For those that are in or are considering the Eastport area, thoughts on retail?

[GreggC69]

Looking at the possibilities in the Eastport area. One thing trying to become familiar with is retail in or planned for the area. In areas north of 44, there are many options for groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and retail. For those more familiar with Eastport, am I correct that the closest grocery is at Magnolia? Other than that plaza, there is not much else currently close - correct? Have plans already been announced for other options in the vicinity?

[Bill14564]

Looking at the possibilities in the Eastport area. One thing trying to become familiar with is retail in or planned for the area. In areas north of 44, there are many options for groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and retail. For those more familiar with Eastport, am I correct that the closest grocery is at Magnolia? Other than that plaza, there is not much else currently close - correct? Have plans already been announced for other options in the vicinity?

Areas north of 44 were completed over 10 years ago, Eastport hasn’t opened yet. Understand that it is a new area and give it time.

There is retail planned for both Eastport and Middleton. I believe I saw a Publix announced but with no timeline. Magnolia is not that far away either.

[Papa_lecki]

Retail will be just like the other areas of the villages. Commercial real estate group tends to use the same tenant mix formula all across the villages.
Not sure about timing, but Brownwood took years to build out, and there’s still space available there.

[Stu from NYC]

It will take some years for a substantial amount of retail stores and restaurants to open in Eastport. If you are not prepared to drive some distance, look elsewhere. Still building in Brownwood 10 plus years later.

[callalily]

Looking at the possibilities in the Eastport area. One thing trying to become familiar with is retail in or planned for the area. In areas north of 44, there are many options for groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and retail. For those more familiar with Eastport, am I correct that the closest grocery is at Magnolia? Other than that plaza, there is not much else currently close - correct? Have plans already been announced for other options in the vicinity?

Downtown Middleton will have a grocery store. Lake Deaton Plaza is a couple of miles further than Magnolia Plaza. The 470/27 intersection has a ton of retail and it continues all along 27. There is retail planned for 470 near the turnpike. 301 is developing a lot of new retail south of 44.

[GreggC69]

Thanks. I am thinking mostly about golf cart accessible retail. Getting to grocery, bank pharmacy, and restaurants from fast food to sit down locations. Deaton about 30 minutes by cart and has some of that. Some at Magnolia which is about 15 minutes by cart. Just didnt know the timeframe on those type things.

[Altavia]

A few recent threads, downtown Middleton is probably12-18 months ahead of Eastport.

The Developer generally does not announce anything until it is infinal build out.


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/whats-open-whats-come-middleton-357984/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/whats-next-eastport-356833/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/explore-downtown-middletown-356610/

[asianthree]

Thanks. I am thinking mostly about golf cart accessible retail. Getting to grocery, bank pharmacy, and restaurants from fast food to sit down locations. Deaton about 30 minutes by cart and has some of that. Some at Magnolia which is about 15 minutes by cart. Just didnt know the timeframe on those type things.

We left between the 6’s because of all the retail and moved south of 44.
You will be good for eating establishments..but have to ask how many times a month do go to the Bank (I am online only, stop twice a year)
Pharmacy for us never we are mail order,
Grocery Kroger and Walmart Plus shops, bags and delivery to my door whenever I want. Even in a hour if I am desperate.

It seems brick and mortar is the biggest worry for new Residents, on where to live, but if you wrote down every time you went to bank, pharmacy, grocery, you may find they aren’t top of your list. Then again once you shop Publix or WD, you may decide there are much better grocery choices that deliver or outside the bubble. Plus Costco will be here soon adding to shopping and delivery.

Restaurants in TV are once a week social after golf, for us, other than that we travel outside the bubble for dining. For us food needs to be good, and most restaurants here don’t strive above mediocre.

If I didn’t love where we are in this fourth house, Eastport would be our next home.

[ResQme]

We left between the 6’s because of all the retail and moved south of 44.
You will be good for eating establishments..but have to ask how many times a month do go to the Bank (I am online only, stop twice a year)
Pharmacy for us never we are mail order,
Grocery Kroger and Walmart Plus shops, bags and delivery to my door whenever I want. Even in a hour if I am desperate.

