Ballpark Figure for COL in TV

[Guzzel]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

[ElDiabloJoe]

The best bit of advice I can give is to watch this 3 month old video by Mike and Tiffany where they break it down completely. Then check the comments for people confirming / adjusting / verifying / etc. their experiences in comparison. The comments will go into a thing or two the video may have left out - like pest control.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxgWW2AZQWk

Hope this helps!!

[Guzzel]

The best bit of advice I can give is to watch this 3 month old video by Mike and Tiffany where they break it down completely. Then check the comments for people confirming / adjusting / verifying / etc. their experiences in comparison. The comments will go into a thing or two the video may have left out - like pest control.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxgWW2AZQWk

Hope this helps!!


Great!! That's what I was looking to find; thx!

G

[GreggC69]

There are several youtube videos where people have done this - breaking down their monthly expenses in The Villages. The "Villages New Comers" is one I recall. There are more.

[Rainger99]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

Utilities (gas and electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $73 a month
Home Insurance about $1400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1200 a year (one car)
Golf Cart Insurance about $100 a year
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer, irrigation) about $325 a month
Lawn/insect care - about $75 a month
Taxes on house - about $5000 a year
Bond - about $1500 a year (this will vary)
Groceries - about $75 a week
Dining out - we go out about twice a month so figure $100 total
Entertainment - we usually watch tv or read or play free golf and pickleball
Gas - about $50 a month (one car)
Travel - about $10,000 a year. We try to take two vacations a year.
Extras - we try to save $5,000 a year for a new car or home repairs.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income. It ranges from $174 (joint income under $206,000) to $594.00 (joint income of $750,00 or higher).

Depending on your life style, I think most people can live decently on $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

Most of these items you would have to pay for regardless of where you live. If you live in California, Texas, or Wyoming, you will have to pay taxes, insurance, utilities, internet, tv, groceries, entertainment, vacations, etc., etc. The only thing that you may not have is the amenity fee and golf cart insurance.

The real issue is how much or less it costs to live in the Villages compared to where you are living now or other places that you are looking at.

I think that living in the Villages is probably cheaper or about the same as living in the rest of the country. One factor is that there are no state income taxes so be sure to calculate that into your calculations.

These states do not have a state income tax. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

[kansasr]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

The Villages website has a decent affordability tab.....

Cost of Living in The Villages(R): Affordable 55+ Community (https://www.thevillages.com/cost-of-living/)

[Guzzel]

Utilities (gas and electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $73 a month
Home Insurance about $1400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1200 a year (one car)
Golf Cart Insurance about $100 a year
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer, irrigation) about $325 a month
Lawn/insect care - about $75 a month
Taxes on house - about $5000 a year
Bond - about $1500 a year (this will vary)
Groceries - about $75 a week
Dining out - we go out about twice a month so figure $100 total
Entertainment - we usually watch tv or read or play free golf and pickleball
Gas - about $50 a month (one car)
Travel - about $10,000 a year. We try to take two vacations a year.
Extras - we try to save $5,000 a year for a new car or home repairs.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income. It ranges from $174 (joint income under $206,000) to $594.00 (joint income of $750,00 or higher).

Depending on your life style, I think most people can live decently on $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

Most of these items you would have to pay for regardless of where you live. If you live in California, Texas, or Wyoming, you will have to pay taxes, insurance, utilities, internet, tv, groceries, entertainment, vacations, etc., etc. The only thing that you may not have is the amenity fee and golf cart insurance.

The real issue is how much or less it costs to live in the Villages compared to where you are living now or other places that you are looking at.

I think that living in the Villages is probably cheaper or about the same as living in the rest of the country. One factor is that there are no state income taxes so be sure to calculate that into your calculations.

These states do not have a state income tax. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

Great breakdown of monthly expenses; thank you!

G

[Haggar]

The Villages website has a decent affordability tab.....

Cost of Living in The Villages(R): Affordable 55+ Community (https://www.thevillages.com/cost-of-living/)

Since I track the non-discretionary costs of our village house I can tell you our house costs in a designer home in Fernandina runs us about $17,000. This is just for the house.
Includes all repairs and maintenance but does not includes upgrades and furnishings the wife wants.

