[laryb]

When we are looking at pre- owned homes on the TV or MLS sites, we find many nice homes at reasonable prices north of 466 in Villages like Chatham, Polo Ridge,Woodbury, Glenbrook,etc. When we stayed at the Creekside Cabanas, I would take my car and get coffee at D.D. on 466 and it seemed like quite a ride, and would be even more so by golf cart. I get the impression that the prices and the amount of homes for sale in this area of TV are because of the distance from the town squares. Are we dismissing an area of TV for the wrong reasons? The homes are really attractive and have nice mature landscaping. I just don't want to be a half hour away by golf cart from the town centers. Any pros and cons would be helpful. Thanks!

[starflyte1]

We bought north of 466 and close to Spanish Springs. I like being close to 2 Publix, Paneras, the hospital, Ace Hdwe, Lowes, and many, many restaurants. I also like all the landscaping and trees.

The golf cart paths may (are) better south of 466, but above 466 is ok, and they did just improve some. And, not so many roundabouts near Spanish Springs. Just one, and it is bad enough.

I could be happy either North or South of 466. After all, it is all in The Villages. We just prefer North.

Rent a golf cart and drive it around where you find a home you like. See if it is too far.

[LELANDJANE]

When I first visited, I also stayed near The Landing and thought I would have to live there, but after 8 months here, we just bought in Bellaire, near Glenview Country Club and love it! It's about halfway between the squares and near Savannah Center, Saddlebrook and the Polo Fields. We also found a golf path at a cul de sac at the end of our street that takes you right to the club. I think, tho, that wherever you live, you will find your way to the things you need and like to do. I love the Villages!!

[GomerPyle]

I would purchase in Sumter County which is mostly south of 466. They have reduced the tax rate each of the past five years.

[ijusluvit]

"Distance from the squares", IMHO, is a low priority for most full time residents of TV. In fact, I've heard complaints from folks who live near the squares about the traffic and more hectic pace. A new neighbor in our northern village, who moved here from a place near Sumter Landing said it well: "When people started passing my golf cart in the tunnels I knew I had to get out of there. The peace and quiet here is heavenly!".
Things that seem to be more important include: price of home, including the bond and "extras" which come with many resales; absence of traffic, noise and major nuisances like trains, golf course problems, etc.; privacy; beauty of the home and surroundings; easy access to shopping and recreation centers; orientation of the home to the sun path; and the perception of what the immediate neighbors are like.
Homes which are the best examples of the above characteristics can be found everywhere in TV. The "North or South of 466" discussion is off the mark. In a few years we will be hearing "North or South of 466A?", which will also miss the mark.

[Larryandlinda]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

"Distance from the squares", IMHO, is a low priority for most full time residents of TV. In fact, I've heard complaints from folks who live near the squares about the traffic and more hectic pace. A new neighbor in our northern village, who moved here from a place near Sumter Landing said it well: "When people started passing my golf cart in the tunnels I knew I had to get out of there. (snip)

We bought our place to be convenient to things other than the Town Centers, which we thought would become, well, a bit worn and boring in a short time. We found the town centers more crowded areas and ,please pardon, a little to Disney-esque. We do like riding the bikes there for Subway, AAA, and for business, but to us it's certainly not a 'draw' for us, and we've been known to go 'in' to SS or LSL on occasion for a spin or stroll, but we can't see being daily fixtures.

Our little place, currently rented out, was chosen for many 'conveniences' like the<20 minute walk, 3 minute bike ride, (or about a mile) from shopping at 466 (Buffalo Ridge, Southern Trace) and convenient to 'getting out into the country' in 2 minutes on the bikes - as we're just off 101.

We find the Oxford area (301 at 466) to be an interesting close-by section of the world outside the bubble and appreciate the changing scene and variety of everything.

If we want to bury ourselves deeper into TV's inner sanctum, we can, but if we want to get away, that's convenient too.

We'd just like to let the newly curious know that's it's not all about the Town Centers.

Whatever floats the boat.......


L&L

[Pturner]

The first time we came down, we were more drawn to the action closer to LSL. After a few visits, and when we started thinking about living there (evenually), we were more drawn to the north side for the beautiful landscaping; peaceful, quite neighborhoods; homes further apart; more private yards; convenience to shopping; proximity to rec. centers; beautiful areas for cycling; and convenience of the Springdale fitness trail and dog park. We also were pleased to find good values and choices in the area.

Of course, that doesn't mean it would be the best fit for you. You'll find people all over TV who chose and love their location for reasons equally compelling to them.

