If I were the Morse family............
 

I would be making plans for a new retirement area similar to The Villages.

In as few as three years or as many as six the area south of 466A will be finished but I don't think the Morses are finished being developers.

With the ushering in of the biggest wave of seniors still ahead, why should they quit now?

If I were them I would probably be looking for cheap and available land not too far from a city. I think I would concentrate on an area north of here because of the availability of more and less expensive land. I wouldn't be surprised if it were close to St. Augustine. Why miss a chance to call the new area "The Fountain of Youth"?.

I would use my knowledge of developing The Villages and "tweak" it. I would have wrought iron fences for dog owners in some areas. I would build Craftsman Bungalows somewhere (since they are the NEW retro style being seen in the few areas that are still building) with the opportunity to have a guest suite on the second floor. I would have more upgrades in the middle segment that we call designers with granite and stainless steel part of every house offered. I would have condo apartments with available deliverable meals.

If you were on the planning committee, what would you add??? And where would you build it?

Just dreamin'. Dream along with me.

I would separate large soaking tubs in every master bath regardless if it is a condo, bungalow, villa or designer home.

GG, I’m sure you meant to say 466A since the final phase that’s just getting underway is between 466A and 44.

gracie -

I think you're right. Why would the Morse family choose to just run TV out to the end of its development cycle then call it quits? I don't know any of them personally so any comments are simply conjecture. Is there more contiguous property available in the southern portions near 44/44A (and/or elsewhere) that would allow for further expansion of TV? Maybe the family's sitting on such a mountain of personal wealth that they've decided "Enough is enough". Perhaps they've had enough legal hassles to last them their collective lifetimes and are choosing to not generate perhaps any more by starting a new development.

I'd think if they were to start another development of a similar nature, Florida would somewhat make sense given the family's current roots. But maybe it's time to "Get out of Dodge" and head to the southwest, perhaps.

As far as what they should actually build: I believe that given the current economy, they've got a system that is working - build mostly modest homes for the many middle-class buyers (that seems to have been their forte to-date) and leave the true customization for the high end homes. Much as we'd all like to see more available options with the Designer homes, I doubt it would happen. However, the developer continues to demonstrate their willingness to evolve their business model, what with the constant evolution of designs, floorplans, and the like.

Who knows for sure what they have up their sleeves?? It'll be nothing short of interesting, I'm sure.

Bill

the villages property ends at SR 44 in Wildwood, with the exception of property near the intersection of CR 468 and the FL Turnpike, where there will be a future exit/interchange.

IMHO developing home sites has become a secondary portion of the "family business". The most important work that the Morse family does now is managing this extensive operation. Their children and grandchildren have quietly become integrated into the community and they all have lovely homes and make a comfortable living. Move and start over - - - why? I think not.

deliverable meals.
 

You bring up an interesting point. What happens when you cannot drive any more an you need help to shop and run errands. Do you have to make arrangements for your self? Are you saying TV does not help out at all?
I've read the expression that we're frogs and we're here till we croak. But you might need some help before that day. There is no help in a retirement community? Would love to know what to expect and plan for.

I tend to agree!

Two months ago while discussing a re-fi in a Village bank. I asked the VP about the rumor of the Morse's developing another retirment community in Texas. He emphatically said it is not a rumor but "absolutely true". He discussed general location, advance teams and the fact that Texas was chosen because it is a tax friendly state.

Sometimes enough is never enough.

Wouldn't you think that managing the commercial properties (both built and yet to be built) in and around TV would occupy all of their time and energy? The family has created a cash cow here that will continue to produce long after the last house is sold. The commercial opportunities needed by a community of 100K plus is huge. Plus there will be satellite rental complexes needed around TV to support the workforce. They don't really need to develop a second TV with the opportunities still available.

George

And you know this for sure?

Corporations sometimes use subsidiaries to disguise their operations, it's common practice.
For all we know the developer could own property all over Florida under a different name.

TV is an active adult community. There are several assisted living homes in the area.
TV does not make your appointments, cook your meals or tuck you in at night.

TV is a housing development that happens to be restricted (80%) to those over 55. But the developer in no way has any obligation (or even intention) to help out if you become impaired.

There is another privately run place within TV near Spanish Springs called Freedom Pointe. They can cater to your needs as your situation changes. You can check them out: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/freed...-villages.aspx

Why not expsand further West?
 

I would love to see a "Villages" in the State of Arizona. The cost of living is low and the climate is perfect. They would certainly be able to entertain the mass of seniors already there or headed there.

:wave:

..

