Hello to you all, and to some of you Hello again!

[MNViking]

I quietly came down with my wife at end of May/June, to experience the record heat that you were having at the time. Again, for a reminder... I was sold based on researching the area for quite a while, but it is my younger wife (43) that needed to be convinced that is someplace she would like to live. (I am more extroverted, she more introverted) so lots to work through. That being said, I wanted to share that The Villages was IMHO way more fabulous than I expected it to be, and much more beautiful and cared for than expected. Keep in mind I have seen the video's but so much better in person.

Stayed at Well Point, which was expected to be in the south. Loved Brownwood and the people I met, loved Sawgrass Tavern and the people there, and my breakfast sandwich at The Market back getting a coffee! Delicious start to that morning.

Now we are earnestly looking to find our place, and I refuse to get a place that has a Bond even though the prices are dropping, and I am looking to be centralized (a bit) from the Newer Areas to the older areas. We believe the best location for all of that action and getting to many areas is the location around the Liberty Park Eagle Preserve. Wish us luck, as I plan to be tight and frugal! ;)

From Well Point we did take an evening to drive up by golf cart to Lake Sumter Landing, quite the drive and not sure I would go much further than that from there lol! That being said, it was hot, but tolerable, and the The Villages GPS was fabulous! Thanks to those people. Loved the Recreation Centers, most of them anyways, and numerous pools were frequented. My son came up from his place in Miami, for couple days and was almost booted from one of the Adult pools. Keep in mind he is a 6' 5" 270# former football player that looks older, but was not quite 23 yet, and a polite lady asked for his card or what have you. He did not have it, she mentioned if you're under 30 you would have to go to the family pool not the adult pool next time. I thought a tad interesting since he was just sitting in the chair enjoying the sun with my wife. It was funny, 23 owns a few businesses, and is well off... but he didn't quite understand the principle. I told him wait to your 50 then you will understand.

But, The Villages lived up to my lofty expectations, and exceeded the beauty that my wife was looking for. She did like the older section for some of the mature trees as mentioned on here, but then again liked a bit of the younger "vibe" in the south. Keep in mind, she talked to maybe 4 people, 2 of them being the VLS reps... but I had conversations on couches in rec centers, glass melting glass, BUNCO people setting up, Clay/Pottery Group, couple of work out sections, and was even told to get changed and jump in for some water volleyball at the Savannah Athletic pool. Even hit a Ruby Tuesday for the salad bar by/in Spanish Springs!

Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing? Also to get a call out on Laundry In House vs Garage. These things should be a little easier. But, that is me learning the listings and how it goes on down here!

Hope you are all doing well, great place you all enjoy! I loved it! That being said, it's almost football season so time is focused on the Vikings, and searching for a place! Also did the Farmers Market, absolutely loved that and all the people! I will be in Heaven on Earth, just help me pray for my wife as she believes she may lose me to the activities! ;)

[asianthree]

Search threads on older treatment plants, and summer odors. Some residents have zero issues with smells, others are effected.

Many homes between the 6’s will have bonds close to paid. Then again some newer areas have bonds paid.

Tell your agent you want a bond of 0- to say $12,000 (near Seabreeze Regional)

Lots of homes for sale with low bond. Older homes with new roofs, HVAC, Hot water tank.

One of our homes was preowned, 6 years old, with low bond. Sad part, within 23 months we had to replace because they died,. HVAC, Hot Water Tank, Irrigation System, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer Dryer. Roof 4 years later. Low bond for us wasn’t a bonus

[Aces4]

Search threads on older treatment plants, and summer odors. Some residents have zero issues with smells, others are effected.

Many homes between the 6’s will have bonds close to paid. Then again some newer areas have bonds paid.

Tell your agent you want a bond of 0- to say $12,000 (near Seabreeze Regional)

Lots of homes for sale with low bond. Older homes with new roofs, HVAC, Hot water tank.

