[MNViking]

First of all, let me express my thanks for the responses I am hopeful I will receive. There is a ton of information on this forum, just not the easiest to navigate when seeking specifics. I am sure each of the Villages has a specific tone and tenor to what is liked/disliked and valued so all thoughts are welcomed.

First, what my lovely wife and I would seek in a potential move is fairly simplistic as we will be also living in MN for at least 7-10 more years but would like to have a place down here and then transition into this as our retirement home. My wife is a little younger than I am, so she will more than likely still be working and will seek to get into HR in the area. Let's not get the horse before the cart on that I guess.

Our interest would be in something under the $300K mark with Bond already paid, that is something we would be comfortable with, by no means are we rich and we do not want to be house-poor. Just rather be comfortable. As my earnings slow, it is a practical thing as I would rather go on cruises than have a larger home. I am rather social, my wife is more of an introvert unless there is a good comfortable vibe for her. Then she will blossom a bit with some commonalities with people. So the social aspect of a Village is about a 6/7 out of 10. So some proximity to a rec area/town square is a need. (More for me than her, but she is always happy to tag along).

Relatively quiet neighborhoods from traffic noise as that will be bothersome to her. I am learning the areas, but have no clue about the general roads and how loud the traffic can be vs the highway being nearby. So guidance on that is fantastic.

Also, if you don't mind and I get I am asking a lot. (If your Village is in my price range.). I would love to hear why you value or love our Village with some supporting information, neighbors, community, proximity, dining, etc. Followed by: Would you pick that location again, or would you select another Village. I dislike moving, so once I/we get there that I am very hopeful would be the place.

This is a start, and I may ask questions again based on responses, but would really like to iron out some of our thoughts on locations to become more actively focused in searching. Right now, I look all over the place. I have nothing truly against manufactured homes, but that would not be a preference based on storms from my general knowledge of how we handle tornadoes up here vs wind storms/hurricanes down there.

I appreciate you taking the valuable time to respond, and look forward to a more centralized place for me to learn a bit more and share with my wife.

FTR: We watch youtube videos, read the websites, look at Zillow, Redfin, etc for listings. So we are trying to do our best on our own, but doggone it people living in the area are certainly just as valuable if not more!

Also, even though the Vikings lost last night I am always accepting others to jump on whatever Viking train that will be available in the next several years! We all know Purple looks great on guys and gals! (Not Green and Gold!).

[Altavia]

One place to start is with The Villages App.
The Villages(R) App on the App Store

Select:

• Homes & Villas
• Search
• Set filters to: New + Pre-approval and price under 300K
  
• Set any other criteria filters you have.
  
• Select Apply and homes appear.

[Michael 61]

You should be able to find quite a few patio villas in the Spanish Springs area that are under 300K with no bond. You would be close to Spanish Springs and not too far from Lake Sumter Landing. I bought a new patio villa in Richmond two years ago,- love my home and lot and the location is excellent right next to Brownwood, and will not be too far from Eastport, . Unfortunately, most all resales of patio villas in Richmond are over your 300k budget, and they will more than likely be carrying a bond. Good luck with your move - The Villages is the best!

[Topspinmo]

For more options I would budget up to 335K. Basically limited to patio villas or older in historical side. Even most patio villas are over 300K. Around 335K would get into few designer’s and CYVs if that’s import to you?

[FloridaGuy66]

I saw some new homes listed in the low $300's in the paper this week.

I personally would NEVER buy used in TV. Much better experience to move into an area at the same time as all of your neighbors. Plus the new areas, the average age is closer to 50, not 80 like Spanish Springs.

[Normal]

Originally Posted by MNViking

Our interest would be in something under the $300K mark with Bond already paid

It sounds like you are a smart shopper. Bonds are the hidden addition in cost! They Do require financing if you don’t pay cash for both the bond and the home at current rates which are above 7%, Look between 466 and 466A in this mix there are a couple of Villages with city taxes, stay clear of them, but a majority aren’t taxed by Wildwood or Fruitland Park and the area.

Frugal parameters would be:
No Bond
No City Taxes
Better Prices
Low Traffic in the Winter…

ANSWER =
Unincorporated Sumter County

Bonneybrook and Lynnhaven are on mark as great villages. Avoid anything close to Rainey Trail Rd, it has become quite busy with short cutting to 117 for drivers to and from 462 in Wildwood. Right now you are looking at an average price of anywhere between 191 to 250 a square foot and negotiating an average of about 5.5 percent off of asking.

Happy House hunting, I’m sure you find what you are looking for!

[asianthree]

Good to be prepared, however 12-18 months really can’t put you into the reality of what homes are available and cost today to 1.5 years from now. You may be without road noise, but your neighbors are 10’away.

