On the fence: Calif or Florida??

[oldpilot]

I've lurked here for over a week and find your enthusiasm for TV life style very impressive! It's like the old song: "how you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen TV" or; can 90,000 people be wrong? It appears not.

I'm a single male, age 76 with fairly good health. My career was in aviation; Air Force and airline.

I'm considering moving out of CA. I would be grateful for your feedback about my considerations listed below.

1. Weather: I live a few blocks from the Ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We enjoy great year-around weather. Summers are mostly mid-seventies. Winters are very mild and seldom below sixty. We think fifty is a winter storm. Once, after a light rain shower; the local news paper showed a photo of a patio chair tipped over with the caption; STORM DAMAGE. The local TV station zooms in on water trickling down the gutter.

Could I cope with FL hot and humid summers? My main outdoor activity is walking, which takes about 90 minutes. At the end I'm perspiring even in 65 degree weather.

1-A. If you moved to TV from any Southern Cal coastal area, could you describe your adjustment to TV weather? Are you coping? Do you regret leaving CA weather?

2. Air conditioning is not needed here. Could you estimate your annual air/con costs and state the square footage of your house. I presume smaller SF means lower cost.

2-A. If purchasing new; is a/c standard or included in the house price? If standard; do you know what SEER rating & brand is used? Bigger SEER number costs more but is more efficient and quieter and uses less power to run.

3. Maids in this area are usually $20 an hour or $80-$100 for six hours work. What are maid costs in TV?

4. Do you maintain your own yards? If so, what are the labor costs for lawn service?

5. Can Property Taxes be substantially different for two equal lots/houses depending are the county or CCD?

6. A 4 mile walk is my main outdoor activity; what is the bug/mosquito situation? Can't be too bad with that many folks out playing golf.

7. If two properties were otherwise identical with one bond fully paid and the other bond mostly outstanding; would the total price be the same?

8. When I see prebuilt ready to purchase Aspen model for say $240,000; does that include the price of the bond? I'd love to know the price of an Aspen with all the maximum stretched walls.

9. What seasons do you use the lanai? How important is the lanai orientation to privacy from neighbors and from neighbor's noise? In photos; it appears sitting on the lanai means free entertainment from the neighbors air conditioning noise.

10. I have no family to look after me if my health were to fail. Not a fun subject, but I'd like to know if transitioning to assisted living is available in TV? For that reason; I might buy a floor plan that would permit a live-in assistant should the need ever arise. I'm hoping to go during sleep but it's hard to plan these events.

10-A. No one here in CA knows any of the answers to the three great questions in life. If you have someone in TV with these answers it would be helpful in my moving decision. (1. When will I die? 2. How will I die? 3. What happens after I die?) OK, some do have an answer for #3.

11. Properties in TV are approximately 1/5th of prices here, but it appears that aside from a mortgage; monthly costs may be more in TV with assessments, bonds, sales taxes, amenities etc. etc. Your utilities seem higher.

If one is living off fixed income with virtually no safe Return On Investment available; my consideration is that should I live ten years with eventual inflation or hyper-inflation I might not be able to pay the bills.

If you got this far; God Bless You. My possible 2500 mile move from a 40 year residence is, you will appreciate, a major decision.

One might surmise from lurking on this forum that you are very much like my older brother; wonderful, outgoing, congenial, never met a soul who didn't already seem like a 20 year friend. Alas, I'm a quieter more private person. Slower to make friends. Decent to be sure, but not a glad hander.

Many thanks in advance for your comments.

[Moderator]

bumping for OP...his thread was stuck in Moderation status for almost 4 hours. Please help him out with his questions.

[graciegirl]

I've lurked here for over a week and find your enthusiasm for TV life style very impressive! It's like the old song: "how you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen TV" or; can 90,000 people be wrong? It appears not.

I'm a single male, age 76 with fairly good health. My career was in aviation; Air Force and airline.

I'm considering moving out of CA. I would be grateful for your feedback about my considerations listed below.

1. Weather: I live a few blocks from the Ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We enjoy great year-around weather. Summers are mostly mid-seventies. Winters are very mild and seldom below sixty. We think fifty is a winter storm. Once, after a light rain shower; the local news paper showed a photo of a patio chair tipped over with the caption; STORM DAMAGE. The local TV station zooms in on water trickling down the gutter.

Could I cope with FL hot and humid summers? My main outdoor activity is walking, which takes about 90 minutes. At the end I'm perspiring even in 65 degree weather.

1-A. If you moved to TV from any Southern Cal coastal area, could you describe your adjustment to TV weather? Are you coping? Do you regret leaving CA weather?

2. Air conditioning is not needed here. Could you estimate your annual air/con costs and state the square footage of your house. I presume smaller SF means lower cost.

2-A. If purchasing new; is a/c standard or included in the house price? If standard; do you know what SEER rating & brand is used? Bigger SEER number costs more but is more efficient and quieter and uses less power to run.