Our bond which we are paying off started at $22,000. New house bonds can be up in the forties - will add about a $1,000 a year.

Does not include car expenses, meals and entertainment, travel, clothing, all of the other expenses which are discretionary.

[CarlR33]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/blind-sided-any-monthly-home-costs-351863/?highlight=Cost+live+villages

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $87 a month including tax
Home Insurance about $2400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1600 a year (a car, a pickup truck, and 2 golf carts)
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer) about $250 a month
Pesticide care - $25/month (paid every other month)
Taxes on house - about $2000 a year
Groceries - about $75 a week plus $50/month for cat food and litter (she eats well)
Dining out - around $150/month
Entertainment - hubby plays golf, probably around $30/week
Gas - about $70 a month (a car, a pickup truck, two golf carts)
Travel - about $500 a year. I visit my dad, hubby visits his sister.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income.

We have no bond, we have no mortgage. Taxes and insurance are weird because we're in a manufactured home in Lake County. We mow our own lawn and don't really travel anymore because our budget is pretty much fixed and limited. Our luxuries are mostly food related - since I make my own sauce from scratch, I can afford to buy Parmesano Reggiano and Peccorino Romano cheeses instead of the cheaper, lower quality brands. Plus we get home-made mac and meatballs and chicken parm with plenty left over for lunches, after we finish the full tray of lasagna that I make. It's 4 quarts of sauce and I portion control it. Initial cost for everything is around $50 but it's good for at least 2 dinner plates and 2 lunches per week for 6-7 weeks before I have to make another batch.

Because I save us money by making "planned-over" foods, we can afford to enjoy take-out more often.

[Becca9800]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

We own a 2/2 Courtyard Villa 1132 sq ft. and we're snowbirds.
The non-negotiables are:
Property tax - depends on the county's assessment of your property. Our taxes are 2850/yr.
Homeowner Insurance - $1274/yr, W new company as of 9/28/24, original roof, no inspection required, full coverage.
CDD payment - ~$250/month includes water, sewer, and trash pickup 2x/week.
Electric - (no gas in my neck of the woods) $75/mo
And bc we're snowbirds gotta have internet to monitor our thermostat, cameras etc $56/mo.
Wish I wanted to live here full-time w how inexpensive it can be.

[rsmurano]

Listing all your expenses is a waste of time, everything will be different based on where you live.
For example, if you move in the newer section, you will have over a $50,000 bond, where if you buy a used home up north it might be $10k or paid off. 1 more thing about bonds, you will never pay off the full amount. My bond is $34,000, and if I pay it off, I would still have to pay $600 each year until I die or sell the house.
Car insurance, home insurance will vary greatly depending if you drive a $20,000 Toyota or a $200,000 Porsche. Same goes for house, you buy a premier home, it will be substantially more than a villa. This same goes for property taxes.
As for gas in your cars, does your car get 15 mpg or 30? Do you drive 3000 miles a year or 20,000? Are You going to have 2 cars and 1 golf cart?
TV streaming, internet, entertainment costs, food, most things, will be similar to what you pay now. If you go on 2 cruises a year, costs won’t change except you can drive now to the port. You can live anywhere in the country and still pay the same price for YouTube tv.
The big difference here is you don’t pay income tax, but not knowing your current situation, that might not matter and you might live in a state that you don’t pay income tax now.
There are many cost of living calculators online that will compare your cost of living in your current city/state to the villages. This will give you what you want without all the details

[scubawva]

You can find every cost online, which is what I did before moving here.

Grocery stores, utilities, bond, insurance, costs of gas, restaurants, personal services, is all online. You can look up everything in an hour or 2. I did, made a spreadsheet and had a good idea of all costs.

Compared to where I lived TV is just about the same - some things higher (insurance, home upkeep services) some lower (taxes, auto gas, utilities).

The videos showing COL weren’t MY costs. Will you hire lawn care or DIY? How much do you dine out v eat in? Buying new or resale home? Small 2/2 or larger 4/3? Golf cart? Party animal going to shows/events often or stay-at-home? Golfer or not?

To many variables. Look up costs for your situation.

