Couple of questions: new buyers to TV

[fflmaster]

My wife and I are looking at purchasing in TV and have a few questions. Background mid 50’s, still working, looking now for our eventual move in 2026-27’

Location:

In looking at different squares, do you find the music is concentrated to age groups? I heard that it’s 40-50’s music in Spanish Springs, and works up in years as you go south.

Wondering if Eastport area will be more likely to be from the 1980s and up with younger people or do you find all age groups throughout? Once the Eastport area is completed in a few years.

Social:

We moved to a new construction area back in the 1990’s fast forward to now and most of our friends and neighbors are retiring and moving. So, looking to start over with like ages. Do you find moving to new builds vs resale has a bigger difference on your social gathering or did you find most social groups within the activities you join?

[Altavia]

Suggest to use that time to do a Lifestyle visit and to rent a few times, in different areas and different times of year.

Music is generally mixed between the entertainment facilities so you can pick and choose.

Especially with Middleton, the southern areas around Eastport will have a lower average age.

The Villages is currently building 2,500-3,000 homes per year, thats roughly three new Villages a year. New home construction will be south of Central Parkway/Eastport by 2027.

Recently built (3-5 yo) midway between Brownwood and Eastport can be a can be a an option. It will take a few years for business to build out in Eastport so being a little closer to Magnolia Plazaand Brownwood can be a plus.

[Stu from NYC]

When we moved here 5 years ago we used to go to the squares a few times a week.

As we joined clubs and developed a social life we found ourselves going to the square less and less often.

Now we might go a few times a year for a band we have come to enjoy.

This seems to be a rather common occurrence here.

Strongly suggest renting for a month or more to explore and see if this place is for you and where you might want to live.

[GreggC69]

It sounds like you have some time before you are wanting to make the move so that could work well for you. I would do as others suggest and rent a few times to learn about the areas. Look at them during the current "off season" as well as during the winter to see if that impacts your analysis.

I would also suggest you try to determine what is important to be close to. For some it is a square and I know some that go very regularly. We are young as well, got lucky and could early retire, and have been here a year. When we moved, we were going to a square every night! We still go usually at least once a week, mostly to hear the variety of live music.

For us, golf and recreation is important so we looked for an area that had easy access to multiple rec centers, including those with sports pools, as well as both executive and championship golf course. We did not want to wait 5 or 10 years before that was close to us as these are our best years. Wanted instant access.

Re the age ranges, for us it is a non issue, for a number of reasons. We play in sports groups (water volleyball, pickleball and softball) with some who are in their 70's. We routinely are paired with golfers who can be 15+ years older than us. We enjoy all of that. We also play some of the same sports with those who are closer to our age and can find as competitive of groups in any sport that we want.

We are parts of several social groups who tend to have younger members and we enjoy that as well. Also, we have met a number of couples who are similar to our age when we have played golf who we have connected with and go get drinks, dinner and play board games from time to time with.

In our village, there is a good variety of ages. We tend to prefer smaller groups of close friends that we hang out with the most and some of those have come from the above and some from our neighborhood, and across different ages.

S0....decide what is most important to you, spend various times exploring a variety of areas and not rely solely on opinions here (everyone's style is different), make your decision and enjoy the good life!

[npwalters]

regarding the music in the squares. The roster of bands rotate through all the 3 main squares and -presumably - the 4th when it is fully open. That consideration seems minor to me since it's a pretty short drive or cart ride to any square to hear the band you like.

[Tustin714]

You've been given some excellent advice (I'll just echo) about (a) renting a bit, and (b) that after arriving clubs and other activities can lessen how much importance nightly music can have (and I'm a musician in a couple of bands, and music is a big part of my life in the Villages).

As for renting, we did the lifestyle visit near Brownwood (back when you could do that) and then a month further north, closer to Lake Sumter Landing. We visited a lot of clubs and did activities around the Villages, and realized that for what we wanted to do "between the 66s" (466 and 466A) was well-situated; we bought there and it's worked out great. The southernmost parts will seem a bit empty for a little while, but Eastport looks great, and there is and will be a lot to do down there shortly and more within a few year. If you value the more mature landscaping look, above highway 44 is probably better; again, that's something that will change over time but it can be a while.

As for activities, if you haven't looked through the 200+ page club listing, I did to get a sense what's really available and where it's located https://www.districtgov.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Club-Contact-11.15.24-.pdf. Also, the woodshops, if that's something that interests you.

Good luck.

