Too Expensive to Live Here!

[arabianhorse59]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

[graciegirl]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Good morning.

I am sorry you find this place expensive. We find it less expensive than our home in Ohio.

A lot of people don't have mortgages, that is true. I think I read that about half of us have paid for our homes. The golf trail fees can be paid annually and that saves on the "free golf". The free golf is for the nine hole courses to be sure, and most "serious" golfers play 18 and that fee does add up. The garbage fee I am unclear on. Is that part of our $135 a month? I find the cost for heating and cooling our modest home is quite good. I think the grocery bill is a little higher but not much. In fact I am willing to admit that Publix has my beloved Krogers aced on quite a few things. The bakery may be my doing in!

There are so many free or low costs things to do here. Last week our rec center offered a spaghetti dinner with salad, garlic bread and dessert for five dollars each and that was served before a bingo that was three dollars. The movies are about the same as what we pay in Ohio. I am not sure about the alcoholic drinks when you are out. Toojays charged $2.60 for my coke with a yummy entree for about nine dollars. The food at the country clubs is usually less than ten dollars for an entree...except for Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer where it is much more and much better of course.

Church on the square offers lovely evenings of musical entertainment for a pittance. (And if you haven't been there, it isn't religious music, they offer the venue)

For those of you contemplating coming here, it is something to think about, retiring in your most profitable age. Most people find their highest wages in the later years of their employment. This economy is certainly still not well.

But back to you and your unhappiness. I truly hate to hear that you are working so hard. This isn't the best place for good paying jobs to be sure. And most of them nearby are in some way related to the maintanance and well being of this communty.

I think I remember that you brought your horse with you. Do you still have him/her? Does he/she like Florida?

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

[SALYBOW]

We moved from Ohio and find the only things that are much more costly are registration of our vehicles for the first time and Dentist. Food can be cheaper, the amenities charge is loess that our condo fee was. We always paid foe garbage service. Trail fees can be avoided by walking.

Additionally, our fees don't have to be raised evryyear due to exhorbitant snow removal fees, we pay for no rosk salt or new shovels, or heart attcks for that matter.

Going out to eat is less expensive, we pay about half for gasoline, and groceries are less expensive by a little. Many of the nerchants realize the age of the population with which they wre dealing and price things accordingly. The best news is that you will not be taxed on your income here. I may have missed smo. Possibly you were just not quite financially ready to fully retire. Some of us jump the gun,
I will pray that thgings get better for you,:evil6:

[billethkid]

and are not paying here.
Internet for $96? I don't know what you have but that is double what most of us pay for high speed cable. And there are some very acceptable alternatives available that are much less.
$150 per month golf fees? Must be a priority member to be spending that amount (which is modest by some folks spending)...in any case there are alternatives to that level of expense.

We know people who MANAGE to live here on social security alone. Yes of course they have a very different life style and do not play golf or have high speed internet or cable television. What one can afford is a function of what one chooses to do or not do here in TV or any where else.

There are some 80,000 of us here who do not feel strapped to live here.

One can only reach a conclusion by looking at ALL living expenses at their old location VS those at the new location.
Overall there is usually not that significant a difference between the old location TOTAL ANNUAL expenses and the new. And most of us did do the checking required to compare cost of living here VS from whence all 80,000 of us elected to come from.

Working 3 jobs to keep food on the table? WOW!!!!

btk

[Xavier]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Where is it that you actually live? Are you in The Villages? My Solid Waste Service (Garbage) fee is $16.92. Golf is free at the Executive Courses. Our electric is provided from SECO so I really can't compare it to yours but I find the rates to be very competitive. Things like a mortgage, golf, Internet, etc. are personal choices one makes - something that should have been calculated into your budget before you take them on. Luckily, you have options and can make changes. If you were to move back to Illinois you would have to face property taxes that would be at least double of what you are paying here and heating bills that would make your current electric bill look like chump change. Nah I wouldn't move back. I'd make changes in my style of living and enjoy the sunshine and the wonderful people who live as your neighbors.

Xavier

[JimJoe]

It is 9 below zero outside my front door right now with 3 more inches of snow on top of the 12 we already had, and I have no trail fee to pay. I will be in TV for a visit in 4 days and will gladly pay the trail fee.
JJ

[ladylake1]

I have lived for 10 years and find that it is not unreasonable cost wise. We do pay the yearly trail fee but only play the executive golf courses so playing an average of 2 - 3 times per week makes that just over a dollar per round in lieu of a fee per game otherwise. The swimming pools, recreation, entertainment, and other activities are also included in the amenity fees. I checked some other coumunities in our area and they pay in the same price point for much less. I paid garbage in Pennsylovania whether I had it or not but I did find there was trash to put out every week and here we have pick up twice a week. Very convenient in the hot weather. I also had to work full time until recently and found one big difference was the poor wage scale. I took this into consideration and made sure I knew that I could live on the greatly reduced salary I received. That was the biggest concession I made. I agree that you have to do research on costs prior to moving here and advice from ToTV can save even more money. The posts here are very worthwhile and perhaps there is a thread somewhere that can help you cut some corners to make things a little easier for you.

[JenAjd]

We too moved here from the upper midwest but guess I'd have to disagree with you. We are permenant and wouldn't move back as the snow etc just doesn't appeal to us anymore. My spouse is always looking for ways to cut our costs. Such as paying off credit cards, changing our dsl and our dish offers. Groceries might be a bit more here...but shopping at the grower's markets for produce is alot less expensive than the stores and we go to places like Aldie's and watch the ads. PUBLIX 2 for 1 is great along with coupons. I would take a look at how your expenditures are and maybe making some alterations. Our life-style here hasn't changed a whole lot from before. BUT we had wise-counsel with a financial person before we made the change to see how it all would work.

[Freeda]

Personally, I would not be working 3 jobs to enable my husband to spend $150 per month on golf fees.

[RichieLion]

Personally, I would not be working 3 jobs to enable my husband to spend $150 per month on golf fees.


If the poster took your hint, she could save $1500 a year on golf alone. I have 2 words for her "Executive Golf".

[JenAjd]

I say it's priorities on how one chooses to spend their money. Having a horse to board (I have a friend up north who does so) is a very expensive hobby unless you're wealthy. It's "want vs. need" on how one goes about LIFE.
What does your husband do to help in the financial end?? You having to work 3 jobs isn't what I would choose to do if you came here looking for the "good life". So perhaps you are venting here and that's o.k. Having a mortgage isn't the end of the world...I'm sure there are a few people who've got that here as well. But what style of home are you living in and how large is the mortgage? Many people down-size and simplify at this stage of life. Just my humble opinion on this thread.

[Taj44]

If you play championship golf 3 times per week in the high season, even with the priority membership the greens fees are going to run you $24 - $34 per round, which is $75 - $100 per WEEK. And you pay the priortiy golf membership on top of that. We've found golf to be somewhat more expensive here than what we payed up north. Of course we have cheaper golf in the summer which helps even things out, but overall I believe we're paying more than we did up north for 18 hole golf. I find the groceries a little more expensive here; utilities are less for us, and taxes are less.

[carol_piirto]

I love how most everyone has expressed their empathy and come up with suggestions. To me, that care is typical of The Villages. We all could use a few hints on pinching pennies. Be well.
This is my first post/just joined :)

[rjm1cc]

Projecting ones spending when you go into retirement can be rather hard and I can see how problems can develop. I am trying to project my expenses, and unfortunately, although I am over 65, I feel that I still have to postpone retirement until I can afford it.
Maybe your husband can return to work to help out.

[gardenia]

Although I have only been in TV 5 months fulltime (rental 3 months, new homeowner 2 months), I must say I have not found TV to be expensive at all, nor hit with any "surprises" in my budget. (I do budget for unplanned and maintenance expenses). Thanks to this website (especially the Nuts and Bolts section), I was able to estimate my expenses and monitor others experiences for almost 3 years before taking the plunge. I don't golf and don't plan to start anytime soon so I have no golfing expenses. I make good use of my amenity fees by attending several workout classes each week in various different rec centers (I am a workout fanatic!), dancing at both squares, attending classes/discussions offered in TV and I go out with friends for dancing in the evenings and don't recall ever spending more than $5 (don't drink, don't smoke - soda is cheap, and I leave a good tip!). Movies here are much cheaper than up north, and I also find prices in the local restaurants for lunch and dinner to be competitive or lower than up North. No more charges for snow plowing (ranged from $75 to few hundred dollars before), but I do have new charges for pest control which might be a wash, but I am fine with that, was well aware before moving down here. Property tax here under $3K, compared to $11K up north. Gas heating bill ran as high as $400 /mo - doubt that my SECO bill will get that high, and even if it did, I had an electric bill on top of that gas heating bill to deal with up north. Don't know about any other "fees", my cable/internet/land line triple play bundle is same as up north and so is my Verizon blackberry plan. So, from my 5 month experience here as a 58 year old resident,and I know it's short, I would advise any prospective TV residents to consider tracking your current expenses (I tracked mine like a hawk for 3 years), estimate your TV expenses and be sure to include your social and physical lifestyle, and I will bet that you will be fine and not surprised.......no where else in the world could I dance, workout and socialize 7 days a week without spending a few dollars over my amenity fees! I am here to stay!!!:icon_wink:

[arabianhorse59]

Thanks to all who listened to me vent! :swear:

The Amenities fee every month is what the $150 is. My husband won't play the 18's because of the extra fee. The $96 is for a year's worth on villages.net to go online and make his golf reservations, which they have you on because you can't get a tee time unless you are online with them...the catch 22. :Screen_of_Death: My husband also works 2 jobs so between us we have 5 (!) jobs. It just seems like you are charged for everything down here and companies can raise fees and prices on a whim because they know we have to have their services..like the villages.net. Just today, I got my Waste Management bill..it was $58 for the month of Dec-Jan and most of that was for garbage pickup. When we tried calling them to cancel, they said as long as we own property here, we are not allowed to cancel!! So, there's another gotcha bill...and they can raise their rates because you cannot cancel them.
I do still have my horse but I am boarding him for free. He is not an expense at all and is my therapy after working all day. :crap2: I need that outlet or I would go crazy!! :loco:

[diskman]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:


Mortgages and retirement are a very tough mix. Definitely NOT something i would attempt to do.:spoken::yuck::blahblahblah:

[pooh]

Thanks to all who listened to me vent! :swear:

The Amenities fee every month is what the $150 is. My husband won't play the 18's because of the extra fee. The $96 is for a year's worth on villages.net to go online and make his golf reservations, which they have you on because you can't get a tee time unless you are online with them...the catch 22. :Screen_of_Death: My husband also works 2 jobs so between us we have 5 (!) jobs. It just seems like you are charged for everything down here and companies can raise fees and prices on a whim because they know we have to have their services..like the villages.net. Just today, I got my Waste Management bill..it was $58 for the month of Dec-Jan and most of that was for garbage pickup. When we tried calling them to cancel, they said as long as we own property here, we are not allowed to cancel!! So, there's another gotcha bill...and they can raise their rates because you cannot cancel them.
I do still have my horse but I am boarding him for free. He is not an expense at all and is my therapy after working all day. :crap2: I need that outlet or I would go crazy!! :loco:

$58 for trash? That seems very high. We pay about $16/month for trash, then there's the water and sewer bill as well as amenity fee included on our bill.

We had to pay for trash in CA whether we used the service or not. I'm sure it's the same in lots of places.

You can make golf reservations on the telephone. I've not done it, but many do or did, unless that is no longer available. It's easier to do online, I'll admit and for a couple of years, we had no fee because of the cable, Villages.net agreement.

I don't find that this community is any different from other places when it comes to price increases. They happen, we don't particularly like it, but we have to pay. Trash, electricity, water, sewer bills all were going up, and had done so in CA. I don't know if you'd be able to find any place where increases for services aren't happening. I find my expenses here are about the same as in southern CA.

I do hope things work out for you and honestly, I think you need your horse....relaxation is very important. Enjoy! And any time you need to vent, we're here to listen.... ;)

[EdV]

..... The $96 is for a year's worth on villages.net to go online and make his golf reservations, which they have you on because you can't get a tee time unless you are online with them...the catch 22.

You don't need to spend 96/yr on villages.net, you can make tee times using their telephone reservation system which is free. It's just not as convenient as the on-line system.

[l2ridehd]

It still goes back to what it costs to live here. Everyone's mortgage is different. So take that payment which should include principal, interest, taxes, insurance and bond. No mortgage and you will still have bond or bond maintenance, taxes and insurance. Add to that $1000 a month for all other Villages expenses. (lawn, shrubs, water, sewer, trash, amenity fee, trail fee, villages.net, gas, electric, cable, internet, telephone, a few rounds of 18 hole golf, and probably a couple others) Add your food, medical auto and entertainment expense and you will have close to what it will cost you to live here. Everyone's total will be a little different, but should be close to your annual after tax income requirements.

You can cut the $1000 down to about $650 by doing your own lawn and shrubs, telephone tee times, lowering your heat and AC costs, walking the golf courses, no Daily Sun, and fixing things yourself. You have some control over food, medical, auto and entertainment. Look at all your income, figure taxes, deduct the above expenses and then make the decision on the type of life style you can afford.

I find it very affordable compared to other places I have lived. However I am sure there are places where the total cost of living will be less. I know people who live here very well on 50K a year. And a few below that who cut a lot of those expenses to the minimum. They are also quite happy living here.

