[JohnN]

OK, I'm sure this has been talked about before, but I'd like to stir the pot again since I've not actually bought there yet.

Interested in both PRO and CON:
Villages vs. Spruce Creek, Stonecrest, et al

My impressions:
- we don't golf, non-issue
- Villages have the great golf cart capability to get anywhere, others have to venture onto highway 27 to visit the churches, restaurants and town center shops
- Villages are higher priced for a comparable dwelling

what else strikes you? Thanks,,, J

[chuckinca]

villages gates are easier to get thru

villages has more clubs with larger membership

villages has more and bigger clubhouses and recreational facilities

villages has 60k population and will grow to 100k versus 3k - 5k for smaller communities

[pm10]

Villages has TOTV - others don't :bigthumbsup:

[rekops]

The number of clubs and activities in The Villages cannot be matched by any other nearby communities. We consider that only a plus, and was the main reason we bought here.

[redwitch]

The people! I have a friend at Stonecrest. She moved in a little over 18 months ago. It took her one year to be invited to play Mah-Jongg with the people there. She still hasn't found a bridge group. She would love to learn pinochle but no offer from Stonecrest residents. It took a long time for her neighbors to start talking to her. Now, this may be her street or whatever. It is not her because, she is a very nice, quiet woman, albeit a little shy.

Here, you're greeted almost before you've pulled in the driveway. People will even offer to help you move in, bring you dinner, etc. You're included in almost everything you want.

So, that's the biggest difference, at least to me.

[REDCART]

Our cousins in Spruce Creek South have been there more than 10 years. Although they're happy and have no plans to move, they frequently say, if they had any idea that TV would have developed the way it has over the last 10 years, they'd have bought in TV in a heartbeat. As it is, they're always in TV for one reason or another, either for the music, the restaurants, or the movies.

[bamafan]

Yes homes in the villages do cost more, but it has been said here before that the value will increase more and faster. Just look at this forum and how many are wanting to move to TV. Do they want to move to the others? NOOOOO......

[golfnut]

Like you said John you're just stirring the pot and that's OK, but for anyone trying to decide my recommendation is to visit each community you're considering and when you've done that you can make up your own mind. This is not a decision you can leave up to someone else, it will be up to you to decide. It's what we did and the decision for us was easy.

[JohnN]

golfnut, I just like perspectives, and perhaps tips that I didn't catch,

I've visited a lot of 55+ areas, but none of those near TV except TV

just a curious sort

[Village Kid 2]

Reasons I love the Villages:

1. A myriad of activities and groups with special interests.
2. I can get everywhere (activities, shopping, banking) by golf cart.
3. A large choice of pools, some where lunch can be ordered poolside.
4. A LARGE community of friends.
5. The feeling of resort living at a very reasonable cost.
6. Love the golf course view from back lanai.

Reasons a friend is buying in Stonecrest:

1. Needs a larger garage for his "toys".
2. Doesn't participate in activities except golf.
3. Likes the "pasture" he has for scenery from his back lanai.

So, I guess it just comes down to what you want for your lifestyle. The money issue seems irrelevant as both are affordable. TV just offers more of what I like and apparantly what 60,000 others like.

[handieman]

OK, call me a snob. When I drive into TV I feel like I'm entering a resort community and I'm on vacation. I'm very proud to be a Villager and I'm proud of the choice I made. I and many of my friends have been to many other retirement communities and we have found that nothing compares to the quality of life here in TV. My 60,000 plus neighbors have done a wonderfull job with their property's and all the rules and covenants have made it all work. I say "Hats Off" to the staff of TV and also to the residents, for making TV one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Handie :joke:

[Donna]

Originally Posted by pm10

Villages has TOTV - others don't :bigthumbsup:

pm10....

[JohnN]

you all wouldn't let me be on the TOTV board if I lived in Spruce Creek? *sigh*
Now THAT would be a real consideration

Villages is still our choice, and about 99% likely, just trying to study and examine.
Several good points above, and my appreciation

[JohnN]

oshunluva,
www.arcadiavillage.com
manufactured home community south and inland from Sarasota
don't know anything more

[lm01]

If you need to ask this question than you should also look into

The Plantations in Leesburg and the Pringle development in Mount Dora. Both very nice but not the Villages.