Rentals

[ChristineandErnie]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.

[Stu from NYC]

We are here in the middle of the villages and happy with our first home.

People say the average villager will be in their third home before settling but doubt that, perhaps a second one

[LeRoySmith]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.

We rented in the North first and thought that was where we'd end up. After a couple of stints in the south we choose down here. I think the north looks and feels nice at first but after you live there a bit it may start to feel different.

That said, we are all different and different things click.

[CarlR33]

There is a ton of past conversation on “North” vs. “South” living using the search bar. North, older homes and residents..South, newer homes and residents (in general).

[JMintzer]

We first visited (staying with friends in Pine Hills) in the Fall of 2019.

A year later, we rented for 2 months (in the same area), and while we were renting, we bought a resale just west of Morse and north of 44.

It's a 3/2 Designer w/a golf cart garage.

After having the kids visit every year, and a few couples visit, SWMBO now wants a 3/3, and I'd like a 4/3, so I could have a dedicated "music room/man cave"...

Once we're "Frogs", we'll concentrate on whether or not we really want to move, as we absolutely LOVE our current location...

If we do move, we'll probably limit our search to "between the 6's", as that's the area we like the best, and that's where almost all of our friends live...

Now, once Eastport is "finished", our plans may change, depending on how things turn out down there...

[Michael 61]

I strategically purchased in Richmond, as I’m a younger retiree, and I wanted to be in the “middle” of The Villages 10-15 years from now. However Eastport looks to be amazing, and may very well end up being the “it” square. I could see myself moving closer to Eastport, if I begin to find myself gravitating there for recreation/entertainment/dining.

[Bitsee]

OMGosh..

Ill bet that 15 years from now The Villages will be on the cusp of Disney Orlando with at least 4 more town squares after Eastport in the rear view mirror !

[Stu from NYC]

OMGosh..

Ill bet that 15 years from now The Villages will be on the cusp of Disney Orlando with at least 4 more town squares after Eastport in the rear view mirror !

Think it will take a bit longer but will get there

[Marmaduke]

I'm interested in the Eastport area as it looks like a very cool infrastructure, but we do love living north of 44.

Diverting from the original post, I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has sold recently.

Have you been able to "negotiate" realtor fees, with a flat fee?

[Black Beauty]

we love way up north..but were older too (77)

[Ducatigator]

Hi Stu.

Good problems to have, where to live in the Villages. LOL

It's all good. Just different.

I currently live south in Dabney. We are close to Sawgrass and Eastport when it opens. In saying that, there are plans in motion to potentially move to the Eastport area since it will be IT! Amazing facility in the works. What makes it more tempting is that they now opened the path north of east port so you can get to Magnolia Plaza, Fenney, Deluna etc.

I think it depends where you like to "hang" out and where most of your friends are.

They do say the average is 3 moves before you find your forever home. Average! Some find it on day 1, some need a bit more "experience" in the Villages just to get their bearings.

Again, it's a great problem to have

Good Luck!
Thanks
Serge

[Shelbyh]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.

Buy where you like and keep in mind where you will need to go as far as shopping, etc.,
The younger end of 55 and over are buying south, new areas. That includes us.
When we go to the northern areas or visit my elderly relative we tend to notice it’s older which makes sense because they likely bought years ago like my relative who bought 20 years ago. Downside to buying in new areas, many things are a bit far at least for now. New construction has noise, dust, etc for years to come.
There are a couple areas in older sections that have new construction like in the village of Richmond.
Priorities are another thing to consider. In order to get the home and lot/view we wanted for a price we budgeted for we found it south.
In northern sections are beautiful because they have the mature landscaping and more golf options, restaurants, shopping.
Wherever you land its a no brainer you will luv it.

[Franee621]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.
Summerhill for about a year plus. The best village here!! Then polo ridge still great location right next to summerhill for 3 years then Virginia Trace. Which is great for going to the square and having Winn Dixie as your corner store

[jimdecastro]

I strategically purchased in Richmond, as I’m a younger retiree, and I wanted to be in the “middle” of The Villages 10-15 years from now. However Eastport looks to be amazing, and may very well end up being the “it” square. I could see myself moving closer to Eastport, if I begin to find myself gravitating there for recreation/entertainment/dining.

I don't know if your "rental issue" has improved, but your proximity to the Waterlilly Bridge is ideal to get to Eastport. I don't want to move near there for the noise and traffic that will come. I lived on Long Island and the last 20 years I hated the traffic going to NYC. This is what I fear about Eastport (on a smaller scale, of course). Where I am I can get there quick, I am 45 minutes from Orlando and store will come this way (hopefully while I am still young enough to drive, LOL).

