Several part question
 

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This previous thread may be of help. Every Village is wonderful. Where you live is purely a matter of personal preference.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...village-89272/

We knew we wanted something newer so concentrated south of 466. Nothing is really far from anything else in TV so the house and feel of the neighborhood was our focus. We drove down Ambrosia in the Village of Hadley and loved all the palm trees and the look of the homes and bought a home off Ambrosia. Turns out we are very close to Colony Plaza which is convenient for shopping, also close to Lake Sumter that we don't frequent that often anymore. We are homebodies so the location of the amenities you mentioned were inconsequential to us - the welcoming way the neighborhood looks when we come home is what attracted us to The Village of Hadley. And as a bonus we lucked out with great neighbors!

I'm really confused -- you post how negative your feelings are towards TV. Too much crime, not safe, people not as friendly as you expected, too large. You start looking at other places -- islands even. Now, you're back to looking here. Someone recently gave you some great advice -- stay in your home town; vacation in different Florida locales. I sincerely doubt you will ultimately be happy in TV or anywhere that is not your home town.

I may have one opinion and the better half another
 

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Some people spend lots of time trying to find the "perfect" location. Others want something new and find what is currently available that meets their model desire. For the most part, it all works out. You move in, meet your neighbors, start driving around, joining in and all is well with your location. Being close to a shopping center isn't a big deal....if you're grocery shopping, you'll need your car if you buy lots of stuff....and after a while, people venture to other communities for things....just because one lives inThe Villages doesn't mean they are shut off from the world.

The Villages is a community, just like other communities, only in many instances, set up better and prettier. When people bought where they came from, they looked at a house, decided they liked it, it's location, etc. Same here. Rent for a while if you have doubts about which village. Put your things in storage and spend some time looking around. Each village has good points.....you just have to decide if the good points of location match what you will decide is important to you once you scout around.

Remember, your heart will tell you if a place is the right place. Good luck on your search!

You forgot the sex-crazed bottle blondes pole dancing in the garage.

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I think they have stopped, Patty.

We took the pole down.

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Hadley
 

We bought in the Village of Hadley. When we were looking, it was mainly about the type of house because of our animals. We bought a CYV and got the biggest model for house guests. If I had found this house in another village, I still would have bought it, however when I think about it, I am glad I bought in this area. I like the newer area. Seems to have more palm trees-whether it does or not-it could be my imagination, but I like the area south of 466. I really like that I am somewhat "in the middle" of The Villages as far as N to S. If I lived closer to 441 it would take me longer to get to work and the airport. If I lived closer to Brownwood it would take me longer to get to the shopping on 441. This is just how I feel.
If you have a dog, you might want to consider how far it is to a dog park, or a public grassy area if this is important to you.
There are more hills in Hadley than anywhere. That could be a positive or a negative. Its a negative and a positive for me because I can't ride my bike up them (I'll keep trying!) but I like that they are there for walking to "up" my walking routine. If it was all flat there would be no variety.
Finally, for me, I like the idea of being very close to my postal box (a pain in the butt to stop every day if its out of the way) and the pool. However, anywhere you go, its not really too far to a pool. I like the pools in the newer areas too. I don't think there is too much difference, but a few I have seen in the older areas seem a little smaller or the pool area is a little different. Just my opinion and observation. I may be wrong. And I love being near Lake Sumter. I like to drive my golf cart there and if it were too far I would have to take the car. Its easier to find parking with a cart and much more fun to drive than a car.
Good luck on your search!

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There has to be at least 50,000 answers to your many questions. Everyone feels their home is in the best village, closest to shopping, near rec centers and golf courses. So everyone (nearly everyone) is happy where they bought. To rely on a dozen or so posters on TOTV for your ideal location is wishful thinking..............................