[RayAndPat]

Hi! We are new to posting here so please bear with us until learn. Thank you.

We recently spent six weeks living (renting) in TV. We decided that we had to live there to be sure it was everything that everyone said it was. It was everything people said and more. We spent quite a bit of time looking at both new and pre-owned real estate. We have pretty much decided that we want to buy north of 466. TV sits in three counties north of 466. This is the question. What are the differences between Marion, Sumter and Lake counties. This is what I think I know about the three. Lake County has no bond and the CDD can’t levy improvements on residents. Marion and Lake Counties have a higher tax base than Sumter. Sumter’s tax base is lower and has gone down the last couple of years. Can anyone offer any additional information about the counties such as restrictions, police and fire protection, etc. Thanks.

[swrinfla]

Ray & Pat:

First and foremost, Welcome to TOTV and to The Villages! Whatever you decide to do, you will find it RIGHT!

I'm sure that many folks will have strong opinions about which county is better! For me, the differences between the three are very minor!

It's true that the majority of Villagers live in Sumter County. But, that's not necessarily because of their decision, more because that's where the available land was!

I would definitely NOT make any decision about where to buy in TV based upon which county is involved!

SWR

[redwitch]

I'm with SWR on this one, pick your house and don't worry about the county. You'll get good fire/police protection in all of the counties. You've listed the main differences. As to deed restrictions, they are not really based on the county so much as when a development was built -- the older the development, the less there are restrictions. One difference is that you can't put up a for sale sign on your lawn in Sumter County, which is by county ordinance rather than a TV restriction.

[golfnut]

Actually red i think restrictions on signs on the lawn (and gnomes) is a district restriction not county, signs are not allowed south of CR466....gn

[chuckinca]

Lake County residents in TV live in the City of Lady Lake and receive City services not available to those living in Marion or Sumter Counties.


.

[drdodge]

I just recently bought a house in Springdale and the taxes are cheaper tham my house in Sumter county. You should try to get a house with little or no bond. I bought one with no bond
drd

[Pturner]

Ray&Pat,

Welcome to TOTV. I agree with others who have said the differences in counties are not that significant. Find a home you'll love that fits your budget and rejoice!

[thomas borst]

welcome to the villages, and good luck finding your home

[RayAndPat]

Thanks everyone for your help. We are in that state of limbo where we are trying to sell our house. Hope to be back soon.

[wendyquat]

We are in that "state of limbo" with you guys. Trying to sell in a dead market is NO FUN! Looking forward to getting it done so be can become FROGS! Good luck!

[Pturner]

Hmmm. I think Limbo is the fastest growing state in the country right now.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Pturner

Hmmm. I think Limbo is the fastest growing state in the country right now.

Ha! Good one! And yes.....it is unfortunate.

Bill

[Lynn222]

I, too, am in a state of limbo in Richmond, Virginia. My home has been on the market 20 months. Had a contract last month and I was sooo excited to move to TV but the engaged 40+ couple backed out on the deal. So, with their deposit money, I spent one week, in November, at TV. It was better then nothing! Looking forward to my new friends.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...1924902#Detail

[RVRoadie]

In Lake County you have to get your electric from Leesburg Electric, a municiple operation. It takes a trip to Leesburg to get the hookup, about a dozen forms to sign plus a credit check that you have to pay for, then a deposit of $250 to $750 depending on your credit score. In Sumter County, you give SECO a call and they do it over the phone.

[gratton]

Originally Posted by RVRoadie

In Lake County you have to get your electric from Leesburg Electric, a municiple operation. It takes a trip to Leesburg to get the hookup, about a dozen forms to sign plus a credit check that you have to pay for, then a deposit of $250 to $750 depending on your credit score. In Sumter County, you give SECO a call and they do it over the phone.

We live in Lake County and we get our power from Sumpter electric