It’s worth every penny! Fantastic community.

[drdoug59]

[QUOTE=Guzzel;2378924]The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".


It will change as you go thru retirement, usually 3 stages, the go go years, the slow go years and the no go years
As you age, you will probably travel less, and spend more time at home
In my opinion you will find a lack of fine dining here in TV, as compared to Sarasota, so if you dine out regularly, you will save money here
Don’t forget to add in the cost of a golf cart, but owning one is not a necessity,
You can live frugally here, your in north central florida, your not in a coastal community like fort lauderdale where everything is much more expensive

[Villagesgal]

Everyone is different. We keep tabs on our expenses every month and we live fairly well. Day in and day out for our no mtg Designer home on a golf course runs about $25,000 per year including everything, food, gas, utilities, lawn service, car and house insurance, taxes, etc. We take 2 overseas trips a year and at least 2 domestic trips a year which adds another $30,000.
So, with travel it's around $55,000 a year, without travel it's around $25,000 a year. We think that's amazingly inexpensive for a wonderful quality of life. We've been here 22 years and still love it, so glad we came early in our late 40s. Would do it again in a heartbeat. You'll love it here too.

[drdoug59]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

Median income in TV is 76K. average income which is skewed by extremes in income is 96K. If your in that ballpark as far as retirement income you should be fine, if your a snowbird, then of course your expenses as much hire

[bowlingal]

your COL depends on your lifestyle. How often do you go out to eat? travel/cruises? Your fixed expenses can be researched, but remember, if you move south of 44, your bonds are extremely high, your taxes will be paid to Sumter County and the city of Wildwood. Your travel to the stores will take more time than you may want. Also, check out all the houses for sale already in the newer section. WHY? You gotta ask yourself why are so many houses for sale south of 44? Must be a reason.

[msilagy]

The quoted figures will be high in my opinion.

[Guzzel]

Electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $87 a month including tax
Home Insurance about $2400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1600 a year (a car, a pickup truck, and 2 golf carts)
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer) about $250 a month
Pesticide care - $25/month (paid every other month)
Taxes on house - about $2000 a year
Groceries - about $75 a week plus $50/month for cat food and litter (she eats well)
Dining out - around $150/month
Entertainment - hubby plays golf, probably around $30/week
Gas - about $70 a month (a car, a pickup truck, two golf carts)
Travel - about $500 a year. I visit my dad, hubby visits his sister.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income.

We have no bond, we have no mortgage. Taxes and insurance are weird because we're in a manufactured home in Lake County. We mow our own lawn and don't really travel anymore because our budget is pretty much fixed and limited. Our luxuries are mostly food related - since I make my own sauce from scratch, I can afford to buy Parmesano Reggiano and Peccorino Romano cheeses instead of the cheaper, lower quality brands. Plus we get home-made mac and meatballs and chicken parm with plenty left over for lunches, after we finish the full tray of lasagna that I make. It's 4 quarts of sauce and I portion control it. Initial cost for everything is around $50 but it's good for at least 2 dinner plates and 2 lunches per week for 6-7 weeks before I have to make another batch.

Because I save us money by making "planned-over" foods, we can afford to enjoy take-out more often.

Thank you for the cost breakdown; that helps.

[Guzzel]

You can find every cost online, which is what I did before moving here.

Grocery stores, utilities, bond, insurance, costs of gas, restaurants, personal services, is all online. You can look up everything in an hour or 2. I did, made a spreadsheet and had a good idea of all costs.

Compared to where I lived TV is just about the same - some things higher (insurance, home upkeep services) some lower (taxes, auto gas, utilities).

The videos showing COL weren’t MY costs. Will you hire lawn care or DIY? How much do you dine out v eat in? Buying new or resale home? Small 2/2 or larger 4/3? Golf cart? Party animal going to shows/events often or stay-at-home? Golfer or not?

To many variables. Look up costs for your situation.

It’s worth every penny! Fantastic community.

You're exactly right; however to get the fixed costs (e.g. Amenity fee, electric, internet, etc.) helps.

Thx,

G

[sowilts]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G
Next month Amenity Fee 327.