There will be homes between the 6’s built between 2005-2010ish. Although the bond won’t be paid, the amount of balance is very low. Just remember whatever you buy will be 7- 10+ years older when you retire. New roofs, HVAC, dated, irrigation systems, HW tank, the list goes on. For us I respect older gens like my parents, but moving to an older neighborhood was like moving to my parents. Gathering at 2-4 sidewalks rolling up @ 6. We never eat until 8 so big lifestyle change, until we moved farther south with younger people

Yes you have a budget, but as pointed out the best you may get is an older 2/2 with 1.5 garage. Plus did you budget for ongoing repairs and maintenance?
Consider renting the first year or two off season for a month, in that smaller home, getting your spouse closer to retirement. Yes you are throwing away a few thousand for rent, but not paying maintenance, taxes, repairs, the list goes on.

For us PV was great for a Vaca, but to live full time was never in the cards. Plus your only storage is spare bedroom, garage, and tiny hot as a match attic above the garage.

Since you are Cold climate people renting in December and January 35 degree nights and 50 during the day will feel balmy, because you are wearing a light jacket while long timers are wearing puffy winter coats.

I continued to work for 4 years while my spouse wintered in TV, at our house. It takes a unique bond to acclimate, and sometimes a true test of marriage. I loved the winters with snow, had no issues with snow removal, house maintenance, and such. But I also had a Work family, spending 50 plus hours a week, sharing meals, conversations, so really never alone until sleep. I also had the ability to take 10-12 paid weeks off a year, to travel down.

My spouse made friends quickly in TV golf, beach tennis, clubs and so on. But being alone can create its own issues for some. Your spouse is still working, pay scale here was 60% less then my northern job.

So yes your plan will work, looking for a home until you buy may be disappointing, because what you loved today won’t be available in 12-18 months.

[Papa_lecki]

I would plan a trip to The Villages early next fall, stay for a week. Rent a house or do a lifestyle visit. Try to stay between 466 and 466A.
Around March, find a Villages realtor and an MLS realtor - give them your specs for a home.
The visit will help you hone in on an area and see the homes up close.
Don’t worry about the age of neighbors, I’m in my mid 50s and live north of 44 - love our neighbors.

[MNViking]

That is exactly the type of response(s) I was looking for so much appreciation! I do know I put 12-18 months as the parameters, I/we are fairly picky and I was born in California, lived as a toddler outside of Orlando in the early '70s, and was an AF Brat until 1980 roughly. I have lived all over, but my wife however is a homegrown Minnesotan. Her transition will be a little more of a challenge but she loves the beach and warmer weather. We are planning on doing a lifestyle visit around April of this year to also iron out the ease of getting around, a small taste of the environment, etc. I am a white-collar guy, been in sales for years so the community thing is an important part... but not gonna lie driving around in a Gold Cart community makes me laugh a bit! Simple things will bring me joy lol!

Noted about the different communities, would love interest rates to come down doesn't appear to be, then prices will rise again. I guess with my timeframe I have opportunities to wait for a good to great deal... I read in another post inherited houses that sit for a bit may entertain some lower offers to not continue with payments/expenses.

Looking at unincorporated for taxes is interesting to learn, are the services from that community then shared? Valuable feedback...

Why do you like your communities? I certainly get the younger vs older vibe... I am one that can be best friends with a 20 year old and then same with an 85 year old, I love the different aspects of people. My wife is an older soul so she gets along with anyone, can't get any sweeter. Whether she feels comfortable is how you will know by her chatting more lol!

Thanks my hope to be peeps!

[jimhoward]

If your budget is really only $300K, then I think you are smart to buy now. While prices have been trending downward for the past couple of years, one can say with confidence that in 7 to 10 years there will be nothing available for $300K.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by MNViking

First of all, let me express my thanks for the responses I am hopeful I will receive. There is a ton of information on this forum, just not the easiest to navigate when seeking specifics. I am sure each of the Villages has a specific tone and tenor to what is liked/disliked and valued so all thoughts are welcomed.

First, what my lovely wife and I would seek in a potential move is fairly simplistic as we will be also living in MN for at least 7-10 more years but would like to have a place down here and then transition into this as our retirement home. My wife is a little younger than I am, so she will more than likely still be working and will seek to get into HR in the area. Let's not get the horse before the cart on that I guess.

Our interest would be in something under the $300K mark with Bond already paid, that is something we would be comfortable with, by no means are we rich and we do not want to be house-poor. Just rather be comfortable. As my earnings slow, it is a practical thing as I would rather go on cruises than have a larger home. I am rather social, my wife is more of an introvert unless there is a good comfortable vibe for her. Then she will blossom a bit with some commonalities with people. So the social aspect of a Village is about a 6/7 out of 10. So some proximity to a rec area/town square is a need. (More for me than her, but she is always happy to tag along).

Relatively quiet neighborhoods from traffic noise as that will be bothersome to her. I am learning the areas, but have no clue about the general roads and how loud the traffic can be vs the highway being nearby. So guidance on that is fantastic.

Also, if you don't mind and I get I am asking a lot. (If your Village is in my price range.). I would love to hear why you value or love our Village with some supporting information, neighbors, community, proximity, dining, etc. Followed by: Would you pick that location again, or would you select another Village. I dislike moving, so once I/we get there that I am very hopeful would be the place.

