Areas to buy in the Villages
 

I'm planning on buying a home in the Villages in the near future, and was wondering if some areas are more rental oriented versus areas that are more owner inhabited. Since I'm looking to live in the home I purchase, I'm thinking that an area that is more inhabited by owners would be preferable, with more sense of neighborhood. Would love to hear some opinions about this.
Thanks in advance for any helpful responses.

There's usually more rentals in the newer areas since many buy before they're retired and come down when they can. However, I think you'll find that there's a since of community even with renters. Many renters come down year after year, frequently to the same house or neighborhood. They join in neighborhood activities, are as happy to help out as the frog next door, will happily invite you in for a drink or go out to dinner with the gang. It is one of the beauties of living here.

You will find that more patio villas and courtyard villas are purchased as investment properties and, thus, will have more renters, both seasonal and long-term. The historic side will have more long-term renters.

But if the house is exactly what you want, don't let a rental or two in the neighborhood stop you. Instead, talk to neighbors and find out if they have community get togethers and how often. That is the bigger factor.

We're renting for the second year. The neighbors have all been very nice..we're in Quail Ridge..WELCOME SNOWBIRDS!

Any area you select will have a mix of FROGS (here till they croak), Snowbirds (own but seasonally), and Renters. Almost all are friendly nice people whom you will come to enjoy and make friends with.

Don't worry about renters. Travel through the neighborhoods find out what fits best for you. Do you want to be near a square would you rather be near a grocery. Just remember even if they are a permanent resident doesn't mean that they're going to be your permanent resident next year after all people here move 2.5 times.

I agree. It's pretty much the same everywhere. I think that the higher end designer neighborhoods might have a higher percentage of snowbirds and fewer renters.

I agree. It's pretty much the same everywhere. I think that the higher end designer neighborhoods might have a slightly higher percentage of snowbirds and fewer renters but other than that, I think that you'll find all three everywhere.

Whatever you do get a good location. Anything between 466 and 466a is central. If you get too far south or too far south you will have further to travel. Home values on the north end are lower than central and this may end up being true in the future with the homes at the south end. We love living just south of 466 as there are a ton of amenities and being close to Sumter Landing is the best of both worlds. Best wishes!!

I agree. And you might want to look at what it activities you are going to be involved in. For example if you plan on playing a lot of soft ball you might be like to be near the softball fields. It is nice being near the squares because you are close to shopping and restaurants and so on and you can still be in a residential area. Renters find this attractive as well.

I believe that the best locations are close to any Town Square so that you can get there quickly in your golf cart.

Villas
 

We are toying with the idea of moving to a courtyard villa but are afraid it will be too large a percentage of snowbirds?flakes and we would be alone. Any thoughts on this?

Live in Biscayne Villas(Court Yard Villas) Tamarind Gtove. 67 Units- about 42 are full time. Nicest community(friendliest) I have ever lived in . Great sence of community and concern for neighbors.

Courtyard villas are very popular. I think they are a good investment. I like the idea of having a lot of friends all over the place. Good fences make good neighbors.

Having said that I live in a premier on an interior lot. I got lucky with good neighbors but I am used too a much bigger lot back home that guarantees my privacy.

That the average villager moves 3 times is hard to believe but seems to be true. If they are making money each time, that is something to get excited about.