The Villages Expenses

[ajdeck]

How many of you found out that the expenses to live here
were much more than expected? For example even things like
going out to eat or entertainment that is not included etc.

[bonrich]

One thing to remember is whether you are a snowbird or a frog, this is your home, and you are not on vacation. So a person has to school themselves into enjoying the lifestyle, not hard to do, yet live as though you are or were in your previous primary home. Which means not going out to eat 5 times a week, or having a toddy every night at the Town Squares, etc.
You can certainly have a great time here and it doesn't have to be budget busting!!!

[skip0358]

We found TOTV 2 years before we moved here,asked questions and read all the info. On one of our visits we met a nice couple the husband was pretty much spot on with the costs. As for food and drink after coming from Long Island I find food and drink quite a bit less. Ditto on my insurance, taxes, and electric. If your going to go to the higher end CCs often you might have a problem but if you go to the squares and regular CCs you should be OK.

[Challenger]

How many of you found out that the expenses to live here
were much more than expected? For example even things like
going out to eat or entertainment that is not included etc.

Came from rural Maryland. Cost of Living here is somewhat cheaper than there

[rjm1cc]

How many of you found out that the expenses to live here
were much more than expected? For example even things like
going out to eat or entertainment that is not included etc.
I think you can get a pretty good picture of the cost by searching the form. The problem is we are changing our life style so eating out may cost about the same as back home, but maybe you eat out two or three times as often as you did back home. Also maybe you did not water your lawn but now you do. I think property taxes will be your big difference, but part of this difference can be offset by HOA fees etc if you did not have them before.

[Bavarian]

Came from rural Maryland. Cost of Living here is somewhat cheaper than there

Which County? asks the St. Mary's Countian, who has is on well and septic and Amish Farms relativly close. Just back from an egg and corn run.

[champion6]

ajdeck, go to the Nuts and Bolts section of this forum and read the 3 messages at the top. They will give you some very good information about expenses.

[jblum315]

Much less than expected. I came from New York.

[Challenger]

Which County? asks the St. Mary's Countian, who has is on well and septic and Amish Farms relativly close. Just back from an egg and corn run.

Wash co=hagerstown. city taxes, all public utilities, chain grocery stores , country club= 1 course. 1 pool, 1 dining rm. TV expenses much lower for comparable or better value

[NotGolfer]

Depends on your "cost of living" and if you budget yourself or not. We've found that we really are living within our "very" fixed budget. We 'maybe' eat out once or twice a week but tend to go where we can find great prices! Some weeks we don't eat out and others we may do more that the above so it all pans out.

We're not spending anymore on our groceries than we did up north. I probably spent more up north as I'd get items not on the list so they were non-essentials. Living in FL is cheaper than our midwest living--taxes etc etc etc. Another reason (other than not having to shovel, and put up with frigid weather)

[Thnonne]

Up at 6:30, play pickleball 7:30-9am, Executive golf in the p.m., go to the pool, go to the square to listen to the entertainment, home to watch some TV and then to bed. Busy day and didn't spend a dime on active lifestyle, so all my money can go to eating out, breakfast and dinner at various area restaurants. This is why I feel the Villages is not an expensive place to live in retirement.

[Roaddog53]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade regarding some of the costs here, but go to thevillages.com and click on the Homes Icon, than go to the bottom left and click on "check out how affordable..." icon.

Everyone says their taxes are lower than where they used to live. On a typical Designer home ($250k) as they mention on the site, the costs for Taxes+Amenity fees+Bond adds up to much more than many pay elsewhere. They are all "taxes/fees to live here". That totals $587 per month or $7044 per year! Even the water/sewer fees of $62 per month (which we all know is still LOW due to having to run the irrigation systems) is higher than normal. Trash is twice what I paid, and utilities are a bit more for me here. The other basic fees of cable and phone is low ($104) if you also add in internet and other services. Typically a bundled service with HD and internet/phone will run about $138 per month. House insurance is less than $100 here though, about $70. Thus about $1100-$1200 per month on top of any mortgage you may have here. Good news is NO state income taxes here.