One of our homes was preowned, 6 years old, with low bond. Sad part, within 23 months we had to replace because they died,. HVAC, Hot Water Tank, Irrigation System, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer Dryer. Roof 4 years later. Low bond for us wasn’t a bonus

Within eight years of being a new build, you had to replace HVAC, hot water tank, irrigation system, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer and a new roof within 12 years? Wow, what rotten luck as it must have been struck by lightning at some point or was a real pig in a poke. OP, I've never heard of all those issues in a preowned home in that time frame. I'm not saying it didn't happen just that it is far from the norm. Good luck with your search and the Liberty Park, Duval and Hemingway villages are fine areas to look for your requirements. Enjoy The Villages when you get here.:wave:

[shut the front door]

Don't pay attention to the "younger people move south" thing. As older folks die, who do you think buys those homes? My neighborhood has completely turned over since I moved in at 50. Never phased me being around older people.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Lots of restaurants, country clubs, golf, trees, and Recreation Centers up in the areas further north. One perhaps odd thing is that most of the houses between LSL and Brownwood are all electric. (There was a lady on here a couple of months ago wondering if she could install a propane tank down there). So you’ve got to think about all these things. Maybe writing all the things down and scoring them would help you make up your mind. And you shouldn’t use age as one of them.

[Kurtho]

Just bought in Liberty Park last year. Great location and central to everything! You will love it!

[thevillages2013]

Just bought in Liberty Park last year. Great location and central to everything! You will love it!

Do you ever get the stink from the sewage treatment facility? Drove by there headed to Cane Garden for golf Sunday and the smell was overwhelming.

[USOTR]

Bond: just make your offer to include the seller paying it off
Location: That is the beauty of The Villages. So much to choose from and the different vibes of each location.
Golf Kart: We have now been here about 9 months in the upper Villages. We use the Village Kart for most trips to the grocery store, and meals out, and shopping on 466. After making some longer trips to Brownwood Paddack we now stay within a 30 minute ride.
Heat: Being native Floridian's we know to do outside activities by noon or 1pm at the latest. Then return outside activities after 5 pm.

God bless your purchase

[Annie66]

Lots of restaurants, country clubs, golf, trees, and Recreation Centers up in the areas further north. One perhaps odd thing is that most of the houses between LSL and Brownwood are all electric. (There was a lady on here a couple of months ago wondering if she could install a propane tank down there). So you’ve got to think about all these things. Maybe writing all the things down and scoring them would help you make up your mind. And you shouldn’t use age as one of them.

Not entirely accurate. TECO (gas provider) has extensive coverage in the area between LSL and BW. We live in that area, and have enjoyed having a gas furnace, water heater and stove.

[donfey]

Don't pay attention to the "younger people move south" thing. As older folks die, who do you think buys those homes? My neighborhood has completely turned over since I moved in at 50. Never phased me being around older people.

As a matter of fact, and activities, "older" people here don't seem to be that "old."

[bowlingal]

May/June was nothing compared to the heat/humidity that is here now. Walking to the end of my driveway at 6:30AM to get the paper and I am sweating. By the way, bonds, taxes are way higher in the southern/new areas. Plus, if you look in the classified section of the Daily Sun, you will see MANY resales from south of 44 for sale already. WHY? You gotta ask yourself that question.

[westernrider75]

I quietly came down with my wife at end of May/June, to experience the record heat that you were having at the time. Again, for a reminder... I was sold based on researching the area for quite a while, but it is my younger wife (43) that needed to be convinced that is someplace she would like to live. (I am more extroverted, she more introverted) so lots to work through. That being said, I wanted to share that The Villages was IMHO way more fabulous than I expected it to be, and much more beautiful and cared for than expected. Keep in mind I have seen the video's but so much better in person.

Stayed at Well Point, which was expected to be in the south. Loved Brownwood and the people I met, loved Sawgrass Tavern and the people there, and my breakfast sandwich at The Market back getting a coffee! Delicious start to that morning.

Now we are earnestly looking to find our place, and I refuse to get a place that has a Bond even though the prices are dropping, and I am looking to be centralized (a bit) from the Newer Areas to the older areas. We believe the best location for all of that action and getting to many areas is the location around the Liberty Park Eagle Preserve. Wish us luck, as I plan to be tight and frugal! ;)

From Well Point we did take an evening to drive up by golf cart to Lake Sumter Landing, quite the drive and not sure I would go much further than that from there lol! That being said, it was hot, but tolerable, and the The Villages GPS was fabulous! Thanks to those people. Loved the Recreation Centers, most of them anyways, and numerous pools were frequented. My son came up from his place in Miami, for couple days and was almost booted from one of the Adult pools. Keep in mind he is a 6' 5" 270# former football player that looks older, but was not quite 23 yet, and a polite lady asked for his card or what have you. He did not have it, she mentioned if you're under 30 you would have to go to the family pool not the adult pool next time. I thought a tad interesting since he was just sitting in the chair enjoying the sun with my wife. It was funny, 23 owns a few businesses, and is well off... but he didn't quite understand the principle. I told him wait to your 50 then you will understand.

