[cybrgeezer]

Hi, folks. Newbie to this board with some questions about the manufactured homes villages. Sorry if it's a bit long but I'm a wannabe with questions.

I've been lurking on this board for a few days and I've seen only passing references to the manufactured homes area; one person asking about flooding because he's interested in a home on Vermont Ave. and a woman who says she and her husband bought a manufactured home recently.

So, I don't know how many of you live there and/or have much knowledge of the area, but I thought I'd throw my questions out for any and all responses.

First, I've been interested in TV for about 4 years; I've visited many times and been all over the area either by car or on my bicycle. I live only 3 hours away and when I have a long weekend, I like to come down there.

I've enjoyed many an evening in Spanish Springs town square, spent some time in the Market Square area, eaten in some of your restaurants and even came down in December 2007 to participate in The Big Kazoo at the polo field.

My finances and what I think I can get out of my present house convince me the manufactured area is the only one I can afford, and only the cheapest there.

And therein lies one of my questions: It seems most Villagers are much better-off than I and are able to buy much more expensive homes (I have a severe allergy to debt and don't want to buy anything for which I cannot pay cash). So, since the range of home prices in TV and, probably, the range of income varies so greatly, I must ask (and PLEASE, I am not trying to offend anyone or impugn anyone's opinions or attitudes) if there is any -- for lack of a better word -- 'caste' system in TV.

Do those living in the manufactured homes have, by virtue of paying so much less, any fewer rights and privileges within the development? Do you folks living east of the highway feel looked down upon by others who are better off?

A second question: On my trips there I have, as I said, used my bicycle to get around and see the various villages. One thing I have not done and want to ask about is whether a cyclist is allowed to use the bridge over U.S. 27, or whether that is strictly for golf carts. (The issue of whether I can do that is also one to be discussed with my legs, but I'm just looking for regulation, tradition, etc. here.) I know I would be slower than the carts going up one side, but we'd make it up on the way down.

Third: I've seen some current comments on one thread on the issue of the manufactured communities breaking away from the developers. What will that mean in terms of costs, access to the activities in the rest of The Villages, etc., if anything?

Because of career uncertainities, my timeline for moving could be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. I know an answer to my third question might well be settled by that time. Anyway, I'd like some informed opinion.

I know this is long. I am also afraid I left some things out and/or didn't make my questions clear enough in some cases and will have to come back here to clarify. No matter, I still would like some answers and discussion for my own education.

Thanks in advance for any help, fellow Floridians and likely future neighbors!

[graciegirl]

I would like to welcome you here to this lovely place. I have met people from all over the country and all over the villages and I can't say enough about how the years seem to be a great equalizer in the way people look at "things" and "possessions". There is not very much difference in the size of anyone's home here, certainly not the difference we found where we came from. Everyone has the same opportunity to partake in the dancing, fun, games, parades, learning, laughter and general beauty of the area.

We bought a year ago and I have friends whose homes cost over a million dollars and those whose home cost less than 100K. Each of them have beautiful places to sleep and entertain and plant flowers and invite people over for coffee or dinner. I am always delighted to enter someone's home for the first time because each person has made it his/her own and a comfortable and welcoming place to be and a "soft place to fall".

People pay less attention here as a general rule, to what you live in and more attention to how you live. So if you have a ready smile, a bit of adventure, a willing spirit and a warm heart, you will fit in just fine. If you have a ready wink and can give a nice warm hug, you will certainly be happy here.

If you run into a snob, there are so many other people to be pals with and just like outside in the other world, you will find people who have more and less money than you do. It doesn't matter here, or at least I have found it does not.

Please join us in this beautiful place. Time is slipping away.

[njbchbum]

A caste system will only exist if one permits it to exist. If one ignores who has or does not have, they will live a life filled with happiness and pleasure rather than stress and envy.

When someone buys a house in TV they buy into a lifestyle - one that they will make their own and one they will choose to share or not share. When someone is on the golf course, it is their handicap that almost matters; when they join a club or other organization it is their participation that will be sought; when people meet in the grocery store or in the town square, no one knows where you are from - they only seek your smile and courtesy.

As graciegirl said, your smile, your cheerful spirit, your wink and a hug will do more for you in TV than all the posessions that you sold at your yard sale could do for you! I have always found that the people I know who had $$ and things never had time to be a friend.

If the village people really cared about supporting a caste system, no one would go to a yard sale here!

