How old is too old to move to the Villages

[mrsstats]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

[Papa_lecki]

if you’re mobile and in relatively good health do it.
Your glory years will be much better quality - wish my parents would have done it.

[MrFlorida]

You only live once, go for it.

[Snowbirdtobe]

What do you like to do? If you both golf the answer is easy. If one likes to quilt or sew and the other likes to swim or play cards the answer is easy. If either of you have complex medical problems the level of medical care would be an issue.
The "Villages Hospital" now renamed to "Spanish Plains Hospital" is still a one star hospital according to Medicare. Look up the rating on the Medicare hospital rating site and then decide.
PS if you qualify medically you may be able to switch to a standard Medicare insurance plan like plan F or G. That plan will allow you to go to the best hospitals in the US for treatment.

[billethkid]

We did it at 68.....conclusion....

We would do it again and also would not hesitate at 78......still enjoying every minute at 80something.....

Medical care? Medicare + AARP Supplement....Use local MD for primary. Specialists and hospitals? Where ever the best are in FL. Draw a 2 hour circle around TV and it includes Gainseville/Shands....Jacksonville/Mayo Clinic....and several more top notch facilities.............. hundreds of specialists.....all within 2 hours.

Just do it.

[Slainte]

Do it. Buy where you can reach stores, church, pool & activities easily. If you can get around primarily by golf cart, it’s a great place to age out having fun. Check the golf cart paths & check how easily you can enter & exit your Village (having a stop light). Check for ER Hospital near your home and also ck Orlando, Ocala, and around the Villages — there are many excellent medical specialists. The Villages are a safe, friendly community. Good luck in your searches & decisions.

[tophcfa]

For us, it’s not about age, it’s about health. The biggest appeal about the Villages for us is the active lifestyle (sports pools, golfing, flatlander biking, going everywhere in a golf cart, and other outdoor activities). The thing we find least appealing is the availability of quality health care. As long as we can keep active and have minimal health care needs, we want to spend as much time in the Villages as possible. If we can’t do our preferred activities, and have substantial health care needs, we’re outta here.

[Taltarzac725]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

You should like it here . Two bowling alleys very close together off of 441/27 in the oldest part of the Villages. There were some avid bowlers at Doggie Doo Run Run when I went there. Older Villagers in their 70s. But still very active. Unfortunately they have passed. I have been here since June of 2005. Many of the people whose company I have enjoyed passed away or moved out of the Villages.

yelp.com (https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=bowling&find_loc=The+Villages%2C+FL)

[Aces4]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

Do yourselves a favor and rent. You'll have the best of all seasons and top medical care since you can flex and go back north for that. You have no roots to pull you one way or the other and you'll avoid all the maintenance work and costs which goes with owning a Florida home. I know all homes have those expenses but you're not chasing mold, bugs invasions, termites, irrigation at all or very little. You also don't have to deal with sinkholes and hurricanes.

[CarlR33]

Make it easy on yourself and don’t bring the old wrong looking furniture. So often, I see a house for sale and it’s obvious they brought the northern stuff.

[dtennent]

I will second the suggestion to rent. It is hard to understand this community without living here for a while. You will also gain an appreciation for each area within The Villages. If you decide to move, only bring down those few items which have strong emotional ties. Sell the rest and buy new when you get here. The cost of moving lots of furniture and dealing with whatever damage occurs is large compared to the cost of buying new furniture. Most important, maximize the joy in your life going forward.

[Sully2023]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

My neighbors moved here at age 75. His wife passed away two years after their move. The husband is still enjoying the villages and no plans to leave. You have to do what makes you happy and don’t worry about what others think.

[Carlsondm]

We are from the north and moved here 6 years ago after lifestyle visits. We are 76 now and active year round. You will meet residents who are 90s and 100s here. I highly recommend renting for 3 or more months to feel the politics, traffic, medical services, and area you prefer to live in. We are non golfers with other hobbies and are busy all the time. No basements here and lots of electrical storms in some locations. Hurricanes usually fizzle out before they reach us. We found good medical care but had to work for it. Btw, we chose the south side and love it. Sumter County for lower taxes and near Leesburg hospitals.

