We rented a villa before we bought. We were welcomed by our neighbors just as much when we were renting.
Several for sale in our area, St. Charles off of Bailey

Villas are fine
 

My husband and I bought a villa in Fernandina in 2014 and loved it. We were not 55 yet. Our friends bought 8 houses down from us and live there full time. They have never had any problems with renters around them. The only downside to the villas is storage. Your realtor is mistaken in the information they gave you.

We have a CYV and love it...for years we had a big house and now, it's great to only have to take care of a villa...great for 1-2 people and it's tight if we have family visit but renting another villa right across the street for a few nights has always been an option. Love the low maintenance. We are here 10 days a month and back where our kids live 20 days a month. For a single gal I think the villas are perfect! The only downfall is the garage is small. We have a really small car we keep here and a golf cart. That seems to fit just fine.

I don't live in a villa but know people that do and they are very happy. If you are a socialite, then maybe a more conventional neighbor. I live in a permanent home on a street with 14 other houses in Section of Duneden off Hillsborough Trail. Less than half the houses are full time, a few are empty (some buy and are waiting to retire), a couple keep getting new owners often, a few are only here during the few winter and early spring months, some just after the winter holidays. We get to know the people around us but not much farther away unless you join clubs. Then you friends can be further away. In the past years, impromptu driveway parties used to help meet people. Now with COVID, many of us are hermits. You want comradery...and are full time...I'd say buy a small house. The most affordable, in my opinion, and the most manageable is a 1) house between houses and 2) not on a corner, 3) have a street behind with neighbors just like your street, 4) not on a 'water view' no matter what the view is, 5) away from the mail box centers and the rec areas because of the pickleball or pool noises. Get opinions but many on this Blog are not well informed and just arbitrarily make stuff up, even when they cite facts. You are doing good by double and triple checking.

Love my CYV....
 

I bought my CYV in 2007 and absolutely love it!
Back then I had two more homes “out West,” and eventually tired of two thousand mile drives from TV to the other places. At this point in my Life simpler-is-better.
There are ‘rentals on both sides of me, and there has NEVER been a problem. Barking dogs have never been a problem, nor smoking, etc. Frankly, if there ever WAS a problem I’d probably take comfort in the fact the ‘renters’ will probably leave in a month or so, unlike a more permanent residential situation where a nasty neighbor (...I dislike that term) might be there until one of you dies!
I try to be a bit proactive, but not ‘pushy. When a new renter comes-in I often make a point of introducing myself to get things off to a good start. Being friendly and positive is Easy in The Villages!

I think your agent was looking to upgrade his sales commission moving you into a more expensive home. Rentals are all over The Villages.My granddaughter rented a huge designer model with huge pool and birdcage for a week.

I am selling my courtyard villa in Labelle North, if interested call 704-797-1703. It is a 3/2 Bonifay style.

What size are you scaling down from? Look up on "the villages" webb site than check out new homes and that models to decide which model fits your needs. Personally we feel safer without the fencing around 1/2 the yard so if we ever have a problem, there is a better chance that a neighbor will notice. We chose a designer. My suggestion is to come down for a short stay and get a feel for it.

Come look at a beautiful cottage home for sale in the village of Pine Hills. 3216 Knowlton Ave. Quiet street on cul- da- sac.

The realtor trying up sale for her benefit. New section had bonds. Stick to your guns. Many different area with Villas and be less maintenance . Being by yourself you don’t want to deal with extra yard work.

Villa living
 

Whether you’re in a home or villa, you are minimally 10’ from your neighbor. Dogs can be heard from homes or villas. If you’re alone, you may feel less outdoor maintenance is better. There are homes and villas rented. Choose what you feel comfortable in for size and dollars.

I have lived in a courtyard villa for four years now. I do have a dog and always will have so I courtyard villa is fantastic for me. My sister lives in a house. The distance between her house and her neighbors is about the same as mine, kissing lanai’s and all that, but because of the courtyard walls I have privacy and she doesn’t. I can go out and sunbathe and she can’t. My neighborhood has very few rentals, about half of the villas are snowbirds in here for here full-time. I love my neighbors And there are many social activities here all year round. But hey, that’s just me. A lot depends on how the Villa you’re in is set up. Don’t rule them out just because of your realtor.

Hi! ! We had exactly the same situation. We were only looking at patio villas and courtyard villas because we felt that it provided plenty of room. Our realtor also encouraged us to consider a ranch and we’re glad we did. The ranch was only a little more expensive than the villas we looked at and It allowed us to get a 2 car garage. When we were snowbirds, we didn’t really need the garage space but once we moved here full-time we found that we needed that storage space as we were used to a house with a basement. We also have a third bedroom that we love when the kids visit but many people use as a den or office. I would encourage you to at least look at some ranches before you make your decision and consider everything that you’ll want to have space for such as holiday decorations and bicycles. Also, if you have a larger car like we do, the two car garage allows room to get in and outmoded easily. Best of luck in your search!

Look at all size homes villages have to offer. Something for everyone. Disregard all these naysayers.
Loudest noises I have heard walking 3-4 miles a day are from homeowners pools. . Day or night.

Smoking? I did not realize only smokers lived in smaller homes. Wrong. We have friends who live in a designer home and neighbor rents. Smoking smelloutside goes a long way. Another had a neighbor build a large firepit. In the mornings they have soot on their lanai. Not to mention at times they cannot even sit out in their birdcage.

Always people willing to say negatives.

This reply is right on. We LOVE our villa. We prefer the privacy when in our backyard.
There are some snowbirds and renters, but there's also a strong core of full-time folks.
We downsized and I, personally, don't need nor want so much "stuff". My wife would have wanted a 2 or 2-1/2 car garage, but I don't miss it.
Our yard is landscaped nicely and has a rock bed - I gave my lawnmower to the landscapers and it was a great day!

Realtors will tell you anything and everything. Do what you think is best for you.
If you're not sure , rent for awhile.

I will say, we had a patio villa when here part-time. When we moved full-time, we bought a CBS courtyard villa and I think the CBS is much quieter and "feels" more solid than the frame home. Just my opinion. Best wishes.