The key to a real successful retirement in TV I believe is to lower your going in expenses to the minimum. Pay off the bond and the mortgage. Get the homestead exemption. Mow your own lawn, prune your shrubs, do as many of those things that you can do yourself. After all your retired so work for yourself 4 or 5 hours a week. Spend your extra money on what makes you happy.

[LittleDog]

Thanks to all who listened to me vent! :swear:

The Amenities fee every month is what the $150 is. My husband won't play the 18's because of the extra fee. The $96 is for a year's worth on villages.net to go online and make his golf reservations, which they have you on because you can't get a tee time unless you are online with them...the catch 22. :Screen_of_Death: My husband also works 2 jobs so between us we have 5 (!) jobs. It just seems like you are charged for everything down here and companies can raise fees and prices on a whim because they know we have to have their services..like the villages.net. Just today, I got my Waste Management bill..it was $58 for the month of Dec-Jan and most of that was for garbage pickup. When we tried calling them to cancel, they said as long as we own property here, we are not allowed to cancel!! So, there's another gotcha bill...and they can raise their rates because you cannot cancel them.
I do still have my horse but I am boarding him for free. He is not an expense at all and is my therapy after working all day. :crap2: I need that outlet or I would go crazy!! :loco:

Coming from NJ I found that my property taxes are less than half with a better house here.

John

[graciegirl]

It still goes back to what it costs to live here. Everyone's mortgage is different. So take that payment which should include principal, interest, taxes, insurance and bond. No mortgage and you will still have bond or bond maintenance, taxes and insurance. Add to that $1000 a month for all other Villages expenses. (lawn, shrubs, water, sewer, trash, amenity fee, trail fee, villages.net, gas, electric, cable, internet, telephone, a few rounds of 18 hole golf, and probably a couple others) Add your food, medical auto and entertainment expense and you will have close to what it will cost you to live here. Everyone's total will be a little different, but should be close to your annual after tax income requirements.

You can cut the $1000 down to about $650 by doing your own lawn and shrubs, telephone tee times, lowering your heat and AC costs, walking the golf courses, no Daily Sun, and fixing things yourself. You have some control over food, medical, auto and entertainment. Look at all your income, figure taxes, deduct the above expenses and then make the decision on the type of life style you can afford.

I find it very affordable compared to other places I have lived. However I am sure there are places where the total cost of living will be less. I know people who live here very well on 50K a year. And a few below that who cut a lot of those expenses to the minimum. They are also quite happy living here.

The key to a real successful retirement in TV I believe is to lower your going in expenses to the minimum. Pay off the bond and the mortgage. Get the homestead exemption. Mow your own lawn, prune your shrubs, do as many of those things that you can do yourself. After all your retired so work for yourself 4 or 5 hours a week. Spend your extra money on what makes you happy.

Well said and very wise....as usual.

[ladylake1]

I use TV tee time phone system exclusively. No need to pay for any net charges. Are you sure the $58 is only for trash? As someone else mentioned, it may include water and sewer. I too only pay about $17 per month for garbage pick up and recylcing. Used to pay half of that for once a week pick up up north and that was over 10 years ago. I don't know who does my trash but it is part of my amenities and water/sewer bill. Don't get a separate one. I do think that is a tad high if it is only for trash.

[Ohiogirl]

I'm still using the telephone tee times - thought I would switch once we moved down as snowbirds, but haven't found it to be necessary yet at all. I play 3 or 4 times a week depending on the weather - maybe only once a week when it's cold. Can still play in neighborhood leagues - you just call instead of checking online. Just more cumbersome, that's all. That's $96 in savings.

I did pay for the yearly trail fee, although when practical I still walk most of the executive courses. Figured the trail fee would still pay for itself when we golf in leagues, questionable rainy days or hot weather. Not absolutely necessary though. That's about $141 in savings.

There are a lot of start-up, one-time expenses when you first move down, like anywhere. Taxes and utilities are cheaper than most of the country. Usually several hundred, or thousand, $ in savings right there.

Those on a budget or limited funds should question why they need "comparable housing" down here. If you're retired, why do you NEED 2000 plus sq. feet? If you want it and can afford it, that's fine, but if you can't afford it, think harder. I see people going into debt to have an impressive retirement house, and I just don't get it. Patio villas and older, smaller resales are a really good value down here. Please consider if your budget is tight.

I think the real key is to be happy with what you can afford - you can have a great lifestyle down here on much less than most (not all) other places. Just take the time to figure out what your expenses are and what you can afford to buy.

[Hancle704]

Our Real Estate Taxes are only 1/3 of what they were 13 years ago in NJ. Our total energy bill with SECO is less than what we paid up north. While it's true that all costs have gone up for gas, medicines and food, that's true everywhere.

If hubby's golf addiction is too costly, suggest he get a part time job working for Golf Dept or Pro Shop and he will get a much better price for golf.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:
Here is a site that can help you. Its called Living on a Budget.
http://stayathomemoms.about.com/od/moneymatters/tp/living-on-a-budget.htm

[RichieLion]

Coming from NJ I found that my property taxes are less than half with a better house here.

John

I agree. My house here was half the cost of my home in NJ; My property taxes are just a little more than 1/4 of my NJ taxes. There's no state income tax.

The only thing that bumps my cost that I'm not thrilled with is the bond. That was my choice though, as I could have bought a lovely preowned with no bond in the older section, but wanted my first new house, and bit the bullet.

My utility bills are a little lower, but all my other monthly household espenses are about the same.

The Amenity Fee seems high if you don't do anything. But it you're golfing, participating in group activities at the Rec Centers or Sports venues, going to the meticulously maintained pools, Partying any night you want at either of the beautiful Town Squares, or just walking, jogging, or biking in this immense picture postcard campus known as The Villages; it's a small price to pay.

[thistrucksforyou]

Personally, I would not be working 3 jobs to enable my husband to spend $150 per month on golf fees.

YEA....WHATS UP WITH THAT !:ohdear:

[thistrucksforyou]

Thanks to all who listened to me vent! :swear:

The Amenities fee every month is what the $150 is. My husband won't play the 18's because of the extra fee. The $96 is for a year's worth on villages.net to go online and make his golf reservations, which they have you on because you can't get a tee time unless you are online with them...the catch 22. :Screen_of_Death: My husband also works 2 jobs so between us we have 5 (!) jobs. It just seems like you are charged for everything down here and companies can raise fees and prices on a whim because they know we have to have their services..like the villages.net. Just today, I got my Waste Management bill..it was $58 for the month of Dec-Jan and most of that was for garbage pickup. When we tried calling them to cancel, they said as long as we own property here, we are not allowed to cancel!! So, there's another gotcha bill...and they can raise their rates because you cannot cancel them.
I do still have my horse but I am boarding him for free. He is not an expense at all and is my therapy after working all day. :crap2: I need that outlet or I would go crazy!! :loco:

It sounds like to me by reading your story you need to take time for yourself to make it all worth while !

[hockyb]

"A dollar saved is better than a dollar earned, because you don't have to pay tax on it." I'm not sure who said it, maybe Benj. Franklin.....but it has served me well for over 70 years.

[jblum8156]

:shrug:I was paying more in rent for a crummy little house in NY than my total monthly expenses here including mortgage. The property tax on the house that I sold in NY would have been $22K and goes up every year. My electric was way higher, also the cost of oil heat in the winter. After I looked around here and did the numbers i realized I couldn't afford not to live here.
I love it here. I don't scrimp on anything and my income is just over $50K.

[Army Guy]

ok, I may get jumped on, but you all know me by now and know I will be open. This post just doesn't sit right with me, seems...fake, to try and discredit TV. Things in it, just don't fit.
JMHO!

Army Guy

[ladylake1]

The title of the thread reminded me of those other oh so positive ones from LWL.

[Army Guy]

The title of the thread reminded me of those other oh so positive ones from LWL.

My feelings exactly!

Army Guy

[The Shadow]

ok, I may get jumped on, but you all know me by now and know I will be open. This post just doesn't sit right with me, seems...fake, to try and discredit TV. Things in it, just don't fit.
JMHO!

Army Guy
Yes sir, I smell a spoof.

[graciegirl]

Usually I am the one to say that and get jumped on, but this poster has posted on a number of subjects and her tone is not challenging in any of the others. I don't find I agree with her but.......

I think that it serves to remind people to check out their financial situation and check it out again before they make a major move.

[Taltarzac]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Looking at her other posts, she appears to be a genuine poster with these concerns.

It could be just be the Village of Silver Lake with these fees or perhaps she and her husband are just people who do not fit in here at the Villages.

[Xavier]

Looking at her other posts, she appears to be a genuine poster with these concerns.

It could be just be the Village of Silver Lake with these fees or perhaps she and her husband are just people who do not fit in here at the Villages.

If the Village of Silver Lake is the location and the charge for just garbage is $55 a month, I'd be havin' a revolution! I'd be an organizing fool - standing side by side with my neighbors and friends. I tend to believe that the original post is genuine, but perhaps places the blame in wrong place.

X (the rebel)

[Bonny]

ok, I may get jumped on, but you all know me by now and know I will be open. This post just doesn't sit right with me, seems...fake, to try and discredit TV. Things in it, just don't fit.
JMHO!

Army Guy

I kind of hinted to that yesterday. I think this is one of those threads to get everyone riled up.
If my hubby & I had to work 5 jobs at this time in our lives, I would move !!! I personally love the Villages & the lifestyle we have. No where on earth could we find what we have here. I think anyone who is unhappy should just move ! Just saying....:spoken: LOL

[nkrifats]

I kind of hinted to that yesterday. I think this is one of those threads to get everyone riled up.
If my hubby & I had to work 5 jobs at this time in our lives, I would move !!! I personally love the Villages & the lifestyle we have. No where on earth could we find what we have here. I think anyone who is unhappy should just move ! Just saying....:spoken: LOL
I have to agree. If I was having to work 5 jobs, I would not be retiring now.
One needs to do the homework before jumping.

[BobKat1]

I kind of hinted to that yesterday. I think this is one of those threads to get everyone riled up.
If my hubby & I had to work 5 jobs at this time in our lives, I would move !!! I personally love the Villages & the lifestyle we have. No where on earth could we find what we have here. I think anyone who is unhappy should just move ! Just saying....:spoken: LOL


I agree. Sometimes it's best to cut your losses, move on, and chalk it up to experience.

[The Shadow]

Scratching my head.

How does a couple get a mortgage that requires 5 jobs to pay it?

TV sells a “Life Style” not a life with 5 jobs, who would buy that?

Who would move to TV with a horse? Other than a retired, single veterinary lady who rides every day and does not work. That’s her thing and she can afford it.

In today’s economy a couple is lucky to have one job not 5.

$55/mo for garbage, that should include the pizza box delivered full every night.

$96 for internet, I think not.

I personally do not like golf enough that I would work so someone else could play.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, if you can’t afford a happy meal why go to McDonalds?

If this is not a spoof and it was me, I would not share this information.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I love how most everyone has expressed their empathy and come up with suggestions. To me, that care is typical of The Villages. We all could use a few hints on pinching pennies. Be well.
This is my first post/just joined :)

Welcome to the forum. Please post we need all opions.
:a040:

[EdV]

For those who have expressed doubts, I have verified that the person arabianhorse59 purports to be is indeed a TV resident living in the Village of Silver Lake. And as GG alluded to, she began posting her intentions to move her family to TV back in March of 2009.

And to re-state a few things, the $96/yr is not for Internet access, it’s for membership in thevillages.net to access the on-line tee time reservation system. And the $150/mo she mentions is actually the amenity fee (which I thought should be closer to $135).

[whartonjelly]

I recall that a Doctor once told me that he could not afford to retire. It is all in your prospective. When you are used to nothing and having worked so hard,for me, it is very enticing just to NOT WORK ! The best things in life are FREE ! :read:

[redwitch]

My income is pretty low but I can still afford to live in TV and enjoy what it offers. Granted, I can't go out for dinner every night and evenings for a special event have to be planned for in advance, but I can play bridge 5 Xs a week ($2/session), go to Urban Flats weekly to play trivia; play at the pool and squares when I want; go out to dinner once a week with my friends; play games at home.

I feel for arabian, but there is no way I would be willing to work 3 jobs to live anywhere. If I had to work 3 jobs and my husband 2, it would be because I was trying to survive, not live a lifestyle I couldn't afford. Either things need to be re-budgeted or there is something very skewed in their lifestyles.

[BowleesCreekYachtClub]

My wife and I have no debt whatsoever and live here comfortably on $40,000 per year which includes golf and an annual cruise. We have no debt whatsoever and do not work.

I can't know whether I should have sympathy for someone who can not afford to live here unless I know their income and something about their lifestyle - with 5 jobs when are you going to find time to play golf anyway?

[The Shadow]

I will tell you what, if she pays $55/mo for garbage pickup, I will joint the circus.

