[SoCalGal]

Check YouTube for many videos about The Villages. Here are two; one pro and one con.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX4i8qprP2I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KGEauDN5Jc

[Rwirish]

No advantage, has become over crowded, best to stay in California.

[La lamy]

Originally Posted by SoCalGal

How much is the monthly amenities fee?

It's slightly different for everyone depending on how long one's been in the same house, but here is what I found online:
"Our surprisingly affordable monthly amenity fee of just $195.00 includes: Free golf on all of our executive courses* Swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce and many more facilities are all conveniently located throughout the community. Over 3,000 organized activities every week through our Recreation Department."

[nancyre]

No State Income Tax #1, Cost of Living from Forbes --- CA: California $53,171 3rd in nation, Florida $40,512 21rd in the nation.

[donfey]

Restaurant prices in California make ALL restaurant prices here look like Denny's.

[MikeN]

Florida in general is much less than other states for retirement. However there are high amenity fees in the villages that do cover a lot of entertainment but going to the squares every night gets old quick. There is the lack of quality medical care to consider. The restaurants here are mediocre at best. Then there is the “bond” you really have to quiz a salesperson about. Good luck with your decision and Florida is beautiful

[Sandy and Ed]

One of the rarely attributed benefits of the villages is its location in the middle of the Florida peninsula. Seems to be somewhat insulated from the heaviest weather that hits Florida.

[huge-pigeons]

I have lived in 2 states that didn’t like Californians moving there, Oregon, and Washington, this was 50 years ago and now those states are terrible (Portland anyone). We had license plates that said “have a safe trip back to California“. Now, We want to keep this state unlike California/NY/etc for the reasons some others stated above: high gas cost, high taxes, high cost of living, dictating what you can buy or not buy: gas cars, gas stoves, etc.. There are numerous reasons why people in California, NY, NJ, and from other states want to move here and we don’t want people coming in and changing it.

[ackissmary@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Danenew20242

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

We came herein 2005 because there was so much to do & a very safe place to live. Unfortunately I lost my husband 3 years ago & have my singles friends now, they are great. Left NC & love life here, best of luck to you, Mary Neal 👍

[Warcats]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

No state income tax seems to tip the scale in Florida favor

The facilities are peerless. For all villagers the entertainment options are endless

[gmpmex]

Originally Posted by Danenew20242

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Yes, it's less expensive and many things to do I moved from California 3 years ago and as far as I am concerned this is the best place to live you have real professional doctors here not armatures.

[GATORBILL66]

Originally Posted by Danenew20242

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

The Villages is way too crowded. It has so many alligators, no-see-ums and mosquitos that bite, The heat is unbearable! Stay in California!

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by Danenew20242

Hello,
I am in California and just retired. I have found this unique place called "The Villages", so it sounds and looks very interesting, but I need your knowledge!

Is it really cheaper to live in The Villages or Fl in general? From the little I have been able to glean, there seems to be really no great monetary advantage, so why move there?

Thank you so very much for your time/efforts/comments and advice!!!!!

Move here for the humidity. Also, no income tax, a sales tax that, at 7 or 7.5% is not unserious. The Villages tends to be well engineered, with reliable power and storm water management. Not much of an un housed population around here because rents are cheap, and those who prefer to live alfresco have the huge Ocala National Forest in which to roam.

[brianherlihy]

it is bad stay away

[Terstr]

I moved from Norco (Riverside County)and worked at LAX. For me no more 2-3 hour commutes. The Villages is a breath of fresh air. No trash or weeds lying around. People my own age. Zero crime as compared to LA/Riverside county. One downside is no variety of grocery stores compared to the many different chains in Ca. Come for a lifestyle visit (no pressure to buy from salesman) and decide.