We bought south of 44 for several reasons.

We wanted a courtyard villa, but also wanted a 2 car garage, which the newer areas offer.

We prefer a new home, slightly different layout than the older ones.

We did not want to deal with all the traffic in the more northern areas that is associated with all that shopping.

If we want to shop, we can head up north and shop then head home to our less crowded roads.

The turnpike does not effect us.

I am 56 and live in St Catherine. Our neighborhood is pretty diverse regarding age. But because it’s a newly constructed village, it has been so fun. Most neighbors here are in the same boat—we are all new (at least new to this Village) and looking to make connections. The energy here is exciting. Citrus Grove is really starting to fill out and will likely have a similar vibe, at least I hope so. Making friends in other areas is pretty easy to do around here, but not quite like a new neighborhood!

Regarding amenities—they are surely coming. Ezell is in full swing now. The dog park at Homestead has opened (YAY!). Sawgrass Grove will open soon.

Someone mentioned the turnpike… I can imagine that there are areas where that’s an issue. For my house it isn’t. At most, it sounds like a white noise machine with the volume on low.

Good luck in your hunt!!

We moved/bought last summer & had the same discussion. As many have mentioned there are individual and personal preferences and pros and cons that are most important in making this decision.

For us, we definitely wanted a central location (to both north & south) and be able to get to stores, doctors, golf, rec centers, town squares… I personally did not want to have to get in a car or drive a golf cart 20-25 min for some of these. So we ended up a bit south of Lake Sumter Landing and truly love the central location to most… we can get to Brownwood too but obviously takes just a few min longer.

We explored some of the new areas down south - and loved the houses (which seemed comparably priced those north) - but just seemed a bit farther away than we wanted - I understand there’s lots of new areas, centers etc., being built. The “older” houses up north I thought most were very comparable in terms of overall condition and features with a few exceptions and depending how much the owner put into it obviously.

Overall - my two cents is - what are the important features or preferences for you and and/or your family - and how do those weigh against the trade offs? For us we got most of what we wanted by a very central location in a circa 2005 house with nice upgrades and newer appliances.

Respectfully, DB

There is a lot of golf in the south, some think too much

I would look at your interests and move closer to that area. I lived near Sumter because I liked that square the most, including it’s bars and restaurants. I think it’s getting busier and more fun places opening up south now in brownwood as well. Hopefully you’ve been able to spend time there before you make up your decision.

Rather than comparing young to old, figure out what you enjoy doing the most. For me it was golf. I chose a location with several executive and champion course within a ten minute golf cart ride.

We moved to a new home south of 44 in the village of Hawkins. Absolutely love it down here. Especially, all the wildlife…bear, wild boars, bobcats, etc. We moved from Oregon. However, our next door neighbor lived within walking distance of Sumter Landing for 7 years and decided they needed to move down here with the younger crowd. They said up north the neighbors were getting too mature and no one was interested in a bunch of physical activity. They are so happy they moved down here in Hawkins, because they are busy every day doing stuff, like using their e-bikes out on the bike paths and lots of socializing in the neighborhoods with block parties, and usual stuff like golf and pickleball with the neighbors . They said they definitely made the right move and love their 4-bedroom Veranda house with room for a pool, so all the family has plenty of room to visit.

I think your assessment while brief is accurate. You need to rent north and south for a month or longer then decide what is best for you. Both have its pros and cons.

Your observations are exactly right. We lived in Orange Blossom and now Marsh Bend. There are advantages and disadvantages to all areas. I wish we would have rented first to get a better handle on what we wanted. Renting before buying would be my recommendation to anyone moving to TV. especially as it continues to grow and grow and grow...best of luck.

We rented for a year in Rio Grande. Great location for shopping, access to both Lake Sumter Landing and to Spanish Springs, and that was back when we had movie theaters at both locations. Trouble was we were the only couple on the street under age 80. Then we found out that homes built before 2002 were not built to “Miami Dade” hurricane standards with anchored roof trusses. Either higher insurance rates or expensive inspections were required. We wanted gas appliances too. South of 44 was still a gleam in the developer’s eye back then. Looked at the proposed village of Fenney, and got two mosquito bites and a nail in the tire of our car. We bought in Marion County, and have found it was a good decision. Mature landscaping, no bond, no problems. Quieter and less crowded. I dislike the deep water sport pool at Mulberry, but my wife likes it. Being 30 minutes from the real mall and big box stores, and many restaurants in Ocala has been a positive in the equation too.

Inspections cost $100 . Upgrade to braces $500 to several thousand ,paid back in 3-5 years and peace of mind .

How patient are you? Do you mind schlepping a long distance to shop? If you demand everything be "new," then purchase in the south Villages. I preferred a home with the bond already paid, a lush landscape on a wider street with a larger yard and summer surface temperatures 5 to 8 degrees cooler. I live in the northern Villages (Santiago) and have no regrets. By the way, if a hurricane evacuation is mandated I have a great headstart because 130,000 Villagers live south of me. Good luck with your decision.

To clarify, homes north of 466 do have gas service...unfortunately you didn't look far enough north.

Living up North and Loving it!
 

I am 56 and love living up north in Chatham. Yes, the neighbors are mostly older, but I enjoy them and some younger couples are starting to move in. I have some younger friends, but most of my best friends are in their 70's and I love them. What I have found is that your personality doesn't change just because you are older. My friends are a hoot and feel like family to me. All of the things that I like to do are up here without all of the traffic found in other areas. Mulberry is great for pickleball and there are two sports pools within five minutes of my house. No bond, mature trees, wonderful neighbors, light traffic--it's perfect for me. Most of my friends I have met through clubs anyway, so they live all over The Villages. For me, the new sections down south just don't feel like The Villages, but everyone is different and you need to live where you feel happy.

Many good points above. I wanted to add that one positive for me for the south area was that there are some standalone homes with fenced yards.