[Rwirish]

Not sure of the hesitation. Just do it.

[Marmaduke]

You know what they say~

>"He who hesitates is lost."
>"If not now, when?
>"Live, Love, Laugh."
>"C'mon Down!"
>" This is the Life"
>" Livin' the Dream"

"We'll leave the light on for ya"

See you soon, you're gonna love it here!

[westernrider75]

What do you like to do? If you both golf the answer is easy. If one likes to quilt or sew and the other likes to swim or play cards the answer is easy. If either of you have complex medical problems the level of medical care would be an issue.
The "Villages Hospital" now renamed to "Spanish Plains Hospital" is still a one star hospital according to Medicare. Look up the rating on the Medicare hospital rating site and then decide.
PS if you qualify medically you may be able to switch to a standard Medicare insurance plan like plan F or G. That plan will allow you to go to the best hospitals in the US for treatment.

It sounds like they already have Medicare and a supplement, AARP.

[ColtsFan]

My husband and I moved here 20 years ago. We are now 77 and 82 and still very active. There is so much to do here and we think we are healthier than if we would have stayed in Indiana. We also have Medicare and AARP Supplemental. Great insurance --- we never have any co-pays and we have found great doctors. Don't wait --- start living your dream.

[Susan1717]

Your age is not old at all! I’m almost 72, still walk 5 miles almost everyday snd stay active always. There’s a great gym here with a lot of weights, machines and classes in Brownwood. Most of my friends are in their 50s here. I don’t golf but I’m never bored a day! Lots of social fun! .

[Kingsport]

Get here ASAP! You will not find a better place. You will not be old here. Join clubs as soon as you get here. You will never be this young again.

[Taltarzac725]

You should like it here . Two bowling alleys very close together off of 441/27 in the oldest part of the Villages. There were some avid bowlers at Doggie Doo Run Run when I went there. Older Villagers in their 70s. But still very active. Unfortunately they have passed. I have been here since June of 2005. Many of the people whose company I have enjoyed passed away or moved out of the Villages.

yelp.com (https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=bowling&find_loc=The+Villages%2C+FL)

One of these bowlers was kind of like Pauline from the Perils of Pauline . She had a new misadventure very often which we would have us at the dog park talking for weeks. She drove a friend in the old section of the Villages in her own golf cart and hit one of those posts on the middle of the golf cart path sending her passenger flying out the side. Her retired DC lawyer boyfriend passed away on the dialysis machine here in the Villages. A leak happened in the pond just behind her house. She drove her golf cart though the screen on her garage forgetting it was down. The last story we had heard was that she had escaped out of her nursing home just in her gown by taking advantage of her attendants being distracted while they tended to another patient. And her two dogs would often be creating huge holes in the ground at Doggie Doo Run Run while hunting for moles. We would fill in these holes for her because there was rarely a dull moment with her around. My first Villages' dog also loved digging holes looking for critters. Doggie Doo Run Run eventually put a stop to dogs digging. Some of the holes that our "Pauline's" dogs would create were rather large.

[MandoMan]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

You don’t need to do any outdoor sports or activities to love it here. You don’t need to have a golf cart. You don’t need to like the far-too-loud music at the town squares. It’s a beautiful place to live. You know that. But to get you money’s worth, get involved with some of the huge number of activities available here. That’s where the fun is. That’s what makes us different here. For example, I love to play various musical instruments, and I’ve learned several new ones since moving here. I play or perform at seven jams or performances a week, all in rec centers. About two hundred people come to hear us, and many get to know each other, so you don’t have to play to have fun. For an example of learning new things, there are several hundred people here who get together at least once a week to play ukuleles together and sing. Most of these people learned to play here, and they may not play very well and may not sing very well, but they do it with enthusiasm and have a great time. This applies to all sorts of fun activities, or at least fun for some people.

