Do You Plan to Move?

[justjim]

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

[village dreamer]

the next move i make , will be 6 feet down :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[manaboutown]

A long time friend who had lived in Miami her whole life moved to Asheville, NC to be near her daughter and granddaughter. Her only comment was it seemed to be getting hotter in Miami. She is in her early 70s.

[gatorbill1]

No no no

[CarlR33]

Sounds familiar, LOL, it’s a personal decision. If everyone leaves then somewhere else is meca?
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/you-happy-you-made-villages-your-retirement-home-350204/?highlight=moving+Florida

[Topspinmo]

Probably. Older I get the less I can do.

[Stu from NYC]

Very happy here glad we came down here.

Has been a very hot summer, in hindsight should have traveled somewhere cooler for a few weeks.

[ThirdOfFive]

The Villages is not for everyone. People leave for a variety of reasons. But compared to where my wife and I hail from (Minnesota) it is paradise!

[tophcfa]

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times.

We considered the Myrtle Beach area and went there for two consecutive winters only to find at least half of everything closed and both times we got freezing temperatures with both freezing rain and snow forcing the golf courses to close. That’s when we decided on the Villages. If you don’t want winter, north of Florida doesn’t cut it. We have no regrets, the only two things I dislike about Florida is all the lightning and insurance cost, both homeowners and auto.

[asianthree]

Florida isn’t for everyone, many in TV have the ability to vaca to cooler states visiting family and friends. Some like us have more than one home, and can travel to see seasons change.
In TV hurricane weather isn’t a factor for us, insurance is less in TV than our northern homes, car insurance about the same. As far as lighting storms, doesn’t effect us anymore than the tornadoes, straight winds and severe thunderstorms with loss of power summer or winter for days.

I am not a fan of heat, enjoy fall and snow, spouse can’t handle the cold. So here we are, but have multiple options

[Teed_Off]

I’m glad I moved here and so are the many friends I’ve made. If you’re not happy here then I’ll be glad to see the door hit your rear on the way to your new home and naysayers be gone 😄

[Papa_lecki]

///

[Dond1959]

I love these types of posts. There are also numerous articles about people moving away from Florida. I am a numbers guy and every year the numbers tell me there are a lot more people coming to the state than leaving. When that reverses then we can talk.

[Pugchief]

Delaware, New York, Michigan, Illinois

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.



These don't align so it doesn't make sense. Those states are more crowded, more expensive and really cold in the winter which is a wash IMO for the heat and humidity. The lack of state income tax can be huge depending on where your income comes from.

[vintageogauge]

I’m glad I moved here and so are the many friends I’ve made. If you’re not happy here then I’ll be glad to see the door hit your rear on the way to your new home and naysayers be gone 😄

Idiotic statements such as this is what gives TV a bad rap to outsiders.

[vintageogauge]

I love these types of posts. There are also numerous articles about people moving away from Florida. I am a numbers guy and every year the numbers tell me there are a lot more people coming to the state than leaving. When that reverses then we can talk.

Very true and the traffic confirms it.

[arbajeda]

To those who claim the there's an exodus, please provide links to these stories. Certainly, there are those who came here expecting something but found it isn't for them. But just looking at the pace of homes being built will tell anyone that the newcomers far outnumber those leaving.

[coconutmama]

4 couples we are friends with have moved out of TV in the last 2 years to AR, NC, TN & OH. 3 of the 4 to be closer to family. One because of the expense & overcrowding. But the majority of our friends plan to stay until they can no longer golf.

However all the recent overbuilding is causing a lot of negative chatter. Traffic is an issue along with short term rentals

[ThirdOfFive]

To those who claim the there's an exodus, please provide links to these stories. Certainly, there are those who came here expecting something but found it isn't for them. But just looking at the pace of homes being built will tell anyone that the newcomers far outnumber those leaving.
Very true.

Checking net migration numbers, Florida is far and away on top for total net migration (inflow minus outflow) for the most recent two years of data, at (+) 818,762. Texas is a rather distant second at 656,220 followed by North Carolina at 310,189, South Carolina at 248,055 and Arizona at 218,247. Florida also ranks high in net migration per 1000 people for that time period at 28.90, though this number may be misleading in that some of the states ahead of Florida (Idaho at 48.20, Montana at 36.01, for example), are really vast nearly empty places and living where your next-door neighbor might be five miles away and cutting enough firewood to heat your house during a brutally cold winter is attractive to some people (it was to me, until I realized that no matter how able I was to do such things 40 years ago, a septuagenarian body just wouldn't allow such a life style any more). Florida is far more conducive to a retiree lifestyle than living in a hut on the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains would be, regardless of the grand vistas and crystal-clear air.

Bottom line: there IS NO exodus from Florida, though there are some folks who I think dearly want people to believe that there is. Why, I don't know, other than the very obvious fact that bad news always has more shock value, and therefore more legs, than good news.