It seems brick and mortar is the biggest worry for new Residents, on where to live, but if you wrote down every time you went to bank, pharmacy, grocery, you may find they aren’t top of your list. Then again once you shop Publix or WD, you may decide there are much better grocery choices that deliver or outside the bubble. Plus Costco will be here soon adding to shopping and delivery.

Restaurants in TV are once a week social after golf, for us, other than that we travel outside the bubble for dining. For us food needs to be good, and most restaurants here don’t strive above mediocre.

If I didn’t love where we are in this fourth house, Eastport would be our next home.

I don't think Walmart+ delivers to the Eastport area yet. Maybe in the future. But I haven't checked again lately. Kroger definitely does.

[GreggC69]

Thanks all. We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel with golf, shopping/dining, landscaping, squares etc raher than buying there and riding it out until the new areas mature to our current feel. Some friends have moved there and are super excited about being part of the early wave for that expansion. Happy for them. It's just not for us. Not saying the area we are in now is better, just different. The good thing is...The Villages offers a fit for all of us.

[tophcfa]

Retail smetail, I’d be waaaaaay more worried about golf.

[MandoMan]

It will take some years for a substantial amount of retail stores and restaurants to open in Eastport. If you are not prepared to drive some distance, look elsewhere. Still building in Brownwood 10 plus years later.

For that matter, still building at TrailWinds on 466A, which is close to my 12 year old home. If you want handy access NOW to the sorts of stores and services you want, buy near where they are. It you can wait five or ten years, buy new. I live close to Buena Vista and 466A. Most of the things I do and places where I shop are within thirty minutes of driving, and the majority of those within twenty minutes. That’s definitely not the case with the new homes going up. However, there’s a big difference between driving for thirty minutes in the relaxed beauty of The Villages and doing it in most big cities I’ve visited, or even small cities, or even must suburbia.

[bowlingal]

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

[rsmurano]

Walmart super store going in at Morse and 44. Why are people more concerned with shopping compared to getting out and doing something to work your body or brain? We could care less if it takes us 10 mins or 1 hour to get somewhere to shop if we only need to go a couple times a week or couple times a month. For years, we never go to a square to shop, maybe to eat once every 6 months, we go to the concerts, car shows, and the art festivals at the squares.
We go shopping up on 441 once every 6 months. But we use the sports courts, golf courses, and rec centers multiple times a day. Where are the clubs you are going to join? Where are you going to play tennis? Pickleball? Archery? Rc boats? If you rc boat at hacienda multiple times a week for example, why would you think about moving to Eastport? Move close to what you are going to do everyday!

[Bill14564]

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

Same reasons lots of pre-owned homes for sale north of 44 plus flipping. Nothing north vs south about that.

[asianthree]

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

Guessing the reason Lots of preowned is many choose the bond, taxes, less retail and restaurants. You mentioned Coleman you forgot “The Mine Blasts”, for a better fear factor.

In our 4th village about 55% moved from north of 44, mostly between the 6’s. So definitely an abundance of preowned for sale.

[Ptmcbriz]

There is a Publix being built at Eastport. It’s under construction. However, I order my groceries from Publix and Kroger. They deliver your groceries right to your door. I rarely ever venture into a grocery store.

[DrHitch]

....We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel.....

Glad you did your lifestyle homework and didn't "drink the Kool-Aid" for a new house. Some other thoughts on new vs pre-buult

1) read the specific deed restrictions for district of interest

2) look at map of ALL types of amenities (eg sports pools, dog parks) at Map of Locations (selectable) - The Villages 101 (http://www.thevillages101.com/map)

3) retail build-out will take 1-2 years to get serious critical mass. Spanish Springs is 30 years old and still has turnover and empty retail, but close to businesses on Rt 441.

4) houses in South have separate (cheaper) lawn irrigation water, but it's reclaimed.

Oh, and watch proximity of pickleball courts, wastewater stations, etc....get a good set of paper maps from any sales office.