Now I know some might have paid more in lifestyles and/or living areas prior to retirement, but that's still a lot of money. It's about 25% more per month I was paying for 3300 sf on a large lake and many extras.

The other expenses such as food, meals out, movies are a wash. Entertainment here is FREE all over here, but don't get fooled by the free golf. Country Clubs will cost per month depending on how many you sign up for, but still cheaper than elsewhere. Executive courses will cost you either nothing, if you walk and use the phone reservation system, or $20 per month for golf cart trail fees and online tee times.

Don't get me wrong though, I still like it here and the other intangibles make up for the differences PLUS some! You will like it here also I would be pretty sure. most do! But as they say in all things material..."You get what you pay for"! We may pay a bit more, but we get a lot more!

[ssmith]

Expenses would not be complete until you factor in that there is also no state income taxes in FL if it is your primary residence.

[asianthree]

we have very little choice in resturants up north and have to drive half hour at least to get to ones we like, so our cost of living in TV is more because we can get to a resturant in 9 minutes by cart

[perrjojo]

:welcome:I guess it all depends on where you live now and what home you are moving from-too. We moved from Georgia and our county was very senior friendly (no schooltaxes). Seniors also get a BIG break on income taxes. Eating out, food etc are about equal. Golf is much less expensive in TV, even at the CC's. Our biggest saving came from moving from a 5000 sq ft home with large yard to aCYV. Electric, water and yard maintenance are about one third. Moving from and older home with high yearly maintenance to a new home makes for a savings too. Enjoy TV...there is a place for it to work on any budget.

[ugotme]

As stated, it all depends on where you came from!

Moved to So. Fl. 7 years ago from Long Island, NY. At that time, the taxes on my very typical middle class home was over $10,000 - 7 years ago. Add to that a sales tax of 8.5% and a NY State tax of approx. 7% and living down here becomes much more affordable.

Yes, the Homeowner's insurance is probably triple and the car insurance is more expensive but, all in all, cheaper down here.

Of course, the reality is our income is also lower now that we are retired !!!!

[Barefoot]

How many of you found out that the expenses to live here were much more than expected? For example even things like
going out to eat or entertainment that is not included etc.

We were pleasantly surprised at restaurant prices in TV.

[Bavarian]

Seems it all depends on where you are comparing to. Real Estate taxes in The Villages three times as here in MD. We have our own well and septic, so no water and sewer bills. We can easily take our trash and garbage that can not me composted to one of many transfer stations which also take our recyclables. Have a trash compactor, it is a reqular Sunday after Mass trip, though usually every other week, on our way to our weekly breakfast at Bob Evans. I find Real Estate Taxes very high. Pretty much wipes out savings on income tax.

In process of building and planning move in a year. Who can get House insurance for $100? Our quotes more like $2K with Flood Insurance and inflation protection and full replacement coverage. And Hurricane coverage! Ours raised our deductible over $5K with Irene. Had to fix roof and Geo Heat pump ourselves. Plus I cut up 15+ trees in the lawn, still have many in woods.

[Bill & Carolyn]

One thing to remember is whether you are a snowbird or a frog, this is your home, and you are not on vacation. So a person has to school themselves into enjoying the lifestyle, not hard to do, yet live as though you are or were in your previous primary home. Which means not going out to eat 5 times a week, or having a toddy every night at the Town Squares, etc.
You can certainly have a great time here and it doesn't have to be budget busting!!!

Okay, I'm familiar with "Snow Bird' and "Snow flake', but what is a 'Frog' (besides a derisive name that the English use to describe the French .. and ... the well known member of the Amphibians)?

[luvtheloop]

We found it much cheaper to live here than in upstate NY. Taxes are much less here for a more expensive house. Electric is much cheaper, haven't paid more than $135 per month for a designer house of about 2000 sq ft under air. Most months the electric is under $100. We don't eat out all the time (haven't found any healthy places to eat that aren't chains) but do find food more expensive here. Try to shop at Walmart and Aldi's to save some money.

