TV - North vs South
 

I know some Villagers move around a few times, the variety of locations makes this a great option. I'm new and on the younger side of retirement (57).

My impression is the North (Spanish Springs & Lake Sumter) is closer to established stores & services, more scenic. Long-timers & more mature :icon_wink:

South (Brownwood & Fenny) is newer, younger retirees & still building out all new services & town squares. Also seems more buggy in the miles of cleared flat farm land being developed. Close to the future expansion.

Pros & Cons ?
(took all the great advice & renting in different areas before buying)

I always think comparing "younger" to "older"......whether people or neighborhoods or homes to be an inaccurate measure here in TV.

There are 50 year olds who act and live older than they are with just as many 75++ who are more active than 50 year olds.

Homes 15-20 years old? Most having had only a couple of 55+ people in them most all those years......the homes tend to be like new.

We think our 18 year old home (that we had built) is better than new........probably true for most resale homes in TV.

Forget the old vs new measurement and look for the right home.....everything else will fall into place.

In my opinion!

I agree with coming to check out everything for a month or so before making a purchase. You should make your own mind as to what the pros and cons are IMO.

The south end has the turnpike, take that into consideration, it does produce noise.

The OP list Citrus Grove on her information, so she lives in TV.

Correct! Took all the good advice & renting in different locations before buying.

North vs. South is more about the age of the homes than the owners.

Yes, North has a little older owners...........but you ain't buying them (not directly).

More established stores up North, but that is a "short-term" difference.

Good Luck.

Very good points. I would add, consider what recreational activities fit your desired lifestyle. The newer areas have an emphasis on different things than the northern areas. The most obvious difference is that the north has much more golf, especially Championship, while the South has several dedicated walking/ biking trails. Both areas offer each activity, but the emphasis is clearly different. There is clearly a demand for the varied activities and lifestyles of each area, just be sure to select the area that best fits your needs.

No owner, just turning 60 and will be working for the foreseeable future. We live in the Hammocks at Fenney. For us, the first issue was that my wife had to have Gas appliances, so that pretty much meant South of 44. I think their are a couple of areas North that had Gas but when we looked, nothing.

Live in Hammocks at Fenney, work in Spanish Springs, so I get to drive Morse Blvd everyday. Most of the established stores are North so we plan our trips carefully. They are starting to build out more of the infrastructure. And with more coming in the future in the way of homes, you have to believe the businesses will to.

Love our area, more importantly we Love our neighbors. Most are new to TV, but we do have an established (lived in Fenney for 5 years) couple that helps guide the rest of the neighborhood when we have questions.

We did have an offer on a house North of 466A and Buena Vista, which would have been closer to most things but it feel through. It didn't have Gas and the way the neighborhood was cut it might not have been as easy to meet neighbors and make friends.

As already suggested, take your time and figure out what you like and the rest should fall into place.

Good explanation of key difference.

Agreed. We moved into "just north of 466" twelve years ago when we were in our early 50's. Most residents were the original owners so were in their 70's (but that made no difference as to how well we all got along together). Since then, a number of homes have sold and the average age of residents has dropped accordingly.

Find a location that ticks all of your boxes, and the age of your neighbors will take care of itself.

What are your needs, must haves and your wants? Which are likely to change in the near/distant future? Is traffic an issue for you? Do you think you would travel more by car or cart? Have you read the property covenants and deed restrictions for the areas you would consider? Village Community Development Districts Is it important to have full-time resident neighbors than having neighbors not yet full-time and renting their properties or snowbirding? Think harder about what is important to you rather than what was important to others.

We bought just a year ago. A resale in Osceola Hills. Pretty much the most Southern most par of the middle section of TV.

We looked as far North as 466A, and down in Chitty Chatty, Bradford and over in Marsh Bend (which I really liked).

The Boss refused to buy a house with a view of power lines. It was a line in the sand she would not cross. That knocked out a lot of the homes south of 44... We're close to Brownwood Paddock, Lake Sumter, Lake Deaton Plaza, and if we need the "Big Box" stores, just 15 minutes away...