But, The Villages lived up to my lofty expectations, and exceeded the beauty that my wife was looking for. She did like the older section for some of the mature trees as mentioned on here, but then again liked a bit of the younger "vibe" in the south. Keep in mind, she talked to maybe 4 people, 2 of them being the VLS reps... but I had conversations on couches in rec centers, glass melting glass, BUNCO people setting up, Clay/Pottery Group, couple of work out sections, and was even told to get changed and jump in for some water volleyball at the Savannah Athletic pool. Even hit a Ruby Tuesday for the salad bar by/in Spanish Springs!

Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing? Also to get a call out on Laundry In House vs Garage. These things should be a little easier. But, that is me learning the listings and how it goes on down here!

Hope you are all doing well, great place you all enjoy! I loved it! That being said, it's almost football season so time is focused on the Vikings, and searching for a place! Also did the Farmers Market, absolutely loved that and all the people! I will be in Heaven on Earth, just help me pray for my wife as she believes she may lose me to the activities! ;)

Welcome! Just so you know, when you are looking on the Villages app at available homes, click the “flyer” button and you will see lots of additional info listed including remaining bond amount. Good luck.

[ColtsFan]

Don't overlook The Village of Poinciana right next to Liberty. We are so close to many pools, Regional Rec Centers, close to Sumter and Brownwood. We also have a lot of younger people that have moved into our area. Don't go by thinking the older areas are all older residents. We can get to Colony Plaza and Pinellas Plaza less than 10 minutes. You will love living in The Villages.

[NotGolfer]

To the OP....we moved here from the upper-midwest and the weather up there has been nearly the same as ours here, this year. ONE bonus being we don't shovel the sun and have to worry about scraping our cars before going out. The other stuff you mentioned depends on what's important to you. There are plenty of "younger" folks here but age (as others said) don't seem to make a difference. Best wishes in making your plans.

[cwmmfink]

Welcome almost home!

[Diane M]

The bond is mentioned on the flyer part of the VLS listing. Simply open the flyer tab and you’ll see it there. If you look on an internet site for properties not listed on the VLS, ( zillow, realtor.com for example) the bond amount is almost always absent. Good luck!

[MandoMan]

I quietly came down with my wife at end of May/June, to experience the record heat that you were having at the time. Again, for a reminder... I was sold based on researching the area for quite a while, but it is my younger wife (43) that needed to be convinced that is someplace she would like to live. (I am more extroverted, she more introverted) so lots to work through. That being said, I wanted to share that The Villages was IMHO way more fabulous than I expected it to be, and much more beautiful and cared for than expected. Keep in mind I have seen the video's but so much better in person.

Stayed at Well Point, which was expected to be in the south. Loved Brownwood and the people I met, loved Sawgrass Tavern and the people there, and my breakfast sandwich at The Market back getting a coffee! Delicious start to that morning.

Now we are earnestly looking to find our place, and I refuse to get a place that has a Bond even though the prices are dropping, and I am looking to be centralized (a bit) from the Newer Areas to the older areas. We believe the best location for all of that action and getting to many areas is the location around the Liberty Park Eagle Preserve. Wish us luck, as I plan to be tight and frugal! ;)

From Well Point we did take an evening to drive up by golf cart to Lake Sumter Landing, quite the drive and not sure I would go much further than that from there lol! That being said, it was hot, but tolerable, and the The Villages GPS was fabulous! Thanks to those people. Loved the Recreation Centers, most of them anyways, and numerous pools were frequented. My son came up from his place in Miami, for couple days and was almost booted from one of the Adult pools. Keep in mind he is a 6' 5" 270# former football player that looks older, but was not quite 23 yet, and a polite lady asked for his card or what have you. He did not have it, she mentioned if you're under 30 you would have to go to the family pool not the adult pool next time. I thought a tad interesting since he was just sitting in the chair enjoying the sun with my wife. It was funny, 23 owns a few businesses, and is well off... but he didn't quite understand the principle. I told him wait to your 50 then you will understand.