[OpusX1]

Okay, I'm familiar with "Snow Bird' and "Snow flake', but what is a 'Frog' (besides a derisive name that the English use to describe the French .. and ... the well known member of the Amphibians)?

Here till we croak!:)

[JoeC1947]

Here till we croak!:)

Ribit

[FlaDreamer]

This is a very useful thread for someone like me that continues to evaluate The Villages from middle America. For background we've visited once and are going back again in December. Our first observation; to purchase a house with a view, privacy, and lot size we desire will cost almost 2 1/2 to 3xs the value of our house & lot now plus increased recurring costs. For someone use to the big city hustle, bustle, noise, or living in apartments, or a high cost of living densely populate area, The Villages home sites and Village configurations offer many more choices and options and, as I've read, is fact for some less costly. At least from were I sit in the Midwest burbs not so much. This leads me to believe that The Villages, for the most part, is being marketed to the large metropolitan areas of the country. Those of us with the desire, and dare say dream, to live in such a great and well planned community such as the Villages, we run the risk if emotions take charge, of moving into an environment that could compromise our current life-style (cost) or is so different then what we're use to (e.g. environment, traffic) that it becomes a mistake. These are just thoughts, no criticisms, no judgments of anyone.

[graciegirl]

This is a very useful thread for someone like me that continues to evaluate The Villages from middle America. For background we've visited once and are going back again in December. Our first observation; to purchase a house with a view, privacy, and lot size we desire will cost almost 2 1/2 to 3xs the value of our house & lot now plus increased recurring costs. For someone use to the big city hustle, bustle, noise, or living in apartments, or a high cost of living densely populate area, The Villages home sites and Village configurations offer many more choices and options and, as I've read, is fact for some less costly. At least from were I sit in the Midwest burbs not so much. This leads me to believe that The Villages, for the most part, is being marketed to the large metropolitan areas of the country. Those of us with the desire, and dare say dream, to live in such a great and well planned community such as the Villages, we run the risk if emotions take charge, of moving into an environment that could compromise our current life-style (cost) or is so different then what we're use to (e.g. environment, traffic) that it becomes a mistake. These are just thoughts, no criticisms, no judgments of anyone.

There are resale homes in the historic section that start as low as $70K.

I would think and think again before I would invest in a home that is a lot more expensive than your current one as most of us will be on a smaller income and we need to remember that a person's health and the entire economic situation in this country are an unknown.

The amenity fee is around $145 a month. The list of expenses that The Villages sales office sends with the packet, I believe to be fair. As someone stated, it is now our year 'round home not a vacation destination and so we don't eat out the way we would on vacation. There are plenty of free or low cost things to do including visiting with friends and playing cards and having neighborhood potlucks.

The view and privacy lots are a LOT more than the zero upgrade lots. Homes here cost from $70 K to more than a million and a half...and in those homes will be living people who get the exact same bunch of good things to choose from.

[FlaDreamer]

Thanks for the sensible and definitely wise advise. Will be sure to get out and visit all of different villages and what they have to offer. Thanks!

[Golfingnut]

We came here from Peachtree City Georgia. We find utilities, taxes, food cost, Gas, and many other things cheaper than Georgia. That along with no State Income Tax, we are very happy with the cost of living here.

[2BNTV]

From "nuts and bolts" by zcaveman:

Living Costs
There are a number of posts out in TOTV requesting the monthly costs for living in TV. The numbers vary between full time residents and part time residents. I am a full time resident with a 3 bedroom ranch on a base lot. Some of the numbers are close to mine. Some are from some of the other posts. This is an attempt to try and put them in one place. Remember, as with many of the other items in this post, this is just an estimate. Actual numbers will depend on your life style and size of residence. The numbers are monthly except where noted.

