[Bob.Betty]

i disagree, we talk to people all the time at the squares who have been here for many years. I would also recommend visiting a few rec centers and looking at what is all offered.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Veiragirl

The only thing I would add is not to buy a place in the "new" section south of 44. It is totally different then the Villages North of 44

Some folks like different……….

[Justputt]

My lifestyle visit was a week, and I'm not sure I could have done all you want to do in 3 days. IMO, do a week lifestyle visit, and I think you get 2 rounds of golf with it too!!! RELAX, cruise around the neighborhoods, look at models, listen to road noise, pickleball court noise, etc. and try to form some opinions of what you do and don't want to be nearby. Pay attention to how close homes are in different areas and think about location, location, location. We have a preserve lot, so when we look outback, we see trees, a pond, Spanish moss, etc. and our 0.15-acre lot doesn't seem so small. If you've seen much from Gold Wingnut, you know we have excellent EMS support that has more capabilities than most and has fast response times. Another hospital will take years, IMO. I haven't selected physicians (still use those from up north), but it appears TV healthcare only takes Advantage Plans and not government Medicare or private, so if that's important to you, your healthcare search will take more time. High season is a zoo, but not that bad IMO, so what you see will probably be as "bad" as it gets. Get a feel for the place in your 3-days and don't try to do so much it detracts from QUALITY time.

[Justputt]

Originally Posted by bshuler

Just a little up to date info.
.
Last Friday (02/09/24) I booked a 5 day Lifestyle visit. I was advised by the TV reservation person to stay over a Friday and Saturday to see the best of the entertainment. Sounds wonderful.

So.. they are booking way out into early to Mid May for $99 per night. $495 for five nights for a 2 bedroom house, Golf Car, two bikes, and a free PickleBall game?

Cant wait.

That's what I did and when I did it. Great time of year, IMO. Did you get hooked up with a salesperson yet? I got Eileen and she is the absolute best!

[LGKyler]

Probably half the residents living here bought on impulse the very first time they visited —and most were attracted to the lifestyle (golf, extensive number of clubs, the weather, etc.)Others like us rented every winter for 3 ,4,6 months. By then we knew which town square offered what we enjoyed, what model home we preferred. So when we purchased our home in 2010,we were happy with our choice. , In the beginning our health was good but after a few years we started needing better medical quality care so have established with doctors in Ocala, Orlando and Gainesville. That seems like an area of concern for you that would take some time to assess. Check the Airbnb listings once the high season ends in April and come immerse yourselves in the Villages culture. Most folks love it here, but it’s not for everyone. Good luck!

[Ptmcbriz]

Originally Posted by NYBob

Thanks guys. Yes, I understand that I'll need much more time, however we booked longer stays in areas we had no interest in once we arrived. So we decided to play it safe, book a short stay and from there decide if there will be another. If so, we'll probably rent for an extended period of time. With so much to take in I would think there will probably be a few long stays.

As far as hospitals being 15+ mins away, our concern would be in the case of a critical life threatening situation whereas one would be brought to the closest 911 receiving facility. And hospitals further away would not come into play.

That’s where our life flights come in. We live south of 44 in Hawkins, and we have had the life flight helicopter fly in and land in the church parking lot and the paramedics which are only 3 minutes away took the cardiac patient from his home to the helicopter which was 2 minutes away. We do have a full free standing ER south of 44 right at the Brownwood square entrance. It’s fabulous. It’s no different from the hospital ER, and if they think you need to stay at a hospital for extended time they transfer you. For assisted living check out Watercrest and also Freedom Pointe. Btw we moved here sight unseen from Oregon. Bought a house via a video call from our realtor and had never visited here…only watched videos for research. Best thing we ever did. Love it here!!

[MidWestIA]

You want to rent preferable above hwy 44 and drive around to the things up there you think you will want to go to. Then drive midway down below hwy 44 and do the same down there

[NYBob]

Well, we're on our way ! Just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who added to the discussion.

One thing we both agree on is the sense of community we noticed both here on TOTV and in the videos we've seen.
Very welcoming and helpful. Thank you !!