[Shelbyh]

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

The Villages are selling a 1000 homes (new/resale) a month. Doesn’t sound like retirees are moving out. That doesn’t even include MLS listings.
Yes I think it’s a bit pricey here but overall you get a lot for your money.

[opinionist]

People move out to be with family when they can no longer care for themselves. TV offers many ways to stay healthy, but many people make unhealthy choices.

[vintageogauge]

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.

[ThirdOfFive]

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.
Certainly all valid reasons. Florida in general and TV in particular is not heaven: Florida has large crowds and nuts traffic all year round but it is particularly heavy and irritating during high 'bird season, and medical care can be a roll of the dice. We've made our adjustments and absolutely love it here now and for the foreseeable future, but the possibility of a change that severely impacts our abilities to live here independently could certainly dictate a move in the future.

[airstreamingypsy]

I’m glad I moved here and so are the many friends I’ve made. If you’re not happy here then I’ll be glad to see the door hit your rear on the way to your new home and naysayers be gone 😄

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.

[vintageogauge]

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.

Agree, the people that post replies such as theirs are also most likely those that don't pay attention to their deed restrictions and don't pick up their dog poop. There are always a few bad apples in every bushel.

[ThirdOfFive]

Comments like this are why I'm sorry I moved here.
You'll find keyboard warriors wherever, and TV is certainly no exception. I've long ago come to the realization that these purveyors of sour grapes are representative of only a minuscule portion of Villagers, and the possibility (probability?) that many of the aforesaid warriors don't even live here is significant. You can be anywhere in the world and still be a regular poster here.

[MX rider]

You'll find keyboard warriors wherever, and TV is certainly no exception. I've long ago come to the realization that these purveyors of sour grapes are representative of only a minuscule portion of Villagers, and the possibility (probability?) that many of the aforesaid warriors don't even live here is significant. You can be anywhere in the world and still be a regular poster here.

Exactly right!!
We were snowbirds for the first time last winter and loved TV. We had owned our home for almost 2 years. When we got back to Indiana in May, it took about 3 weeks and we were both bored and wanting to go back.
June 16th we went back for a month.

Since then we put our home here up for sale and will be full timers in October. TV isn't perfect, but to us it's close, and it's a great place to retire especially if you're active. So much fun to be had there.

But as with all places, it's not a good fit for everybody.
Great thing is there's a happy place for everyone, you just have to find it.

[bshuler]

Concerning property taxes, I was shocked to see Florida does not collect property taxes on Automobiles. If you have newer vehicles that would offset the “shocking” property taxes in Florida.

In my case
Florida Home Property Tax equals (Missouri Home Property Tax + Missouri Automobile Property Tax)

[Switter]

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

I apologize for the length of this in advance, lol.

I moved here from Minnesota last July so I've been here a year now. The newness has worn off now and I have a more reasonable assessment.

First, I am still employed. I am a remote worker who is employed in Minnesota. I wasn't planning on living in the villages, only rented an Airbnb to scout out the area. I bought in The villages because it's beautiful and had all of the amenities, especially the pools which was the most important for me.

The reason I initially chose Florida is because my stepdaughter and her husband were moving down here for a job (so I'd have family close by) and because I absolutely hate the cold. Weatherwise, I love the heat and tolerate the humidity. I'd prefer a dryer climate but the cost-of-living on the West Coast is way too high, so this is second best.

Compared to Minnesota, the cost-of-living here is relatively close with the exception of me not having to pay a state income tax. Last year, when I was still living in Minnesota part of the year, I paid $5600 in state income tax. This year I will be able to file as exempt so I won't have to pay that at all. It's roughly the same amount as I am paying for property taxes here, so that will be a huge net plus for me of over $450 a month. The sales tax down here is slightly less but up in Minnesota we don't pay sales tax on food or clothing, so it's probably a net wash.

As for property taxes, they are about the same between the two places. However, I felt like I got more for my money in Minnesota.

My homeowners insurance here is slightly more than in Minnesota but not terrible. I am not worried about hurricanes since we are so far inland, more worried about lightning. In Minnesota, hail was the bigger problem. I had to replace two roofs because of it.

As for the general area outside of the villages, I am not very impressed. There is a kind of dumpiness to it. It also seems to be haphazard, like they have loose zoning laws. That can be good or bad depending on your viewpoint. I drove from the villages down to Key West, back up through Cape Coral and then home again with a buddy who is visiting. I have also been over to Flagler Beach in Palm Coast. I really liked Flagler Beach and Key West was cool, but the rest of the areas didn't do anything for me. We stayed in Cape Coral for four days. It is very crowded down there and again seems real haphazard, like there's no real effort in planning.

Minnesota is a very bike friendly state and I am an avid biker. You can go almost anywhere by bike. Florida, not so much. it does sound like Florida is trying to improve that with the rails to trails initiative but they're still quite a bit behind. I realize that is not super important to everyone but it is to me.

