[davem4616]

We've lived in New England and Ft Lauderdale prior to moving up to The Villages
When we first moved to FL I was overjoyed that there was no State income tax and I'd have no more snow removal fees...well the higher cost of automobile & Flood insurance, maintenance fees and building permit fees for anything & everything that you can think of ate that savings up

My experience has been that no matter where you live, if it's close enough to good medical care, shopping, etc. and low crime it's going to pretty much average out to the same cost of living

The money has to come from somewhere to support the infrastructure, the schools, etc

shop around for the insurance coverage and you'll save a bundle should you buy

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by TommyT

Does school taxes go away when one reaches the age of seventy in Florida ???

[rogerk]

Every county sets it's own rates and collects it's own taxes.

[dkaufnelson]

Homestead is wonderful to reduce your taxes but no one here has mentioned Save our homes or Portability which can greatly reduce your taxes also. If you move from one home anywhere in Florida where you were homesteaded and move to a different location and homestead there you get to transfer your Save our homes portability credit with you. I lived in Deland Florida when this law was passed I believe in 2008 and moved to the villages in late 2017. My home values were very similar and I carried with me 66,000 in Save our home portability. I now get my homestead credit and this Save our home portability credit both to lower my taxes here. You must ask for the Save our home portability within a certain time frame after you move or you won't ever be able to get it.You can pull it up on the internet to read all the details but anyone who has moved from one homesteaded home in Florida to another homesteaded home in Florida recently should definitely inquire with the tax office to see if you're eligible. Taxes are very complicated. The most important thing is to choose the location that will work best for you and your interests. there are many beautiful homes All over The Villages. You should also check out new construction south of 44 as prices there are much cheaper than the rest of the villages for what you will find there. Yes it is further away from many things but if you're young enough to look forward 3 or 4 years you will see that it will develop just as much as other areas in The Villages did years ago. Good luck.

[UsuallyLurking]

The big reason taxes are lower in Sumter, even after the recent 25% hike, is The Villages. TV in Marion and Lake are a small part of the county (both in area and population). TV is by far the biggest population center in Sumter, and 2,000+ new homes are going in there every year, increasing the tax base, and tax haul, even without touching the rates.

But, there are other considerations, which others have brought up, and why I live in the Marion County part of TV.

[brick010207]

Originally Posted by LuvtheVillages

Yes, it is very lopsided among counties. Marion and Lake counties have significantly higher taxes than Sumter county. Then you also pay tax to the local municipality.

The lowest property tax is on homes in unincorporated Sumter county, like ours. We do not pay tax to Wildwood or Lady Lake or any city/town.

Also watch for the non-ad valorem bond assessments. On pre-owned homes, the amount will vary, and is some cases may have already been paid off.

Everyone pays the non-ad valorem maintenance assessment. Each CDD district sets its own budget and the amount will be the same within the CDD, but will vary among the CDD's.

We live N of 466. Strongly recommend Springdale Area for two reasons: 1. It's close to everything (Sumter and Spanish Springs) and 2. We happen to have a house (Oversize 2B2B CYV in Fairlawn Villas )that will be going up for sale (we own 2 and decided I did not want to be a Landlord Again). The one for sale is currently occupied through 12/31 if you are not wanting to move in or close right away. I haven't asked him but I think the tenant would be willing to and would probably prefer to stay at least through the summer or the end of his lease. As far as taxes go with the increase planned for Sumter County and qualifying for Homestead exemption I think you'll see a much closer comparison. Someone else said it well that if you look at the real bottom line, you won't see much difference Also, it is not listed with any realtor so the we have some real wiggle room in what you wind up paying. The house will likely appraise in the neighborhood of $225,000. If you're interested and want to know more you can reach me at 434-603-1057.

[fl boomer]

Bonds in the north end of The Villages are much lower or paid off than the bonds on new property. Even though the prices may be lower in the new areas, once you add on the cost of the bond, you'll find that you're paying a much higher price than a lot of existing villas! If not paid off, the yearly payment on the bond is added to your tax bill.