[gfmucci]

Back in 2008 I wrote an opinion comparing prices in The Villages to prices of home in On Top of the World in Ocala on THIS thread.On top of the World prices compared to The Villages

At that time I said:

"On top of the World prices compared to The Villages
________________________________________
Even with "The Bond" rolled in, The Villages Prices are competitive with or better than "On Top of the World" prices based on an internet promotion I received from OTOTW this morning."

Now, 11 years later, I have a different opinion as regards RESALE homes. I haven't compared new home prices.

Here it is:

There are maintenance free block construction Villas in OTOTW that start in the high $80's with the majority being in the $90's to $120's. To get this price in The Villages (oh, you can't), but the closest you can get is to look at older manufactured/mobile homes in the so-called Historic District. Fixer uppers or pre-1976 mobile homes that can't be financed will be at the lower end of that range in TV. Very few homes start at $120,000 with most in the $129,000 to $140,000 range. Which would you rather be in when a Cat 2 hurricane or fringes of a tornado rip by - a block home or manufactured/mobile? Most resales in the newer sections start well above $160,000 and most of those are wood frame.

There is a difference in "amenity fees". In TV, the fee is currently $159. In OTOTW the fee is $417. But considering this fee includes lawn maintenance, exterior building maintenance, water, sewer, and trash disposal sites in additional to the community amenity package, I claim it a "wash." (The Villages: weekly lawn service $35 x 4 = $140 month, plus W&S = $60 a month, plus trash $25 a month, building maintenance and outside insurance leaves about $150 for amenities.

So, for low-end resale homes, my conclusion is there is more house, and more substantial house for the money in OTOTW. But, it can be said of TV that obviously used homes appreciate more because this price differential did not exist 11 years ago.

[skyking]

If you are paying $140 A month for lawn maintenance you're getting ripped off.

[Fraugoofy]

Originally Posted by gfmucci

Back in 2008 I wrote an opinion comparing prices in The Villages to prices of home in On Top of the World in Ocala on THIS thread.On top of the World prices compared to The Villages



At that time I said:

"On top of the World prices compared to The Villages

________________________________________

Even with "The Bond" rolled in, The Villages Prices are competitive with or better than "On Top of the World" prices based on an internet promotion I received from OTOTW this morning."

Now, 11 years later, I have a different opinion as regards RESALE homes. I haven't compared new home prices.



Here it is:



There are maintenance free block construction Villas in OTOTW that start in the high $80's with the majority being in the $90's to $120's. To get this price in The Villages (oh, you can't), but the closest you can get is to look at older manufactured/mobile homes in the so-called Historic District. Fixer uppers or pre-1976 mobile homes that can't be financed will be at the lower end of that range in TV. Very few homes start at $120,000 with most in the $129,000 to $140,000 range. Which would you rather be in when a Cat 2 hurricane or fringes of a tornado rip by - a block home or manufactured/mobile? Most resales in the newer sections start well above $160,000 and most of those are wood frame.



There is a difference in "amenity fees". In TV, the fee is currently $159. In OTOTW the fee is $417. But considering this fee includes lawn maintenance, exterior building maintenance, water, sewer, and trash disposal sites in additional to the community amenity package, I claim it a "wash." (The Villages: weekly lawn service $35 x 4 = $140 month, plus W&S = $60 a month, plus trash $25 a month, building maintenance and outside insurance leaves about $150 for amenities.



So, for low-end resale homes, my conclusion is there is more house, and more substantial house for the money in OTOTW. But, it can be said of TV that obviously used homes appreciate more because this price differential did not exist 11 years ago.

Have you been to OTOW? Absolutely no comparison in my book, financial or otherwise...

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[Nucky]

Everyone see's thing's differently.

I know there is a 99-year lease on the land in TOTW.

I know I own the property where I live in The Villages.

What is your motivation for pointing out your opinion here? Just wondering? Did you make the move to The Villages? Did you make the move to OTOW?

When I asked about 5 years ago what happens when the 99-year lease expires at OTOW they said don't worry you won't be around. Not an answer. For that reason and others we are happy here. So far.

Peace Out!

[TheWarriors]

It’s like comparing a Ferrari to an Accord, both get you there but only one is truly an experience to treasure!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by skyking

If you are paying $140 A month for lawn maintenance you're getting ripped off.

I'll say. We pay fifty bucks a month.

[rjm1cc]

I think your start your choice with the size of the community.

[collie1228]

I think your analysis should mention that the amenity fee in The Villages includes golf on 40 executive golf courses. I don't know much about OTOTW, but I'm certain their amenity fee doesn't include anything like that.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by TheWarriors

It’s like comparing a Ferrari to an Accord, both get you there but only one is truly an experience to treasure!

[NatureBoy]

Thank you for doing this analysis. Clearly there are many other factors in play beyond sticker price. Total cost of ownership & total value received depend a lot on how many of the amenities TV offers a person uses.

I can't say I've done exhaustive research, but TV seems to give very good value for the dollar - even compared to the big Del Webb places. But a lot depends on what you value.