Minnesota also had top-notch healthcare, something that will become increasingly important for me. I'm not sure about Florida since I don't really use it right now.

Not to make this political but it can be a factor for some. Florida respects gun ownership and is conservative. Those are both pluses for me although the political leanings of a state don't "necessarily" dictate where I live.

Now for the villages proper. It is a beautiful place. The entire grounds are very well kept. The amenities are incredible. I am also an avid swimmer and for that, the villages is second to none.

There are hundreds of miles of multimodal paths for biking. The only downside is the risk associated with golf carts (and what look to me to be smart cars). I've had a couple close calls, mostly from people not paying attention. I get a general sense that people feel a golf cart doesn't require the same level of attentiveness as a car. I have seen kids who are way too young driving them, many people holding their pets on their lap while driving, and people passing me on blind corners just to name a few. I am surprised that there aren't more accidents. I still enjoy riding them but I am very much a defensive driver.

If it wasn't for the villages, I would have rented here for a year and researched other states. I still might consider someplace else. I am currently fixing up the place I am living in now and at some point I may decide to sell and move to a cheaper state like Georgia or the Carolinas.

The bottom line for me is that Florida is cheaper only because I don't pay a state income tax.

[CybrSage]

[QUOTE=justjim;2363633Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.[/QUOTE]

A yes cannot be supported with facts? Why bother asking if you only want answered not supported by facts?

[Ignatz]

We've been here less than a year and we're still discovering all of the cool things about TV. We really enjoy the new activities and our new friends.

I can say that there's not been any negative experience so far that would make us want to move out. I am not thrilled about some things here; roof replacement after 10 years and the higher cost of living compared to where we came from.

Can't say for certain that we're here till we move into the urn. I can see us maybe looking for "something different" in the future. Keeping those options open!

[rsmurano]

I think the media who wrote those posts are trying to make it sound like people are moving back to NY and California, which much is certainly not true. NY cheaper than Florida? This is a joke. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas are experiencing huge growth. Have you seen how many people try to buy a new home here? My buddies were competing with a couple hundr d people to buy a new home or lot in Eastport.
I was paying $12k in property taxes and $20k a year while I lived in Portland, and this was in 2000. Property taxes back then are double what I pay here, and $20k in income tax will buy me years and years of insurance. I can tell you that if you lived in Portland now, you’d be paying 2x compared to my fees in 2000.
But if people want to leave, don’t let the door hit you while you are leaving

[Aces4]

I’m glad I moved here and so are the many friends I’ve made. If you’re not happy here then I’ll be glad to see the door hit your rear on the way to your new home and naysayers be gone 😄

Yes, nothing but classy people here in The Villages...

[Pat2015]

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.
I have found excellent medical care here in TV and at Moffitt. Yes it does get hot here but it’s also very hot up in MD where I came from. In terms of traffic, I’ll take this over the MD/DC traffic any day off the week. Good luck to you with your move as that seems to be a good plan for you.

[Aces4]

Very true.

Checking net migration numbers, Florida is far and away on top for total net migration (inflow minus outflow) for the most recent two years of data, at (+) 818,762. Texas is a rather distant second at 656,220 followed by North Carolina at 310,189, South Carolina at 248,055 and Arizona at 218,247. Florida also ranks high in net migration per 1000 people for that time period at 28.90, though this number may be misleading in that some of the states ahead of Florida (Idaho at 48.20, Montana at 36.01, for example), are really vast nearly empty places and living where your next-door neighbor might be five miles away and cutting enough firewood to heat your house during a brutally cold winter is attractive to some people (it was to me, until I realized that no matter how able I was to do such things 40 years ago, a septuagenarian body just wouldn't allow such a life style any more). Florida is far more conducive to a retiree lifestyle than living in a hut on the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains would be, regardless of the grand vistas and crystal-clear air.

Bottom line: there IS NO exodus from Florida, though there are some folks who I think dearly want people to believe that there is. Why, I don't know, other than the very obvious fact that bad news always has more shock value, and therefore more legs, than good news.


Many of the people leaving Florida are leaving for the reasons you are expounding, Florida has gotten thick with population and it's no longer appealing. Not everyone loves living in congested areas and that's why some of our friends left.

[justjim]

A yes cannot be supported with facts? Why bother asking if you only want answered not supported by facts?

Post #19 does a pretty good job posting of the statistics regarding how Florida’s overall population continues to grow. In fact the growth has been and still is phenomenal. The Florida State budget is actually built around the growth.

The Villages is a leader in that growth. We have grown so fast ( both TV and Florida) that certain necessities can’t keep up. The Medical community for example and infrastructure as another example not only here but across Florida. Doctors and nurses, teachers, skilled trades such and plumbers and electricians are all serious shortages when you have such phenomenal growth.

