Ages in Southern Areas vs Northern Areas
 

Hello. I am considering buying in The Villages in the near future. However I have researched the ages of people in the Southern area (including near the Sawgrass grove and Eastport). I am nearing 80 years old and I am concerned I may not fit in and I should stick to the older northern areas where I know the people are closer to my age group. So that is a concern. Can you comment about the age groups in each area? Thank you. MarvinH

How did you do that?

North of 466 does have a lot of older residents but a lot of those residents have their kids and grandkids living with them. When you read police or crime reports most of them are by these kids and grandkids that live with the old timers up north. Go south old man go south.

I’m in the southern area, Lake Denham. I am 55 and I will be full time some time next fall. We like that there are more young folks in our area. That being said we have no issue with older folks either. There is definitely more of a party vibe in our area from what I’ve seen. If you are the type to complain about driveway parties or someone having a beer in the pool you may prefer up north. If you are the type to complain to ARC about a bird statue on someone’s lawn then probably best to go up north. Of course complainers come in all ages. But definitely seems more laid back in the south.

By reading this forum and asking my sales agent. Marvinh

It really makes no difference. For the most part, people in TV hang with people who have the same interests. Golf, pickleball, clubs.... I have friends ranging from 10 years younger than me to 20 years older than me. You need to come here and stay in various areas and find out for yourself. Don't let people try to tell you what area is best because everyone thinks that their area is better. Also check crime stats for the city/area you will be in. Lady Lake, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Wildwood... all have areas in or bordering TV. Although some consider it a viallges bashing rag, that other news site also provides some info about various crimes.

I had one person in a golf group saying people up north are older. We started comparing ages. I was the youngest in the group. Where do I live? Yep, north of 466. The homes may be older, but people move, die, etc. Find an area that best meets your needs and buy there.

I agree Bogie. OLD friend.

This subject has been a button pusher for me and now that I am really older it really makes me steam.

As YOU know Bogie......I have always said that younger folks might be surprised just how much fun twenty years on a person can be........but now I think, Oh stop..........go play with the kids.

So, here is my question: After reading all the comments on here, will it still be a concern for you? If so, consider that a priority when you select your home. You don't want to live with a concern.

Did none of the answers in your two previous threads help you? You seem overly concerned with age. This is a 55+ ACTIVE senior community of over 150,000 people and around 70 square miles of real estate. Consider the average 80-year-old HERE in The Villages is still playing golf, pickleball, shooting arrows at the archery range, dancing, socializing, and yes - some of them even still have sex.

And there are some 50-somethings who don't do much of any of the above, but prefer shuffleboard, board games, watching TV, and book clubs.

Your neighborhood will be a mixed bag, either moving in today, or within the next 4 years. You've been talking about maybe moving here for several years already, and had your lifestyle visit several years ago.

If you're still physically active and interested in LIVING a dream instead of just dreaming about it, you probably should move down now while you can.

Please check your previous threads for lots of responses regarding age and living in The Villages (including another one with the same question you have in this thread):

January 2023: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...n-area-338461/

November 2021: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...llager-326023/

Marvin - I am curious re your research. Was it just anecdotal comments by your realtor? I'd be interested for you to share those results. What is the average age in the north? Does it drop consistently as you go south? What is the average age in the south?

Why does age bother you so much. I do remember when a group named under 55 was organizing you seemed upset that you could be excluded. I have zero problems with the under 55 wanting to have their own club. It was mentioned the other day the under 50 club, is waitlisted.

We keep moving south, leaving villages that basically are older than my parents. Not that I don’t respect older, wiser and those great stories the WW guys tell, when I visit for few hours……But I moved out of my parents house at 18 really don’t want to live with that age group. It kind of bothers them when you are running at 3am, when they think you should be sleeping.

LOL, and they should know by now they could have been here and moved their 1-3 (average) times since 2021? Anyhow, you’re not the only outsider that makes multiple cold feet posts on this site. Come on down you will be fine.

We have some in their 40s in our neighborhood. Not living with mommy, but own their own home. Most of our neighbors in our last couple neighborhoods between the 6s were in their 80s and up. Below 70 was few.

I highly doubt you will get an accurate age average per village, but I will say I am not the only one running late, south of 44. Big difference is police presence south of 44. I wave at the Wildwood LEO every time, give them a thumbs up when they are writing a ticket.

Asian3, I really doubt that your running at 3am bothers your "old" neighbors.

We live in the north and would choose the north again.
I also have the impression that the average age is older up north. If you haven't rented at all, most advice urges potential residents to rent for a while first. Unless you are okay with moving to a second location after you buy your first house. We rented several times during winter......all in the north. The rentals taught us lessons about where exactly we wanted to locate. Good luck.

I wouldn’t go all the way down to Eastport, because you would be living in construction for most of the rest of your expected life. Plus brand new homes, villager style, are fixer-uppers. But it is nice and friendly down here. You could count on nice neighbors.

Moochers are not territorial there south of 466A and 44 also.

That about the last thing on my list when house hunting, but that me.

You might want to research taxes and insurance here as well as Bonds and other money pits.

Nearing 80 years old!
I would go to the established area between 466 and 466A.
Most services, shops etc. in abundance and area populated with a healthy mix of ages.
As mentioned in earlier posts, the newer areas are still work in progress, with nowhere near the facilities of the established areas.

That you would be wrong..those that have cameras ping when I ran in our 3 other neighborhoods. Ya know that truck with the blinking yellow light (CW), stops when someone is out after dark to ask if you are LOST. Do you NEED help? First time it happened in 2007 scared the crap out of me @2am. Is all I could see was outline of a person, standing next to a truck. No intro just why are you outside?)