If you’ve been here for two lifestyle visits, you probably know that if all you have is Social Security income for two, that really isn’t enough to have a relaxed, fun life here. After one spouse dies, it’s much harder. A number of people here in that condition are struggling. Unless you have a substantial pension, too, I’d say aim at a home of about 1200 sq ft. I downsized to a courtyard villa and love it. And if medical care is important, you can try to be close to our hospital and nursing homes and all in the northern parts of The Villages, or you could look for a home near, say, Colony Shopping Plaza, close to 466A and Morse, but in Sumter County for tax reasons. AdventHealth/Waterman in Tavares is the top-rated hospital in the area, and it is building a fancy new ER just past Colony on 466A. Living near there would closer to things as you age,

At your age, I’d say don’t buy new construction. There’s a lot more involved with being a first owner, and the new homes are a long way away from most of the shopping plazas and rec centers and all the bowling, if you’ve want to continue that. Buy a home where you don’t need a mortgage, where the roof was recently replaced, where there is no bond. Not in Fruitland Park because the taxes are much higher. All the money you don’t have to pay every month in mortgage and all is money you can spend having fun.

[Gunny2403]

I’m 75 and spouse is 72. Come on down!

[Rsb23]

We have been living in the village for 20 years and are 77 & 81. There are over 3500 clubs in the villages so you can’t get too bored.
I suggest you buy or rent north of 466A because most of you neighbors will be of a like older age. The village of Winifred is about 1/2 mile from shopping, doctors, some good restaurants, Walmart and by the fall the new Costco that is being built. It’s right by the Laurel Manor Recreation Center which has a gym if you need one. There is a Winifred adult pool. This is just examples of what the choose of which village you pick can offer.
Make The Move… you’ve been living up north way too long….
Good luck. I hope you find what you both are looking for….

[opinionist]

Dealing with ice, snow, and cold is something to avoid. There is no shortage of things to do, even with physical impairments. Make the move.

[Altavia]

Especially if mobility is starting to be challenging, Independent living at a facility inside the Villages is another option.

Some are sort of like a cruise ship on land. ;-)

[Nell57]

For top notch cancer treatment and research we were able to go to Moffitt in Tampa….75 minute drive.
The hospital here in The Villages sometimes gets negative comments. Part of the problem is, their clientele is aged and most have complex medical situations. But they are now affiliated with Shands in Jacksonville. We had excellent care there on numerous occasions, and they will transfer you out if your situation warrants it. You will find good doctors….make that a priority.
A second compounding situation is that medical facilities in ALL OF FLORIDA are overwhelmed Jan-Feb-Mar. With the great influx of snowbirds, hospitals and ER’s are overwhelmed and bogged down. So plan your routine medical ✅ for fall and late spring.
Hang out for a while at the pool. Everyone’s had a new knee, hip, shoulder….heart work done. People are very matter-of-fact about our replacement parts. The difference here is people just roll with it and get back to favorite activities ASAP.
Someone with a joint replacement up north will perseverate on it two years before the surgery….then talk about every detail for two years after. No comparison as to where I’d rather be.
By the way, there are over 3000 clubs here. You will find your people.
This is nobody’s home town. There will be super friendly people wherever you go…if that’s what you want. If it’s not….you can enjoy your own quiet home and the beauty of Florida.

[vintageogauge]

Do yourselves a favor and rent. You'll have the best of all seasons and top medical care since you can flex and go back north for that. You have no roots to pull you one way or the other and you'll avoid all the maintenance work and costs which goes with owning a Florida home. I know all homes have those expenses but you're not chasing mold, bugs invasions, termites, irrigation at all or very little. You also don't have to deal with sinkholes and hurricanes.

You have the same problems and expenses up north to deal with including sinkholes, hurricanes, and to a greater extent tornados plus snow removal, winter driving, winterizing exterior plumbing and irrigation, etc. Upkeep and maintenance is much lower in Florida.

[bonrich]

My wife and I have had Medicare and United Health Care/AARP for years. She is in the "N" plan and I am in the "G" plan since I have different medical issues. The Plan has served us well for years. We still travel back North for a short time and as long the medical providers take Medicare we are covered. The balance left not paid by Medicare AARP picks up. My wife ends up with a small copay and I do not have one. Happy with our choice, no plans to change. We do have to carry a seperate part "D" plan to take care of our meds.