But, The Villages lived up to my lofty expectations, and exceeded the beauty that my wife was looking for. She did like the older section for some of the mature trees as mentioned on here, but then again liked a bit of the younger "vibe" in the south. Keep in mind, she talked to maybe 4 people, 2 of them being the VLS reps... but I had conversations on couches in rec centers, glass melting glass, BUNCO people setting up, Clay/Pottery Group, couple of work out sections, and was even told to get changed and jump in for some water volleyball at the Savannah Athletic pool. Even hit a Ruby Tuesday for the salad bar by/in Spanish Springs!

Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing? Also to get a call out on Laundry In House vs Garage. These things should be a little easier. But, that is me learning the listings and how it goes on down here!

Hope you are all doing well, great place you all enjoy! I loved it! That being said, it's almost football season so time is focused on the Vikings, and searching for a place! Also did the Farmers Market, absolutely loved that and all the people! I will be in Heaven on Earth, just help me pray for my wife as she believes she may lose me to the activities! ;)

Welcome to The Villages. I’ve lived here almost five years. My first home was 1600 sq ft with a pool and on a golf course. The bond was paid off, but I still had a mortgage. Two years later I sold it and bought a very private courtyard villa, which I love. It’s five minutes north west of Buena Vista and 466A, built in 2011. It still had a $10,000 bond on it, but I paid that off. I had the original whitish carpet and linoleum replaced with high end luxury vinyl flooring and new molding. Roberto’s did a great job. $14,000. Needed a new HVAC system in a year. I got a super quiet Daikon, $11,000. A garage door spring broke, and the original garage door was extremely noisy, too (it could be heard several doors away), so I replaced it was a very good one with a belt drive. Expensive, but so quiet! I’ll probably need to replace the shingles in the next year or two, as they are 14 years old. But I love not having a mortgage. I wish you similar success here.

If your wife gets involved in some activities, she will be welcomed. I’m really shy, too, almost a recluse, but I play in eight music jams per week and love it.

[ThirdOfFive]

I quietly came down with my wife at end of May/June, to experience the record heat that you were having at the time. Again, for a reminder... I was sold based on researching the area for quite a while, but it is my younger wife (43) that needed to be convinced that is someplace she would like to live. (I am more extroverted, she more introverted) so lots to work through. That being said, I wanted to share that The Villages was IMHO way more fabulous than I expected it to be, and much more beautiful and cared for than expected. Keep in mind I have seen the video's but so much better in person.

Stayed at Well Point, which was expected to be in the south. Loved Brownwood and the people I met, loved Sawgrass Tavern and the people there, and my breakfast sandwich at The Market back getting a coffee! Delicious start to that morning.

Now we are earnestly looking to find our place, and I refuse to get a place that has a Bond even though the prices are dropping, and I am looking to be centralized (a bit) from the Newer Areas to the older areas. We believe the best location for all of that action and getting to many areas is the location around the Liberty Park Eagle Preserve. Wish us luck, as I plan to be tight and frugal! ;)

From Well Point we did take an evening to drive up by golf cart to Lake Sumter Landing, quite the drive and not sure I would go much further than that from there lol! That being said, it was hot, but tolerable, and the The Villages GPS was fabulous! Thanks to those people. Loved the Recreation Centers, most of them anyways, and numerous pools were frequented. My son came up from his place in Miami, for couple days and was almost booted from one of the Adult pools. Keep in mind he is a 6' 5" 270# former football player that looks older, but was not quite 23 yet, and a polite lady asked for his card or what have you. He did not have it, she mentioned if you're under 30 you would have to go to the family pool not the adult pool next time. I thought a tad interesting since he was just sitting in the chair enjoying the sun with my wife. It was funny, 23 owns a few businesses, and is well off... but he didn't quite understand the principle. I told him wait to your 50 then you will understand.

But, The Villages lived up to my lofty expectations, and exceeded the beauty that my wife was looking for. She did like the older section for some of the mature trees as mentioned on here, but then again liked a bit of the younger "vibe" in the south. Keep in mind, she talked to maybe 4 people, 2 of them being the VLS reps... but I had conversations on couches in rec centers, glass melting glass, BUNCO people setting up, Clay/Pottery Group, couple of work out sections, and was even told to get changed and jump in for some water volleyball at the Savannah Athletic pool. Even hit a Ruby Tuesday for the salad bar by/in Spanish Springs!

Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing? Also to get a call out on Laundry In House vs Garage. These things should be a little easier. But, that is me learning the listings and how it goes on down here!

Hope you are all doing well, great place you all enjoy! I loved it! That being said, it's almost football season so time is focused on the Vikings, and searching for a place! Also did the Farmers Market, absolutely loved that and all the people! I will be in Heaven on Earth, just help me pray for my wife as she believes she may lose me to the activities! ;)
"Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing?"

If the house is listed you can bet that if the bond is paid, the listing will note that fact. "No bond" is a big selling point.

[JohnsonL]

Wishing you well in your search for the perfect Villages home and location. You will get a lot of differing opinions about the perfect location. If you’d like to visit again, I have a rental in Fenney, which I believe has the most beautiful entrance of all locations. Villagers Homes 4 Rent, property ID 9868. We will also most likely be selling it FSBO in the next few years. Bond is low.

[Sully2023]

I quietly came down with my wife at end of May/June, to experience the record heat that you were having at the time. Again, for a reminder... I was sold based on researching the area for quite a while, but it is my younger wife (43) that needed to be convinced that is someplace she would like to live. (I am more extroverted, she more introverted) so lots to work through. That being said, I wanted to share that The Villages was IMHO way more fabulous than I expected it to be, and much more beautiful and cared for than expected. Keep in mind I have seen the video's but so much better in person.

Stayed at Well Point, which was expected to be in the south. Loved Brownwood and the people I met, loved Sawgrass Tavern and the people there, and my breakfast sandwich at The Market back getting a coffee! Delicious start to that morning.

Now we are earnestly looking to find our place, and I refuse to get a place that has a Bond even though the prices are dropping, and I am looking to be centralized (a bit) from the Newer Areas to the older areas. We believe the best location for all of that action and getting to many areas is the location around the Liberty Park Eagle Preserve. Wish us luck, as I plan to be tight and frugal! ;)

From Well Point we did take an evening to drive up by golf cart to Lake Sumter Landing, quite the drive and not sure I would go much further than that from there lol! That being said, it was hot, but tolerable, and the The Villages GPS was fabulous! Thanks to those people. Loved the Recreation Centers, most of them anyways, and numerous pools were frequented. My son came up from his place in Miami, for couple days and was almost booted from one of the Adult pools. Keep in mind he is a 6' 5" 270# former football player that looks older, but was not quite 23 yet, and a polite lady asked for his card or what have you. He did not have it, she mentioned if you're under 30 you would have to go to the family pool not the adult pool next time. I thought a tad interesting since he was just sitting in the chair enjoying the sun with my wife. It was funny, 23 owns a few businesses, and is well off... but he didn't quite understand the principle. I told him wait to your 50 then you will understand.

But, The Villages lived up to my lofty expectations, and exceeded the beauty that my wife was looking for. She did like the older section for some of the mature trees as mentioned on here, but then again liked a bit of the younger "vibe" in the south. Keep in mind, she talked to maybe 4 people, 2 of them being the VLS reps... but I had conversations on couches in rec centers, glass melting glass, BUNCO people setting up, Clay/Pottery Group, couple of work out sections, and was even told to get changed and jump in for some water volleyball at the Savannah Athletic pool. Even hit a Ruby Tuesday for the salad bar by/in Spanish Springs!

Now to just find a great deal, as I can wait! That being said, why is it so hard to find info on Bonds if it is on the VLS, not to many call it out or what is left on it when I think it should be just part of the listing? Also to get a call out on Laundry In House vs Garage. These things should be a little easier. But, that is me learning the listings and how it goes on down here!

Hope you are all doing well, great place you all enjoy! I loved it! That being said, it's almost football season so time is focused on the Vikings, and searching for a place! Also did the Farmers Market, absolutely loved that and all the people! I will be in Heaven on Earth, just help me pray for my wife as she believes she may lose me to the activities! ;)

IMHO, look for a home you love, in a location you like. Stop worrying about a bond payment. If the bond is not on a home, its already included in the purchase price so the owners can recoup the costs. I rented in different parts of the villages before buying. I ended up purchasing a new home in Citrus Grove. If I was doing it over again, I would choose a home very close to Eastport. It's a great area and will only add to the value of your home and life.

