What County to live in

[WhoDat]

Looking at moving to TV in a couple of years. Are there advantages to living in a particular county? Pros and cons?

[kittygilchrist]

IMO the county isn't as important as these:
what do I want to be close to? shopping is closer on the outside periphery.
how important is it to have a newer house? (north is older)
how much property do I need around the house? (north has more options)
do I need really quiet? (streets, neighbors, squares, country clubs music)

[Mickedamouse24]

Sumter County seems to be more in line with today's needs.

[zcaveman]

Sumter County seems to be more in line with today's needs.

Why would you say something like that? I think that is an insult to Lake and Marion county.

Z

[graciegirl]

Why would you say something like that? I think that is an insult to Lake and Marion county.

Z

Because there is no Pee in Lake Sumter. There is pee in Lake Paradise.

http://images.topix.com/gallery/up-A2P98OCT24K2KCRB.jpg

[zcaveman]

Because there is no Pee in Lake Sumter. There is pee in Lake Paradise.

http://images.topix.com/gallery/up-A2P98OCT24K2KCRB.jpg

But no one mention Lake Sumpter. And there is pee in Palm Lake in West Ocala, Marion County.

[ilovetv]

County doesn't matter as much as finding a neighborhood where most people are in your same life stage.

I'd go for walks in a chosen neighborhood and see who's around, to ask about how long most homeowners have been there. If most have been there 15 years or more and you're about to be newly retired, I'd avoid that because because I'd want to be with neighbors who are prone to active living and being out and about, able to be sociable.

I'd also check the tax appraiser records of a particular neighborhood and street, to see how many of the houses have sold in the last couple of years. Some have not had "new blood" in quite awhile. Sumter County Property Appraiser (http://www.sumterpa.com/gis/)

Met a lively just-retired couple the other night who just retired and moved somewhere in Ashland area (fairly new, in the middle of TV). The woman said they regret that they're surrounded by almost all elderly widows who can't do things, and so there's no social activity in their neighborhood. And before jumping on me...we love the several widows in our neighborhood....they are happy and on the go and involved in everything that goes on in the neighborhood and elsewhere.

[downeaster]

I have had four kids in Florida schools. (Two are now "eligible" to reside in The Villages). I have learned the most important distinctions are school districts. Other than that I see little difference among the counties.

kittygilchrist"s post says about what I would say.

[LvmyPug2]

I believe Sumter Co had the highest percentage of growth in the state last yr because all the new homes built in TV the past 5 yrs have been Sumter Co. As such the tax base has grown significantly. When we bought the mill rate was highest in Marion, Sumter was in the middle and Lake was the lowest. You can go to each county's website and get their mill rate to see where it is today.

[gamby]

I like Sumpter and love Belle Aire where I live; Wouldn't change it for any other.

[jebartle]

Lake County, NO Bond.....I :22yikes:have a one tracked mind, don't I....giggle

[asianthree]

I like Sumpter and love Belle Aire where I live; Wouldn't change it for any other.

and there is the "p":thumbup:

[Campbell soup]

I live in Sumter in the north, I am a new retiree and most of my neighbors are older than my wife and I. However, they are the friendliest and very social people many stop by and talk with us. We play cards, line dance and golf etc. We have a ball. Just remember we are all the same age in TV. Also we are all in the same stage in life autumn. Most of all I love their wisdom. Not to mention the mature landscaping etc. There are no bad villages....however, my vote goes to the North.

[coconutmama]

I live in Sumter in the north, I am a new retiree and most of my neighbors are older than my wife and I. However, they are the friendliest and very social people many stop by and talk with us. We play cards, line dance and golf etc. We have a ball. Just remember we are all the same age in TV. Also we are all in the same stage in life autumn. Most of all I love their wisdom. Not to mention the mature landscaping etc. There are no bad villages....however, my vote goes to the North.

Great post. We have a home in Sumter County. We like being between LSL & Brownwood. I believe taxes are slightly higher in Marion, but we love the mature trees there. Lake County has no bonds, a plus. Sink holes can be anywhere, in Florida especially. They are more prevalent in some counties than others. So I'd check the previous threads on that issue. But all the villages are nice.