This is a start, and I may ask questions again based on responses, but would really like to iron out some of our thoughts on locations to become more actively focused in searching. Right now, I look all over the place. I have nothing truly against manufactured homes, but that would not be a preference based on storms from my general knowledge of how we handle tornadoes up here vs wind storms/hurricanes down there.

I appreciate you taking the valuable time to respond, and look forward to a more centralized place for me to learn a bit more and share with my wife.

FTR: We watch youtube videos, read the websites, look at Zillow, Redfin, etc for listings. So we are trying to do our best on our own, but doggone it people living in the area are certainly just as valuable if not more!

Also, even though the Vikings lost last night I am always accepting others to jump on whatever Viking train that will be available in the next several years! We all know Purple looks great on guys and gals! (Not Green and Gold!).

The summers are too HOT! If you plan on being here in the summer, then you should visit during the HOTTEST TIME. You need to know that the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic were at all time HIGH temperatures (ever measured). That makes FUEL for tornadoes and hurricanes. Look at a graph of world temperatures and you will see that the last 15 years are RECORD high and INCREASING.
.......If you can find a way to be in Florida for ONLY the cooler 7 months, then Florida and The Villages can be nice. However, for all year living, Florida is too HOT. If I were you I would look at Georgia, Tn, or the Carolinas. I am VERY SINCERE.

[MNViking]

I know I sent a Thank you for orginal post. Not sure where it went. My error probably.

Thanks for all of the great information. It is and will be useful. I agree with the last poster Florida is very HOT, it is what it is. MN is very cold! I have a sister who has a place in Bradenton, and I have lived as a youth outside of Orlando on the AFB. Yep, AF Brat and lived in multiple locations, and was born in CA. The last place I lived on a base as a youth was Grand Forks, AFB in North Dakota. Trust me I will take the heat, and stay inside for a couple of months!

Living in two places is not my thing, as my wife will not be retired. That poses an issue. I value the Frugal Parameters that were stated, are lower taxes or an unincorporated, where are the resources coming from? Share responsibilities? Something else to search on.

We won't be down there FULL time for a few years, that is why buying within the 12-18 months of being picky and finding a deal are important. I mean it would be terrible if I had to quickly by a place, but that isn't the case... I am just seeking help in the right direction before I commit. Hope that makes sense!

Now, can you state the Villages that you live in if you care to, and tell me like 5 reason those villages fit your needs? By all means I know most will go I am not doing an assignment for this Midwest joker, but it is nice to know/reevaluate the decision that was made.

Like my current place in MN:

Just a tad north and west of the Twin Cities. 12-15 miles from first nice suburbs considered a growing area.

I bought it in 2010, brand new when the market in housing had crashed so got a great deal. 2700+sq ft, in what is considered an older community by people with children standards but over the last 3 years significant changeover as the city grows.

Close to multiple restaurants, and entertainment areas. Big movie/theater/dining out type people so that is a bonus.

Easy shopping multiple grocers around.

Great people, and pleasant neighbors with a very well kept neighborhood.

Also a family cabin within 2 hours from us, that is utilized in the Summer. Now I may just fish year-round salt and freshwater. Who knows!

Again, appreciate the responses!

[villagetinker]

I would be very cautious of the Court Yard Villa (CYV), if you are looking at these make sure you understand the property lines versus the ACCESS arrangement, as well as how close the houses are to each other. We looked at these and immediately said NO. We wanted some space, ended up with a very nice Designer.
I am not sure if you have considered the monthly bills, CDD fees, cable (or equal) access, power (possible gas), taxes, etc. There are some areas that are "in the villages" as well as in a city (Wildwood, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, etc.) which typically means additional taxes. We live between 466a and 44 and love the area, however from what I have seen these will be outside your budget.
Also, carefully review the age of the roof, HVAC, water heater, etc, as the insurance companies have been denying coverage or requiring replacements. In general FL home insurance is becoming challenging.
Yes, July and August and September can be hot, but I have figured out how to avoid most of the heat, golf is typically out, other indoor activities are in.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by FloridaGuy66

I saw some new homes listed in the low $300's in the paper this week.

I personally would NEVER buy used in TV. Much better experience to move into an area at the same time as all of your neighbors. Plus the new areas, the average age is closer to 50, not 80 like Spanish Springs.

I can see age discrimination between ....say age 30 and age 80, but strange to see it between age 50 and age 80. You would be surprised how quickly time flies from age 50 to 80. You blink your eye and you are 80 (if you live). I always thought that old people discriminating against other old people was a little strange. I imagine that when you are 80 that you won't like to discriminate against yourself. People are so quick to disparage those that are different than themselves. No wonder there are wars in this world.

[Altavia]

It's hard to imagine the scale of this place and the inertia of new construction without being here.

In 12-18 mo, there will be 4,000 to 6,000 or more homes and 4-6+ additional Villages.

And there is a huge difference in the appreciation of a minimum cost home verses a higher cost, desirable home/location.