[Kar-el]

Do you ever get the stink from the sewage treatment facility? Drove by there headed to Cane Garden for golf Sunday and the smell was overwhelming.

If the wind is blowing towards us we can get a whiff of the sewage. Nothing that offends us terribly. Maybe the prevailing wind direction changes in the summer but we are snowbirds so it’s not bad in the winter months.

BTW I’m Kurtho’s twin brother. So I can answer for him!

[Ptmcbriz]

Just remind your younger wife, statistically speaking the majority of 50 year olds live south of 44 in the new section. Every new section through out time has the average youngest age. If mature trees are more important than people closer to her age, then things will be good. You can have all those activities no matter where you live.

As far as bond, there are houses for sale south of 44 that the owners have paid the bond (good selling point). You could also make it a condition of the sale. Our house is 4 years old and I’m already tired of the bond monthly expense, so we are going to pay ours off this year.

[coconutmama]

IMHO, look for a home you love, in a location you like. Stop worrying about a bond payment. If the bond is not on a home, its already included in the purchase price so the owners can recoup the costs. I rented in different parts of the villages before buying. I ended up purchasing a new home in Citrus Grove. If I was doing it over again, I would choose a home very close to Eastport. It's a great area and will only add to the value of your home and life.

Correction. Sorry, but if a bond has been paid off, it is Not included in the resale listing price “to recoup the costs”. That is illegal.

It is only a selling point A good one to be sure, since over time owners pay almost double the original bond amount with the administration fees & interest.

[Ken D.]

The bond is mentioned on the flyer part of the VLS listing. Simply open the flyer tab and you’ll see it there. If you look on an internet site for properties not listed on the VLS, ( zillow, realtor.com for example) the bond amount is almost always absent. Good luck!
All tax bills are public information and easily accessible online. Bond payments are part of the tax bill.

[Nell57]

If you like the Liberty Park area, widen your search to all of the Villages around LSL. I’ve seen some great deals in Duval. Sunset Pointe borders the N side of the Eagle Preserve.( It’s also a tortoise preserve)
Bonds in this area will be paid off or very low.

[virtue51]

When looking for a home, I would focus not just on whether the bond is paid or not. This can be handled through the sales price or have the seller pay the bond. You should make a list of what is important to you in a home -- first, location is critical because you cannot move the house. You need to determine what is a must have in a home and what items are nice to have but not critical to the purchase of the home. Go to open houses and explore the homes on the market.

Also, you need to have a Villages Realtor and a Multiple Listing Realtor such as REMax, etc.

Take your time and explore the areas and homes. Good luck.

[Bruceg0028]

We are in our 2nd home in TV. Our 1st home was near Spanish Spring's we are now near BW. Neither have gas. But frankly I dont see the issue. Our monthly electric bill here is less than what my gas and electric were together up north.

Both areas have a mixture on younger seniors and older.

The VLS listings online always show the bond amount. We bought our 2nd and the bond was paid off. So there are those opportunities out there in a 10-12 year old home.

Bonus is insurance is cheaper on a younger house, major repairs are not needed yet, landscaping is generally in good shape. Older homes tend to need a lot of landscape maintenance.

Overall don’t box yourself in to an area without looking at the whole picture.

Also don’t cheap out. If you do you may end up not liking the home and spending the money down the road anyway when you decide to move. Average Villager moves 2-3 times.

Good luck.

[Justforfun]

We moved to Liberty Park almost 2 years ago and love the area. We are close to Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood plus many executive courses (if you play golf). Yes, the neighborhood is older, but we have found younger people too. We paid off the small bond amount when we got here and recently replaced the roof, stove, etc. but that cost was planned. It is still less expensive than the newer homes and the high costs on the southside. You will love the Villages!

[asianthree]

May/June was nothing compared to the heat/humidity that is here now. Walking to the end of my driveway at 6:30AM to get the paper and I am sweating. By the way, bonds, taxes are way higher in the southern/new areas. Plus, if you look in the classified section of the Daily Sun, you will see MANY resales from south of 44 for sale already. WHY? You gotta ask yourself that question.