[MikeVillages]

Be aware there are two types of realtors in TV, MLS & VLS. The MLS can only show you home on the MLS listings & VLS can only show VLS listings. PS, my TV home was with a MLS listings.
PS
MLS are resale homes, VLS are mostly new build homes by TV & some resale homes. I used both when looking but found the VLS agents are not very transparent.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

...looking now for our eventual move in 2026-27’

Location:
...do you find the music is concentrated to age groups? I heard that it’s 40-50’s music in Spanish Springs, and works up in years as you go south.
The music rotates. Remember though - unless you've already been the type to go out every night to dance and be in crowds, you probably won't be the type to do that now. We all have a "honeymoon phase" when we first get here but eventually - only a core group of die-hards will be out every night - or even every week, to the squares. And this time of year it invariably thunderstorms every evening, which shuts down outdoor entertainment due to lightning risks.


Wondering if Eastport area will be more likely to be from the 1980s and up with younger people or do you find all age groups throughout? Once the Eastport area is completed in a few years.

Eastport will certainly draw mostly people who are currently 55-60 MORE than it'll draw people who are 75-80. However, resales of previously-owned homes up in the older sections will ALSO draw mostly people who are currently 55-60 MORE than it'll draw people who are 75-80. It'll depend on budgets. If someone wants to live in the Villages but can't afford a new build PLUS bond, they're more likely to move up north, where bonds have been paid off and home prices are lower.

It also depends on what people want, more than age. If a 60-year-old couple wants to be in golf cart distance to lots of shopping and wants the mature landscaping to remind them of their suburban life back home (wherever that was) they'll pick the older sections that have all of that already. If they want something shiny and new and want the environment to grow around them, they'll pick the newer sections.


Social:
So, looking to start over with like ages. Do you find moving to new builds vs resale has a bigger difference on your social gathering or did you find most social groups within the activities you join?

I know someone who lives near Eastport, who drives all the way up to Legacy Lopez for pickleball once a week. They're in a league. I would've found social groups to hang out with no matter where we lived. Hopefully you will too. I've found social opportunities right in my neighborhood, just walking around the block. I've ALSO found social opportunities by joining a couple of clubs that have members who don't live in my neighborhood.

[asianthree]

We started between the 6’s and continued for 13 years. We are not a fan of instant gratification of brick and mortar shopping and many restaurants are less than adequate.

At one time we loved the “Mature Giant Oaks” then saw some really pretty trees fall on homes and property. No matter how good your insurance is, not everything will be covered after 2% deductible.

Any tree within striking distance of your property, you need a savings of $10-20,000 cash to get things quickly removed and safe. Even branches can cause major damage.

There were many who lost many shingles, tree branches fell on their homes, many in remediation, for 6 months. Some homes still have not had repair completed after 8 months. Some to receive a few thousand on a $20,000-$60,000 of damage. Until you have a loss you really have no idea how good your insurance is. Then you have the worry if you will be renewed or canceled.

While it’s not typical in TV, it’s Florida. there have been more than one destructive tornados. Or extreme high winds from remnants of hurricanes.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

If you buy in Marion County(north), the taxes are higher. If you buy in Lake County (south), the bonds are higher and virtually none has been paid off. Plus, there aren’t that many golf courses, restaurants, or Rec Centers.

The middle area is Sumter County and you’re close enough to visit the other areas. But rent for a month or two to have time to find the right property for you.

[asianthree]

If you buy in Marion County(north), the taxes are higher. If you buy in Lake County (south), the bonds are higher and virtually none has been paid off. Plus, there aren’t that many golf courses, restaurants, or Rec Centers.

The middle area is Sumter County and you’re close enough to visit the other areas. But rent for a month or two to have time to find the right property for you.

Did the house you bought have a bond?

[TheMosker-Behrs]

If you buy in Marion County(north), the taxes are higher. If you buy in Lake County (south), the bonds are higher and virtually none has been paid off. Plus, there aren’t that many golf courses, restaurants, or Rec Centers.

The middle area is Sumter County and you’re close enough to visit the other areas. But rent for a month or two to have time to find the right property for you.
I just wanted to say, we bought in Lake County and the bond has been paid off for more than a decade. I'm not sure what you mean by that statement.

[betsyboo]

Be aware there are two types of realtors in TV, MLS & VLS. The MLS can only show you home on the MLS listings & VLS can only show VLS listings. PS, my TV home was with a MLS listings.
PS
MLS are resale homes, VLS are mostly new build homes by TV & some resale homes. I used both when looking but found the VLS agents are not very transparent.