3. Maids in this area are usually $20 an hour or $80-$100 for six hours work. What are maid costs in TV?

4. Do you maintain your own yards? If so, what are the labor costs for lawn service?

5. Can Property Taxes be substantially different for two equal lots/houses depending are the county or CCD?

6. A 4 mile walk is my main outdoor activity; what is the bug/mosquito situation? Can't be too bad with that many folks out playing golf.

7. If two properties were otherwise identical with one bond fully paid and the other bond mostly outstanding; would the total price be the same?

8. When I see prebuilt ready to purchase Aspen model for say $240,000; does that include the price of the bond? I'd love to know the price of an Aspen with all the maximum stretched walls.

9. What seasons do you use the lanai? How important is the lanai orientation to privacy from neighbors and from neighbor's noise? In photos; it appears sitting on the lanai means free entertainment from the neighbors air conditioning noise.

10. I have no family to look after me if my health were to fail. Not a fun subject, but I'd like to know if transitioning to assisted living is available in TV? For that reason; I might buy a floor plan that would permit a live-in assistant should the need ever arise. I'm hoping to go during sleep but it's hard to plan these events.

10-A. No one here in CA knows any of the answers to the three great questions in life. If you have someone in TV with these answers it would be helpful in my moving decision. (1. When will I die? 2. How will I die? 3. What happens after I die?) OK, some do have an answer for #3.

11. Properties in TV are approximately 1/5th of prices here, but it appears that aside from a mortgage; monthly costs may be more in TV with assessments, bonds, sales taxes, amenities etc. etc. Your utilities seem higher.

If one is living off fixed income with virtually no safe Return On Investment available; my consideration is that should I live ten years with eventual inflation or hyper-inflation I might not be able to pay the bills.

If you got this far; God Bless You. My possible 2500 mile move from a 40 year residence is, you will appreciate, a major decision.

One might surmise from lurking on this forum that you are very much like my older brother; wonderful, outgoing, congenial, never met a soul who didn't already seem like a 20 year friend. Alas, I'm a quieter more private person. Slower to make friends. Decent to be sure, but not a glad hander.

Many thanks in advance for your comments.

The VERY first thing you need to do is book a LifeStyle visit.

Welcome to you. I hope you find what you are seeking here. I have been a lot of places but this place is so fulfilling and so much fun. I just went to the oral surgeon and while in the waiting room we met an 86 year young man who had the most interesting life and eventually in conversation knew someone that we knew. He was enormously successful by anyone's standards and is still enjoying eviable health and remarkable mental fitness.

I love the wonderful experiences just like that. We are each a story and so many of us are finding a wonderful time in what I thought would be a very not good part of my life.

Come on down.

One of the more practical folks will answer your very valid questions.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

[manaboutown]

oldpilot, pm me if you like. I am a 70 year old single male who has lived in Newport Beach (CDM) since 1990. I did a lifestyle visit one year and rented a home in TV for a month a year later. I am still considering the pros and cons of relocating to TV myself.

[gomoho]

Wow - quite a load of questions. To sum it up - this is not California - the summers are hot as hell and the humidity will melt the skin off your face - but we manage with A/C and swimming pools - if you want to walk you do it very early in the morning or very late at night - bugs are not allowed in The Villages so they are not a concern - and then comes October thru April and you will love the weather. We have the most remarkable thunderstorms that literally shake the earth. The foliage and lushness are breathtaking. Don't know about maids 'cause living alone how much do you really have to clean? Cost of living here is very reasonable considering what you get for you money. I never could understand how anyone can afford to live in Cali so I think you will be pleasantly suprised. Houses and cars are not a status thing here - no one really cares what you have or don't have only if you are a nice person and would to sit down and have a drink.
Having just put my 93 year old mom in memory care 10 minutes from TV I can tell you I have checked out most of the facilities around and they are superb if you need them. We even have assisted living that grants you all the ammenities of TV - can't beat that.
This is a community that welcomes everyone home. When we decided to move to our retirement home I wanted Arizona for the mountains and desert and my husband wanted TV for Florida and the golf. He won, but I can honestly say it has absolutely exceeded my expecations.
A Lifestyle Visit would be an excellent opportunity for you to view the property and get a feeling for the vibe here. I think you will be very happy with what you find. Best of luck wherever you end up.

[Mikeod]

We moved here from San Marcos 6 years ago. We weren't coastal, obviously, but, like you, experienced the benefit of SoCal weather. We also were concerned about adjusting to the heat and humidity, but it isn't as bad as we thought. During the summers, there are plenty of people walking/jogging around. But, they do this early in the morning.

Opposite of CA, our rainy season is the summer, not the winter and you can usually plan on some rain in the afternoon almost every day, so you plan outdoor activity accordingly. I find the afternoon thunderstorms somewhat pleasant. I often sit in the lanai under cover to listen to the rain. Central FL is also the lightning capital of the US, according to some sources, so you have to be careful. Also unlike CA, our winters can get chilly. We had a couple of winters where the nighttime temps were into the high 20's. I almost lost all the tropical plants I brought from CA. So you learn to landscape with hardy plants. My lawn service is under $50/month.