Water/Sewer (depends on size of yard) $40-80
Garbage $16.92
Electric $80-225* - annual average $165 (added 3/22/2011)
Gas $23-80* - annual average $42 (added 3/22/2011)
Telephone (CenturyLink – landline/Full service/ No LD) $46
Telephone (AT&T – Cell phone) $35
Cable (Premium/Digital – No HBO, etc) $93.85 (Comcast) Updated 3/22/2011)
Internet (broadband) $50.95 (Comcast) Updated 3/22/2011)
Amenity Fee $135 (as of this writing)
Property Taxes $200-400 ***
Homeowners Insurance $600 and up per year
Automobile Insurance $500 and up per year
Golf Cart Trail Fees $142 per year
Lawn Care (mow and edge) $45-80 (depends on size of yard)
Weeding/shrub trimming $50 (depends on # of shrubs)
Daily Sun $48 per year
Orlando Sentinel (optional) $28 (13 weeks)
Dining out (for 2 – no liquor):
Lunch $25-35
Dinner $25-$$$

This is an average. Electric will be higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Gas will be higher in the winter and lower in the summer.
** Cell phone costs should be about the same as you are paying now. It depends on the plan.
*** Florida resident with Homestead Exemption. No bond. This depends on the appraised value of your home. You can get the millage rate from the county appraiser. In 2007, this included the non-Ad Valorem (CDD4 ($371) / fire ($120) / water/waste ($68) charges.* If you have a bond, it will be included in your taxes. It is a 30 year bond at 6 or 7%.* You will have to calculate that number yourself.
**** Some insurance companies have monthly payment options.


This is what I go by.

[2 Oldcrabs]

We are from Delaware and find the cost here to be more. I have relatives who live in NJ, NY and PA and I think TV would be less based on what they pay for property taxes, income tax and their sales tax. De has no sales tax and very reasonable property taxes. De does have an income tax but does not tax the first $12,500 of retirement income. But it can SNOW alot in De and I will pay the extra. I did calculate extra money for things "we need" in the new house, but we have over spend that with more to go. Plan to have extra in your check book!:a040:

[ajdeck]

From "nuts and bolts" by zcaveman:

Living Costs
There are a number of posts out in TOTV requesting the monthly costs for living in TV. The numbers vary between full time residents and part time residents. I am a full time resident with a 3 bedroom ranch on a base lot. Some of the numbers are close to mine. Some are from some of the other posts. This is an attempt to try and put them in one place. Remember, as with many of the other items in this post, this is just an estimate. Actual numbers will depend on your life style and size of residence. The numbers are monthly except where noted.

Water/Sewer (depends on size of yard) $40-80
Garbage $16.92
Electric $80-225* - annual average $165 (added 3/22/2011)
Gas $23-80* - annual average $42 (added 3/22/2011)
Telephone (CenturyLink – landline/Full service/ No LD) $46
Telephone (AT&T – Cell phone) $35
Cable (Premium/Digital – No HBO, etc) $93.85 (Comcast) Updated 3/22/2011)
Internet (broadband) $50.95 (Comcast) Updated 3/22/2011)
Amenity Fee $135 (as of this writing)
Property Taxes $200-400 ***
Homeowners Insurance $600 and up per year
Automobile Insurance $500 and up per year
Golf Cart Trail Fees $142 per year
Lawn Care (mow and edge) $45-80 (depends on size of yard)
Weeding/shrub trimming $50 (depends on # of shrubs)
Daily Sun $48 per year
Orlando Sentinel (optional) $28 (13 weeks)
Dining out (for 2 – no liquor):
Lunch $25-35
Dinner $25-$$$

This is an average. Electric will be higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Gas will be higher in the winter and lower in the summer.
** Cell phone costs should be about the same as you are paying now. It depends on the plan.
*** Florida resident with Homestead Exemption. No bond. This depends on the appraised value of your home. You can get the millage rate from the county appraiser. In 2007, this included the non-Ad Valorem (CDD4 ($371) / fire ($120) / water/waste ($68) charges.* If you have a bond, it will be included in your taxes. It is a 30 year bond at 6 or 7%.* You will have to calculate that number yourself.
**** Some insurance companies have monthly payment options.