[bowlingal]

so many newer/used homes for sale already south of 44. you must ask yourself..... why? Maybe you should start a post of people who bought south of 44 and are now selling.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Hi Stu.

Good problems to have, where to live in the Villages. LOL

It's all good. Just different.

I currently live south in Dabney. We are close to Sawgrass and Eastport when it opens. In saying that, there are plans in motion to potentially move to the Eastport area since it will be IT! Amazing facility in the works. What makes it more tempting is that they now opened the path north of east port so you can get to Magnolia Plaza, Fenney, Deluna etc.

I think it depends where you like to "hang" out and where most of your friends are.

They do say the average is 3 moves before you find your forever home. Average! Some find it on day 1, some need a bit more "experience" in the Villages just to get their bearings.

Again, it's a great problem to have

Good Luck!
Thanks
Serge

Found ours in 2 hours, 20 years ago! Still loving it!

[Rwirish]

Stay North is my advise.

[Papa_lecki]

Brownwood opened in 2012. We moved in in late 2020 and commercial space was about about 40 to 60% full (8 years later).
Now, it is close to maxed out (although there are still pads left).
All I am saying, for the new places, like Eastport, is it takes time for occupancy to fill up.

[asianthree]

so many newer/used homes for sale already south of 44. you must ask yourself..... why? Maybe you should start a post of people who bought south of 44 and are now selling.

I can answer this post along with the same 20 plus threads about

“WHY are so many home selling in the south after only one year”

Why, very smart people who buy homes as investment, with great location and views, rent them for a year or two, then sell with a great profit.

New homes have been selling “at one year one day mark since we first came in 2007. However it’s the first time I have watched a home sell that closing date was 6 months away, to wait for that 1year mark. House sold within 10 days even with 6 months delay closing, in the South.

Nothing new, but those one year sales 2007 to 2013 and a little beyond were between the 6’s.

South of 44 was just a twinkle in the developers eyes :1rotfl::1rotfl::clap2:

[dtennent]

We first bought a home in Mallory Square. After a few years there, we built our home just north of 44 overlooking a nature corridor. While we expanded the house 4 ft front to back giving us more room in the garage, kitchen, and bedrooms, I did not count on my wife’s love of card making/scrapbooking. Now I wish we had built a house with a fourth bedroom. Having said that, I have told my wife that my next move will be in a pine box. (She may help me with that move if I am not careful!)
Moral to the story - Even if you carefully plan for what you want in a house, you will realize that you have missed something important.

[harby]

Polo Ridge village is the best as it is quiet and beautiful neighborhood. Its location is easy to go to 466 plaza and 441shopping plazas with only one roundabout. There s a nice polo field where we often walk/run with our dogs. We don t care how old it is...it is well alive and neat with well matured landscaping and trees.

[Dlbonivich]

Think it will take a bit longer but will get there

I’m not sure it will be very long. In 2018 there were 3 streets in Fenney in March when I moved here. Now look around. We also a slow down for the pandemic.

[MSGirl]

I’m not sure it will be very long. In 2018 there were 3 streets in Fenney in March when I moved here. Now look around. We also a slow down for the pandemic.

It took Magnolia Plaza several years before it was built. If you have time on your side, go for it

[Grill Meister]

I guess about as north as you can get has you living in the historic part of The Villages; however, everything is relative.

We moved to The Villages almost 20 years ago and purchased a new home in Liberty Park, which just north of Buena Vista and the northern most Havana Golf course fairway...fifteen minutes from Sumter Landing via golfcart.

My wife, at that time, was a little concerned that we were so far way from everything. Go figger.

[mrf6969]

Something to think about. If you have a life span of maybe another 15-20 years, why move all the way south and for much of your life having to put up with construction dust and dirt and not having any grocery stores, doctors, banks, restaurants or many other conveniences?
The area around and between 466 and 466A you will want for nothing as you will have it all. Also buying in that area you will have a reduced bond if a bond at all and your Sumter property taxes are less.

[nn0wheremann]

There is a ton of past conversation on “North” vs. “South” living using the search bar. North, older homes and residents..South, newer homes and residents (in general).
In the far north, CDD4, in Marion County the building codes were, and are rigorously enforced.
The trees and landscaping are more mature. Access to the Squares is not as good as in the middle villages, but seems much better than in the south of highway 44.
From my home in Springdale I am within ten minutes of eight executive golf courses, and two championship golf courses. Five to seven minutes more gets me to four more executives and two mor championship courses.
We have close access to three regional sport pools and rec centers, and the two most popular concert venues.