[Ptmcbriz]

Absolutely do it. Your quality of life will go up. My husband has many specialists which 99% are here in The Villages. One heart specialist he has to go to Orlando which is 50 minutes from our house (we live in the new area south of 44). Being so close to Orlando is a huge plus. We’ve had stays in The Villages hospital, Leesburg and Ocala hospitals and all were good. We have an excellent stand alone ER here in the south at the corner of Meggison and Hwy 44. The biggest plus will be your friendships and support system here. We all look out for each other in our neighborhoods. It’s a fabulous place to grow old. We’ve been here 4 years and time flies! Do it.

[Justputt]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

If you're not leaving anything/anyone behind and you like being warm/hate cold, this is a solid choice. Making new friends is pretty easy. Between social & hobby clubs, community pools and town squares, you'll almost certainly find people you have something in common with. Being so far south, the sun is more intense than I remember when in North Texas (which had much higher daytime temps), so I wear a hat on hot days to keep my head from frying. Property taxes and car insurance are more. While I've heard some complain about medical care, I've not had any issues with local hospitals or doctors, but I would get established with specialists you need ASAP, since new patient visits can be a wait. I have an Advantage Plan that is nationwide, and I kept doctors up north until things settled here. There's ups and downs to new vs older neighborhoods, so shop with that in mind. If buying old, get a REAL agent (TV sales are not licensed agents) so you can get the real scoop on a house, problems, expenses, repairs, insurance risks, etc. Lastly, think 10 years down the road and where you will want to be for getting to shopping, doctors, activities, but don't be overfocused on "golf car accessible", since I'd rather have a car for A/C or heat when doing shopping on bad weather days.

[coleprice]

If you're mobile and looking forward to a fun and active lifestyle, then you're never too old to move to The Villages. People come to The Villages to LIVE! Life is so much fun here and there is so much to do, no matter what your interests are.

[jimhoward]

A common rule of thumb in decision making is, when faced with good alternatives, to make the choice that represents change. I have always found that to be good advice.

Another good way to visualize is to ask yourself the questions backwards....what will your life be like over the next 10 years if you don't make this change. Picture yourself 10 years from now. Is it more likely that you will regret having made a move, or not having made a move?

Sorry for the philosophy. Just sharing my own process leading to a move.

In terms of health care, suffice it to say you would not be the only villager with Arthritis and needing a hip replacement. You can get that work done, in Orlando, or Tampa or at your prior home. Lots of choices and lots of peers to discuss it with, probably more than you have now.

[NoMo50]

My wife and I are convinced that living in The Villages is going to add years to our lives. Staying active physically, mentally, and socially is a roadmap for good health and a higher quality of life. Finding happiness here is easy, if you put forth the small effort. Despite what some of the naysayers might tell you, finding good quality health care here is also very achievable. None of us know how much time we have left in this life. Why not maximize that time by living somehere that allows you to live life to the fullest?

[Mpphred]

We did it at 78 and 75. best move we ever made. Its never too late.

[donfey]

10 years ago we spent a few days in an adjacent hotel for our first look. The following 3 years we rented for a month at a time in 3 different neighborhoods. 5 years ago, at the age of 75, we sold our cold home and moved here for good. We DID NOT bring any snow removal "stuff."

We never looked back. Would not consider living somewhere else, and find everything we want or need here. We, too, are on Medicare Advantage, and find the medical care great. PM me for more specific details, and Good Luck.

[sallyg]

Medical care near TV is sketchy. We always drove to Gainesville for serious issues or surgery. However, U of F is moving into TV and perhaps the care will improve. The lifestyle in TV is hard to beat. It is inspiring to see folks in their 80's and 90's out playing golf, walking, dining out etc. You just have to decide what is most important.

[Aces4]

You have the same problems and expenses up north to deal with including sinkholes, hurricanes, and to a greater extent tornados plus snow removal, winter driving, winterizing exterior plumbing and irrigation, etc. Upkeep and maintenance is much lower in Florida.