Many like us buy Investment Properties. Keep 1-3 years rent, then sell for profit to roll into next investment properties. Some homes in our Fifth village at one year had never been lived in. Waiting for that magic one year to end to make a great investment.
Our first investment inquiry was in 2007.
So there is your answer on WHY. Every new village in great locations have investment homes.
It’s ok not to understand the concept, and need to ask Why. Investors are very under the radar.

[dtennent]

Please don’t let the bond be a distraction. I would concentrate on location and home features. Also, since homes here don’t have basements, storage is at a premium. Any attic space above the garage is too hot to store anything of value.

Have fun in your search for your next home. If it doesn’t work out the way you hoped, you can try another house.

[jimjamuser]

The activities are the best part of the Villages.The summer HEAT is the worst part. Stick around for hurricane season to REALLY become informed.

[Bwanajim]

Realize that you pay for a bond one way or the other. You may have a 30 K bond on new property but if you buy a house that the bond is already paid off, they'll charge you roughly the same, for the same house that has a bond or something to that effect.

[Bwanajim]

Bought my house in 2022 and I believe the bond is 30K. I have no intention of paying it off. I plan on living here till I croak. Let my heirs worry about it.

[Stu from NYC]

We moved here in 2020 and our bond has another 12 years or so to go.

Real estate pros suggested not paying it off as we would mostly not get the money back on selling.

If house has been built say 10 or so years ago bond to purchase price of house is not going to be very high so do not see it as a big issue.

[Nana2Teddy]

Bought my house in 2022 and I believe the bond is 30K. I have no intention of paying it off. I plan on living here till I croak. Let my heirs worry about it.

Same with us. Bought brand new in 2022, paid cash for our 4/3 veranda home, and have a bond at 3% that we won’t pay off. Our kids can deal with it after we croak. Even with the bond payment added to our property taxes we’re still paying less for our annual taxes than we did in SoCal. It’s all good.

[MNViking]

Search threads on older treatment plants, and summer odors. Some residents have zero issues with smells, others are effected.

Many homes between the 6’s will have bonds close to paid. Then again some newer areas have bonds paid.

Tell your agent you want a bond of 0- to say $12,000 (near Seabreeze Regional)

Lots of homes for sale with low bond. Older homes with new roofs, HVAC, Hot water tank.

One of our homes was preowned, 6 years old, with low bond. Sad part, within 23 months we had to replace because they died,. HVAC, Hot Water Tank, Irrigation System, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Washer Dryer. Roof 4 years later. Low bond for us wasn’t a bonus

That it was not! That is more of an exception than the rule, but how did all of that go within 23 months on a 6 year old home? My goodness!

[MNViking]

Don't pay attention to the "younger people move south" thing. As older folks die, who do you think buys those homes? My neighborhood has completely turned over since I moved in at 50. Never phased me being around older people.

We love older people! That isn't a concern! ;)

[MNViking]

Welcome! Just so you know, when you are looking on the Villages app at available homes, click the “flyer” button and you will see lots of additional info listed including remaining bond amount. Good luck.

That I did not know, and will try that! Thank you!

[MNViking]

Quick reminder, as for the heat thing. I grew up outside of Orlando while father was in the AF. So years of being an AF Brat, born in Edwards AFB in California. Last place he was enlisted was Grand Forks, AFB in North Dakota. Now that is windy and cold! I will take sweating at 6:OO getting the newspaper, vs my body being frozen stiff by the time I get to my newspaper! :)

As for Hurricane's well you get a little time to plan for them, doesn't ease any devastation afterwards however. I believe The Villages doesn't get "truly" affected, but high winds are an issue. Now compare that to a Tornado that pops up you maybe have 3-15 minutes as a heads up.

I can share this, holding my 2 year old son, looking out a large front window, we were admiring the different dark and green colors of the clouds on a storm coming in. My now ex was at the back of the house, and mentions we should bring our son downstairs as she didn't like the look. (She grew up on a farm in WI, so she has seen strong winds with nothing stopping them and huge storms so no fear from her!). I stayed a couple of more seconds, and went well alright buddy let's go down with mom. More to appease then to say fearful, as it wasn't daunting IMO. Low and behold, I took about 20 steps to get to the door to our basement, got half way down the stairs and as those with tornado history or close calls, there was a very loud freight train noise. Hustled down the last remaining steps, gave my son to her hands, and ran over to the steps to see what in the heck that was. From the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door, I could see water, leaves, etc, I went you have to be kidding me! Waited for most of the sound to leave, popped up stairs. Huge old outdoor cast iron chair came through my large from window, from someone's deck a few blocks away lodged into my wall. From window to back wall was 25ft. All the popcorn in access ways to attack where sucked up and turned in the attack, and the worst thing of all was the house behind the entire 2nd and 3rd floor were gone except for a piano. Nobody injured as they were not home, thank goodness!

