Narrowing down areas to live in TV: 466A-Buena Vista, Fenny and Moultrie Creek ???
 

My wife and I are in the process of making TV our primary residence. I am 60, wife younger, work remotely, retire in next 5 years. Want to be retired day 1 and travel north-west for summers.

Integrating into neighborhood is very important to us. We are fun loving, social, non-drinkers. Not sure that is important for evaluating area (lol)

We have narrowed our choices down to the following areas.

1. 466a-Buena Vista area.
Pro: Vicinity to shopping, golfing, town squares, more established
Con: Is it at peak? Will we be able to integrate into an established neighborhood easily. Roof replacement and remodel costs nearer term. Age compatibility.

2. New home in Moultrie Creek/Shady Brook area.
Pro: Everything new, Equity bump, easier to recoup from picking wrong area. Like the plans for Middleton and Eastport
Con: Living in a proverbial "outpost" for a few years until things build around us. Vicinity to other town squares and shopping. Big Bond.

3. Fenny area.
Pro: Walking trails, nature vibes, between Brownwood and Eastport-Middleton.
Con: Distance to shopping and other amenities

All comments welcome. We have visited the Villages 5 times this winter, looked at street of dreams in Moultrie creek and visited the areas above. Not opposed to other areas, these are the areas that jumped out to us.

Huge fan of the this forum. Thanks in advance to those that reply.

You’ve got a difficult choice, as all three of those areas are great!

I’m in Richmond, so all those areas are accessible to me under a 30 minute (or soon to be under 30) cart ride.

Have you considered the new part of Richmond that’s coming on-line sometime late this summer? I know it’s going to be extremely difficult and competitive to get in, but you may want to give it a shot. I think that area will check all your boxes - New build, close to existing restaurants and shopping in Brownwood, the age group will be lots of late 50s/early 60s, and all your neighbors will be new, which makes it super easy to make many new friends very quickly (no cliques have formed yet). You’ll also be under 30 minutes to all the fun and activities that will make up Eastport and Middleton. No idea what the bonds will be on the new part of Richmond.

Fenney, hands down, IMO, is the most beautiful village in our expansive community. I get down there multiple times per month, as it’s a short 20-25 minute golf cart ride from Richmond.

This is an exciting time for you, and good luck with your eventual choice, and congrats on getting a “jump start” on your retirement before you retire - I think that is a wise move.

In 5 years everything will be different than it is today. Existing homes will be 5 years older and there will most likely be a dozen more villages to look at by then. There will be a lot of retail being built after they widen 301 south of the turnpike so if that is what you want it opens up another area for you to consider.

When I first came to TV, I had such a list. After a couple of years of seeing all of TV, I realized that I should have been more open to seeing more things. Our second home, we let the "this is the one" feeling hit us. It was new construction, something that I did not consider originally. No regrets. We love where we are in the south. Yes, not everything is here yet. But for us, that means that things just keep getting better as the building continues.

We live in Pinellas, great area and a stable area, very few rentals, and this is now near the center of The Villages. There are a variety of houses with a few currently for sale. Traffic is reasonable, lots of activities nearby.

We live just north of 466A in a 14 year old village of Bonita

When we moved here we were told that when you move into a new village your neighbors become your friends and quickly build a social life.

In an established village friendships already formed and can be difficult to build a social life. As a result we joined lots of clubs made good friends and socialize more than we have ever done before.

This is a great place to live and lots of things to take advantage of.

Most of the driving we do is going to the grocery store. Go to the area you want to live and drive to the grocery store.

For example, we quickly ruled out the Village of Pinellas because we would have to turn left onto busy Pinellas Place to get to the local Publix.

I truly hate to turn left onto a 4-lane road without a stop light. In my book, Pinellas Place is a 4-lane road (2 lanes for cars plus 2-lanes for golf carts).

I think you should choose the home that best fits YOUR needs. Being with all newbies IS NOT a reason to buy a home. Cliques will form in any environment. Neighbors will come and go. Your wants and needs should be your priority.

Don't worry about making friends. You will join clubs, go to the rec centers, golf, eat out, and visit the squares. This is where you will find friends who share your interests. A true friend doesn't care if you live 15 - 30 minutes away from them. They care that you love your home and are truly happy.

Or just make sure you drop a pin as soon as you close so, FedEx, UPS, Amazon and Kroger can find your front door. Grocery is such a waste of time and gas for us. We don’t shop at WinnDixie or Publix (except for bread and JRs Cheesecake).

Everything comes from either Kroger, TJ’s, WF, the farm, or commissary. I love our Kroger driver always rings the bell, smiles and waves. Everything is packed perfectly, no standing in line and my green bananas are really green

Don’t forget about the trees!