Never saw a sinkhole up north and I'll bet most haven't. If the OP plans wisely, snow removal isn't their problem.. condo's handle that. Snow removal and handling isn't what it was in the year 2000 so driving is seldom an issue unless it's the day of your surgery and it just snowed 2'. Retirement means you don't have to be on the road at a certain time every day. Winterizing means turning the outdoor spigots indoor valve one full turn, done. Lawn doesn't require irrigation and we don't deal with mole crickets, another pestilence. We didn't have to power wash our northern property ever.

We've lived both north and south. We would definitely take the upkeep time, costs and maintenance that were associated with northern property over Florida in a heartbeat. The way to beat all those extra costs and efforts in The Villages is to rent. With a condo or rental in the north and a rental in The Villages, it's a perfect fit for an old couple.

[jimjamuser]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.
Move to South or North Carolina because the summers are too HOT here. You burn your hand when you touch your car if in the sun too long. And it keeps getting warmer. Google world heat increasing in the most recent 10 years. Then ask your self Why? Hint. Then look at your car's exhaust.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Move to South or North Carolina because the summers are too HOT here. You burn your hand when you touch your car if in the sun too long. And it keeps getting warmer. Google world heat increasing in the most recent 10 years. Then ask your self Why? Hint. Then look at your car's exhaust.

https://i.imgur.com/9Eo4DHL.jpg

[WiscoDogsDad]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.
My parents landed here when they were each 72. Twelve years later they are still going 90mph with their hair on fire. Over the years, I've learned that I had to SCHEDULE phone calls! Three times out of four I got "Can we call you back? We are busy, right now."

I watched them be so active and vibrant, due in major part because of the lifestyle, here, that I came down.

Been here two months as permanent full-time and I don't regret a thing.

This is one family's experience.

Your mileage may vary.

My current takeaway is that one gets out of this community what you put into it....but if you're bored or lonely, it's your own fault.

If you're into watching Gunsmoke reruns....you can do that anywhere.

Be well and good luck with your decision.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Make it easy on yourself and don’t bring the old wrong looking furniture. So often, I see a house for sale and it’s obvious they brought the northern stuff.

Nonsense. I don't LIKE wicker, rattan, or cane. I LIKE solid hardwoods. I don't LIKE beige/cream/tan combined with the obligatory sea-blue and coral. I LIKE cherry and maple with turquoise and purple.

Do yourself a favor, OP. Get what you like, and bring your favorite pieces, if that's what makes you feel happy and at home in your new surroundings.

At age 78, you might consider a location that has sidewalks or an MMP nearby. Especially once hubby gets his hip replaced. The older you are when you get that done, the longer the recovery period. Normally he'd be up and walking around the same day, but with pain and not very balanced yet. Within a few months he'd be better than he was before the doctors told him he'd need it. At age 60.

At almost 80, it might take a couple more months. A sidewalk or MMP would be much safer, and help the recovery time much more efficiently, than having to walk on uneven road surfaces where the gutter is a very pronounced dip in the edge of the street.

The Villages hospital (Spanish Plaines now) has a low rating primarily because of its emergency services. The inpatient services are pretty good and they have some top-notch orthopedic surgeons who work out of it.

The Villages is an active senior community. If you travel and bowl, you probably are still pretty active! There are even clubs dedicated to travel. Cruises and European trips and such. The bowling lanes are in the northern half of the Villages in Spanish Springs Town Square. If you plan on bowling weekly, you might consider looking at homes between Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs, off Buena Vista.

Downsides to the suggested location: they're all homes that were built years ago, you don't get to customize the layout. They might need upgrades - new appliances, new air conditioner, new water heater, new roof.

Upsides to that: you don't have to wait for a new build AND there will likely be no bond balance to pay. If the home was built and maintained in a "sweet spot" window of time, it already has a new roof, new appliances, new HVAC. Landscaping is mature. Fewer vacancies and no "new home construction" going on.

[Frank495]

There are no hospitals in the immediate area worth caring for humans.

[Bogie Shooter]

Move to South or North Carolina because the summers are too HOT here. You burn your hand when you touch your car if in the sun too long. And it keeps getting warmer. Google world heat increasing in the most recent 10 years. Then ask your self Why? Hint. Then look at your car's exhaust.

Which Carolina did you move to?