This is what I go by.



Thing that is confusing is on TV expenses they say 135 a month then at end
say another 192 a month that equals 327 a month already. Then isn't there a
yearly fee also something like 4-500 bucks added to your taxes (not talking bond now).

[thekeithfan]

MORE???!!!! Where did you live? I came from Connecticut I'm saving over $1,200 a month in just taxes! They don't have Super Walmarts in CT so I'm saving at least $100 a month there. I was spending $300 a month on gas now I put $15 in my golf cart and it lasts all month!! I was paying $60 a round of golf once a week here I play for free here! In CT they have deposits on bottles and cans every beverage is much higher. I could go on but compared to Connecticut this is like living in the 60S!!!

[aljetmet]

Thing that is confusing is on TV expenses they say 135 a month then at end
say another 192 a month that equals 327 a month already. Then isn't there a
yearly fee also something like 4-500 bucks added to your taxes (not talking bond now).

You must be referring to the annual maintenance fee. We will be living in Fernandina 208 and believe it's going to run about $850 per year. Some one can correct me but I think the real estate taxes (south of 466A) will run slightly over $0.13/$1,000 of market value which if you're building is the price you pay to build.

[George Bieniaszek]

Comparing living in The Villages with living in ConnTAXicut, much much cheaper to live in Florida. Becoming Florida residents saves us over $5,000 per year in no Income Taxes, no property taxes on our vehicles, taxes on our home is much cheaper. Gasoline is between $0.40-$.50 per gallon cheaper here in FLA vs CT, and the list goes on and on.

I did not compare utility costs, food, etc. I just am comparing the big ticket expenses.

[buggyone]

Thing that is confusing is on TV expenses they say 135 a month then at end
say another 192 a month that equals 327 a month already. Then isn't there a
yearly fee also something like 4-500 bucks added to your taxes (not talking bond now).

The yearly fee you mention is the Annual Maintenance Fee. It is in the $700 range and is added onto your property tax bill in addition to your bond payment (if you have one). Everyone pays the Annual Maintenance Fee - even if your bond is fully paid.

I do not know what $192 you are talking about. The $135 is your amenity fee and is shown each month in your water/sewage bill. South of Hwy 466, you have two parts of the water bill. One part is for house water and one part for irrigation water. It is more expensive than the North of Hwy 466.

[ajdeck]

The yearly fee you mention is the Annual Maintenance Fee. It is in the $700 range and is added onto your property tax bill in addition to your bond payment (if you have one). Everyone pays the Annual Maintenance Fee - even if your bond is fully paid.

I do not know what $192 you are talking about. The $135 is your amenity fee and is shown each month in your water/sewage bill. South of Hwy 466, you have two parts of the water bill. One part is for house water and one part for irrigation water. It is more expensive than the North of Hwy 466.


The 192 is on the villages cost sheet when you get their package of
house layouts etc. (the one they send you)

[batman911]

You must be referring to the annual maintenance fee. We will be living in Fernandina 208 and believe it's going to run about $850 per year. Some one can correct me but I think the real estate taxes (south of 466A) will run slightly over $0.13/$1,000 of market value which if you're building is the price you pay to build.

Not sure how it can be $.13. If your home is assessed at $250K the it would be 250 X .13 = $32.50. I know the taxes are higher than that number. I believe it is .013 of assessed value (.013 X 250K = $3,250.00). Anyone have a different theory?

[next3rd]

Sounds like the perfect day to us!!

[ajdeck]

The yearly fee you mention is the Annual Maintenance Fee. It is in the $700 range and is added onto your property tax bill in addition to your bond payment (if you have one). Everyone pays the Annual Maintenance Fee - even if your bond is fully paid.

I do not know what $192 you are talking about. The $135 is your amenity fee and is shown each month in your water/sewage bill. South of Hwy 466, you have two parts of the water bill. One part is for house water and one part for irrigation water. It is more expensive than the North of Hwy 466.


Thanks all for any and all info.

aj