Looking for opinions on the value of moving into a new community, vs. established
 

I will likely be moving to TV within the year. I'm an active, single (divorced) man in my upper 50s. I am going back and forth between the idea of buying in the more established areas (in/around the 466/466A areas), or the newer areas down South. I'm wondering how many of you find/found that getting in with new neighbors, where everyone is likely to be more interested in establishing new friendships, is/was a great experience; vs. finding friends through the various clubs and going out, wherever they might live.

The first method is a bit more random but extremely convenient, but I just wonder if on average the excitement of the new neighborhood friendships tends to diminish after a year or two. Also please comment on what you see happening down south regarding development of activity centers (pools, pickle ball courts, golf course, Bocce ball, restaurants, pubs, etc) - does it appear that the activity center density will be as high down south as it is up north? Thanks

Good Luck with some of the following posts.

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Tommyboy9, I doubt anyone can answer your question, however think what is important to you and what type of house you are interested in. Then contact both Villages sales agents and MLS agents and see what they have to offer. If you find a home you like go for it. As for meeting people, there are so many activities that you can easily be overwhelmed, so pick a few that you really like and see what develops.

First rent for a month or more and decide what is best for you as you explore this place.

Conventional wisdom is buy new and your neighbors are your friends as all are looking to make friends.

Buy a resale and not so easy to make friends but do what we did and join lots of clubs and now we go out more evenings than we have ever done before.

Not our experience. We bought re-sale, are youngest in the neighboorhood by 10 to 15 years, and made great friends with our neighbors.

When we bought in the Historic section over 4 years ago we were the youngest in our neighborhood. We're not anymore, because a house sold early last year to someone who is younger than we are now.

When you're looking for people around your age - and you're already 50, and you're moving to a 55+ senior community, then you're going to need to look for people between 55-65. Those are the "young folks" in the community. The 50-year-old single male is an outlier.

In the Historic area, all the people who bought in the late 1970's when THEY were 55, are now either a) close to 100 years old, b) living in assisted living/memory care/a "home", or c) dead. They've been replaced by people who were 55-65 back in the early 2000s. THOSE people are now 75-85 years old, and still going strong for the most part, but some are either b, or c. The ones who are c - their homes are now occupied by people who moved in within the past 10 years, and are around 65 years old, give or take - probably not b, and probably not c.

There's a lot of younger people moving in to the Historic area because EVERYONE eventually dies, and their homes become occupied by the next batch of 55+ homebuyers, usually coming in at the younger side of retirement.

You have been a member of TOTV a couple months. These questions have been debated to the ninth degree. Try a search on those topics of interest.

Well, personally, I like to know my neighbors in general. Do I fit in? Some neighbors may sell or pass away but not the whole neighborhood.

I’ve travelled too much in my life since I was a young child, different countries, different languages, different cultures. I’m tired of adjusting all the time. It’s now nice to find my own “tribe” and I did. Very happy.

I guess I’m not into the new areas, I’ve gone down once in 6 years to see and that was enough for the time being.

It is easy to find friends that share your interests by joining clubs.I believe you will find everyone is friendly no matter which Village you choose. Most of the neighborhoods have planned get togethers and welcome newcomers with open arms. Do a drive by in the neighborhood BEFORE purchasing. Talk to the neighbors and ask questions that concern you. From the get go, you will know if that neighborhood is your perfect fit.

I lived in the south and have returned to the north to be closer to amenities and commercial. I did not enjoy the amount of daily travel required in the south. This may change once Eastport is complete. Do a drive by in the new areas to see all that is available. Keep in mind, it will take several years to attain what is available in the north. Some things planned may never reach fruition. You can't force businesses to open shop. Or, obtain needed professionals from thin air. Especially in the medical field. Do you want to wait? If not, I suggest buying a home north of 44 about 10 miles or so from Eastport. There you will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Be careful.of Villages Sales Reps and outside real estate agents who may blow smoke in your face. Their motive is profit not your well being. Research EVERY area carefully before buying. An example of this is homes in Moultrie Creek. You may be told the homes are selling like hot cakes. But, if you look on VLS and do a drive-by through that area, you will see hundreds of spec homes are sitting. If you buy in a rush, months later, the Developer may slash prices.This happened in Lake Denham and Dabney. Folks who paid $30-50K more than their neighbors are not happy.

