[DianeM]

Originally Posted by Tsalla Apopka

Look at Google Earth and use the history slider to see the progression of construction and use Zillow and set for For Sale and also Sold. Rentals are there also.
We did all of this a couple of times and ended up at On Top of the World in Ocala.......................

How do you like OTOW? TV is getting very large.

[Rosebud1949]

Yes Mepoole I agree between 466 and 466A is best. Well established area, lovely trees, not looking like a moonscape, plenty of facilities, for shopping eating etc ( normally) no cookie cutter houses as there are south of Turnpike or waiting for the Villages to provide services, those were put in first...... I understand those "down sizing" want a new house no work, but having a friendly village is nicer

[Smalley]

We prefer the northern area because of the mature trees and proximity to Sumpter Landing and Spanish Springs. I just think that these town centers have more charm than Brownwood. We also look for a walkable location, i.e. walkable to town centers, supermarket and local pools. The Lake Miona and Laurel Manor Rec Centers are beautiful. We are in our late 70's.

[clwahlstrom]

I think everyone will say they live in the best area. We are just north of 466 a down the street from Havana country club and we think it’s the best as well. Hard to take suggestions from people who love their areas.

[John_W]

If you're thinking of some place else besides TV, why only consider OTOTW, Stoncrest, Del Webb, there's no reason to even stay in this area if you're not in TV unless you like to ride horses.

I grew up on the Gulf coast and my parents retired in 1983 in Spring Hill. If it weren't for TV, I would probably be at Heritage Pines, it's between Spring Hill and Hudson, Florida. It's a retirement community about 75 minutes SW of here in Pasco County. It's ten minutes from the beach, boating, shopping. US Hwy 19 is a commercial strip of businesses and stores from Spring Hill to St. Petersburg, sixty miles and if you can't find it on that road, it doesn't exist. Gulf View Mall is ten minutes.

Home - Heritage Pines Country Club - Hudson, FL

What does Heritage Pines offer? Besides location, for one, it's about 45 minutes from Tampa, the airport, NFL games, NHL games, MLB in St. Petersburg all less than an hour away. Busch Gardens, great shopping, Tampa/St. Pete has it all.

Homes, the community is built out, so no construction to put up with, just resales. Homes are priced much more reasonable, actually that normal for that area of Florida. Here's example, this home is for sale right now for $189K.







It's a real gated community, no red buttons, no visitor passes, you have to be a guest of a resident, doesn't even matter if you want to look at real estate.



Club House



18 hole championship golf course is resident owned. Golf - Heritage Pines Country Club - Hudson, FL

[Mumbles]

Originally Posted by VApeople

That is a very good idea. Since the snowflakes are going home, there are a LOT of patio villas for rent at bargain rates..

By the way, a 'snowbird' is a person who owns a house here but only comes down during the winter. A 'snowflake' is a person who comes down for the winter and rents.

...a person who lives in a house here year-round, but rents it?

[Yellowrose]

Something to consider when buying is: What county is it in? The Property taxes & bonds are very different.

[jagdl]

None that we know of. And yes older residents and early buyers moving to assisted living or in with family or passing on.

[Dianne1449]

Originally Posted by Timothyimitchell

Early next year. What a great place to be! My wife and I are all fired up. I have a question about real estate there, specifically, pre owned homes. I have noticed it seems many home currently for sale are in the north and east sections of The Villages. While I am sure every area is great, has anyone noticed this also? Is there a particular reason for this? Is there an area that is better than others? Thanks in advance.

We bought in Santa Domingo, as snowbirds, a very cute little 2 bed/2 bath. The neighborhood is a little quieter than I would like, neighbors very friendly. It is close to the rec center, a short cart ride to both Spanish Springs and Sumter, close to 441/27 and tons of shopping. My friends who live further south end up driving up here to shop and go to salons. Lots of restaurants. Many homes are older, maybe 20-25 years old and no bond.
We may eventually relocate full time and look for a larger place but it will be north of 466. I think prices may be a little lower and make remodeling more appealing.

[Quixote]

It's strictly personal taste. What's important to you might not be so to me, and vice versa. You really do need to spend time here exploring and getting the feel of different areas. I personally would not buy new construction; I prefer a resale where I might find improvements that I would want, a bond that's been paid off or paid down, a place where the landscaping, not only on the properties but in the area, are mature. Older homes when newly built included appliances, ceiling fans, window coverings (blinds or whatever), and more that we've been told are no longer included. And bonds are much higher in newer areas.

We are in an area known as the 'Lynnhaven Corridor,' consisting of five villages—Belvedere, Lynnhaven, Ashland, Bonnybrook, and Tall Trees—built around 2004 (as was Lake Sumter Landing). For us it's ideal, close to library, all manner of shopping and restaurants, three nearby supermarkets, banks, medical offices, by golf cart 15 minutes to LSL and 25 to Spanish Springs, and (important to us) sidewalks which don't exist north of 466. The improvements done by the previous owner by and large suited us; we didn't have to 'undo' anything significant, and the remaining bond was nominal. I think you'll find that most Villagers feel they live in the most ideal location; just remember that what's 'most ideal' to the next person may not be to you. Hope things work out as you wish them to!

[Shamp]

If you opt to rent a patio villa south of 44, check out this new professionally decorated 3/2 in Monarch Grove. Quiet, dead end street, fully equipped just bring your suitcase! www.************.com/lsp

[Tsego58]

Well there ya have it new people, everyone has better than the other. You ask the right people who are willing to take it out of the box when it comes to opinions. They know it better and have to show that they have bought many homes here , know the best areas you even had a realtor showing you operatunities outside of here. Good luck.

[txfan]

We’ll be “hidin’ on the backstreets” in Chitty Chatty

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by kathyspear

I would love to see some stats on this although I'm sure such numbers are not available.

How many people know someone who has moved from north of 44 to one of the new areas down south? Just curious.

kathy

I know of 8

[Olyarchik]

We have lived in the Villages full time since 2013 and moved from the South East area to the South (across The Florida Turnpike). It's a beautiful area with parks, wildlife and quiet. The point is, used houses anywhere are quite high in price, whereas you can sometimes get a brand new one for the same price. With a brand new house you get more guarantees like the AC etc. AC's only last about 10 years and you have to have them in Florida.