[Dennis and Rose]

As we would probably have to wait a bit before inquiring about a golf cart, we were wondering are they a necessity in the Villages, or an added item to make life easier. Other than the courses of course, are there locations you cannot bring your car, that are golf cart only ? Thanks

[2BNTV]

Since there are 100 miles of golf cart paths, some people deem this to be the preferred mode of transportation. You can almost anywhere, in a golf cart.

You need a car to travel up and down 441 and go on trips outside the bubble.
Some restaurants outside TV, is worth going to.

I prefer to use car when there is inclement weather, winter days when it gets cold or just when I need to get somewhere faster, than a cart can take me.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

Since there are 100 miles of golf cart paths, some people deem this to be the preferred mode of transportation. You can almost anywhere, in a golf cart.

You need a car to travel up and down 441 and go on trips outside the bubble.
Some restaurants outside TV, is worth going to.

I prefer to use car when there is inclement weather, winter days when it gets cold or just when I need to get somewhere faster, than a cart can take me.

Rather than having two cars like you probably do "up North"............one car and one or two golf carts. Then comes the fun part, gas vs. electric and two seater vs four seater.

Have Fun!!

[travelguy]

we have two golf carts and one automobile. i go to work full time via golf cart, and my wife travels to work in orlando in the car. travelling by golf cart is relaxing and allows you to arrive less-stressed (you can only go 19 mph...at least those of us who still have golf carts with regulators on them). you cannot be in a hurry when driving by golf cart.
oh yes, we are not golfers.

[RErmer]

When we got here, we bought a used electric cart. Love taking it everywhere, save many $$$ by not using car. Two years in, bought a second cart, a refurbished Yamaha gas cart because we discovered we couldn't get to the far courses, play a round and get home. Still have 2 cars, only keep one because we need it to be in the convertible club, and the other for our infrequent off-campus trips. Life without a cart here would not be nearly as good.

[Dennis and Rose]

Thanks all as always for the help. I am sure we have have more rookie questions as we get closer.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by Dennis and Rose

As we would probably have to wait a bit before inquiring about a golf cart, we were wondering are they a necessity in the Villages, or an added item to make life easier. Other than the courses of course, are there locations you cannot bring your car, that are golf cart only ? Thanks

All destinations within The Villages are accessible by car. We bought a cart four years ago when we arrived and have racked up a total of ten miles. I just don't find it practical as a mode of transportation. Maybe I would feel differently if the streets were restricted to golf carts only.

You can judge for yourself, but in my opinion golf carts used on the street are not safe. Sharing the roads with 4000 pound cars and pickups pulling trailers would be relatively safe if everyone obeyed the speed limits, but at least half of the drivers speed 5-15 mph over the limit in spite of the reduced vision and reaction times of seniors.

That being said, driving on the multi-modal trails is fun and scenic.

[MikeV]

Try finding a parking space at a town square in a car. Three to four golf carts can fit in one car size parking spot.

[Bay Kid]

5 months in TV last season, 3800 miles on the golf cart, one trip for the battery in the car.

[graciegirl]

We have one used electric cart and one used fourseater gas cart and one car. We can haul most family members and guests in both carts when they visit and that is fun. Plus Sweetie and I play golf at the same time too many times.

If pressured, to choose one, I would choose gas because it is more dependable.

[redwitch]

My first year here, I had no golf cart and thought they were a really dumb idea since I didn't play golf and loved driving my Miata. Then, the Miata went into the shop and I borrowed my friend's cart. Was hooked ever since. It just seems to make for a friendlier liifestyle toodling around in my cart -- people are smiling more, I get to enjoy more scenery, I'm more relaxed on arrival and I've spent a lot less money getting there. The only time I don't enjoy my cart is when the weather is truly at an extreme -- very heavy rain, thunder and lightning, heat above 95.

So, no, a golf cart is not a necessity but is definitely a great asset, kind of like air conditioning -- you can live without it but why if you don't have to?

[Chi-Town]

I have an electric two seater ParCar that came with the house and a gas Yamaha four seater. And an SUV. The electric cart is great for golf. Quiet and not smelly. The gas cart is the workhorse though. Great for company and long trips. As far as a car goes it's mainly to leave the compound or close to it.

[John_W]

We've been here 3+ years and the first year we took the cart to the square about once a week and when I played golf. Never took it to the store, it was a little too far and I liked having A/C and a radio. Now I only take the cart when I play golf, the novelty has sort of worn off and the square we'll go maybe once a month. The one positive was we met a lot of people from Maryland and Ravens & Orioles fan, my cart had a few team decals.