[Dlbonivich]

Assisted living facilities are abundant. My husband and I toured 6 over a 3 day period. There are many more. Many price points. They are relatively new and beautiful. Ratings are very accurate online. Go to Brownwood Square and go to the sales office they have maps and other information.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by Rwirish

There is no new hospital on 44.

Correct, it's being build on 470 and there is a hospital very near to the southern villages in Leesburg and a 24 hour emergency center on 44. These are and will be servicing the southern villages. I have had experiences at both TV hospital and Leesburg, Leesburg wins by a long shot.

[sowilts]

Originally Posted by Veiragirl

The only thing I would add is not to buy a place in the "new" section south of 44. It is totally different then the Villages North of 44

Live at Linden and have been everywhere. Great place to live south of 44. You will have to make your own decision. Visited for two days and made the lot decision on a phone call from the Villages at Compass Point Golf Course, Pasadena Md. No regrets.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

Correct, it's being build on 470 and there is a hospital very near to the southern villages in Leesburg and a 24 hour emergency center on 44. These are and will be servicing the southern villages. I have had experiences at both TV hospital and Leesburg, Leesburg wins by a long shot.

There’s no new hospital being built on 470.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

They have just opened the brand new model home center in the Village of Moultrie Creek (way down south over the turnpike) but you will need to have a Village Sales Agent to get access to the homes (I believe there are over 40 new models you can see). There is a small sales office there so stop in and ask to see some model homes if you don't already have an agent assigned to you.
The Trolley Tour is also a good suggestion. I believe they still leave from Everglades Rec Center. Stop into the sales center there early in your trip to try to reserve one as they do fill up especially in this very busy season.
You also want to see several recreation centers of different types (Regional and Village). Consider Rohan for the history and story of The Villages. Other impressive ones are Eisenhower, Everglades, Fenney and First Responders.
Yes, spend some time in all 3 squares (plus Sawgrass and Ednas) and make sure you see the impressive Sharon Performing Arts Center (the door is usually open when the box offices are), but also just linger around a recreation center both indoors and out. Sit at a pool (Fenney is a popular choice) and talk to as many people as possible. Villagers are happy to answer your questions (and I'm happy to too - just PM me)

[pablo cruze]

Originally Posted by NYBob

We'll be heading to TV this coming week and spending a few days in a hotel to look things over. Just wanted to ask for suggestions as to what we should do to make the best of our time there. We'll be making stops at hospitals, doctors offices to discuss availability to new patients and acceptance of insurance. Visiting Assisted Living Facilities for elderly family members. Viewing various villages of interest, and the distance to and from stores, amenities, medical. The general layout as far as roads, traffic, construction. Speaking to villagers about likes and concerns. Hitting the outer areas, if time allows. Grabbing pamphlets, maps, info. Checking out the Squares, and basically trying to take in as much as possible.

We'll only be there for three days, as we regretted in the past booking longer stays in areas we left after spending a day or so and realizing it was not at all what we had expected. Of course if all checks out, our next visit will be longer.

What would you suggest a must see on a first visit ? And is there a 'Welcome Center' of sorts were we can inquire and find all or most necessary info in one place. We'll be there from Mon - Thurs.

One last thing, we watched a UTube video ( I believe it was by 'Gold Wingnut' though I could be wrong) whereas he mentioned a second hospital that was in the works. This video was about two years old, more or less. What has happened to this ? Was it scrapped ? Delayed ? This is a sticking point for us, as we have read/heard there is a distinct lack of medical care in the area. If anyone could elaborate on this we would appreciate it, as this is our primary concern.

Hello, I have a house going for sale - not listed yet. 2577 Dunbar Ave - in the middle of the villages - very close to Sumter Landing, Spanish Springs, Brownwood, Colony Cottage, Seabreeze, Truman. Short walk to Havana Country Club. The house is totally renovated with designer features. message me if you want to take a look.

[pablo cruze]

Originally Posted by pablo cruze

Hello, I have a house going for sale - not listed yet. 2577 Dunbar Ave - in the middle of the villages - very close to Sumter Landing, Spanish Springs, Brownwood, Colony Cottage, Seabreeze, Truman. Short walk to Havana Country Club. The house is totally renovated with designer features. message me if you want to take a look.

new homes have very large bond - don't forget to add that to the "price" of the home