[OhioBuckeye]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.
You’re as far north from Sumter & Spanish Springs as you can get, well at least you’ll get to Ocala faster than anyone one else. Yea, I would go down to about to Palmer golf course or Polo Field.

[nn0wheremann]

I guess about as north as you can get has you living in the historic part of The Villages; however, everything is relative.

We moved to The Villages almost 20 years ago and purchased a new home in Liberty Park, which just north of Buena Vista and the northern most Havana Golf course fairway...fifteen minutes from Sumter Landing via golfcart.

My wife, at that time, was a little concerned that we were so far way from everything. Go figger.
The historic side is east, and Buena Vista, despite its meandering way, is a north-south street.
Liberty Park is, though, nicely situated. When we were first introduced to the Villages, ten years ago, St.James was separated from sand hills and scrub land to the south by a two lane goat path called CR 466A.

[asianthree]

Rented in 2007, bought 4 homes since 2010. Always moving south. While between the 6’s was ok, but Not a fan of brick and mortar, banks, grocery, shopping in general. We have been online shoppers for more than 10 years, and only see medical appointments on a yearly basis.

Grocery and doctors was always top of list for my parents, until Kroger made its first delivery. Even in their 80s doctors are once a year, so hopefully we can maintain longevity healthy background like parents.

No disrespect but, at the first 3 homes between the 6’s was like living with my parents. Less active, zero safe walking/running/biking paths. The traffic that comes with retail, that we don’t require.

South of 44 is not for everyone, but younger work from home residents, and newly retired 50ish is becoming the norm, among those like us who left the 6’s for new adventures with a younger vibe.

If we travel to SS area it’s once a year, LSL in our back door was maybe quarterly, Brownwood weekly. I see great things coming to Middleton and Eastport, that are more aligned with our life style. Just a short cart ride away.

[asianthree]

Duplicate

[Jboduch]

I agree with everyone. You will find your happy spot eventually. We hope we got lucky on our first try but we’ve learned to never say never. Good luck!

[Emkay56]

As a fairly new Villagers, wondering how many times some of you have purchased a newer home? We're located about as north as you can get and it's tempting to consider a move south.
We purchased in Pine Hills and absolutely love the area. We are close to Colony, which has lots of shopping options and restaurants. We are 20 min to both Brownwood and Lake Sumter squares, and 25 minutes to Sawgrass area. Golf courses galore! We actually just moved about 1/2 mile to another home and so our Pine Hills home is for sale. If you’d like to look at it, let me know and I’ll give you details.

[sallyg]

We have lived in the "far" north and south of 44. Distinct advantages to both areas. It really depends on what is important to you. Easy access to shopping, mature trees, larger lots, no bond? The north. New construction, trails? The south. The shops will come in the south, just might take a little longer. Close proximity to friends, favorite rec center or golf course can also influence. No one can decide for you. Fun to house hunt and see what's available tho.

[Villagesgal]

Had our dream home built on a championship golf course with an amazing view in 2001 in the north end. You couldn't pay us to move. We love our view every single day. Neighborhood is getting younger and younger as people sell to move into assisted living or back home. We love the 50 year olds moving in. We're close to shopping, our doctors, dentist and restaurants. We still love it here. Find a home you love or better yet have one built and you’ll be happy there.

[Papa_lecki]

We first visited (staying with friends in Pine Hills) in the Fall of 2019.

A year later, we rented for 2 months (in the same area), and while we were renting, we bought a resale just west of Morse and north of 44.

It's a 3/2 Designer w/a golf cart garage.

After having the kids visit every year, and a few couples visit, SWMBO now wants a 3/3, and I'd like a 4/3, so I could have a dedicated "music room/man cave"...

Once we're "Frogs", we'll concentrate on whether or not we really want to move, as we absolutely LOVE our current location...

If we do move, we'll probably limit our search to "between the 6's", as that's the area we like the best, and that's where almost all of our friends live...

Now, once Eastport is "finished", our plans may change, depending on how things turn out down there...

We are in the same boat. BUT, we made sure our lot could support a pool (which we added) and adding a 4th BR and a bath.
We will probably add them once we are down more than 4 months.

[RICH1]

grass always looks greener... be careful

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

We just bought a house (a week ago) between the 6’s, off 472 and I couldn’t be happier. And we’ve got the best neighbors! All around our age, and we have get-togethers frequently. Lots of trees, shopping of all types, we’ve got two squares, Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs within a few minute cart ride. Brownwood is a little further but still doable.

There’s somebody on here whose tagline is something like “you’re as happy as you’re going to be” and I think it’s very true in this case.