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUJoJTtfJ_hlmj-kVh8yIG5YHiF0OCNNd-kf0QzRJp0AEKMMMHJg

[VillagesFlorida]

How can we put a price on "Lifestyle"? When my husband and I decided to live in The Villages over 12 years ago we bought a "lifestyle" along with our home. We could have spent less and had a nice home in any nearby retirement community. Those places are a dime a dozen in Florida. Let's face it, we can't buy a "loaded" car for the price of a stripped-down model. We didn't pay an amenity fee when we lived up north. That is about the only extra cost we have, living here. Our energy costs don't come close to what we spent up there. We didn't have a $50,000 Homestead Exemption there, so our real estate taxes were 3 times what we pay here. Our state imposed income taxes so there was another few thousand dollars going out every year. When we moved here we did so with a mortgage and only 1 pension to live on. It would be several years before Social Security would kick in. Our savings were off limits so we stuck to a rigid budget and went without a lot of stuff that you pay extra for. My husband DID work for two years, part-time, for extra money for championsip golf. We took full advantage of all of the free activities here, including many rides in our golf cart, just thoroughly enjoying the beauty all around us. There wasn't much money for shows or fancy restaurants. There WERE many evenings spent enjoying the sunsets from our lanai and listening to the plaintiff cries of the sandhill cranes high overhead. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Heck, no, we didn't! We wouldn't trade any of our years in The Villages for anything. This lifestyle is unlike anything else in the world. And, 12 1/2 years ago there wasn't one quarter what there is here now. The funny thing is that, now that we have more money to spend, we still enjoy the simpler pleasures that are all around us. We have found that we don't have to spend a lot to be very happy here. It seems that being happy all boils down to what happiness means to us and perhaps how many sacrifices some of us have to make to live here.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

How can we put a price on "Lifestyle"? When my husband and I decided to live in The Villages over 12 years ago we bought a "lifestyle" along with our home. We could have spent less and had a nice home in any nearby retirement community. Those places are a dime a dozen in Florida. Let's face it, we can't buy a "loaded" car for the price of a stripped-down model. We didn't pay an amenity fee when we lived up north. That is about the only extra cost we have, living here. Our energy costs don't come close to what we spent up there. We didn't have a $50,000 Homestead Exemption there, so our real estate taxes were 3 times what we pay here. Our state imposed income taxes so there was another few thousand dollars going out every year. When we moved here we did so with a mortgage and only 1 pension to live on. It would be several years before Social Security would kick in. Our savings were off limits so we stuck to a rigid budget and went without a lot of stuff that you pay extra for. My husband DID work for two years, part-time, for extra money for championsip golf. We took full advantage of all of the free activities here, including many rides in our golf cart, just thoroughly enjoying the beauty all around us. There wasn't much money for shows or fancy restaurants. There WERE many evenings spent enjoying the sunsets from our lanai and listening to the plaintiff cries of the sandhill cranes high overhead. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Heck, no, we didn't! We wouldn't trade any of our years in The Villages for anything. This lifestyle is unlike anything else in the world. And, 12 1/2 years ago there wasn't one quarter what there is here now. The funny thing is that, now that we have more money to spend, we still enjoy the simpler pleasures that are all around us. We have found that we don't have to spend a lot to be very happy here. It seems that being happy all boils down to what happiness means to us and perhaps how many sacrifices some of us have to make to live here.

Well said!

Bill

[l2ridehd]

Couldn't agree more VillagesFlorida. Very well said indeed.

[schotzyb]

How can we put a price on "Lifestyle"? When my husband and I decided to live in The Villages over 12 years ago we bought a "lifestyle" along with our home. We could have spent less and had a nice home in any nearby retirement community. Those places are a dime a dozen in Florida. Let's face it, we can't buy a "loaded" car for the price of a stripped-down model. We didn't pay an amenity fee when we lived up north. That is about the only extra cost we have, living here. Our energy costs don't come close to what we spent up there. We didn't have a $50,000 Homestead Exemption there, so our real estate taxes were 3 times what we pay here. Our state imposed income taxes so there was another few thousand dollars going out every year. When we moved here we did so with a mortgage and only 1 pension to live on. It would be several years before Social Security would kick in. Our savings were off limits so we stuck to a rigid budget and went without a lot of stuff that you pay extra for. My husband DID work for two years, part-time, for extra money for championsip golf. We took full advantage of all of the free activities here, including many rides in our golf cart, just thoroughly enjoying the beauty all around us. There wasn't much money for shows or fancy restaurants. There WERE many evenings spent enjoying the sunsets from our lanai and listening to the plaintiff cries of the sandhill cranes high overhead. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Heck, no, we didn't! We wouldn't trade any of our years in The Villages for anything. This lifestyle is unlike anything else in the world. And, 12 1/2 years ago there wasn't one quarter what there is here now. The funny thing is that, now that we have more money to spend, we still enjoy the simpler pleasures that are all around us. We have found that we don't have to spend a lot to be very happy here. It seems that being happy all boils down to what happiness means to us and perhaps how many sacrifices some of us have to make to live here.


What a great no nonsense post! Thank You!

[waynet]

Thank You Schotzyb, you make great sense.

[Pturner]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Hi ArabianHorse,
I do think some of your figures are off a bit. Nonetheless, I am saddened for anyone who does not like his/her circumstances.

If you don't really take advantage of the lifestyle in TV, I wonder if you might prefer living somewhere else. If you need to keep the jobs you have, there probably is reasonably priced farmland nearby, where you could also keep your horse, or just reasonably priced homes nearby, since you have free boarding for your horse.

Are there other reasons you do not like living here? It seems a shame to work so hard to live here, and then be disappointed and dissatisfied.

I wish you happier times!

[Pturner]

I love how most everyone has expressed their empathy and come up with suggestions. To me, that care is typical of The Villages. We all could use a few hints on pinching pennies. Be well.
This is my first post/just joined :)

Hi Carol,
:welcome: This is a fabulous community-- TV and TOTV. So glad you joined us and hope to hear from you lots more!
:wine:

[dennis11003]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

[downeaster]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

Hi Dennis. I like what you said. I think you are pretty darn smart too. You are making good use of this forum. Thanks for your input.

[tghoul]

Golf here is inexpensive. I was paying $500 per month in North Carolina.

[Barefoot]

Personally, I would not be working 3 jobs to enable my husband to spend $150 per month on golf fees.

Freeda, :agree:

[jebartle]

Golf here is inexpensive. I was paying $500 per month in North Carolina.

and some months more than THAT!...Cart fees $20, and as stock holding members, dues continued thru the unplayable months.....The Villages golf is a piece of cake....Where else can you play golf for free, granted it is an executive course, but some of our execs. are very challenging to say the least...North Carolina has some beautiful courses but the Villages does also...And worth every penny.

[graciegirl]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

Welcome Dennis.

Glad to see that you are thinking things through. I betcha you will end up here. It is a choice we are glad we made.

Hope you continue to post. You seem like a person who has a lot to offer us.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

[Army Guy]

How can we put a price on "Lifestyle"? When my husband and I decided to live in The Villages over 12 years ago we bought a "lifestyle" along with our home. We could have spent less and had a nice home in any nearby retirement community. Those places are a dime a dozen in Florida. Let's face it, we can't buy a "loaded" car for the price of a stripped-down model. We didn't pay an amenity fee when we lived up north. That is about the only extra cost we have, living here. Our energy costs don't come close to what we spent up there. We didn't have a $50,000 Homestead Exemption there, so our real estate taxes were 3 times what we pay here. Our state imposed income taxes so there was another few thousand dollars going out every year. When we moved here we did so with a mortgage and only 1 pension to live on. It would be several years before Social Security would kick in. Our savings were off limits so we stuck to a rigid budget and went without a lot of stuff that you pay extra for. My husband DID work for two years, part-time, for extra money for championsip golf. We took full advantage of all of the free activities here, including many rides in our golf cart, just thoroughly enjoying the beauty all around us. There wasn't much money for shows or fancy restaurants. There WERE many evenings spent enjoying the sunsets from our lanai and listening to the plaintiff cries of the sandhill cranes high overhead. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Heck, no, we didn't! We wouldn't trade any of our years in The Villages for anything. This lifestyle is unlike anything else in the world. And, 12 1/2 years ago there wasn't one quarter what there is here now. The funny thing is that, now that we have more money to spend, we still enjoy the simpler pleasures that are all around us. We have found that we don't have to spend a lot to be very happy here. It seems that being happy all boils down to what happiness means to us and perhaps how many sacrifices some of us have to make to live here.

VF, this is honestly one of the best posts I have seen here for a long time. You pretty much sum up how a lot of us feel, even though our situations may not be exact like yours. You are right on!:beer3:

Army Guy

[Army Guy]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

Welcome! And you are doing just what we did. We came to TV for the LSV, were very impressed but did not buy right away. I came back home found this site and then started to ask the hard questions on here where I knew I would not just get "the party line". After a couple months of that and another LSV, we bought. But we bought informed and knew just what we wehere getting into!

Army Guy

[LisaJ]

My husband and I watched and learned alot from this site as well. This forum is very informative and we finally were comfortable purchasing in TV. Thank you to everyone for their honest and educational feedback.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

My husband and I watched and learned alot from this site as well. This forum is very informative and we finally were comfortable purchasing in TV. Thank you to everyone for their honest and educational feedback.


Good for you two! Hope you're enjoying your new home!!

Bill

[nkrifats]

Welcome! And you are doing just what we did. We came to TV for the LSV, were very impressed but did not buy right away. I came back home found this site and then started to ask the hard questions on here where I knew I would not just get "the party line". After a couple months of that and another LSV, we bought. But we bought informed and knew just what we wehere getting into!

Army Guy

We made a couple of visits, a friend who lives in the villages shared his spreadsheet of expenses and also another he had prepared for different models. We knew coming in what our expenses would be. May be tight while Son finishes college but well worth the move as I see it. Looking out the window at the snow makes me know that July 1 when I move for good. I made the right choice.

[decodiana]

As someone who is considering "the move" but will still need some form of employment income, I was just wondering how does one find good employment in this area? Seems to me that unless you're in the medical field, it may be difficult.

[Russ_Boston]

As someone who is considering "the move" but will still need some form of employment income, I was just wondering how does one find good employment in this area? Seems to me that unless you're in the medical field, it may be difficult.

I guess that would depend on what your expertise is. Yes it's tough to get a 'generic' job here that pays what it does up north. Good luck!

[2BNTV]

How can we put a price on "Lifestyle"? When my husband and I decided to live in The Villages over 12 years ago we bought a "lifestyle" along with our home. We could have spent less and had a nice home in any nearby retirement community. Those places are a dime a dozen in Florida. Let's face it, we can't buy a "loaded" car for the price of a stripped-down model. We didn't pay an amenity fee when we lived up north. That is about the only extra cost we have, living here. Our energy costs don't come close to what we spent up there. We didn't have a $50,000 Homestead Exemption there, so our real estate taxes were 3 times what we pay here. Our state imposed income taxes so there was another few thousand dollars going out every year. When we moved here we did so with a mortgage and only 1 pension to live on. It would be several years before Social Security would kick in. Our savings were off limits so we stuck to a rigid budget and went without a lot of stuff that you pay extra for. My husband DID work for two years, part-time, for extra money for championsip golf. We took full advantage of all of the free activities here, including many rides in our golf cart, just thoroughly enjoying the beauty all around us. There wasn't much money for shows or fancy restaurants. There WERE many evenings spent enjoying the sunsets from our lanai and listening to the plaintiff cries of the sandhill cranes high overhead. Did we bite off more than we could chew? Heck, no, we didn't! We wouldn't trade any of our years in The Villages for anything. This lifestyle is unlike anything else in the world. And, 12 1/2 years ago there wasn't one quarter what there is here now. The funny thing is that, now that we have more money to spend, we still enjoy the simpler pleasures that are all around us. We have found that we don't have to spend a lot to be very happy here. It seems that being happy all boils down to what happiness means to us and perhaps how many sacrifices some of us have to make to live here.

A very insightful post for anyone who's budget would lend itself to living a frugal lifestyle. A testiment that you don't have to spend a lot of money to make yourself happy.

:BigApplause: :BigApplause: :BigApplause:

People are as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln

[2BNTV]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

dennis110003:

:welcome: to TOTV. Try reading Zcavemans info in the "nuts and bolts" section. This is a great site to become more familiar with the happenings of TV.

A LSV is the only way to feel and see the beauty of the TV. Words on a page cannot describe it. Once you have visited, you can decide if it's for you. I know I was blown away.

IMHO - Having to work several jobs is not being retired. If one wants to work if additional income will help them have a better time or to not get bored is ok
unless they really enjoy what they are doing.

Best Wishes for your retirement plans.

[2BNTV]

I love how most everyone has expressed their empathy and come up with suggestions. To me, that care is typical of The Villages. We all could use a few hints on pinching pennies. Be well.
This is my first post/just joined :)

Welcome Carol to TOTV. Carol was my sisters name.

As you know, this site is great for finding info about TV. There are many threads on how much it cost to live in TV. If you can't find what your looking for by doing a search, then just ask. There are so many wonderful people willing to help.

Keep on posting!!!

[rjm1cc]

As someone who is considering "the move" but will still need some form of employment income, I was just wondering how does one find good employment in this area? Seems to me that unless you're in the medical field, it may be difficult.

I think your best bet is your current employer. "Work form Home". Otherwise I think their would be too much competition for jobs and the wages less than they are in your current location.

[ladylake1]

As someone who is considering "the move" but will still need some form of employment income, I was just wondering how does one find good employment in this area? Seems to me that unless you're in the medical field, it may be difficult.

As wonderful as life in TV is, securing a good job is not easy. Before I moved here I checked the help wanted ads in the Ocala paper and checked websites for local government in Marion and Lake counties. I was fortunate to get a job in my field but at a significantly reduced salary. That was over 10 years ago and the employment market has declined since then. Keep checking around to get a good idea of what kind of decrease you may have to make and if you can live comfortably if those earnings are your sole/major source of income. All things considered, I took a big hit to come here but I took that into consideration prior to making the move and I can honestly say I haven't looked back since. I am now retired and can fully enjoy all TV has to offer.

[Trogg]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

If you find it expensive here, I can just imagine how expensive it was in Illinois.