We moved into a neighborhood that had a lot of "old" people, and we were the "young" ones. We were given a warm welcome by our new "old" neighbors. Then some of the old ones died, others went to assisted living, and the people who moved in were younger. We're still "young" compared to many of our neighbors, but now we have a few younger than us! And we all give a warm welcome to everyone who moves in. Some become friends with their immediate neighbors on either side of the house, some become best buds with the folks across the street from them. Some don't really hang out with the folks nearest to them, but instead choose to socialize with the people around the corner on the next street over.

It's just like any other suburban residential neighborhood in any town in the USA. And - you could move into a brand new area, expecting to make fast friends with all the other new Villagers who buy in the same month as you. And then it turns out none of them like you. Or you don't like any of them. And again, it's just like any other suburban residential neighborhood in any town in the USA.

It so much easier making new friends in new neighborhoods and most will be in your age group. The stores and restaurants will come.

5 years is a long time. Anything can happen by then, lots of changes can happen by then and could change the way you feel about the areas you have chosen.

Location
 

Richmond across the street. LOCATION is two minutes to Brownwood square and grocery store. If you ever decide it's not for you the resale will be really good. But it will be very difficult to get one of those homes there will be a lot of people trying. We were in a similar situation and had a really good VLS agent. LOCATION LOCATION

Or the entire block are short term rentals.

Welcome! My wife and have come here for a few years and finally built in the Enclave in Dabney. South as you can go on the east side of the Turnpike. We love the new area! We think it's up and coming, we meet so many new people daily because we are all in the same position. We find so many are still working. I'm 54, wife is 46. Cart rides are easy anywhere from Brownwood to Middleton. Lake Sumpter is a 56 minute cart ride and we still do it. It's the Village Way!. So that's south.

I think the new Richmond is interesting??? Great location. Not sure what lots will look like and selection. We were very picky and wanted a pie shaped water/preserve view.

Now, Fenney is my favorite and I think it is the most beautiful village. Funny bit of history. Noone wanted to buy there when it was being developed. It was disconnected, didn't have a cart path established yet and basically the outcast. Look, few years later it is probably one of the most well spoken about Villages in our community.

Which brings me to Moultrie Creek and all the new development going on in the south/west region. I think it is going to be the hottest ticket. Right across from Eastport which will turn out to be the best Town Square. If you have patience for construction and retail, I believe you will be handsomely rewarded in value bump and lifestyle.

I think it is safe to say, you really can't go wrong. Everything has pros and cons. One thing is for sure, we all live in the most magical place. I count my blessings every day that we moved here at a younger age and get to enjoy it for the rest of our lives.

Good luck! Enjoy the journey.
Thanks
Serge

“The Place”
 

There is no good answer to your question! Every place has its pros and cons as you have mentioned. When we bought 3 years ago we had a few non-negotiable, high priority things we were looking for. I wanted a large kitchen island and I wanted to be near walking trails. My husband wanted low maintenance and didn’t want to remodel. This meant we moved south of 44 (walking trails- none above 44 much) and newer homes with open kitchens and big islands and little maintenance. We are very happy with our choice. If your highest priorities are things like quick access to big box stores, mature landscaping, and lower bond, I’d pick a home north of 44. If you like a younger crowd, walking and biking trails, and newer homes, pick a newer area.

Welcome!
 

You’re going to love it here. We bought our house in Hadley when it was new and we weren’t yet retired. We worried about being at the southernmost end of The Villages. Fast forward (and I mean FAST) and now we’re just north of the middle.
When we first arrived, we got one piece of advice from our friend’s dad. He said, “Don’t make too many friends.” We thought that was hilarious. Again, fast forward, and we have a large group of fabulous friends who are much more like family to us. Only one of them lives on our street.
In other words, I don’t think you can go wrong. I like being close to a family pool because we have lots of grandkids who visit and I can zip home and bring back lunch. I also love to grocery shop in my golf cart. Neither are things I’d have considered when we bought.
Enjoy this wonderful time in your lives!

Agree, there's advantages to having a life outside your neighborhood.

It can be unwise to get too close to your neighbors. I've met several people who ended up moving because neighbors got to much into their business.

Location is the most important, and that location type is a matter of personal preference. Also, don't bank location on what will hopefully be built nearby later. Bank it on what you can experience and test out now.

South 466A
 

Great spots, but avoid the homes closest to 44A if you decide to locate between 466A and 44. A super sized pickle ball court is going in there near the Baker House. The village of Lake Deaton would be a definite no for us.

The area north of Eastport could be interesting.

Constructing is starting iin Wellpoint which is within 2mi north of Eastport. Is closer to Sawgrass and Magnolia with established business.

Also closer to Brownwood, Ednas and Fenny.

Recently built preowned just north of there could be interesting.

My vote is for number2. Buy a brand new home and get just what you want. You'll have a one year warranty on everything. You can d you own landscape additions. Your home insurance will be lower because you have a new roof. By the time you're ready to settle down here permanently, the area will have more retail.

