[jonathanb]

I think as long as you can find a home with the bond paid, in Sumter county but not Sumter county/wildwood township you will probably be fine. Sumter county has the lowest property tax. The rainy day fund is another question.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by KRM0614

It’s too expensive for you! Property taxes went up 25% food utilities cable is 20.% higher than the rest of the country. HO ins is high. They is no security for seniors here.

Do not understand why food is so much more expensive here than other places we have been.

[Shamp]

You can buy a brand new home here for under 200k. Then you can somewhat bank on not needing any repairs/replacements for about 10 years. The cost of living is about 1k per month for me, which includes taxes and bond on my new home (patio villa). You don't mention what you have in savings/investment. You really need to sit down with a financial advisor and talk this over. Some people earn money by renting out as bedroom thru Airbnb, but you don't want to do that until we have a good handle on the virus. Is hubby able to do some part time work after retirement? With your disability could you do something like pet sitting, alterations? etc. S much to think about. Best wishes.

[claytocl]

Continental Country Club is a very affordable alternative to living in The Villages.

It is located in Wildwood, FL which is where The Villages are building. It is literally surrounding it.

Continental has many great amenities such as a library, gym, huge pool, wood shop, crafts and an 18 hole golf course.

[Timothyimitchell]

Originally Posted by 17362

I agree completely.
We moved here a year ago.

3200 monthly is do able. Even with a small mortgage

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by Kahiland

I am a LEO federal retiree. Depending on his time of service, is he a FERS or CSRS employee? ( He will know. If he hired on b4 '88 he is CSRS). Have him talk to his HR department. They should type up a pretty good guess of his retirement pay. Good luck!!!

In case someone is relying upon this to make a decision the year of the change was 1984, not '88.

[xkeowner]

We have been here for 10 years and I have kept a spreadsheet of monthly expenses the entire time. Some facts to form a basis for your assessment. We have a 1900 sq ft home with three adult occupants and an oversized lot so our water expense is probably above average but my average monthly planning estimates based upon previous years actual costs for 2020 are:

Electricity - $175
Water - $125
Amenity Fee - $156
Yard mowing - $55
High-speed Internet - $73.

Additional expenses for car insurance, phone, and TV. Will depend upon your situation. I have no doubt others will offer advice about lower costs for mowing and Internet, but the numbers above are what we are paying.

The overall total is we are paying ~$1,200 a month for what we consider our home basics. House payments (if required) and food/entertainment expenses will add to you monthly requirement.

BOTTOM LINE: The Villages is a great place to retire and I hope you can join us when you retire.

[Toymeister]

Originally Posted by KRM0614

It’s too expensive for you! Property taxes went up 25% food utilities cable is 20.% higher than the rest of the country. HO ins is high. They is no security for seniors here.

To the OP, disregard generalized statements like this. To the point, in one of the three counties that TV encompasses one of the taxing authorities increased taxes, the total bill did not increase 25%, although the increase is frustrating. Utilities, particularly electricity, is slightly under the national average. Food, home owners insurance and cable (if you get it) could be higher or lower than the prices in your market.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Do not understand why food is so much more expensive here than other places we have been.

Maybe it has to be hauled in? He’s right food and services are higher, might have something to do with no state tax? cause they tax ____ on everything else?

[willbush]

Someone mentioned a military base in Tampa - There is a Navy Exchange in Orlando exactly 50 miles from our driveway - easy and quick to get to - We normally go on Sat or Sun and are there in 50 mins.
Tampa is 90.4 miles with heavy traffic.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Maybe it has to be hauled in? He’s right food and services are higher, might have something to do with no state tax? cause they tax ____ on everything else?

Groceries are hauled in from all over the country so why should Florida be higher.

In any case lots of OJ produced near here why is it so much more expensive?

[Fieldsaj]

As a retired Federal workers, may I say that it’s the best job I’ve ever had. Take the retirement! With that said, the idea of renting is a super plan. It’s up to your packages and financial situation to see if The Villages Is right for you. There are other less expensive sites in Florida, generally with lesser amenities.
Take the time to explore your options and enjoy your retirement

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Groceries are hauled in from all over the country so why should Florida be higher.

In any case lots of OJ produced near here why is it so much more expensive?

T-a-x

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

T-a-x

Do not understand how that can be.

No state income tax for companies which over the state we cam from is a big plus.

[KRM0614]

You can’t afford it here! To budget monthly for annual expenses it’s at least 3000-/ mo