[Villagesgal]

Move here. You'll love it. I have the same insurance, excellent health care here with Orlando Health doctors. Just had a hip replacement with Optomotion Orthopedics, I'm 70 and 2 weeks after the operation I'm walking unassisted and no pain. They are one of the best in the country and take your insurance. Look at pre-owned homes in established areas of the Villages so you have shopping, dr and dentists and anything else you’ll need nearby. Talk with the neighbors surrounding any home you want to buy and ask lots of questions about that neighborhood. I've been here since 2001 in a home we had custom built and love it here even more with every passing year. Do it now while you can still enjoy all the area has to offer.

[Range Rider]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

You are NEVER too old to enjoy life....particularly here in The Villages. My wife and I are in our early to late 80s and in good health. The active life here is what keeps you young. Like one person said...."you only live once" so enjoy it while you can!

[jimjamuser]

We are from the north and moved here 6 years ago after lifestyle visits. We are 76 now and active year round. You will meet residents who are 90s and 100s here. I highly recommend renting for 3 or more months to feel the politics, traffic, medical services, and area you prefer to live in. We are non golfers with other hobbies and are busy all the time. No basements here and lots of electrical storms in some locations. Hurricanes usually fizzle out before they reach us. We found good medical care but had to work for it. Btw, we chose the south side and love it. Sumter County for lower taxes and near Leesburg hospitals.
Hurricanes fizzle out based on older statistics. The past 10 years have been the warmest in the last 150 years. The hurricanes keep getting bigger. Pretty soon one will reach The Villages with significant strength.

[jimjamuser]

Which Carolina did you move to?
I was in Tennessee in the summer when I could AFFORD 2 HOMES.

[Cdj1040]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.
There are many nice retirement villages in Florida. Your monthly fee here pays for golf and loads of activities at the recreation centers and more. If you don't care much about those things other communities will have activities and pools on a smaller scale. They all offer lifestyle type visits. If you move here especially the newer Southern areas expect to see many young retirees and some who still work from home etc in their 50s. If you want older neighbors consider north of highway 44 in the older developments.

[Pickbent]

former posting cut short. please add to it: S. florida is not even Florida, except for weather and seashore. Far too crowded with metro types from NY, NJ,ETC. bringing higher COL, taxations, same politics that caused their move in first place!

[hmbfoxtail]

I know you just have to be 55 so I believe you qualify. That said I never heard of a age max. So I strongly believe you will be happy here.

[Nana2Teddy]

I know you just have to be 55 so I believe you qualify. That said I never heard of an age max. So I strongly believe you will be happy here.
You don’t have to be 55. There are villagers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, etc. Age is only an issue if you have kids under age 19.

[xcaligirl]

if you’re mobile and in relatively good health do it.
Your glory years will be much better quality - wish my parents would have done it.
Absolutely agree 100%

[xcaligirl]

I will second the suggestion to rent. It is hard to understand this community without living here for a while. You will also gain an appreciation for each area within The Villages. If you decide to move, only bring down those few items which have strong emotional ties. Sell the rest and buy new when you get here. The cost of moving lots of furniture and dealing with whatever damage occurs is large compared to the cost of buying new furniture. Most important, maximize the joy in your life going forward.
Well said! I wish we would've rented for 6 months before buying a house. I was told that every person who moves here move at least 3 times. We moved here is 2014 and moved into our home then the DH decided he HAD to live on a pond so the whining began. My only regret of moving is that we didn't move into a bigger home (for comfort and space) and a 2 car garage. And there is no moving option now....

[xcaligirl]

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.
Depends how you both feel! Are you aware or have you experienced a summer here? It's hot, no denial from me, but that is what I hear the most.... 'ugh, it's hot here'! Don't bring your strong opinions that are against the beliefs of Florida. Keep an open mind! Seek out a Medicare or "Florida Blue" consultant, they can help you make the decision. Our insurance is good and my husband has a medical issue and is going to have surgery in a highly suggested in Orlando. It's on our plan and will cost nominal. We moved here thinking "IF we don't like it, we will just have to move to a different state but we promised to stay for a few years first". Same situation, no children, except some family ties but it's all good! No place will be perfect.