[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Carlsondm

We are from the north and moved here 6 years ago after lifestyle visits. We are 76 now and active year round. You will meet residents who are 90s and 100s here. I highly recommend renting for 3 or more months to feel the politics, traffic, medical services, and area you prefer to live in. We are non golfers with other hobbies and are busy all the time. No basements here and lots of electrical storms in some locations. Hurricanes usually fizzle out before they reach us. We found good medical care but had to work for it. Btw, we chose the south side and love it. Sumter County for lower taxes and near Leesburg hospitals.

Hurricanes fizzle out based on older statistics. The past 10 years have been the warmest in the last 150 years. The hurricanes keep getting bigger. Pretty soon one will reach The Villages with significant strength.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Which Carolina did you move to?

I was in Tennessee in the summer when I could AFFORD 2 HOMES.

[Cdj1040]

Originally Posted by mrsstats

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

There are many nice retirement villages in Florida. Your monthly fee here pays for golf and loads of activities at the recreation centers and more. If you don't care much about those things other communities will have activities and pools on a smaller scale. They all offer lifestyle type visits. If you move here especially the newer Southern areas expect to see many young retirees and some who still work from home etc in their 50s. If you want older neighbors consider north of highway 44 in the older developments.

[Pickbent]

former posting cut short. please add to it: S. florida is not even Florida, except for weather and seashore. Far too crowded with metro types from NY, NJ,ETC. bringing higher COL, taxations, same politics that caused their move in first place!

[hmbfoxtail]

I know you just have to be 55 so I believe you qualify. That said I never heard of a age max. So I strongly believe you will be happy here.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by hmbfoxtail

I know you just have to be 55 so I believe you qualify. That said I never heard of an age max. So I strongly believe you will be happy here.

You don’t have to be 55. There are villagers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, etc. Age is only an issue if you have kids under age 19.

[xcaligirl]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

if you’re mobile and in relatively good health do it.
Your glory years will be much better quality - wish my parents would have done it.

Absolutely agree 100%

[xcaligirl]

Originally Posted by dtennent

I will second the suggestion to rent. It is hard to understand this community without living here for a while. You will also gain an appreciation for each area within The Villages. If you decide to move, only bring down those few items which have strong emotional ties. Sell the rest and buy new when you get here. The cost of moving lots of furniture and dealing with whatever damage occurs is large compared to the cost of buying new furniture. Most important, maximize the joy in your life going forward.

Well said! I wish we would've rented for 6 months before buying a house. I was told that every person who moves here move at least 3 times. We moved here is 2014 and moved into our home then the DH decided he HAD to live on a pond so the whining began. My only regret of moving is that we didn't move into a bigger home (for comfort and space) and a 2 car garage. And there is no moving option now....

[xcaligirl]

Originally Posted by mrsstats

We are 75 and 74. Relatively good health. Mostly age-related issues. Arthritis, hip issue (dh will need hip replacement in next 2 years) We are active. Enjoy bowling and travel.

Tired of winter in the north, love warm weather. Been to 2 lifestyle visits. Love the concept of the Villages.

I think of biggest concern is medical care (Medicare and AARP supplemental is our insurance. We have no children or close family so we would not be giving up anything to move.

Thoughts from those living there.

Depends how you both feel! Are you aware or have you experienced a summer here? It's hot, no denial from me, but that is what I hear the most.... 'ugh, it's hot here'! Don't bring your strong opinions that are against the beliefs of Florida. Keep an open mind! Seek out a Medicare or "Florida Blue" consultant, they can help you make the decision. Our insurance is good and my husband has a medical issue and is going to have surgery in a highly suggested in Orlando. It's on our plan and will cost nominal. We moved here thinking "IF we don't like it, we will just have to move to a different state but we promised to stay for a few years first". Same situation, no children, except some family ties but it's all good! No place will be perfect.