Several commercial buildings have been built but are not occupied. RESEARCH and pay careful attention to the surroundings.

Your friendships and active life in TV are dependent upon on you…….don’t wait & expect things to happen…..jump in feet first.

Rent in different areas for about 6 months.
More haste, less speed.

I’d see what squares you enjoy hanging at and live within a short golf cart ride. You certainly don’t want to be 30-40 minutes from any of your favorite things.

Just the opposite, so much better living south of 44 for many many reasons. Since you are in your 50’s, you will find more people in your age range south of 44 than the other areas combined. Somebody did some statistics on this over a year ago.
Why would you want to move to the north where the houses are old, outdated, no natural gas, horrendous traffic, just to move to shopping? How often are you going to Best Buy or target? Once every 6 months? 441 has been a terrible area to drive thru for years now.
I know people that have moved to an established area and were treated like outcasts because of existing clicks that have been established. They moved to a brand new area where everybody else was looking for friends and had no existing groups.
Where we live, we have around 50-60 pickleball courts in a couple mile radius, where we play 95% of the time. We belong to many different pb groups, card groups, and other sport groups down south of 44. Now with Bexley bridge open and golf cart paths open to go to any of the southern golf courses in a few minutes, along with TV building 5 or 6 more golf courses down there, the need to go up north is waning

Honestly you won't know unless you go into a neighborhood and physically meet people living there. We wondered the same thing. We bought a brand new Courtyard Villa in Lake Denham and just moved in a week ago. We met the neighbors next door on day two. Last night we met 3 other neighbors and all are very friendly. Two weeks ago our little neighborhood had a block party that we just missed.

I'm in my 50s and in the historic section. I love the well established area. Mature nature is important to me, but it might not be to you. I love to work on my home so being near Home Depot is a must to me, might not be to you. I love advanced pickleball play and my home courts have more advanced play in early morning most of the time. Otherwise, it's easy to go to afternoon dedicated reserved advanced groups. Again, you have to decide what's important to you. Good luck and enjoy!

I do recall all the whining and crying about when are the convenient services coming to the Finney and Marsh Bend area. When those homes sold those folks had to wait for years for a Publix, restaurant, gas station, bank, etc. to be built. For the first few years it may feel like you are living out in western Kansas.
Living closer to 466 or 466A you really want for nothing as you have huge selection of retail store of every type and lots of restaurant choices. Easy to fuel and bank.
Buying new you will be dealing with a more expensive home, not to mention the massive bond to pay. Quiet possibly your property taxes will be higher as some areas you also pay city tax on top of the county.

Be aware of high bonds ,taxes, the prison in the newer areas. Also check out the Daily Sun and see how many resales there are in the southern section . Must be a reason why??

I agree. However, You will find more pools and golf courses between 466 and 466a.

You make good points. However, I know several still-working couples who have purchased in new developments, where everyone is new, and there is definitely a tendency for all these new people to make new neighborhood friends and throw get-togethers in a way I haven’t seen elsewhere. They may have twenty or thirty people show up. They borrow tools from each other and help each other with repairs. I’m shy, single, and divorced, and I have no neighborhood friends at all. Even in new neighborhoods, some couples are leery of single guy neighbors. I have lots of acquaintances I see at rec centers, but we don’t get together elsewhere. It’s nice to have some human contact, though.

We are Brits and can only be here for 6 months a year. We bought just by Glenview CC.
We have great neighbours and they are always so pleased when we get back. They are of mixed ages - but we have some great times together. So integrating into a community is probably not your biggest issue. Like Villagetinker said look at what interests you and where those interests are most likely to be served. We found our bit of paradise where we bought. Nobody can say where yours will be. But the advice to rent for a month is sound. Have a good look around first. Good luck and hope you find your bit of paradise.

Hi. We just went through this process. For us, insurance was an issue with the preexisting homes. Two sales fell through due to insurance. We really wanted to be in the North because of everything already established.

Now that we are in the South, I can't imagine being anywhere else because everyone is new and making friends and the social events are non stop. We also have 3 rec centers within 1 mile. We love it here and are so happy.

With that said, you'll know where you're meant to be eventually. It took us 15 months and countless visits before we felt ready to make an offer on anything. Good luck!

