Can you mention the "best" border communities? I'm unfamiliar with the area but looking for a house to buy.

Private message if that makes you feel safer.

Thanks.

YES,
the shear amount of Daily Events and 100’s upon 100’s of Activities certainly can be considered “Adding Years to Your Life”.

I myself Love to Use the Analogy of
The Twilight Zone, “Kick the Can”

“We become old
when we stop playing…”

HOWEVER,
My Wifey and I have not become Locked
into the Perimeter of The Villages …

… as Central Florida is Horse Country.

Not to mention that 30-40 minutes
north is the Amazing City of Ocala

with an active Shopping Mall, an abundance of Classy Restaurants,
a City Square in the Heart of Historic Downtown - filled with Gorgeous 1800’s Victorian Architecture Homes and did I mention we are in the Heart of Horse Country ??

As for Water and Forestry …

… the first place that comes to mind is “Silver Springs State Park on the East end of Ocala and straight up CR 35, Baseline Road.

We moved to The Villages just 13 months ago, and are now exploring 30-40 minutes south into Leesburg as well.

And from our initial exploring, have found it to be a little more of a Quaint City …

… known for it Huge Lakes with plenty of fishing - as the Lake Griffin boat slip parking lot overflows on occasion.

And also from our initial exploring (actually by my Lovely wife), just learned that Leesburg also has a bustling Shopping Mall as well.

AND FURTHER
beyond The Villages Bubble …
we are situated about 90 minutes from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf !!

THERE IS ALSO
a website that focuses on “Day Trip” activities that include History, Water Falls, Natural Springs, and so much more.

LETS NOT FORGET
Saint Augustine “the City of Lights” with Incredible History, Sightseeing Tours, Restaurants, Beaches, and more !!

POINT IS
one may very well be losing out on
Fantastic Exploring Opportunities
if they are not willing to …

… “KICK THE CAN”
beyond the confines of your
home base known as The Villages

YES,
the shear amount of Daily Events and 100’s upon 100’s of Activities certainly can be considered “Adding Years to Your Life”.

I myself Love to Use the Analogy of
The Twilight Zone, “Kick the Can”

“We become old
when we stop playing…”

HOWEVER,
My Wifey and I have NOT allowed
ourselves to become Locked into
the Perimeters of The Villages …

… as Central Florida is
known as Horse Country

Not to mention that 30-40 minutes
north is the Amazing City of Ocala

with an active Shopping Mall, an
abundance of Classy Restaurants,
a City Square in the Heart of Historic Downtown - filled with Gorgeous 1800’s Victorian Architecture Homes,

and did I mention we are in
the Heart of Horse Country ??

As for Water and Forestry …

… the first place that comes to mind is “Silver Springs State Park on the East end of Ocala and straight up CR 35, Baseline Road.

We moved to The Villages just over 13 months ago, and are now exploring 30-40 minutes south into Leesburg as well.

And from our initial exploring, have found it to be a little more of a Quaint City …

… known for it Huge Lakes with plenty of fishing - as the Lake Griffin boat slip parking lot overflows on occasion.

And also from our initial exploring (actually by my Lovely wife), just learned that Leesburg also has a bustling Shopping Mall as well.

AND FURTHER
beyond The Villages Bubble …
we are situated about 90 minutes from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf !!

THERE IS ALSO
a website that focuses on “Day Trip” activities that include History, Water Falls, Natural Springs, and so much more.

LETS NOT FORGET
Saint Augustine “the City of Lights” with Incredible History, Sightseeing Tours, the famous Pedestrian Shopping Street, Restaurants, Beaches, and more for a fun filled weekend retreat !!

POINT IS
one may very well be losing out on
Fantastic Exploring Opportunities
if they are not willing to …

… “KICK THE CAN”
beyond the confines of your
home base known as The Villages

Lightning

We still have our Knoxville house. No intention of selling it. What part of the 865 are you considering?

If Mr. Coast Guard ever returns to this thread, he is welcome to DM me re: pros/cons.

Just checked your website: Wow! Your art is incredible!

I have few regrets about moving here. I miss family the most so we try to help $$$ them come and visit. Our friends and/or neighbors are a work in progress. We don’t have 15-20 years to become better at friendship. Some friends are toxic so we try to be better at social skills and preferences. I love sunshine so here I will stay.

You said: "The month upon month of heat and humidity took some getting used to for me.
Also lack of high end restaurants, substantial distance to a major airport and finding good medical care. On the plus side I find most people friendly and easy going.
There is a lot to do here which is a huge plus.
All in all living here is quite pleasant."

Those are certainly 3 big ones consider for us, especially the airport and med care. We fly alot and although we don't have many medical needs now, it stands to reason that a region with an above average number of elderly would need increased medical care.
Thanks.

We still have our Knoxville house. No intention of selling it. What part of the 865 are you considering?

If Mr. Coast Guard ever returns to this thread, he is welcome to DM me re: pros/cons.
===
That is interesting. I think we're a little surprised (moved to TN from ID) at the amount of "Appalachia" that runs in Tennessee. I know Florida will have its downsides, like all areas, but we seek more interaction and activity. I'd DM if I could figure out how. PlummerInTennessee@Gmail.Com.

See honey! It's not just me! :a20:

Thank you for your thoughtful and specific reply. I think that's really great advice.

Thank you for your kind and helpful reply. This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping to garner.

Thank you Letitia. Lot's of really practical information.

Don’t get rid of all your warm clothes. There are several winter days when you need them.

Great information. Thank you.