There are two assisted living facilities open within the community. I believe residents of both have resident privileges for our recreation facilities.

The home price doesn't include the bond on new sales. Generally, people who have paid off the bond will ask a higher price on resales to recover at least part of that expense. But, you will also get landscaping and home upgrades included for less than a new home. And it is all done, assuming you like what has been done. A/C is standard on new homes. Property taxes seem to be more equal for equal homes than you encounter in CA. We have no Prop 13 type disparities that I am aware of. Since I left CA before the housing market tanked, I don't know what happened to appraised value there, but here we have even seen some reduction in appraised value when the market overall slumped. We live in Sumter County where all the new construction occurs, so the tax base for the county is improving almost daily. We haven't had in increase in property tax rates for a few years now.

Outside of lovebug season there is no great problem with bugs/mosquitoes. Lovebugs occur twice a year, May and September, lasting about a month. To me, they seem to be attracted to light colors. They swarm during the daylight hours and mostly disappear at night. If you get them on your car, you should wash them off as soon as possible as their carcasses will eat through paint finishes.

I don't think the cost of living here is higher than CA. Sales tax is 7%, no state income tax, our CDD assessment is less than $1K/year and paid along with our property tax bill.

Perhaps it would be best to just summarize our feelings. We do miss the CA weather sometimes. We don't miss the traffic. We don't miss the feeling we had that we were living in a foreign land with gang graffiti everywhere. We miss our health care with Kaiser-Permanente.

When I tell people I moved here from San Diego County, they ask why I would do such a thing. I tell them I don't regret for an instant that move. I have made more friends here than I did in 30 years there. Our neighborhood takes care of each other. We looked at some communities for retirement out there. Most were built around a golf course. If you didn't play golf, you didn't have much to do. Here, the danger is getting involved in too many things that you don't have time to sleep. If, for some reason, you lose your driver's license, you can still get to anything you need within TV by golf cart.

I agree with Gracie that you need to book a Lifestyle visit, preferably in the summer so you can experience the weather. But even better would be to stay for a month so you have a chance to acclimate. It does take a little while coming from the low humidity area of SoCal. A lot of my neighbors came here from the eastern half of the US and are already used to humidity levels that don't occur in CA.

We would not move back.

[chuckinca]

Coastal or near Coastal CA weather can't be beat.

Available activities for seniors in TV can't be beat.

How much you spend and where is your choice.


.

[PJOHNS2654]

I've lurked here for over a week and find your enthusiasm for TV life style very impressive! It's like the old song: "how you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen TV" or; can 90,000 people be wrong? It appears not.

I'm a single male, age 76 with fairly good health. My career was in aviation; Air Force and airline.

I'm considering moving out of CA. I would be grateful for your feedback about my considerations listed below.

1. Weather: I live a few blocks from the Ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We enjoy great year-around weather. Summers are mostly mid-seventies. Winters are very mild and seldom below sixty. We think fifty is a winter storm. Once, after a light rain shower; the local news paper showed a photo of a patio chair tipped over with the caption; STORM DAMAGE. The local TV station zooms in on water trickling down the gutter.

Could I cope with FL hot and humid summers? My main outdoor activity is walking, which takes about 90 minutes. At the end I'm perspiring even in 65 degree weather.

1-A. If you moved to TV from any Southern Cal coastal area, could you describe your adjustment to TV weather? Are you coping? Do you regret leaving CA weather?

2. Air conditioning is not needed here. Could you estimate your annual air/con costs and state the square footage of your house. I presume smaller SF means lower cost.

2-A. If purchasing new; is a/c standard or included in the house price? If standard; do you know what SEER rating & brand is used? Bigger SEER number costs more but is more efficient and quieter and uses less power to run.

3. Maids in this area are usually $20 an hour or $80-$100 for six hours work. What are maid costs in TV?

4. Do you maintain your own yards? If so, what are the labor costs for lawn service?

5. Can Property Taxes be substantially different for two equal lots/houses depending are the county or CCD?

6. A 4 mile walk is my main outdoor activity; what is the bug/mosquito situation? Can't be too bad with that many folks out playing golf.

7. If two properties were otherwise identical with one bond fully paid and the other bond mostly outstanding; would the total price be the same?

8. When I see prebuilt ready to purchase Aspen model for say $240,000; does that include the price of the bond? I'd love to know the price of an Aspen with all the maximum stretched walls.

9. What seasons do you use the lanai? How important is the lanai orientation to privacy from neighbors and from neighbor's noise? In photos; it appears sitting on the lanai means free entertainment from the neighbors air conditioning noise.

10. I have no family to look after me if my health were to fail. Not a fun subject, but I'd like to know if transitioning to assisted living is available in TV? For that reason; I might buy a floor plan that would permit a live-in assistant should the need ever arise. I'm hoping to go during sleep but it's hard to plan these events.

10-A. No one here in CA knows any of the answers to the three great questions in life. If you have someone in TV with these answers it would be helpful in my moving decision. (1. When will I die? 2. How will I die? 3. What happens after I die?) OK, some do have an answer for #3.

