Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
#1
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Hello,
This is my first post and have lots of questions. I've read several threads and did not see what I was looking for. Before I spend the money to come down for a Preview Visit, I'm trying to figure out if there is any way living there could be affordable to us. I read the Nuts and Bolts thread below, so I have a rough idea of the costs. My question is about the housing. I don't understand the difference between The Patio Home, The Courtyard Home, etc. Can someone explain some basic differences? Am I crazy to even think of finding anything decent for under $125,000? I've read where some people retire early. How is this possible with the cost of health care insurance? We would have to purchase this if we retire early. Can anyone provide information on the affordability of living there or do I have my head in the clouds? Should keep working until I'm really old (or dead) and forget the whole idea of retirement??? I would appreciate any and all honest responses. Thank you so much. |
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#2
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The basic difference between Patio Villa & Courtyard is that the CY has a privacy fence/wall surrounding the home other than the front entrance & garage. Not sure about the under $125,000 but I do know that occasionally I hear about a great patio villa resale around 130 to 135... one of those things that you have to be in the right place at the right time to grab it. I do think a CY is considerably higher since you'd be paying for the privacy.
Everyone's situation is different as far as retiring & needing health coverage etc which is why some people who come here end up working full time but still love the fact of living here. Good luck in your decision. |
#3
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There are many very nice manufactured homes in the historic area on 5K ft sites or so for generally $85K - $125K.
The area population may be around 5K and most folks love it. And no Bonds. .
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Da Chicago So Side; The Village of Park Forest, IL; 3/7 Cav, 3rd Inf Div, Schweinfurt, Ger 65-66; MACV J12 Saigon 66-67; San Leandro, Hayward & Union City, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) GO DUBS ! (aka W's) |
#4
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You're not going to get your dream house for $125,000 but you will get your dream life. It doesn't matter where you live in TV, it doesn't matter what type of house you have; it just matters that you live here.
I'm with Chuck, check out the historic side. There are some very nice manufactured homes, the lots are bigger, all of the old growth is beautiful. Those of us who live over here love it.
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Army/embassy brat - traveled too much to mention Moved here from SF Bay Area (East Bay) "There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein |
#5
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Regarding retiring early and buying insurance in your 50's, it's usually public sector people like teachers, police and firemen, and federal workers who can retire and have insurance benefits and pension like that. There are many public retirees here.
Many private sector employees and small businessmen are still working and living here, or they have bought a place here and pay for it by renting it out until they retire in a few years. You could also check into some of the other surrounding communities having nice homes at lower prices. The weather is beautiful here and cost of living is lower than some other states. |
#6
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Checkout the Historic side it just may have what you are looking for. If you are looking on the the internet. Search The Villages Lake County.
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#7
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If you haven't already checked realtor dot com or the villages home sale site, try looking for homes in that price range in The Villages FL. You will see what is available.
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"Carpe the heck out of your Diems- with joy!" "Do no harm" (but take no sh**!) |
#8
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kind of hard to answer your question. I'm not sure if you're planning on taking Social Security early, or continue to work when you arrive.pay scale here is very low so if you need a certain income it might not be available to you. You can find some lovely homes on the historic side. a patio villa unfurnished at this time is running a hundred and sixty five thousand
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#9
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Those folks who "retire early" have usually made plans in advance on how they will be able to do that. Without planning this can be risky. Why not consider your visit as a vacation?
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The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it. George Orwell. “Only truth and transparency can guarantee freedom”, John McCain |
#10
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Thank you all for your quick responses. I realize this is a process that can take some time. Starting the process is the first step (right?) and it is not something that can be done overnight.
I did do some realtor dot com and Zillow dot com searches and found several Foreclosures. Those seemed to be in my price range. Does anyone know about Foreclosures? I have had no experience with them. If we decide to make a Preview Visit, would we get a good feel for the area and activities if we came down either over Thanksgiving Break or Christmas Break? Thank you again for taking the time to answer all of my questions. |
#11
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![]() There is affordable housing here in the $125,000 range. Good luck. ![]()
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Most people are as happy as they make up their mind to be. Abraham Lincoln |
#12
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You could also spend a winter or two at Recreation Plantation. It's an RV park close to both Lake Sumpter Landing and Spanish Springs. We spent 2 winters there in our search. It's a very nice RV park and even though you can't drive a golf cart to The Villages, you are close by to go to all of the open houses your heart desires. There are several people who stay there every winter then buy a house. It worked great for us.
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#13
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In answer to your question of early retirement, it takes years of research and planning. Did you ever read the millionaire next door? It is about people who lead seemingly modest lives while living below their means. They are not the ones who drive shiny new cars every three years, and have the latest. We have also met many people whom never had children. Also, many of us abhor debt and paid off our houses as soon as we could, then invested the mortgage payment we no longer had, and bought only what we could afford with cash when we got here. Some are wizards at investing money as well. Even ordinary people have made a lot of money in the stock market, assuming they put money in year after year like IRA and 401k investments allow you to. Do a google search and you will find tons of websites, books and blogs on how to retire early.
There are many people here who live modest lives. They buy smaller houses and don't spend tens of thousands of dollars on landscaping, expansions etc. they Don't drink alcohol, eat at home, have one car, don't shop and take advantage of the numerous free activities and groups here. You can lead a very rich life here. You also can spend lots of money here, have a 30 year mortgage etc. takes all kinds. In other words, you will meet all kinds of people here, from the ultra wealthy on down. The only way to understand what is going on here is to visit and see for yourself. |
#14
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#15
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We have made a visit and now have decided to buy a place in TV. That is only part of the "cost" issue. The monthly costs are another issue entirely. For example, the bond that has been mentioned will probably be very important to you. Hopefully some of the residents can share their thoughts on this with you privately.
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