“The Place”
 

There is no good answer to your question! Every place has its pros and cons as you have mentioned. When we bought 3 years ago we had a few non-negotiable, high priority things we were looking for. I wanted a large kitchen island and I wanted to be near walking trails. My husband wanted low maintenance and didn’t want to remodel. This meant we moved south of 44 (walking trails- none above 44 much) and newer homes with open kitchens and big islands and little maintenance. We are very happy with our choice. If your highest priorities are things like quick access to big box stores, mature landscaping, and lower bond, I’d pick a home north of 44. If you like a younger crowd, walking and biking trails, and newer homes, pick a newer area.

I have a house for sale on Carrillo St in the Santiago section that my fit your needs.

Fenney is probably the nicest looking area in the villages, but it’s not close to anything yet. Eastport will be easily accessible to Fenney residents. The south of 44 has a younger crowd, fiber network, better mmp’s, separate walking paths from golf cart paths, many lots with pond/prairie views, and newer residents to make friends fast.
You will pay more in bond fees, lake county can have higher taxes, utility bills, but the lots can be really cheap compared to fenney.

Recently moved to TV.
 

My husband works remotely and I am retired and 61. Moved into the established Village of Sanibel and couldn’t be happier. Right between Brownwood and Sumpter Landing. So convenient to shops, restaurants and squares. Four pools within a mile and several country clubs close by as well. Bond paid down. Hope this helps and good luck.

Very similar situation
 

We have a similar situation. I am 59, my wife is younger. I plan to retire in 6 years. We landed in Hadley 2 months ago and we love it. Between Sumter & Brownwood. Colony shopping center with everything only 1 mile away. Havana CC golf, restaurant and pool less than 1 mile. Incredibly welcoming neighbors. At least 30 people have stopped by to welcome us. I can't say enough about how lucky we feel to have landed here. I am a realtor and realize purchasing the right home is very important. Just wanted to bring this area to your attention.

Cart forever to store
 

They want to sell you below hwy 44 for new houses with not much to go to down there just houses. The original idea is you can drive a golf cart 20 min to lots of golf, stores and restaurants - guess what only if you buy preowned ABOVE HWY 44. If people REALIZE and ONLY buy PREOWNED above HWY 44 presto bango all kinds of stores will be down there. The Villages WENT CHEAP and hoped that noone would notice you have to drive 30-40 min for any store, restaurants or golf courses and it ONLY has HOUSES down there

Live at Linden, south of 44. Yes Fenny has the best Landscaping and is now closer with Water Lilly Bridge. I play lots of golf near 466a and the cart ride is not far. If that is a priority then getting there would be quicker. Buena Vista has fantastic landscaping. We are very happy with our decision. Good luck. It’s a fantastic place to retire or work from home.

What are you talking about. Fenney is very close to Paddock Square, Leesburg restaurants, The Villages Medical Building, lots of other medical facilities including a UF 24 hour emergency medical center and only 15 minutes from Leesburg Hospital, only 5 minutes from the turnpike entrance on 301 but not close enough to hear it, also will be only 10 minutes to Eastport, and with the exception of lack of retail, it also doesn't have traffic that retail shopping areas bring. Very peaceful, 2 golf courses, 3 pools, a bar and grille, it's own rec center, all of the newer amenities, tons of nature, lots of walking trails and most of all it's very quiet and relaxing. The prison is far down closer to the very newest villages as is the quarry blasting which by the way is moving west as new ground ground is needed.

Fenney Least Desired
 

Fenney may be less than desirable for many with the new apartment complex and multi family housing units being built to its immediate south. In the short future, those with lanai’s facing south may find the horizon rather unsightly. The rerouting of 301 won’t do many any favors in that area.

25-30 minute ride by golf cart to reach many amenities is excessive. Fenney is a beautiful area but that is primarily limited to the entrance area. The rest not so much. Richmond is not too far from Brownwood but many areas are way too close to the turnpike.

If you are interested in golf it’s best to avoid south of 44 unless you don’t mind driving long distances by golf cart. Building a sufficient number of golf courses south of 44 has not been a priority of the Developer.

Like Fenny, spacious with walking/biking trails. Can always get groceries delivered…

Pretty sure that the huge outdoor pickleball courts are not going to happen. There is now a for sale sign where the pickleball sign was on the 44 side.

South of 44 is a golf wasteland. If you want to golf and like the options of multiple courses close by, get near 466A the best you can.

And yet, many of us down here seem to be able to play golf whenever we want without going above 44. How can that be?

Windermere
 

Windermere is putting it in on the 18 acre site. It will come with a 4story 120 room hotel too. Some may not want that view or sound near their site line.

LOL, if your retired what else you got going on that you cannot spare the time?

You need to buy a new map. Nothing is being built to the south of Fenney, you have your villages mixed up. Also the re-route of 301 will not have any affect on Fenney, you once again have your villages mixed up.