[Pturner]

I've been a member for several years but seldom post. I do log on several times a week to read posts that interest me. My wife and I are probably 5-7 years from retirement and live in Wisconsin (currently 10 degrees going down to -3 tonight).

This is the type of post that really interests me and I appreciate everyone's input. When we retire, I don't know if The Villages will be for us or not. I've driven through several of the communities and have walked around several areas. My sister lives close by so we have the opportunity to "look around" when we visit her. Eventually, we will pay for a vist to the Villages and hope to experience everything that is offered.

Until then, I will lurk and read and take in everything I can. I want to be certain that when we retire, we can afford the cost and not have to work. Until we can afford it, we won't retire! Someone said to track your expenses for 2-3 years prior to retirement and estimate accurately what they might be when and where you retire. I won't retire if I have to work 2 or 3 jobs - that's not retirement!

I enjoy this forum because there are a lot of smart people giving practical, valuable advice. Thanks for allowing me to read your forums and the opportunity to post.

Hi Dennis,
You have a good voice of reason and hope we hear from you more often. Welcome and thanks for posting!

[Tbugs]

Yes, you should have made thorough investigations on the costs before moving. That is only common sense.

Your husband plays golf on the championship courses while you work 3 jobs? That is not a problem of The Villages but rather seems to be a domestic issue.

Working 3 jobs just to maintain living expenses is definitely a drain on you and that means you are not enjoying the great Villages lifestyle. There is always the option of selling your house in The Villages (no problem selling houses here) and moving to a less expensive home in a less expensive area.

In other parts of Florida, houses are a lot cheaper and you could take the money from this house and buy either a smaller one or a similar one. Of course, your husband is your problem, too. Tell him to get his butt in 3rd gear and help out with the working situation.

[BobKat1]

I think the OP said her husband works 2 jobs. Still 5 jobs is A LOT. Must be tough to keep all of the employers happy with that many commitments.

[Jhooman]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation.

Before I retired I was a Financial Consultant for 30+ years. When I established a new client, I requested they read "The Richest Man in Babylon". This simple book helped my clients and millions of people to take responsibility of their financial lives. This book even helped me many years ago when I was a mess financially. Fast forward, I'm retired and moving to TV living right sized and abundantly.

Taking full responsibility for my life has given me great freedom. It was painful to look at my mistakes, but once I did, my life began to thrive.

[rsetterlund]

I guess one question I have is how do you find time to ride your horse, working 3 jobs, and how does your husband find time for golf, working 2 jobs? I am sorry you feel it is to expensive in TV. There are so many things to do that are free, after the amenity fee is paid. We are moving into our home in two months after owning the house for two years and investigating expenses for three years. I have a spreadsheet where I track all my expenses and compare them with the costs of owning a home in MA. I then spent three years developing a budget to see if we could afford TV. The bottom line is we can, but we spent the effort to determine that. One thing that you could do is move to a smaller home, that would reduce some of your expenses.

[Cateca]

W moved here from Puerto Rico and find that except for food and gas, our cost of living is about one quarter less. And compared to St John, USVI, where we also lived, cost of living is HALF. Take electricity, for ex. Here the kilowatt hour is about 10 cents. It is about 20 cents in Puerto Rico and about 30 cents in St John. Food, however, is a different story. Publix prices are higher than Pueblo prices (largest food chain in the Caribbean), and this makes no sense since transporting food to the islands is costly.

[John_W]

An item I didn't see mentioned was, since you're a working person you should realize Florida is only one of seven states that do not have state income tax. Here in Maryland we have to pay 4.75% of our net income over $3000. So let's say, you net about $15,000 a year, you would be paying almost $600 that you don't pay now. I just looked up Illinois and they have just raised the state income tax from 3% to 5%.

Another item is electric rates. We live in an average 2 story 1880sf home, 3BR 2 BA and our last BG&E bill was $377. Yes, it's the most expensive time of the year, but our home is fairly new, built in 1998, we have no children, just 2 adults and the home has a Carrier heat pump. We set the temperature at a cool 66 degrees and we have to use 3 small space heaters to keep from freezing. I know many people that pay $500 - $700 a month for electric.

I lived in Florida from 1959 until 1989 before moving here and I can tell you, everything was cheaper in Florida. You don't get paid as much, but many jobs you're only talking about a couple of dollars an hour more, which can't even begin to make up the difference in the cost of living.

[VillagesFlorida]

An item I didn't see mentioned was, since you're a working person you should realize Florida is only one of seven states that do not have state income tax. Here in Maryland we have to pay 4.75% of our net income over $3000. So let's say, you net about $15,000 a year, you would be paying almost $600 that you don't pay now. I just looked up Illinois and they have just raised the state income tax from 3% to 5%.

Another item is electric rates. We live in an average 2 story 1880sf home, 3BR 2 BA and our last BG&E bill was $377. Yes, it's the most expensive time of the year, but our home is fairly new, built in 1998, we have no children, just 2 adults and the home has a Carrier heat pump. We set the temperature at a cool 66 degrees and we have to use 3 small space heaters to keep from freezing. I know many people that pay $500 - $700 a month for electric.

I lived in Florida from 1959 until 1989 before moving here and I can tell you, everything was cheaper in Florida. You don't get paid as much, but many jobs you're only talking about a couple of dollars an hour more, which can't even begin to make up the difference in the cost of living.

Just paid my SECO bill for last month...$119 and change. My CYV is all electric and we used an appreciable amount of heat during the time period. I was thinking that this was a really reasonable amount to pay for energy costs until I got an e-mail from my friend, who lives in snowy, cold Maine. She just had propane and heating oil deliveries that totaled $750! I don't know if the propane will take her through the winter but I DO know that she will have more oil delivered and probably had had 1-2 deliveries before this last one. She lives alone. Now I am thinking that our energy costs are "peanuts" compared to what SHE is paying. And, we do not skimp on the heat, either. There is no doubt in my mind that it costs us a lot less to live here, even with the amenity fee we pay every month.

[JenAjd]

I posted an early comment here and see this thread still has "LIFE". I'd say the percentage is high on people refuting the expense of living here as not expensive. I still maintain it's cheaper here than in the midwest, where we too are from. We don't keep the heat on if it doesn't get too cold at night. We prefer a cool house anyway as we had it that way up north in winter (heat turned down to save money) so are used to it. The sun heats the house in the daytime. If it's going to be a frost producing night of course we turn on the heat. When it's hot we have air on and keep the blinds shut where the sun is coming thru. That's one way to cut costs. I think if the author of this post would tally ALL expenses for one month and I mean all...she'd see where their dollars are going. Her early posts were full of excitement about coming here...so what changed/????

[youngretiree]

I have lived here for 4 years and want to respond to the cost. The utilities and maintenence fees here are VERY reasonable imho, esp. with all the amenities and considering u save so much on gas by having the movies and everything so close. My home is built so well that I have barely had to have anything done to it & also, appears to have built higly considering energy savings, which is properly the code today. The only thing that hurts me is the end of the year taxes plus bond. Mine together were $2743 if paid by Dec 31. I have a 2 bedroom courtyard villa. That in addition to the homeowners fee is a big hunk of change. My mortgage payt. is to a family member so I have no escrow account.

[John_W]

...The only thing that hurts me is the end of the year taxes plus bond. Mine together were $2743 if paid by Dec 31. I have a 2 bedroom courtyard villa...

How much of the $2743 is actually taxes? Do you know the average amount of a bond on a new home? I've heard $12,500 for villas and $20,000 and up for homes. I'm interested in either a 3BR CYV such as a Bonita or Siesta or a cottage like a Hammock in the $160-175K range. Does anyone know what the bond on a cottage would be?

For comparison, I have an average 3BR 2BA home in the suburbs of Baltimore that's appraised for taxes at $277K and my yearly taxes are $3200 total. HOA is only $30 a month, but the only benefit is garbage pickup.

[obxgal]

John, we have a Bonita in Duval. Our taxes were $1777.86 this year. Bond was $13038.83 but we paid that off when we purchased our house.

[Ohiogirl]

John, we have a Bonita in Duval. Our taxes were $1777.86 this year. Bond was $13038.83 but we paid that off when we purchased our house.

there will still be a "maintenance bond" that must be paid every year. You cannot pay that off. I believe it's for maintaining common areas in your CDD. I think our taxes were slightly lower this year (due to slightly lowered property value) and I think the taxes and maintenance bond were under $2200, maybe even a little less. We also paid off the "bond" on our Bonita (ours was a little under $10,000 in CDD #6).

[obxgal]

Broken down:
Taxes $1387, Fire $81, maintenance bond $309

[youngretiree]

John,

U asked about the breakdown on the $2743 end of the year real estate bill for my 2/2 concrete courtyard villa:

taxes: $1,418
assessments: $1410

(Note the totals don't match due to having gotten a discount for paying by Dec 31.)

Early

[Ohiogirl]

Wow, we have a Bonita in Sabal Chase - built just before Duval in 2006. Our latest tax bill is $1997.39 plus $324.51 for maintenance bond and 81.00 for fire district, total of $2306.78.

However, we just moved down this fall and filed for the Homestead Exemption for next year - that could be the difference. Is there also an additional homestead exemption once one or both of us turns 65? I seem to recall another form at the county office.

[Ohiogirl]

I forgot to say that the property taxes here are way lower than we pay in Ohio, which most consider a medium tax state. There we are paying $4000 plus for a smaller, older home, albeit in a desirable neighborhood that has maintained (but stopped climbing) its market value or at least declined very marginally in the last 4 years. Most of Columbus has declined. The rest of Ohio in general has REALLY declined.

I think the lower end here in TV has declined marginally, depending on location. The higher end here in TV has been harder hit, IMO, but still not like the rest of Florida by a long shot.

[John_W]

Thanks for all the responses. It sounds like, that even without homestead the taxes on a CYV are a lot better than here in Maryland. If the bond is in the $10,000 range then I definitely want to pay it off at closing.

I see you can have choices on home if you're willing to wait, but can you have any input on the villas? For example, I like the off white (I believe it's called bisque) cabinets with stainless appliances. I see it used a lot on the models but most of the finished homes have dark cabinets with white appliances.

Were coming down the first week of April for a LSV, so I guess many of these questions can be answered then.

[Tbugs]

John,

There are some great re-sales on courtyard villas in established neighborhoods. While you are on your Lifestyle tour, check out the Villas of Valdosta and the Villas of St. Simon. You can get golf front villas that are great - with low or paid off bonds. These are both in the Village of Glenbrook which is "north of 466" just off of Talley Ridge Drive. Established neighborhoods with no construction going on. I think that re-sales are the way to go instead of new. You can negotiate prices with the seller, much lower bond (or none at all), etc.

I moved to The Villages from Silver Spring, Maryland about 18 months ago and it was the best move we ever made - especially after watching the news about the snowstorms that hit the DC area in the past couple months.

Any questions - just private message me.

[Ohiogirl]

yes, you can get golf front CYVs but the original post seemed to be more about living here on a low budget - and you will pay for golf course views and/or corner lots in ALL CYV neighborhoods.

My advice, since you are not here yet, is to religiously check thevillages.com under Homes for both resale and new construction, so you can see what prices are like on all types of homes - villas or not - that may interest you.

[DAnder2829]

Graduated college at Wheaton, 1978. Will be visiting TV, first time, on Nov. 22. Can hardly wait. Living in Edison, NJ and paying property taxes of $13K for a townhouse!!! Looking forward to finding a home at TV.

[golf2140]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

With those prices, do you live in The Villages. Better check your figures.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

9 month old thread...........

Bill :)

[graciegirl]

but...I will say it.

If you haven't prepared yourself financially to retire, perhaps you should wait and save a little more money. It isn't a right, it is a privilege. But I think an affordable one for pretty much anyone to live here. In many ways it is cheaper for us than in Ohio. Sweetie is still working, consulting over the phone and on the internet. He feels that in these bad economic times that is wise.

But finances are a very personal area.

[drdodge]

To Arabian Horse
I dont know where you live but your numbers are not right. I hAve been in the Villages for seven years. My rubbish pickup is $17.00 per month. Golf trail fee is $144.00 per year. Internet. TV and telephone from comcast is $132.00 per month. I thing it is very reasonable to live in the villages
drd

[jblum315]

I moved here from New York (Westchester County). All my mandatory monthly expenses, including mortgage, add up to less than I was paying for rent on a 1 bedroom apt in NY. Electric and heat is much cheaper here. And the house I sold prior to renting - the property tax alone was $21,000 a year! I honestly don't know how I managed to pay the bills on the same income I have here.

[quirky3]

If you read today's first posting in this thread, it seems like DAnder2829 was just announcing his intention of visiting here. He didn't express concern about the living expenses, but by posting into this thread, it becomes a resurrected topic. Maybe he should have posted to the New Members forum. Just sayin'. :shrug:

[BaylorBear]

Our lovely home in The Village of Silver Lake came to us through inheritance. My husband's parents lived in The Villages for 25 wonderful years. Before his mother passed away 3 years ago, she asked us to seriously consider not selling their home, but instead to evaluate moving there upon our retirement. Well, that took about 30 seconds to decide!!!

