i have a patio villa, the smallest house 2bdrm 2 bath and i figured out my monthly costs for housing here without a mortgage is roughly $600 per month including taxes and insurance. i have drought resistant plants so many times can shut off outdoor sprinklers. that includes termite contract, yard care, utilities and cable etc but i have the least expensive package and my bond is paid off. i think most people spend more than that but it is doable if you have a small budget. and i am lucky to have a very inexpensive lawn care guy who does our whole neighborhood and only charges me $250 a year :) but as i said a very small plot and mostly drought resistant shrubs, not much lawn. the amenity fee goes up a few dollars each year. in nine years it has gone from $135 to $149! my lifestyle here is great fun and worth a few extra dollars to participate in all the activities i so enjoy!

We pay about $100 month for electric which includes water and trash and , $160 month homeowners. About $250 a month total.

I am single. Pay around 200 a month for amenities water sewer and garbage. 45 per month for lawn service. Average 50 per month electric and 30 per month gas. If you're building get thermal windows and extra insulation in walls and ceiling and a tankless water heater. I have a designer home 2000 sq. Ft. Have lived here for 17 years. Add in some money per year for repairs, yearly a.c. and heat service. Etc. You'll love it here. Oh. Don't forget real estate taxes $2,000 and insurance and bond if there is one.

Ohiobuckeye
 

Oh my, didn't you ever look at the Utility bill? I'm sure you really didn't think your utility bill which is basically water ran that high. Which I'm sure your's ran about $150 to $200. a month. Water is high here in Florida but I guess it depends where you came from before. Mine In Ohio where I came from ran 12 to $15. a month. This article is a little hard to answer some of the comments!

We have a Zinnia, built in 2016

H2O, sewer, trash, irrigation, amenity - average $241,49
Electric - averages $101.62
Cable - averages $188.27
Taxes - $3691.
Bond - $2,522

To the OP. I would look at the costs put out by The Villages for a couple and budget that much. That way you will not be left hanging and perhaps have some money left over. It is wise to be careful with money.

That charge includes the HOA of around $145.

yes. I was surprised. higher than boston