Considering moving to TV and have questions

[emanzione]

Hi - My husband and I are originally from Long Island, New York. We moved to Florida 6 years ago due to his transfer. Would you be kind enought to let me know how you like the Villages and is it expensive to live there. We now reside in Lake Mary, Fl. When we retire we are thinking about moving there. We visited the Villages already and took the tour but we are still not sure of all the expenses we hear about bond fees, etc. and where in the Villages is the best subdivision. Please advise. We will probably rent a house for our vacation to see further. Thank you.

[travelguy]

absolutely rent here, and then you can see if this is where you want to be.

[njbchbum]

The best neighborhood is the one where you can afford to buy a house!

Take a look at the 'moving to the villages' series of posts in the totv nuts and bolts section: Nuts and bolts of The Villages - Talk of The Villages (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/nuts-bolts-villages-139/)
It offers a pretty good sense of what you will be in for when coming here.

And remember - the historic neighborhoods of the villages have no bond payments! :)

[mherzberg]

Absolutely love it here! And, in my opinion, the "expense" of the monthly amenity fee ($145.00) is the best bargain going!

[2BNTV]

If you want or decide to buy a pre-owned home, the bond may be paid off or it has little left on it. If you definitely want a new home, then you have to figure your monthly cost for the bond into your budget.

The "nuts and bolts", will give you a much better idea of cost. Call the sales office at 1.800.245.1081 for a cost of what it is, to live in TV as I don't see it on The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square (http://www.thevillages.com) It used to be there unless they moved it, but you can always look at houses to get a better idea of what is available.

There is always something that fits your price range, as it goes form $75K to $1,200,000.

Don't be overwhelmed, as it is easy to do when making a big decision. It's all worthwhile. IMHO

[SALYBOW]

There is always something that fits your price range, as it goes form $75K to $1,200,000.

Don't tell her about the one for $1,200.000 I am saving up for it. LOL

[jhrc4]

Looking at the replies that you have received so far they are sound and really spot on.
We recently moved to The Villages from a nearby retirement community for a variety of reasons. One of them was downsizing. Also high on our reasoning was the home values continue to decline at the community where we lived, along with the general appearance, we had a very good offer on our home and grabbed it.

The Villages homes continue to trend upwards in value, the Lifestyle is second to none, amazing choices on how to spend your leisure time, the age variation is healthy for the community. Of course the list goes on, and on.

I firmly believe that The Villages is the place to be, now of course the important decision is should you choose to live here...Where ?

The comments that are posted here are very, very good everyone has different priorities, wants/likes/needs etc. so read and take those comments.

I wish you all the best on what ever you decide.

[Cedwards38]

Good people everywhere. Good homes everywhere. Good amenities everywhere. I really don't think it matters where in The Villages you locate. It's all good. You're only decisions are, (1) do you want an older or newer home and (2) do you want a home or villa. Can't go wrong with either choice in my view.

[skip0358]

As a former Long Islander for 61 years I can tell you we moved here in 2009. I wouldn't live anywhere else. The lifestyle is great. As for expenses compared to Long Island this is a walk in the park. Taxes are a lot cheaper, about a third of what we paid there, electric compared to LIPA a LOT cheaper, food about the same, cable a little cheaper, gas cheaper, going out for diner or cocktails cheaper. As for the fees there is a bond on your house that you can either pay off outright or over time, your monthly maintenance fee isn't that bad and actually for what's here it's a fair price. There are people living here on Social Security, those that have a pension & social security and some that still work. If you have other questions PM me.

[OBXNana]

We're in a similar situation as you, but can't move for 4 years. We have made the decision to buy and rent the house until we can be full time residents. We've read the items from previous posts and all have been helpful. There are fees you may not have where you live now, but many are the same. No matter where you live you'll have insurance, taxes, mortgage (unless you pay cash), and other set costs. As we budget it's a wash because we would have that no matter where we live. The $145.00 fee is a true bargain if you plan to live The Villages active life style. In our minds, we include the bond as part of the mortgage, if we don't buy in the established areas. Closing costs are also fairly typical and may vary somewhat from state to state, but you would pay them no matter where you buy. The range of home prices is so varied in The Villages. It's the only place I know you can get all the benefits of a community by paying less for your property than a neighbor 5 miles away.

We are working with Ron Delk and he has been very helpful in explaining and breaking the costs and expenses down into understandable numbers. From what we've seen and heard, each village has their good points and bad points. This is true of any neighborhood. We hopped into a golf cart and took off to see what we wanted. We now have 10 houses on our list and hope at least one is still there when our property sells and we can buy in The Villages.