The Villages is a well planned community and I think we can all agree on that. Middleton, a village community built for young families is another example of how well The Villages is planned. Hopefully, Middleton will attract young doctors and nurses, teachers and other young skilled workers to meet some of the needs of the thousands of residents already living here.

[Berwin]

Our neighbors across the street were snowbirds from Minnesota. They decided to not come down last year and this year they sold their house here. Said the weather was too hot for them and too hard on the wife who has health problems. Now I have to find someone else to go shooting with.

[roguesearcher]

Try the heat in TX. yikes!!!!

[mikemalloy]

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

The reasons sound like a Yogi Bera comment about a restaurant "No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded"

[jimjamuser]

I know that it is CHEAPER to live in Tennessee.

[TommyT]

NO I'm not but !!!

I have a life-long friend and his wife come down and spent a week. They drank the cool-aid deeply, but quickly changed their minds because of the costs. Housing cost, bond, insurance, monthly fees...... He has a pretty decent retirement but refused to spend that much. So he said the Villages is VERY Expensive to live here. Their words not mine..

[jimjamuser]

We considered the Myrtle Beach area and went there for two consecutive winters only to find at least half of everything closed and both times we got freezing temperatures with both freezing rain and snow forcing the golf courses to close. That’s when we decided on the Villages. If you don’t want winter, north of Florida doesn’t cut it. We have no regrets, the only two things I dislike about Florida is all the lightning and insurance cost, both homeowners and auto.
In my IDEAL world, The Villages would be located in North Carolina, Oregon, or Washington State. And be under different ownership.

[maistocars]

I'm wondering why Florida is the most sought after relocation state? Sounds like wishful thinking on those states Marketing and PR staff to stop the droves leaving. I can also tell you that NY is as humid and probably more so than FL in summer after living there for 20 hrs and a heck of a lot more crowded.

[jimjamuser]

Florida isn’t for everyone, many in TV have the ability to vaca to cooler states visiting family and friends. Some like us have more than one home, and can travel to see seasons change.
In TV hurricane weather isn’t a factor for us, insurance is less in TV than our northern homes, car insurance about the same. As far as lighting storms, doesn’t effect us anymore than the tornadoes, straight winds and severe thunderstorms with loss of power summer or winter for days.

I am not a fan of heat, enjoy fall and snow, spouse can’t handle the cold. So here we are, but have multiple options
I have to admit that i am somewhat jealous of those options.

[Pugchief]

In my IDEAL world, The Villages would be located in North Carolina, Oregon, or Washington State.

Because?

[jimjamuser]

Very true and the traffic confirms it.
Agreed, Florida roads have NEVER caught up with its population increases.

[jimjamuser]

4 couples we are friends with have moved out of TV in the last 2 years to AR, NC, TN & OH. 3 of the 4 to be closer to family. One because of the expense & overcrowding. But the majority of our friends plan to stay until they can no longer golf.

However all the recent overbuilding is causing a lot of negative chatter. Traffic is an issue along with short term rentals
"Until they can no longer golf" - I agree that the major reason for staying here is the activities. But, there is also SAFETY in numbers for many elderly people living in one area. This would be offset by the increased teenagers that seem to be polluting The Villages in the last 3 or so years.

[LeRoySmith]

Try the heat in TX. yikes!!!!

This is hotter than Dallas, no question.

[LeRoySmith]

I know that it is CHEAPER to live in Tennessee.

I can't believe in going to agree with Jim but here goes.

Our 'home house' is in East TN, it's a similar house and no kidding 1/4th or less for the cost of ownership there vs here. We are still going to make this or full time home and vacation in various places in the North. If in 5 or 6 years the heat or expense gets to be too much we will find another place and call that home. For right now this is it for us, great place that's kind of spendy but we love it. Can't take that money with you.

[jimjamuser]

We are moving back north. Reasons: #1 Health & nearness to family, #2 Quality medical care, #3 heat and humidity, #4 winter season traffic, and #5 winter crowds. We enjoyed our time living here full time but things have changed over the years and feel it's now time to go and will leave a nice home for our replacement.
I think that this IS a very intelligent post that contributes a lot to this thread subject. Many TVLanders are dissatisfied with their health care providers here. I imagine that many that are full time residents have found that the summer heat has become obnoxious. Many say that food prices are higher here than other parts of the country. People say that prices for golf carts are higher in the Villages BUBBLE that outside the bubble dealers. To learn about the summer HEAT increase - you can Google that and find out that Worldwide our planet has been HEATING up for the past 30 years. So, that makes MANY year around Florida residents think about leaving.

[ThirdOfFive]

Just got back from the golf course.

Nothing beats TV for golf in the summer.

[jimjamuser]

Certainly all valid reasons. Florida in general and TV in particular is not heaven: Florida has large crowds and nuts traffic all year round but it is particularly heavy and irritating during high 'bird season, and medical care can be a roll of the dice. We've made our adjustments and absolutely love it here now and for the foreseeable future, but the possibility of a change that severely impacts our abilities to live here independently could certainly dictate a move in the future.
So, that makes me ask the question (and I am serious) should only HEALTHY people live here ?????