[nONIE]

Cybrgeezer,

First of all I love your forum handle! Its the first good laugh I have had all daY!!lol


I live in a manufactured home in Country Club hills. We receive all rights and amenities that every other Village does, no exceptions!

As far as being looked down upon by people in more expensive homes, the answer again is a big NO! Most of my friends live very far south in Villages that have new and beautiful homes. They NEVER treat me in any way that would cause me to feel inferior to them in any way. Frankly I dont think people care what you live in, they are only concerned with how you treat them, that is the Beauty of The Villages. If there are people in TV that feel they are better then me I would want nothing to do with them anyway.

The Bridge over 44l/27 is a golf cart and Pedestrian bridge. I have ridden my bicycle over the bridge altho it is narrow and it is best to use extreme caution when doing so. In my opinion walking over it would be a little more dangerous.

I hope Gracie and I have helped in some small way. Good luck and I just know you wont be sorry if you buy in the historic section. There are some really great people on that side Its very quiet there also, very little traffic and a homey type atmosphere.

[clyd709]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I would like to welcome you here to this lovely place. I have met people from all over the country and all over the villages and I can't say enough about how the years seem to be a great equalizer in the way people look at "things" and "possessions". There is not very much difference in the size of anyone's home here, certainly not the difference we found where we came from. Everyone has the same opportunity to partake in the dancing, fun, games, parades, learning, laughter and general beauty of the area.

We bought a year ago and I have friends whose homes cost over a million dollars and those whose home cost less than 100K. Each of them have beautiful places to sleep and entertain and plant flowers and invite people over for coffee or dinner. I am always delighted to enter someone's home for the first time because each person has made it his/her own and a comfortable and welcoming place to be and a "soft place to fall".

People pay less attention here as a general rule, to what you live in and more attention to how you live. So if you have a ready smile, a bit of adventure, a willing spirit and a warm heart, you will fit in just fine. If you have a ready wink and can give a nice warm hug, you will certainly be happy here.

If you run into a snob, there are so many other people to be pals with and just like outside in the other world, you will find people who have more and less money than you do. It doesn't matter here, or at least I have found it does not.

Please join us in this beautiful place. Time is slipping away.

Graciegirl, What a beautifull and positive reply. I am with you 100% I always feel everyones home is their Castle and it is not what you have it is how you project yourself to other people. I lived in the Villages for 8 years and always felt very much at home with everyone. In this world to-day I feel we have to accentuate the positive as negativity only pulls one down. My fond memories of my Life In The Villages will always remain in a special place in my heart. Thank you for all the positive input it really mens a lot in to-days world, May God Bless you.

[clyd709]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

A caste system will only exist if one permits it to exist. If one ignores who has or does not have, they will live a life filled with happiness and pleasure rather than stress and envy.

When someone buys a house in TV they buy into a lifestyle - one that they will make their own and one they will choose to share or not share. When someone is on the golf course, it is their handicap that almost matters; when they join a club or other organization it is their participation that will be sought; when people meet in the grocery store or in the town square, no one knows where you are from - they only seek your smile and courtesy.

As graciegirl said, your smile, your cheerful spirit, your wink and a hug will do more for you in TV than all the posessions that you sold at your yard sale could do for you! I have always found that the people I know who had $$ and things never had time to be a friend.

If the village people really cared about supporting a caste system, no one would go to a yard sale here!

AMEN TO THAT. Thanks for you positive input. We need more people like you and Graciegirl. your reply;s are heart warming. Thank you and may God Bless You

[redwitch]

II love California and my friends there, but I have never seen such generosity of spirit as I have seen here. People will help you in any way they can. They will accept you until you prove unworthy of their trust. You are truly accepted here for yourself, not what you have or what you live. In reality, I've seen more reverse snobbism than anything else -- many who have less are under the impression they wouldn't be welcomed by those who have more and act accordingly.

So, buy where you want. Get what you want. Meet the neighbors, smile at strangers at the Squares, pet their dogs (a great friend maker here), join clubs that truly interest you and HAVE FUN. People will be happy to let you join them. Heck, most of them even like snowbirds and newbies.

[nONIE]

Red,

So glad to be reading your posts again! You are always so informative and so right on about everything, you also speak from the heart.

[Boomer]

Hi cybrgeezer,

I am glad you asked these questions. I am not in TV. I am in Cincinnati. Cincinnati will likely remain home base for quite a while, if not forever. We have had the idea of a second home under consideration for more than a year. The past Cincinnati winter convinced me that I need to figure something out before the next winter rolls around. I do not want to rent to others. I just want something available when we can get there.