[jebartle]

If you buy in Lake County, there is NO bond....

Paradise awaits you....

[jmvalcq]

This place, as has been said many times, is not for everyone. If you plan to just vegetate, and not utilize the golf, the many rec centers, or swimming pools, there are many places where you can get more house for less money. It's the entire lifestyle that your paying for. You can be as busy or as inactive as you want. Every day your faced with the choices of what do I want to do today. Many days you can't fit everything in that you would like to do. I have not mentioned any of the areas that are available to everyone, like the Suqares, movies, and to a limited extent shopping.

[keithwand]

Hi - My husband and I are originally from Long Island, New York. We moved to Florida 6 years ago due to his transfer. Would you be kind enought to let me know how you like the Villages and is it expensive to live there. We now reside in Lake Mary, Fl. When we retire we are thinking about moving there. We visited the Villages already and took the tour but we are still not sure of all the expenses we hear about bond fees, etc. and where in the Villages is the best subdivision. Please advise. We will probably rent a house for our vacation to see further. Thank you.

We moved from MI in 2004 to Baldwin Park in Orlando near you in Lake Mary.
Thought we knew enough about 55 plus comm. and had no interest in checking out TV.
In Jan. 2012 we visited friends that were renting. Did lifestyle visit the next month; bought a lot and moved in June 2012!
Time has flown and we are SO happy we are here.
No place like it anywhere.

[Bogie Shooter]

We're in a similar situation as you, but can't move for 4 years. We have made the decision to buy and rent the house until we can be full time residents. We've read the items from previous posts and all have been helpful. There are fees you may not have where you live now, but many are the same. No matter where you live you'll have insurance, taxes, mortgage (unless you pay cash), and other set costs. As we budget it's a wash because we would have that no matter where we live. The $145.00 fee is a true bargain if you plan to live The Villages active life style. In our minds, we include the bond as part of the mortgage, if we don't buy in the established areas. Closing costs are also fairly typical and may vary somewhat from state to state, but you would pay them no matter where you buy. The range of home prices is so varied in The Villages. It's the only place I know you can get all the benefits of a community by paying less for your property than a neighbor 5 miles away.

We are working with Ron Delk and he has been very helpful in explaining and breaking the costs and expenses down into understandable numbers. From what we've seen and heard, each village has their good points and bad points. This is true of any neighborhood. We hopped into a golf cart and took off to see what we wanted. We now have 10 houses on our list and hope at least one is still there when our property sells and we can buy in The Villages.

The amenity fee is not optional.

[rjm1cc]

absolutely rent here, and then you can see if this is where you want to be.
6 months to a year and make sure the size of the community is ok.

[ugotme]

Will not bore you by repeating what everyone else has said.
Moved from LI in 2005 to South Fl. and found it boring for the most part.
Bought here in July and moved here about 3 weeks ago.
Love it and plan to stay !!!!

[patfla06]

I think the posters advice to rent and try it out is a good idea.
I am from L.I., moved to Tampa in late 90's (corporate transfer).
We have spent the past 10 years visiting 55 plus communities,
including T.V. There is no other place like it IMHO.

No matter where you decide to live make a realistic budget and
see if it works. There is a lot of info on costs of living here on
the discussion board.

[justjim]

Looking at the replies that you have received so far they are sound and really spot on.
We recently moved to The Villages from a nearby retirement community for a variety of reasons. One of them was downsizing. Also high on our reasoning was the home values continue to decline at the community where we lived, along with the general appearance, we had a very good offer on our home and grabbed it.

The Villages homes continue to trend upwards in value, the Lifestyle is second to none, amazing choices on how to spend your leisure time, the age variation is healthy for the community. Of course the list goes on, and on.

I firmly believe that The Villages is the place to be, now of course the important decision is should you choose to live here...Where ?

The comments that are posted here are very, very good everyone has different priorities, wants/likes/needs etc. so read and take those comments.

I wish you all the best on what ever you decide.

You are correct about the prices trending up. It's especially true of golf course property from my observations ---- the new homes on a nice view golf course lot are up 20-25% over the last year.

I had a similar Experence regarding another retirement community as prices of homes seem to trend downward after build out. The question is----will this happen in TV after build out. It appears we will know in a couple of years.

TV is a great retirement community---the largest in the country. It remains to be seen what happens following build out. I wouldn't wait too long if a new home is what your looking for, otherwise, prices could be trending the other way in two or three years.

