[EnglishJW]

Originally Posted by Oldchief5654

Newbie here and not yet a Villages owner. But, we're strongly considering a possible move here.
My question is, are some Villages better or considered more desirable than others? Also, is there much difference in the property tax rates in the counties wherein Villages neighborhoods are located? I'm particularly interested in Marion County Villages locations, as its a bit closer to our 2 of our 3 grown kids, who live in north FL and is also farther away from the Orlando metro area, which I'd like to avoid. I know noting about any of the various Villages developments but it just seems reasonable that some may be better and/or more desirable than others?
Will appreciate input from "seasoned" Villages residents. Thanks!

We asked the same questions. Fortunately we did get a consensus when we asked about the best Village. Every single person we asked replied: "MINE!" As you have no doubt heard many times, The Villages is all about the life style. No matter where you live within TV, you will find yourself traveling to and fro for the activities you decide to participate in. We do ballroom dancing - all over TV. Major dances are at La Hacienda and Eisenhower and every place in between. There will soon be something very special for dancers in the Fenny area too to make sure we have options from the furthest points north to the furthest points south. It is actually difficult NOT to love it here.

[Rzepecki]

The best advice you received was come and see for yourself. All areas of TV are different. The negatives some people see may be positives to others. Different Villages developed during different times have different features. We moved into Ashland in 2009 and it’s still the best, for us. Although the taxes in Sumter County are going up, they are still the lowest in the state. Just an FYI, the Marion County portion of TV has fewer pools than other sections, if that’s important to you. I suggest working with a knowledgeable Villages sales rep. I’m partial to the one we used twice and family and friends have also used, Darlene D’Andrea. She won’t nag you and is extremely knowledgeable.

[Odysseus]

The new homes (South of 44) have a very substantial bond on them which isn't reflected in the selling price. Many of the older homes have paid off the bond, and the homes in the Lady Lake section of The Villages (Lake County) have had no bonds.
If you have the option to rent (anywhere in TV) I would recommend doing that for a year. As many posts say, each neighborhood is different and the home price range is huge. Some Villagers move two or three times before finding their perfect home. Rent, spend the time looking around. Find out what Rec Centers host the activities you like best, and then make a choice.

[PennBF]

Anywhere near Southern Trace. Spent 2 years studying the question, spent 4 month renting (2 months each year). Have been here 13 years and never looked back. We are 3-5 minutes from a bank, a drug store, good restaurants, Lake Sumter Landing, MV Office, Sheriffs Office, Fire Station, Walmarts, Palmer Golf Course, etc, It is quiet It is worth it to not rush the move, but to pick an area (Tall Trees, Bonnybrook, etc) and just wait until a good home comes on the market. You will not second guess your decision later on. Good Luck..

[njholt]

If golf is not important to you, I would look outside the Villages area's and avoid the monthly maintence . There are addtional really great locations outside the Villages. Probably would be a very good idea to check them out...

[Ss6247]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Due to your specific interests, I would personally suggest somewhere in the vicinity of Spanish Springs (points north, west, south) or the "historic" section, which is northeast and east of Spanish Springs.

Here's why: that is the closest to the Ocala Forest, which has RV, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating is limited to small outboard motors, jetskis, and similar. Canoeing seems to be the most popular boating type on the many streams through the forest.

I would say, even if you want newer construction, that you probably would want to look at homes located between Lake Sumter Landing town square and Spanish Springs town square, in the northeastern sections of The Villages.

The western edge of the forest is only 10-15 minutes' drive from Orange Blossom, which is part of the historic section of the Villages.

Proximity to Orlando is a non-issue as someone mentioned before. It's around an hour away (depending on where you start from and how fast you drive).

The older sections including the actual "historic" section and the other neighborhoods nearest Spanish Springs is closest to the 301 and 441 routes out of the Villages to the north, which you say you are also looking for, due to family living nearby.

You can find a variety of home types in the area, from some of the original tiny 780sf single-wide trailer homes in Silver Lake, to condo-style townhouses right in Spanish Springs (if there are any for sale, I don't see any listed on the Homefinder right now), a few newer construction homes, and a number of 1200+ sf, 2 bed, 2 bath, many with "bonus" rooms that are sometimes used as a third bedroom with no closet.

