[JamesAndrews49]

My wife and I are thinking of maybe moving there in a few years after she retires from work.I'm already retired.My name is Jim Andrews,and she is Linda.We are both in our early 60's.Thinikng of the St.James area.Any info on this area would help.We are also thinikng of taking the vacation there next year in 2012.That way we can look the place over and maybe meet some people.Thanks for any help.Have sent for info on the Villages and will be looking that over.What got me thinking about it was when I talked to one of the Ham Radio ops there,Howard,KK4AED.He got me to look at the website.I've been pretty impressed so far.Looking forward to our vacation there next year.

[2BNTV]

Jim and Linda:

to TOTV.

I don't know if I can you any information about St. James area but I wanted to say hello.

I'm sure other members will be able to give great info.

Lots of great info on this site and very smart members.

You will see what a wonderful place TV is when you visit.

BTW - Bring your checkbook.

[JamesAndrews49]

Tnx for the hello 2BNTV

[Uptown Girl]

Welcome to the forum, James!
We got the 'packet' and came for a Lifestyle visit. It's a wonderful way to experience the atmosphere here and to see for yourself the quality of what The Villages has to offer.
They will provide you a representative who will show you the amenities. There is no hard sell. If you wish to look at new homes, they will take you around.

if you wish to look at pre-loved homes (without engaging a real estate agent) there are open houses posted daily in our local paper The Daily Sun. I believe you will get a complimentary copy each day of your visit.

it takes awhile to get the hang of navigating around from place to place, as the whole of TV is rather large. (although there are maps available, and a GPS will help some) So don't expect to see it all in a few days. It's ALL good, and you'll enjoy whatever and wherever you go.

We came for our visit 1 year ago. We are now permanent residents and really feel like we live in paradise. This place is truly 'one of a kind' and very special to all who live here. You'll see!

[Dennis Ga]

We are want-a-bees, but have been there 4 times in the last year. Just waiting for wife to finish her last school year on May 25th. Hope to have closed on home before then and she says I'll have the truck packed and ready to leave when she gets home. The last time we were there was for 2 weeks in July. We rented a house that included a golf cart. Before then we knew that this was for our next chapter, but being there for 2 stright weeks just sealed the deal. If you go down before next year, even for just 2 days like we did our first visit, then what you see online you can begin to put in place. Whenever you come be sure to buy a $5 map as you will use it allot to find places you read about. Enjoy the planing of your next chapter.

[JamesAndrews49]

Tnx Dennis GA & Uptown Girl that helps.

[Yorio]

Jim. There is nothing wrong with the village of St. James but you may want to read lots of postings here from people who bought into Tamarind and Sanibel. They are the newest Villages that opened up South of 466A. St. James is probably the last Village which opened north of 466A. We bought in Pennecamp which is further north from St. James. Buttonwood, St. Charles and St. James are last of the new developments north of 466A which use St.Charles Place to get out to Buena Vista Blvd. Good thing about living around these area is that we don't need to cross major throughway to visit Sumter Landing. We are also close to two Regional Rec Center-Sea Breeze and Lake Miona where lots of activities are held. These areas were practically barren when we visited in early 2010. Good luck on house hunting.

[pooh]

Hi Jim and Linda,

Welcome to Talk of The Villages. When you come out for your visit, drive all around, by car and by cart, there are so many places to live. New villages continue to grow, but there are also very lovely pre-owned homes available. Decide where you'd like to be...so many things that might influence where you'd want your home to be....closeness to stores, town center, medical offices, rec centers. All areas are lovely.

As you've been advised, remember to bring your checkbook! Many buy their home or lot during that first visit...

[champion6]

Jim and Linda, you're getting some good advice here. I just want to correct one thing Yorio said... Sanibel is the only village south of 466A.

North of 466A and along St. Charles Ave. are the villages of Pennecamp, St. Charles, Buttonwood, Tamarind Grove and St. James.

Enjoy your research and "hunting." Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

[Pturner]

Jim and Linda,

Welcome to TOTV. It's a great resource for learning a wealth of info about TV. Plus, so many nice people on here.

Best way to come down for your first visit is on a Lifestyle Preview, as they give you some extras such as a golf cart, free rounds of golf, bicycles and I think they still give some restaurant meals.

St. James is a wonderful Village, as are... well all of the Villages. So look around and get the "lay of the land". Proximity to shopping or the Town Squares or a rec. center are some things to consider, all personal preferences.

Suggest you take the Trolley Tour, as it gives you a good overview of TV and all of our amenities.

Visit both town squares, especially b-t 5-9 p.m. when the live music and dancing is going on.

Your Villages sale agent can show you re-sales as we as new homes, but only resales listed with TV Sales office. If you are interested in a resale, you might want to use an MLS Realtor in addition.

I'm excited for you. Please let us all know when you are coming. In the meantime, if you have more questions, just ask!

[Schaumburger]

Jim,

You have come to right place if you want to learn about life in The Villages. Read and post questions. The people on this board are wise and helpful. Hope you and your wife enjoy your future visits to TV. I can't wait to come back to TV on Oct. 7.

[rhredd1654]

Welcome Jim & Linda!

I've been in St. James since June, and I've not had a problem getting to anywhere in The Villages from here in a golf car. If you're into golf, plenty of both championship and executive courses within 15 minutes by golf car, and more when the Sanibel area is completed. You can't go wrong wherever you locate, and by the time you get here, St. James should be completely built out. Good luck and happy hunting!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by rhredd1654

Welcome Jim & Linda!

I've been in St. James since June, and I've not had a problem getting to anywhere in The Villages from here in a golf car. If you're into golf, plenty of both championship and executive courses within 15 minutes by golf car, and more when the Sanibel area is completed. You can't go wrong wherever you locate, and by the time you get here, St. James should be completely built out. Good luck and happy hunting!

I agree. St.James is a wonderful village. We have friends who live there.

But, I just want to welcome you to this forum and I can't wait to hear what you have to say after you visit here. You are going to be so overwhelmed and delighted I know, just like the rest of us. There just aren't words to tell you how astounded I was the first time I came here and I wasn't looking for a place to move, just a short visit to friends.

I have never liked Florida. I LOVE The Villages. Our friends gave us a kool, tall, iced drink....three years ago last March and yesterday we moved into our second and year 'round home here.

Wish you could see me smiling.

(But that could be partially because I found my favorite cook book in one of the boxes.)

[Figmo Bohica]

GracieGirl,

Shhhhh, don't tell anyone else how great it is here. Tell them the truth. No one smiles, everyone is UNHAPPY, sad, upset, want to leave, can't stand the lovebugs, the heat, the weather, the golf courses are terrible, the pools have scum in them, the Rec Centers are falling to pieces, then we can keep this wonderful place to ourselves. LOL

You will love it here. There is more to do that you have hours for. Welcome to TV, you will wonder where all the smiling faces came from. For a first hand look at Buttonwood check our our website, http://www.crestviewcrew.com See how sad and rejected we look. LOL

[VillagesFlorida]

!!

Thirteen years and counting for us, living here in The Villages. Don't come here unless you want to feel the warmth of a diverse group of people who have come from all over the world. Giddiness is rampant here and you may not enjoy feeling like a kid again! This place has a way of wrapping its arms around visitors and never letting go. As with most of us, be prepared to become addicted to all that this place offers. Withdrawal is very painful, as I can attest to every time we leave here for any length of time. You might think that the newness would have worn off by now but we fall in love with this place more deeply every day. I am still awestruck by what I see here, even after all of these years. Come visit but expect to be wowed beyond your wildest dreams! We'll leave the light on for ya!