[Retiring]

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot?

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get?

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days?

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages?

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning?

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative?

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks?

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great!

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

I'm moving to TV in 2 weeks! Yeah! Tried to have a package sent to my new address and was told the USPS doesn't deliver to this zip code. Is this right? Is UPS the only carrier for packages in TV?

Thanks so much. This seems more logical. Have a lot to learn in the weeks ahead!

[Moderator]

Bumping for OP....his thread was stuck in unapproved status for several hours.

Moderator

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Retiring

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot?

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get?

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days?

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages?

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning?

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative?

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks?

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great!

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

Rent a place here for your next vacation, stay a month and talk to the people that live here, rent a golf cart and explore. Check out The Villages web site, you will find most of your house information there. Contact the sales group and hook up with a sales rep and they will give you a bunch of information including the covenants that apply to the various areas. You will get a lot of diverse opinions on here so please take the time to independent due diligence. This place isn't for everyone, be sure it's right for you before you commit.

[graciegirl]

You have NO idea how surprised and delighted you will be with this amazing and beautiful and carefully maintained place. Many of us call it "lower paradise".


You won't believe how BIG this place is. "Several neighborhoods" just doesn't come close to describing it. We have 77 public pools. Three Catholic parishes and 34 Executive golf courses and 12 Championship courses. About 120, 000 of us call it home and do NOT make the mistake that age defines us. We are all alive and kicking. Around here we say "55 or BETTER".


There are many singles and a lot of couples too who are getting younger all of the time. That is what this place does for you.

[xkeowner]

I am embedding answers/comments to many of you questions below. I am sure others will provide additional information soon.

Originally Posted by Retiring

I just turned 54 and plan to retire in the next couple years. Recently I’ve started looking at where I want to retire. Learning of the Villages, it has quickly gone to the top of my short list. I really don’t know much about The Villages but plan to visit this fall. In the meantime I do have some general questions. I feel the more I know before my visit the better equipped I’ll be to ask the right questions. I sent for an info packet but was told it would take about 3 weeks, have not received it yet. I may have more questions after reviewing the material. Here are some general questions.

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot? Call the Villages sales offices for this answer.

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get? We moved in five years ago and bought sinkhole insurance. They can be scary but are not concentrated in a particular area to my knowledge. There is a thread on this forum plotting at least most of the past occurrences.

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples. Married, but do know there are singles groups that are Villages wide as well as smaller neighborhood groups. Third wheels are not uncommon either.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days? Some stay in others adapt to it gradually and get out more. Two showers are in order on some days.

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement. We have DTV, as well as many neighbors. You will experience outages occasionally when thunderstorms come through mostly late in the afternoons that can last from two minutes to many minutes.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages? Yes but I don't know details.

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning? You can get air conditioning but most don't. With The Villages growing so large many believe that gas is the best so you don't have to worry about running out of charge on longer trips. Some will say they stink but I believe if you maintain them properly and we also use premium gas the smell is not an issue.

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative? My experience is conservatives are in the majority but there are also a significant number of liberals. The current U.S. Representative for the Southern portion of The Villages where we live is a Republican.

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks? No lots with docks as far as I know but small boat owners are not scarce. Many lakes nearby with public boat ramps.

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great! No problems that I am aware of. We are very pleased overall with the quality of our home.

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas. I would venture to say that most would say they live in the best neighborhood because they know and are comfortable with most of their neighbors. The big decision is do you want a resale home that is centrally located or new construction which will be nearer to the edges of the community. The rumor (approximately 50% of rumors you hear have some basis in fact) at the barber shop yesterday is they are still buying more land and will continue building for several more years.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be? While there are many places to eat and shop, I would like to have additional choices in all price ranges. We frequently travel outside the confines to eat and shop, especially during the high season.

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

Overall this is a great place to be. I know many residents who initially retired elsewhere in Florida them moved here.

[graciegirl]

A repeat. Fun Facts about The Villages.

[graciegirl]

youtube golf carts in the villages - Bing Videos

or this;

youtube golf carts in the villages - Bing Videos

Or this;
youtube, the villages florida - Bing Videos

[The Buckeyes]

If you are looking to build the area would be south of 466A.

[NavyNJ]

Originally Posted by The Buckeyes

If you are looking to build the area would be south of 466A.