The conversation was brought up every monthly driveway party, that new person who bought _______house (she’s dead) runs around the neighborhood all hours of the night. Must be up to no good…….:evil6: That’s like living with your parents….

Neighborhood average age was 90% original, so lates 70s-99 (3WWguys). When one is in their 50s it is neighboring with your parents.

Good advice

Just be aware of the tax implications and the bond issues south of 44. Also, Coleman prison is near.

While you are right that many of the crimes innThe Villages are done by the children or grandchildren of people living here, it is a very small percentage of people here who have a child or grandchild living with them. Sometimes people take in children having drug problems, or children who can’t hold down a job, or children with mental challenges, but often they are being cared for by one of their children. These people are found throughout The Villages, not only north of 466. I’d say that people in the newest neighborhoods, many of whom have just retired or have not yet retired, will see someone who is 80 as old enough to be their parent and be less friendly.

If you are 80, I’d recommend a small villa and downsize your belongings. You may not need a houseful of furniture and a closet full of clothes.

But at least “Coleman is behind very high fences, and if they should escape, they would RUN past 44 to the North:crap2:…. If the bad guys live with Mommy, the are free to roam at anytime. Plus nobody notices the lights, or speakers, or can see the guards at the towers.
Then again once “Coleman” is obsolete, it will close. Could be the next new “Villain Village With a themed hotel”:eclipsee_gold_cup:

Very little difference in age.

There is a good mix of people of various ages in both the Northern & Southern regions of The Villages. The people in the Southern Areas tend to be a little younger, but many of the original residents of the Northern areas, who are now in their 70's and 80's have sold to younger people in their 50's and 60's. If you decide to buy in the North and can afford it, avoid purchasing in the “Historical” (original) Villages area EAST of 441/27, which have mostly "Double-Wide" type Manufactured & Site Built homes. That is the "higher crime" area where many of the original resident's kids moved in to their inheritance. Other areas in the North are just as nice and peaceful as the South. Also, if you are a golfer, you defiantly want to buy a home in the North or Middle of The Villages where there are plenty of Executive Golf Courses. The South has far FEWER Golf Courses, with the exception of "Pitch & Puts". Also, homes in the South have a "BOND", and often require landscaping and interior enhancements that preowned homes in the Middle & Southern regions already have.

Its make no difference where you live north or south, if you are healthy active and enjoy the outdoors and lots of activity the entire Villages is your choice . The main concern should be the closeness of the essential services you need. Shopping , banking, doctors etc. Your personality determines how happy you will be., the friends you make.

I go south a lot for pickleball but like living north where everything is more convenient to get to. If I was you, I'd choose to be north. But coming here to check it all out is the usual way to make a well informed decision. Good luck and come enjoy!

The further South you go, the farther you are from stores and other established businesses, and in general, newer, younger Villagers. The older sections in the North have more of a mix between older and younger people. However, those Northern homes are older too. I would not go as far South as Eastport. Maybe the new Richmond area near Brownwood would be a good location. But really, rent a place first and discover what is most important to you.

But most of the crimes committed by them seem to be north of 466.

Sorry, I live on the Historic side. I am quite happy here. Yes, there is some crime, but that is everywhere. I like that we are not all "cookie cutter" houses and we have trees.

I am 81 and live right next door to Sawgrass Grove. Belong to a golf group that have a varying age group. Love it here.

No one has ever escaped from the Coleman Prison, only a couple from the half way minimum security houses, so safety issue there.

We live in the North, it is slowly getting younger. We are in our late 60’s but have friends in their 80’s . I think it makes no difference, we just liked the north because of being closer to big stores by golf cart ( or car) .

Live anywhere
 

I live south of 44 and love it, but I would definitely consider any area in TV. Some of our best friends are close to 80 and just built a new home in the Eastport area. They love being around the younger folks and newer areas. Just pick the place that has what you want. Do you love to shop? Move further north. Do you love to walk or bike? All of the walking and biking paths are below 44 for the most part. Do you love to golf? You can live anywhere but easier access is above 44 (we golf but don’t mind a 20-30 min golf cart ride). Do you want a new home? Or is preowned ok? Etc. we have friends of all ages.

This post is exactly why these questions keep coming up...just poor information and faulty assumptions.

Coleman is not a concern. By the way....what is the village right next to Coleman? So..OP is saying all villages south of 44..Richmond, Deluna, Fenney, Hawkins, etc are all in danger of Coleman? Please...

Taxes? Like Lady Lake doesn't have taxes? OP is implying that there are incorporated areas that have additional taxes beyond county tax. Yes there are, but most people willingly pay the few extra hundred for what they get. In addition to the county sheriff, we also have city law enforcement that does a fantastic job is highly visible. The only people that bring this up are new residents that don't understand and those in "the middle" of TV that don't have an incorporated areas.

The "bond issue" is again another silly thing people point to. All Villages homes have\had bonds. Some paid them off outright, some are so old that they were paid off over the amortization schedule. As the homes were built moving southwards, it makes sense that more homes have bonds because....they are newer! Yes, many of the bonds are higher than in years past....just like homes, cars, eggs...its called inflation.

Every potential homeowner in TV has to decide if the location and newer home is more important than saving thousand or two every year. If money is a #1 concern and where every dollar is significant, then OP is right and you should restrict your search to a narrower part of TV....or outside of the bubble.

Look in Springdale or Piedmont. Good mix of age groups.

Stay North of 44 and south of 466
 

Best areas for older and closer to more stores and activities, best area if you can get in is Osceola Hills at Soaring Eagle, one way in and one way out, smaller community, noise levels low,
you may pay a little more, but it is worth it.