Granted, we do not have a mortgage or a bond. And, fortunately, we are debt free. We've managed to save a nice little nest egg (not half a million, but a nice bit) that will be used only to supplement Social Security when needed. We are not big travelers, nor do we eat out much (we are better chefs than most of the CC's have!). We will retire with an income that is about 2/3 of our income now and our expenses (cars, insurance, gas for two cars, clothing for 2 professionals, lower taxes, cheaper amenities, etc.) will be less than half of what our expenses are in Austin, TX. We've lived frugally for all of our 22 years of marriage. I've run the numbers for us over and over again and we CAN EASILY live in TV. We only have 455 days until retirement!!:wine:

[pivo]

My problem with this posting is if they have five jobs here-how many jobs did they hold down in Illinois

[BAILYBOOHOO]

I was just thinking can you refi you house rates our low this might help you out.:wave: I really hope things get better for you both. :) Blessings

[Bogie Shooter]

Its all been said before 100 plus posts!

[angiefox10]

Its all been said before 100 plus posts!

Yes. This is true Bogie Shooter, but not everyone had posted yet.

Now... I have posted, so you can close the thread now. :p

[jackz]

I find it telling that the OP has not returned to this thread in 10 months and his/her last post was asking about costume parties in the Villages this past October....

So bottom line, why waste time on this subject.

[784caroline]

Jack how does the cost of living in TV compare to the Lira ...or is it the Euro...or is it the Lira......the issue in Europe is confusing.

But I think you are right on with your comment!!

[buckscounty]

You have to be kidding, we moved from PA and our taxes here are cheaper so is our electric, phone and internet, car insurance. Your guy has to give up his golfing, I would not work 3 jobs for him to play golf....

[BobKat1]

If nothing else, a thread like this is a good reminder to folks to throughly research a move BEFORE you take the plunge. Don't make a strictly emotional decision that you might regret.

[jackz]

Jack how does the cost of living in TV compare to the Lira ...or is it the Euro...or is it the Lira......the issue in Europe is confusing.

But I think you are right on with your comment!!

It is the Euro.

Cost of living in Italy and most of Europe FAR exceeds that of living in TV.

Looking forward to Sanibel in late 2012.

[Vinny]

Wow. I think we are going to move to where you came from. :). My monthly expenses here are less than half of what they were in NJ. That is why we moved here. It allows us to save more for retirement.

I guess it all depends on what you are used to. I think part of your problem is that you are far from collecting social security. I could not live here if I did not have my NJ salary. When I retire in a few years we will be fine living on my SS and that of my wife. My savings will be our cushion. I took a little gamble that I will have my current job for at least 3 1/2 more years as I could not live on what they pay around here and would have to move near a big city in another State to afford to live comfortably. Lost half of my retirement money in last two recessions.

[TF Hutch]

I need help in planing whether or not I could afford to live in TV.

Where do I start.
No debt, Self employed, current income pays for current Lifestyle = $100K+

Retirement income = Soc Sec plus 3% Safe Withdrawl Rate on savings
Expected retirement income ~ $50K/yr

Is TV affordable on $50-60K/yr?
Using TV cost of 1100/mo expense to own, without a mortgage?

Does anyone know of an appropriate retirement calculator?
Has anyone designed an Excel spreadsheet they are willing to share?

Thank you

[The Villager II]

After Northern Virginia, moveing here was like getting a big pay raise to our retirements.

[2 Oldcrabs]

[QUOTE=TF Hutch;414190]I need help in planing whether or not I could afford to live in TV.

Where do I start.
No debt, Self employed, current income pays for current Lifestyle = $100K+

Retirement income = Soc Sec plus 3% Safe Withdrawl Rate on savings
Expected retirement income ~ $50K/yr

Is TV affordable on $50-60K/yr?
Using TV cost of 1100/mo expense to own, without a mortgage?

Does anyone know of an appropriate retirement calculator?
Has anyone designed an Excel spreadsheet they are willing to share?

My income is about that and I am moving to a new home in Sanibel in Jan.
IMHO: BUY PRE-OWNED if you can. New homes look cheaper, but by the time you get extras from TV, the higher bonds and higher maintenance fees pre-owned can be less. We tried to buy pre-owned buy could not find one that fit our needs. I will post my expenses once I have them.

[bandsdavis]

2Oldcrabs, my wife refers to me as "Mr. Spreadsheet", so yes, I have a spreadsheet to share with you. If you are familiar with Excel, and it sounds like you are, you should be able to follow it easily. I have left in some of the values that we expect for Expenses, and of course you can change them, eliminate, add others, etc. The Income side is also something you can play around with (I zeroed everything out on the version so you can add your specifics). If you PM me with your e-mail address, I'll send it to you because I don't know how to attach a spreadsheet to this post.

Bill Davis

[Northstar]

2Oldcrabs, my wife refers to me as "Mr. Spreadsheet", so yes, I have a spreadsheet to share with you. If you are familiar with Excel, and it sounds like you are, you should be able to follow it easily. I have left in some of the values that we expect for Expenses, and of course you can change them, eliminate, add others, etc. The Income side is also something you can play around with (I zeroed everything out on the version so you can add your specifics). If you PM me with your e-mail address, I'll send it to you because I don't know how to attach a spreadsheet to this post.

Bill Davis

-----------------
bandsdavis,

TF Hutch inquired about the spread sheet

[billethkid]

living here in TV is no different than living any where else when it comes to expenses VS income.
You knew what you had before and were able to live on it. You will most certainly know your source(s) of income after you retire. Determine how much of a house is needed. Build your budget around that.

I know folks who live in one million dollar homes as well as manufactured homes in the historic side of TV. Two little old ladies live in a $129,000 manufactured home....the ONLY income they have is SS.

It doesn't matter what income level....there is a venue here that CAN work for you....unless you run your household like the federal government....but then you could just print some more money.

C'mon down.

btk

[TF Hutch]

2Oldcrabs, my wife refers to me as "Mr. Spreadsheet", so yes, I have a spreadsheet to share with you. If you are familiar with Excel, and it sounds like you are, you should be able to follow it easily. I have left in some of the values that we expect for Expenses, and of course you can change them, eliminate, add others, etc. The Income side is also something you can play around with (I zeroed everything out on the version so you can add your specifics). If you PM me with your e-mail address, I'll send it to you because I don't know how to attach a spreadsheet to this post.

Bill Davis

Thank you bill Davis. I have sent you a PM with my email address.

[TF Hutch]

living here in TV is no different than living any where else when it comes to expenses VS income.
You knew what you had before and were able to live on it. You will most certainly know your source(s) of income after you retire. Determine how much of a house is needed. Build your budget around that.

I know folks who live in one million dollar homes as well as manufactured homes in the historic side of TV. Two little old ladies live in a $129,000 manufactured home....the ONLY income they have is SS.

It doesn't matter what income level....there is a venue here that CAN work for you....unless you run your household like the federal government....but then you could just print some more money.

C'mon down.

btk

"living here in TV is no different than living any where else when it comes to expenses VS income."
Not very helpful.

"You will most certainly know your source(s) of income after you retire."
50-60K after retirement.

I am simply attempting to see if I CAN afford to live in The Villages. I have not yet retired. I expect to sell my current home for enough to pay for a TV property, no mortgage.

[2BNTV]

I need help in planing whether or not I could afford to live in TV.

Where do I start.
No debt, Self employed, current income pays for current Lifestyle = $100K+

Retirement income = Soc Sec plus 3% Safe Withdrawl Rate on savings
Expected retirement income ~ $50K/yr

Is TV affordable on $50-60K/yr?
Using TV cost of 1100/mo expense to own, without a mortgage?

Does anyone know of an appropriate retirement calculator?
Has anyone designed an Excel spreadsheet they are willing to share?

Thank you

TFHutch:

There is a basic cost of living icon on www.thevillages.com web site that you can estimate costs.

Another is to read the "Nuts and Bolts: section to see an exact breakdown of costs.

I would tend to think you can live comfortably on 50K a year in TV.

I hope this helps.

[eweissenbach]

"living here in TV is no different than living any where else when it comes to expenses VS income."
Not very helpful.

"You will most certainly know your source(s) of income after you retire."
50-60K after retirement.

I am simply attempting to see if I CAN afford to live in The Villages. I have not yet retired. I expect to sell my current home for enough to pay for a TV property, no mortgage.

Hutch; With no debt and no mortgage you should be able to live a very comfortable and active lifestyle with a few extravigances on 50 - 60k. (assuming your health insurance and health maintenence costs are under control - always a variable to consider)

[TF Hutch]

Three replies say it should be doable on 50-60K retirement income with no mortgage.

This is encouragement enough to consider a visit to TV.
We will be snow-birding in Okeechobee this winter. Can arrangements for a Lifestyle Visit be made during peak season? It appears that LSV rates posted on line terminate 12/31.

Thank you for your assistance. I will be moving to "Nuts & Bolts" for further 'due diligence' as suggested.

[TF Hutch]

TFHutch:

There is a basic cost of living icon on www.thevillages.com web site that you can estimate costs.
Did that, estimate $1100/month housing cost.
Another is to read the "Nuts and Bolts: section to see an exact breakdown of costs.

I would tend to think you can live comfortably on 50K a year in TV.

I hope this helps.
Yes it does Thank You,

[DAnder2829]

Vinny----Well said. We, too, live in NJ (North Edison). Our current expenses run about $5,000 a month. Anything is better than NJ's cost of living!!!

Dawne and Jim

[eweissenbach]

Three replies say it should be doable on 50-60K retirement income with no mortgage.

This is encouragement enough to consider a visit to TV.
We will be snow-birding in Okeechobee this winter. Can arrangements for a Lifestyle Visit be made during peak season? It appears that LSV rates posted on line terminate 12/31.

Thank you for your assistance. I will be moving to "Nuts & Bolts" for further 'due diligence' as suggested.

Lifestyle Preview prices go up in January, they are still offered - Call TV to see what dates are available.

[rubicon]

The OP IMHO was expressing her surprise concerning expenses she and her husband had not anticipated. In many places customers who recycle experience a credit for their efforts. However in TV you pay extra.

TV advertises "free golf for the rest of your life" but it really isn't free. If you only play the executive courses it will cost you $140+ in trail fees and $8 per month to access the computerized tee time scheduling system. Forget the telephone system it is labor intensive and frustrating with all the various prompts.. In prime season and depending on how often you play it will become more difficult to get tee times and not unusual to get bumped.
Many villagers mistakenly thought that the amenities fees cocered golf courses too.

If you want to play championship you will find that it cost more to play courses in TV then off campus and you are providing your own cart. If you buy priority whic I have every year since arriving you need to play 66 times just to break even. Is a golfer any less likely to get a tee time if he/she doesn't buy priority??? You do get a discount on fees and other items sold at the pro shop.

SECO is a coop. A coop serves the rural area well but is it the best business model for TV?????

Amenitiy fees are paid monthly. However if a resident doesn't use the pools, rec enters, etc then all that resident is doing is subsidizing other residents.
I have known a few people who moved out of TV and relocated nearby because of that fact and found that they still could use the town squares.

Some residents indicate that you can live in TV for $50,000 a year. If one lives 20 years then with no price increases, etc a resident will lay out $1,000,000 and that amount was based on the fact that a resident had no debt

It is good that residents post asking questions about value for their dollar in TV. It will help us all in getting utility for our dollar.

[bigalibaba]

i have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place i have ever lived in my life and i came here from illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, i am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, progress energy, which is the most $$ utility company i have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that i am able to work (i am 51) and i have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If i would have known that this place was so costly, i never would have moved here!:mad:

wow!

[aljetmet]

The OP IMHO was expressing her surprise concerning expenses she and her husband had not anticipated. In many places customers who recycle experience a credit for their efforts. However in TV you pay extra.

TV advertises "free golf for the rest of your life" but it really isn't free. If you only play the executive courses it will cost you $140+ in trail fees and $8 per month to access the computerized tee time scheduling system. Forget the telephone system it is labor intensive and frustrating with all the various prompts.. In prime season and depending on how often you play it will become more difficult to get tee times and not unusual to get bumped.
Many villagers mistakenly thought that the amenities fees cocered golf courses too.

If you want to play championship you will find that it cost more to play courses in TV then off campus and you are providing your own cart. If you buy priority whic I have every year since arriving you need to play 66 times just to break even. Is a golfer any less likely to get a tee time if he/she doesn't buy priority??? You do get a discount on fees and other items sold at the pro shop.

SECO is a coop. A coop serves the rural area well but is it the best business model for TV?????

Amenitiy fees are paid monthly. However if a resident doesn't use the pools, rec enters, etc then all that resident is doing is subsidizing other residents.
I have known a few people who moved out of TV and relocated nearby because of that fact and found that they still could use the town squares.

Some residents indicate that you can live in TV for $50,000 a year. If one lives 20 years then with no price increases, etc a resident will lay out $1,000,000 and that amount was based on the fact that a resident had no debt

It is good that residents post asking questions about value for their dollar in TV. It will help us all in getting utility for our dollar.

On a $50 K /yr budget and say half is SS it's at least tied to inflation albeit not retirement inflation but it definitly helps.

Lot's of people are conservatively budgetting a 3-4% take from their savings in retirment. It's a good way to start. But one can earn say 8%/yr.

I use Fidility retirement tool where it shows we have a 90% chance to meet our goals by the time my wife and me hit 92. ie we don't run out of money!This is based on almost the worst case scenario.

It also says that we have a 50% chance to have over 3 times what we started with including adjustments for inflation. ( if we just keep our withdraws adjusted for inflation)

My inlaws were conservative spenders during retirement and my wife and brother-in-law had a nice inheritance that we will probably leave to our grandchildren! Moral of the story, watch your investments, but also enjoy your blessed retirement!
:wave:

[Villages PL]

I....... moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: The monthly fee for golf is $150..........