[jacknkip@msn.com]

Hi - My husband and I are originally from Long Island, New York. We moved to Florida 6 years ago due to his transfer. Would you be kind enought to let me know how you like the Villages and is it expensive to live there. We now reside in Lake Mary, Fl. When we retire we are thinking about moving there. We visited the Villages already and took the tour but we are still not sure of all the expenses we hear about bond fees, etc. and where in the Villages is the best subdivision. Please advise. We will probably rent a house for our vacation to see further. Thank you.
Stay where you are. Villages now jam packed with people. Friendships mostly superficial. Everybody hugs or kisses and probably don't even know persons last name they're hugging. Village builder actively increasing revenue and profit back to Village Corp by higher prices and increased prices at Village connected Clubs like Prairie Evans and Bonifay. New "TOWN CENTER Brownwood making major effort to increase traffic from Wildwood and #301 corridor. Step lightly, amenities not much good if so crowded you cannot get in.Peak dinner hour now 4:55pm.

[graciegirl]

Stay where you are. Villages now jam packed with people. Friendships mostly superficial. Everybody hugs or kisses and probably don't even know persons last name they're hugging. Village builder actively increasing revenue and profit back to Village Corp by higher prices and increased prices at Village connected Clubs like Prairie Evans and Bonifay. New "TOWN CENTER Brownwood making major effort to increase traffic from Wildwood and #301 corridor. Step lightly, amenities not much good if so crowded you cannot get in.Peak dinner hour now 4:55pm.





Boy Howdy.

[Golfingnut]

We were concerned about life style and cost. We absolutely love the lifestyle and for cost, it is less expensive than Washington D.C. But more than a single wide in Bumpus Mills Tenn. Go for it. You can always go down and if you come here, there is no up in my opinion.

[jojo]

Hi - My husband and I are originally from Long Island, New York. We moved to Florida 6 years ago due to his transfer. Would you be kind enought to let me know how you like the Villages and is it expensive to live there. We now reside in Lake Mary, Fl. When we retire we are thinking about moving there. We visited the Villages already and took the tour but we are still not sure of all the expenses we hear about bond fees, etc. and where in the Villages is the best subdivision. Please advise. We will probably rent a house for our vacation to see further. Thank you.

We've lived here 5 1/2 years and I still pinch myself and say, is this real? It is the best decision we've ever made - absolutely no second guessing about whether this is the best place in the world for active senior living. Do talk with folks at the town squares. Just ask if they live here and how they spend their day. The cost of living is low compared to Ohio where I am from and of course much lower than Long Island. Do spend some more time here and welcome.

[eweissenbach]

Here is a post on the villages lifestyle I made two years ago if you are interested: .https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-rich-lifestyle-45819/

[Madelaine Amee]

Stay where you are. Villages now jam packed with people. Friendships mostly superficial. Everybody hugs or kisses and probably don't even know persons last name they're hugging. Village builder actively increasing revenue and profit back to Village Corp by higher prices and increased prices at Village connected Clubs like Prairie Evans and Bonifay. New "TOWN CENTER Brownwood making major effort to increase traffic from Wildwood and #301 corridor. Step lightly, amenities not much good if so crowded you cannot get in.Peak dinner hour now 4:55pm.

I think we just found the Grinch that stole Christmas!:grumpy:

Hopefully, this post is tongue in cheek, but not too sure about that!

[JaniceOhio]

We've lived here 5 1/2 years and I still pinch myself and say, is this real? It is the best decision we've ever made - absolutely no second guessing about whether this is the best place in the world for active senior living. Do talk with folks at the town squares. Just ask if they live here and how they spend their day. The cost of living is low compared to Ohio where I am from and of course much lower than Long Island. Do spend some more time here and welcome.

JoJo.. Another Columbus Buckeye here and thrilled about your cost of living observation. I never though cost of living was bad in CBUS.

I haven't even closed on my Gilchrist home yet but what I really like is the fact that Boomers, as different as we might be from each other, have so much in common just by virtue of when we grew up. I read the positive and I read the negative and know this is an amazing place.

Kudos to the developers! I don't begrudge the profits they enjoy in light of the life they seem to have provided so many happy and content souls.