11. Properties in TV are approximately 1/5th of prices here, but it appears that aside from a mortgage; monthly costs may be more in TV with assessments, bonds, sales taxes, amenities etc. etc. Your utilities seem higher.

If one is living off fixed income with virtually no safe Return On Investment available; my consideration is that should I live ten years with eventual inflation or hyper-inflation I might not be able to pay the bills.

If you got this far; God Bless You. My possible 2500 mile move from a 40 year residence is, you will appreciate, a major decision.

One might surmise from lurking on this forum that you are very much like my older brother; wonderful, outgoing, congenial, never met a soul who didn't already seem like a 20 year friend. Alas, I'm a quieter more private person. Slower to make friends. Decent to be sure, but not a glad hander.

Many thanks in advance for your comments.

Lived in So. Cal. 41 years. Now live in TV 6m and 6 in New England (best of both worlds) Don't miss Ca. except for friends and family. Did spend one summer near TV. You get used to heat and humidity and take care of exercise or outdoor activities before noon. After So.Cal. The Villages is like moving back to the USA.

Take The LS Tour and after you fall in love with the LS. rent for a year before you make the final move.

[Figuringitout]

We moved from CA 3 yrs ago (Bonsall, north county San Diego), we are in the process of buying in the older section of TV, our bond is paid and that was the only house we were interested in because that does add to the cost. The bond is added on to your tax bill, but you are still paying. I think there is no place like CA, but I was brought back this way due to family issues. It seems making friends here may be easier than it was in CA, don't know that for sure yet, we rented for 2 months (Aug & Sept), for the same reason you are concerned, it was hot every where in the mid west this year and you will have way more bugs. Renting gave us a chance to go to many open houses in the different Villages, it gave us a chance to figure out what works for us and talk to people that live here. Renting in the summer is much cheaper than the winter months, so that was a bonus.

My husband has enjoyed the golf, I am not a golfer but like to walk and bike so I am hopeful that will work out for me here. I am not much of a joiner, but enjoy people so I think this will work out for both of us. It appears they built the Villages for people to transition from the housing into assisted living etc. I haven't heard a lot good about doctors here, I heard you really have to search for a good one, don't know that to be fact. I think you would be wise to come spend some time here and investigate your concerns before making a move. I like CA so much it would be hard for me to leave but as you age people there do not get involved much so you may find this more aging friendly. Good luck, picking the right place for aging, it is a hard choice, we have been roaming around for almost 3 years and finally landed here...

[rjm1cc]

You might want to rent for a month or two. Rather easy to do. See The Villages 4 Rent, Rentals in The Villages (http://villages4rent.com/)

[asianthree]

i think renting for a month or two is a good idea, you could stay in different houses and different villages.. a lifestyle visit is great buy its have to move over a 7 day visit

[graciegirl]

We moved from CA 3 yrs ago (Bonsall, north county San Diego), we are in the process of buying in the older section of TV, our bond is paid and that was the only house we were interested in because that does add to the cost. The bond is added on to your tax bill, but you are still paying. I think there is no place like CA, but I was brought back this way due to family issues. It seems making friends here may be easier than it was in CA, don't know that for sure yet, we rented for 2 months (Aug & Sept), for the same reason you are concerned, it was hot every where in the mid west this year and you will have way more bugs. Renting gave us a chance to go to many open houses in the different Villages, it gave us a chance to figure out what works for us and talk to people that live here. Renting in the summer is much cheaper than the winter months, so that was a bonus.

My husband has enjoyed the golf, I am not a golfer but like to walk and bike so I am hopeful that will work out for me here. I am not much of a joiner, but enjoy people so I think this will work out for both of us. It appears they built the Villages for people to transition from the housing into assisted living etc. I haven't heard a lot good about doctors here, I heard you really have to search for a good one, don't know that to be fact. I think you would be wise to come spend some time here and investigate your concerns before making a move. I like CA so much it would be hard for me to leave but as you age people there do not get involved much so you may find this more aging friendly. Good luck, picking the right place for aging, it is a hard choice, we have been roaming around for almost 3 years and finally landed here...


I never ever once thought of our life here in that manner. I think of it as really living!

[l2ridehd]

Rent for a couple months in a couple different home styles in a couple different Villages. See for your self before committing.

I lived in Seal Beach for a few years so understand your concerns. CA coastal weather can't be beat and TV does not come close. Florida cost of living, cost of housing, is significantly less then CA. Florida is very affordable when compared to CA. But then there is The Villages itself. There is nothing like it. So much to do, so many great people, golf cart community, so many activities, and a great place to live.

You seem to have two major concerns and you need to weigh the pro's and con's of each. First is weather. If this is your highest priority, stay in CA. Second is cost of living. Hands down move to Florida. What I paid in state income tax covers all Florida expenses. Your state, property, sales, are all higher then Florida. Your cleaning service is close to double what it will cost in FL.

