[Randall55]

Originally Posted by BigSteph

I disagree.

There is a grocery store south of 44. There is a rumor of one right in front of The Villages Green (Greenhouses). There is documentation that 2 more are coming -- 1 at Eastport and 1 at Middleton. Strip malls are popping up on Warm Springs. There are rumors of all sorts of businesses on 44, Warm Springs, and the buildout along 301.

Honestly, Wildwood is where most everything is coming in the next years. Yeah, a lot in Wildwood downtown, but I would rather it stay there and I come to it.

I look at all the established Villages with apartments and rental homes backing up to them and I feel for those villagers. I don't think that is what they signed up for years ago.

Many of the areas in the south are landlocked -- there is no chance of apartments, rental neighborhoods, etc.

I choose not to hate where you live, I visit there, and I drive home afterwards.

????? All the newest Big Box Stores have chosen NOT to open in the new area. You have no chance of apartments and rentals? Maybe you need new eyeglasses. Several have already been built in that area with MANY MORE TO COME. They are widening the turnpike and 301 because of expected population explosion. Once thousands and thousands more move in, then WIldwood will attract big commercial stores. Which will take several more years.

[Karmanng]

Originally Posted by Coop63

My wife and I are in the process of making TV our primary residence. I am 60, wife younger, work remotely, retire in next 5 years. Want to be retired day 1 and travel north-west for summers.

Integrating into neighborhood is very important to us. We are fun loving, social, non-drinkers. Not sure that is important for evaluating area (lol)

We have narrowed our choices down to the following areas.



1. 466a-Buena Vista area.
Pro: Vicinity to shopping, golfing, town squares, more established
Con: Is it at peak? Will we be able to integrate into an established neighborhood easily. Roof replacement and remodel costs nearer term. Age compatibility.

2. New home in Moultrie Creek/Shady Brook area.
Pro: Everything new, Equity bump, easier to recoup from picking wrong area. Like the plans for Middleton and Eastport
Con: Living in a proverbial "outpost" for a few years until things build around us. Vicinity to other town squares and shopping. Big Bond.

3. Fenny area.
Pro: Walking trails, nature vibes, between Brownwood and Eastport-Middleton.
Con: Distance to shopping and other amenities

All comments welcome. We have visited the Villages 5 times this winter, looked at street of dreams in Moultrie creek and visited the areas above. Not opposed to other areas, these are the areas that jumped out to us.

Huge fan of the this forum. Thanks in advance to those that reply.

I would go somewhere in the middle...........ppreowned has less or fully paid bond with upgrades would not go into the new area at all.......far from everything as of right now and even down the road

[Karmanng]

Originally Posted by MollyJo

Like Fenny, spacious with walking/biking trails. Can always get groceries delivered…

groceries delivers takes all the fun out of seeing what you buy plus its not cost effective with there fees mayas well do it yourself unless you are lazy

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by Randall55

Some people buy a home close to a square(s) because they dance EVERY NIGHT

Some people strategically buy a home close to 10 or more golf courses because they LOVE TO GOLF

Some people buy a home close to neighbors their own age because THEY LOVE TO SOCIALIZE AND ENTERTAIN

Some buy close to several rec centers because PICKLEBALL IS THEIR FAVORITE PAST TIME

Some buy near trails because they LOVE TO WALK OR BIKE

Catching the drift? Buy a home that SUITS YOU. This is the only way you will not end up moving within a year because you took others advice instead of following your idea of the perfect retirement.

Use the same thinking when purchasing the correct type of home. BUY WHAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY FOR MANY YEARS. Want a big home? Buy one! No maintenance? Avoid all others! Privacy? Make certain your home has a fence. Life remains good when you follow your dreams.

More great advice. This might be my favorite day of totv.

[BigSteph]

Originally Posted by Randall55

????? All the newest Big Box Stores have chosen NOT to open in the new area. You have no chance of apartments and rentals? Maybe you need new eyeglasses. Several have already been built in that area with MANY MORE TO COME. They are widening the turnpike and 301 because of expected population explosion. Once thousands and thousands more move in, then WIldwood will attract big commercial stores. Which will take several more years.

I'm really confused with your confusion.

There is only one area below 44 that has been built with apartments since the Villages bought everything. It is adjacent to Coleman prison. It is a set of one-story duplexes and single units.

All the other apartments are in Wildwood above 44 on Powell and 466A.

Wildwood, above 44, has already announced Home Depot, Target, 2 Wawas, Panda Express, Arby's, CVS, and many more retail and dining areas. This is the present build-out of The Villages. 466 will finish its vacant land as well. Then, everything is 44 and below. That is the nature of the southward crawl. For another decade stuff will continue around Wildwood and then it will be SW Leesburg and Sumterville and Centerville where it will all happen over the next 5 - 20 years.

Other than Hobby Lobby and Costco, 466 is slowing. 301 along all the Villages is growing, as it will all the way south to Centerville over the next decade. 441 along the east side of The Villages will also see growth, but that is as much about non-Villagers as it is about us.