There are also a smattering of higher end designer homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2+ car garages, spas, granite countertops, fireplaces, etc. etc. etc.

Most of this area is older homes. By "old" I mean between 10 and 25 years old (so - barely out of diapers, if you're a New Englander )

There are actually SEVERAL brand new homes, hundreds actually on the Historic side. The developers are yanking out the manufactured older homes and building site built homes at a rapid rate. In another 10-15 years, the Historic side will have mostly new homes. I LOVE this side of The Villages for several reasons that I won’t go into here, but the main reason is the friendliness of all my neighbors and how everyone looks out for each other. There are nice homes over here and you can also have one built on a lot that you choose. I have a three bedroom, three bath with two master bedrooms, 1830 SF.

[Jokomo]

One of the most interesting things I’ve found: almost everyone I’ve talked to thinks they live in the best area of The Villages.

[Velvet]

Did you notice? Each person is happy with their own area. How can you go wrong?

[rudyandkathy]

Generally, Newer Villages have younger residents. The developer is ruining the Villages by overbuilding. We are here 8 yrs and are just now getting crappy food restaurants on 466a. Also, medical care is hit and miss. My personal opinion is buy someplace else. This is not what it was, and not how it appears.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Whatever you decide, hurry and buy, because our sales agent said to me "the buildout will soon be finished!!"

[Hifred]

It is a matter of what you personally like. I wanted to be close to shopping and restaurants so I chose a location accordingly. I like to swim so I live within 2 blocks of a pool. Think about what you enjoy and what passions you want to pursue during retirement and then visit and find out your best alternatives.

[rrb48310]

Originally Posted by Aw Man

To Originl Poster,
Based on your 2 posts and your expressed interests, I strongly agree with the advice and suggestions in Jazuela's post, above.
But also, if you're truly interested in moving to a +55 retirement community I'd suggest that you also look at the separate communities of Del Webb Spruce Creek and Stonecrest. You can buy a nice home in either community for a lot less money than you would pay for a similar home in The Villages. Both communities are in Marion County and are along the vibrant Rt 441 corridor on the north edge of The Villages.
I live in The Villages and I love it but both my wife and I are avid golfers. If we didn't golf I can tell you we'd be living in Stonecrest right now.

We rented for two months, but my wife was sold after three days. We looked at over thirty five homes including Stonecrest and nearly bought a home that needed some updates but had a million dollar view with an in ground pool. After seeing that it took six months or more to sell we decided to choose something in TV, where homes sell quickly. You just never know, circumstances sometimes change fast. We rented in the Spanish Springs area and loved the close proximity of shopping and two Town Centers (we like to dance and listen to music). We looked everywhere, didn’t like the distance to anything and non-connectivity south of 44. We did like the new homes but not the feeling of smaller lots. We ended up buying the Spanish Springs area for the reasons stated. They say ask anyone what area they like best and they’ll tell you where they are, I’ve found that to be true. I like it all, I think if I was doing it now I would want between 466 & 466A, or newer homes near Brownwood or maybe near the pitch & putt, now that connectivity is close...Good Luck, it is also said Villagers move an average three times.

[rjm1cc]

You can look up the taxes on a particular home at the county assessor web site.
Also pay attention to available utilities and the cost of the utilities.

[eweissenbach]

We rented in Summerhill, just north of 466 and very close to Southern Trace. We loved the area, proximity to amenities we favored and were convinced we wanted to buy there or near there. We rented in Hemingway, close to Havana and Colony. We loved the area, proximity to amenities we favored and were convinced we wanted to buy there or near there. We bought in Sanibel, very close to Pinellas Way and Morse. We love the area, proximity to amenities we favor and are happy to own our villa there. There are several other villages that we love, are proximate to amenities we favor and could happily own our seasonal home there.

[Byte1]

It really doesn't matter a whole lot because most likely you will end up moving at least once during your residency in The Villages. It seems to be the norm for most folks, not the exception.