[Billy1]

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.

[bowlingal]

Michael, of course prices are higher here in the villages. That's why people go OUTSIDE the bubble for products/services

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by Billy1

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.

DITTO...

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

Gas is not more expensive in TV unless you are buying rec gas/non ethanol

[J1ceasar]

Even if you go outside of the bubble once they know you're a villager the prices are automatically higher just like tourists get the different menu from restaurants when they go to Paris. The reality is as many people have stated below real estate is more money for rent although I feel that's a false narrative because real estate is higher because there's more concentration of wealth and the potential for a larger sales here. The restaurants generally do much better because more people eat out more days of the week and in fact I know people that don't even know where their kitchen is in the house. In actuality if you're doing more business your prices should actually be lower but that's really a hard thing to see statistically or even when you go shopping. I can tell you for things like food there are generally three to four different classes of supermarkets here with all these and save a lot being on the low end of pricing as well as Walmart. If you want something more expensive like a golf cart or a car I think naturally you're going to go shopping inside and outside of the villages to compare and I think if they're hungry for business you'll get a deal somewhere. Overall I don't think I would worry about this if you can afford the villages you're better off than 98% of the population of the US

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by Billy1

I read "In The Bubble" before moving here, so I knew I couldn't afford to live in TV prior to moving here.

It depends from where you are moving. The Villages is MUCH less expensive than most major metropolitan areas/cities.
If you are moving from NY/NJ/PA/Mass/Ca/etc, your property taxes will be MUCH less.

Not sure I would make a major decision like that based on a book, might make sense to rent for a week or two to see for yourself.

[The Caretaker]

Yes take advantage of the mature they are rich anyway. Also The Village triple net lease is why to high and also drives prices up! Why do you think it is so hard for business to come here? The Villages$$$$$

[paulajr]

I don't know where these people live...as I find prices to be much less IN The Villages than elsewhere. I am a "frugal" person, and know how to shop. Supermarkets are reasonable, and we have many choices.

As for the "higher rent" comments that keep appearing, they have been disproved over and over again..but people love saying it!

The most obvious "savings" in The Villages is cocktails, when we go out with friends from outside the bubble they can't believe how much less we pay.

So ..NO ... prices are not higher in The Villages than other areas of FLORIDA.

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Have you notice generally: "Is there higher prices" inside The Villages being paid for products compared to the outside community's?

By products I mean grocery's, golf carts, food in restaurants, gas etc.?

[Mhollowaygleasom]

Higher prices are common in any densely populated area, not just TV.

I agree that it’s annoying but there is something to be said for the convince. No one is forced to shop within the area.

Don’t like it, don’t shop here. Seems like an easy fix.

[davem4616]

I've found that some things may be a little less expensive outside the bubble, and sometimes about the same price...during the 'run' on toilet paper a year ago we traveled outside the bubble just to find some, it didn't matter what the price was.

having a variety of retail inside the bubble makes it a lot easier than having to always travel outside the bubble to do any shopping

[DAVES]

Endless chatter about nothing.

We are lucky to have a choice. History, not that long ago, there was one general store and it was half a day to go to another. Mail order, Sears saw and covered that opportunity. You would wait weeks to get your order. Amazon? Amazing, they deliver in a day, no charge shipping.

Future, is yet not written. Higher prices? Are things getting more expensive or is the dollar loosing value? Gold was fixed at $35 an oz. Today, if I recall it is $1500.

We need to discuss one issue at a time but reality is not that simple. It is all happening at once and it was always so.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by jimbomaybe

A number of factors , The villages is a well run ie a profitable business and designs development adoringly and probably realizes 2cents on every dollar that changes hands in the county, economy of scale . I come from Chicago major population center a nexus for rail traffic. . a greater supply at a better price, more competition for your dollar . I think this is all demonstrated at the food stores I drive farther to pay more for less quality and less selection

Re: food prices
Interesting reality. Food is one thing that is best when it is cheapest. Simple examples
cherries, this week peaches. Reason is simple. Bulk of the crop is being picked now.

Pricing? What to charge for an item is an art and a science. Charge too much or too little and you will find you are bankrupt.

Posts. I find it interesting what people think. I also find it interesting people who think anyone who does not agree with them is a FOOL. It is sad where we are today. Perhaps, it was always that way but I do wonder.

[Spalumbos62]

Originally Posted by Mhollowaygleasom

Higher prices are common in any densely populated area, not just TV.

I agree that it’s annoying but there is something to be said for the convince. No one is forced to shop within the area.

Don’t like it, don’t shop here. Seems like an easy fix.

Finally, someone stating the obvious....thank you

This thread was bringing on a headache. Lol
I don't think prices are out of control inside the bubble. There really is allot of choices..ie walmart or aldi's for your groceries...total savings
And come on folks...you can buy wine in the grocery store!! Can't do that in upstate ny.

If you are wasting your time in beautiful Florida running from store to store to save a few pennies, you missed the memo......enjoy that fund, you're not taking it with you.

Ps.....happy we all got thru the storm!

[Chi-Town]

Even though prices are going up here it is still less than other parts in Florida that I have visited recently.

[M2inOR]

I disagree with the original premise stating "more expensive in The Villages"

I moved from the West Coast, Portland Metro area. Everything is less expensive here for me: groceries, restaurants, beer/wine/spirits, daily necessities, housing, property tax, utilities, and NO state income tax. The sales tax doesn't bother me at all, as state and local public services are very efficient. Even landscape/pest control is less expensive.

If there are critical things I need, I can compare local to Amazon/Costco/Sam's.

Orlando and Tampa are a shirt drive away. And the roads are in great shape.

I'm so happy that I found The Villages. I told my Oregon friends that it's cheaper to visit them than to live there full time.

For those citing that The Villages are more expensive, I disagree for what I need or use.

Thanks to those who brought us The Villages!