So my original suggestion of renting a couple different months will answer your weather concerns and you can make an informed decision. If the weather is OK, I guarantee the cost of living will be much lower, so see if you can be happy with the hotter summers and cooler winters.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

.

Take The LS Tour and after you fall in love with the LS. rent for a year before you make the final move.

:agree::BigApplause:

[Bonnevie]

it is very hot here in the summer. walking would best be done in the early morning or evening. I do think the longer you live down here the more acclimated you get to it...but when people first move here it can be concerning. Nothing compares to Calif weather. My brother used to live in northern Calif. and loved it but when he retired he moved to Nevada because of the cost of living in Calif. He's able to travel and do more things because of a lower cost of living. I would come visit at different times of the year to see our "seasons".

[2BNTV]

Rent for a couple months in a couple different home styles in a couple different Villages. See for your self before committing.

I lived in Seal Beach for a few years so understand your concerns. CA coastal weather can't be beat and TV does not come close. Florida cost of living, cost of housing, is significantly less then CA. Florida is very affordable when compared to CA. But then there is The Villages itself. There is nothing like it. So much to do, so many great people, golf cart community, so many activities, and a great place to live.

You seem to have two major concerns and you need to weigh the pro's and con's of each. First is weather. If this is your highest priority, stay in CA. Second is cost of living. Hands down move to Florida. What I paid in state income tax covers all Florida expenses. Your state, property, sales, are all higher then Florida. Your cleaning service is close to double what it will cost in FL.

So my original suggestion of renting a couple different months will answer your weather concerns and you can make an informed decision. If the weather is OK, I guarantee the cost of living will be much lower, so see if you can be happy with the hotter summers and cooler winters.

:agree:

[senior citizen]

I've lurked here for over a week and find your enthusiasm for TV life style very impressive! It's like the old song: "how you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen TV" or; can 90,000 people be wrong? It appears not.

I'm a single male, age 76 with fairly good health. My career was in aviation; Air Force and airline.

I'm considering moving out of CA. I would be grateful for your feedback about my considerations listed below.

1. Weather: I live a few blocks from the Ocean in Newport Beach, CA. We enjoy great year-around weather. Summers are mostly mid-seventies. Winters are very mild and seldom below sixty. We think fifty is a winter storm. Once, after a light rain shower; the local news paper showed a photo of a patio chair tipped over with the caption; STORM DAMAGE. The local TV station zooms in on water trickling down the gutter.

Could I cope with FL hot and humid summers? My main outdoor activity is walking, which takes about 90 minutes. At the end I'm perspiring even in 65 degree weather.

1-A. If you moved to TV from any Southern Cal coastal area, could you describe your adjustment to TV weather? Are you coping? Do you regret leaving CA weather?

2. Air conditioning is not needed here. Could you estimate your annual air/con costs and state the square footage of your house. I presume smaller SF means lower cost.

2-A. If purchasing new; is a/c standard or included in the house price? If standard; do you know what SEER rating & brand is used? Bigger SEER number costs more but is more efficient and quieter and uses less power to run.

3. Maids in this area are usually $20 an hour or $80-$100 for six hours work. What are maid costs in TV?

4. Do you maintain your own yards? If so, what are the labor costs for lawn service?

5. Can Property Taxes be substantially different for two equal lots/houses depending are the county or CCD?

6. A 4 mile walk is my main outdoor activity; what is the bug/mosquito situation? Can't be too bad with that many folks out playing golf.

7. If two properties were otherwise identical with one bond fully paid and the other bond mostly outstanding; would the total price be the same?

8. When I see prebuilt ready to purchase Aspen model for say $240,000; does that include the price of the bond? I'd love to know the price of an Aspen with all the maximum stretched walls.

9. What seasons do you use the lanai? How important is the lanai orientation to privacy from neighbors and from neighbor's noise? In photos; it appears sitting on the lanai means free entertainment from the neighbors air conditioning noise.

10. I have no family to look after me if my health were to fail. Not a fun subject, but I'd like to know if transitioning to assisted living is available in TV? For that reason; I might buy a floor plan that would permit a live-in assistant should the need ever arise. I'm hoping to go during sleep but it's hard to plan these events.

10-A. No one here in CA knows any of the answers to the three great questions in life. If you have someone in TV with these answers it would be helpful in my moving decision. (1. When will I die? 2. How will I die? 3. What happens after I die?) OK, some do have an answer for #3.

11. Properties in TV are approximately 1/5th of prices here, but it appears that aside from a mortgage; monthly costs may be more in TV with assessments, bonds, sales taxes, amenities etc. etc. Your utilities seem higher.

If one is living off fixed income with virtually no safe Return On Investment available; my consideration is that should I live ten years with eventual inflation or hyper-inflation I might not be able to pay the bills.

If you got this far; God Bless You. My possible 2500 mile move from a 40 year residence is, you will appreciate, a major decision.

One might surmise from lurking on this forum that you are very much like my older brother; wonderful, outgoing, congenial, never met a soul who didn't already seem like a 20 year friend. Alas, I'm a quieter more private person. Slower to make friends. Decent to be sure, but not a glad hander.

