[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by justjim

With the cost of living in The Villages continuing to climb is it sustainable? We moved and purchased here 17 plus years ago. Some years prior, we met and shook hands with Harold Schwartz during our first visit. We have seen and experienced some “things” in The Villages.

My wife and I grew up in a coal mining town. I can remember going to “the company store.” The town was prosperous and growing until it wasn’t. The mines closed, many moved and the owners left town with most of the money. Population is half what it was. You could buy a house for a “song and dance.”

Will the next generation of retirees be able to afford The Villages? With insurance, taxes, amenities and maintenance costs continuing to climb will those on fixed income be able to stay in The Villages? What could happen to real estate values? In 15-20 years will the Developer close up shop, sell and leave? Is The Villages, as we know it, sustainable for the long haul? I can think of other scenarios but you see my point.

Cost living climbing everywhere especially in Florida. IMO there will be time villages CDDs will have to make some cuts where they’re over spending? But, I’ll probably be gone by that time. It’s really hard to stop spending someone else’s money.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by Robnlaura

ps most new home builders don’t add a huge fee for the roads and stuff they build it comes out of their profits..

So does every other builder make a lower profit margin or do they just increase the price of the house to cover it?

[Normal]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

So does every other builder make a lower profit margin or do they just increase the price of the house to cover it?

I can’t imagine a business model designed to take less than 15% for home construction.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Robnlaura

I don’t get it that fee is used to develop every amenity you use
roads, sewers, street lights, utilities then they charge you a fee to actually use the facilities It pays for the recreation buildings, pools and executive golf courses. So call it what you like if that makes you feel better. You are STILL paying for everything.. ps most new home builders don’t add a huge fee for the roads and stuff they build it comes out of their profits..

P.S. Most new home builders roll that cost into the price of their new homes...

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I sure hope the Developer never decides to abandon the community and turn over its governance to the residents. If you look historically at Sun City and a Sun City West Arizona, that is exactly what the developer (Del Webb) did after those communities were “built out” - Though still nice communities, deeds and restrictions became less restrictive, giving more control to the residents, which have created an “inconsistent” feel in their respective communities. The pristine and beautiful community we live in, is because of the control the Developer has over The Villages, and why many of us chose to retire here.

When/if the day comes for the developer to exit it won't be to the residents. Makes no financial sense. It will be to a large corporation.

[huge-pigeons]

The villages can be considered cheap when compared to 1/2 the country, I’ve lived in some of those places. Our taxes are 1/3 the price in other states, and a bonus to retirees, no state income tax.
When you have tens of thousands leaving other states and flocking to Florida/Tennessee/texas, these states will have no problems selling real estate.
As for adopting the current lifestyle, have you compared the villages north of 466 to the villages south of 44? The developers have made huge improvements to the infrastructure, house designs, sporting activities, and the landscaping compared to the older homes in TV. The lack of golf courses south of 44 will be fixed with the new courses being built on the other side of the bridge.

[nick demis]

Originally Posted by Randall55

Something new and exciting will come along. It always does! When it does, the Villages will be forgotten. Nothing lasts forever.

I'll bet many said that 20 years ago. LOL