[asianthree]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

Guessing the reason Lots of preowned is many choose the bond, taxes, less retail and restaurants. You mentioned Coleman you forgot “The Mine Blasts”, for a better fear factor.

In our 4th village about 55% moved from north of 44, mostly between the 6’s. So definitely an abundance of preowned for sale.

[Ptmcbriz]

There is a Publix being built at Eastport. It’s under construction. However, I order my groceries from Publix and Kroger. They deliver your groceries right to your door. I rarely ever venture into a grocery store.

[DrHitch]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

....We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel.....

Glad you did your lifestyle homework and didn't "drink the Kool-Aid" for a new house. Some other thoughts on new vs pre-buult

1) read the specific deed restrictions for district of interest

2) look at map of ALL types of amenities (eg sports pools, dog parks) at Map of Locations (selectable) - The Villages 101

3) retail build-out will take 1-2 years to get serious critical mass. Spanish Springs is 30 years old and still has turnover and empty retail, but close to businesses on Rt 441.

4) houses in South have separate (cheaper) lawn irrigation water, but it's reclaimed.

Oh, and watch proximity of pickleball courts, wastewater stations, etc....get a good set of paper maps from any sales office.

[bonbonn]

It will be years before they have retail dont believe them. We waited 4 years for magnolia plaza

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

lots of pre-owned homes for sale south of 44 already. WHY? Bonds? Taxes? Retail stores? Restaurants? Coleman prison? Think about it

This is a valid point. I think you are overlooking what I believe to be the primary cause: investors and flippers who thought they were chasing easy money and the market and flipping / land lording not being as carefree as hoped.

I like that EP area is newer and underdeveloped as far as retail and services go. I just turned 56, so I'll be in my money-spending 60's (travel, etc.) when it fills in and be sitting pretty in the presumed center of The Villages. I do like to have grocery stores around because Mrs. EDJ enjoys two things most find strange: vacuuming (we have 13 some-odd vacuums and she vacuums daily, sometimes multiple times) and grocery shopping. She enjoys seeing what stores carry what produce, Mexican ingredient offerings, etc. Some stores have better produce, but the meat isn't what she is looking for. Some stores have her brand of whatever product she prefers, some don't.

These are two hobbies of hers that I am happy to encourage because they are not deleterious like smoking or gambling.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Thanks all. We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel with golf, shopping/dining, landscaping, squares etc raher than buying there and riding it out until the new areas mature to our current feel. Some friends have moved there and are super excited about being part of the early wave for that expansion. Happy for them. It's just not for us. Not saying the area we are in now is better, just different. The good thing is...The Villages offers a fit for all of us.

Are you north of 466, between the 6s, between 44 and 466a, or south of 44?

What store or stores was the deciding factor? And what would you have needed to move to Eastport? A Costco, a Trader Joe’s!

[kingofbeer]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Areas north of 44 were completed over 10 years ago, Eastport hasn’t opened yet. Understand that it is a new area and give it time.

There is retail planned for both Eastport and Middleton. I believe I saw a Publix announced but with no timeline. Magnolia is not that far away either.

They will have small gift shops and boutiques which are pretty much useless to me. No where to buy shoes or clothing. You will have to drive to Clermont.

[Zenmama18]

Add Turnpike noise and powerlines.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by kingofbeer

They will have small gift shops and boutiques which are pretty much useless to me. No where to buy shoes or clothing. You will have to drive to Clermont.

Gift shops, boutiques, restaurants, and groceries are the type of retail you will find within the Villages. On the edges there may be hardware stores or big-box stores. Mall-type stores are in Leesburg, Ocala, and Clermont (as you mentioned).

Which area of the Villages has exactly the retail you need (and why didn't you buy there)?

[GPGuar]

Originally Posted by Ptmcbriz

There is a Publix being built at Eastport. It’s under construction. However, I order my groceries from Publix and Kroger. They deliver your groceries right to your door. I rarely ever venture into a grocery store.