[sowilts]

Next month Amenity Fee 327.
Medicare still at 525 a month since I turned 65, now 71? Hopefully it will decrease.

[MikeN]

Our monthly fee totals $342 which includes the amenities fee, trash, water and “entertainment “. TV says it covers all but there is a year end maintenance fee which could vary by district but ours looks like closer to another $8K. So many other things like every business inside TV pays 10% to TV. Obviously the business then passes that on to us via more costly gooods, prices at restaurants If you go to any entertainment you restricted from bringing in food or drink and have to pay exorbitant prices for things you want there. Just look at all these things to establish what it actually costs

[wmcgowan]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G
Watch Jerry and Linda (The Village Newcomers) they vlog about the villages to include the information you desire

[TNKYGAL]

When we visited The Villages we were curious. We went from curious to happily stunned! Were we really interested in buying in Florida - land of beaches (which we didn't care for)? Then we discovered central INLAND Florida, and specifically The Villages! And YES! We were interested and did buy. Our only regret is that we didn't find this place 10 years earlier when we first retired! However, We did plan to be seasonal, so our look at the numbers revolved around whether we should rent or buy. At the time, rentals (for a 3/2 designer home) were around $3800/month. We did exactly what you are doing to determine the annual cost to own here, and it was roughly $15,000 at that time. So renting may be a better option if we planned to stay 3 months. But we planned to stay 4, and I wanted to be able to come and go during the summer as well, so we bought. Our biggest flaw in that assessment is that even if we just stayed 3 months, buying would have been better for us! Of course, that would have been hindsight, but the reason was, once you get here, you WANT to stay more! We now spend at least 5 months here, often more. And we are very close to shifting from seasonal to Florida residents!
Of course, knowing the dollars for the musts is important and everyone here has shared great numbers that are very close to ours (for the absolutes), but I agree with the others that it's a place like no other, you will almost instantly have a neighborhood of great friends (ours is the best, but in TV, most folks say that), and you will never be bored except by choice! There's an excellent chance you will love it here and not regret it!

[OhioBuckeye]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G
You’re probably talking about $200,000. to a million plus!

[Shelbyh]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

There are a few videos on YouTube that breakdown monthly expenses quite well, Rusty Nelson, Jerry and Linda, and Michael and Tiffany.
Hope it works out for ya!!

[jimjamuser]

your COL depends on your lifestyle. How often do you go out to eat? travel/cruises? Your fixed expenses can be researched, but remember, if you move south of 44, your bonds are extremely high, your taxes will be paid to Sumter County and the city of Wildwood. Your travel to the stores will take more time than you may want. Also, check out all the houses for sale already in the newer section. WHY? You gotta ask yourself why are so many houses for sale south of 44? Must be a reason.
That was good advice about the South of 44 problems. I would also suggest that they take the possibility of Hurricanes into consideration. In two years the Gulf waters could be even warmer than this summer.

[MplsPete]

...One more thing about bonds, you will never pay off the full amount. My bond is $34,000, and if I pay it off, I would still have to pay $600 each year until I die or sell the house....

How does that work? $600 is not much but still?
What is the fee called after the bond is satisfied?

[LuvtheVillages]

How does that work? $600 is not much but still?
What is the fee called after the bond is satisfied?

There are 2 components to the fee. Both are billed to you with your property tax and paid to the county.

1. The bond. You have the option to pay this annually or to pay it off. Many pay it annually until you have decided that this is your forever home. If you move, you just get a new bond with the new home. The bond pays for building the infrastructure of the area where your home is located.

2. The maintenance fee. Each district creates an annual budget to maintain the infrastructure that the bond paid for. This is an annual expense and never goes away. Each district is different, depending on the amount of infrastructure and the number of homes sharing the cost. Mine is about $600. Some districts are more.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Listing all your expenses is a waste of time, everything will be different based on where you live.
For example, if you move in the newer section, you will have over a $50,000 bond, where if you buy a used home up north it might be $10k or paid off. 1 more thing about bonds, you will never pay off the full amount. My bond is $34,000, and if I pay it off, I would still have to pay $600 each year until I die or sell the house.

How does that work? $600 is not much but still?
What is the fee called after the bond is satisfied?