70% of TV homes are pre-owned. So, more pre-owned than new.

[fflmaster]

Renting before buying has seemed to be the advice here.

I did look at the usual suspects to see and found many rentals.

Does having so many rentals affect the social aspect of an area?

[Bogie Shooter]

If you buy in Marion County(north), the taxes are higher. If you buy in Lake County (south), the bonds are higher and virtually none has been paid off. Plus, there aren’t that many golf courses, restaurants, or Rec Centers.

The middle area is Sumter County and you’re close enough to visit the other areas. But rent for a month or two to have time to find the right property for you.

Compared to where.?

[BrianL99]

Renting before buying has seemed to be the advice here.




In my entire life, I've never heard of a homeowner who "rented a home in a neighborhood", before buying in that neighborhood .... just to make sure they liked it ... except in TV.

[Ptmcbriz]

It’s much easier to establish new friends when you move to a new neighborhood. Everyone is then looking to make friendships. We threw a party at our house the first 2 months and invited every neighbor in our square block. We left flyers on doors if we couldn’t get someone to answer we had about 15 couples show up. We then started a WhatsApp group for our neighborhood ladies to stay in touch and meet monthly at a restaurant for lunch. Usually have 10-14 attend. From there formed interest groups on WhatsApp for a ladies golf group, vegetable garden group, water aerobics group all within our neighborhood. That’s how you get to know your neighbors.

[HappyTraveler]

I just wanted to say, we bought in Lake County and the bond has been paid off for more than a decade. I'm not sure what you mean by that statement.

If you buy in Lake County (south).......

She meant the southern part of Lake county where the pre-owned TV homes are newer and where the new builds are.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you buy in Marion County(north), the taxes are higher. If you buy in Lake County (south), the bonds are higher and virtually none has been paid off. Plus, there aren’t that many golf courses, restaurants, or Rec Centers.

The middle area is Sumter County and you’re close enough to visit the other areas. But rent for a month or two to have time to find the right property for you.

Lake County stretches almost the entire length of The Villages, up to the Marion county line. It also extends south of Sumter County. The entire "Historic" side of the Villages is in Lake County, and properties there have NEVER had a bond, ever. Not a bond that's been paid off, not one that was deferred, not any at all. The area south of Spanish Springs, Del Mar and Chula Vista, are in Lake County, and have no bond at all now. No idea if they ever did, but if they did, they would've been paid off in full around 10 years ago.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you buy in Lake County (south).......

She meant the southern part of Lake county where the pre-owned TV homes are newer and where the new builds are.

I interpreted it to mean that the poster was implying that Marion is the northernmost part of The Villages and Lake was the southernmost part of The Villages.

Since - if you're comparing similar terms - "north" Marion isn't in The Villages at all. Only the most southern portion of Marion county is in The Villages. So that wouldn't make sense to refer to "Marion (north)" as compared to "Lake (south)" in that context.

[main12use]

Remember also check the tax rates in the different counties. That could be a major factor in your finances.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Remember also check the tax rates in the different counties. That could be a major factor in your finances.

It won't be a "major" factor in your finances. It's a factor, but it's not major.

Two identical properties in two identical neighborhoods in identically close proximity to main roads, amenities, commercial areas, medical centers, and entertainment venues - in different counties - will differ by comparatively small amounts per year. Obviously if you're buying a 3000+sf 3bd3bath with a 2.5-car garage, birdcage covered pool on a cul de sac with the 6th hole tee in your back yard, your taxes will reflect the county differences more significantly. But the percentage won't be that much of a difference. On a single-wide in Lake County, you might pay $150 more per year, than a single-wide in Sumter County. On a luxury home in Marion County, you might pay $1200/year more than the same luxury home in Sumter County. Unless you live in Wildwood, because then you end up giving that $1200 to the city, in addition to your cheaper county tax.

[Lottoguy]

DO NOT base your home location on the proximity to a town square. The squares and the free music are indeed fun and a great place to go to. However, after you've been here a while you won't be going so much.

[Aces4]

It won't be a "major" factor in your finances. It's a factor, but it's not major.

Two identical properties in two identical neighborhoods in identically close proximity to main roads, amenities, commercial areas, medical centers, and entertainment venues - in different counties - will differ by comparatively small amounts per year. Obviously if you're buying a 3000+sf 3bd3bath with a 2.5-car garage, birdcage covered pool on a cul de sac with the 6th hole tee in your back yard, your taxes will reflect the county differences more significantly. But the percentage won't be that much of a difference. On a single-wide in Lake County, you might pay $150 more per year, than a single-wide in Sumter County. On a luxury home in Marion County, you might pay $1200/year more than the same luxury home in Sumter County. Unless you live in Wildwood, because then you end up giving that $1200 to the city, in addition to your cheaper county tax.

