[Papa_lecki]

Here’s what we did

Rented for 5 different weeks, in different areas. We ruled out some areas, then REALLY thought we wanted to buy around LSL. Ended up buying near Brownwood.

Everyone has their own likes/dislikes. You need to figure that out. Like someone said earlier, figure out what places are important to you, then go from there.

[merrymini]

In order to cover the most ground, you should use an automobile. Ten days is enough if you motor and are motivated to see everything. We did it in five days but nothing below 44 at that time. You can visit all the squares, rec centers and take a good look at all the activities. Really do not know anything about the rental market, you will just have to look on line.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If you want access to everything by golf cart, the area somewhere between Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood is the most central right now. That will change as time goes on and in a few years, Route 44 will be the center of The Villages.

[Janhug123]

I would choose close to 466A if you can find a place. Duval, Hemingway, St Charles…nearby SeaBreeze Regional Rec Center.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by DIRTYSECRET

Planning to visit the Villages in December. I'll stay for 10 days, maybe even a month if it's too enjoyable to leave. Which neighborhood should I start out with for the first 10 days? Are others worth staying in or should a golf cart be sufficient to cover the entire area? I could see buying a place there. Thanks.

There are nearly 80 "villages" in The Villages. All have some similarities to the others but at the same time have differences as well: layout, age of homes, age of neighbors, etc. etc. It comes down to personal preference. My guess is that there are many people who have lived here for 20 years or more who have very little experience with any village but their own.

Yes, you can get pretty much everywhere in The Villages in a golf cart but be aware that the cart paths can be confusing to say the least. I walk a lot, and when snowbird season hits the times I am asked for directions by this or that confused cart driver go up exponentially.

[mike1946]

New CYV's are being built up near Mulberry ...quite close to the new First Responders Rec center.

[brick010207]

Originally Posted by DIRTYSECRET

Planning to visit the Villages in December. I'll stay for 10 days, maybe even a month if it's too enjoyable to leave. Which neighborhood should I start out with for the first 10 days? Are others worth staying in or should a golf cart be sufficient to cover the entire area? I could see buying a place there. Thanks.

You're most likely not get anything inside the villages for 10 days for December. Stay where you think you might want to live. It's a long trek North to South. If you want

Mature neighborhoods with lots of mature trees and landscape and residents: North of 466-Spanish Springs;

Well developed but still maturing, Mixed ages: South of 466-Lake Sumter:

Newborn neighborhoods: Lots of housing and infrastructure construction, Limited Services but developing quickly, Little to no mature landscape, Younger average age populations: South of 466A Brownwood Fenny.

[brick010207]

Add to previous comment: Take a trolley tour if you can. Do the one from Spanish Springs for good background and info on Villages as a whole: Some sales pitch but not too much: Then do Lake Sumter and or Brownwood to get a look at that area and facilities. Quite a bit of sales pitch in these but again a good way to get a 1,000 ft perspective of the different areas in very little time. Also just know that prices are exceptionally high right not and if you find something you want be prepared to buy or wait. A year from now things may be different.

[Cherstubbs]

If you’re only staying for 7-10 days, you might see if the Marriott Residence Inn at Spanish Springs Town Square is available. Would be a good home base. Just a thought!

[Larry P.]

Originally Posted by DIRTYSECRET

Planning to visit the Villages in December. I'll stay for 10 days, maybe even a month if it's too enjoyable to leave. Which neighborhood should I start out with for the first 10 days? Are others worth staying in or should a golf cart be sufficient to cover the entire area? I could see buying a place there. Thanks.

I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home available to rent from Dec 6th through Dec 25th in the Village of Lynnhaven. It is south of 466 and a 12 minute cart ride to Lake Sumter Landing. The rental includes a gas golf cart. Find me on villagershomes4rent.com; Property # 5819 if you have any interest.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by merrymini

In order to cover the most ground, you should use an automobile. Ten days is enough if you motor and are motivated to see everything. We did it in five days but nothing below 44 at that time. You can visit all the squares, rec centers and take a good look at all the activities. Really do not know anything about the rental market, you will just have to look on line.

Disagree - the golf cart is what’s sets TV apart from other places. And if you’re thinking about purchasing, you’ll want to know about golf cart times.

[virtue51]

I rented from Down Home Properties on multiple visits. Go to their website to see what is available.

You should use a car to view the homes -- you will be able to get from one home to another home much quicker.

Good luck with your search.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Yes. Houses are less expenses but just as nice.

[frose]

i'd get a place in Naples.. This place is not very good regardless of what people say.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by frose

i'd get a place in Naples.. This place is not very good regardless of what people say.

Minority opinion noted. Ridiculous, but noted.