When I have a down day or the weather is dreary I know I have something great coming... TV.. Makes all the difference. Regarding crowds and traffic...that should be the worst thing we ever encounter! Janice

[cadkingl]

I know I will be mocked, ridiculed, and otherwise called an idiot but will give you my opinion. I moved here in late August and rented a home to give myself a fair chance to check out the area before buying. I had vacationed in TV in the past. I was constantly told by realtors that I was buying a 'lifestyle' not a house. I guess that is to hide the fact you are buying a cheaply built kennel. I'm not sure what buying a lifestyle is. There are certain activities everyone enjoys that are available in most adult communities. The rest you never use. The traffic starting in Oct. got much heavier, and I have been here in the winter months so know how congested it will become. There are an increasing number of renters (like me), so it is becoming much more transient. I don't find the people any friendlier or less friendly than any other place. The prices are rising rapidly which may portend a bubble if there is any hiccup in the economy although who really knows. In my opinion the farther south you go below 466 the less the accessibility of services becomes. I really don't enjoy a 40 minute cart ride to get groceries. I have also been told that the closer TV gets south towards Wildwood the less safe it will become. That is just some ones opinion, I have no stats or facts.

The end result is that I have decided to not buy here. It is a very nice place to vacation, but I will buy elsewhere. To me it's like a snowfall...nice to look at and visit but I wouldn't want to live in it.

OK critics, let me have it!

[Challenger]

I know I will be mocked, ridiculed, and otherwise called an idiot but will give you my opinion. I moved here in late August and rented a home to give myself a fair chance to check out the area before buying. I had vacationed in TV in the past. I was constantly told by realtors that I was buying a 'lifestyle' not a house. I guess that is to hide the fact you are buying a cheaply built kennel. I'm not sure what buying a lifestyle is. There are certain activities everyone enjoys that are available in most adult communities. The rest you never use. The traffic starting in Oct. got much heavier, and I have been here in the winter months so know how congested it will become. There are an increasing number of renters (like me), so it is becoming much more transient. I don't find the people any friendlier or less friendly than any other place. The prices are rising rapidly which may portend a bubble if there is any hiccup in the economy although who really knows. In my opinion the farther south you go below 466 the less the accessibility of services becomes. I really don't enjoy a 40 minute cart ride to get groceries. I have also been told that the closer TV gets south towards Wildwood the less safe it will become. That is just some ones opinion, I have no stats or facts.

The end result is that I have decided to not buy here. It is a very nice place to vacation, but I will buy elsewhere. To me it's like a snowfall...nice to look at and visit but I wouldn't want to live in it.

OK critics, let me have it!

You made the right decision- please don't buy here.:wave:

[eweissenbach]

I know I will be mocked, ridiculed, and otherwise called an idiot but will give you my opinion. I moved here in late August and rented a home to give myself a fair chance to check out the area before buying. I had vacationed in TV in the past. I was constantly told by realtors that I was buying a 'lifestyle' not a house. I guess that is to hide the fact you are buying a cheaply built kennel. I'm not sure what buying a lifestyle is. There are certain activities everyone enjoys that are available in most adult communities. The rest you never use. The traffic starting in Oct. got much heavier, and I have been here in the winter months so know how congested it will become. There are an increasing number of renters (like me), so it is becoming much more transient. I don't find the people any friendlier or less friendly than any other place. The prices are rising rapidly which may portend a bubble if there is any hiccup in the economy although who really knows. In my opinion the farther south you go below 466 the less the accessibility of services becomes. I really don't enjoy a 40 minute cart ride to get groceries. I have also been told that the closer TV gets south towards Wildwood the less safe it will become. That is just some ones opinion, I have no stats or facts.

The end result is that I have decided to not buy here. It is a very nice place to vacation, but I will buy elsewhere. To me it's like a snowfall...nice to look at and visit but I wouldn't want to live in it.

OK critics, let me have it!

I would neither mock, ridicule, or call you an idiot for stating an opinion. I don't agree with you assessment of the quality of homes in TV, but again, that is a personal observation and very subjective. For me, the "Villages lifestyle" is worth a small fortune, as I am one who takes advantage of most of it, and love the opportunities that are readily available there that are not available to that degree, in any other place I am aware of. I recognize that there are people who would not be that enamored with the "lifestyle" and therefore, not interested in paying a slight (IMO) premium for it. I am currently a regular snowbird renter, not because I would not love to be a frog, but because family obligations dictate I spend most of my time in Missouri. There are hundreds of choices of retirement communities available, which should offer something to meet anyone's needs and desires. There is most definitely not enough room in The Villages for every retired person, so thankfully, other good choices exist. I have visited several of the other choices, and for me, they don't compare with TV, but there seem to be many others who are happy, and that makes me happy.