There are 2 components to the fee. Both are billed to you with your property tax and paid to the county.

1. The bond. You have the option to pay this annually or to pay it off. Many pay it annually until you have decided that this is your forever home. If you move, you just get a new bond with the new home. The bond pays for building the infrastructure of the area where your home is located.

2. The maintenance fee. Each district creates an annual budget to maintain the infrastructure that the bond paid for. This is an annual expense and never goes away. Each district is different, depending on the amount of infrastructure and the number of homes sharing the cost. Mine is about $600. Some districts are more.

The person you're responding to, was responding to another post implying that the $600 was a never-ending part of the bond, that you'd have to pay even if you paid off the full amount of - the bond.

This isn't true. The $600 is a maintenance fee. Your maintenance fee would depend on where you live and which CDD is charging it. It doesn't matter if you bought your home with or without an existing bond, whether or not you pay it off or pay monthly. It's a completely different fee that isn't attached to the bond at all.

Where I live in the Historic section, there never WAS a bond in the first place. The homes that were rolled in and tied down in the 1980's never had any bond at all. We also don't have an annual maintenance fee, and we're not in a numbered CDD.

[westernrider75]

your COL depends on your lifestyle. How often do you go out to eat? travel/cruises? Your fixed expenses can be researched, but remember, if you move south of 44, your bonds are extremely high, your taxes will be paid to Sumter County and the city of Wildwood. Your travel to the stores will take more time than you may want. Also, check out all the houses for sale already in the newer section. WHY? You gotta ask yourself why are so many houses for sale south of 44? Must be a reason.

One reason a lot of houses are for sale in the newer section is because there is substantial money to be made when buying new, holding onto for a few years years, maybe a few improvements then sell and the profit can be substantial. Just compare the price of the new homes versus the older ones, there is alot of room for profit.

[Rainger99]

How does that work? $600 is not much but still?
What is the fee called after the bond is satisfied?

This discusses the maintenance fee.

The bond does not go up but the maintenance fee will.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/crazy-maintenance-fee-increase-lake-denham-352026/index3.html

[MikeN]

As I suspected my more unpopular view of what it costs to live in TV does not appear in the responses to this question. Consider that

[CoachKandSportsguy]

This discusses the maintenance fee.
The bond does not go up but the maintenance fee will.


Kind of like an HOA fee. .

juss sayin'

[PhilR]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

There is a local realtor. Dave Monty. Very knowledgeable. He has constructed a spreadsheet free to download and easy to use. Factors in everything

[Rainger99]

There is a local realtor. Dave Monty. Very knowledgeable. He has constructed a spreadsheet free to download and easy to use. Factors in everything

This is the Monty video in which he discusses the spreadsheet.

https://youtu.be/cunz27Rk-s4?si=AErZGSBjhlbXRHwe

[Karmanng]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G

I was told 2 years ago by a single male that it runs him about $40,000 a year to live here. I beleive that included lots of things like health, house bills, eating out and paying extra to play golf on the better course...........I hate to say but I beleive he is right! Its at least 1500 a month just for bills and nothing in there yet is for fun......dont forget what you spend on gas as driving is lots more for errands..............not sure it s worth it being here plus house and car insurances too.........buyer beware TV doesnt tell ya the truth on cost of living here........

[Karmanng]

Utilities (gas and electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $73 a month
Home Insurance about $1400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1200 a year (one car)
Golf Cart Insurance about $100 a year
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer, irrigation) about $325 a month
Lawn/insect care - about $75 a month
Taxes on house - about $5000 a year
Bond - about $1500 a year (this will vary)
Groceries - about $75 a week
Dining out - we go out about twice a month so figure $100 total
Entertainment - we usually watch tv or read or play free golf and pickleball
Gas - about $50 a month (one car)
Travel - about $10,000 a year. We try to take two vacations a year.
Extras - we try to save $5,000 a year for a new car or home repairs.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income. It ranges from $174 (joint income under $206,000) to $594.00 (joint income of $750,00 or higher).

