If you're mobile and looking forward to a fun and active lifestyle, then you're never too old to move to The Villages. People come to The Villages to LIVE! Life is so much fun here and there is so much to do, no matter what your interests are.

A common rule of thumb in decision making is, when faced with good alternatives, to make the choice that represents change. I have always found that to be good advice.

Another good way to visualize is to ask yourself the questions backwards....what will your life be like over the next 10 years if you don't make this change. Picture yourself 10 years from now. Is it more likely that you will regret having made a move, or not having made a move?

Sorry for the philosophy. Just sharing my own process leading to a move.

In terms of health care, suffice it to say you would not be the only villager with Arthritis and needing a hip replacement. You can get that work done, in Orlando, or Tampa or at your prior home. Lots of choices and lots of peers to discuss it with, probably more than you have now.

My wife and I are convinced that living in The Villages is going to add years to our lives. Staying active physically, mentally, and socially is a roadmap for good health and a higher quality of life. Finding happiness here is easy, if you put forth the small effort. Despite what some of the naysayers might tell you, finding good quality health care here is also very achievable. None of us know how much time we have left in this life. Why not maximize that time by living somehere that allows you to live life to the fullest?

We did it at 78 and 75. best move we ever made. Its never too late.

C'mon down. You'll live longer down here.
 

10 years ago we spent a few days in an adjacent hotel for our first look. The following 3 years we rented for a month at a time in 3 different neighborhoods. 5 years ago, at the age of 75, we sold our cold home and moved here for good. We DID NOT bring any snow removal "stuff."

We never looked back. Would not consider living somewhere else, and find everything we want or need here. We, too, are on Medicare Advantage, and find the medical care great. PM me for more specific details, and Good Luck.

Medical care near TV is sketchy. We always drove to Gainesville for serious issues or surgery. However, U of F is moving into TV and perhaps the care will improve. The lifestyle in TV is hard to beat. It is inspiring to see folks in their 80's and 90's out playing golf, walking, dining out etc. You just have to decide what is most important.

Never saw a sinkhole up north and I'll bet most haven't. If the OP plans wisely, snow removal isn't their problem.. condo's handle that. Snow removal and handling isn't what it was in the year 2000 so driving is seldom an issue unless it's the day of your surgery and it just snowed 2'. Retirement means you don't have to be on the road at a certain time every day. Winterizing means turning the outdoor spigots indoor valve one full turn, done. Lawn doesn't require irrigation and we don't deal with mole crickets, another pestilence. We didn't have to power wash our northern property ever.

We've lived both north and south. We would definitely take the upkeep time, costs and maintenance that were associated with northern property over Florida in a heartbeat. The way to beat all those extra costs and efforts in The Villages is to rent. With a condo or rental in the north and a rental in The Villages, it's a perfect fit for an old couple.

Move to South or North Carolina because the summers are too HOT here. You burn your hand when you touch your car if in the sun too long. And it keeps getting warmer. Google world heat increasing in the most recent 10 years. Then ask your self Why? Hint. Then look at your car's exhaust.

My parents landed here when they were each 72. Twelve years later they are still going 90mph with their hair on fire. Over the years, I've learned that I had to SCHEDULE phone calls! Three times out of four I got "Can we call you back? We are busy, right now."

I watched them be so active and vibrant, due in major part because of the lifestyle, here, that I came down.

Been here two months as permanent full-time and I don't regret a thing.

This is one family's experience.

Your mileage may vary.

My current takeaway is that one gets out of this community what you put into it....but if you're bored or lonely, it's your own fault.

If you're into watching Gunsmoke reruns....you can do that anywhere.

Be well and good luck with your decision.

Nonsense. I don't LIKE wicker, rattan, or cane. I LIKE solid hardwoods. I don't LIKE beige/cream/tan combined with the obligatory sea-blue and coral. I LIKE cherry and maple with turquoise and purple.

Do yourself a favor, OP. Get what you like, and bring your favorite pieces, if that's what makes you feel happy and at home in your new surroundings.

At age 78, you might consider a location that has sidewalks or an MMP nearby. Especially once hubby gets his hip replaced. The older you are when you get that done, the longer the recovery period. Normally he'd be up and walking around the same day, but with pain and not very balanced yet. Within a few months he'd be better than he was before the doctors told him he'd need it. At age 60.

At almost 80, it might take a couple more months. A sidewalk or MMP would be much safer, and help the recovery time much more efficiently, than having to walk on uneven road surfaces where the gutter is a very pronounced dip in the edge of the street.

The Villages hospital (Spanish Plaines now) has a low rating primarily because of its emergency services. The inpatient services are pretty good and they have some top-notch orthopedic surgeons who work out of it.

The Villages is an active senior community. If you travel and bowl, you probably are still pretty active! There are even clubs dedicated to travel. Cruises and European trips and such. The bowling lanes are in the northern half of the Villages in Spanish Springs Town Square. If you plan on bowling weekly, you might consider looking at homes between Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs, off Buena Vista.

Downsides to the suggested location: they're all homes that were built years ago, you don't get to customize the layout. They might need upgrades - new appliances, new air conditioner, new water heater, new roof.

Upsides to that: you don't have to wait for a new build AND there will likely be no bond balance to pay. If the home was built and maintained in a "sweet spot" window of time, it already has a new roof, new appliances, new HVAC. Landscaping is mature. Fewer vacancies and no "new home construction" going on.

Medical care in the villages
 

There are no hospitals in the immediate area worth caring for humans.

Which Carolina did you move to?

Move here. You'll love it. I have the same insurance, excellent health care here with Orlando Health doctors. Just had a hip replacement with Optomotion Orthopedics, I'm 70 and 2 weeks after the operation I'm walking unassisted and no pain. They are one of the best in the country and take your insurance. Look at pre-owned homes in established areas of the Villages so you have shopping, dr and dentists and anything else you’ll need nearby. Talk with the neighbors surrounding any home you want to buy and ask lots of questions about that neighborhood. I've been here since 2001 in a home we had custom built and love it here even more with every passing year. Do it now while you can still enjoy all the area has to offer.