You can make friends anywhere you move in the Villages. Homes north of even 466 are turning over quickly as original owners are leaving for back home and assisted living and new young people in their 59s and 60s are moving in, all looking for new friends. Find a house you love at a price you're ok with and you’ll be happy anywhere in the Villages, but keep in mind all the amenities are in North of 44, not yet so for the areas south.

We moved into the new area where there is A LOT of younger neighbors. Seeing anyone 75+ is not the norm down here. In a new neighborhood everyone is looking to establish new friends. Our next door neighbors lived within walking distance of Sumter Landing and sold their house to move south of 44 in a new neighborhood because all their neighbors didn’t want to do anything after 7PM, no driveway parties, rarely went out, not that physically active. They found exactly what they were looking for in the new area and we are so happy living in Hawkins. The key when you move in is to have driveway parties (a version of cocktail hour) to meet your neighbors and get to know them. Form groups for your interests (Golf, pickleball, cards, etc) and put a flyer on your immediate neighbors within the block to sign up to the group. The ladies formed a group of 18 women on a WhatsApp group for monthly Luncheons. We have cards every Wednesday night at rotating homes, Samba every two weeks in rotating homes, water aerobics in the backyard pool twice a week, Bunco once a month in rotating homes, men have a gathering twice a month at different bars or restaurants in the evening, and many other events.

Another thing to think about is in the newer areas, couples mostly buy. You probably won't find a lot of singles. Also the bonds and taxes are significantly higher in the newer areas.

At the end of the day, getting your neighbors to be social friends is hit-or-miss, but you will find the friends and networks you do make will be through the clubs and activities you join. And don't worry about homes without natural gas. No loss since gas is not that cheap anymore and your HVAC runs on electric using a heat pump technology. If you like cooking with gas get a convection stove. Basically the same results without the fumes, etc...

Golfers shopping for homes in The Villages should NOT purchase a New Home in the Southern Areas, which lack enough Executive Golf Courses. Rather, they should buy a pre-owned home in the Middle or Northern areas which have plenty of Executive golf courses nearby. Also, the Bond is usually paid off on homes in the North and Middle areas, plus you are MUCH CLOSER to Shopping & Restaurants and the landscaping, along with other improvements have been added. Make sure that you include the cost of the BOND when shopping for a home in The Villages, because it is DEBT that you will be assuming that is over and above the purchase price when you buy your home.

If I was just coming to TV in the next year as a 50 something single female, I’d be buying a new home in the Eastport area as that’s going to be the place to be! It’s going to be an exciting and beautiful new square there. Good luck in your search!

We lived in the Historic and the (what was) the newest section south of 44. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both. You will make friends wherever you live, esp if you are active and involved in any of the clubs, play golf, volleyball etc. It appeared to us the facilities - pools, pickleball courts, various classes were all very crowded in the southern villages - much more so than the older northern facilities. Best advice - rent before you buy.

I bought new in an established Village. For me, I love that the amenities were built first, houses after. The landscape north of 44 with the established golf courses is absolutely beautiful. Easy access ability by golf cart was also important to me. And all the pools found between 466 and 44. Regarding people, cliques form wherever you go. I found if you want to join a golf group, you’re very welcome if they have spots and they usually do. It’s not all about the shopping. But it sure is nice to have access a grocery store close by for a quick stop. Come down and you will get the feel of the entire area. Your gut will let you know what’s best for you. And you will love it here regardless.

Look for the perfect house, bigger garage if you need storage. Do you want a fenced backyard? Do you like open spaces for walking/jogging/bike riding? How often do you need to shop? Are you a golfer? The socializing will come thru your activities & clubs you are interested in. Take your time deciding. Good luck.

Here’s my advice:

- You can make friends easily living anywhere. If you buy in an established area and the neighborhood is not so active, the clubs you join, including some huge singles clubs, will give you ample social opportunities.

- Don’t believe the sales hype in the new area that the commercial development is anytime soon. It’ll take 10 years for shopping and restaurants to be developed to look anything like what it is north of 44.

- Most amenities and entertainment is north. Medical offices, big box stores, theaters (Savanna, The Sharon, movie theaters), most golf courses are all a long drive from the new area. Yes with the bridges open you can drive in your golf cart to many of these but only if you don’t mind daily 40 minute one way rides.