You are doing well to consider the specific benefits of each area relative to your personal preferences. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong in TV. Wherever you choose, you'll have no shortage of of happy, friendly neighbors, fun things to do and beautiful surroundings.

Your dream home in TV is waiting. Come on down!

[Boomer]

I am not there but I know the territory pretty well. I think the pre-owned market in TV has a lot of positives to consider. A home that has been well-maintained and has mature landscaping already and also has some upgrades could be a great find. And the bond could be less or even paid off. And as you look around, you will figure out what is important to you as far as what you want near you and what you don't want near you. (That is so different for everybody. Mr. Boomer, for instance, thinks it would be great to live alongside an airport runway. Geez. -- But there are no runways in TV. Thank goodness.)

And do you know that you need an MLS agent to see MLS listed homes in TV? TV agents sell only VLS listed pre-owned homes and new homes. So if you want access to the entire market for pre-owned, you need to have both an MLS and a VLS agent. (I do not think it was always that way, not sure, but that's how it is now and how it has been for a while.)

Good luck with your decision.

Boomer

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by laryb

Are we dismissing an area of TV for the wrong reasons? The homes are really attractive and have nice mature landscaping. I just don't want to be a half hour away by golf cart from the town centers. Any pros and cons would be helpful. Thanks!

To answer your question, yes, I think you are dismissing an area of TV for the wrong reasons.

When we first purchased in TV, we thought proximity to the Squares was of major importance. However living in TV is much, much different than vacationing here.

Now we think that living in a mature area close to shopping and restaurants is more important than being five minutes from LSL or SS. We love the Southern Trace/Buffalo Ridge area. (That is the area you visited for your DD expeditions). We live just south of 466 and we're just 12 minutes from LSL by golf cart.

You get "more for your money" in the north/west area, and there is good golf cart accessibility to SS. The golf cart paths are in need of improvement, but that is gradually happening.

[JAV0108]

FYI The cart paths north of 466 are in the process of being widened and re-done. It is in the early stages, but I have read that construction starts this summer. I live north of 466 and IMO it is more quiet and has less traffic. Bottom line, we are all happy to be living in TV and no matter where you settle, you too will be happy!

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

When we first purchased in TV, we thought proximity to the Squares was of major importance. However living in TV is much, much different than vacationing here.

Now we think that living in a mature area close to shopping and restaurants is more important than being five minutes from LSL or SS.

Good thought Bare. Even as my vacations lengthen I think location to squares is less important. You have to pick a location that suites your needs and a home that fits your budget and tastes.

[JohnN]

well, we live south in Hemingway, just above 466a, a mile from publix and the bank, etc, and a couple of miles up Canal St (no roundabouts) to LSL.

We like the better golf cart paths (safer) and less traffic (at least on Canal) as opposed to the mess on Rio Grande and Morse. Just our preference.

That said, anywhere in The Villages is great. Do watch out for the train whistles in the far NW corner (Chatham). Some people like 'em , some don't.

best wishes

[another Linda]

And we are just off Rio Grande and think that our location is perfect. We considered buying new but didn't like the "rawness" of the new areas. We love the mile walk into SS and the proximity of the stores. Yes there is traffic on Rio Grande during the high season but I can't say it bothers us much. We also love the stucco walls of our CYV rather than the vinyl that you see on the newer models. Our neighbors are a wonderful mix of Brits, Canadians, and Americans, snowbirds and frogs, and a whole range of ages from late 40s to 80s. So you see, everyone's take on which is better, north or south of 466, is very personal.

[laryb]

Well it sounds like unless we buy new, I should go for the most house for the money, because the general opinion is
"anywhere in TV is going to be great". If we do buy on our March/April visit, we won't be moving down until next spring when my wife retires and we hopefully can sell our home up here. Really don't want to move before this one is sold, but something is telling me that TV prices are on their way back up, so we plan on renting for one winter. Is it more difficult to rent out your home north of 466? (We would want to use a rental co.)

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by laryb

Well it sounds like unless we buy new, I should go for the most house for the money, because the general opinion is
"anywhere in TV is going to be great". If we do buy on our March/April visit, we won't be moving down until next spring when my wife retires and we hopefully can sell our home up here. Really don't want to move before this one is sold, but something is telling me that TV prices are on their way back up, so we plan on renting for one winter. Is it more difficult to rent out your home north of 466? (We would want to use a rental co.)

Hi Laryb,
I can speak only from personal experience on rentals and don't know statisically. We bought our home north of 446 in Oct., did not use a rental company and had it rented for the three winter months within a week of listing it.