[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by tvbound

I totally agree with renting first. While there is definitely a large cost difference between 'high winter' season and summer, we've rented during both periods to ensure that we could not only live with the crowds - but also with the 'heat index' (temp and humidity) of July & August. Ironically, even though we've lived in a smaller community forever now and TV during high season is pretty nuts, I think the latter (heat), will be harder for me to personally adjust. Being able to play February golf, in shorts no less, is like heaven though.

I have visited The Villages 3 times in high season and more than that in the summer. If the OP is going to be a full-time resident, I would definitely visit for a week or 2, or longer if you can in July or August to see how you acclimate to a Central Florida summer.

I will be renting in the Village of Bonnybrook for 2 weeks in July. I need another dose of Central Florida in July! This will be my first visit to The Villages since February, 2020. I am looking forward to seeing all of the expansion south of 44 that has taken place in the past 16 months. I really want to see Edna's on the Green. See you all at Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood starting one week from today!

[Obrienx4]

Do a lifestyle stay and spend some time

[tmzakarian]

We just bought a home in the Villages and actually closed yesterday. While we were familiar with the different areas we found no matter where you purchased outside of the new section to the far south there was everything you needed. Many pools, golf courses, rec. centers, club activities all within a short golf cart ride from your house. As a result we focused primarily on the house we wanted ( Stucco exterior, laminate flooring, more sq. footage, open lanai/birdcage etc.) and we found it. While there are areas with a little more shopping, dining etc. nothing is that far away. Good luck on your search.

[ithos]

There is not best area for all. They all have their advantages and drawbacks.

The new homes for some models have substantial design improvements over the houses north of 44. The trails are also better and offer amenities that are not available anywhere else. However, many services, clubs and stores, etc., will take much longer to access via a golf cart for several years to come.

Lake Sumter Landing is the best town square and I don't believe that will ever change.

If you don't mind driving everywhere by car and the lack of greenery, I would give serious consideration for the new area. Some on TOTV have made claims that the average age will be considerably younger there too if that matters.

Originally Posted by adamcurtis

My wife and I have visited The Villages and love all there is to do! We hope to purchase a home and live here full-time. I need some help from the community to make some decisions. Here are our concerns when considering a location. Is it better to be close to a square or further away (are they noisy)? What other amenities are there besides golfing (we are not avid golfers, although we enjoy mini golf on occasion haha)? Is there anything you would recommend to first time Village home-owners?

We are appreciative for your comments in advance!

The REAL Villages is North of 44. South of 44 is a sad addendum. Within walking distance of squares is a prime location and they are not noisy.

[Bilyclub]

I hate high voltage power lines and would never buy close to them. There are many of these located all over TV. In Chitty Chatty the power company even replaced the power lines with higher capacity ones after the houses were built and sold.

[Conniehar]

We spent considerable time researching the areas. We decided we wanted new construction and will close on our designer home in 2 weeks. While the area south is not close to stores, we love the trees and walking paths. I’m sure it will be built up soon. We are currently renting and love that everyone in the new areas are looking for friends - haven’t found that where we are renting. But honestly everyone seems to like where they live. I don’t understand why it has to be a north vs south thing! We don’t golf but have already gotten involved with water volleyball and aerobics. Plenty to do!

[Villages Kahuna]

Recommendations to rent—maybe more than one in different locations—is a great suggestion. The Villages is a BIG place. You may have seen the posts that it’s already several miles longer from CR 42 on the north to where they’re building on the southern end than the City of Chicago!

[joelfmi]

if your not a avid golfer well that is a place that is known for golf which if you don't golf then it has a lot of cons buying their which will see looking in this talk of the villages treads

[Villagesgal]

Golf, tennis, pickleball, canoing, fishing, basketball, volleyball, shooting pool, swimming, gun range, shuffleboard, bottci ball, card games, foreign, independent, classic movie clubs, Mah Jong, Poker, The list goes on forever of things to do here besides golf. I prefer north of 466A because the lots are larger and landscaping mature, but to each his own. People are friendly everywhere in the Villages, so come, rent, drive around and see what you like, then buy and enjoy the rest of your life. Welcome.

[NewRealms]

Do NOT buy a house without having lived in The Villages for at least 6 months. The place is huge and you'll need to get the lay of the land to understand where best you will fit in. The Villages will probably push you to look down south where their new construction is happening. Don't let them do that to you.

[Andrea3051]

As I am in the middle of your situation, I can share my thoughts. I came here initially to purchase but when the prices all went up and as a safer plan, I decided to rent and try before I buy. I read many posts of people moving around the Villages, now I understand why because the area I chose to rent would not be where I want to stay or purchase and comparing it to the newer areas that I was staying during my lifestyle visit, I now prefer to go back there. Trying out different areas is definitely a safer route unless you have friends or other anchors on location, as I am finding out now. thank goodness this isn't uncommon and not just me

[Hopeful Returnee]

Is it true that mail is not delivered to your home and you have to go to a mail station to retrieve it? If you are used to having your mail delivered every day (except Sunday) for your entire life, this is a pretty big change. Perhaps as you get older, you don't feel like or aren't well enough to go out each day. How do you manage with this mail delivery system. Are there other options other than relying on a kind neighbor who might be willing to do pick up you mail occasionally. I would never want to impose on someone to do this for me indefinitely.

[Hopeful Returnee]

When I move from New York to the Villages, I know it will be best to rent first for a few months because I have absolutely no idea what village would be best for me. I'll have to change all my mail to my new temporary rented address. This will include Social Security, pension, etc. Then when I move to a permanent home, I'll have to make all the address changes again (and there are many). Some of these like Social Security, etc. take a while to make the needed changes. There must be an easier way to do this--perhaps getting a P.O. Box number at the mail station rather than giving a street address. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas.

[wamley]

We bought a little over a mile from Sumpeter landing. We love the convenience and proximity to the Square and shopping. We have made friends through Golf & Pickleball that live in many parts of the Villages and they lover there neighborhoods as well. We were careful not to purchase too close to Pickleball courts as they can be noisy, but even so the house is usually closed up and under air conditioning. It seeks that no matter who you meet or where they live they like their neighborhood. Also seems that most people in The Villages that are living there for more then 4 years are in their second or third house.