[LeRoySmith]

Florida isn’t for everyone, many in TV have the ability to vaca to cooler states visiting family and friends. Some like us have more than one home, and can travel to see seasons change.
In TV hurricane weather isn’t a factor for us, insurance is less in TV than our northern homes, car insurance about the same. As far as lighting storms, doesn’t effect us anymore than the tornadoes, straight winds and severe thunderstorms with loss of power summer or winter for days.

I am not a fan of heat, enjoy fall and snow, spouse can’t handle the cold. So here we are, but have multiple options

This is where we are in our thinking. We have 2 houses currently but will soon be 1, here. We plan to vacation in cooler climates for a few years and if 1 sticks we will get a 2nd house there. If we end up liking that place better it may become our primary and this would be the 2nd again. It maybe uproot and make that the primary, who knows.

[Maker]

Many people leave those states because of their oppressive politics and overly intrusive regulations.
The Florida weather could be a negative, but small in comparison to government nanny actions telling someone what they can and cannot do. (like ARC on steroids)

[jimjamuser]

Try the heat in TX. yikes!!!!
Austin, Tx. was 106 degrees 2 days ago.

[jimjamuser]

This is where we are in our thinking. We have 2 houses currently but will soon be 1, here. We plan to vacation in cooler climates for a few years and if 1 sticks we will get a 2nd house there. If we end up liking that place better it may become our primary and this would be the 2nd again. It maybe uproot and make that the primary, who knows.
There is a retirement area EAST of Seattle that has lots of sports activities. Sorry that's all I know. But. I imagine that it would be easy to Google it.

[LeRoySmith]

There is a retirement area EAST of Seattle that has lots of sports activities. Sorry that's all I know. But. I imagine that it would be easy to Google it.

I've already live in Illinois, damned if I'll move to Washington.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Many of the people leaving Florida are leaving for the reasons you are expounding, Florida has gotten thick with population and it's no longer appealing. Not everyone loves living in congested areas and that's why some of our friends left.

I don't mind congested areas if there are things to do that would attract such congestion, and -practical- economical alternatives to driving.

Boston and Manhattan are such areas. You can live just outside these cities, and take a subway in, and get a monthly pass for unlimited use of the entire system (other than express buses which I believe cost extra). Crazy congested but it's walkable, there are TONS of things to do, with some of the best health care in the world, foodie heaven, music, drama, culture galore, libraries that'd knock your socks off, more museums than Vegas has casinos.

But yes both places are insanely congested. The congestion is part of the culture of living there. Compare to Florida, where congestion is not part of the culture, because there really isn't much culture at all.

[LeRoySmith]

because there really isn't much culture at all.

I'm surprised so many cultured people move to a place without culture.

[Kenswing]

There is a retirement area EAST of Seattle that has lots of sports activities. Sorry that's all I know. But. I imagine that it would be easy to Google it.
That’s pretty vague. We lived about 60 miles north of Seattle for 20 years before we moved here. When you say EAST of Seattle you must mean EAST of the Cascade Mountains. There is NOTHING on the west side of the mountains that can be considered anywhere near affordable. Granted Washington has no state income tax but Seattle’s sales tax is in the neighborhood of 10.5%. Property taxes are through the roof. Homeowner insurance is as bad as here due to the threat of earthquakes.
On the east side of the mountains is where all the wildland fires are. If you like high desert and endless wheat fields the east side is for you.

[Pugchief]

I'm surprised so many cultured people move to a place without culture.

That's because all that culture brings with it high cost of living and lots of crime. I guess you have to decide what's more important to you.

[Rodneysblue]

Recently I have read several articles about Retirees moving from Florida to other States. Some even going to States like Delaware, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky and even midwestern states like Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Some of this information on Facebook and other social media sites. Realtor.com just posted an interesting article on this topic “America’s Most Popular State For Retirement is Losing Its Edge”. Retirement states most popular to move to are the Carolina’s and Georgia.

Primary reasons for leaving the sunshine state: Too hot and humid, hurricanes, too crowded, cost of living, especially housing, insurance skyrocketing, etc. The fact there is no state Income tax didn’t seem a good reason to stay because many pensions not taxed anyway.

We recently had good friends (compared housing cost) and they chose North Carolina over Florida. They had visited The Villages a couple of times. Is Florida losing its edge? You can’t back a“yes”using statistics.

Nope, no plans to move. Been out of NY for 30 years and have no desire to move back there.

[Taltarzac725]

I saw what looked like a headless statue on a front yard here in the Villages. When I got closer I saw that it was a human body with a frog's head setting on a lawn chair. Here either he or she until she or he croaks. Or they.