Depending on the type (size, style, etc.) of home you're seeking, Buckeyes is mostly right, but they are also building new Villas in the Northern area off of State Rt. 42. Oh, and one other aspect of "building a home" that you may want to be aware of and ask for more info from The Villages Realty Sales Dept is that The Villages is somewhat different than many other developments you may have knowledge of, or experience with. By that I mean:

1) You "typically" cannot buy and "sit" on a lot for an extended period of time waiting to build. In fact, even just buying a lot is not the norm in TV, although they have resurrected that program recently this year after not having it for a long time.

2) As opposed to other developments where you buy the lot and then "find" your own home plans and a builder to build that home, or even build some/all of it yourself if you're inclined, in TV the only homes that can be built are specified by The Villages Sales Dept, the type of home (Designer, Premier, Rancher, etc.) is usually specified for the lot being purchased (i.e., you could not choose to have a 1250 sq. ft. Rancher built on a lot intended/sized for a 3000+ sq. ft. Premier home). And, once you've chosen a home model to build, it is The Villages Construction Co. that actually builds the home - you don't go out and find a builder you like to build the home for $75K less, for example.

All that said......there is what seems like a limitless variety of homes to select from, both in size/style and price point. Even the homes that have already been built as "spec homes" by TV are quite well appointed and finished out, while still leaving substantial areas for individual customization for the new owner. Much of the current sales situation can be obtained by simply going to the Home Page of TheVillages.com and looking around. Current models and floor plans of homes being built or available as spec can be found at the Model Home Gallery link.

Good luck with your research and your overall search!! Best advice has already been given I believe - come down and rent a while and have a look see for yourself. Nothing like your "gut" as the best source of info for you!! Cheers!!

[Wavy Chips]

We were in a similar situation to you last year. We purchased a recently constructed home and are renting it out until we move down full time.

Originally Posted by Retiring

I would like to have a home built, are there many lots left? If I buy a lot am I committed to building immediately? Can I sit on the lot a few years, till I retire and do I have to be 55 to buy a lot? Check with TV sales office for all the info.

Sinkholes are scary, should I be concerned about the sinkholes developing in The Villages? Sinkhole insurance difficult to get? Sinkhole insurance was required when we purchased last year and was part of our entire insurance package.

I’m single, is there much of a singles community? I don’t like to be the third wheel riding the coattails of couples. Not sure but I believe there are many active singles groups. You will make friends from your village so it should not be a problem at all.

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement. Yes, there are groups both in TV and outside TV. There are 2 airports fairly close by.

At 54 I may be in the younger half of the population there, is there a fairly large “younger” community. I believe the average age is about 62.

I lived in FL from 17-27yo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather. But I lived on the coast, we always had the ocean breeze. I’ve been checking your local weather daily for the past week or two and the humidity has reached 100% everyday. I know 88 degrees and 100% humidity can be stifling. How do you deal with it, do you just stay indoors on those tough summer days? Only you can answer that question.

Is DirectTV popular or do most stick with cable? I really like my DTV and was hoping to have it in retirement. There are tons of threads about cable vs. dish and the various providers.

Are there one or more Catholic churches in The Villages? Yes, there are at least 3 that are in very close proximity to TV with St. Timothy's being in TV on the far north end.

I notice a great number of golf carts, gas or electric? Can you get a golf cart with air conditioning? Yes, but it's not cost effective. Most people get gas carts.

Some of the things I’ve read indicate The Villages population tends to run conservative. This is one of the reasons The Villages is currently top of my list. Do the majority of residents lean conservative? Depends on what your definition of conservative is.

I do like to boat, are there lakes where small boats (less than 25ft) are permitted? Are there building lots with docks? No

I realize the builders are limited in The Villages, are they reputable? I suspect the home I would build would be in the $500-$700k range. I’m not locked into any number, if I find a great lot and home plan at $300k – Great! You are locked in to the plans and builders that TV uses. You hear very few complaints about quality of construction / workmanship, and we have had few warranty issues and they are taken care of quickly. You will be looking at a Premier style home. You need to visit and judge for yourself

I know there are several “neighborhoods,” I’m sure I’ll have to visit the area to see where I would fit best but I’m still curious about your opinion on the different areas. This is totally personal preference. You need to visit to see what area/home style fits your needs. The AVERAGE villager moves 3 time while living here. Don't discount existing homes versus a new home. Every village is very well maintained regardless of its age. Again, you need to visit to see what would work for you.