[bonbonn]

It will be years before they have retail dont believe them. We waited 4 years for magnolia plaza

[ElDiabloJoe]

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

This is a valid point. I think you are overlooking what I believe to be the primary cause: investors and flippers who thought they were chasing easy money and the market and flipping / land lording not being as carefree as hoped.

I like that EP area is newer and underdeveloped as far as retail and services go. I just turned 56, so I'll be in my money-spending 60's (travel, etc.) when it fills in and be sitting pretty in the presumed center of The Villages. I do like to have grocery stores around because Mrs. EDJ enjoys two things most find strange: vacuuming (we have 13 some-odd vacuums and she vacuums daily, sometimes multiple times) and grocery shopping. She enjoys seeing what stores carry what produce, Mexican ingredient offerings, etc. Some stores have better produce, but the meat isn't what she is looking for. Some stores have her brand of whatever product she prefers, some don't.

These are two hobbies of hers that I am happy to encourage because they are not deleterious like smoking or gambling.

[Rainger99]

Thanks all. We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel with golf, shopping/dining, landscaping, squares etc raher than buying there and riding it out until the new areas mature to our current feel. Some friends have moved there and are super excited about being part of the early wave for that expansion. Happy for them. It's just not for us. Not saying the area we are in now is better, just different. The good thing is...The Villages offers a fit for all of us.

Are you north of 466, between the 6s, between 44 and 466a, or south of 44?

What store or stores was the deciding factor? And what would you have needed to move to Eastport? A Costco, a Trader Joe’s!

[kingofbeer]

Areas north of 44 were completed over 10 years ago, Eastport hasn’t opened yet. Understand that it is a new area and give it time.

There is retail planned for both Eastport and Middleton. I believe I saw a Publix announced but with no timeline. Magnolia is not that far away either.
They will have small gift shops and boutiques which are pretty much useless to me. No where to buy shoes or clothing. You will have to drive to Clermont.

[Zenmama18]

Add Turnpike noise and powerlines.

[Bill14564]

They will have small gift shops and boutiques which are pretty much useless to me. No where to buy shoes or clothing. You will have to drive to Clermont.

Gift shops, boutiques, restaurants, and groceries are the type of retail you will find within the Villages. On the edges there may be hardware stores or big-box stores. Mall-type stores are in Leesburg, Ocala, and Clermont (as you mentioned).

Which area of the Villages has exactly the retail you need (and why didn't you buy there)?

[GPGuar]

There is a Publix being built at Eastport. It’s under construction. However, I order my groceries from Publix and Kroger. They deliver your groceries right to your door. I rarely ever venture into a grocery store.
Just curious, how much more does Krogers charge for home delivery… not to mention the tip?

[GPGuar]

It will be years before they have retail dont believe them. We waited 4 years for magnolia plaza
And the gas station took even lower ������!

[GreggC69]

We are between 44 and 466A. It wasn't so much a specific store that decided it for us. However, we do like jumping on cart and grabbing Subway, or Jersey Mikes, or going to one of the Italian places, or Chinese or Mexican whenever we want in about 10 minutes by cart. Or running by for a drink and listening to live music at various squares, restaurants or golf clubs - depending on who is playing where. The same for Walgreen's, the liquor store, Publix or Winn Dixie. We don't go there all the time but it's nice to go near those often and able to stop in when needed/desired. The bigger factor for us as we looked closer was proximity to recreation, as someone mentioned above. Within 10-15 minutes by cart, we can play pickleball, tennis, water volleyball or golf (championship or executive) at MANY different places. And the short golf cart rides there are mostly on multi model paths that are incredibly developed with great landscaping so the ride is very scenic. Also, for us, home value appreciation is of no concern. We are definitely on the younger end of age spectrum in The Villages and newly retired but this will be our last house. If it appreciates, great for the kids but really of no worry for us.