[vintageogauge]

I have found excellent medical care here in TV and at Moffitt. Yes it does get hot here but it’s also very hot up in MD where I came from. In terms of traffic, I’ll take this over the MD/DC traffic any day off the week. Good luck to you with your move as that seems to be a good plan for you.

We started spending winters here in 2001 and it was very enjoyable. The traffic now during winter months is out of control with very few new roads to handle the huge increase in residents. I came from a country atmosphere with very little traffic and that is what I'm going back to. Unlike where you came from we might have 8 to 10 days each year in the 90's but without this high humidity, and 5 to 8 weeks of cold winter weather otherwise beautiful spring, summer, fall, and early winter weather. We are within a 30 minute drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus and only 5 minutes to one of their many suburban hospitals and the same with University hospitals as well as the Summa health system all of which have great doctors both primaries and specialists. Most important to us though is being near to our family in our late years of life. Nothing wrong with The Villages but in our case it's time to go home.

[margaretmattson]

We started spending winters here in 2001 and it was very enjoyable. The traffic now during winter months is out of control with very few new roads to handle the huge increase in residents. I came from a country atmosphere with very little traffic and that is what I'm going back to. Unlike where you came from we might have 8 to 10 days each year in the 90's but without this high humidity, and 5 to 8 weeks of cold winter weather otherwise beautiful spring, summer, fall, and early winter weather. We are within a 30 minute drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus and only 5 minutes to one of their many suburban hospitals and the same with University hospitals as well as the Summa health system all of which have great doctors both primaries and specialists. Most important to us though is being near to our family in our late years of life. Nothing wrong with The Villages but in our case it's time to go home.This is an interesting thread. If you ask a random villager if they are a frog, most give an exuberant YES! This thread is the opposite. Many are contemplating leaving, have several friends who have left, and some have mixed feelings. Are people simply pretending to love the Villages when asked in a social gathering? As for me, I loved the Villages when it was small with very little traffic. Twenty + years later, we are contemplating leaving. Too crowded!

We are still young compared to many here and have no major medical issues. We understand Florida is not a state that caters to senior citizens who are severely ill or disabled. Several politicians have said this type of care would bankrupt Florida. For obvious reasons, too many old folks. Lately, .Hubby and I have been wondering. How wise is it to live in an area with nearly a quarter million senior citizens? (including all retirement communties in surrounding area) It frightens us knowing there will not be help if needed. And, how long will we have to wait to have our medical issues attended? We have several neighbors who have to wait weeks for medical appointments. It has been on our minds to move and visit the Villages a few months a year.

[Aces4]

I think the media who wrote those posts are trying to make it sound like people are moving back to NY and California, which much is certainly not true. NY cheaper than Florida? This is a joke. Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas are experiencing huge growth. Have you seen how many people try to buy a new home here? My buddies were competing with a couple hundr d people to buy a new home or lot in Eastport.
I was paying $12k in property taxes and $20k a year while I lived in Portland, and this was in 2000. Property taxes back then are double what I pay here, and $20k in income tax will buy me years and years of insurance. I can tell you that if you lived in Portland now, you’d be paying 2x compared to my fees in 2000.
But if people want to leave, don’t let the door hit you while you are leaving

Don't let the door hit you... now there's a tired old expression but given the age of the population it's not a surprise.

Personally, I find using Portland a very poor measuring stick for quality living.:shocked:

[Aces4]

Just got back from the golf course.

Nothing beats TV for golf in the summer.

You need to get out more.:a20:

[Aces4]

I don't mind congested areas if there are things to do that would attract such congestion, and -practical- economical alternatives to driving.

Boston and Manhattan are such areas. You can live just outside these cities, and take a subway in, and get a monthly pass for unlimited use of the entire system (other than express buses which I believe cost extra). Crazy congested but it's walkable, there are TONS of things to do, with some of the best health care in the world, foodie heaven, music, drama, culture galore, libraries that'd knock your socks off, more museums than Vegas has casinos.

But yes both places are insanely congested. The congestion is part of the culture of living there. Compare to Florida, where congestion is not part of the culture, because there really isn't much culture at all.

Once, twice maybe three times but then it's like been there, done that and the traffic sucks.

[justjim]

This is an interesting thread. If you ask a random villager if they are a frog, most give an exuberant YES! This thread is the opposite. Many are contemplating leaving, have several friends who have left, and some have mixed feelings. Are people simply pretending to love the Villages when asked in a social gathering? As for me, I loved the Villages when it was small with very little traffic. Twenty + years later, we are contemplating leaving. Too crowded!

We are still young compared to many here and have no major medical issues. We understand Florida is not a state that caters to senior citizens who are severely ill or disabled. Several politicians have said this type of care would bankrupt Florida. For obvious reasons, too many old folks. Lately, .Hubby and I have been wondering. How wise is it to live in an area with nearly a quarter million senior citizens? (including all retirement communties in surrounding area) It frightens us knowing there will not be help if needed. And, how long will we have to wait to have our medical issues attended? We have several neighbors who have to wait weeks for medical appointments. It has been on our minds to move and visit the Villages a few months a year.