None of the difference are chump change and it's not a one time charge, it's yearly.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

None of the difference are chump change and it's not a one time charge, it's yearly.

We're paying around $1400 per year in property tax. It's a lot less than we were paying when we lived in Connecticut for a smaller house on a larger piece of land. If that's $100 more than if we lived in Sumter, it's not a big deal. I wouldn't know though, I don't know of any manufactured homes in Sumter County on properties that the homeowner owns, and doesn't lease/rent. I'm sure there are some, but none that I know of in The Villages.

[Bill14564]

We're paying around $1400 per year in property tax. It's a lot less than we were paying when we lived in Connecticut for a smaller house on a larger piece of land. If that's $100 more than if we lived in Sumter, it's not a big deal. I wouldn't know though, I don't know of any manufactured homes in Sumter County on properties that the homeowner owns, and doesn't lease/rent. I'm sure there are some, but none that I know of in The Villages.

Here is a thread with a good comparison of property taxes (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-2024-property-tax-comparison-356087).

It doesn’t matter if you are in a manufactured home or a Villa, if the value is the same then the tax is the same. If the page above is accurate then it looks like you would be paying about the same in both counties for a home with that taxable value. My home has a higher taxable value so I would pay something like $1,000 if it was in unincorporated Lake County.

I’ve been in my house seven years now and it’s nice to know the $7,000 is in my pocket and not the county’s coffers.

[jimmyinvillages]

My wife and I are looking at purchasing in TV and have a few questions. Background mid 50’s, still working, looking now for our eventual move in 2026-27’

Location:

In looking at different squares, do you find the music is concentrated to age groups? I heard that it’s 40-50’s music in Spanish Springs, and works up in years as you go south.

Wondering if Eastport area will be more likely to be from the 1980s and up with younger people or do you find all age groups throughout? Once the Eastport area is completed in a few years.

Social:

We moved to a new construction area back in the 1990’s fast forward to now and most of our friends and neighbors are retiring and moving. So, looking to start over with like ages. Do you find moving to new builds vs resale has a bigger difference on your social gathering or did you find most social groups within the activities you join?


Some thoughts that may help out:
-Don't worry about which bands play where at all. They all rotate around.

-There's a big 'sales pitch' about Eastport being younger but honestly it doesn't feel like much younger. Yes it may seem to be more 60's vs. 70's and 80's but it still feels like a retirement community.

Pros- you'll be in the newest area when it's built out, newest/arguably nicest town square, closest to Clermont/Orlando etc. for real food.

Cons-it gets tiring having to drive 20-30 mins to go anywhere right now, and likely not changing for 1-2 good years. Rumors are that the fancy rooftop hotel being built in Eastport may still be years away.

Middleton has this sales pitch of an 'all ages' family downtown and when you drive through it, it does look nice, except for one big problem. It's EMPTY. Will take years to fill that out as well with food options, etc.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Here is a thread with a good comparison of property taxes (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-2024-property-tax-comparison-356087).

It doesn’t matter if you are in a manufactured home or a Villa, if the value is the same then the tax is the same. If the page above is accurate then it looks like you would be paying about the same in both counties for a home with that taxable value. My home has a higher taxable value so I would pay something like $1,000 if it was in unincorporated Lake County.

I’ve been in my house seven years now and it’s nice to know the $7,000 is in my pocket and not the county’s coffers.

I don't mind paying taxes, because my taxes are paying for services that we wouldn't get, if we didn't pay taxes. Our roads, sewers, public water system, schools, fire and emergency services, street lights, police department - none of this is free. Someone has to pay for it. And before anyone complains about us not having kids in the schools - those schools are educating the generation that will become our future lawyers, elected officials, librarians, police officers, corporate CEOs, non-profit board members, doctors, all the people who we HOPE will have a decent education.

[Bill14564]

I don't mind paying taxes, because my taxes are paying for services that we wouldn't get, if we didn't pay taxes. Our roads, sewers, public water system, schools, fire and emergency services, street lights, police department - none of this is free. Someone has to pay for it. And before anyone complains about us not having kids in the schools - those schools are educating the generation that will become our future lawyers, elected officials, librarians, police officers, corporate CEOs, non-profit board members, doctors, all the people who we HOPE will have a decent education.