[Rainger99]

We are between 44 and 466A. It wasn't so much a specific store that decided it for us. However, we do like jumping on cart and grabbing Subway, or Jersey Mikes, or going to one of the Italian places, or Chinese or Mexican whenever we want in about 10 minutes by cart. Or running by for a drink and listening to live music at various squares, restaurants or golf clubs - depending on who is playing where. The same for Walgreen's, the liquor store, Publix or Winn Dixie. We don't go there all the time but it's nice to go near those often and able to stop in when needed/desired. The bigger factor for us as we looked closer was proximity to recreation, as someone mentioned above. Within 10-15 minutes by cart, we can play pickleball, tennis, water volleyball or golf (championship or executive) at MANY different places. And the short golf cart rides there are mostly on multi model paths that are incredibly developed with great landscaping so the ride is very scenic. Also, for us, appreciation is of no concern. We are definitely on the younger end of age spectrum in The Villages and newly retired but this will be our last house. If it appreciates, great for the kids but really of no worry for us.

That is a great location. We rented there when we first moved here. Everything was close! Grocery stores, restaurants, library, DMV, churches, etc. And three executives within 5 minutes and 5 within 10 minutes.

[ResQme]

Just curious, how much more does Krogers charge for home delivery… not to mention the tip?

You can become a "member" for $69/yr or $8.99/month, or just pay per delivery order starting at $6.95 per delivery. No tips accepted (Kroger policy.)

[Nell57]

Thanks all. We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel with golf, shopping/dining, landscaping, squares etc raher than buying there and riding it out until the new areas mature to our current feel. Some friends have moved there and are super excited about being part of the early wave for that expansion. Happy for them. It's just not for us. Not saying the area we are in now is better, just different. The good thing is...The Villages offers a fit for all of us.

Totally agree.
Yesterday’s errands were , Lowes, Publix for a pick up dinner, 5/3 bank for ATM, Circle K gas and a car wash. All are now nearby on 466A/Powell Rd. I was back home in less than 80 minutes.
I’ve lived between the 6’s for 15 years, and it took about 10 years for the commercial in this area to begin development. Retailers wait until the residential shopping base is in place before they commit to building stores.
It also works against us that we are a seasonal community, and many of the shoppers disappear after May 1.
So if you are looking to buy in Middleton/Eastport….enjoy the adventure.But don’t expect shopping and fast food restaurants anytime soon

[ThisTimeIsDifferent]

Just curious, how much more does Krogers charge for home delivery… not to mention the tip?

Delivery rate varies by time of day. I always choose the following day between 8 and 9pm for a fee of $3. Kroger has a no tipping policy.

The app tracks delivery time and gives you an accurate notice of when they are on the way. Employees are professional and use a company vehicle which is refrigerated to keep everything fresh. Over the last year, they have delivered without error and refunded two items immediately when I expressed dissatisfaction. Contrast with Walmart where almost every order is incomplete and who once split a delivery of 11 items into 5 separate deliveries over 2 days.

[BlueStarAirlines]

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

Why are there so many pre-owned homes for sale in the north? Traffic? Too much retail? Older demographic? Too much crime? Old homes? Think about it.

[GreggC69]

Why are there so many pre-owned homes for sale in the north? Traffic? Too much retail? Older demographic? Too much crime? Old homes? Think about it.

I don't see the first two as having any impact. Traffic (at least within the villages) is a non issue for us. Perhaps it is because we are "golf carters" and go virtually everywhere by cart. I don't think there is "too much retail", even if that could be such a thing. Its awesome that it is available, but it is certainly not in the way or a nuisance by any means. Love that it is available - now. We are definitely young villagers but have found many similar aged friends in our village. We have found even more thought village wide clubs we participate with and just people we are paired with when we golf. We also have many friends who are older than us...some by 20 years. As I get older, I find age less relevant, at least chronological age. It is more how you feel and act. I would never have guessed some of our friends are as old as I find out them to be!! I have not seen any crime in our village. Perhaps it has happened and we did not know but have heard nothing. Finally, I do think some may move for a new house. Ours is 6 years old and we've been in it two years so it is new enough for us. Its the perfect fit. We also have little to no investor owned homes in our village which I like so there is not the churn of rentals. But as mentioned, the beauty is that there is a fit for all and people shouldn't feel the need to defend their choices. It's fun to hear the different perspectives though. Get what you like and live the dream!!