I can attest that residents move from The Villages on a pretty regular basis. That is why in a retirement community it’s about right to have 4% resales at any one time. A house is sold and another retiree moves in. Of course, that fluctuates from time to time. As we age health care can quickly become the most important concern in our life.

[patfla06]

We started spending winters here in 2001 and it was very enjoyable. The traffic now during winter months is out of control with very few new roads to handle the huge increase in residents. I came from a country atmosphere with very little traffic and that is what I'm going back to. Unlike where you came from we might have 8 to 10 days each year in the 90's but without this high humidity, and 5 to 8 weeks of cold winter weather otherwise beautiful spring, summer, fall, and early winter weather. We are within a 30 minute drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus and only 5 minutes to one of their many suburban hospitals and the same with University hospitals as well as the Summa health system all of which have great doctors both primaries and specialists. Most important to us though is being near to our family in our late years of life. Nothing wrong with The Villages but in our case it's time to go home.

Your reasons are completely understandable.
Luckily for us our Son finally got out of N.Y. and now lives in south Florida.
We would never move back to N.Y. for any reason.

[LeRoySmith]

That's because all that culture brings with it high cost of living and lots of crime. I guess you have to decide what's more important to you.

I was making fun of obb for complaining about no culture. This is the perfect about of culture for me - swimming pools, golf carts, live music and cheap beer. I'm like a pig in you know what.

[Taltarzac725]

I was making fun of obb for completing about no culture. This is the perfect about of culture for me - swimming pools, golf carts, live music and cheap beer. I'm like a pig in you know what.

High culture events usually come with high prices, crowds, and traffic to-and-from those venues.

We will see how long I can stay here in the Villages but even then I will probably be close by to here. I plan to be anyway. I have been here in the Villages since June 2005 . We moved from Palm Harbor, Florida which had even then very dangerous roads with a lot of the traffic going 60 mph or more. It was like a strip mall with a highway going through it. A fatal to near fatal accident on US 19 almost every week. US 19 in Pinellas and Pasco Counties still is one of the deadliest highways in the US.

[ThirdOfFive]

We started spending winters here in 2001 and it was very enjoyable. The traffic now during winter months is out of control with very few new roads to handle the huge increase in residents. I came from a country atmosphere with very little traffic and that is what I'm going back to. Unlike where you came from we might have 8 to 10 days each year in the 90's but without this high humidity, and 5 to 8 weeks of cold winter weather otherwise beautiful spring, summer, fall, and early winter weather. We are within a 30 minute drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus and only 5 minutes to one of their many suburban hospitals and the same with University hospitals as well as the Summa health system all of which have great doctors both primaries and specialists. Most important to us though is being near to our family in our late years of life. Nothing wrong with The Villages but in our case it's time to go home.
Driving during high 'bird season can be annoying, sometimes even infuriating, around here. During those times I remind myself that I am RETIRED and really don't need to get many places very fast. If so, I just leave a little earlier. It has done wonders for my composure. My wife says I don't swear nearly as much as I used to when driving.

It is to be expected though. Infrastructure always lags behind a growing city, state, whatever. I doubt the residents of a state would be tolerant of spending their taxpayer's money on the possibility of growth. Let the growth happen and then let the tax contributions of the influx help to expand the infrastructure.

[MX rider]

Driving during high 'bird season can be annoying, sometimes even infuriating, around here. During those times I remind myself that I am RETIRED and really don't need to get many places very fast. If so, I just leave a little earlier. It has done wonders for my composure. My wife says I don't swear nearly as much as I used to when driving.

It is to be expected though. Infrastructure always lags behind a growing city, state, whatever. I doubt the residents of a state would be tolerant of spending their taxpayer's money on the possibility of growth. Let the growth happen and then let the tax contributions of the influx help to expand the infrastructure.

Exactly right, it happens all over. Nashville TN is a perfect example of that. The city is booming but the infrastructure can't keep up. Traffic is a nightmare most of the time.

As I said in an earlier post, TV is not perfect. But I have yet to see or hear about any plus 55 community that comes close to what we have, especially if your very active like we are. As far as traffic in the winter goes, we didn't think it was all that bad. Yes it's busier for sure, but we never had a problem getting to our destination in a reasonable amount of time. And you always have your golf cart as another option.

Our friends spend winter in Bonita Springs and they say the traffic there and around Ft Myers is pretty much bumper to bumper all day long. They live 7 miles from the beach and say some days it takes them 30 minutes to get there. And when they do get there, many times there's no place to park.

Spending last winter there, then moving back to Indiana for a few months in early May really showed us how boring retirement is here. We were bored in 3 weeks. Thats why our home here is for sale. We don't want to waste the days we have left sitting around.
We may move back to Indiana some day if our health gets to the point where we need help. But until then, we'll continue to stay in TV full time and have a blast.