Also, our 5 yo neighborhood just seemed more "finished". We talked and realized that the Southern Villages would be the same in another 5 years or so, but when we found our home, we were hooked. Who knows what the future will bring. If we find we like the newer areas better, down the road, I doubt we'll have any trouble selling and relocating...

We bought near Brownwood 7 years ago when we were 55. People told me prior to buying…”Don’t go near Wildwood- It’s too unsafe an area”. We bought near the newly built Brownwood anyway and absolutely loved it. That was 2 houses ago. We then moved to Marsh Bend and loved it even more. More nature trails, safer to walk / ride bikes etc then the bridges were installed and it has gotten even better. Now we are moving very close to Sawgrass Grove area and we love it there too and it will only get better when Sawgrass actually opens and then in a year or 2 when the Southern Oaks bridge opens, new town square called Eastport is built along with the 45 new holes of golf right by it and many other amenities are built, I think we will be so glad we are near all the new stuff.
We tend to always gravitate to the new homes and amenities. This developer really does learn from past experience and tends to improve and change things based on resident feedback as they move forward. I know we would not be happy in an older home if anything were “dated”. That is just us.
Many of our friends think we are crazy and they are probably right. We have made a lot of money doing what we do and are very happy.
All I can say is do what feels right. The different areas really all do have a totally different feel. If we had moved to the current center or north Villages area, we might be a cheerleader for those areas too. Who knows.
Good luck.

North

We bought south of 44 for several reasons.

We wanted a courtyard villa, but also wanted a 2 car garage, which the newer areas offer.

We prefer a new home, slightly different layout than the older ones.

We did not want to deal with all the traffic in the more northern areas that is associated with all that shopping.

If we want to shop, we can head up north and shop then head home to our less crowded roads.

The turnpike does not effect us.

I am 56 and live in St Catherine. Our neighborhood is pretty diverse regarding age. But because it’s a newly constructed village, it has been so fun. Most neighbors here are in the same boat—we are all new (at least new to this Village) and looking to make connections. The energy here is exciting. Citrus Grove is really starting to fill out and will likely have a similar vibe, at least I hope so. Making friends in other areas is pretty easy to do around here, but not quite like a new neighborhood!

Regarding amenities—they are surely coming. Ezell is in full swing now. The dog park at Homestead has opened (YAY!). Sawgrass Grove will open soon.

Someone mentioned the turnpike… I can imagine that there are areas where that’s an issue. For my house it isn’t. At most, it sounds like a white noise machine with the volume on low.

Good luck in your hunt!!

We moved/bought last summer & had the same discussion. As many have mentioned there are individual and personal preferences and pros and cons that are most important in making this decision.

For us, we definitely wanted a central location (to both north & south) and be able to get to stores, doctors, golf, rec centers, town squares… I personally did not want to have to get in a car or drive a golf cart 20-25 min for some of these. So we ended up a bit south of Lake Sumter Landing and truly love the central location to most… we can get to Brownwood too but obviously takes just a few min longer.

We explored some of the new areas down south - and loved the houses (which seemed comparably priced those north) - but just seemed a bit farther away than we wanted - I understand there’s lots of new areas, centers etc., being built. The “older” houses up north I thought most were very comparable in terms of overall condition and features with a few exceptions and depending how much the owner put into it obviously.

Overall - my two cents is - what are the important features or preferences for you and and/or your family - and how do those weigh against the trade offs? For us we got most of what we wanted by a very central location in a circa 2005 house with nice upgrades and newer appliances.

Respectfully, DB

There is a lot of golf in the south, some think too much

I would look at your interests and move closer to that area. I lived near Sumter because I liked that square the most, including it’s bars and restaurants. I think it’s getting busier and more fun places opening up south now in brownwood as well. Hopefully you’ve been able to spend time there before you make up your decision.

Rather than comparing young to old, figure out what you enjoy doing the most. For me it was golf. I chose a location with several executive and champion course within a ten minute golf cart ride.