The best thing would be to quit paying the $150....cold turkey! Possibly, he could start a club for those who also want to quit cold turkey. The club could be called "Golfers Anonymous." This would be for golfers who want to be more moderate and just play (the free courses) once a week? So they could get together and talk about how addicted they used to be. Then they could discuss other alternatives like billiards etc..

:wave:

[hedoman]

ok, I may get jumped on, but you all know me by now and know I will be open. This post just doesn't sit right with me, seems...fake, to try and discredit TV. Things in it, just don't fit.
JMHO!

Army Guy

Well I don't lknow anybody paying $150 for golf and some of the other numbers were off too. The responses have indicated the complete falicy of the OP.


Heck I only have to work 2 jobs.......LOL

[EdV]

Thanks to all who listened to me vent! :swear:

The Amenities fee every month is what the $150 is.

She posted this 10 months ago. Enough already with suggestions about eliminating it.

[graciegirl]

Thank you Edvin. Always the voice of reason. How you doin?:wave:

[EdV]

"Rivit, Rivit"

[CMANN]

"Rivit, Rivit"

That's "ribit, ribit"

[rubicon]

On a $50 K /yr budget and say half is SS it's at least tied to inflation albeit not retirement inflation but it definitly helps.

Lot's of people are conservatively budgetting a 3-4% take from their savings in retirment. It's a good way to start. But one can earn say 8%/yr.

I use Fidility retirement tool where it shows we have a 90% chance to meet our goals by the time my wife and me hit 92. ie we don't run out of money!This is based on almost the worst case scenario.

It also says that we have a 50% chance to have over 3 times what we started with including adjustments for inflation. ( if we just keep our withdraws adjusted for inflation)

My inlaws were conservative spenders during retirement and my wife and brother-in-law had a nice inheritance that we will probably leave to our grandchildren! Moral of the story, watch your investments, but also enjoy your blessed retirement!
:wave:

aljetmet: I planned my retirement expense in a most conservative manner meaning with the possibility that I would live 10 years more than anyone of my parents. My goal is to leave as much of my savings to my children. My wife is the same age as me and her boss offered to let her work out of our home. so she did not retire when I did and is planning to retire sometime after 2011. I keep reminding myself that I can never replenish my bank account as I did during my earning years and so some purchases have to be measured for their value and use.

[EdV]

That's "ribit, ribit"

Actually "Ribbit, Ribbit" as it turns out. Every day, something new.

[Figmo Bohica]

aljetmet: My goal is to leave as much of my savings to my children.

Our goal is to spend it all and have a good time doing it. We earned it, we get to spend it. Our kid have a great job as does her husband, so we don't figure that we have to be their retirement plan.

[drdodge]

golf is free if you walk
drd

[Ohiogirl]

and takes maybe a minute more out of your (retired) day. I play about twice a week, sometimes another day at the last minute, usually executive courses.

For the last minute (same day), you have to call each course or just show up and wait for a no-show or cancelled spot anyway, whether you have computer access or not.

And, if you only golf regularly a couple of times a week, you have very few points and generally get a tee time unless you are putting in too narrow a time window or choice of courses.

I really thought that once I was here full time I would get the on-line computer access (currently $8/mo), but really haven't found it necesssary. I still might in the future, but there is so much else to do here that I don't want to lock myself into too many tee times, plus I'm kind of a fair weather golfer would sometimes rather go when I feel in the mood.

[surfangel]

I don't think the Villages is any more expensive than other states, except for the price of homes right now, they are a little higher. Before you by a house in the Villages they give you a break down on the cost of living here. It states quite clearly that it's not a cheap place to live.
However I don't see how anyone can make money by owing a rental. I have a second home here in the Villages that I can't sell so we rented it out at the good rate, but are loosing money mostly because of the amenities. I would recommend renting instead of buying here until the economy improves.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't think the Villages is any more expensive than other states, except for the price of homes right now, they are a little higher. Before you by a house in the Villages they give you a break down on the cost of living here. It states quite clearly that it's not a cheap place to live.
However I don't see how anyone can make money by owing a rental. I have a second home here in the Villages that I can't sell so we rented it out at the good rate, but are loosing money mostly because of the amenities. I would recommend renting instead of buying here until the economy improves.

But, won't the home prices go up if the economy improves??

[Posh 08]

But, won't the home prices go up if the economy improves??

I'm thinking so and want to be able to buy before then.

[2BNTV]

Everyone must perform a comparative financial analysis when moving for one place to another especially if their going to have a fixed income. Everyone has to decide for themselves if it is feasible.

Most financial people have said that one should not go into retirement with debt and having a mortgage is not the best type of scenario. While this seems too simplistic, it is the way for many Americans.

IMHO - Retirement is not “retirement” if one has to work. Working for a few dollars to pay for something on a short term basis or to have a few bucks for extras or if one feels they will stay healthier. Most financial people say to plan for increased spending habits when not working. As everyone knows, one cannot afford to live outside of their means. Some people are not as fortunate as others in terms of retirement income so they should plan accordingly. With so many options of hobbies and interest in TV, one must be prudent in handling their finances if their income is limited and select options that are doable. At some point, one’s body will tell you when it can’t go no more. To work until one dies is not the way to go.

Two sayings I have been informed of:
1. First you see what you like and then buy what you can afford.
2. Do want to own the house or do you want the house to own you?

[njbchbum]

2bntv - a financial advisor once told us that when doing our analysis we should consider the amount and source[s] of our retirement income as well as our anticipated mthly income vs outgo. the point being that sometimes the leverage to be gained from having a mortgage as a deduction for income tax purposes is more beneficial than retiring with no debt. it's another complication of retirement anticipation! just sayin'.

[Figmo Bohica]

2BNTV, you are correct on the house thing. A show off house in your retirement years can really be a drag. We could have afforded lots more house, but decided that a few cruises and trips a year where more important that showing off for the Jones's. Just love our CYV. Easy to take care of and we are in a great neighberhood.

[graciegirl]

Everyone must perform a comparative financial analysis when moving for one place to another especially if their going to have a fixed income. Everyone has to decide for themselves if it is feasible.

Most financial people have said that one should not go into retirement with debt and having a mortgage is not the best type of scenario. While this seems too simplistic, it is the way for many Americans.

IMHO - Retirement is not “retirement” if one has to work. Working for a few dollars to pay for something on a short term basis or to have a few bucks for extras or if one feels they will stay healthier. Most financial people say to plan for increased spending habits when not working. As everyone knows, one cannot afford to live outside of their means. Some people are not as fortunate as others in terms of retirement income so they should plan accordingly. With so many options of hobbies and interest in TV, one must be prudent in handling their finances if their income is limited and select options that are doable. At some point, one’s body will tell you when it can’t go no more. To work until one dies is not the way to go.

Two sayings I have been informed of:
1. First you see what you like and then buy what you can afford.
2. Do want to own the house or do you want the house to own you?


Ah the beautiful sound of common sense falling on my ears. I so agree.
You are ONE SMART GUY and a nice one too!

[LvmyPug2]

We bought a small home with a small mortgage. The operative word here is "small". We examined all our occupancy costs, and living costs. We then looked at hobbies and travel we wanted to do. We added a cushion and decided on a small house. We concluded you do
get less house for your money at TV than other senior developments but the amenities and lifestyle At TV simply don't compare.

[eweissenbach]

2BNTV, you are correct on the house thing. A show off house in your retirement years can really be a drag. We could have afforded lots more house, but decided that a few cruises and trips a year where more important that showing off for the Jones's. Just love our CYV. Easy to take care of and we are in a great neighberhood.

Well said! I cannot imagine putting oneself in a position to be "house poor" in TV. The whole attraction of being a part of the Villages to me, is being on the go and active. I would not want to be tied down to taking care of a huge home or lawn. The casual lifestyle I envision would not be enhanced by a gaudy showplace of a home. I live in a $400K + property with 2/3 acre on a lake currently, and it fits our lifestyle in MO., as I spend a LOT of time maintaining and enhancing the property, which is an activity I enjoy here --- not in the Villages.

[thekeithfan]

:a20:Are you kidding me I came from Connecticut I am saving over $1,200.00 a month in just taxes! No income tax, no property tax on cars my property taxes are one fifth of what I paid in CT. And I have 3 Super Walmarts withing 7 miles of my house. CT doesn't allow SuperWalmarts! I'm saving over $125.00 a month there on food and such. NO heat bill! thats $3,000 a year and the electric rates here are 35% less than CT. My electric bill with air on is lowere than ANY ELECTRIC BILL I ever paid in CT (and I didn't have A/C).

[2BNTV]

:a20:Are you kidding me I came from Connecticut I am saving over $1,200.00 a month in just taxes! No income tax, no property tax on cars my property taxes are one fifth of what I paid in CT. And I have 3 Super Walmarts withing 7 miles of my house. CT doesn't allow SuperWalmarts! I'm saving over $125.00 a month there on food and such. NO heat bill! thats $3,000 a year and the electric rates here are 35% less than CT. My electric bill with air on is lowere than ANY ELECTRIC BILL I ever paid in CT (and I didn't have A/C).

I totally agree CT is one of the most taxed states. I came from New York but the taxes in CT are worse. It blew my mind when I first moved 25 years ago when the state makes you pay a semi-annual property tax on your car. A good reason to drive an older car, (the newer the car equals being taxed more).

I'm not kidding anyone.

Taxes on a condo for approximately 1028 sq feet is about $4400 a year. Ouch!!!!

Oh, to be in TV. :)

[Schaumburger]

Everyone must perform a comparative financial analysis when moving for one place to another especially if their going to have a fixed income. Everyone has to decide for themselves if it is feasible.

Most financial people have said that one should not go into retirement with debt and having a mortgage is not the best type of scenario. While this seems too simplistic, it is the way for many Americans.

IMHO - Retirement is not “retirement” if one has to work. Working for a few dollars to pay for something on a short term basis or to have a few bucks for extras or if one feels they will stay healthier. Most financial people say to plan for increased spending habits when not working. As everyone knows, one cannot afford to live outside of their means. Some people are not as fortunate as others in terms of retirement income so they should plan accordingly. With so many options of hobbies and interest in TV, one must be prudent in handling their finances if their income is limited and select options that are doable. At some point, one’s body will tell you when it can’t go no more. To work until one dies is not the way to go.

Two sayings I have been informed of:
1. First you see what you like and then buy what you can afford.
2. Do want to own the house or do you want the house to own you?

Excellent point!

[Schaumburger]

I totally agree CT is one of the most taxed states. I came from New York but the taxes in CT are worse. It blew my mind when I first moved 25 years ago when the state makes you pay a semi-annual property tax on your car. A good reason to drive an older car, (the newer the car equals being taxed more).

I'm not kidding anyone.

Taxes on a condo for approximately 1028 sq feet is about $4400 a year. Ouch!!!!

Oh, to be in TV. :)

2BNTV, And I thought the $2,600 I paid in property taxes for my 1,000 sq. ft. town house in Crook County, Illinois was bad. :mad: I feel your pain.

[ivanhoe]

..unless you run your household like the federal government....

C'mon down.

btk


A hahahahahaha. I've been reading for an hour now and it's my first belly laugh!!..Thanks!

[boobear51751]

I agree it is very expensive and the tax on our little slice and I mean little slice of paradise is in line with San Francisco if you figure the square foot of your lot. Now with that said golfing is only as expensive as you make it. You don't have to pay trails fees if you don't want to. Use a pull cart and walk on the executive courses. It is freel. The trash is another story too. Where else in the US do they charge you to pick up recyled items that the town will be paid for when they sell the trash? That is a tax that The Villages mandated a few years back. Before that we had no recyling here in The Villages other than Silver Lake area where Lady Lake does it for them. The federal government (not just the president) is to blame for letting Progresss Energy raise their rates where you can't seem to get a hold of them. But people are not in an uproar over the cost of their electric so they can get away with it.
So yes it is expense to live here and you are very young to be here as well. With working, as you should be at 51, you don't have a lot of time to enjoy some of the activites. Hang in there it will only get worse. I feel your pain and I am not 51.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree it is very expensive and the tax on our little slice and I mean little slice of paradise is in line with San Francisco if you figure the square foot of your lot. Now with that said golfing is only as expensive as you make it. You don't have to pay trails fees if you don't want to. Use a pull cart and walk on the executive courses. It is freel. The trash is another story too. Where else in the US do they charge you to pick up recyled items that the town will be paid for when they sell the trash? That is a tax that The Villages mandated a few years back. Before that we had no recyling here in The Villages other than Silver Lake area where Lady Lake does it for them. The federal government (not just the president) is to blame for letting Progresss Energy raise their rates where you can't seem to get a hold of them. But people are not in an uproar over the cost of their electric so they can get away with it.
So yes it is expense to live here and you are very young to be here as well. With working, as you should be at 51, you don't have a lot of time to enjoy some of the activites. Hang in there it will only get worse. I feel your pain and I am not 51.

Aren't the electric rates approved by the Florida State power commission??
The cost of living here is all relative to where you came from, some say it is more and some say it is less.

[buggyone]

Did most people forget about there is NO state income tax in Florida? I came from Maryland and we had BOTH state and county income tax.

Well, I did go back to the initial posting on this topic. The woman says her husband is a golf addict and she has to work 3 jobs in order to keep food on the table. He is darn lucky the wife did not take lessons from Tiger Wood's wife on how to properly use a 7-iron.

[Posh 08]

Did most people forget about there is NO state income tax in Florida? I came from Maryland and we had BOTH state and county income tax.

