[jebartle]

We love our little exec (Mira Mesa) and Hacienda Lakes and Tierra, Lions golf range, just down the street, The Villages Hospital and Moffit Center (hopefully we will not need), woodworking shop also, and did I mention we have wonderful neighbors, BUT I'm sure that EVERY Village has it's advantages, we just LUCKED OUT!

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

and your quote "I think it takes a while of actually living in TV, not just vacationing, to figure out where you want to be located" is absolutely correct. We were lucky to get it right the first time, and it was pure luck because we knew absolutely nothing about TV at the time of purchase!

[rubicon]

The question should be qualified. If you are asking based on the present situation then I would say folks north of 466 continue to experience the Lifestyle as it was intended. If you live south of 466 and continuing beyond 466A then you are experiencing real crowding and it is only going to get worse and will compromise the Lifestyle.

We moved here in 2006 just south of 466. I was not anxious like many about the Walmart coming ,etc because I knew 441 would be duplicated on 466 and with that all of the traffic problems.

Eventually that will be the fate of 466A.

I am certain that I am alone on this but I have always preferred a true bedroom community and preferred commercial businesses compartmentalized rather than inter-mingled with the community

[kbace6]

This is a good thread. I had not considered some of these things folks are mentioning. Keep 'em comming!

[ilovetv]

Look at stage in life, i.e. about to retire or recently retired......age under 55 or 60....etc.

(Yes, people under 55 can buy and live here....up to 20% of residents can be under 55 according to federal law allowing "adult communities")

55-year-old newbies may not be happy in a neighborhood where everyone around them retired and bought their place 15-20 years ago..... and are not playing much anymore. Any kind of "play".

A couple age 60 or so just told me about their experience with that. Many of their neighbors are widowed, older folks who don't venture out much and nobody organizes things socially in the neighborhood. I told them they could start by just putting out a flyer for people to come to an evening meet/greet party in the driveway, and everybody brings something plus BYOB.

But on the other hand, thankfully, in our neighborhood widows and divorcees are included in all the social activities and everyone helps them like the good neighbors you'd dream of getting. Many neighborhoods are like this but it begins with somebody who's an organizer and communicator by email, flyers at the door, building a phone/address list of neighbors, etc.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

55-year-old newbies may not be happy in a neighborhood where everyone around them retired and bought their place 15-20 years ago..... and are not playing much anymore.

Most Villages have resales available ... lots of people buying larger houses or downsizing, people moving "back home" because of illness or missing their families. Resales tend to bring in a younger crowd and keep life interesting.

As NJbchbum says:

"We are becoming the 'youngest' of all the villages neighborhoods! By virtue of the fact that many of our neighbors are as 'historic' as the neighborhoods are, we grow younger as many of those residents leave us for the true paradise."

[Bonnevie]

the single ladies in my cyv neighborhood have included me in their weekly game nights and although they may be as much as a decade older, I thoroughly enjoy being with them.

[Bruiser1]

I live in Belvedere which was once the epicenter of the Villages . Lake Sumter Landing was just being built and NOTHING existing south of LSL.
This was nice as it was centrally located to all the six country clubs .

The golf courses are all in close proximity. The courses are still within cart driving range.
Occasionally I go to Evans Prairie or Bonifay for variety of courses. However that being said the Courses North of Sumter Landing are more mature, with plenty of shade during the heat of the season .Driving to EP or Bonifay you do notice a lot of traffic going North under the tunnel 466a (and a lesser amount going south). If you prefer a electric cart (your choice) that would limit the variety of courses at your disposal.

BUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE is a great thing!

[PammyJ]

PROs of living N of 466
- short ride to the two completed squares
- close to LOTS of shopping, all accessible by golf cart
- banks
- post office
Gas stations
- bealls, Fresh Market, Wal- Mart, Target
- great new friends, of all ages. Not all of the folks in my neighborhood are older. Many younger retired folks moving in! We have block parties too!
- mature landscape and beautiful trees.
- no bond

CONs:
Can't think of any at this time