Originally Posted by spd2918 (Post 1001804)

For you former Northerns- How long did it take you to acclimate to the summers in FL?

Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 1002112)

Plus, I'm thinking of a house in The Villages almost like a cabin on a cruise ship. It doesn't need to be huge because you're never there anyway!

Originally Posted by spd2918 (Post 1001768)

Thanks for all the replies. Home costs certainly are relative. I will most likely get $125K to $130K for my nice home in NW WI when I sell (hardwood floors, quartz counters, new windows, blah blah blah). I know I will have to pony up some more to get less house.

No worries. We wanted less space to heat and cool anyway. We were just surrised at the cheapo counters and plastic bathrooms. Once its paid for I will add what we want.

I don't plan to be inside much after I get used to the summer heat.

Originally Posted by JerryLBell (Post 1002112)

My wife and I have visited The Villages twice so far and are looking at it and other retirement communities in Florida for when we retire in a couple of years (and counting down the days!). The basic price of houses seem about in line with what we're seeing at other communities, as are the lot sizes. You get a bit less than of both for the money than what we have here in Cary, NC (outside of Raleigh), but I'm looking to downsize on the yard work anyway. Plus, I'm thinking of a house in The Villages almost like a cabin on a cruise ship. It doesn't need to be huge because you're never there anyway! We're leaning towards The Villages because of the huge number of activities available. We are definitely planning on being out of the house a LOT. That's very different than friends of ours who have built their huge, elaborate retirement home on a huge, wooded lot in the middle of nowhere. They want to be at home forever, endlessly enjoying their house, I guess. We want to be out, Out, OUT having fun, Fun, FUN!

As far a restaurant pricing, I guess it's all in what you're used to having around you. We ate at a handful of restaurants and found some to be a bit overpriced and some to be bargains, much like the variety of restaurants we have here.

We're still trying to figure out what other costs there might be to budge for that we might have overlooked. The Bonds (or CDCs or whatever) are a bit off-putting and the other monthly fees aren't cheap. But we know that infrastructure like that (all those golf courses, rec centers, pools, town squares, nightly music, etc.) doesn't come free.

We're also trying to figure out how much we'll need in "fun" money. We hope to travel more in our retirement. I want to take golf back up (and that ain't free, even on "free" courses!). We don't want to be "house poor" and not be able to socialize and entertain the way we want. So, we continue to work for now. However, if I were to win the lottery today, I'd be down there tomorrow. When we visited the first time the year before last, it was all I could do to make myself leave and go home! And that was just a "drop-in" visit, not a lifestyle preview visit!

Originally Posted by Packer Fan (Post 1004129)

This explains a lot! Housing up North is very cheap (unless you are on a lake) because there is little demand. Unless you are a hunter or snowmobiler, there is not a lot to do up there either. We live in Milwaukee and found the villages prices to be very reasonable, especially for what you get. The taxes are very low compared to Wisconsin. As far as dining, I think it is very reasonable, especially in the country clubs. We went to Nancy Lopez and both had steak and wine and paid $50, that would have been double here in Milwaukee. Remember that the only thing that matters in real estate is location... and the villages is THE location. The one thing we found to be higher is prices in the surrounding area for furniture and furnishings - even Hobby Lobby prices were higher than up North.. I would suggest Walmart.com and Wayfair.com to help furnish your home to get around this.

Originally Posted by spd2918 (Post 1001621)

Hi all!

This is my first post. I am researching retirement communities with my wife. In 8 long years I will retire and my wife will keep working from her home office.

We visited last week and I'd like to share with you my (and my wife's) first impressions of your community:

Wow are your streets clean. We knew exactly when we were outside and inside "the bubble" due to the cleanliness. It is clear you and the management take great care in how the streets look.

I love the golf cars. I'm a kid at heart and love the idea of getting around in carts. I might need to learn how to golf.

The lot sizes seem a little small, and your money does not buy much house. We are looking to downsize, but we were a little surprised how far our money won't go. For a used $175K 1200 foot house we were expecting better surfaces and updates.

We ate in Sumter Square and found the restaurants were expensive for what we got. I know this is a planned community, but why can't there be more reasonably priced places to eat? It would be wonderful if there were non-chain restaurants. :icon_hungry:

Lisa and I were blown away by all the things to do! It is hard to imagine being bored with all the clubs and activities. This place completely fits our requirement for activity.

How do my impressions stack up with your reality?

Brad

Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 1004296)

Everything is clean and maintenance areas are hidden.
Rec Centers, Squares and neighborhoods to an extent have a theme, like Disney Resorts.
Separate checks are the norm.
Free exec golf that I can walk.
Golf Dress code is very forgiving.
Many clubs that I joined are $10 for the year.
For $55 a year I have access to a 8,000 sq ft woodshop.
Waterbirds that I photograph all the time.
I find it quiet and very safe.
The paths are perfect for biking.
I don't have a golf cart and don't want one. I have a smart car that I enjoy and lease.
Orlando Airport and pick up service is very convenient and safe.
As I think of things, I may add more.