Many thanks in advance for your comments.

The one thing you would be escaping is the threat of earthquakes.
My brother in law lives in L.A. and they are always getting something; our friends live in San Diego , ditto as far as earthquake tremors......

Our son and his wife were just visiting again in La Jolla near San Diego where he said the weather was beautiful this past Sunday.

You already are aware of the high price of real estate in California.

Prices in TV are quite low compared to other parts of the nation.

We live in Vermont and cannot tolerate the humidity here, thus have been wondering the same thing you are wondering..........

From what we just heard, this has been the hottest summer on record ever......all over. Luckily, our nights are starting to get down into the 40's and 30's which is very pleasant. However, the mornings till early afternoon are still humid. As they say, it isn't the HEAT, it's the humidity.

Our son said California was indeed hot but a lot more green trees than Colorado has. The West has been extremely hot , not to mention all the forest fires.

Each place has "something". The Villages was beautiful last time we visited. My husband would have bought a house right then and there.

We were there in October and November and the weather was PERFECT.
We are not sure if we could tolerate the summer months and do not want to maintain a northern home and a southern home (meaning to escape the summer heat and return to Vermont).

We figure going through one more winter should do it and help our decision making process along..........that and the fact that homes are beginning to sell again up here..........after quite a stagnant real estate market.

Good luck and best wishes in coming to your decision.......

p.s. Send for the video and the home plans; call the Mercantile Store for the $5 street map of all the villages..........

[KathieI]

Hi Mr. Pilot.... I lived 30+ years in Los Angeles in various locations and the last was 1 mile from the Pacific and 1 mile from LAX. I had the same dilemma and sometimes still do.

1) The weather - first of all, you will never find better weather than southern CA so it goes without saying that I struggle with the humidity and summer heat and the cold winter weather (which thankfully doesn't last long) but for us with thin blood, its hard to cope with below 40 degrees (sometimes colder) for even a few days.

2) Bugs - they are horrible here. 2 months during the year, we have love bugs which I loathe. Otherwise, lots of mosquitos, no see-ums, red ants and blind mosquitos. I must admit I'm getting used to them but lovebugs do make walking outside almost impossible just don't wear white.

3) A/C - didn't have any in my last house in LA but I thank God we have it here cause I couldn't live without it, it also helps with the humidity in the house. It runs for probably 8 months of the year but believe me, the cost of electricity in FL is no where near as expensive at CA.

4) Let me lessen your concern about having no one to take care of you in the event of illness, let me assure you as one single person to another, there is nothing better than the friendships here in TV. We have a network of married and single friends that are there for you MORE than your own family would be. When we hear of folks in need, esp if they are single, its almost like a network that goes out to everyone that this person needs help. I had an operation last year and between my single friends and married ones, I was NEVER in need of anything, they were totally there for me. Have no fears where this is concerned.

Let me bottom line it, I still have thoughts of returning to LA but when I do a list of pros and cons, I wouldn't have the wonderful network of friends I have here, I wouldn't be benefiting from a lower cost of living, I wouldn't have the opportunity of so many things to do whether its daytime or nighttime activities (I'm a nighttime person), and I still can go see the ocean or gulf in a day's trip.

I agree with others, which is what I did, I rented houses 6 times before I moved but after the first two times I knew this was home. I still took more visits to be sure because it is such a difficult decision and I haven't regretted it (except during lovebug season), LOL.

Come on over here and get in touch with me and I'll have a meet and greet for ya so you can get to know as many people as I do, and that's a lot of people... You can't beat the friendships and the life style.

[Neal2tire]

Spent years in southern Ca. and then years in Northern Ca. Yes it is hot here. That's a given but if there is the slightest doubt I would not move due to the heat issue. As for me and my wife? I don't care if my head bursts into flames every day I walk out of our house. To be free from all the 'nuts' on the West Coast and be planted here with these wonderful people makes every minor problem, well..... a minor problem.

[chuckinca]

Norcal has better weather and other better things than Socal.


.

[KathieI]

Norcal has better weather and other better things than Socal.


.

:boxing2: :boxing2:

[chuckinca]

To the Moon!


.

[jane032657]

We are moving from Seattle where we have NO bugs, mild summers, and a hot day is considered 80 degrees. Of course we have rain but overall we have a mild climate. We spent a week in August at our new home in The Villages which we will be in permanantly in November. Yes it was very hot and the humidity was profound if you were doing any outdoor activity. I can see golf is a morning or last thing in the day sport but I could not personally imagine being out on the course in mid afternoon. So it was very different that Seattle in regard to summer weather. However, the sunshine was magnificent, the people delightful and upbeat, driving with a golf cart was breezy, and going out to do activity and then coming in an air conditioned house to take a break, get a bathing suit and go to the pool to me was unbeatable. It is a happy place, not congested, lots of open spaces, no hills so easy for walking and biking at the right times of day in summer, and lots of people to make friends and care about you. If you are unable to cope with humidity, bugs, and limited times of day when you could be out in the heat and sun and active, it may not be a great choice. Living in this climate requires some personal adjustment and scheduling for maximization of the activities you enjoy most, but everything is so beautiful and peaceful and pleasant. We cannot wait to be on our way!