Well, I did go back to the initial posting on this topic. The woman says her husband is a golf addict and she has to work 3 jobs in order to keep food on the table. He is darn lucky the wife did not take lessons from Tiger Wood's wife on how to properly use a 7-iron.

:BigApplause:

[janmcn]

Aren't the electric rates approved by the Florida State power commission??
The cost of living here is all relative to where you came from, some say it is more and some say it is less.

Yes the rates are approved by the state of Florida, not the federal government, and the power commission is loaded with Rick Scott appointees. Progress Energy customers are being forced to pay for repairs to the nuclear reactor, which has been shut down for two years, and also for a new nuclear plant which may or may not ever be built. Read The St Pete Times for in depth articles on this debacle.

[rubicon]

I agree it is very expensive and the tax on our little slice and I mean little slice of paradise is in line with San Francisco if you figure the square foot of your lot. Now with that said golfing is only as expensive as you make it. You don't have to pay trails fees if you don't want to. Use a pull cart and walk on the executive courses. It is freel. The trash is another story too. Where else in the US do they charge you to pick up recyled items that the town will be paid for when they sell the trash? That is a tax that The Villages mandated a few years back. Before that we had no recyling here in The Villages other than Silver Lake area where Lady Lake does it for them. The federal government (not just the president) is to blame for letting Progresss Energy raise their rates where you can't seem to get a hold of them. But people are not in an uproar over the cost of their electric so they can get away with it.
So yes it is expense to live here and you are very young to be here as well. With working, as you should be at 51, you don't have a lot of time to enjoy some of the activites. Hang in there it will only get worse. I feel your pain and I am not 51.

boobear 51751: Obviously if you moved from a high tax state taxes are going to look good to you. However when you take a closer look property/school taxes are not such a bargain;albeit lack of an income tax helps provided your earning a lot of income. Also a consideration is the weather. Again what you lose in June you gain in January although the last few years I was as cold as I had been when living in Minneapolis.

Golf is the main attraction for moving to TV and you will read or hear the marketing department claim free golf for the rest of your life. You can golf free on the executive courses if you don't ride and don't sign up for the computer tee time service. You can either use the free telephone system which is labor intensive and frustrating or walk on the courses to see if someone cancelled or if they have an opening.

The championship courses will cost you and much more in prime season. I have priority and mus play 66 games in order to break even. Most of my neighborhood plays off campus. When you compare rates off campus rates are verey competitive and even more so because they will provide a cat and sometime lunch. Add the cost of a cart to TV rates and you will get a morerealistic look at what you are paying.

Amenities fees are deducted each month per family. Its a waste for a family because if they do not use the rec centers, pools, courts,etc, and certainly TV isn't going to unbundled recreation items included in the amenity fee to reduce this cost.

What this all means is that TV expense factor depends on a person's personal lifestyle. If you like to party hardy then the price imay be worth it. If you are a homebody and golf occasionally it may be better to live elsewhere in Florida because TV "Lifestyle" sharply increase a home prices.

Finally as the built-out progresses TV is getting more and more crowded every year particularly from October through May. Even this past June thru September population was seen to increase. Population size also factors into quality living calculations. As an example the aforementioned free golf for the rest of your life doesn't mean you will be able to play everyday and /or as often as you like because in the name of fairness their are restrictions

[Xavier]

... I think I hear Charleston calling you! :wave:... and the favorite whine is, "I wish I had settled in Charleston." :wave: There is still time. :wave:

[eweissenbach]

I agree it is very expensive and the tax on our little slice and I mean little slice of paradise is in line with San Francisco if you figure the square foot of your lot. Now with that said golfing is only as expensive as you make it. You don't have to pay trails fees if you don't want to. Use a pull cart and walk on the executive courses. It is freel. The trash is another story too. Where else in the US do they charge you to pick up recyled items that the town will be paid for when they sell the trash? That is a tax that The Villages mandated a few years back. Before that we had no recyling here in The Villages other than Silver Lake area where Lady Lake does it for them. The federal government (not just the president) is to blame for letting Progresss Energy raise their rates where you can't seem to get a hold of them. But people are not in an uproar over the cost of their electric so they can get away with it.
So yes it is expense to live here and you are very young to be here as well. With working, as you should be at 51, you don't have a lot of time to enjoy some of the activites. Hang in there it will only get worse. I feel your pain and I am not 51.

With all due respect the cost of living in San Francisco is waaaay higher than TV. According to the CNN cost of living calculator a person making $37,000 a year in Orlando would have to make $60,000 a year in San Francisco to come out even. I have lived in the midsection of America my whole life and the cost of living here is about the lowest in the country, yet my calculations lead me to beleive that TV would be about the same for us. According to the CNN calculator you would have to make $63,000 in Orlando to equal $60,000 in St. Joseph, Mo, near where I live. Now I realize that Orlando is not TV, but most costs would be comparable IMO.

[VillagesFlorida]

My new electric bill from Seco is $55 plus change. I think I would be spending a lot more if I was back in Maine where my bill would probably be more like $120, PLUS I would have the cost of heating oil at $3.50 a gallon. That $55 is my total energy cost for one month. I am not leaving!

[Bogie Shooter]

boobear 51751: Obviously if you moved from a high tax state taxes are going to look good to you. However when you take a closer look property/school taxes are not such a bargain;albeit lack of an income tax helps provided your earning a lot of income. Also a consideration is the weather. Again what you lose in June you gain in January although the last few years I was as cold as I had been when living in Minneapolis.

Golf is the main attraction for moving to TV and you will read or hear the marketing department claim free golf for the rest of your life. You can golf free on the executive courses if you don't ride and don't sign up for the computer tee time service. You can either use the free telephone system which is labor intensive and frustrating or walk on the courses to see if someone cancelled or if they have an opening.

The championship courses will cost you and much more in prime season. I have priority and mus play 66 games in order to break even. Most of my neighborhood plays off campus. When you compare rates off campus rates are verey competitive and even more so because they will provide a cat and sometime lunch. Add the cost of a cart to TV rates and you will get a morerealistic look at what you are paying.

Amenities fees are deducted each month per family. Its a waste for a family because if they do not use the rec centers, pools, courts,etc, and certainly TV isn't going to unbundled recreation items included in the amenity fee to reduce this cost.

What this all means is that TV expense factor depends on a person's personal lifestyle. If you like to party hardy then the price imay be worth it. If you are a homebody and golf occasionally it may be better to live elsewhere in Florida because TV "Lifestyle" sharply increase a home prices.

Finally as the built-out progresses TV is getting more and more crowded every year particularly from October through May. Even this past June thru September population was seen to increase. Population size also factors into quality living calculations. As an example the aforementioned free golf for the rest of your life doesn't mean you will be able to play everyday and /or as often as you like because in the name of fairness their are restrictions

This for sure is not a Chamber of Commerce posting.

[ladydoc]

My new electric bill from Seco is $55 plus change. I think I would be spending a lot more if I was back in Maine where my bill would probably be more like $120, PLUS I would have the cost of heating oil at $3.50 a gallon. That $55 is my total energy cost for one month. I am not leaving!

What size house do you have? Our bill was a little under $100, but we do have multiple TVs and computers...I was just wondering if that would account for our higher bill. We did not have the air or the heat on hardly at all this past month.

[VillagesFlorida]

What size house do you have? Our bill was a little under $100, but we do have multiple TVs and computers...I was just wondering if that would account for our higher bill. We did not have the air or the heat on hardly at all this past month.

We have a 2BR, 2 BTH, small Florida room-courtyard villa. We also have two TVs on, but only during the evenings, 2 computers that are on, off and on all day and evening. We ARE careful not to waste hot water and we don't leave lights on if we don't need them for anything. Like yours, our AC unit barely ran all month. This bill DID include an almost $8 credit from Seco. Perhaps you cook more than I do!

[thistrucksforyou]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:
This post pops up every now and then....I am suspicious of this post...sounds like someone with a grudge or other motives....

[graciegirl]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Dear Arabian Horses,

This post is from the first of the year, so I bet by now you will have resolved the problem by getting rid of the guy who plays golf on the pricey courses while you work three jobs.

I also have to wonder where you moved from in Illinois to have the electric bills comparatively so high. I also would have suggested to you to wait until you have enough money saved so you don't have a mortgage, and I say this to you because at your age of 51, I am almost old enough to be your mother. Living the good life, after working for many years is not a given. It is a prize that people need to plan for and in these hard economic times may need to delay. Also it is wise, whether you are 21 or 51 or 71, (my age) to live inside ones income and sometimes that requires hard choices.

I will not bore you with the fun we had for quite a long period of our life,on not much money, and the satisfaction we feel after working very hard for a very long time to achieve this wonderful goal.

Personally I feel with the range of homes here starting at $70K, a lot of people can come here and enjoy every single thing.

But not every single person can retire because they are old enough.
There are many things that even if you have lived wisely, can and do happen to wipe out your financial safety. And sadly for many more than in the past that is the awful reality these days.

[RayinPenn]

I read this post some time ago and I must respectfully say you need to get your "ducks in order".
1. Kill the golf and pay off your debt. It is not to late to change the way you live. Read some Dave Ramsey -attend financial peace university.
2. Your husband needs to grow up and stop being so incredably shelfish. My wife is not going to work 3 jobs so I play golf.

It may not be politically correct to say so but I have to wonder why an industrious person such as yourself has a mortgage in her 50s?

[Russ_Boston]

To the poster who complained about the waste/recycling charge: I just looked at my recent bill and it comes to about $17 per month! Up in MA I payed almost $45 per month for private pickup (town did not offer it any longer). And in TV the trash is picked up twice per week and the recycles once. In MA it was once per week and every other week recycles.

[Figmo Bohica]

We have a 2BR, 2 BTH, small Florida room-courtyard villa. We also have two TVs on, but only during the evenings, 2 computers that are on, off and on all day and evening. We ARE careful not to waste hot water and we don't leave lights on if we don't need them for anything. Like yours, our AC unit barely ran all month. This bill DID include an almost $8 credit from Seco. Perhaps you cook more than I do!

Ladydoc and "more cooking" never happen. :a20:

[The Village Girl]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

If you ever decide to leave your husband, I think there might be a lot of gentlemen who would be interested in marrying you! My husband would be thrilled to have a wife who would work three jobs so he could golf all day! You are a treasure!

[rubicon]

This for sure is not a Chamber of Commerce posting.

Bogie Shooter: It was not my intent to be critical but honest in an assessment. These observations are not only mine but a collection of comments from various villagers. I have made practical adjustments to my routine. However for a number of villagers any suggestion or comment that doesn't meet their fanatasy land view of TV will be labeled a whiner. If no one spoke up how would District people know there were concerns?????

[rubicon]

... I think I hear Charleston calling you! :wave:... and the favorite whine is, "I wish I had settled in Charleston." :wave: There is still time. :wave:

methinks that was a quote i made in a weak moment. It was a learning experience. if it was my quote perhaps I deserve the attention or perhaps i do not. Either way it is a teachable moment

[Bogie Shooter]

Bogie Shooter: It was not my intent to be critical but honest in an assessment. These observations are not only mine but a collection of comments from various villagers. I have made practical adjustments to my routine. However for a number of villagers any suggestion or comment that doesn't meet their fanatasy land view of TV will be labeled a whiner. If no one spoke up how would District people know there were concerns?????

I have no fanatasy land view of TV.

[RRman77 retired]

When we first came to look at The Villages we were given a sheet that listed the cost of living in The Villages based on a 200,000 house. It is very accurate.

We moved from Ohio, and a few things are more expensive. But no where in the world can you get the extras you can enjoy here for the price.

[rubicon]

I have no fanatasy land view of TV.

Bogie Shooter: I know that. Sorry for not be clear in my communication

[Larry Wilson]

Of course this place is too expensive for many many people.

[Bogie Shooter]

Of course this place is too expensive for many many people.

But, maybe that is their fault?

[LisaJ]

But, maybe that is their fault?

Please elaborate. Do you mean they spend too much, didn't budget enough for retirement, both, etc?

[Barefoot]

Of course this place is too expensive for many many people.

If you are looking for a "deluxe" active retirement, I think TV offers good value. It is a fabulous City. If you are looking for a quiet and warm retirement home, there are less expensive options. TV can be quite expensive for part timers who don't qualify for the homestead tax break.

[Bogie Shooter]

Please elaborate. Do you mean they spend too much, didn't budget enough for retirement, both, etc?

Could be both.

[mgjim]

I keep coming back to this thread and am wondering if I just don't get it.

I'm not one to criticize someone else's life decisions. I am, however, a little surprised that anyone would want to retire in their 50's only to find out that they have to work multiple jobs in order to play golf or any other game. Is it because of a sense of entitlement or could it be something else (bad advice, unrealistic expectations,???)?

I have been somewhat anal in working out a budget for my retirement and I am convinced that I can afford to retire in The Villages despite a very small pension supplemented by social security and a lifetime of savings. I won't be able to afford a large or stylish house, I won't be able to take 6-week cruises, and I won't be able to afford a second home back home. Oh, and I won't be the one picking up the tab at the country club (unless I happen to achieve a hole-in-one, of course, like that's ever going to happen).

I hope for the best for this family that is struggling to make a go of it in TV but I really think that if you relish a cushy retirement, you really have to work hard to make it happen and you may have to delay retirement in order to achieve the wealth in order to retire the way you imagine it.

[Sameri]

I agree

[billethkid]

after a 2 year sleep the subject wriggles again.
It is all relative and a function of one's state of mind and what they seek.

