Yes, the rental situation in Richmond has been challenging. In my villa neighborhood of Richmond, we have determined that about 50% are rentals (I’d say half are airbnbs and the other half are permanent residents who are renting). Of the remaining 50%, about half of those are part-time snowbirds, which leaves us with just 25% of full time owner-occupied residents. Of those of us here full time, we have bonded together and are pretty close. I’ve started two different official social clubs that regularly meet at the rec centers to keep the fabric of our neighborhood close. Regarding the rental situation, it has improved slightly this year, as about 10 homes came on the market in our villa neighborhood, all investors flipping at the one year mark. Of the 10 that went up for sale, 8 were purchased by new full-time residents or snow birds. Only 2 were purchased by other investors, and remained rental properties.

Knowing what I know now, would I have still purchased in Richmond? For me, the answer is an absolute, YES! For the most part, the renters here have been pleasant and polite, and there have been no issues. The full time residents and snow birds are wonderful people, and many are now close friends. For me, I love the location. I can walk to Brownwood in 15 minutes, or cart in 5 Minutes. By cart: Edna’s 8 minutes / Magnolia Plaza 12 minutes / Sawgrass 21 minutes / Eastport 25 minutes / Lake Sumter 25 minutes. Very close to Eisenhower, Everglades, Lake Okahumpka and Ezell Rec Centers. If I had major issues, I would be putting my home on the market, making a tidy profit, and looking for another home elsewhere in The Villages. As of now (and things could always change), I’m very content and don’t see myself relocating any time soon.

Think Myrtle Beach....without the ocean views!

Just curious about the noise level in Richmond. There were a couple of posts in a Thread from residents (couldn’t find it) where noise was a factor for them in the general Brownwood area (State Route 44, Collier). So, what about noise level for Richmond residents?

Occasionally, if I strain to listen for it, and depending on time of year and weather, I can hear a faint hum from the turnpike on my lanai (most of time there is no turnpike noise). I live in the northern section of Richmond - things may be different in southern Richmond. I don’t hear 44 traffic noise at all. On a rare occasion, I can hear the bands playing from Brownwood, but when I do, it is very faint, and you have to strain to hear it from the outside.

Thanks, good information.

We are 3 streets, a wall, and private property with road from turnpike. Inside no noise outside 90% of the time you have no idea there is a turnpike. 10% is weather related, heavy fog will give that humming of tires. Those homes on the pitch and put have no barriers or homes, some homes with direct view of turnpike and noise, outside, even though they are not close. Inside you rarely hear anything.