I get all of those too but I am getting all of them all for about $1,000 per year less than if I lived in Lake County.

As for schools - that subject could fill an entire thread but I really don’t think I’m getting my money’s worth.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I get all of those too but I am getting all of them all for about $1,000 per year less than if I lived in Lake County.

As for schools - that subject could fill an entire thread but I really don’t think I’m getting my money’s worth.

Heh if I paid $1000/year less just by living in another county, I'd only be paying $400/year for property tax.

It's all relative. If you can afford a $400,000 house, then you can afford to pay $3000/year in property taxes.

[fflmaster]

DO NOT base your home location on the proximity to a town square. The squares pand the free music are indeed fun and a great place to go to. However, after you've been here a while you won't be going so much.

Interesting, I get the music part. However, I would think being closer to the restaurants, shopping, and grocery would be more advantageous. I know we want to be very close to a recreation pool/center.

[BrianL99]

Interesting, I get the music part. However, I would think being closer to the restaurants, shopping, and grocery would be more advantageous. I know we want to be very close to a recreation pool/center.

It is, to 99% of the people in The Villages.

Proximity to a Town Square is a significant factor in pricing. (Unless of course, if we're talking about Spanish Springs or Sawgrass, in which case, no one cares.)

[Bill14564]

Interesting, I get the music part. However, I would think being closer to the restaurants, shopping, and grocery would be more advantageous. I know we want to be very close to a recreation pool/center.

For some, going to the squares grows old and the music is no longer a draw. But as you point out, the music is in the squares and the squares host the restaurants.

Two thoughts on the matter, both of them valid: One, find a location close to the squares, restaurants, and rec centers you like so you don't have to travel far; and two, buy in the new section understanding that the squares will come and you will be closest to the newest entertainment areas.

I like living between Brownwood and Sumter because they were the two newest squares when I purchased my home. Now that Sawgrass exists, Middleton is beginning to open, and Eastport is on the horizon, the areas around Central Parkway look interesting.

[Pat2015]

If I was your age and just coming here, I’d be buying in Eastport. Younger people and it’s going to be great there. I bought around Brownwood when I came here as it was new and the place to be st that time. Still love it here with the proximity to sports pools, shopping, golf courses, etc, which will all be in The Eastport area over time. Good luck in your search!

[thevillager1988]

We were in the same situation 7 years ago. We rented for a month (March) to see if we liked it. And visited for a week in summer (we planned to be full time). We bought in the newest section available, moving in with all the neighbors, as opposed to moving into an established neighborhood. Moving in together is a good way to connect with people who are looking for the same things you are. Our neighbors were our first network and have become good friends. The rest of our network has developed from our activities.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

In my entire life, I've never heard of a homeowner who "rented a home in a neighborhood", before buying in that neighborhood .... just to make sure they liked it ... except in TV.

our renters rented in our neighborhood and bought in our neighborhood after we stopped renting to move down. They closed this week

[darkim]

My opinion … Eastport is overhyped. It’ll have all the amenities. Everything is new … including the landscaping. There’s ZERO mature trees, and everything is flat. It lacks the charm that attracted everyone to The Villages.

[ElDiabloJoe]

My opinion … Eastport is overhyped. It’ll have all the amenities. Everything is new … including the landscaping. There’s ZERO mature trees, and everything is flat. It lacks the charm that attracted everyone to The Villages.
Well, ya know what they say about opinions. I'm sure when they built Brownwood Paddock, LSL, and SS they were equally "overhyped" yet you bought anyway. Over hyping is the nature of sales.

[thelegges]

My opinion … Eastport is overhyped. It’ll have all the amenities. Everything is new … including the landscaping. There’s ZERO mature trees, and everything is flat. It lacks the charm that attracted everyone to The Villages.

No one goes to squares, restaurants, retail because of mature trees. They want shade of the new sail’s being installed. New and shiny has drawn residents in TV since 2004.
However if you spent 2 minutes in near Magnolia shopping, Middleton and Eastport, they lost more giant Live Oaks from Milton than any other area of TV.
It took 5 days to remove all the trees from roads, and paths, and 16 days to finally clear the last of Giant live oaks.

[margaretmattson]

Renting before buying has seemed to be the advice here.

I did look at the usual suspects to see and found many rentals.