I started out thinking about a villa, courtyard or patio, both are very nice. But lately I have developed an attraction to the historic side. We were in TV at the end of 2007. We will be back again as soon as we can get away.

When I saw the historic side, I thought it had the gentle feel of what I call "Old Florida." I liked it. Relaxed. Lush tropical plants. Nice people around. And the same sunshine as anywhere else in TV. I think the historic side deserves a really serious look. And besides all that, I don't think there is anything wrong with having one of the least expensive homes in any development.

As far as that caste system thing goes, I have to tell you that I am really good at turning up my nose. I turn up my nose at pretentious people. I do not want to know pretentious people better, and once I establish that's what somebody is, welllll, I just turn up my nose. I think people who actually care how much money somebody has should read that book from a few years back The Millionaire Next Door. That book would really confuse them. They would not know who to snub.

Those snooty people are everywhere. But from what I hear, there are plenty of really friendly people in TV, just lookin' to be all geezers together, having fun. (People were very nice to us when we were there. They invited us to go out to dinner and stuff. Of course, Mr. Boomer looks like John McCain so maybe that was why.)

Now, enough of my social philosophy and back to specifics about manufactured homes.

I know there is something called gray pipes. I do not know what they are. I do know that you do not want them.

I have wondered about how manufactured homes are insured. I think it works differently.

So anyway, I will be watching this thread, too.

Boomer

[chuckinca]

For Info -

There are also some manufactured homes West of 441. I saw some sprinkled around the site builts off of Rio Grande Ave.

In reply to your #3, I saw some posts on that issue but don't believe it is possible.

.

[colleenj]

I too live (part-time) on the "historic side" (Country Club Hills). I happen to live in a site built home but many of my friends and neighbors live in manufactured homes- no one cares. We get along not because of what we live in but because of who we are and how we treat others. I have never met a nicer group of people than my part-time neighbors in TV.
The thing I love about the historic side is the mix of houses-there is something for everyone and in many price ranges. As stated by others, we enjoy all the same privledges as any other villager but I have to agree with Nonie- it is quieter over here!

[Schoonie]

There is no Caste system. Many of the folks living in the historic side are original Villagers who have been here since the beginning. Most of the others we have met purchased on the historic side because they liked it (larger more private lots, quieter etc.) not because of their income level. As in all the Villages you will find mostly caring and friendly folks from all walks of life and income levels. Meeting these new friends is what makes this place special.

[nONIE]

CybrGeezer,

just wanted to add that many of the homes on the Historic side of TV are on a golf course . Makes it nice to have a golf course to look out to instead of another persons lanai. And we paid a fraction of the price to live on a golf course that others do on the "other side" of TV. Another great advantage IMHO!

[kit9240]

I will be visiting The Villages at the end of May and I am renting a Manufactured Home. I have been down 2 times and I want to explore the Historic area to get a feel for it. My financial situation has changed in the past 2 years and I probably won't be able to afford a Patio Villa as I originally wanted. I follow the new listings everyday and have seen some incredible buys. I think the Historic area is beautiful and has a lot to offer. Such great value!

I am a single lady and very outgoing and friendly. I would love to meet some Villagers while I am there. Any suggestions on where to go? I agree with all the comments from you very warm and friendly people! The lifestyle and friendliness is more important than the address!

Can't wait to get back to The Villages!

Kathy

[graciegirl]

I need to tell you that the homes in the historic side are beautiful and very well maintained and they do not look at all like mobile homes and it does NOT look like a trailer park. It isn't!! (I have heard that said by people who have never been to The Villages, so I wanted to clear that up). I LOVE the bigger lots and the pretty views and the mature trees and the easy trip to all kinds of shopping and doctors and Spanish Springs. I was in a beautiful home in that area that had open airy rooms and Paladian top windows and was decorated to make one feel warm and welcomed on entering!. It was as big as many designers and bigger than a lot of ranches and villas. The yard was full of flowers and a magnificent oak tree. It had two bathrooms, three bedrooms, a dining room, family room, formal living room, a lanai and a covered car park that was also a great place to have a party. (It doesn't SNOW in Florida) It was paid for and the owners live there comfortably.......no MORE than comfortably,...luxuriously!!!.

The one down side or upside depending on how you look at it, is that there are no deed restrictions in that area for how many lawn ornaments you can display. AND...I think you can plant to your hearts content too!