[Veronica]

Are single TVers more likely to live in villas or homes? Thanks.

[kfierle]

I am single and own a courtyard villa. Not sure what the answer is to your question. I will be interested to read which type of home is preferred by singles.

[mfp509]

I'm single and have a patio villa.

[taylor111947]

I'd be interested in the answer to this also. When I was there in May for my first visit I asked the TV realtor what the demographics were for the Villas. He said a lot of singles choose the Villas, but they are also popular for people who do not live there year round and for people who use them as a rental investment. As much as I like the style and size of the Villas, I'd like to feel that I was in a stable community. I haven't decided yet, but it's something to think about.

[colleenj]

I own an older 2 bedroom designer. Bought it because of the volume ceilings, formal foyer and larger kitchen. It is a site built in one of the older sections which had the added bonus of no bond! I think it is just a matter of what appeals to you- you can't go wrong with either as you are the one who turns any house you buy into a home...

[redwitch]

I have several single friends that own designers. However, they usually started as a couple, had the spouse die and are staying in their homes. The villas are easier to maintain since they are smaller and we singles usually don't need the extra room.

As to the stability of a neighborhood, I've found that in a new neighborhood it doesn't matter if it is a designer, a premiere or a villa -- many houses sit empty for months at a time or are rented for the first couple of years. People buy but aren't quite ready to move here full-time. I know of one cul-de-sac that only one home is occupied year round. The other 10 are empty during the summer. He doesn't mind -- he has lots to do with his other froggy friends and has a great time when his neighbors come back with block parties and all.

So, I feel it is better to buy what you want rather than worry about how many homes will be rented. Besides, most of the renters are wonderful people and you'll love getting to know them (at least that's been the case in the house next door to me).

[Zass38]

I am single and own a Courtyard Villa ...just the perfect size and almost NO yard maintenance!

[swrinfla]

I live in a Designer. I have three single neighbors on the same street, also Designers.

True, two of them had significant others when they bought here but have now lost the s. o. One due to death, the other due to separation. The third neighbor has always been here as a single (divorcee), as have I (widower).

My decision was almost entirely on trying to match the square-footage that I'd had "up north," with a layout that I thought would allow me to be as comfortable as I had been.

I frankly steered away from villas because of their stricter rules about landscaping, building colors, etc., etc.

That said, I know many villa owners who wouldn't have it any other way, just as I know many house owners who wouldn't have it any other way!

SWR

[Ohiogirl]

I have had 2 older single women as tenants who ended up buying designers or ranches. Had at least 2 other couples who bought ranches/designers. One couple made an offer on a patio villa. One said she thought she would like a CYV (that's why she chose to ours - to try it out) but found that for her, she wanted more neighbors out in their yards to talk to. She said the CYV turned out to have too much privacy, at least for her.

Many of us CYV owners do garden, but more often in the backyard. Personally, I love to garden, but a 60 x 3 ft border beside the length of my villa, plus added landscaping/planting areas in back, and the front area and a strip in the driveway will keep me more than occupied. We love the privacy and also have a dog. Others would feel closed in.

I must say I liked the back much much more after we added additional planting areas to look at, and plan to do more once we're down there for the whole season. I only know/have met only about 10 villa owners in our neighborhood and all but one is either married or has a s.o. One is a mother/daughter villa. A single friend bought a CYV.

I would say that if you can, rent both types of housing and even try to rent the floorplan you think you want and can afford. Give each type a month if you can.

[pivo]

I don't think it matters to singles what they buy, I'm single and coming down very shortly to buy and my first concern is rear privacy and I see courtyard villas are more private than homes so that is where I'm directed right now.. Other than type of homes I think tv offers so much out there in activities and clubs you will always find single friends

[momesu]

I am so ready to be heading down and spend some time seriously looking at homes. I am not currently single (legally) but will be when I get don to TV and this question CYV vs. Cottage Home has been a dilemma for me. I really like the CYV but the cottage homes have so much more square footage for the price. I may be single when I arrive, but I do need space since I have a serious quilting/craft addiction and I would like to have a dedicated guest room for my mom and other guests.

I may decide to rent one or the other for 6 months before buying to see how I like it. If money were no issue (which it unfortunately is) I would go into a Cumberland CYV in a minute, but I can get about the same sq. ft in a Hammock for much less or so it would appear, but then there is that Bond issue which I hear is less in CYV......this is all so confusing to me. I just know I want to be in TV by winter 2011 one way or another......
Suzanne

[2BNTV]

As a single wannabee, I plan on buying a pre-owned 2b/2b patio villa that will have no or little bond with very little maintenance issues.

This would suit me as I plan to spend more time out and about and enjoying what TV has to offer.

I am not concerned about whether the neighborhood is fully populated with permanet residents. Some people have mentioned it is more important to be near shopping, doctors, recreation center as one does not visit the squares after having been there for a while. For some people, it may be a privacy issue.

Everyone has their needs and desires, so each person must decide what is best for them.

[50teeslady]

Can someone tell me what the monthly costs would be after buying a 2 bedroom Patio Villa....I heard of this Bond cost...is there a maintenance fee, water,electric, etc.....do you take care of your own lawn? any info would be of help to me as I am just learning of The Villages. Also how far is the nearest west coast beach?
thanks
Jean

[Bill-n-Brillo]

50tees - Here's a previous thread that should help you:

Average expenses

Bill

[dfn8tly]

I'm single and live in a ranch home with an over-sized lot. My home adjoins some wonderful neighbors/friends who also have over-sized properties that all back up to non-villages land that is filled with 150 yr. old live-oak trees and is a virtual forest. The owners even sometimes board horses which are a delight. It's a fabulous setting and together we have developed a "pocket park" that's only visible from our lanai's. I am definitely a "frog" and even as a single I couldn't be happier in this environment. Let the home talk to you and buy what you feel comfortable in.