[Junebugs]

My husband and I live in South Florida and are considering a Lifestyle visit to TV to see if this is where we would want to retire. We have about 8 years before we could move. We are also a bit young at 48 and 53 yrs. but were thinking about options of buying sooner and renting until we could retire. Here are my questions: what is the minimum age to purchase if we wanted to rent until we retire? what is the average age of the residents? (I am concerned that I would feel out of place at 56)
Thanks for your input!

[Ooper]

I believe the minimum age to buy in TV is just like anywhere else, 19 y/o. There is nothing wrong with buying now and moving in later. My wife and I were both 49 when we built our house in TV. We moved in a couple years later after renting the house for a year. I would guarantee that you would not feel out of place at 56. I would say, not positive, that the average age in TV is around the early to mid-60's.

[kfierle]

I purchased my villa when I was 50 full well knowing that I had at least 5 more years to work before I could use it full time. I have had great luck renting it out and using it when I am able. I doubt you would feel out of place at 59. Rumor has it that you automatically get younger once you move to The Villages. In my mind, that makes age relative.

[redwitch]

Minimum purchase age: day you're born if you can afford it.

Minimum age to live here: 19.

Average age: have no idea -- it doesn't seem to matter. I have friends here that range in age from 23 to 92. I play bridge with the 23 YO. My next-door neighbor is 92 but still plays golf, bocce and shuffleboard and is very active in his church. Age really is a state of mind here. You'll fit in as long as you're willing to try to things, meet people, smile and be happy most of the time.

So, c'mon up and jump in the water. There are much worse decisions you could make in life than moving here before you're ready to retire.

[Junebugs]

Well, that clears up alot -- I thought you had to be 55 to live there.

[Ohiogirl]

Eighty % need to be 55 and over - how they keep track of this, I have no idea, or whether or not they even do. When I bought, in 2006, when prices were almost at their peak, I had to show proof of age to buy new and my agent specifically asked me before she started showing houses to me. I was just 55. I was told that if you weren't 55, you could petition. I have heard that with resales there are no issues at all. Also, owners or lessees of businesses have no problem being under 55. It may also depend on the market at the time.

If I were you, I would call the Villages Sales Dept and ask to speak to a manager and get the straight story (for now) on both new and pre-owned.

[redwitch]

At least 20% of the homes have to be open to anyone under 55 -- federal law. The one age rule is that you must be over 19 to live here. The 23 YO lives with his parents and helps his mother take care of his father. I do know of one instance where a 22 YO owns the home but her parents live in it (the joys of a very healthy trust fund). There are some younger people that live here -- usually with their parents for whatever reason (some good, some not so good, some downright bad). However, there are many that are under 55, but I would guess the majority are in their mid to late 60s. The point is that age is really not an issue here -- you'll find your niche and it will more than likely include several different ages.

[ajbrown]

We are seasonal (Oct - May) and are 54 and 52. I have NEVER felt out of place, so at 56 you will fit in as much as you wish to. I honestly never think about how old my friends are in TV.

We bought new in 2007, and the Realtor mentioned we may have an issue with age (not being 55), but in the end there was no issue.

I have NO idea how the issue is addressed in 'pre-loved' (phrase stolen from another TOTV'er).

Redwitch: I _think_ the law is opposite what you said. I think that an over 55 community is allowed to have 20% of the population under 55 and stll be considered an over 55 community, I do not think they MUST. I could be wrong, but I was denied buying a place in Norton, MA in an over 55 community when I was 53.

Looking here: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/yourrights.cfm

From that site:
HOPA retains the requirement that senior housing must have one person who is 55 years of age or older living in at least 80 percent of its occupied units. It also still requires that senior housing publish and follow policies and procedures that demonstrate an intent to be housing for persons 55 and older.

The point of my post is you will have a ball at 56 for the rest of your life!

[Brillante]

We have been visiting The Villages for a number of years and have two siblings there and if the average age is under 75 I would be very shocked. They advertise it as an average age of mid 60s but I once challenged my brother that I would buy him a steak dinner if he even pointed out someone under 70 in our hour long walk around a square. He could not find even one person. Either everyone looks much older or the average age is in the mid 70's. Nothing wrong with that I would enjoy these people as well as my own age group in the early 60's but I just want to get the record straight.

[MicheleE]

I purchased my home last year -I am 53 and my husband is 56. While there are not as many people under 60 - age is only a number and there are many people over 65 that are in better shape than me!

[kellyjam]

I too bought a year ago and I am 62 and my wife is 58. Our next door neighbors are 57 and 53 and have lived here for 4 years. If you are in the northern portion of TV up by Spanish Springs it is older. South of 466A much younger.

[ajbrown]

Since the last time I posted to this thread (2010) things have changed. I can now post I easily help with the 80%

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

Since the last time I posted to this thread (2010) things have changed. I can now post I easily help with the 80%

Happy Birthdays!

[billethkid]

there is no age restriction or percentage mix for resale homes. Given the values of homes in TV will continue to increase and more so after the build out (if it ever happens).....the very best time to buy is right now. The homes and the lifestyle we all enjoy will never be any less than they are today!!!

At your age there is no way you will be out of place. As you will soon find out this is not anybodies typical retirement community. And most people cannot relate even with us all trying to describe it. One visit and you will be ready to buy.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by billethkid

there is no age restriction or percentage mix for resale homes. Given the values of homes in TV will continue to increase and more so after the build out (if it ever happens).....the very best time to buy is right now. The homes and the lifestyle we all enjoy will never be any less than they are today!!!

At your age there is no way you will be out of place. As you will soon find out this is not anybodies typical retirement community. And most people cannot relate even with us all trying to describe it. One visit and you will be ready to buy.

The deed restrictions for an age restricted community do not have anything to do with new or resale homes. It is what it is. At least 80% of the homes must be occupied by at least one person age 55+ and no one under 19 at any time other than visitors for no more than 30 days per year in aggregate.