The Villages owns almost all the land south of 44 between 301 (proposed) and 48. The neighborhoods are back to back and side to side, and there is little land for other developers to do anything with.

For that matter, even the Hobby Lobby and Costco seem to be on unused developer property.

Wildwood and Fruitland Park and Lady Lake have plenty of non-Villages land to develop up against The Villages. Again, in the South there is hardly any land not owned by the developer. Other an an apartment area planned and owned by the developer in Middleton, there is little chance of rental homes or apartments. Maybe the Coleman area will build out with cheaper homes and apartments. The Villages doesn't own every acre in Sumter.

There are places for retail along 301 near coleman, some land on 470 north of Middleton, along 470 past Dabney, and on 48. Once you get to Dabney, heck you are in the Leesburg area. I can see 27 building out retail. I say all this to suggest that there is plenty of room for things South of 44.

I normally don't rant, but I just think this sour grapes North vs South, East Coast vs West Coast, Ford vs. Chevy crap is silly.

I will bet everything I own that the area below 44 will be the heart of The Villages and the center of commerce in the next decade or two. Years from now, there will be people ragging on the Villagers buying below Centerville saying nothing is coming to that area and they are fools. They will probably be people living South of 44.

Bless your heart.

[Randall55]

Originally Posted by BigSteph

I'm really confused with your confusion.

There is only one area below 44 that has been built with apartments since the Villages bought everything. It is adjacent to Coleman prison. It is a set of one-story duplexes and single units.

All the other apartments are in Wildwood above 44 on Powell and 466A.

Wildwood, above 44, has already announced Home Depot, Target, 2 Wawas, Panda Express, Arby's, CVS, and many more retail and dining areas. This is the present build-out of The Villages. 466 will finish its vacant land as well. Then, everything is 44 and below. That is the nature of the southward crawl. For another decade stuff will continue around Wildwood and then it will be SW Leesburg and Sumterville and Centerville where it will all happen over the next 5 - 20 years.

Other than Hobby Lobby and Costco, 466 is slowing. 301 along all the Villages is growing, as it will all the way south to Centerville over the next decade. 441 along the east side of The Villages will also see growth, but that is as much about non-Villagers as it is about us.

The Villages owns almost all the land south of 44 between 301 (proposed) and 48. The neighborhoods are back to back and side to side, and there is little land for other developers to do anything with.

For that matter, even the Hobby Lobby and Costco seem to be on unused developer property.

Wildwood and Fruitland Park and Lady Lake have plenty of non-Villages land to develop up against The Villages. Again, in the South there is hardly any land not owned by the developer. Other an an apartment area planned and owned by the developer in Middleton, there is little chance of rental homes or apartments. Maybe the Coleman area will build out with cheaper homes and apartments. The Villages doesn't own every acre in Sumter.

There are places for retail along 301 near coleman, some land on 470 north of Middleton, along 470 past Dabney, and on 48. Once you get to Dabney, heck you are in the Leesburg area. I can see 27 building out retail. I say all this to suggest that there is plenty of room for things South of 44.

I normally don't rant, but I just think this sour grapes North vs South, East Coast vs West Coast, Ford vs. Chevy crap is silly.

I will bet everything I own that the area below 44 will be the heart of The Villages and the center of commerce in the next decade or two. Years from now, there will be people ragging on the Villagers buying below Centerville saying nothing is coming to that area and they are fools. They will probably be people living South of 44.

Bless your heart.

Not confused AT ALL. The developer does not own the land where the apartments and townhomes have been built. Several more are in the works. I do not rant about North vrs South. I believe everyone should live where they are most comfortable. But!!! You are dreaming if you believe the new area will be free of apartments and rentals. It happens in every community throughout the USA. The area south of 44 will be no different. City development always includes affordable housing.

Lowes, Home Depot, Publix, CVS and fast food chains are the NORM in new areas. Lowes and Home Depot profit from the large amount of construction. Grocery stores, drug stores and gas stations are a necessity. Fast food chains service the construction workers. No unnecessary commercial will be built until the population has increased significantly. As of now, there are no major roadways that see lots of traffic daily. Major arteries are needed for unnecessary commercial. Until then, these stores will have no interest. I'm just keeping it real.

[frayedends]

Originally Posted by Randall55

Not confused AT ALL. The developer does not own the land where the apartments and townhomes have been built. Several more are in the works. I do not rant about North vrs South. I believe everyone should live where they are most comfortable. But!!! You are dreaming if you believe the new area will be free of apartments and rentals. It happens in every community throughout the USA. The area south of 44 will be no different. City development always includes affordable housing.

Lowes, Home Depot, Publix, CVS and fast food chains are the NORM in new areas. Lowes and Home Depot profit from the large amount of construction. Grocery stores, drug stores and gas stations are a necessity. Fast food chains service the construction workers. No unnecessary commercial will be built until the population has increased significantly. As of now, there are no major roadways that see lots of traffic daily. Major arteries are needed for unnecessary commercial. Until then, these stores will have no interest. I'm just keeping it real.

470 in Dabney sees tons of traffic off the turnpike and the villages owns a lot of land just south of 470.

