't agree more! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

As someone born in Leesburg Florida, lived in CA for 30 years then came back home and lives in the villages…. I can assure you, that at least the nuts are in full force right here in TV and didn’t come from the west coast. Or Florida….

[golfing eagles]

As someone born in Leesburg Florida, lived in CA for 30 years then came back home and lives in the villages…. I can assure you, that at least the nuts are in full force right here in TV and didn’t come from the west coast. Or Florida….

Strongly disagree. Just look at what's going on in California and it speaks for itself

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

TL;DR

Both are close to third world countries with some of the state laws and government behaviors.
However, I would say that FL is much less of a future third world country than CA given all the impacts of current CA laws passed which will influence the future lifestyle of CA residents. .

YMMV

[GoRedSox!]

TL;DR

Both are close to third world countries with some of the state laws and government behaviors.
However, I would say that FL is much less of a future third world country than CA given all the impacts of current CA laws passed which will influence the future lifestyle of CA residents. .

YMMVIt’s hard to predict the future. I am optimistic about The Villages, because I think the developers have such outstanding vision and attention to detail. I am far less optimistic about Florida.

[Topspinmo]

Ahh, but the food is better.


For people who don’t know how to cook.

[as3369]

The OP has not returned to the thread, may have moved on in their search to other states and areas.

FWIW- We enjoy the best of both worlds. As native So Cal folks (L.A. and OC areas - last 17 years in Dana Point), we fled with our equity to East Tennessee. Enjoy the lake life near the Smokys. Great way to spend summer. Winter times are in The Villages, enjoying everything clean and pretty and well maintained - unlike all of SoCal.

Both states have zero income tax (unlike up to 13% in CA), and car registration in TN is about $45/year whether your car is a brand new 2025 or a 2005. No Smog checks! Sales tax was more in OC (about 10%) and about 8% in TN. Property tax is much lower in TN than CA but FL is about the same as CA. TN has no tax on investment income.

I don't know with what kind of equity and resources you are fleeing CA, but consider a small place in each and derive the best benefits of both.

PS - I've heard people say in both places that while the south is welcoming and friendly, that welcome is not with open arms if you voted to make CA the way it is. Neither FL nor TN want to be like CA. If you did vote that way, you may like IL or MI better.
We also live in Tennessee and considering purchasing a home in TV. Which home do you "claim" as your primary residence? I would like to take advantage of the homestead exemption in Florida, but trying to balance everything out.

[Altavia]

We also live in Tennessee and considering purchasing a home in TV. Which home do you "claim" as your primary residence? I would like to take advantage of the homestead exemption in Florida, but trying to balance everything out.


https://floridarevenue.com/property/documents/pt113.pdf

[LeRoySmith]

We also live in Tennessee and considering purchasing a home in TV. Which home do you "claim" as your primary residence? I would like to take advantage of the homestead exemption in Florida, but trying to balance everything out.

We also split time between TN and FL. We recently sold the mountain cabin and are in the thinking stages of selling the house in town which will leave us as full time Floridians. The cost of living in FL is higher but it's better in every other way IMHO (humidity is tough too). Tax, insurance, fuel, groceries are all higher here, again well worth the extra cost. Our 2 homes in TN together cost about what this one does when you add up all the annual costs. The overall value of this house will come in at about 800k, the ones in TN total about 900k.

Up until now we used TN as the primary residence.

[as3369]

We also split time between TN and FL. We recently sold the mountain cabin and are in the thinking stages of selling the house in town which will leave us as full time Floridians. The cost of living in FL is higher but it's better in every other way IMHO (humidity is tough too). Tax, insurance, fuel, groceries are all higher here, again well worth the extra cost. Our 2 homes in TN together cost about what this one does when you add up all the annual costs. The overall value of this house will come in at about 800k, the ones in TN total about 900k.

Up until now we used TN as the primary residence.


We lived in South Florida for a long time and would NEVER move back down there. Moved to Middle Tn in 2011 and seriously considering TV as a 2nd home. Hubby would not be ready for a full-time move yet. Going to visit TV in September to try and find a place! Just doing my due diligence reading these forums to make an informed decision. Also been watching YouTube videos, including realtor Robyn Cavallaro and the Villages Chief is very helptful

[bmcgowan13]

According the Federal Reserve the median income in 2022:
California: $85,300
Florida: $65,300

California remains the 5th largest economy in the world!! California is only behind the ENTIRE US, China, German and Japan. If Cali was its own country it would rank ahead of Russia, England, Italy, Spain, Canada, etc.

The pay rates in Cali are a more (30%) than here in Florida BUT the cost of housing and the cost-of-living reflects that. Yes--if you move from a state like California, New York, Massachusetts, etc. were you were paid a lot more money (and the homes cost/sell for more) and you move to Florida--it will be cheaper.

I suggest that you earn your income/retirement somewhere else and RETIRE to a Right-to-Work (RTW) state where the wages and housing is considerably cheaper. The workers here are paid less so our costs will be a lot less. You can enjoy your well-earned retirement. There are other RTW states that are likewise great places to retire such as Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Idaho, etc.

Right-to-work law - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law)

Consider all your options...:BigApplause:

[Topspinmo]

No advantage, has become over crowded, best to stay in California.


Isn’t California over crowded?

[CarlR33]

Dude..................doing a VS's.............could be 200 posts.

:a20:

No comparison.
And half of those quote not having a state income tax when the original poster said they were RETIRED?

[Bwanajim]

No state income tax. Gas is $3.50 a gallon, and state sales tax is I believe 7%. And our governor is great! I like to say if I want $5 million in the lottery, I would still live here

[MrFlorida]

It's all good here, but you may not like the heat, it's hot here in the summer.

[buzzy]

I always thought that the big difference between Florida and California was that someday California would abruptly fall into the ocean, whereas Florida would slowly be covered by the ocean.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I always thought that the big difference between Florida and California was that someday California would abruptly fall into the ocean, whereas Florida would slowly be covered by the ocean.

Seeing how land mass is less dense than water, you will be waiting a very long time to get that oceanfront property in Aridzona. The Great Floridian Sandbar, however, will likely occur someday.