[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

The "chump change" amount seems like a cheap shot at folks who worked hard for every dollar they earned.

I get where you're coming from but I think ge was a physician, it may seem they make a lot of money in general but that's a job I wouldn't want. Based on the length of education, dealing with people within their personal space and the horrible condition people let their bodies get into I think the money is well earned and deserved.

[tophcfa]

As far as I can tell, the amount of stuff we get for our monthly Ammenity fee in the Villages cannot be matched at any other retirement community in the world. No complaints here!

[Mollusk29]

Originally Posted by Velvet

Well, I can see that other people than Villagers come to the squares as businesses pay for entertainment. As long as Villagers don’t pay for the squares I can’t see why it should be reserves strictly for them. But MMP’s ? I don’t know who pays for them and their upkeep?

Doesn't the bond pay for the infrastructure in the squares? I have no problem with non-Villagers using the squares. Villagers pay, outsiders use....I get the argument for Villagers only at the Squares.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Mollusk29

Doesn't the bond pay for the infrastructure in the squares? I have no problem with non-Villagers using the squares. Villagers pay, outsiders use....I get the argument for Villagers only at the Squares.

Nope

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

I get where you're coming from but I think ge was a physician, it may seem they make a lot of money in general but that's a job I wouldn't want. Based on the length of education, dealing with people within their personal space and the horrible condition people let their bodies get into I think the money is well earned and deserved.

True! But some who, regardless of their job/ career, end up with far more money than others. What seem "chump change" to one may seem significant or meaningful to another, depending upon what the expenditure is for. The term , "chump" is actually an insult, infers that said "chump" is of lesser value as a person. "Chump change", while a common enough expression, is actually insult by inference that a person's human or societal value is directly proportional to their wealth or lack of it.
Good of you to come to GE's defense, but I was not attacking him. I have too much respect for him to do that, regardless of the fact we do differ in our opinions.

[MsPCGenius]

I am always impressed that I can go anywhere on the TV "campus" -- be it a rec center, a square, golf course, etc. -- and always find a sparkling clean rest room!! I suspect my fees help to cover those costs as well.

[rickaslin]

Originally Posted by ChicagoNative

What do you get for the amenity fee besides “free” golf on the 9 hole courses and the opportunity to join a club? It’s my understanding that some clubs also have additional dues?

It seems pretty misleading to me to say that it’s only $200 a month to live in the Villages. What about your landscaping? trimming? fertilization? Irrigation?

Don’t get me wrong: I think the Villages is a fantastic community. But when you compare fees between Villages and non-Villages communities, make sure you are getting a true picture of your monthly expenses.

You gorgot to mention all the pools that are inluded with fees!!!

[Justputt]

TV is unlike any other development I've lived in. Usually, when the builder has built out an area, they walk away, and things begin to deteriorate (plants died off, grass gets mowed by a tractor maybe once a month or so, sidewalks chip/break/shift and become tripping hazards, etc.). Whether I go to the oldest sections or newest sections, TV is very well maintained! The amenity fee is reasonable compared to condos and other smaller developments we looked at before coming here, and they usually had one smallish pool and a gym that smelled like a high school boys locker room.

[DrHitch]

Originally Posted by ChicagoNative

What do you get for the amenity fee besides “free” golf on the 9 hole courses and the opportunity to join a club?

It seems pretty misleading to me to say that it’s only $200 a month to live in the Villages. What about your landscaping.....

Your amenity fee of $189 per month covers a lot more than just the golf... In fact, the golf courses and their maintenance is a small portion of the overall amenity fee.

Look around at all the common areas, such as all of the flower beds along Morse and Buena Vista....plus the swimming pools, rec center maintenance, etc etc.

Sure, each house has its own maintenance needs.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

As far as I can tell, the amount of stuff we get for our monthly Ammenity fee in the Villages cannot be matched at any other retirement community in the world. No complaints here!

Amen! No complaints. But many wonder why we pay different price for the exact same amenities. The answer doesn't seem easy to explain.

[Bogie Shooter]

Don’t understand why we have to justify and defend the fact we live in the villages to somebody that lives down the road.

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

True! But some who, regardless of their job/ career, end up with far more money than others

That makes sense, I started way less than poor and chump change would have been very welcome. After a lot of hard work and luck I fall toward the other end of the scale, so I understand both completely.

And I'm still thrifty (a huge tight wad...).

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Good of you to come to GE's defense

I kinda shocked myself with that one.

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Don’t understand why we have to justify and defend the fact we live in the villages to somebody that lives down the road.

We don't, everyone should do their thing and be as happy as they can with it. Some old farts like to fuss at one another for no good reason. Other old farts get entertainment out of stirring the pot and watching the fallout.

[Lee55]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Post #2 mentions resales. I've heard that too: when a house is resold the amenity fee is recalculated according to some kind of formula. But whatever it is, $201 is incredibly cheap for all that TV has to offer. We have friends in a retirement village up in the panhandle who pay over $650 a month for a golf course, couple of tennis courts, landscaping and an ocean view!

That ocean view will get you every time!

[Dilligas]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

I wonder what percent of golf carts on the MMO are not residents - I would say less than 5%.

Okay, not a big deal, they re coming over and spending money in the restaurants.

Next to none. There will be some that have to travel from neighboring areas in legal carts for 30 mph street (or illegally), but insignificant quantity.