Depending on your life style, I think most people can live decently on $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

Most of these items you would have to pay for regardless of where you live. If you live in California, Texas, or Wyoming, you will have to pay taxes, insurance, utilities, internet, tv, groceries, entertainment, vacations, etc., etc. The only thing that you may not have is the amenity fee and golf cart insurance.

The real issue is how much or less it costs to live in the Villages compared to where you are living now or other places that you are looking at.

I think that living in the Villages is probably cheaper or about the same as living in the rest of the country. One factor is that there are no state income taxes so be sure to calculate that into your calculations.

These states do not have a state income tax. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.


In some areas liek your food costs are a bit too low ! Also eating out is too low at $100 a month same with gas! I am a single person it costs me just as much as you with a 2 person houshold and maybe even a bit more taxes on your house will also vary grand total wth bond and ccd and fire for me will be over $6,000 on a 1659 foot home..........better reevaluate your numbers.......things are going up again like water fire trash already did food and insurances.......just sayin

[Karmanng]

Great breakdown of monthly expenses; thank you!

G

maybe a break down but clearly not that accurate add on more to each area he posted about

[Karmanng]

maybe a break down but clearly not that accurate add on more to each area he posted about

he did not add a cell phone either did I see landscaping and pest control???

[Karmanng]

In some areas liek your food costs are a bit too low ! Also eating out is too low at $100 a month same with gas! I am a single person it costs me just as much as you with a 2 person houshold and maybe even a bit more taxes on your house will also vary grand total wth bond and ccd and fire for me will be over $6,000 on a 1659 foot home..........better reevaluate your numbers.......things are going up again like water fire trash already did food and insurances.......just sayin

65 a month right now for grass 121.00 every other month for pest and termites those are my numbers............what about cell phones????

[Karmanng]

We own a 2/2 Courtyard Villa 1132 sq ft. and we're snowbirds.
The non-negotiables are:
Property tax - depends on the county's assessment of your property. Our taxes are 2850/yr.
Homeowner Insurance - $1274/yr, W new company as of 9/28/24, original roof, no inspection required, full coverage.
CDD payment - ~$250/month includes water, sewer, and trash pickup 2x/week.
Electric - (no gas in my neck of the woods) $75/mo
And bc we're snowbirds gotta have internet to monitor our thermostat, cameras etc $56/mo.
Wish I wanted to live here full-time w how inexpensive it can be.

your ccd is different its SSU for the water and trash your electric in summer is clearly more if you are here full time.......your taxes are cheap if correct.....mine is over $6,000 inculdes bond taxes CCD fire last 2 went up depending on your district you are in..........Im in a 3/2 courtyard villa 1650 feet it is NOT cheap to live here at all

[Karmanng]

Utilities (gas and electric) - less than $200 a month
Internet - Xfinity is $50 a month
YouTube TV - $73 a month
Home Insurance about $1400 a year
Auto Insurance about $1200 a year (one car)
Golf Cart Insurance about $100 a year
CDD (amenity fee, water, sewer, irrigation) about $325 a month
Lawn/insect care - about $75 a month
Taxes on house - about $5000 a year
Bond - about $1500 a year (this will vary)
Groceries - about $75 a week
Dining out - we go out about twice a month so figure $100 total
Entertainment - we usually watch tv or read or play free golf and pickleball
Gas - about $50 a month (one car)
Travel - about $10,000 a year. We try to take two vacations a year.
Extras - we try to save $5,000 a year for a new car or home repairs.
This doesn't include Medicare which depends on your individual income. It ranges from $174 (joint income under $206,000) to $594.00 (joint income of $750,00 or higher).

Depending on your life style, I think most people can live decently on $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

Most of these items you would have to pay for regardless of where you live. If you live in California, Texas, or Wyoming, you will have to pay taxes, insurance, utilities, internet, tv, groceries, entertainment, vacations, etc., etc. The only thing that you may not have is the amenity fee and golf cart insurance.

The real issue is how much or less it costs to live in the Villages compared to where you are living now or other places that you are looking at.

I think that living in the Villages is probably cheaper or about the same as living in the rest of the country. One factor is that there are no state income taxes so be sure to calculate that into your calculations.

These states do not have a state income tax. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

Its more money to live here than many other places saving on state taxes isnt a big deal for me its 800 only compared to the very high cost of living here.......