So, pick your poison lol... blizzards, snow, -50+ windchills with steamy 95+ Summers with high humidity, or Hurricane Season, and Steamy Heat for 4-5 months and rain! I will take that.

I can easily adapt to AC all the time, do it now, I cannot stand the Snow and Bluster anymore! I will miss the cabin, pontooning, jet skiing, etc... but time to Bass fish Lake Sumter! ;)

[Taltarzac725]

Quick reminder, as for the heat thing. I grew up outside of Orlando while father was in the AF. So years of being an AF Brat, born in Edwards AFB in California. Last place he was enlisted was Grand Forks, AFB in North Dakota. Now that is windy and cold! I will take sweating at 6:OO getting the newspaper, vs my body being frozen stiff by the time I get to my newspaper! :)

As for Hurricane's well you get a little time to plan for them, doesn't ease any devastation afterwards however. I believe The Villages doesn't get "truly" affected, but high winds are an issue. Now compare that to a Tornado that pops up you maybe have 3-15 minutes as a heads up.

I can share this, holding my 2 year old son, looking out a large front window, we were admiring the different dark and green colors of the clouds on a storm coming in. My now ex was at the back of the house, and mentions we should bring our son downstairs as she didn't like the look. (She grew up on a farm in WI, so she has seen strong winds with nothing stopping them and huge storms so no fear from her!). I stayed a couple of more seconds, and went well alright buddy let's go down with mom. More to appease then to say fearful, as it wasn't daunting IMO. Low and behold, I took about 20 steps to get to the door to our basement, got half way down the stairs and as those with tornado history or close calls, there was a very loud freight train noise. Hustled down the last remaining steps, gave my son to her hands, and ran over to the steps to see what in the heck that was. From the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door, I could see water, leaves, etc, I went you have to be kidding me! Waited for most of the sound to leave, popped up stairs. Huge old outdoor cast iron chair came through my large from window, from someone's deck a few blocks away lodged into my wall. From window to back wall was 25ft. All the popcorn in access ways to attack where sucked up and turned in the attack, and the worst thing of all was the house behind the entire 2nd and 3rd floor were gone except for a piano. Nobody injured as they were not home, thank goodness!

So, pick your poison lol... blizzards, snow, -50+ windchills with steamy 95+ Summers with high humidity, or Hurricane Season, and Steamy Heat for 4-5 months and rain! I will take that.

I can easily adapt to AC all the time, do it now, I cannot stand the Snow and Bluster anymore! I will miss the cabin, pontooning, jet skiing, etc... but time to Bass fish Lake Sumter! ;)

We do have to worry about tornadoes here but not so much damage from hurricanes. The Groundhog Day hurricane of 2007 hit a small section of the Villages very hard . But not much in the way of damage before that nor after to the Villages from tornadoes. We have had some in house home care ladies who have lived here all their lives. A few of these are in their fifties if not older.

I was near a natural disaster on Memorial Day of 1983 while working at a food service at Bower's Mansion in Washoe Valley in Northern Nevada. An avalanche on Slide Mountain went into a mountain lake which pushed a mass of water down Davis Creek. I saw a lot of panic in the park visitors but we did not know what was happening until I went outside and saw a mass of mud pushed over the highway to the north.

[Altavia]

That I did not know, and will try that! Thank you!

You can find the bond info per property here.

Finance & Bonds - The Villages Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/services/administration/finance/)

As others have suggested, be careful to not a bond be the tail that wags the dog.

Be aware the bond is not a personal debt It does not impact your credit. The interest is not tax deductable.

It is a debt against the property and transfers to the next buyer when the property is sold.

Most sellers do not recover the full bond cost when selling the property. Especially in the current market.

It's been said the average Villager move three times. I know several that said not me, paid off their bond, then sold 5 years later and assumed a new bond.

If you have the funds to pay off the bond, better to invest that money and use that interest to offset the bond interest. That way you only pay bond cost for the time you own the home.