Richmond or De Luna?
 

We are looking at both the brand new areas of De Luna and Richmond that are under construction. What are the pros and cons of both locations? We are considering a designer home in one of these places.

Florida Turnpike
 

Physically Walk the specific areas considered and be aware if affected with constant vehicle noise from Turnpike .

I'm in the middle of making this choice, too.

First, as has has been mentioned, look at a map. Location, location, location.

So let's look at the location of both:
Both have a lot of houses near the turnpike. If you care about noise, stay away from those houses. I don't know how far away you have to be from the turnpike not to hear it. Some here will say you should live up near Sumter Landing to get away from it; ignore them.

Richmond is a little closer to Brownwood. It will be a shorter cart ride from Richmond to points north in TV by 5-10 minutes. I will be a little further to Magnolia Plaza, but not by much.

DeLuna West has big power lines running through it. You might not want to live close to them. DeLuna West has 301 running up one side; that will also be a source of truck noise. And there's a motocross track to the SW of DeLuna - I've yet to hear if that is a problem.

DeLuna has tennis & pickle ball courts. I've heard those are noisy, so you may want to pick a house shielded from them. Richmond will have two rec centers - a small neighborhood sized one, and a large regional rec center, Clarendon. New DeLuna only has a small one.

BUT - and this is huge - DeLuna is available now. Lots are being sold now. Verandas & Villas will be available soon. If you are ready to move, and don't want to (or can't) wait until Richmond is available, then DeLuna is there.

And if you can wait, there is the section SE of Citrus Grove that will be closer to the Eastport area.

We are under contract in DeLuna. I asked a villager I know to go over and check the noise and he said it was pretty bad. My wife flew down today to check it out for herself. I hope its ok because we love the house. Here in New Jersey they build high walls (30 ft or so) for housing near major highways. That 6 footer doesn't cut it. Fingers crossed

Richmond vs DeLuna
 

The turnpike noise - loud to barely noticeable - is dramatically different, depending on which direction the wind is blowing. Observe the wind direction when you are visiting each location. There will be nice quiet homes/lots in both locations, however, if you plan to travel much, DeLuna will have quicker access to HWY 301xTurnpike.

Note: that intersection is a mess today but will be cleaned up in the future.

De Luna is far to the west so you will drive further to activities and shopping.
Richmond will only be nice in the north away from the turnpike or main roads but is close to Brownwood and the Lake.

Federal law is when a interstate adds another traffic lane sound mitigation methods have to be built if a residential area is adjacent. The Turnpike is supposedly going to 4 lanes in a few years, but the don't know if that law covers it.

We live north of Route 44 but we often go to the new areas south of 44 because we enjoy the many amenities.

I think the best village is Monarch Grove because it is near the planned area Eastport, a short drive from Sawgrass across the new bridge, and close to Magnolia Plaza.

If you are not in a hurry, wait until the new houses are built just south of Monarch Grove.

As Florida grows and the turnpike gets larger with more traffic noise is only get worse.

Suggest you think long and hard about location.

Tennis court noise isn’t an issue.
Pickle ball makes a noise, but it’s limited, 7AM to 3 or 4 in the afternoon.
Would be more concerned about the traffic around a rec center.

There is a large retail complex being built right across 301 from DeLuna having 1,800 feet of 301 frontage, shopping will be a breeze. It's also close to Brownwood, 5 minutes tops as well as all the Villages specialists, easy access to the turnpike and I-75 and less than 5 minutes to the newest UF 24 hour emergency facility. DeLuna is not a bad choice if you get an interior lot that is protected from the road noise.

All things being equal I would choose Richmond because their are fewer unknown variables.

Your quality of life as measured by the type and style of amenities will be similar at both locations. At Richmond you know with certainty what the square will be like, which shopping choices you have and you'll be closer to more golf courses.

In DeLuna you don't know what shopping 301 will have in the future. By the design of the traffic signal at Marsh Bend Trail and 301 it's clear there will be another build across 301 but when and what it will be are unknown.

That sounds wonderful. It will be like plopping down a house in the Home Depot parking lot across 441/27 from Kohls, Best Buy, and Bed Bath and Beyond.

Unless you understand the neighborhood your home is going into would be very hesitant to move there. Lots of very nice existing home all over the villages not near major sources of noise and bangs.

I agree, if you are going to spend $400,000 or $500,000 for a house, spend another 1500, fly down, spend 3 days with maps, drive around and come up with your top 3 villages.