[9eileen9]

Originally Posted by yorkmaine

We have a single wide mobile home in Orange Blossom Gardens (waterfront) that we purchased 5 years ago and we love it. Annual costs are around 6K. No mortgage,no bond. We are not homesteaders. Our home is around 1000sq/ft
Please look to our side of the road. It's very nice.

Are there ever any hurricane evacuations for those who live on the historic side? Also, if it wouldn't be too much for me to ask, could you tell me what I would expect to pay for homeowners insurance for a manufactured home (estimate would be fine). thank you

[9eileen9]

Originally Posted by tuna

Yes you can afford it. My Mom lives in a patio villa and she loves it .Her income is around 1500 a month. She bought a pre-owned.

This is very good to know as I try to figure out my budget. Now I'm beginning to understand why everyone gets excited about moving into The Villages.

[Dutchman]

My budget currently stands at about 2400 a month and that includes a mortgage and about 250 a month for golf as well as taxes/bond/amenity fees, etc. I'm primarily a once a day eater so I don't envision very high food/eating out expenses.

[9eileen9]

Originally Posted by Dutchman

My budget currently stands at about 2400 a month and that includes a mortgage and about 250 a month for golf as well as taxes/bond/amenity fees, etc. I'm primarily a once a day eater so I don't envision very high food/eating out expenses.

Dutchman, thank you for your information. I am not a golfer so I'll save some money there I'm sure. Are you a Villages resident now? If so, then that means that your 2400 a month covers ALL your expenses. Where I live now I am able to make it on my 2000/month but I need to figure for The Villages.

[Peachie]

Eileen, when he provided his figures, Dutchman also said he has a mortgage payment. You indicated you would pay cash and that would be a big adjustment in your monthly total. Good luck to you and hope we see you soon. :bigthumbsup:

[llaran]

Some of the manufactured homes are very nice but check out the insurance carefully. One of my friends who has one has had her insurance cancelled 3x recently.

I think a patio villa with the bond paid is a better choice. There are a few 1/1 and some 2/1 which are a little less expensive and if you get a golf cart you will save on gas and car upkeep as well as wear and tear.

I think you will be surprised at how well you can live.

[renielarson]

Eileen...you can do it on $2000 a month with no mortgage. I just know you can!

But...and I repeat BUT...you cannot do it without a computer! There's no way you can live in TV without a computer and without a connection to all of us.

Go buy one right now and join the rest of us TOTV addicts!

Seriously, best of luck to you, Eileen, with making a decision of which you are comfortable.

[Barefoot]

Eileen, two more thoughts:

If you want access to a computer, there is free access at the library with 6 terminals. And I think also at the Computer Center at Savanah.

I was just speaking with a construction fellow in TV about some work I'm having done. He said if a hurricane hits TV, it will cause more problems in Historical where there are some mobile homes and metal carports. (Which is why the insurance is a bit higher).

Having said that, I love the Historical area and I don't think you could go wrong there. Large lots, more trees and wonderful people.

[Russ_Boston]

Best of luck Eileen. Pick your spot, do your math, move in and ENJOY!

I think you can get a basic cable/internet/phone (including unlimited long distance) connection for a very manageable amount, perhaps someone else could elaborate. Sometimes just a phone connection (Verizon etc.) with LD could be almost as expensive as the whole package offered by others. Worth checking out in my opinion.

[F16 1UB]

Eileen you'll be warmly embraced whatever "side of the tracks" you move to because in TV they are no boundaries. If you avoid the casino, shoe stores, and eating out every day you can do it!!! (No names mentioned but their initials are Chels & Mrs F) Also behemoth pets such as Irish Setters can be a great expense not to mention making you an emotional wreck. Eventually we ALL will be looking forward to seeing you at Crispers. Yeah & Sadie Mae too Toto.

F16

[9eileen9]

Hello Everyone,

I back on the "borrowed" computer and I want all of you to know that I have ready EVERY response to my question about affordability in The Villages. I cannot reply to each and everyone but believe me I have very grateful for your advice. I will sign up for the visitors program and take a look at the historic side and the newer sides for resales on both. I'm sure the manufactured homes are lovely but I just cannot accept that being alone I want the extra outside maintenance costs, insurance costs, and repair and upkeep expenses. If I were part of a couple I would be more self-confident about it but for now I think patios would be better for me. Knowing that I can purchase for cash a patio up to about 150,000 and with everyone telling me that my 2000/month would cover everything else makes me comfortable. I would be able to keep my savings (50000) available for emergencies and as one person stated I could consider a reverse mortgage eventually. But, the 2000 a month was my BIGGEST concern and you have cleared that up for me. If I were younger, I would consider a parttime job but those days are past. Thanks everyone for helping me.

[kwachowski]

You can definitely afford to live in the villages on $2000 per month especially if you don't have a mortgage. Come and join the fun.

[rshoffer]

One of the things I tell my friends and family up North is that you can move into a 150K home or a 1 million dollar home but everone enjoys essentially the same lifestyle outside of their home. The town squares, pools, clubs, golf, etc. etc. I have met the happiest people sooooo content in their inexpensive villas. In reality, the experience in TV is not in your home, it's everything there is to do outside of your home. So, "yes you can"!!! Where else can you do so much?

[JohnN]

our issue with manufactured homes was the lawn maintenance, we love our patio villa.
love that it's all new stuff with a warranty, very small yard (grass ain't cheap, it's mowing, watering, bugs, weeding, fertilizing, etc. and who's going to do it??).

all that said, $2,000 should cut it on a moderate lifestyle

[travelstiles]

For additional assistance, I would suggest anyone with financially related questions check out the following:

http://www.cfp.net/enewsletter/

In the August '08 issue of the newsletter, you will be able to get information on upcoming free financial planning clinics in Washington, DC and Miami, FL (no gimmicks or sales involved!)
http://www.cfp.net/enewsletter/August2008.html#4

While you're at it, subscribe to the free newsletter.

Also, this new website developed through a grant from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has been designed to help women understand and take control of their finances:

http://www.breakfreee.org/ (that's the correct spelling - breakfreee)

Good luck!