Most of us who have been around the horn so to speak will atest to the fact TV is one of the true bargains in life.
If one lives within their means (not like the government) even social security only folks make it work here.

btk

[kagney123]

Well said and very wise....as usual.

Well Gracie, You know what they say.."Takes one to know one"

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

This original post is over two years old. I was shocked to read it. Like many others, I have no mortgage but that would be the same no matter where I am and would be the same if I had a mortgage. I find this to be on of the least expensive places that I've ever lived other than a third world country in Asia.

I don't understand the golf fee of $150 a month. I no longer play golf, buy I know that you can play the par three courses for no additional cost unless you wan to ride then you pay a modest trail fee. Even at that, $1800 a year is not a lot of money for golf. Where I cam from the dues at many private clubs exceeded $5000.

I pay a little over $100 for both internet and cable television. The same as it was in Massachusetts. Yes, most of us pay a trash fee but I don't know of anyone who doesn't use it. I can't imagine how someone could not use it. My trash fee is $51.00 per quarter nowhere near $55 a month. My trash collection fee up north was about $80 per quarter.

The thing is that here in the Villages you can buy a home for as little at $50,000. While that may be an exception, there are plenty of manufactured homes under $100,000 and plenty of villas and ranch home under $150,000. So eve if you have to have a small mortgage it will be lower here then anywhere else.

My electric bill is much less here than it was up north and that's with air conditioning and charging the golf cart. Speaking of which, we use about one tankful of gas per month in the car by using the golf cart for almost every trip we make inside the Villages. In fact we're considering buying another cart so I don't have to use the car when my wife takes the golf cart.

Another thing is that we don't have to pay for heat here. Up north had our natural gas budgeted and we paid about $300 a month. That did include the stove and clothes dryer as well as heat in the winter, but that's a bill that we don't have here at all.

In addition to how cheap it is to live here, we pay $140 a month and have tons of clubs, pools and other forms of recreation and entertainment to keep us busy. If we had to pay for all that we could never afford it.

I don't know what all the fees are that the OP is talking about. I moved here because it is so inexpensive and I can have a much better lifestyle here than anywhere else that I know of.

[buggyone]

I would guess that the OP meant his amenity fee ($150) was for golf, which it isn't.

The trail fee for executive golf of $142 per year is very cheap. For both me and Mrs. Buggy playing, it is less than a dollar per play.

This is truly a great place to live.

[Shirleevee]

This original post is over two years old. I was shocked to read it. Like many others, I have no mortgage but that would be the same no matter where I am and would be the same if I had a mortgage. I find this to be on of the least expensive places that I've ever lived other than a third world country in Asia.

I don't understand the golf fee of $150 a month. I no longer play golf, buy I know that you can play the par three courses for no additional cost unless you wan to ride then you pay a modest trail fee. Even at that, $1800 a year is not a lot of money for golf. Where I cam from the dues at many private clubs exceeded $5000.

I pay a little over $100 for both internet and cable television. The same as it was in Massachusetts. Yes, most of us pay a trash fee but I don't know of anyone who doesn't use it. I can't imagine how someone could not use it. My trash fee is $51.00 per quarter nowhere near $55 a month. My trash collection fee up north was about $80 per quarter.

The thing is that here in the Villages you can buy a home for as little at $50,000. While that may be an exception, there are plenty of manufactured homes under $100,000 and plenty of villas and ranch home under $150,000. So eve if you have to have a small mortgage it will be lower here then anywhere else.

My electric bill is much less here than it was up north and that's with air conditioning and charging the golf cart. Speaking of which, we use about one tankful of gas per month in the car by using the golf cart for almost every trip we make inside the Villages. In fact we're considering buying another cart so I don't have to use the car when my wife takes the golf cart.

Another thing is that we don't have to pay for heat here. Up north had our natural gas budgeted and we paid about $300 a month. That did include the stove and clothes dryer as well as heat in the winter, but that's a bill that we don't have here at all.

In addition to how cheap it is to live here, we pay $140 a month and have tons of clubs, pools and other forms of recreation and entertainment to keep us busy. If we had to pay for all that we could never afford it.

I don't know what all the fees are that the OP is talking about. I moved here because it is so inexpensive and I can have a much better lifestyle here than anywhere else that I know of.




AMEN! I
agree!

[Mimivillager]

:BigApplause:

[JimPete]

Another thing is that we don't have to pay for heat here.

GOOD POINT! The heat here is free!

Jim

[maureenod]

I see the OP lives in Silver Lake, which is one of the most reasonable villages. No Bond and low mortgage. She works 3 jobs and seems to support her husband so he can golf every day. Wake up and smell the coffee.

[buggyone]

I think we can all stop posting on this thread. The OP has not posted anything on TOTV for over one year. She may have lost interest or moved on.

[Halibut]

Well, I'll keep it going a bit to ask where y'all are getting your TV and internet so cheap? Mine were good the first year during the introductory rate, then both got jacked up big time. $155 combined now, plus the mysterious creepity creep of a few dollars more every so often.

We don't have any premium channels or other extras for television and didn't pay the extra $5 per month for the (alleged) 10mb Internet connection.

[Golf View]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

I've read most of the responses to your post, and have come to the conclusion that not everyone can afford to live here, maybe you are one of them. There are people who max out their credit cards every month & complain they can't live on their paycheck. It seems like you need to come up with a budget & stick to it. I sincerely wish you can get your affairs in order & enjoy the lifestyle we have here.

[Barefoot]

I've read most of the responses to your post, and have come to the conclusion that not everyone can afford to live here, maybe you are one of them. There are people who max out their credit cards every month & complain they can't live on their paycheck. It seems like you need to come up with a budget & stick to it. I sincerely wish you can get your affairs in order & enjoy the lifestyle we have here.

I'm not sure if you realize that you're replying to a post that is 2 1/2 years old!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Well, I'll keep it going a bit to ask where y'all are getting your TV and internet so cheap? Mine were good the first year during the introductory rate, then both got jacked up big time. $155 combined now, plus the mysterious creepity creep of a few dollars more every so often.

We don't have any premium channels or other extras for television and didn't pay the extra $5 per month for the (alleged) 10mb Internet connection.

I have Comcast.

[kittygilchrist]

In this two year old post:
"I moved here because my husband is a golf addict.."
"I have to hold down three jobs..."
and the red herring lines in the middle about how expensive it is to live here.
ending with :mad:
Who wouldn't be mad working 3 jobs in a place they never wanted to move to support a spouse's "addiction." That's one side of the story anyway.
that was two years ago. I hope better things are going on for this couple now.

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

[bowlik]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

I think your plight is the same as many Americans today. You are working as hard as you can to maintain your standard of living. Perhaps you and many others should look at where your money is being TAKEN from you. You pay Federal income tax, sales tax, gasoline tax, on your cable bill you pay state communications tax, local communications tax, FCC regulatory fee, as well as another sales tax. If you have a land line you again pay these taxes as well as a 911 fee. If you have a cell phone you are taxed again. On your electric bill you pay a municipal tax and a franchise fee. I would suggest the at least 30% or more of your disposable income is totally removed from you making a decision on how to spend your money. Unless things change many more people will be taken advantage of. You are forced to make adjustments on where you spend your money and yet do you see any adjustments being made by our government on spending your money. Until people speak up and act this will not stop.

[deltaguy]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Suggest you move to somewhere you can afford

[graciegirl]

Well now, That's settled.

[Michada]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

Have not had the same experience - we find SECO reasonable for electric - not paying that much for golf on executive/is that for championship? How much would it cost in IL. I work full time and we find our life here much more economical than NJ. We paid very high taxes there which included garbage pickup. Sorry to hear you are so unhappy - our internet is not that much either. We shop around for the bargain deals and have found them easily. Hope you can find relief ....

[buggyone]

...and the circle continues....

[Barefoot]

I think we can all stop posting on this thread. The OP has not posted anything on TOTV for over one year. She may have lost interest or moved on.

Suggest you move to somewhere you can afford

Well now, That's settled.

Not so fast GG. There may still be more replies in progress! I don't hear the fat lady singing yet. :doh:

[DougB]

Not so fast GG. There may still be more replies in progress! I don't hear the fat lady singing yet. :doh:

It is not over until the fat lady sings - YouTube

[DDoug]

Where we came from we had 10000 for house insurance 900 here that alone was worth it.

[Pturner]

I continue to be amazed at how inexpensive it is to live here. Our electric (SECO) and Gas (TECO) bills are about 20 percent and 200+ percent respectively cheaper here than they were in ATL. Garbage bill is exactly the same-- but we only had once a week pickup up there. The $145 monthly amenity fee less than half our golf club dues there. If you take advantage of some of the amenities, you can get a lot of your money in TV.

Ribbit

[Steve & Deanna]

WOW !!! You must be joking. If you think TV is expensive, try living up in the Northeast with their gas, electricity, property taxes and the list goes on ad on. We are quite fortunate to have two homes and are not wealthy (just careful) but we have found it quite do-able down here and are having the time of our lives golfing the Executive courses and paying a six month trail fee, the quality entertainment, the shopping and that list can go on and on. Something sounds very wrong with your expenses here and you would be wise to give them a second look. The Villages isn't for everyone...but it is for us.

[greg&sueby]

My wife and i moved here from michigan in January 2013. We bought a new
patio villa, and love it. We have a small mortgage (31/2) PERCENT. Our old house in Mi. had 7 pERCENT MORTGAGE from 1975. The market in Mi. was soft, and we bought our house furnished, so we could not pay cash. Now as to expensive. We have a very small pension, and pay our bills from both our Social Security. The saving we have we do not have to touch right now. I have always had a budget, and have all expenses on my computer, and have found that living here with all costs, is about 200.00 a month less than in Mi. We golf at the free courses, go to the free entertainment, use the
pools, and other places, (for free), and eat ot more often than we used to. I have found if you shop at all 3 markets, and check the sales (we have a freezer in the garage), the cost may be 5% higher here, but thats all. The taxes, insurance, (car and home), gas for the car, electric, and social security advantage is cheaper here. We actually spent about 200.00 per month less here. AND we still can save a few buck in the bank. You have to
check, and compare, and you will find a less expensive, but just as fun way to live here.

[jblum315]

Living here costs me less than half what I was paying in NY just for rent; I sold my house 8 years ago. All other expenses much less. I have SS, a tiny pension, and income from savings, and I live as well as anyone here

[cindyj99]

I have a much better life here than in MI. Couldn't get this for any price. And, I think it is very reasonable if you don't have a mortgage. Depends on what are your priorities in life and what you want to spend your money on. Sunshine is priceless!

[jannd228]

Living here costs me less than half what I was paying in NY just for rent; I sold my house 8 years ago. All other expenses much less. I have SS, a tiny pension, and income from savings, and I live as well as anyone here

I have been reading all the posts. I bough both books, the non-TOTV one said it costs $4500 a month to live there. I think that may be high, so I have decided to try to do it soon.

Thanks for the post

[DougB]

I have been reading all the posts. I bough both books, the non-TOTV one said it costs $4500 a month to live there. I think that may be high, so I have decided to try to do it soon.

Thanks for the post

Maybe with a $2500 a month mortgage.

[jrandall]

We came from Miami, Fl and the cost of living is cheaper here. Especially car insurance, home insurance, and taxes.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I have been reading all the posts. I bough both books, the non-TOTV one said it costs $4500 a month to live there. I think that may be high, so I have decided to try to do it soon.

Thanks for the post

If you can buy a home outright and have no mortgage, you easily live here on half that.

[Challenger]

Our costs are about 60% of what we experience when living in a Western Maryland town which was the 3rd lowest family per capita income in Maryland.

[LvmyPug2]

I agree it is cheaper here than where we lived in the Midwest. Real estate taxes alone are $4500 less per yr for slightly smaller home in TV (2200 sf vs 1900 sf). Dining out and cocktails are much cheaper here too. Dinner and drinks for 2 in our previous city cost us $60 to $150 or more, depending on how casual or fancy the restaurant. Here it is less than half that. Living here has allowed us to retire earlier than we would have been able to up north and we are able to travel more.

[travelguy]

Utilities are way lower here than in the Philadelphia; and Pennsylvania taxes.....was paying State Income Tax, Philadelphia Wage Tax (all who live or work in Phila. County must pay the tax), and local Earned Income Tax to the local township. Sales tax is lower (6%) and does not include clothing, shoes, and other things that are taxed here in Florida. Groceries and gas are no less expensive here. And homes are way less expensive here. There is almost nothing at all available for under $ 150,000 anywhere.

[Golfingnut]

I have lived here now for close to 2 years. I am a full time resident and moved here because my husband is a golf addict!:undecided: I can honestly say that this is the most expensive place I have ever lived in my life and I came here from Illinois, the over tax em state. I realize alot of you sold property and moved down here with no mortgages on your backs but, we couldn't do that. We have a mortgage here but, I am talking about the over the top fees for everything. The monthly fee for golf is $150, trail fees, mandatory garbage fees at $55 a month (whether you have garbage picked up or not! If you own property, you pay it!), the internet for $96 a year, Progress Energy, which is the most $$ utility company I have ever had to deal with...on and on. I am young enough that I am able to work (I am 51) and I have to hold down 3 jobs to keep food on the table here.
Before people buy here, they need to research the fees. If I would have known that this place was so costly, I never would have moved here!:mad:

I guess it has to do with where you came from. For us it was a pay raise from cost of every bill in Georgia. Our taxes, elec bill, cost of eating out and entertainment dropped dramatically.