Just curious, how much more does Krogers charge for home delivery… not to mention the tip?

[GPGuar]

Originally Posted by bonbonn

It will be years before they have retail dont believe them. We waited 4 years for magnolia plaza

And the gas station took even lower ������!

[GreggC69]

We are between 44 and 466A. It wasn't so much a specific store that decided it for us. However, we do like jumping on cart and grabbing Subway, or Jersey Mikes, or going to one of the Italian places, or Chinese or Mexican whenever we want in about 10 minutes by cart. Or running by for a drink and listening to live music at various squares, restaurants or golf clubs - depending on who is playing where. The same for Walgreen's, the liquor store, Publix or Winn Dixie. We don't go there all the time but it's nice to go near those often and able to stop in when needed/desired. The bigger factor for us as we looked closer was proximity to recreation, as someone mentioned above. Within 10-15 minutes by cart, we can play pickleball, tennis, water volleyball or golf (championship or executive) at MANY different places. And the short golf cart rides there are mostly on multi model paths that are incredibly developed with great landscaping so the ride is very scenic. Also, for us, home value appreciation is of no concern. We are definitely on the younger end of age spectrum in The Villages and newly retired but this will be our last house. If it appreciates, great for the kids but really of no worry for us.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

We are between 44 and 466A. It wasn't so much a specific store that decided it for us. However, we do like jumping on cart and grabbing Subway, or Jersey Mikes, or going to one of the Italian places, or Chinese or Mexican whenever we want in about 10 minutes by cart. Or running by for a drink and listening to live music at various squares, restaurants or golf clubs - depending on who is playing where. The same for Walgreen's, the liquor store, Publix or Winn Dixie. We don't go there all the time but it's nice to go near those often and able to stop in when needed/desired. The bigger factor for us as we looked closer was proximity to recreation, as someone mentioned above. Within 10-15 minutes by cart, we can play pickleball, tennis, water volleyball or golf (championship or executive) at MANY different places. And the short golf cart rides there are mostly on multi model paths that are incredibly developed with great landscaping so the ride is very scenic. Also, for us, appreciation is of no concern. We are definitely on the younger end of age spectrum in The Villages and newly retired but this will be our last house. If it appreciates, great for the kids but really of no worry for us.

That is a great location. We rented there when we first moved here. Everything was close! Grocery stores, restaurants, library, DMV, churches, etc. And three executives within 5 minutes and 5 within 10 minutes.

[ResQme]

Originally Posted by GPGuar

Just curious, how much more does Krogers charge for home delivery… not to mention the tip?

You can become a "member" for $69/yr or $8.99/month, or just pay per delivery order starting at $6.95 per delivery. No tips accepted (Kroger policy.)

[Nell57]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Thanks all. We did extensive looking this weekend. Spent A LOT of time in all areas currently developing in and around EP and with Villages Sales Team (they are awesome). We have decided that we have become too accustomed to the "developed" feel with golf, shopping/dining, landscaping, squares etc raher than buying there and riding it out until the new areas mature to our current feel. Some friends have moved there and are super excited about being part of the early wave for that expansion. Happy for them. It's just not for us. Not saying the area we are in now is better, just different. The good thing is...The Villages offers a fit for all of us.

Totally agree.
Yesterday’s errands were , Lowes, Publix for a pick up dinner, 5/3 bank for ATM, Circle K gas and a car wash. All are now nearby on 466A/Powell Rd. I was back home in less than 80 minutes.
I’ve lived between the 6’s for 15 years, and it took about 10 years for the commercial in this area to begin development. Retailers wait until the residential shopping base is in place before they commit to building stores.
It also works against us that we are a seasonal community, and many of the shoppers disappear after May 1.
So if you are looking to buy in Middleton/Eastport….enjoy the adventure.But don’t expect shopping and fast food restaurants anytime soon