- Rent for several months before you buy. No hurry, they’re not running out of new or pre owned houses.

Want to travel for groceries, house needs, Dr appts., other shopping, banks, gas, golf, etc. Then buy new.
Be smart. Buy "old "

Do a Life Style stay 7 days. Get an idea what we are about. Many singles living here and clubs. What activities are you interested in? Pickle ball, golf, dancing…. South is setup different from other areas. Check all town squares, Sawgrass and Edna’s in Green for entertainment and shops. Down load The Village appt will help. I’m single but like North of 466 then a good friend lived in Fenney she loves it there. My TV realtor Chris Smith , he very helpful, I lived out of town gave him information what I was looking for. Reach him 352-391-3587.
MLS listing you would need outside realtor from TV ones. Very different here. Turn key home is with furniture. There are Bonds in home you need to look at too. My had none left since older home. The TV app. you start looking at homes too.

New vs Old
 

New appearance and emotional attachment to a home only lasts so long, but the house needs little maintenance if you buy new. My question is why even buy? Rent for a while, house prices are almost at their implosion point in the market. Pick something up for 20% less in six months?

I cannot believe that three pages into this thread, and no one has suggested the OP watch Rusty Nelson's YouTube videos - specifically the one linked below (and it's part II) about being single in The Villages. Rusty is in your same shoes, a single guy in The Villages. The singles club is less about making matches into couples and more about singles getting together to do things where they don't feel like a third wheel. Hope this helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKGmRdMzvCg

I am 58 and live in the far north (Woodbury). I have natural gas. I don't at all feel like an outcast in my neighborhood (although I am younger than most here). Within a couple weeks of moving here I got invited to coffee with a some of the neighbors and everybody I've met so far has been super friendly. Maybe I got lucky.

The houses are older up here but mine was built in 2002. The only people I've ever heard who think that's "old" for a house are people from The villages. It's actually the newest house I've ever owned. My pervious houses were built in the 1930s, 1917, and 1986 respectively.

As for traffic, I find traffic gets worse as you go south of me. North of 466 it's nothing. Hwy 441 has its busy times but it's nothing like Orlando or other major metropolitan/suburban areas. After 7 PM it's practically empty. It's only bad down by Leesburg because of all the construction. That said, all the stores are north of that anyway.

I guess it's all a matter of preference but I much prefer it north of 466. Less traffic, a ton of mature oak trees that shade the multimodal paths, fewer airbnb's and rentals (from what I understand), and it is much quieter up here.

Opinions on this are gonna be all over the map. There are just way too many variables at play.

My husband and I moved to a new development in Oct. of 2001. I was 51 years old and wanted to meet the neighbors. We got the house together and in Dec., I put an invitation on the door of each neighbor inviting them to a, "Meet your new neighbors" gathering. It was just supposed to be appetizers and drinks. So many of the neighbors brought wine and food. We had a great time getting to know each other. It was the best way to meet your neighbors. My husband passed away and I couldn't ask for better neighbors. They were there for his service and to help me in any way that they could. If you move into a new development everyone is looking to meet their neighbors.

1500 homes for sale
 

There are currently about 1500 new and used homes for sale. There are also many, many, many rentals. Take your time moving through the weeds to find the perfect nest. Temporary stays in rentals should give you a good idea of your place here.

north verses south
 

You can meet people anywhere you live. After joining a few activities you will probably be running around the Villages. Does it have a bond payment with the house? Inferstructure down south is alot higher. Have heard sometimes the bond is almost as much as the morgauge. Add in insurance and amedities. Some people moving south are moving again because they can't afford it.

Living south of 44, you have to travel north for most of your shopping and eating. Living up by the historical side or around 466 or 466A you have more shopping and eating places closer by to choose from. South of 44 it seems more like the houses are rubber stamped, track housing, no varity. North off 44 more vegatation around the houses, more space between the house in certain areas. Broaden your horizon in what your looking for, for now and the future.

We moved into Lake Deaton when it was a new neighborhood and got to meet others like outselves new to the area. We moved a couple of years ago to St. John's but have still kept in touch with our "old" friends while we've met new ones in our neighborhood.
Amenities are important to many especially those younger. It appears to me that there are few in the area of Lake Denham and Dabney. On the other hand, eventually there will be a number of choices below the turnpike. That area may be best for you.

:1rotfl: