[Snakster66]

The only cons I can think of for the area you describe are higher taxes (Marion County) and the need to memorize ridiculousy long and cumbersome street addresses.

[npwalters]

Originally Posted by Bassdeer

We plan on moving there this summer but plan on renting for a year first and maybe renting forever depending on interest rates. Looking to be in between the sixes 466 and 466A. Would like to be halfway between Sumter and Brownwood.

The area between 466 and 466A is the prettiest part of TV and fairly convenient. The most convenient is between 466 and 441/27 because those homes are close to two town squares, several shopping areas, and many businesses in Lady Lake. The areas south of these two are newer and younger. They will be pretty and convenient in time but not yet - except for some of the public areas.

[Stu from NYC]

We moved here 5 years ago.

After renting a month decided we wanted to be in the middle so we are just north of 466A. Easy to get to major areas of villages and shopping on 27/441 not that far away. Also we did not have the time to wait on a new build.

[VApeople]

If you like to take a walk, be aware there are no walking/biking trails north of Route 44, except for the sidewalks where golf carts whiz by about a foot away from you.

My wife and I love to walk so we always drive south of 44 to enjoy the beautiful trails down there.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Bassdeer

Would like to be halfway between Sumter and Brownwood.

We live halfway between Sumter and Spanish Springs and it is nice to have the choice.

[npwalters]

Originally Posted by VApeople

If you like to take a walk, be aware there are no walking/biking trails north of Route 44, except for the sidewalks where golf carts whiz by about a foot away from you.

My wife and I love to walk so we always drive south of 44 to enjoy the beautiful trails down there.

Apparently you haven't been to Lake Miona or just south of Sumter landing. There are trails both places.

[Battlebasset]

Living in Fenny area. My observations:

Younger demographic as you go further south. Not a deal breaker, but if you are 65 and all of your neighbors are 85, how much will they want to do with you and what will you have in common? They may also start looking at you as the "young people" that can help them out with the things they can't do anymore, or transportation to their Dr. appointment.

More shopping up north. But if Amazon and Walmart deliver, what do you care? Drive up there once a month if you need that fix.

More square activity. Brownwood and Sawgrass are generally packed. Spanish Springs? Not as much, and look at all of the closed stores.

If down south, you have all of the new things, not to mention Middleton. And Eastport is coming. There is something about looking at young people walking around, and just experiencing a feeling of vibrancy. I don't get that around Spanish Springs.

Closer to Orlando and Clermont. Airport, shopping, and unique restaurants. And personally, I have an antenna in my attic that pulls in all of the Orlando stations for free. Not sure that would work as well up north.

Just my thoughts. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by npwalters

Apparently you haven't been to Lake Miona or just south of Sumter landing. There are trails both places.

We have been to both places and they are nothing compared to the beautiful trails south of 44.

The trails south of 44 allow bikes, so we definitely stay to the right side of those trails. When our grandchildren visited with us, we took them to the trail behind Lake Miona rec center because neither bikes nor dogs are allowed on that trail.

The trail on the south side of Lake Sumter Landing is pretty neat as it goes along the creek, but it hardly qualifies as a real walking trail.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Battlebasset

...

Younger demographic as you go further south...

If down south, you have all of the new things, not to mention Middleton. And Eastport is coming.

There is something about looking at young people walking around, and just experiencing a feeling of vibrancy. I don't get that around Spanish Springs.

...

As you point out, with the addition of Middleton and thousands of working families with children, the areas near Eastport are feeling less and less like a like a retirement community.

We like the evolution but others may not appreciate the "vibrancy" and potentially feel more comfortable in the northern areas.

[Laker14]

I don't live "way up there", (I live in Poinciana, just north of 466A), but I travel to Lopez, and Churchill Greens fairly frequently, and I find the neighborhoods north of 466, and West of Morse delightful. Nothing wrong with east of Morse, closer to Spanish Springs, but I like west of Morse better.
We very much like being "between the 6s". This place is really big, much bigger than when I was first exposed to it, so spend some time exploring.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by npwalters

Apparently you haven't been to Lake Miona or just south of Sumter landing. There are trails both places.

Shhhh! Don't share that information. Hubby and I walk on the northern trails daily. Few people know about them and most of the time we have the trail(s)to ourselves.

OP: you should rent in the area for a month and ask the residents what they enjoy. There are PLENTY of amenities. Some not found in the southern area.

Northern part is too far from the squares? Both Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter are less than 6 miles away.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So let's start you off with a new "good" habit: Sumter is spelled Sumter, not Sumpter. Okay that's out of the way.

Next - the upside to Lopez area is that there's less traffic EXCEPT on El Camino Real and the Buena Vista roundabout at the Savannah Center. But you get the Savannah Center, which is a great upside. The MMPs (multi-modal paths) will get you through some of the prettiest areas of the northern half of The Villages. It's close to the hospital and The Villages Health, but far enough away you won't hear ambulances or the medicopter buzzing around all the time. You're closer by car than anyone else to the taqueria on 301 (that's a huge upside, to me). Your newest rec center, First Responders, has free video games. Bonds are all paid, and the developer isn't interested in expanding up there so you don't have to worry about your street becoming a thruway.

Downside - you're far away from everything else by golf cart.

Neutral - it's not THAT far, if you're doing your weekly shopping and want to make a morning or afternoon of it. You can get to Southern Trace for Publix, then to the end of Wedgewood and across for Fresh Market and Petco, pick up a new 6-pack of Hanes for Hers at Marshall's, have lunch at NY Pizza or any of the myriad of restaurants and fast-food joints in the area, and still be home in time for your pickleball game.

Spanish Springs Town Square is only around 20 minutes down El Camino Real by golf cart, 10 by car, Sumter Landing maybe a half hour since you'd be coming in off Stillwater at Buena Vista or 15-20 minutes by car depending on traffic. So if you're looking for live music/dancing and socializing with groups, it's really not that far.

Brownwood and Sawgrass would be a trek.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Battlebasset

Living in Fenny area. My observations:

Younger demographic as you go further south. Not a deal breaker, but if you are 65 and all of your neighbors are 85, how much will they want to do with you and what will you have in common? They may also start looking at you as the "young people" that can help them out with the things they can't do anymore, or transportation to their Dr. appointment.

More shopping up north. But if Amazon and Walmart deliver, what do you care? Drive up there once a month if you need that fix.

More square activity. Brownwood and Sawgrass are generally packed. Spanish Springs? Not as much, and look at all of the closed stores.

If down south, you have all of the new things, not to mention Middleton. And Eastport is coming. There is something about looking at young people walking around, and just experiencing a feeling of vibrancy. I don't get that around Spanish Springs.

Closer to Orlando and Clermont. Airport, shopping, and unique restaurants. And personally, I have an antenna in my attic that pulls in all of the Orlando stations for free. Not sure that would work as well up north.

Just my thoughts. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

There are MANY residents in the 50-65 yr old bracket in the north. The squares in the south are crowded because everyone is new. Stores and businesses close throughout the Villages REGULARLY. Have you been to Sawgrass? Not the same as when it opened, is it? Ednas on the green? Not the same!

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by npwalters

Apparently you haven't been to Lake Miona or just south of Sumter landing. There are trails both places.

The walking path beginning at Lake Miona Rec Center has a springy pavement. It is WONDERFUL on the joints. Great stuff.

[PilotAlan]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

So let's start you off with a new "good" habit: Sumter is spelled Sumter, not Sumpter.

LOL! Thanks for that.
Seriously, this is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. Another thing for the to-do list for lifestyle visit, explore the Nancy Lopez area.

I really appreciate it!