[AMB444]

Middleton, a village community built for young families is another example of how well The Villages is planned. Hopefully, Middleton will attract young doctors and nurses, teachers and other young skilled workers to meet some of the needs of the thousands of residents already living here.

Would you please tell me more about Middleton or other communities near TV like it? I've found their website but would like more "word of mouth" type info. Middleton | A great place to call home - Middleton (https://mymiddleton.com/)

I have two adult children that would like to live near. One is a child/teen psychologist and the other is a speech pathologist and would like to work in the schools.

[justjim]

AMB444, The link you posted regarding Middleton has a lot of good information. Middleton is just being developed in the southern part of The Villages south of State Route 44. It’s under construction as we speak and from what I have viewed on this site and with a trip there, it appears to be a great village for families. Another“Family Village” constructed and developed is Oxford Oaks and it is located just off US 301 and county road 466 in the northern section of The Villages. I believe Oxford Oaks was developed about 10 years ago. There are currently resales in Oxford Oaks. I hope this is some help. Others on TOTV may have family living close by and may have more information.

[vintageogauge]

Would you please tell me more about Middleton or other communities near TV like it? I've found their website but would like more "word of mouth" type info. Middleton | A great place to call home - Middleton (https://mymiddleton.com/)

I have two adult children that would like to live near. One is a child/teen psychologist and the other is a speech pathologist and would like to work in the schools.

Tell them to expect a pretty hefty pay cut.

[AMB444]

AMB444, The link you posted regarding Middleton has a lot of good information. Middleton is just being developed in the southern part of The Villages south of State Route 44. It’s under construction as we speak and from what I have viewed on this site and with a trip there, it appears to be a great village for families. Another“Family Village” constructed and developed is Oxford Oaks and it is located just off US 301 and county road 466 in the northern section of The Villages. I believe Oxford Oaks was developed about 10 years ago. There are currently resales in Oxford Oaks. I hope this is some help. Others on TOTV may have family living close by and may have more information.

Thank you, Just Jim! This is great info!

[AMB444]

Tell them to expect a pretty hefty pay cut.

Hmmm.... not from the reseach we've done. Very comparable, if not more compared to where they work now.

[Pugchief]

Tell them to expect a pretty hefty pay cut.

Prob much lower cost of living than in big city UpNorth......

[Jayhawk]

AMB444, The link you posted regarding Middleton has a lot of good information. Middleton is just being developed in the southern part of The Villages south of State Route 44. It’s under construction as we speak and from what I have viewed on this site and with a trip there, it appears to be a great village for families. Another“Family Village” constructed and developed is Oxford Oaks and it is located just off US 301 and county road 466 in the northern section of The Villages. I believe Oxford Oaks was developed about 10 years ago. There are currently resales in Oxford Oaks. I hope this is some help. Others on TOTV may have family living close by and may have more information.

Great info. There are 3 others (total of 5 family villages) in addition to Oxford Oaks and Middleton.

Bison Valley, Oak Meadows and Spring Arbor are all family neighborhoods.

[tophcfa]

I was making fun of obb for completing about no culture. This is the perfect about of culture for me - swimming pools, golf carts, live music and cheap beer. I'm like a pig in you know what.

I always thought that culture was the stuff that grows between one’s toes?

[upstate]

We bought in 2013 and have been seasonal since. Our neighborhood is very social the people around us are very nice, and my wife is involved in a few clubs. With that being said, I would have moved back home years ago. For me it’s the privacy, the health care and how congested the area has become. As our agent told us when we first met, it’s not for everyone. My personal opinion only.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Left in 2020 after seven years. RV life for three years. Bought a home in Sun City Hilton Head last June and love it here. Wouldn't move back to Florida fo all the camel poop in Egypt.

[Dusty_Star]

....

The bottom line for me is that Florida is cheaper only because I don't pay a state income tax.

Does your analysis include heating a Minnesota house?

[Altavia]

To reach their own.

But yet they are selling over 100 homes a week.

[BRN_RI_FL]

I should point out that we were never full-time Villagers. We bought new in 2017 and again new in 2019 and were part-timers until we sold early this year. A big factor in deciding to sell was the cost of owning two homes. It also seemed like when we were in FL we worried about RI and vice versa. A few of the other factors influencing our decision were three more grandkids since 2017, the 1,335 mile drive (we have a dog), the RI change of seasons, better restaurants up north and doctors (cataract surgery and hip replacement earlier this year) and a new appreciation of our 2+ acres of wooded privacy in RI. We did, for the most part, enjoy our time in the Villages but it’s a better fit for us up north.

[Pugchief]

Does your analysis include heating a Minnesota house?

Probably a wash vs a/c in a FL summer.

[vintageogauge]

Does your analysis include heating a Minnesota house?

Compared to cooling a Florida house?