We have lived in our courtyard villa for 20 years. There is no denying that we can hear the dog next door when she’s outside barking however the issue is so infrequent and I enjoy the privacy that is provided by the wall so much that staying wins the vote.

You know what is worse then a dog barking? Pickleball players hitting that damn ball constantly with their paddles. Make sure you don't live too close to these courts.

While I was working up north I had problems with barking dogs. One couple let their 2 golden retrievers out at 6am while they got ready for work and they barked constantly. When I politely told them about it the dogs were supervised then let in. A lady across the street had 2 dogs barking at the screen window a lot while she was gone. I asked her to please close the window when she is not home but she just snickered. Next time it happened I hit the window with a garden hose and lo and behold the window was shut from then on. I know, me bad! I've had dogs and NEVER left them out to bark. No one mentioned GAS golf cart noise!

I am a dog owner, I do not allow my dog outdoors alone for several reasons. Years ago up north, I had 2 sets of neighbors with several dogs barking for hours. I bought 2 ‘bird houses’ that emitted a high pitch sound only barking dogs hear. Buy lithium batteries or rechargeable.

Large Back Yard
 

Look at 5345 Dray Drive, The Villages FL (for sale)

I am selling my CV. I have 2 dogs and the yard is huge corner lot. I liked it cause when I look out the windows I am not right up against the large concrete fence. I do not hear dogs barking outback and my neighbors do not hear my dogs. There is a lot of privacy in my CV.

It's a gamble in any neighborhood. Knock on doors in a neighborhood that interests you. I suspect the residents will be happy to talk to you. There's no guarantee that nice quiet neighbors won't move and sell to a couple with shrieking grandkids that visit often, or barking dogs, or loud motorcycles etc etc. Anything is possible. We experienced the best and the worst. Best of luck.

Note that people under 19 can only visit for 30 non-consecutive days per year.

Who first hand has had that rule enforced - not my hairdresser, my friend's aunt, etc said. Barking dogs - call community watch and see what you get for an answer. Their specialty is overgrown weeds.

I have never had a problem with the rule. But, if I did, I would certainly file a detailed, documented complaint. This is a retirement community, and I like the rule.

I find all you need is one inconsiderate neighbor.

Not in our experience. Neighbors with pets are very conscientious around us. There actually are more without them than with.

I find worse noise are old A/C unit that sounds like unbalanced washing machine that has winding humming sound that goes up and down right next to side house sleep on. Luckily I live in corner lot don’t have kissing lani and I’m deaf in one ear so I just roll over still feel vibrations.

A number of court yard villas (CV’s) are rentals. Not enough parking and several Airbnb’s along with occasional barking dogs issues made me pass on a CV. OP, to each their own and you roll the dice and you may get lucky.

It’s honestly going to be hit or miss depending on your luck. We’re in a veranda home that’s also fenced in like the CYVs are, and we are on an interior lot, so we are surrounded by homes. The two homes on each side of us have one dog each and we never ever hear them. There’s one dog behind us that comes and goes with his owners who I think must be snowflakes. When he’s there and in the yard he’s not happy and barks often. Fortunately, when he starts up they bring him into the house. Occasionally, we’ll be in our backyard when he’s out and he will bark at whatever noise we make, so we are happy his owners are considerate and don’t let him bark for long. We honestly hear more barking out on the street when neighbors are walking their dogs, and they come upon other dogs to play with. When we hear or see this happening in the front yard we will sometimes go out to see them and get some doggie love. We don’t have pets anymore, so we enjoy seeing and loving on our pet neighbors.

We’ve been in a courtyard villa for three years with dogs all around us. (We do not have a dog) We’ll hear a dog once in a great while!!
Otherwise quiet!!