[Randall55]

Originally Posted by frayedends

470 in Dabney sees tons of traffic off the turnpike and the villages owns a lot of land just south of 470.

But, do you know which type of commercial? For example, turnpikes are known to have truck/service stop areas. An entire city CANNOT be built solely to satisfy the needs of an elderly population. Even if the elderly population is the majority. Others have needs. The cities of Wildwood and Leesburg will not ignore those issues. Again, just keeping it real. Expect the unexpected because it is going to happen SOMEWHERE in that area

[LeRoySmith]

Originally Posted by BigSteph

Ford vs. Chevy crap is silly.

Bless your heart.

In 20 years I'm going to be old, I like Ford best. 😀

[frayedends]

Originally Posted by Randall55

But, do you know which type of commercial? For example, turnpikes are known to have truck/service stop areas. An entire city CANNOT be built solely to satisfy the needs of an elderly population. Even if the elderly population is the majority. Others have needs. The cities of Wildwood and Leesburg will not ignore those issues. Again, just keeping it real. Expect the unexpected because it is going to happen SOMEWHERE in that area

You figure the Villages will put in a Days Inn and Loves Truck Stop. LOL. Maybe I'll go pay for a shower there.

A Buccees wouldn't be bad. But seriously, how about another Costco right off the turnpike.

Honestly I don't care at all. As long as I can go food shopping, find restuarants and bars I'm fine. Retail stores are a thing of the past. I mean, I don't mind browsing turtle sculptures in Brownwood to make my house look more beachy, but I don't need retail other than food and booze.

[MidWestIA]

They want to sell you below hwy 44 for new houses with not much to go to down there just houses. The original idea is you can drive a golf cart 20 min to lots of golf, stores and restaurants - guess what only if you buy preowned ABOVE HWY 44. If people REALIZE and ONLY buy PREOWNED above HWY 44 presto bango all kinds of stores will be down there. The Villages WENT CHEAP and hoped that noone would notice you have to drive 30-40 min for any store, restaurants or golf courses and it ONLY has HOUSES down there.

Have any doubts go sit but the bridge by 44 and watch all the people in carts coming up from below 44

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by MidWestIA

They want to sell you below hwy 44 for new houses with not much to go to down there just houses. The original idea is you can drive a golf cart 20 min to lots of golf, stores and restaurants - guess what only if you buy preowned ABOVE HWY 44. If people REALIZE and ONLY buy PREOWNED above HWY 44 presto bango all kinds of stores will be down there. The Villages WENT CHEAP and hoped that noone would notice you have to drive 30-40 min for any store, restaurants or golf courses and it ONLY has HOUSES down there.

Have any doubts go sit but the bridge by 44 and watch all the people in carts coming up from below 44

Really?

Wake up - 70+ new homes a week continue to sell. No one cares what the tired old dark clouds think.

If I wanted to live near the traffic and a bunch of boring franchise business, I'd move away from Wildwood to a real city like Tampa.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by frayedends

You figure the Villages will put in a Days Inn and Loves Truck Stop. LOL. Maybe I'll go pay for a shower there.

A Buccees wouldn't be bad. But seriously, how about another Costco right off the turnpike.

Honestly I don't care at all. As long as I can go food shopping, find restuarants and bars I'm fine. Retail stores are a thing of the past. I mean, I don't mind browsing turtle sculptures in Brownwood to make my house look more beachy, but I don't need retail other than food and booze.

It is the FLORIDA TURNPIKE! There are required provisions needed for travellers and vehicles. IMO, a big truck/service center is not out of the question. How else do you handle thousands of trucks and cars motoring through on a eight-lane turnpike? Fingers crossed, it will be a few miles away from the Villages. But then again, other turnpike necessities may pop up quite close. As an example, expressways were mentioned in the plans for widening.

[thelegges]

It amazes me that every time developers build a new village or village's there is the group who are so adamant about telling you…..Don’t Buy There, because of No Shopping, No Amenities, No Golf, Big Bonds, More taxes.
Have not been here as long as some but since 2007, I have read the same exact posts for each and every new area. Do you remember when there was just the Historic Side. Some Residents were up in arms that houses were being built across that unbelievable busy road. “ why are those Groups of people throwing away their money”

What they seem to forget is when the “Group” of those who criticize, actually bought 10-30 years ago and guess what, minimal shopping, Bonds, and some area higher taxes than others.

Guess a few years living here makes you forget your neighborhoods were the new area, with those living in neighborhoods for years saying the same exact thing in this post.

Doom “I Say” Doom if one buys anywhere except the area or village “I” choose because it’s where everyone should live.

[frayedends]

Originally Posted by margaretmattson

It is the FLORIDA TURNPIKE! There are required provisions needed for travellers and vehicles. IMO, a big truck/service center is not out of the question. How else do you handle thousands of trucks and cars motoring through on a eight-lane turnpike? Fingers crossed, it will be a few miles away from the Villages. But then again, other turnpike necessities may pop up quite close. As an example, expressways were mentioned in the plans for widening.

Yeah could happen but I don’t think the Villages will put that on their land south of 470. That’s the land we were talking about.