[ceejay]

We are currently living in New Jersey...I am originally from Buffalo and my boyfriend is from Brooklyn. We will be visiting The Villages for one day in June and a few nights in July.
We just have a few questions and we're hoping to find some answers from the best sources...that would be you guys!
#1...Unfortunately, I will have to continue to work once we move down there. I am currently employed at Bank of America, but would do anything that provides health insurance. Can anyone tell me the job situation there?
#2...We are thinking of a buying a new build. We are coming from 1500 square feet and would like to stay with the same size or even a little larger...would you suggest new or a pre-owned home?
#3...Where do you all find the time to do all those great activities? It looks like a wonderful place to live!
Hope to hear from someone soon!

[Barefoot]

I see that you are new to TOTV. There is a wonderful resource here on TOTV ... on the dark blue band at the top there is a Search button. You can type in any topic and see previous posts. Some areas have been well researched and discussed: the bond, new versus resale, electric golf carts versus gas, which Village is best, etc.

And of course if you post a question here we will all try hard to answer it.

I haven't researched the job market here, but there are certainly lots of retired people here with jobs!

There is a Bank of America here, on Parr Drive. Perhaps you could transfer.

[F16 1UB]

ceejay,

I might recommend that you canvas the web for jobs in the area that might fit your niche. Be aware though that the rate of pay may be substantially less.

As for homes - tough call. Many pre-owned homes are at basement bargain prices with many up-grades and no bond. New homes have been reduced but have been noticing that some items that were included before are now optional. www.THEVILLAGES.COM and look up your home to fit your style.

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/ has classified section too.

Finding time for activities - Don't retire because you'll never find time.

Good luck on your visit.

[Donna]

I really can't add much more than Barefoot and F16 already said..What I can say is anything and every thing you need to know can be found right here on TOTV..

If you can't find a past post, just post it again..Some one will always pass by and answer your posts..

Best of luck to you guys..

[KathieI]

Ceejay, all the previous posters are correct, this is THE place to find out information. I also wanted to give you the link for the local bank that has many branches in this area, you might find a job on this site. http://www.citizensfb.com/ Not sure exactly what you do for the bank, but this might be a start.

Let us know when your arriving in June, we can set up a meet with some of us who are here and we'll share a lot of information with you, plus it's always nice to meet "wanna bees". See ya soon.

[Number 6]

And I should mention that there are lots of Buffaloians down here. For instance, I am from Akron (NY). The local chapter of the Bills Backers meets for game day at Crazy Gringos.

[champion6]

ceejay,

Ocala is north of The Villages (TV) and Leesburg is south of TV. Here are links to their newspapers - look at the classifieds.
http://www.ocala.com/
http://www.dailycommercial.com/

F16 gave you the link to TV website. You should call or email them and request the free video. You will also get a booklet that shows floor plans including square footage.

The TV website shows both new and pre-owned homes. The pre-owned are on the VLS (Villages Listing Service) and are shown by TV sales reps. They are NOT included on the MLS that we are already familiar with everywhere else.

Here are some websites for local realtors who have access to the MLS. Each one also has some unique features that will help you learn more about TV.
http://www.lylesellsfla.com/
http://www.milfordleedy.com/
http://www.presprop.com/

Of course many homes are for sale by owner. Here is one FSBO site: http://www.thevillagesfsbo.com/ Google will find many more for you.

Have fun!!! Good Luck!!!

[katezbox]

Kathie thoughtfully mentioned Citizen's First as a job option. We are currently in the process of getting a mortgage through their affiliate Citizen's First Wholesale Mortgage. I know from their loan supervisor that they are overwhelmed with the volume of mortgage applications - especially those refinancing as rates have dropped. Might be worth a look...

Kate

[KathieI]

Kate, you using Anthony at the mortgage company? He's the best. If they are so overwhelmed, maybe I can get a job there, but first I need to learn how to count.. LOL... 1 + 1 = 2???

[ceejay]

Thanks to all of you who have replied above!
Another question....do any of you live or have you seen the new "cottage" homes? That's what we're considering, price wise and size wise.

[senior citizen]

x

[moira]

Originally Posted by ceejay

Thanks to all of you who have replied above!
Another question....do any of you live or have you seen the new "cottage" homes? That's what we're considering, price wise and size wise.

When we visited The Villages last month we found the following information regarding the new cottages:

The Dream Catcher (1727 sq. ft. including garage) is basically the same plan as the Cabot Cove, 2 bdrm, 2 bath.

The Treasure (2176 sq. ft. including garage) is basically the same plan as the Anna Maria, 3 bdrm, 2 bath.

The Sandcastle (1762 sq. ft. including garage) is basically the same plan as the Corpus Christi, 2 bdrm, den, 2 bath.

The Sandollar (approx. 1707 sq. ft. including garage) is basically the same plan as the Austin, 2 bdrm, 2 bath.

The Paradise Found (1627 sq. ft. including garage) is basically the same plan as the Laredo, 2 bdrm, 2 bath.

Other cottage plans are:

About Time, 1831 sq. ft. including garage, 2 bdrm, 2 bath

Tuckett Inn, 2047 sq. ft. including garage, 3 bdrm, 2 bath

Morning Glory, 2021 sq. ft. including garage, 3 bdrm, 2 bath

At Ease, 2079 sq. ft. including garage, 3 bdrm, 2 bath

Getaway, 1862 sq. ft. including garage, 2 bdrm, 2 bath

I don't have any prices. I'm sure that will depend on what kind, if any, upgrades you get, lot size, view, etc.

Hope this helps.

Moira

[BarryB]

The cottage homes may have a good price. When you look at the Villages web site all of the cottages homes only offer a garbage disposal in the list of appliances. Something to think about

[Niels]

Of course, one of the unanswered questions is how do you find time to do all of the great activities in The Villages. As a TV wannabe I'm still trying to figure that one out. I've already identified far more activities that look interesting than I would ever have time to join.

[JohnN]

senior citizen, re: "age limit"
they don't look the other way, there are laws regarding 55+ communities due to the tax implications (the developments don't pay towards schools). I believe it's 80% of the homeowners have to be 55+. I don't know how they monitor resales and such.