Probably annually.

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We have lived on the historic side for 4 years now. While it's true that alot of the people seem to over decorate their yards (mostly the 85 plus people), we find that the newer people tend to take better care of their houses. Slowly this side is being revamped due to the sale of houses to a younger crowd, younger being 60's. We live on a circle that overlooks a lit park at night and have a 75 year old tree in our backyard that provides wonderful shade. I'd rather have shade trees and parks in the older section than a house in the newer section with neighbors 6 feet away on 3 sides and bare landscape.
Also, our yearly insurance is $870.

The villages of Orange Blossom Gardens, Country Club Hills and Silver Lake comprise what is informally known as the historic district. It is all southeast of 441/27. It is called this because it is the area where Harold Schwartz and his partner Al Tarsson started The Villages. The first houses were near the intersection of Aloha Way and Tarsson Blvd. Schwartz lived in a home there until his death. It is also where Schwartz's son, Gary Morse decided to build the first golf course, Silver Lake. There was absolutely nothing to the northwest of 441/27. The small plaza behind the Circle K was the first town square.

I've spoken with several people on this side who have been here since the beginning. Many knew Harold Schwartz personally and said that he would often be out walking and chat with his neighbors. He also had a habit of inviting people in on hot summer days for a lemonade or soda.

I'd really like to see a formal history of the historic side done so that what Mr Schwartz did can be remembered and appreciated by all.

Did anyone notice the almost FIVE year gap in this thread? The topic is still pertinent, just saying. :D

And thank you for bringing this thread up. For those like me that are still dreaming the dream and not yet living it.

I like the historic side too, although we don't live there. The lots are bigger, and the trees and vegetation is mature and beautiful. It just has a more established feel to it.

There are not a lot of manufactured home communities that have their own hospital, churches, country clubs, recreation centers, golf courses, bowling alleys, library, softball field, dog parks, grocery stores, drug stores, RV parking, movie theatre, downtown area, restaurants, grocery stores and every other shopping you could possibly need. This was Harold Schwartz's dream. It's too bad the younger generation running things today aren't following that dream.

I find beauty in every Village.

I don't understand your post, Jan.

Be careful when quoting "Leisureville". The true TV believers think of Leisureville as "The Satanic Verses".

I'm not sure I follow your closing comment! I would venture to say that even the "historic side" took time to come to fruition just as our new areas are. Harold was still alive when Gary took The Villages to the next step and I would bet he was "on board" with the concept!! I for one am happy with how things have taken shape. LOVE THE VILLAGES---life style and all!!!

:clap2::MOJE_whot:

Really, need to be careful or the "love it or leave it brigade" will be after you.

Boy howdy.

I read Leisureville. It didn't dissuade me at all from planning to move there. I felt it was written by someone not yet exposed to the "joys" of older age. When he finds driving at night more challenging, he might appreciate a place where most of the activities end before 9pm.

It's just too bad that more of the amenities that were built in the Spanish Springs area were not on the planning board when Lake Sumter Landing was designed; for instance bowling alleys, soft ball fields, a venue similar to Church on the Square, RV parking, dog parks, churches, etc.