Comments are right on the money! We just bougt here for exactly the reasons listed. Much more bang for the buck. The traffic is very light, Publix is easy in- easy out, we have a Beef's, Ocala and points north are easy access, and we are minutes to SS or LSL. Heck, even Brownswood is only a fifty minute cart ride!

When they first developed the Marion County part of TV and opened Mulberry Grove Plaza in 2003, there were plenty of land parcels available, both large and small. Apparently, no one was interested for whatever reason. That's probably one reason that area was chosen for the VA hospital.

I think we are too spoiled sometimes. It is as many say only 6 miles to a town, or a few minutes. Heck, prior to moving here we were in a suburb and it was 10 miles to the "business district" or about 15 minutes in traffic. The quietness has it's advantages but the disadvantage is distance to noise. :)
But, many want something here and say why isn't it happening or why can't the developer do this or that. I say why the developer? It is open for anyone to start a business, town, or whatever they want. Obviously they did years ago. Go for it.

calm yourself, karennn! the next thing we know is that someone will want to start advocating for a square here on the historic side! i wonder how we could get no town square into our covenants! ;

After a few years living in TV, "all the fun stuff" may be just taking a walk in a quiet neighborhood or relaxing on your lanaii. :laugh: And there are good restaurants, pools and country clubs available in the north/west quadrant.

We are also interested in this area because we like peace and quiet and like to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. We like to socialize with friends but are definitely NOt party animals and will hardly ever go to the squares at night. We don't golf but my husband is a big tennis player. Our main concern with the homes is that they are older and might need lots of updating. We would appreciate any and all opinions on this and we plan on renting in that area for a month in June. Many thanks.

The town squares have many purposes and those purposes are accomplished. One purpose for them is to attract home buyers, to both new and pre-owned homes.

Think of being 55 to 65 and working and approaching the age at which you will retire. Finally you'll have freedom from work commitments and freedom from your employer or business customers owning your time and your schedule. I think people who are working and looking at retirement want to finally enjoy a social life that is not limited to half a day on Saturday, and Sundays, and only 3, 4, maybe 5 weeks of vacation per year.

To me, people on the verge of retirement come here because they are looking for a social lifestyle that is lively and not restricted nor confined to the leftovers of your calendar that work/career dominates.

The town squares and all the activities and businesses with them demonstrate that TV is not all "sedate" nor "elderly" everywhere. The town squares demonstrate to newcomers and residents that there are lively things to do or enjoy (electively), and that it is not Geriatric Estates....which is a depressing thought.

One day, we'll all be selling our home or our kids will be selling it. I don't think we want buyers thinking it is totally a sedate, Geriatric Estates type of community. Of course we want quiet and even sedate neighborhoods, but we want lively places to go here, too.

Wow!! I have looked at houses "way down south" and knew within minutes that I would stay as far north as possible. Everything so green and quiet up here. Everything so flat and brown and congested down there. To each his own.....

We have friends who've had a place here for 15+ years. They told us that The Developer did have plans for a square up near Mulberry but had to scrap those plans due to Marion County being hard to work with. I thought I'd also heard he had purchased some land up there for that intent...but not sure what happened with all that land now.

Village View Church which is also north of there ran into many delays etc. when they wanted/needed to expand. So that's further verification of the county being difficult to work with on development.

I always thought that it's strange that it's 3 miles from Spanish Springs to Lake Sumter Landing, but it's 8 miles from LSL to Brownwood. Also, Brownwood is at what is supposedly going to be the end of The Villages. Wouldn't you think that a town square would be more centrally located?

Well as I read the 1st post, I was like... No... ummm we don't need another square up in the Chatham area... and then I began to read all of your reply's... which by the way, you happen to be my neighbors... I agree... we love the quiet streets and no hassle of being a little "out of the way"... but, in just a few minutes we can be right in the thick of things... shopping, town squares, restaurants and people... Love...love...love living in Chatham... The only time it's a hardship is when we head to church in Wildwood at Grace Tabernacle... but, we love the church and happily drive it...
By the way... Hello Neighbors!!!

Since the squares are open to the general public, I think it was chosen for its access from rte 44, just as Spanish Springs is from rte 441/27.

No Thanks! I live in Springdale and it's quiet, peaceful and wonderful. Hubby and I, and our fur children love the area without the hustle and bustle of any square. So thanks, but no thanks!

Last year we rented in Alhambra and at first we were disappointed by how far away we were from things. We later learned to love it. This year were are in Pennecamp. Much heavier traffic. I agree with other posters: If I buy here I would look in the Lopez area.

We've always thought of the area to "the North" as the "Suburbs of The Villages". Quiet, green, real trees, some larger lots, nice facilities, and uncrowded.