[LMBNY]

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods.

Much appreciated!

Originally Posted by LMBNY

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods.

Much appreciated!

The Villages of Virginia Trace and Sabal Trace are near Lake Sumter Landing and there is a scenic walking trail along a river and the lake.

[Troy8432]

Consider Marsh Bend

[Troy8432]

Marsh Bend/Deluna is situated around Hogeye sink. From our home at the northern end of Marsh Bend, we walk the 2.5 mile loop around the Hogeye sink Marsh preserve. Along the walk are numerous ponds with a variety of birds, alligators and other wildlife. There are also plenty of other friendly walkers and bicyclists and at least two golf greens. I suspect that once Magnolia plaza is completed, there might be a coffee bar where one could stop in for a morning cocoa or coffee. The trail also runs next to the baseball fields and down to the Everglades recreational center. The only con, is that part of runs parallel to the turnpike. But, there are a lot of trees in between, so I don’t think it is too noticeable. I usually complete about 3.75 miles when done.

[LiverpoolWalrus]

LMB, I'm your man. I recently moved to Country Club Hills specifically for the walkability factor. I can walk to Spanish Springs town square, two regional rec centers, my pickleball and tennis courts, the country club with the Villages' best pool and hot tub, and a myriad of restaurants and stores. All kinds of medical facilities are a stone's throw, too, if you need them, as are many parks and a lake with a gazebo pier.

By that I mean all those places are less than a mile away! Take a look at a map with Spanish Springs in the center. I'd vote for anywhere around that area. We're all biased and think our own village is the best, but if you want walkability, that vicinity wins hands down.

[JoMar]

South of 44 will have close to 12 miles (maybe more) of trails, they don't share the trails with golf carts, bikes or cars and has been designed for those that like walking with nature. Suggest your next visit is via a multi-month rental so you can invest the time in exploring before you make a buying decision.

[Dgizzi]

Originally Posted by LMBNY

Hi there. First post! I've been lurking here for awhile, visited TV a few times, and am ready to actively start looking to buy.

I'm overwhelmed by the size of TV and would like to narrow down my search to specific villages that have excellent walking potential. I'm a walker. Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods.

Much appreciated!

It depends if you want a new home or pre-owned.

[JohnN]

I think the north end (north of 466A) doesn't have much neighborhood walking.
The golf cart paths are mostly out in the street, etc. and there are fewer sidewalks.

Heading south around Lake Sumter, the developer started more open areas for walking.

Far south, the new area near the turnpike, there are indeed more walking trails and new homes. The downside is that services haven't kept pace. They'll get there in a few years but not there yet.

Enjoy The VIllages, great place.

[VApeople]

Drive down to the neighborhood pool in the Village of Bradford, which is south of Route 44 and north of the Turnpike.

Just behind the pool there is an asphalt path. Go right on the path and keep going until it runs out at the huge power lines at the end of St. Catherine.

[FenneyFanatic]

Fenney is amazing for walkers!!

[Topspinmo]

Pretty much anywhere in villages.

[HIgolfers]

Originally Posted by JohnN

I think the north end (north of 466A) doesn't have much neighborhood walking.
The golf cart paths are mostly out in the street, etc. and there are fewer sidewalks.

Heading south around Lake Sumter, the developer started more open areas for walking.

Far south, the new area near the turnpike, there are indeed more walking trails and new homes. The downside is that services haven't kept pace. They'll get there in a few years but not there yet.

Enjoy The VIllages, great place.

This is spot on.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by LMBNY

...Love to wake up and walk --- 3-5 miles most days. I'd love to hear of some specific villages that would be good for me to focus on that are close to some of the walking loops, town centers, or just have a nice walkability factor - outside of the beautiful neighborhoods.

Much appreciated!

You left out some of the important information. Another poster already asked, do you want a new home or a resale? Without knowing that, we are back at square one. You also didn't include a budget (price range), what other factors are important such at near championship golf courses, near MVP gym, near shopping, what else plays into your decision?

All new homes other than some CYVs built west of Brownwood square in 2016 are south of 44. That villa community by Brownwood is Alden Bungalows, they were never sold but used as Lifestyle Visit homes and they are now on the market. Only one is listed at this moment, it's a 3 BR 2 BA for $365K. Once you leave those villas you can walk all over BW square, the only negative is getting across a busy four lane road, Powell Road. I would drive my golf cart through the tunnel under Powell Rd. and park at the square and then start my walk. For the new homes south of 44 someone who lives in that area can answer your question better. Here's the Alden Bungalow villa. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale



If you live in the north end near Mulberry Rec Center and Shopping Center and Mulberry VA Medical Center there is the Springdale Fitness Trail, named after the village at the south end. It's about 12' wide and about a mile and half long and goes right through though Lopez Golf Course. Just go on the TV website resale homes for sale and zillow.com homes for sale and look for some in the area of the trail. Here's a map of the trail going through the championship golf course. It starts at the red arrow and runs northwest toward the Mulberry Rec Center.

Google Maps

I like walking around the squares and the adjacent commercial areas because there are sidewalks and places to see. When I had my LSV (Lifestyle Visit) in 2011 we stayed at Lakeshore Cottages, which are on the east side of LSL (Lake Sumter Landing) sales office. We had golf cart and never used it it. It was a 3 minute walk to the square and plenty of places to go in the area. There is only 53 homes in that community and they are on the pricey side. Currently there is just this home and it's listed for $799K. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale



On the west side of LSL there are CYVs and cottages in the mid-range price, that's just west of Barnes & Nobles and the Waterfront Hotel. There are about four homes in that section for sale now. Here's a CYV or Bungalow is the series name, this one is $374K. Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale

[LMBNY]

Wow. Thanks so much, everyone! I'm renting a house for the month of July (ugh, I know), so this will be very helpful for my exploring!

I will definitely be looking at re-sales and love a fixer-upper challenge. Also, think I'd like to be within a mile to one of the squares.

[mike1946]

I agree with the poster who said County Club Hills !! We have had a home there since 2002 and absolutely love it !! It's quiet with no through traffic (Morse Blvd nightmare) big old live oaks and full sized lots before the family started to cram in more homes per acre.
As to the poster who said depends if you want new or re-sale ... you just have not been keeping up. Many of the homes on the historic section were manufactured some were single wides on full sized lots - someone (I think the developer) spotted a profit potential and started buying up the older ones, tearing them out and building a variety of new homes - Ranches/Block and Stucco Designers/Stick built... If my info is correct in the last couple of years they've done over 200. So it is perfectly possible to buy a brand new home in this area which may also come with Golf/Lake Front Live Oaks etc. with an added bonus of no bond. Open your eyes and do some proper research ...the historic section is there for a reason ...it was built first because it's in the best place !!!