Moving to Villages
 

I am currently living in Vero Beach and am planning to move to the Villages. I am going through a divorce and looking forward to a new start.
I am planning to move into a new home, either a spec house or a new build, in a new village.
I am wondering about my timing.
I am attracted to the Villages because of the variety of activities and the friendly people I have encountered on previous visits.
I am looking for input on the timing of my move. I would love to go soon but concerned about the impact of the virus on life up there.
I am living fairly safely here in Vero.
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about the timing?
Thank you

Other than golf and pools everything is mostly closed.

We moved here a couple of months and really like this place but would think if safe at home and not quite ready to move would wait for this to be over.

Welcome in advance, MHEEH!

I'm sure you'll get many helpful answers, but my opinion is that your selection of house and village will be the main factors that control your timeline. If you find a house and lot that are perfect for you, no need to wait! New build prices don't really fluctuate much by season, so buying in summer vs winter isn't critically important. There are discounts/markdowns for certain homes; usually those that are lagging on the market.

The virus has not heavily affected The Villages, imo. The overall number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are still comparatively low as a percentage of the population. That could change at any time, of course. I personally think closures of some activities and clubs could continue through the end of the year and even beyond. But there are still many things to do and quiet moments of nature to enjoy.

Welcome and enjoy your future adventure. The opinions will be wide on when to move, the virus, etc. Got with your instinct. I've had a number of homes over the past several years, good times and bad and have no regrets. See you when you get here!

Not closed:

Softball
Tennis
Pickleball
Water sports
Air gun ranges
Recreation Centers
Billiards
Shuffleboard
Corn Hole
Bocce
Archery Ranges
The Enrichment Academy Courses
Basketball courts
Beach volleyball
Beach tennis
Platform tennis
Croquet
Polo (in season)
Volleyball
Petanque
Horseshoes
RC Cars and Boats

it's as safe here as any place...as the great majority of folks are practicing social distancing and wearing masks

like anywhere things that were 'inside' are basically on hold (club meetings, theatre and movie houses)...restaurants are open and practicing social distancing

When you are ready to move move. Don't delay due to the pandemic.

Thank you for the correction. We are actually taking advantage of several of the above.

However this place is even better when we can resume activities that are on hold such as concerts and club events.

Most restaurants are open with inside and outside seating. Don't know where the person who says it's mostly closed gets their info....perhaps they don't leave their house so don't have any idea.

Most things are closed. I would wait several years.

Most of the truly important activities ARE NOT closed.

We continue to walk, run, cycle, swim and dance, to feel good and stay healthy.

Rent for six months at least. We did not like TV at all.

What didn't you like about it?

Singles Clubs
 

As a newly single person, you might be interested in joining some of the many singles clubs which offer an opportunity to meet and socialize with other singles. While many activities have been been curtailed - like monthly socials, other activities are still being offered - like golf, pickleball and other (mainly) outdoor activities. It’s not an ideal situation, but it would give you a chance to become a part of the community.

I just moved here (also from Florida).

I would begin my search. Another impact of Covid is everything is slower than normal. Contractors are having trouble getting products from their suppliers, closings are taking longer, etc.

Hopefully, buy the time you build or find a home; get moved and settled, even more will open up!