:agree::agree:

How about a two car garage option for CVs. I believe the only reason it is not done more now is that it would hurt the sale of larger series homes. Larger lot options would also be nice for those who would like a larger back yard.

I've heard that they own a ton of land near Austin TX...Villages II there?
Also, I like the idea of the Craftsman designs.

I have heard this repeatedly so I believe it is true.

The lots and areas for homes have all been plotted carefully in a master plan a long time ago. They know just how many of each that will fit and there is no changing that plan.

Perhaps if they were to build a new place they would plot the lots differently..........

100%. the DRI development plans end at SR 44 with Brownwood. while I don't know about the rest of florida, no further property or plans are in the works for Sumter County/Wildwood area aside from the interchange.

Based on the weather the last couple of winters I'd like to see the next Villages in the Bahamas...gn

To get back to original question, I would build new houses with the option of an in-law/guest suite. Many of us (baby boomers) are caring for elderly parents and an in-law suite would make things much easier.

I would also make all the bathtubs the kind with a door, so one can walk into them. I would make all the toilets handicapped height (30 inches) and all doors wide enough to accomodate a wheelchair. Lastly, I would undermount all the sinks. As soon as I hit the lottery, I would like to rip out all the countertops and undermount my sinks!

It sounds like Texas is a done deal, but if I were king, I would build in either North or South Carolina. There are many retirees flocking to these states.

I read that folks retire to NC/SC all of the time and always think to myself it has to be too cold in the winter and depending on location just as warm or warmer in the summer when compared to TV. I have never lived there so I could be wrong .......

I lke the direction golfnut is moving us :). IMO, sometimes these winters can be borderline here in northern central FL, although we are in a pretty good stretch right now :thumbup:.

A friend who lives in MD & doesn't want to move away from her only child & only grandchild, laments that there's absolutely nothing like TV up north. She LOVED TV when she visited me. The problem up there would be availability & affordability of the land. And, of course, the year-round outdoor activities we enjoy would be severly curtailed by their cold weather. That being said, the Morse family could make another fortune if they could pull it off.

I lived on the beach in SC for 17 years - never saw snow.
It does get chilly in the winter but it was somewhat welcomed because there were fewer tourists!
(However, their winter is like ours this winter - much colder than usual).
NC is colder, and as beautiful as the NC beaches are, they seem to have more hurricanes during the season.

Been to outer banks on a few vacations. The Carolina's are beautiful.

Isn't the land in the Carolina's a LOT more expensive than the middle part of Florida? And the land in Arizona, because of the lack of availablity of water? Wouldn't that put it in another catagory because it would be expensive to maintain golf courses? Because that is the bottom line, it has to start with affordable bare and undeveloped land in order to keep it within a certain amount to be affordable to most people. AND golf courses eat up land, to have what we have here at these prices couldn't happen just everywhere.

I still think we are going to see another Morse retirement city created.

I would like an ART building for visual and performing arts. What would YOU want??

We have lived in NC (Raleigh) for 18 years and are now retiring to TV! We have enjoyed living here but now wish for warmer weather, (golf cart) access to almost everything, lots of friendly, happy people, and all the activities one could ever want, etc. etc. etc.!

gg -
Yes, an art/performance would be wonderful. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
NC and SC for retirement purposes is more expensive because you are usually paying for the beach or the mountains.
However, I doubt anyone could ever find anything close to the amenities we have here.
I've tried to explain TV to friends who have never been here, and they just can't comprehend :shrug:

Wasn't the original thread "if I were the Morse family"? Anyway, if is still is, I'd be spending all the money we made 'em!!

Texas would be nice. Sothern Texas that is

A

TEXAS ..Yes
 

I hear tell them thar peeples in that MORSE FAMILY has got them some whar near ontu 26000 akers in the Lone Star State..CUSIN ERNIE says it be outsida Austin sumwhere...Lets see goo weather..an JOBS aplennty...Go figar...they is one SMART family.......Oh yeah ...lotsa peeps with cash monnie too.. Meebe they be fixin to do up a nuther place like wee gots hear....AND sumpthin lik that thar place called The Woodlands which be norf of Houston... OH garsh I here em cumin...the SPELLING POLICE.

Ain't nuthin to worry about. You did it right.

No, actually, I believe it's the Turnip Truck police who are looking for you.........:a20:

The rumors continue to fly re: the Morse family getting ready to set up shop in TX at some point. Does anyone have actual confirmation/"proof" of some sort? (In the meantime, though, it does make for an interesting story!) :)

Bill

How much proof do you want...an actual quote from a village bank vice president.;)

Sure - that'd be a start, anyways! :)

Bill