We moved to a new home south of 44 in the village of Hawkins. Absolutely love it down here. Especially, all the wildlife…bear, wild boars, bobcats, etc. We moved from Oregon. However, our next door neighbor lived within walking distance of Sumter Landing for 7 years and decided they needed to move down here with the younger crowd. They said up north the neighbors were getting too mature and no one was interested in a bunch of physical activity. They are so happy they moved down here in Hawkins, because they are busy every day doing stuff, like using their e-bikes out on the bike paths and lots of socializing in the neighborhoods with block parties, and usual stuff like golf and pickleball with the neighbors . They said they definitely made the right move and love their 4-bedroom Veranda house with room for a pool, so all the family has plenty of room to visit.

I think your assessment while brief is accurate. You need to rent north and south for a month or longer then decide what is best for you. Both have its pros and cons.

Your observations are exactly right. We lived in Orange Blossom and now Marsh Bend. There are advantages and disadvantages to all areas. I wish we would have rented first to get a better handle on what we wanted. Renting before buying would be my recommendation to anyone moving to TV. especially as it continues to grow and grow and grow...best of luck.

We rented for a year in Rio Grande. Great location for shopping, access to both Lake Sumter Landing and to Spanish Springs, and that was back when we had movie theaters at both locations. Trouble was we were the only couple on the street under age 80. Then we found out that homes built before 2002 were not built to “Miami Dade” hurricane standards with anchored roof trusses. Either higher insurance rates or expensive inspections were required. We wanted gas appliances too. South of 44 was still a gleam in the developer’s eye back then. Looked at the proposed village of Fenney, and got two mosquito bites and a nail in the tire of our car. We bought in Marion County, and have found it was a good decision. Mature landscaping, no bond, no problems. Quieter and less crowded. I dislike the deep water sport pool at Mulberry, but my wife likes it. Being 30 minutes from the real mall and big box stores, and many restaurants in Ocala has been a positive in the equation too.

Inspections cost $100 . Upgrade to braces $500 to several thousand ,paid back in 3-5 years and peace of mind .

How patient are you? Do you mind schlepping a long distance to shop? If you demand everything be "new," then purchase in the south Villages. I preferred a home with the bond already paid, a lush landscape on a wider street with a larger yard and summer surface temperatures 5 to 8 degrees cooler. I live in the northern Villages (Santiago) and have no regrets. By the way, if a hurricane evacuation is mandated I have a great headstart because 130,000 Villagers live south of me. Good luck with your decision.

To clarify, homes north of 466 do have gas service...unfortunately you didn't look far enough north.

Living up North and Loving it!
 

I am 56 and love living up north in Chatham. Yes, the neighbors are mostly older, but I enjoy them and some younger couples are starting to move in. I have some younger friends, but most of my best friends are in their 70's and I love them. What I have found is that your personality doesn't change just because you are older. My friends are a hoot and feel like family to me. All of the things that I like to do are up here without all of the traffic found in other areas. Mulberry is great for pickleball and there are two sports pools within five minutes of my house. No bond, mature trees, wonderful neighbors, light traffic--it's perfect for me. Most of my friends I have met through clubs anyway, so they live all over The Villages. For me, the new sections down south just don't feel like The Villages, but everyone is different and you need to live where you feel happy.

Many good points above. I wanted to add that one positive for me for the south area was that there are some standalone homes with fenced yards.

My wife and I visited half a dozen times before we bought and made our “area” decision based on how we would live here. We are theater people and frequent The Savannah Center, the black box at Tierra del Sol and The Sharon often. We also like being near shopping so we purchased about half way between Spanish Springs and Sumter Landing, have developed close personal friends who we golf, play cards and socialize with a number of times weekly. Therefore we wouldn’t consider moving and love our location and “rebuilt” home. Although our weekly trek to New Covenant United Methodist Church is a 20 minute golf-cart ride we wouldn’t change that either. IMO, make your decision based on how you will live in our great community, the neighbors and friends will materialize from there. Best of luck to you.

ted

Same for us.
 

Turnpike is not a problem at all.

Also don't compare young vs. old in terms of resident ages either.

All those people who were 55 when they moved in here in the 1960's when they first opened? They're all dead. Replaced by people who were 55 in the 1990's. All THOSE people? They're around 80 now. And will be replaced within the next 20 years by the next batch of 55 year olds.

