thoughts on living on water and prairie

[frostola]

We are looking at property in the Villages and we were wondering what the Pros and Cons are of living on water or prairie.

[judynlee]

I can tell you that we would never give up our water view, with all its resident and visiting wildlife. Many evenings we sit out on the lanai, just soaking in all the sounds of the birds, frogs and crickets, as well as all the sights. Here we see the more common herons, egrets, ibis, mourning doves, mocking birds, crows, turtles, ducks and coots, but also eagles, bluebirds, fox, pelicans, swallowtail kites, and osprey. Last year we finally had a small gator but we were told The Villages does not want gators in the ponds ringed by houses and he was removed and most likely killed, sadly.

Sometimes neighbors sail their RC boats and often folks come down to fish for the many bass in the pond. The rising sun and the full moon and absolutely gorgeous over the pond, as are the occasional rainbows. With time, I'm sure I could think of even more reasons for loving this "backyard" of ours but hope this helps!

[buggyone]

I think the lots are more expensive that have a water view or a marsh view. I don't know what you mean by prairie view. If you mean a view of open land, you never know what might be built next to you.

Check out some existing houses on water, golf courses, or preserves. Compare them to living in a house with a lanai or pool right next to you and right in back of you.

I have friends who bought a new home a few years ago and were first people on their block. Now, they have homes with "kissing lanais" on either side and one directly in back with a pool. They are glassing in their lanai for noise control!

Mine is open to the back to a golf course and neighbors on either side are a distance away due to larger lots in the established neighborhood I am in.

[gomoho]

I say if you are lucky enough to afford it - do it. Can't imagine a more lovely place to spend retirement than enjoying nature from my own backyard.

[LvmyPug2]

Water view lots can be beautiful but they are quite expensive compared to other lots. Also, some ponds in TV significantly shrink in size during the dry season, leaving a less than ideal view. Gators are not uncommon and have been know to snag the family dog or cat but this is rare. What you call "prairie view" is most likely land not owned by the developer. It can be a nice view for a while, but you could have an unpleasant surprise when the property is developed....just ask the folks that now overlook the very large, multi-story assisted living center on 466A. Amazingly, TV often charges more for these lots that overlook these undeveloped parcels even though it is the owner that is taking the risk.

[Sleeper]

I 'd go for it!! Life is short :)

[jane032657]

We bought a villa facing Live Oaks Park, the lake and preserve, as well as we can see to Lake Sumter Landing. The birds flying over, the sounds they make, the sounds of the bullfrogs and birds at night, the privacy, and the room for the dogs....we love it all and would not change it. Was it more expensive? Yes, but we have a gorgeous view and when I wake up in the morning or come home, or sit outside, or enjoy the late evening, I am so thankful and grateful to call this place home. We see no neighbors, we have an open view and can see sunrise and sunset. It is our last home and we will enjoy it until we hope, the end.

[Bavarian]

Our house backs on a Preserve, part of the Villages and posted. It lies between two golf courses. I believe it is prohibited to build on. Wanted pond view, but could not get it. Nice to see the birds and frogs. Have not seen any gators. Coming from 4 acre wooded lot, did not want to be boxed in.

Worth it if you can get it. I think it will have higher resale value also.

[blueash]

The only comment I would make is to be careful with phrases like "lake view" or "water view" They seem to be used quite loosely. It make require that you look across the street and between a couple of home where a lake can be seen in the distance. Or you may need to get up on your roof to find the water. Any home you are considering buying or renting is worth seeing in person, obviously. But if you can not the exact position is visible on the Sumter county property website Sumter County Property Appraiser (http://www.sumterpa.com/GIS/)

[justjim]

By Prairie I assume you mean Florida Prairie which Is different from Illinois or Iowa Prairie. The Evans Prairie area of TV is an example of what they call Florida Prairie. it's sort of a flat marshy area (wetlands). It's a beautiful area. The only negative I have heard of backing up to the Florida prairie is bugs----at least certain times of the year. Now, I don't personally know if that is true----but I would check it out if I was buying on so called Florida Prairie.

[rubicon]

I suspect you already know what you want. What you need do now is compare, price and make a final decision. IMHO there are many homes here marketed as having a view and they are much more expensive; but few if any real provide the type of privacy you would find in other developments. And The Villages leaves one with the initial impression that it is a gated community and it is not.