Does having so many rentals affect the social aspect of an area?It seems social is high on your list of wants. Write down how you would like to spend your days once in the Villages. Then browse the 2000 + clubs. Pay close attention to WHERE THEY MEET. Hopefully, you will find several you believe you would enjoy within a few miles of each other. Voila! If social is important, you just located the best area for you. You will meet lots of people with your same interests. Your social calendar will be full quickly.

Note: all of the rec centers have identical floor plans.(except oldest sections) Only the decor is different. Do not spend any time trying to find which is best. The executive golf courses are pretty much the same throughout the Villages. Some of the bands in the squares have been entertaining for MANY years. If you are like most, you will quickly tire of hearing the same sets over and over. I now cringe when I hear the music in the distance while dining. I've heard the same songs hundreds of times. Getting the gist? Each village is much more the same than different. Spend the majority of your time locating an area where most of your personal needs are in close proximity. Do this, and your retirement will always be enjoyable.

Do not worry about age differences. Like anywhere, you will find some in their 80's who act and move like they are 20. You will also find some in their 60's who act and move like they are 80. When I moved, a friend gave me great advice. You can not choose your neighbors, but you can select friends. Locate those of similar interests and you have found bliss.

If a pool is high on your list, be aware that most can get crowded. Swimming laps in some is prohibited. However, there are a few boutique neighborhoods that have private pools. Only the residents of the neighborhood frequent them. My hubby loves to do laps. He has had no problem doing this on a daily basis or whenever the mood strikes. There is no waiting or strict rules in our neck of the woods.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

It seems social is high on your list of wants. Write down how you would like to spend your days once in the Villages. Then browse the 2000 + clubs. Pay close attention to WHERE THEY MEET. Hopefully, you will find several you believe you would enjoy within a few miles of each other. Voila! If social is important, you just located the best area for you. You will meet lots of people with your same interests. Your social calendar will be full quickly.

Note: all of the rec centers have identical floor plans.(except oldest sections) Only the decor is different. Do not spend any time trying to find which is best. The executive golf courses are pretty much the same throughout the Villages. Some of the bands in the squares have been entertaining for MANY years. If you are like most, you will quickly tire of hearing the same sets over and over. I now cringe when I hear the music in the distance while dining. I've heard the same songs hundreds of times. Getting the gist? Each village is much more the same than different. Spend the majority of your time locating an area where most of your personal needs are in close proximity. Do this, and your retirement will always be enjoyable.

Do not worry about age differences. Like anywhere, you will find some in their 80's who act and move like they are 20. You will also find some in their 60's who act and move like they are 80. When I moved, a friend gave me great advice. You can not choose your neighbors, but you can select friends. Locate those of similar interests and you have found bliss.

If a pool is high on your list, be aware that most can get crowded. Swimming laps in some is prohibited. However, there are a few boutique neighborhoods that have private pools. Only the residents of the neighborhood frequent them. My hubby loves to do laps. He has had no problem doing this on a daily basis or whenever the mood strikes. There is no waiting or strict rules in our neck of the woods.

Excellent advice to all who are trying to decide where to live.

[Aces4]

It seems social is high on your list of wants. Write down how you would like to spend your days once in the Villages. Then browse the 2000 + clubs. Pay close attention to WHERE THEY MEET. Hopefully, you will find several you believe you would enjoy within a few miles of each other. Voila! If social is important, you just located the best area for you. You will meet lots of people with your same interests. Your social calendar will be full quickly.

Note: all of the rec centers have identical floor plans.(except oldest sections) Only the decor is different. Do not spend any time trying to find which is best. The executive golf courses are pretty much the same throughout the Villages. Some of the bands in the squares have been entertaining for MANY years. If you are like most, you will quickly tire of hearing the same sets over and over. I now cringe when I hear the music in the distance while dining. I've heard the same songs hundreds of times. Getting the gist? Each village is much more the same than different. Spend the majority of your time locating an area where most of your personal needs are in close proximity. Do this, and your retirement will always be enjoyable.

Do not worry about age differences. Like anywhere, you will find some in their 80's who act and move like they are 20. You will also find some in their 60's who act and move like they are 80. When I moved, a friend gave me great advice. You can not choose your neighbors, but you can select friends. Locate those of similar interests and you have found bliss.

If a pool is high on your list, be aware that most can get crowded. Swimming laps in some is prohibited. However, there are a few boutique neighborhoods that have private pools. Only the residents of the neighborhood frequent them. My hubby loves to do laps. He has had no problem doing this on a daily basis or whenever the mood strikes. There is no waiting or strict rules in our neck of the woods.

As an aside, I appreciate your posts and the information you are able to share with this forum. Thank you for contributing.