[Karmanng]

your COL depends on your lifestyle. How often do you go out to eat? travel/cruises? Your fixed expenses can be researched, but remember, if you move south of 44, your bonds are extremely high, your taxes will be paid to Sumter County and the city of Wildwood. Your travel to the stores will take more time than you may want. Also, check out all the houses for sale already in the newer section. WHY? You gotta ask yourself why are so many houses for sale south of 44? Must be a reason.

yes because quite a number of people south of 44 are moving into a newer home !!!! Taking there profits and goin there I know so many that are.........

[ElDiabloJoe]

That was good advice about the South of 44 problems. I would also suggest that they take the possibility of Hurricanes into consideration. In two years the Gulf waters could be even warmer than this summer.

All roads only go to one place. At 81, I would not worry so much about the distant future and more on the next 10-15 years. Grain of salt strongly recommended here.

[pablo cruze]

The wife and I are considering TV for retirement in 2 years; so not looking for an exact figure, but assuming no house payment, was wondering what the average cost of living might be in TV.

Understand everyone's situation and lifestyle is different, but really wanted to get ballpark figures for things like, Utilities; Internet; Insurance; Amenity Fee (still $195/month?); Entertainment; Groceries; Other monthly expenses.

Again, not looking for exact costs, just trying to work up the reasonable monthly costs based on the knowledge base and experience of present "Villagers".

TIA,

G
take into account the fines that comm stds may impose due to non-compliance issues that you inherit from sellers. Villages resale office and realtors don't let you know if there are issues, since they don't want to risk the sale/commission. the crooked CDD people like Jerry Vicenti don't have compassion to forgive the fines, even though through great expense the property was brought into compliance. evil cartel.

[Rainger99]

In some areas liek your food costs are a bit too low ! Also eating out is too low at $100 a month same with gas! I am a single person it costs me just as much as you with a 2 person houshold and maybe even a bit more taxes on your house will also vary grand total wth bond and ccd and fire for me will be over $6,000 on a 1659 foot home..........better reevaluate your numbers.......things are going up again like water fire trash already did food and insurances.......just sayin

You are single and you say my food costs are too low at $75 a week? $75 buys a lot of groceries. Unless you are eating lobster and steak most nights.

I said $100 a month for dining out twice a month. If you go out 7-8 times a week it will obviously cost more.

[Rainger99]

he did not add a cell phone either did I see landscaping and pest control???

Are cell phone prices higher here than the rest of the country?

[Rainger99]

I would be interested in getting more information for all of these places that people claim are cheaper than the Villages.

Please post your numbers for taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, gas, etc., etc.

If there is a place considerably cheaper than the Villages I would be interested in finding out where it is.

[Velvet]

My observation is, whatever quote you get from the real estate office on how much it might cost you to own a place and live in TV, just double it … if for no reason other than unforeseen costs … and you should be ok.

[Stu from NYC]

My observation is, whatever quote you get from the real estate office on how much it might cost you to own a place and live in TV, just double it … if for no reason other than unforeseen costs … and you should be ok.

Lots of unforseen costs.

We joined lots of clubs and paying more for dues and entertainment than we had thought.

Also great place for a social life go out to dinner more than ever before.

[bosanquet]

You left out the bond fee and maintenance fee.

[pablo cruze]

I would be interested in getting more information for all of these places that people claim are cheaper than the Villages.

Please post your numbers for taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, gas, etc., etc.

If there is a place considerably cheaper than the Villages I would be interested in finding out where it is.
SunCity Center

[Rainger99]

SunCity Center

Can you provide details?

Food, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.

How many golf courses?
How many pools?

[scubawva]

You're exactly right; however to get the fixed costs (e.g. Amenity fee, electric, internet, etc.) helps.

Thx,

G

Which you can easily get online. Every cost is easy to lookup.

[scubawva]

Watch Jerry and Linda (The Village Newcomers) they vlog about the villages to include the information you desire

That video & others on YouTube are costs for THEM.

MY costs much different. I do d everything online quickly & easily. Much better than videos by bloggers who have a different lifestyle.

Fixed costs easy to find. Variable costs easy to find.