This is not a "retirement" community. It's not an "old age community." When people are no longer able to care for themselves and their spouses (if they have spouses) they move out. That frees up the home for someone else. While older folks do move in and out, it's MORE likely you'll see someone closer to 60 moving in, than you'll see someone who's 90 moving in.

And that is no matter where the home is.

I'm 72
 

I appreciate your appreciation for older folks. I have a tender heart.
I am looking to figure out the best Village for me to buy my first home.
From your experiences living among the older folks in your village, what activities do they like to do?
I'm am an artist and love natural scenery and down to earth people. Which location has this?
I want to be where I have interactions with neighbors and not renters and Airbnb.
Thank you for posting,
Andi

n v s
 

When you move into a new area you are part of a group that is all relatively new and everyone is building a sense of community together. Therefore, I believe people are more open to friendships, etc. We retired in 2019 in our early 60's and moved into an established area N. of 44 where most residents are in their 70's and have their friends and activities. I reached out and invited neighbors over for game nights, meals, etc. but never got a return invite. We have seen drive way get togethers but we haven't been invited and don't recognize anyone. Most of my friends live south in Fenny, Marsh Bend and Linden. I believe that is because they all retired in 2019 or 2020 moved to TV and were open to new friendships. The people in my neighborhood are nice and say hello if they see us but we haven't been invited to activities with any of them. I like living north because of the shopping and the landscape is nicely developed but for a newer retiree I feel it can be a little isolating your first year until you go to activities on a regular basis and meet people who are open to new friendships.

I bought in historic area and love it. My house was built in 2018 on a large lot with lake view. No bond , no ccd, lower taxes. Would of cost 100,000 more for same house in south.

Now I have 2 town squares, one is 5 min by golf cart. All shopping is golf cart accessible within minutes. Easy to get to 75 and turnpike. It really is so convenient to everything, especially my doctors. My community feels like a small town with great neighbors, lots of them, I just love it!

Home is where you feel the most comfortable, the villages has so much to offer and the people are wonderful no matter where you live.

I differ. The turnpike is extremely noisy -- at Marsh Bend, Deluna, Linden, Hawkins, St. John's, Citrus Grove, and Casson's Hammock. On certain nights, the sound is minimal, on others, you can hear the hum within your home.

I've walked every foot of Hawkins and you can hear the roar of the interstate at every corner. I've rode across Water Lily and stopped near Hogeye Sink and the noise is deafening.

If you grew up in Brooklyn, this is probably not noisy. If you grew up in the country, this is loud.

My parents live in The Villages also -- they don't hear the road noise. They also don't hear me when I ask "please pass the jelly" at breakfast.

It is fun to agree to disagree about the turnpike noise!

We bought pre-owned in 2021 in the North end, we are newbies for sure and 51 and 57. So far love the location and our neighborhood or "village". At end of the day we've embraced the stretch between the North to South as "our backyard" and understand that Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter are about 15-18 minute drive vs Brownwood, a little further out, but the drives are scenic.

Location, location, location. North vs south are two different animals, so to speak. Purchase your home in the area that you prefer. There are major differences. I prefer being closer to established retail stores and restaurants such as all that is along the 441 corridor. I also prefer to be located near a town square and love my location close to Lake Sumter Landing. Others much prefer to be down south where the traffic is much less than the northern area.

Good luck with your decision.

Will the southern end of The Villages ever have the amount of retail stores, restaurants and medical facilities that the 441 corridor already has to offer? How many years will it take to ever have those offerings? I honestly don't think I will live that long.

I can recall a TOTV thread from a couple of years ago that made me chuckle. The OP of that thread asked about restaurants he could take his visitors to in the Fenney area. The answer was "The Fenney Grill and Edna's on the Green (a food truck)". LOL.

Our first look at The Villages back in 2013 on our lifestyle visit, we took a drive down what has become our "stomping ground" of 441. I made note of all the retail stores, restaurants and medical facilities. I wrote down all those that were familiar to us. After that short run on 441, I said to my husband, "we can live here". Being close to all that 441 has to offer is most important to us. Others do not feel the same way we do and this is why that good old real estate term is so true........"location, location, location".