If you can change one thing about The Villages, what would that be? What would you change about your current neighborhood?

I want to thank all those that responded. In the coming months I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thank you and God bless.

OK, as an airline pilot, I assume that you may have flown into KCLE a time or two, and you may know that they are constructing a new tower that will go live in September. I got a tour of the entire facility last night from my neighbor who is a controller there. It is a sweet facility!

[bluedivergirl]

DH is 63, I am 58. Agewise, we feel quite comfortable. We rented for a month in January, and purchased a Gardenia. We came with a budget of $300k - $350k, but after talking to many people who had moved within The Villages, decided to up the ante.

We wanted a full 3-car garage, and we wanted a view. We chose a home on Evans Prairie. The pluses are more air movement than the 'kissing lanais'; because it is attached to a natural water prairie or water level is much more stable than the man-made ponds. We went through a dry spell, and a few ponds turned into rubbish laden mud puddles.

The Villages real estate is unlike any other real estate transaction I have ever encountered. Homes sell so quickly, they are in the driver's seat. Don't expect free upgrades or bargaining. They just don't do it.

We have sinkhole insurance, don't remember the cost but it was reasonable.

I would say The Villages runs conservative, which was a big draw for us. It isn't cookie-cutter, though. There are a wide variety of beliefs.

The Villages frowns on satellite dishes, but they can't stop you. Direct is available, but we have Dish. We made sure to have it neatly installed in an unobtrusive place, and have had no complaints. It does go out in heavy rain, but we watch mostly recorded shows, so it doesn't matter.

Minto homes in Sun City Center gives you much more house than The Villages, but no one can beat the community here.

Couple more things: the local newspaper is The Daily Sun. You won't find anything bad about The Villages, but it is a window to the community.

There is an Aviation Club. thevillagesaviation.com

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bluedivergirl

DH is 63, I am 58. Agewise, we feel quite comfortable. We rented for a month in January, and purchased a Gardenia. We came with a budget of $300k - $350k, but after talking to many people who had moved within The Villages, decided to up the ante.

We wanted a full 3-car garage, and we wanted a view. We chose a home on Evans Prairie. The pluses are more air movement than the 'kissing lanais'; because it is attached to a natural water prairie or water level is much more stable than the man-made ponds. We went through a dry spell, and a few ponds turned into rubbish laden mud puddles.

The Villages real estate is unlike any other real estate transaction I have ever encountered. Homes sell so quickly, they are in the driver's seat. Don't expect free upgrades or bargaining. They just don't do it.

We have sinkhole insurance, don't remember the cost but it was reasonable.

I would say The Villages runs conservative, which was a big draw for us. It isn't cookie-cutter, though. There are a wide variety of beliefs.

The Villages frowns on satellite dishes, but they can't stop you. Direct is available, but we have Dish. We made sure to have it neatly installed in an unobtrusive place, and have had no complaints. It does go out in heavy rain, but we watch mostly recorded shows, so it doesn't matter.

Minto homes in Sun City Center gives you much more house than The Villages, but no one can beat the community here.

Couple more things: the local newspaper is The Daily Sun. You won't find anything bad about The Villages, but it is a window to the community.

There is an Aviation Club. thevillagesaviation.com

Excellent and helpful advice except that I have never heard about any frowning on Satellite dishes.


Not TOO sure about ponds either. Ponds are used as irrigation sources and sometimes lower or spring a leak. There was one that had real difficulty in the area near Spanish Springs that gave the POA fodder to fuss and one recently south that lowered and showed some debris, but it must have been fixed because no one is griping on here currently. It only went on for a week I think.


We do have the most lightning in Central West Florida of any place in the U.S. And a preponderance of right voting folks.

And then you should mention the chip embedded when they take your picture for the I.D. card.

It makes about 90% of us act like we work for the developer.

[twoplanekid]

I’m an airline pilot currently, are there many active pilots in the community? I plan to continue flying after retirement

While there are some pilots here, we are not a fly in community as there is no airport in the Villages. You must travel 10 plus miles to find an active strip.