[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by jimhoward

The distance between Spanish Springs and Eastport is about 14 miles and takes about 35 minutes by car. Almost everything of interest except a few notable golf courses lies between those two. So if you are anywhere between Spanish Springs and Eastport you are within a half an hour by car of almost everything.

If you go to the far north you lose some of that. The far south becomes more than 1/2 hour away.

So the appeal/advantage of the far north would have to be the look of area itself, the cost, and/or its proximity to particular golf courses.

I guess that’s all fine and dandy if you have a car in the Villages. And exactly what are those few notable golf courses that don’t lie between the north and south of the Villages.

[Mleeja]

St. Simon’s? Where is it located? Morse Compound? The Polo Grounds?

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

I have lived in the Villages over 20 years. I would say an average of 5-8 close per year. (it may be a little higher) When gone, folks happily move on and enjoy the replacements.

Off the top of my head, here is a list of recent closures.

Sonny's, McGrady's,, Dunkin, World of Beer, plus a few more. Not a big deal! Each will be replaced and few will remember those that left.

McGrady’s didn’t close, it changed ownership to the FMK Hospitality Group, and was renamed Sawgrass Tavern. I don’t know where Dunkin closed, but plenty of new locations have opened recently, and World of Beer in Brownwood Square is still going strong. Every time we pass it it’s packed.

[jimhoward]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

I guess that’s all fine and dandy if you have a car in the Villages. And exactly what are those few notable golf courses that don’t lie between the north and south of the Villages.

If you don't have a car, then the far north would become quite remote. I know people love their golf carts, but no car at all can make the accessible universe pretty tiny.

Nancy Lopez for example is north of Spanish Springs, and that is supposed to be a pretty good course. I haven't played it. But if one loved that particular course it might be a reason to live in the far north.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by PJOHNS2654

GOLF CARTS NOT ALLOWED ON MORSE????

I drive my golf cart in the multimodal lane on Morse several times a week.

To clarify......that is north of 466. There are no MM Paths south of 466 on Morse Blvd.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by jimhoward

If you don't have a car, then the far north would become quite remote. I know people love their golf carts, but no car at all can make the accessible universe pretty tiny.

Nancy Lopez for example is north of Spanish Springs, and that is supposed to be a pretty good course. I haven't played it. But if one loved that particular course it might be a reason to live in the far north.

Well, since we’ve had a home north of 466 for almost 10 years, I’ll go ahead and call you out on your entire post. The accessible universe is anything but pretty thin, and unless we need access to good healthcare, no car is necessary. And thanks for letting me know where Lopez is located, but dementia hasn’t set in yet, and I can remember the location since I’ve been there, and to the Mulberry sports pool, well over a hundred times.

[jimhoward]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Well, since we’ve had a home north of 466 for almost 10 years, I’ll go ahead and call you out on your entire post. The accessible universe is anything but pretty thin, and unless we need access to good healthcare, no car is necessary. And thanks for letting me know where Lopez is located, but dementia hasn’t set in yet, and I can remember the location since I’ve been there, and to the Mulberry sports pool, well over a hundred times.

Sorry for stating the obvious. I am sure you and everyone else knows where Nancy Lopez is...far better than me. I mentioned it replying to a post, I think maybe yours, asking what notable courses I was referring to as not lying between SS and Eastport.

As to the golf cart. More power to you if a golf cart is all you need.

[PilotAlan]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

Making a list is wonderful advice. ...
Pay close attention to the clubs you wish to join. ...
Be honest with yourself. ... Do not buy and tell yourself "oh, I can live without this or that." If you do this, you will find yourself moving rather quickly. Do it right THE FIRST TIME.

Thank you so much, Margaret. This is fantastic advice!

[PilotAlan]

Thanks Jim. This exactly the kind of context I needed. What it looks like on the map isn't reflective of real life, but if you don't live here yet it's very hard to get perspective.

Originally Posted by jimhoward

The distance between Spanish Springs and Eastport is about 14 miles and takes about 35 minutes by car. Almost everything of interest except a few notable golf courses lies between those two. So if you are anywhere between Spanish Springs and Eastport you are within a half an hour by car of almost everything.

If you go to the far north you lose some of that. The far south becomes more than 1/2 hour away.

So the appeal/advantage of the far north would have to be the look of area itself, the cost, and/or its proximity to particular golf courses.

[Full-timer]

Originally Posted by PilotAlan

What's the advantage of living way up north? What are the cons?
We're looking at TV for retirement soon. There's some nice houses and nice neighborhoods up north of St Simons, in the Nancy Lopez/Hwy 42 area.
It seems it's a long way to Spanish Springs, even longer to Lake Sumpter. The Morse compound seems like it cuts off that area from rest of the Villages.

Please, educate me so I don't write off an area from lack of knowledge. Your pros and cons are appreciated!

We live "way up north", in Calumet. Pros of this? A lot less traffic, less noise, and peace and quiet as well as more established landscaping all around.

Cons ? None. Spanish Springs is a short cart ride and Lake Sumter Landing is a nice cart ride, (about 35 min.) Sumter by car is 15 minutes.

Add to that, most houses have paid bonds or very low.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by DonH57

I think they mean on Morse just past 466.

On that stretch of Morse off 466 its diamond lanes all way to el Camino Reno roundabout. Probably the most dangerous stretch in villages?

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

On that stretch of Morse off 466 its diamond lanes all way to el Camino Reno roundabout. Probably the most dangerous stretch in villages?

Yeah, before we moved here in 2016, other members of this forum warned us not to buy a house in that area.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by PilotAlan

Thanks for that. We have a lifestyle visit planned, I know the lifestyle homes are all wayyy down south, but it didn't occur to me yet how that plays into getting to know the various parts of town.
We were looking at a 7 day lifestyle. Maybe a 4 day and spend a few 3-4 day trips in rental homes.

Best to come in August or July to see how you react to the temperature and sun.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by VApeople

Yeah, before we moved here in 2016, other members of this forum warned us not to buy a house in that area.

I drive that stretch by golf cart a few times every month and never have any trouble. I've seen photos of the traffic buildups at the 466 gate and believe they exist, I'm not doubting them at all. I've just never experienced them. On nice days I like driving in the golf cart lane all the way to the Paige Place roundabout, instead of cutting up Navarro and Del Mar through Spanish Springs, to get to the golf cart bridge on the way home from Sumter. It's a nice change of pace.

I think there are just too many people who can't drive, and shouldn't be driving golf carts, but do it anyway.

[chiare13]

I live in the Northern part of The Villages and I love it.

The reason: I am right on the Summerfield border and 25-30 minutes from Ocala.

It takes me 15-20 minutes by car to get to Sumter Landing and about 10 minutes by car to get to Spanish Springs.

In my opinion, it is a great location to live.

Best of luck!




minutes

Originally Posted by PilotAlan

What's the advantage of living way up north? What are the cons?
We're looking at TV for retirement soon. There's some nice houses and nice neighborhoods up north of St Simons, in the Nancy Lopez/Hwy 42 area.
It seems it's a long way to Spanish Springs, even longer to Lake Sumpter. The Morse compound seems like it cuts off that area from rest of the Villages.

Please, educate me so I don't write off an area from lack of knowledge. Your pros and cons are appreciated!