The northern sections have more store/restaurants/golf courses/rec centers/doctors, and more trees.

The southern areas look cleaner because they’re all so new. You decide.

Here is some information about the north.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...54/index2.html

Another "North vs South, which is better?" thread. Yayyy!

Since it's tl/dr, just buy where you feel at home. No one else's opinions matter...

Information? Nah... Opinion? Most definitely...

Way way more golf per rooftop, both Executives and Champs. Plus, way easier to get a lane to swim laps in one of the sports pools.

Why do people say more amenities when they mean more golf? As far as 'way way more', I would like to see numbers to support that. More green space per square mile in the south means fewer houses. Therefore, fewer courses does not necessarily mean less per rooftop.

You make a valid point. We in the South have a plethora of amenities close by. And many new golf courses are coming in the next few years. And as you state, there is far more open space in the south, which means it is less-congested.

I could be equally happy in the North or South, as they both have their attractions and benefits. It’s nice to be able to travel easily and enjoy all areas of The Villages.

Overall, I decided to buy south of 44, because I wanted a new house with a modern, open floor plan. As a younger, pre-Medicare age retiree, I also wanted to be around people closer to my own age. (You see the demographic difference if you visit SS town square vs Brownwood or Sawgrass). I actually wanted to be far away from all the shopping and big box stores. I just need a grocery store near by, and I have two (Traverse and Magnolia). For many in my age demographic and younger, we conduct the vast majority of our shopping online.

It sure is nice to have options where we choose to live, and I enjoy meeting and talking with people in all areas of The Villages. It’s nice to be able to get in my cart and in less than 30 minutes, I’m enjoying all the beautiful, mature trees up North. And then I can return to south of 44 and enjoy the miles and miles of nature trails.

I think they mean on Morse just past 466.

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.

Decide what you will be doing every day,, what sports or activities.. and then find the nearest options to those sports or activities. "Shopping" is not something you need to do every day.
We find every thing we like to do between Seabreeze and Lake Miona,, and alamanda and hibiscus and Colony and canal and truman. Ask your self what do you like to do every single day and be close to it. Look at the weekly events guide to see what is available and where you will be going. Driving a golf cart every day more than 20 min is not that fun.
There are people of all ages at line dance, pickle ball, water aerobics or what ever you enjoy doing,, that is where you will meet your new friends,, at the activities you enjoy doing a few times a week. :pepper2:

Thanks for all the feedback from everyone. Lots of great info and considerations, and REAL LIFE lessons and experience rather than theory or guesses.
Looking at what activities are available where is a great suggestion I hadn't thought about.

The intent was not "North vs South" but "What am I missing about the far north?" That's a very different thing.

We'll see how things look after the lifestyle visit!

Alan

The demographics in Spanish Springs is dependent on who's playing that night. With some bands, the majority of people on the dance floor are under 60, and many are under 40. With others, the White Hair Brigade holds the floor.

Often you'll see a lot of older folks sitting down. But if you want to know who it's really attracting, watch the dance floor.

I clearly agree

Making a list is wonderful advice. When we moved, we took our time finding the best spot for US. Hubby enjoys swimming but the pools get crowded. Our home is in a neighborhood that has its own pool. Problem solved! Hubby can swim as much as he likes with no exorbitant private pool costs.

I love to walk. Our area is full of beautiful trails both in and outside of the bubble. All minutes away.

Pay close attention to the clubs you wish to join. Some are at beginner level while others are advanced. The clubs we joined are nearby and most importantly, meet our level. It's no fun going to a beginners club while you are advanced in knowledge. It is "torture" when everyone in the club is advanced while you are a beginner.

Be honest with yourself. If shopping and dining are important, buy a home where hundreds of choices are available. Need medical care? Buy where that is in close proximity. 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.

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.