[createquilts]

just got home after a week lifestyle visit.
Everyone was so nice and helpful. People gave us their phone numbers if we had any questions, as we were driving around the neighborhoods some people came to the car to talk to us as we were obviously looking at homes on the market. While I am sure there are some grumps somewhere, we did not run into them. We did see someone at an adult pool playing loud music, which I thought could be annoying to some, luckily it wasn't something awful.
We heard from several people outside the villages that if you live close, you can enjoy all the villages has to offer and not pay the price. That statement could not be further from the truth. Normally we don't eat out much and the music on the squares, while fun, is not something we would go to regularly. We would move there for the lifestyle that only residents can participate in.
We did feel some frustration at not being able to participate in some things as guests, but of course understand the reasoning and want to be given the same courtesy when we become residents.
Everyone feels their village is the best and were happy to tell us why. That was a lot of fun, hearing this over and over.
I am not sure how you are able to build from scratch, we were overwhelmed looking at sandy plots being able to envision what the area would look like.
Everything was very well maintained, we saw no garbage anywhere, we did not see one unkempt home after driving through numerous neighborhoods.
We had a lot of fun.
we visited several other developments and actually stayed at two others. One had homes that were very nice, but I had an uneasy feeling about the future of the development. The other was a well known developer but there were too few people and the houses were all the same. Both had long lists of activities and clubs, but when you went to the activities, there was no to little participation. One development had few younger people, and one seemed very unfriendly to children visiting.
So after our jaunt around Florida, once our house sells we'll be coming down. Most likely a resale or standing home, but you never know.

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by createquilts

just got home after a week lifestyle visit.
Everyone was so nice and helpful. People gave us their phone numbers if we had any questions, as we were driving around the neighborhoods some people came to the car to talk to us as we were obviously looking at homes on the market. While I am sure there are some grumps somewhere, we did not run into them. We did see someone at an adult pool playing loud music, which I thought could be annoying to some, luckily it wasn't something awful.
We heard from several people outside the villages that if you live close, you can enjoy all the villages has to offer and not pay the price. That statement could not be further from the truth. Normally we don't eat out much and the music on the squares, while fun, is not something we would go to regularly. We would move there for the lifestyle that only residents can participate in.
We did feel some frustration at not being able to participate in some things as guests, but of course understand the reasoning and want to be given the same courtesy when we become residents.
Everyone feels their village is the best and were happy to tell us why. That was a lot of fun, hearing this over and over.
I am not sure how you are able to build from scratch, we were overwhelmed looking at sandy plots being able to envision what the area would look like.
Everything was very well maintained, we saw no garbage anywhere, we did not see one unkempt home after driving through numerous neighborhoods.
We had a lot of fun.
we visited several other developments and actually stayed at two others. One had homes that were very nice, but I had an uneasy feeling about the future of the development. The other was a well known developer but there were too few people and the houses were all the same. Both had long lists of activities and clubs, but when you went to the activities, there was no to little participation. One development had few younger people, and one seemed very unfriendly to children visiting.
So after our jaunt around Florida, once our house sells we'll be coming down. Most likely a resale or standing home, but you never know.

Glad you had a good first visit to TV. Like you we couldn't envision building from scratch and bought a pre-owned last month. Moving down permanently in about a month and can't wait.

Good luck with selling the house and look forward to welcoming you to TV!

[rjm1cc]

Compassion are important. Would you mind naming the other developments as it might help someone else in their analysis.

[ugotme]

Thanks for your input. We are planning on coming up in October for a Lifestyle visit and any info. is helpful.

[createquilts]

rjm1cc, I would rather not name the other developments, only because what is not right for us might be exactly right for someone else. We went with an open mind, and I would suggest everyone do the same.
ugotme, we found the best information by just asking people. In pools, in clubhouses, in restaurants, all over the place. We would ask what do you like about living here? how did you make your decision? What would you do differently? Any downsides or regrets? Outside the villages we asked if they considered living there, and most had never even visited but said things like "it is too stepford wife-like" or "we heard you can't get a tee time".

Believe me, people are more than willing to talk about themselves and give their opinions when asked and it was very useful info.

[buggyone]

Glad you had a good time and a good impression of The Villages.

Personally, I think a resale home is the way to go. You can negotiate price with the seller; you can see what the area looks like when complete; no construction mess going on around you, mature landscaping; and best of all - much lower bond or no bond at all! That alone will save you tons of money as bond on a new home is $23,000 to $50,000.

Of course, you should use 2 sales agents. One from Villages Properties and one from a Multiple Listing agency like ERA or ReMax as neither can show each other's properties. You do not have to sneak around doing it as it is very common and both respect each other.

I live in Glenbrook which is very nice. Other established nice villages include Mallory Hill, Virginia Trace, Caroline, Winifred, and Harmswood.

[2BNTV]

Thank you for taking the time to write an eloraborate posts. I am also glad your impressions were favorable.

Best wishes for future success.

[mountaineergirl]

Are you a quilter? The guild and numerous clubs are very active. We're lacking any quilt shops, so bring your stash! I think you'll love the quilting community.

[ilovetv]

The one thing I heard consistently, when I would ask residents at the town squares how they like living here, was: "We should have done it years before we actually did it. No need to analyze and re-analyze. Enjoy your life while you have more years ahead to do that." They were right.

[createquilts]

yes, mountaineer girl, I am a quilter and visited several groups while there, all of whom were super friendly. I have enough stash to last me at least the rest of my lifetime, and probably a few others. You know what I mean if you are a quilter (or scrapbooker etc). I go to several large shows a year and there is always the net so I can always get more.
Ilovetv, we had the same experience. When we asked what mistakes people made that they would advise us not to do the consistent answer was not move down sooner.
They wished they had been able to get there sooner, and perhaps would have sacrificed some of their money for the lifestyle. Several said they had bought at the peak and had lost several hundred thousand dollars, yet had no regrets. We also ran into people who bought back when you had two hours to decide if you wanted the house or not, there was so much demand (I think 2006.) and they said they would do it again if they had to. They never looked back, what good would it do you?

[CaptJohn]

Thanks for the interesting report. These are always informative and helpful.
I don't quilt but I use them! Especially the ones made by my elderly aunt about 40 years ago.

[Redrok]

I too thank you for your informative post. Keep on posting!

[asianthree]

so glad you had a good visit it hard to leave but fun to come back

[justjim]

Glad you had a good visit to TV. I assume the weather for you was good, unlike our first visit to TV when there was a Tropical Storm and we didn't get to do much. We ended up in TV later anyway. My only regret----should have retired sooner and moved to TV! Good luck.

[hotrodgirl]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful post! It was nice to hear your comments and as I am shortly going to begin my build, it was lovely to have your point of view. I came for a LSV in May and knew where I belonged! I hope you consider TV in your future plans and welcome to you!