[CatskillBill]

As John W stated:

As mentioned earlier, resales will have a lower bond or a paid in full bond. In fact the bond started at a much lower rate, my CYV bond was $14,000 when it started. I pay $1100 a year or there is a payoff of about $12,000 if I desired to do so.

Question I have is you said you paid $1,100 for 9 years, and your bond balance is still $12,000?
If so, you paid $9,900 and the bond balance only dropped $2,000.
Why continue yearly payments for another 21 years, and not pay it off?

[Altavia]

My solution was to buy south and find a girlfriend living close to Sumpter, just hope my wife doesn't find out.

[DonnaNi4os]

Most people are unaware that there are newer developments in the northernmost portion of TV, namely Phillips Villas and Solliaire. Both are in Marion County near the Mulberry Grove shopping area, located off of route 42 and are convenient to both 441 and 301. There are many villagers who have moved from other areas of TV to flee from crowded sections. I have found it to be very convenient and a pleasant place to live. The houses were built approximately 4 years ago.

[sallybowron]

The newer homes have appliances that seem to break down more often. We have had to have out fridge (3 years old) serviced twice in our condo.

[tvbound]

Originally Posted by Robbie0723

My solution was to buy south and find a girlfriend living close to Sumpter, just hope my wife doesn't find out.

While darned funny, I think I will refrain from passing this one on to the Boss.

[bevkay]

Overall, I think that resales between 466 and 466A are best because they have mature landscaping, owner upgrades, and are more accessible to shopping, entertainment and golf. On the other hand, if you purchase a new home, you may be able to choose some of the flooring, cabinets, etc. yourself. Even though The Villages is notoriously friendly, a new neighborhood is much easier to make new and lasting friendships because "clicks" are not yet well established.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by sallybowron

The newer homes have appliances that seem to break down more often. We have had to have out fridge (3 years old) serviced twice in our condo.

Where are there newer condos? Our home is 3 years old and we have had no problem with our fridge, stove, or microwave. We did have one problem with our dishwasher that was repaired under warranty.

[Dennis Keefe]

When we purchased in 2011 we wanted a new home so we purchased a villa in Tamarind Grove. Now my recommendation is buy an existing home between 466 and 466-A and spend whatever it takes to make the pre-owned home to your liking. Most of us will be dead before the area south of the turnpike has enough squares, stores, restaurant, amenities, etc that help make The Villages what it is north of the turnpike. You'll be happy you did.

[Barborv]

If a new home is at the top of your list, Then there you go. I personally like the areas more established. I like being in the center of things. Pre owned homes might not have a bond.But bottom line is the location. Where in the Villages are you most attracted to. The homes in Marion county though, taxes are higher.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by jcletus

Established neighborhoods already have their groups determined and you'll have to put in some effort to find out how to join into the pickleball group, book club, poker group, etc so you don't feel like the odd man out. Versus a level playing field in a new neighborhood just starting out where everyone is new to each other.

Not true, there is constant turnover. In the few short years we have owned in the Villages we have seen many of our neighbors come and go. We have new neighbors in over half the houses in our immediate neighborhood. And since we moved in our neighborhood has gotten much younger. When we bought at the Villages we were the young ones on the street, not anymore. In a few years, as generations turn over, the Northern sections of the Villages will be where you find the younger crowd.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Stuart Zaikov

Other reason for us is as we get older who wants to be so far from the 27/441 corridor.

We do. Shopping at this point is meh, the House is decorated and we aren’t 18 anymore so clothing trends are not our goal or hobby. We love home cooking for the most part, there is Trailwinds Village if we need hardware and we seldom drive to the rats nest of cars/services on the north end.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by CatskillBill

Question I have is you said you paid $1,100 for 9 years, and your bond balance is still $12,000?
If so, you paid $9,900 and the bond balance only dropped $2,000.
Why continue yearly payments for another 21 years, and not pay it off?

Whenever I get a spare $12,000 laying around, I find a better use for it. My taxes are almost nil with my Agent Orange disability, so $1100 is about all I have going out, and it's only once a year.

I had the outside painted and re-landscaped last year. This year I'm getting granite countertops, new sink and faucets in the kitchen, and a new Jettastone shower in the master. Had wood floors installed, plantation shutters, new furniture when I moved in, roll down shades on the lanai, screen on the garage door. Master closet redone, attic steps in the garage, I just like seeing something in return for my money at my age, especially since this will be the last place I live. I'm 70 now, and if I live to 75 I'll past my expectations, I've got several big ailments, when bought the place I knew if I go 14 years I would be pushing my luck. I've already taken a reverse mortgage, so I'm only paying for things for my enjoyment.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by Stuart Zaikov

Other reason for us is as we get older who wants to be so far from the 27/441 corridor.

I also live in Tamarind Grove and I had to go to The Villages Hospital last week to see a doctor and it took me 20 minutes. I know the best ways to everywhere and when I drive, I don't dally. I get to the VA Clinic at the north by Mulberry in 25 minutes. So nowhere in TV is far for me. I dive my car, not the cart.

[Dianne1449]

We looked at Lakeside Landing two months after we bought in Santa Domingo. A lot of bang for the buck if activities are that important to you.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by thelegges

Younger ages as you travel south. Sometimes established areas have neighbors that were there from day one. Not all the time but sometimes neighbors are not a fan you moved there

Would these people rather see an empty house?