[Whit53]

I know I will be mocked, ridiculed, and otherwise called an idiot but will give you my opinion. I moved here in late August and rented a home to give myself a fair chance to check out the area before buying. I had vacationed in TV in the past. I was constantly told by realtors that I was buying a 'lifestyle' not a house. I guess that is to hide the fact you are buying a cheaply built kennel. I'm not sure what buying a lifestyle is. There are certain activities everyone enjoys that are available in most adult communities. The rest you never use. The traffic starting in Oct. got much heavier, and I have been here in the winter months so know how congested it will become. There are an increasing number of renters (like me), so it is becoming much more transient. I don't find the people any friendlier or less friendly than any other place. The prices are rising rapidly which may portend a bubble if there is any hiccup in the economy although who really knows. In my opinion the farther south you go below 466 the less the accessibility of services becomes. I really don't enjoy a 40 minute cart ride to get groceries. I have also been told that the closer TV gets south towards Wildwood the less safe it will become. That is just some ones opinion, I have no stats or facts.

The end result is that I have decided to not buy here. It is a very nice place to vacation, but I will buy elsewhere. To me it's like a snowfall...nice to look at and visit but I wouldn't want to live in it.

OK critics, let me have it!

I don't think anyone will riddle you. We each have different things that appeal to us. Beatles, Elvis Presley. Alaska, Caribbean.

Glad you rented and discovered thus isn't your ideal place to live.

Good luck in your perfect location.

[NanciO]

My husband and I are retired school teachers (read- NOT RICH!) but we absolutely love it here. I would recommend you rent for a "season" and look around to decide what and where you want to live. For us- it has been the best decision. The $145 amenities fee is the best bargain around. We downsized to a courtyard villa- and LOVE IT! We are both WAY TOO busy to spend time cleaning a big house! We feel as though we have found the fountain of youth! Most people here are tremendously helpful and very friendly.....however, with 100,000 people here- you will occasionally run into some real jerks; but they are few and far between. Come try it out. You won't be sorry! We look around at this beautiful place and thank God every day!

[NanciO]

JoJo.. Another Columbus Buckeye here and thrilled about your cost of living observation. I never though cost of living was bad in CBUS.

I haven't even closed on my Gilchrist home yet but what I really like is the fact that Boomers, as different as we might be from each other, have so much in common just by virtue of when we grew up. I read the positive and I read the negative and know this is an amazing place.

Kudos to the developers! I don't begrudge the profits they enjoy in light of the life they seem to have provided so many happy and content souls.

When I have a down day or the weather is dreary I know I have something great coming... TV.. Makes all the difference. Regarding crowds and traffic...that should be the worst thing we ever encounter! Janice

AMEN, Sister! From a fellow Buckeye!

[mixsonci]

If you want or decide to buy a pre-owned home, the bond may be paid off or it has little left on it. If you definitely want a new home, then you have to figure your monthly cost for the bond into your budget.

The "nuts and bolts", will give you a much better idea of cost. Call the sales office at 1.800.245.1081 for a cost of what it is, to live in TV as I don't see it on The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Retirement Hometown - New Home Sales, Home Resales, Build Your Dream Home, Brownwood Paddock Square (http://www.thevillages.com) It used to be there unless they moved it, but you can always look at houses to get a better idea of what is available.

There is always something that fits your price range, as it goes form $75K to $1,200,000.


Don't be overwhelmed, as it is easy to do when making a big decision. It's all worthwhile. IMHO

I have a question re The Bond, I've heard others talk about adding the Bond into their monthly budget, but I bought my house in September and I do not pay monthly for the Bond, at least I didn't think I did? Isn't it paid once a year? Please explain if I am wrong on this?

[dewilson58]

I have a question re The Bond, I've heard others talk about adding the Bond into their monthly budget, but I bought my house in September and I do not pay monthly for the Bond, at least I didn't think I did? Isn't it paid once a year? Please explain if I am wrong on this?

Once per year.............like R/E Taxes

[buggyone]

I have a question re The Bond, I've heard others talk about adding the Bond into their monthly budget, but I bought my house in September and I do not pay monthly for the Bond, at least I didn't think I did? Isn't it paid once a year? Please explain if I am wrong on this?

Bonds on new homes are currently in the ballpark of $23,000 to $50,000. It comes to around 7 percent interest and the interest payments are NOT tax deductible.

Some people take out a home equity loan, pay off the bond, and have a lower interest loan in which the interest is tax deductible (for now).

Another excellent option is to buy a resale home. You can negotiate price, see the established neighborhood, lower bond or no bond, and probably have a lot of extras you would pay extra for in a new house. Most resales come with a one year warranty.