Watch the video



https://youtube.com/watch?v=xEdUoo0C...zgGKd1LKyrmFK9

There are two sides to every story. Depending on when you bought in the Northern areas the average home price was $200,000 -$250,000. Even lower, if you bought earlier. Bonds averaged $10,000. You could also enjoy a 2.5% mortgage.

For them, it is hard to comprehend paying double (or higher) the cost for the same model home. Higher bonds, higher taxes, higher insurance and higher mortgage rates makes them shiver. In addition, they know it took many years to get retail in their area. They do not want to live without, AGAIN!

I lived in the Lopez area for many years. Now, I live in Hawkins. To be honest, there are days I wish I had just stayed put. My bills were much smaller and I had quite a bit more discretionary money. But, then there are days when I enjoy the new environment and all it has to offer.

I have not encountered anyone living in the Northern area jealous of those living in the Southern area. They have no reason to be insecure. They can sell their homes for double or triple the cost they paid. With their profit, they can purchase a new home in the Southern area with a cash deal. No harm, no problem! They have no desire because they have already lived the joys of being in a new area. What can the south area offer them that is different? The answer for most is nothing. They choose to have more discretionary cash each month than higher bills.

When you read posts from a northerner which you believe are dissing the southern area, it is not jealousy. It is "been there, done that!" And, "Thank my lucky stars, I did it when it was much cheaper. Why would anyone pay so much to live down there?"

It makes sense for a newbie to favor a newly constructed home. Two different viewpoints of where to live and both are valid.

Many like us started in LSL, then half way between LSL and BW. Then south of 44 and BW, 4 houses later, we are happy with the less traffic. As younger move south, driving isn’t a big deal. Now our parents in their early 80’s groceries arrive at their front door, makes them happy.

For us, If I need groceries it’s never Publix, or WD, and definitely not Aldi. Sprouts, Sometimes Fresh Market, but TJ’s, Whole Foods, Costco, is mostly twice a month trip, along with the commissary, and Marzano’s.

I am so happy to drive to 441, Leesburg, Orlando, or Gainesville to shop. I don’t need retail within 20 minutes drive, more traffic elsewhere where with noisy retail parking, is perfect, for us. Hoping The empty lots along 44 will stay that way for awhile, but we all know that’s not going to happen. By the time big retailers hit south of 44, I hope I can still maintain my ability to shop out of the bubble, because I just don’t see my regular haunts arriving anywhere near TV ;)

Magnolia Plaza isn’t built out yet. CVS hasn’t even broken ground, and there’s still smaller businesses like Marcos pizza still finishing up.

The developer should maintain some control over the types of stores allowed in a shopping center, based on the need in that area. Of course, profit is also a serious consideration.

Given its size, probably 2-3 of each.

Some of the stores said customer’s input does play a big part in future locations, so I have- although I’m just 1 person.

We looked and looked and know this was the house we were to buy. I like my area, just not the same shopping over and over again. Perhaps bowling lanes should be added to the list as skating parties were a great school fundraiser in Texas.

With Rite Aide closing 150 stores, you have to wonder do we really have the need for another pharmacy. I remember in the 70s there was a Perry Drug I swear on every corner, 80% open 24/7. Then areas became saturated with other pharmacies, and the closures began.

I look at TV, and wonder how does all of these pharmacies have enough business to make a profit, and building 10 more really makes me SMH.

I haven’t been in a pharmacy in at least 10 plus years. I don’t get it.

So were drive in movies.:1rotfl::1rotfl:

Us old folks seem to have stopped skating

In general, a retailer will not commit to a 6/7/8 year lease if there’s not a need for the product (I don’t see a baby’s R us moving into the Villages).
Also, Developer (commercial realtor) wants a nice mix of retailers for residents.
Commercial realtor also wants the businesses (tenants) to be a success, bankrupt businesses don’t pay rent.

Stores
 

Yeah someday but probably not in my lifetime

If you recall, it took years before Magnolia Plaza opened for the folks south of highway 44. Don't hold your breath. If your older and don't have time to wait, then buy close to 466 or 466a.

I don’t get it either. I hate CVS, and refused to shop there when it was 5 minutes from home before we moved here. I get my prescriptions mail order, or if I need a short term prescription I just get it at Publix. It’s crazy how many pharmacies there are here.