[dkrhardy]

I agree with most of the posts here. It is hot, but overall cooler in summer and warmer in winter than we had in S Central AL. Humidity is a concern, but most seem to adapt. Monthly costs are not too bad, and if you're selling in CA, I bet you'll have lots of cash left over! :a040:
KathieI said the bugs are bad, I say NOT! Love bugs are nasty on the car, but not bad for us overall, they don't bite. The other bugs she mentioned, I'm not too sure where she is coming from on that ....... I am a mosquito magnet and I've had NO issues with them. TV does a great job of spraying and bugs, in general, are not an issue. Red ants? Just don't step on a mound. You should never see them in your lawn, if you do .... call your bug company and have them re-treat your lawn.
It really is a great place to live. We are new-ish here, but rented 7 times over 5 years before I finally retired. No regrets.
Don

Ps. come back and talk with us.

[oldpilot]

Many, many thanks for your excellent advice and insights. You can't imagine how helpful your words are and how much I appreciate you taking the time to share.

I'll be checking in daily to see if there are additional posts.

One gent said there were lots of military in TV.

Are their any F-100 or F-105 pilots out there?? (We who flew those birds have a kind of special bond.) The conversation usually starts with: when and where did you eject and how many times?

[DonH57]

We have enjoyed every visit we have made to California. We've recently visited the Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Half Moon Bay areas between our journey to Hawaii. Actually departing California today heading east to TV to look at homes and and visit my father in Ocala.

[cquick]

I would visit The Villages in the summertime. It can be really hot and humid here for a person from California. Maybe you would like to retire in the San Francisco area, where it is always nice and cool and low humidity.

[l2ridehd]

I got the later ones, the F-111. :smiley: Saw lots of F-100's and F-105 but was never a driver.

[PJOHNS2654]

I agree with most of the posts here. It is hot, but overall cooler in summer and warmer in winter than we had in S Central AL. Humidity is a concern, but most seem to adapt. Monthly costs are not too bad, and if you're selling in CA, I bet you'll have lots of cash left over! :a040:
KathieI said the bugs are bad, I say NOT! Love bugs are nasty on the car, but not bad for us overall, they don't bite. The other bugs she mentioned, I'm not too sure where she is coming from on that ....... I am a mosquito magnet and I've had NO issues with them. TV does a great job of spraying and bugs, in general, are not an issue. Red ants? Just don't step on a mound. You should never see them in your lawn, if you do .... call your bug company and have them re-treat your lawn.
It really is a great place to live. We are new-ish here, but rented 7 times over 5 years before I finally retired. No regrets.
Don



Ps. come back and talk with us.


I agree, I have had more mosquito bites in one day in Maine, than the 15 winters and one summer I have spent in and around TV.

[jannd228]

Lived in So. Cal. 41 years. Now live in TV 6m and 6 in New England (best of both worlds) Don't miss Ca. except for friends and family. Did spend one summer near TV. You get used to heat and humidity and take care of exercise or outdoor activities before noon. After So.Cal. The Villages is like moving back to the USA.

Take The LS Tour and after you fall in love with the LS. rent for a year before you make the final move.

I am thinking of renting for 6 months to a year, thanks for the advice

[rubicon]

I stayed in Laguana Nige for one week at the Ritz Carlton and in my view that is a very attractive area. If you have lived there for many years then housing etc are a non factor and hence you have adjusted to the cost of living. Why would you give up California for Florida. My wife's sister moved to florida from Napa Valley and lived to regret it. Stay put

[nitehawk]

I stayed in Laguana Nige for one week at the Ritz Carlton and in my view that is a very attractive area. If you have lived there for many years then housing etc are a non factor and hence you have adjusted to the cost of living. Why would you give up California for Florida. My wife's sister moved to florida from Napa Valley and lived to regret it. Stay put

California if you can afford it no comparison

[jojo]

Our son lives in the San Francisco Bay area and I have had several projects in the LA area. I love to visit but find there is no comparison to the lifestyle that you can have in The Villages. For one thing the traffic is horrendous and limiting to get anywhere including shopping for basic needs. Here you can get to beaches faster than I have experienced in CA even though the distance was less. And there is no comparison to living costs - I am in sticker shock on every visit out there.

[EdV]

Just remember that from the Villages you are only about a 9 hour drive to the beautiful Smokey/Blue Ridge mountains of the Asheville North Carolina area.

You can rent a modern 2 bedroom cabin/cottage from July thru Sept. for less than what a couple would spend on a 10 day Caribbean cruise these days.

There you will be able to enjoy the beautiful mountain air and much cooler weather until it's safe to return to TV and enjoy another mild Florida winter and all the fun of TV.

That's what I did this summer and will continue to do from now on.

