[pauld315]

We are planning on retiring to The Villages in about 3 years. We visited twice this year. the first time we were there was the third week of April for a week. The second time we were there was around the 4th of July for 5 days. We noticed a lot less people there in July than were there in April. I expected that but can somebody tell me when the snowbirds typically leave in the spring and subsequently return in the fall ? Also, does anybody know what percentage of the homes there are inhabited year round ?

[Ohiogirl]

I don't think there are any official numbers - someone correct me if I'm wrong. The numbers I have heard bandied about (is bandied a word)? are between 60-70% are year-rounders.

I think that many year-rounders also take off (vacations, if you will, or visiting family) in the summer to try to avoid the really hot weather for a while. Of course, they could be visiting family in the midwest, where it might be just as hot except for a shorter time, and not constant.

Also, in the summer, fewer people are out of a/c comfort so you just don't see as many people out and about. Doesn't mean they are not there, just cocooning for awhile, in reverse of up north.

I think it's true, as others have posted here, that the newer villages will have more snowbirds to begin with, and also more rentals. The longer you are here, the more your social life centers in TV, and you start staying longer, and decide to sell the home up north (or wherever).

I also think that in this economy, more new retirees are deciding it is too expensive to have 2 homes and in the near future at least, more will be year-round. That's MO, anyway. Wonder if the realtors are seeing this?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

I don't think there are any official numbers - someone correct me if I'm wrong. The numbers I have heard bandied about (is bandied a word)? are between 60-70% are year-rounders.

I think that many year-rounders also take off (vacations, if you will, or visiting family) in the summer to try to avoid the really hot weather for a while. Of course, they could be visiting family in the midwest, where it might be just as hot except for a shorter time, and not constant.

Also, in the summer, fewer people are out of a/c comfort so you just don't see as many people out and about. Doesn't mean they are not there, just cocooning for awhile, in reverse of up north.

I think it's true, as others have posted here, that the newer villages will have more snowbirds to begin with, and also more rentals. The longer you are here, the more your social life centers in TV, and you start staying longer, and decide to sell the home up north (or wherever).

I also think that in this economy, more new retirees are deciding it is too expensive to have 2 homes and in the near future at least, more will be year-round. That's MO, anyway. Wonder if the realtors are seeing this?

Ohiogirl is right on.

Many snowbirds come down in October and stay until April, going back north for the holidays.

There is a group that comes for January, February and March. I would guess that many of those are renters, but I could be wrong.

I think Ohiogirl is right about seeing more full timers in the future because of the economy.

[Ohiogirl]

Nice to be reaffirmed by a Sage!

[Johnshirts]

We will be renting for a month shortly. What does the trail fee entitle us to please, and how much does it cost to play the championship courses?

[obxgal]

You should find all your information here:
http://www.golfthevillages.com/executive-golf/

Just click on the Championship logo on page to get their fees and information.

If the link does not work, just past it into you browser address.

[swrinfla]

I think Ohiogirl is right on, too! I've heard for some time that a rough estimate is that 70% of owners are here full-time. That must translate to some 30% being so-called "snowbirds." So, some 24,000 folks disappear in the "summer!"

I foresee many more staying permanently, but there'll always be the Canadians, Brits and other non-U.S. friends who can't stay longer than 6 months. They'll continue to be a fairly significant portion of The Villages!

I have a personal guage as to when we have been overwhelmed with the winter guests. It may not satisfy everyone, but it works for me: when there are as many as 20 cars backed up on northbound Morse Blvd at the Rio Grande Blvd light, then we're in high season!

It seems to me that most snowbirds leave before mid-October, and most return before mid-April. It's definitely a fluid situation, but I think these dates will help you judge what's happenin'!

SWR