Any questions, just PM me.

[KathieI]

Just remember that from the Villages you are only about a 9 hour drive to the beautiful Smokey/Blue Ridge mountains of the Asheville North Carolina area.

You can rent a modern 2 bedroom cabin/cottage from July thru Sept. for less than what a couple would spend on a 10 day Caribbean cruise these days.

There you will be able to enjoy the beautiful mountain air and much cooler weather until it's safe to return to TV and enjoy another mild Florida winter and all the fun of TV.

That's what I did this summer and will continue to do from now on.

Any questions, just PM me.

That's where you were??? I was looking for youuuu!! :wave:

[Carl in Tampa]

You say you are considering leaving California but you don't say why. I'm guessing it is to get away from soaring prices, high taxes and repressive government regulations. Many people are fleeing California for those reasons.

I believe you will be most pleasantly surprised how much lower the cost of living is in Florida compared to California. Rather than try to answer all of your financial questions I suggest that you get them answered when actually on the ground here for your lifestyle visit or rental in a house for a month or so. Remember that you will find a lot more cash in your pocket simply because Florida has no state income tax.

Come in the summertime when rentals run around $1,000 a month, often with a golf cart and all utility costs included. The same house will rent for $3,000 in the winter months. If the house you rent does not include a golf cart then rent one for a couple of weeks. Zipping around The Villages in a golf cart is a major part of the "experience" of living here.

With regard to the heat and humidity remember the old show tune that "Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun." Structure your daily activities so that you are indoors from noon to 5PM daily. Wherever you go will be air conditioned. All residences in TV are air conditioned and any that were built in the last several years have a SEER rating of 13. Cooling your house is not a major cost.

The Villages management is very aggressive on mosquito control. You will not find them a problem. The love bugs are a nuisance for a short time a couple of times a year but they do not bite. If you smash some with your car it is imperative that you wash them off promptly. Their bodies contain a juice that will quickly erode the finish on your car.

Making friends is easy here, even for an introverted person. Every week the local newspaper publishes a Recreation News supplement of about 50 pages listing clubs and activities for the coming week. I don't know that there is a group for F-100 or F-105 pilots, but I find it interesting that there is a group of WWII B-17 pilots that meets regularly.

I understand your concern about becoming disabled or needing assisted living. There is an assisted living facility here but it is extremely expensive. It is something that you could look into while you are here.

I am 75 and have become mobility limited due to a trip and fall back injury and subsequent back surgery but still can get around both in a car and a golf cart, using a four wheel walker when walking. I strive to stay active.

When you come for a visit please feel free to send me a Private Message through this web site and we can get together for lunch.

If you do decide to leave California I can think of no other place that offers the active living lifestyle and the extremely wide variety of activities that you will find in The Villages.

:gc:

[Carl in Tampa]

As a quick addition to my post, I found that TV has a club for retired military. It is not service specific but you might want to attend a meeting and see what backgrounds the members have.

There was another club that looked interesting but I don't see it listed this week. It was the Grey Owls. I think the theme was that it was grey haired men who got together and went to Hooters for lunch.

:wave:

[EdV]

That's where you were??? I was looking for youuuu!! :wave:

Yup and it’s been beautiful up here. But now I’m anxious to return to FL so I’ll be comin down the mountain next week. And drivin 6 white horses too.

I also think October is a good month for a preview rental because you will get a taste of both hot and humid days in the beginning and then the warm but dryer weather as the month progresses. And the rental rates are less than peak winter rates.

[oldpilot]

Thanks for all of your replies. They are all very helpful.
Also, I just finished Leisureville, which has a lot of information and insights.

[graciegirl]

Thanks for all of your replies. They are all very helpful.
Also, I just finished Leisureville, which has a lot of information and insights.


Well, most of us here who have read it....think it is kinda...um...well, some of us are thinkin' that the young squirt who wrote it..........was well...:boxing2:.

A good many of us who read Leisureville say...........there is no Mr. Midnight, but if you think you wanna try... go for it.

It has a lot of stuff in it that is accurate and a lot of stuff that Elmer shouldn't eat.:popcorn:

[rubicon]

California if you can afford it no comparison

nitehawk. The original poster lives there now and more than likely has absorbed the hiher cost associated with living there housing. The problem with leaving is you then cannot afford to move back that iswhat happened to my sister-in-law who moved fom Napa Valley to Tampa area.

Some people just over selll The Villages. I can find as much activity in Minneapolis as here but I won't move for financial reasons starting with the fact that I still consider home purchase as an investment and there is no return on investment in this market

[graciegirl]

nitehawk. The original poster lives there now and more than likely has absorbed the hiher cost associated with living there housing. The problem with leaving is you then cannot afford to move back that iswhat happened to my sister-in-law who moved fom Napa Valley to Tampa area.

Some people just over selll The Villages. I can find as much activity in Minneapolis as here but I won't move for financial reasons starting with the fact that I still consider home purchase as an investment and there is no return on investment in this market

I am sad you don't love it like many of us do.