[Brooklyn Senior]

I am in the Villages for this month of August. It has been very overwhelming for me in every way. Just to find locations of stores, rec. centers, etc.. I thought if I would rent for a month, I would get a good feel of living here. But I find it very lonely without knowing anyone and even though people are nice, they go home to their own spouse at the end of the day.
I would like to rent for 6 months before buying, but that means storing all my furniture( I rent an apt. up in WI) and trying to find a house that would accept 2 cats. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't feel ready to buy, but don't want to spend another winter up in WI.
I would appreciate any input. Thank you. Brooklyn Senior

[graciegirl]

Dear Brooklyn Senior.

I am so sorry that we G's aren't in The Villages this month. I would love to take you all around on a tour and we could stop at a few friends that you see posting on here and chat a bit.

I know that you will find a rental for you and your kitties.

Don't give up. It is VERY confusing to everyone at first. I know it will all make sense in awhile.

Welcome to you. Hoping to meet you in person soon.

Kindest wishes,
GG

[dwbevan]

Is the Crispers TOTV meeting every month? We will be there Oct. 23 to Nov. 19th and I would be interested in meeting all of you who I "listen" to regularly.

[Schaumburger]

Dear Brooklyn Senior,

For the winter rental you are desiring, did you check TheVillages4Rent.com? This site lists many TV homes for rent. I believe you can narrow it down to homes for the length of time you wish to rent, and also specify rentals that allow pets. I would like to rent a villa in TV for a week or two in the summer of 2011, and even weekly rentals can be selected. I know what you mean by winters in WI -- my sister and her family live in Mineral Point which is about 50 miles southwest of Madison. I grew up in eastern Iowa and have lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years, so I know what midwestern winters are like. Best of luck to you in your rental search.
Laura

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Senior

I am in the Villages for this month of August. It has been very overwhelming for me in every way. Just to find locations of stores, rec. centers, etc.. I thought if I would rent for a month, I would get a good feel of living here. But I find it very lonely without knowing anyone and even though people are nice, they go home to their own spouse at the end of the day.
I would like to rent for 6 months before buying, but that means storing all my furniture( I rent an apt. up in WI) and trying to find a house that would accept 2 cats. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't feel ready to buy, but don't want to spend another winter up in WI.
I would appreciate any input. Thank you. Brooklyn Senior

Brooklyn Senior, I so wish I was there to offer my friendship. Have you tried hanging out at your neighborhood pool? I bet if you did you could meet some folks and perhaps invite them to have lunch or a movie or something. There are many singles in TV, as well. Ask around. You'll find others like you who are looking to make friends. Keep us posted.

[swrinfla]

dwbevan:

Yes, the luncheon is every third Friday. According to your schedule, you'll miss the October one, as well as the November one, unless you decide to stay at least another day! My calendar say 10/15 and 11/19.

If you miss 11/19, then it's pretty clear that you'll just have to come back, soon!

SWR

[pauld315]

Originally Posted by rshoffer

Fight your impulse to buy something immediately. It takes 6 months to become familiar with all this place has to offer. If, after your visit, you decide this is where you want to retire, RENT a place for 3-6 months... play, have fun, attend open houses, and make a non-rushed decision where to live in TV.

I agree and even though we have been aware of and looking at the website and videos for 14 years now, there is no substitute for actually trying it before making the decision to buy. We have been there 2 times this year for a week at a time and plan on visiting at different times of the year for the next 3 years. I will let you all now when we are comng so we can get guest passes Then we will rent for 6-12 months. By the end of the rental, we should be pretty sure this is where we want to retire.

The first time we were there this year we met a couple who had come down on the preview for the first time for 5 days with no intention of buying. Well, they ended up buying and movng to TV within a month ! I was amazed that somebody could make such a life changing decision so quickly but everyone is wired differently.

[pooh]

Originally Posted by pauld315

I agree and even though we have been aware of and looking at the website and videos for 14 years now, there is no substitute for actually trying it before making the decision to buy. We have been there 2 times this year for a week at a time and plan on visiting at different times of the year for the next 3 years. I will let you all now when we are comng so we can get guest passes Then we will rent for 6-12 months. By the end of the rental, we should be pretty sure this is where we want to retire.

The first time we were there this year we met a couple who had come down on the preview for the first time for 5 days with no intention of buying. Well, they ended up buying and movng to TV within a month ! I was amazed that somebody could make such a life changing decision so quickly but everyone is wired differently.

Actually a good number of people buy quickly. We came for a visit, just for the day. Then we came back about a week later and told the agent we had seen on that first visit to start looking for a house.

We have a neighbor that should get a commission for house sales. Everytime he had guests visit, they ended up buying...lol.

[Vinny]

Your answer is real easy; Pennecamp!

[dwbevan]

Originally Posted by swrinfla

dwbevan:

Yes, the luncheon is every third Friday. According to your schedule, you'll miss the October one, as well as the November one, unless you decide to stay at least another day! My calendar say 10/15 and 11/19.

If you miss 11/19, then it's pretty clear that you'll just have to come back, soon!

SWR

Ahhh, as though anyone needs an excuse to return. A change of appointments at home could add another day though. Thank you for the dates.

[scrapple]

We were very overwhelmed on our visit in May so decided to rent 3 months while we figure out where to purchase. Even though I check the forum almost everyday, I'm still unsure of where to permanently land. Or maybe the Sages are right--they are all great neighborhoods. I know we want a CYV because of our dog. What I haven't figured out yet, is whether all villages have CYV or only certain ones?
See you after Oct 1st!And I'll put the TOTV gathering on my calendar!

[Ohiogirl]

Most, but not all, villages have CYVs. I don't think Sunset Pointe has CYVs and I don't think Largo has patio villas. I think the older villages (around Spanish Springs) may only have 2 BR CYVs, don't think they started building 3 BR ones until they started building around Savannah Center, but I'm not positive.

Really, if you already know you want a CYV, just have your agent show you the ones that are available, both new and resale, that look appealing on the website. Be sure to also look with an outside agent, if you might be interested in resales.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

It can be circuitous route if you live between the main tunnels. (i.e. If you live on lower canal and need to get across 466A to Brownwood).

Question: Can a street legal cart cross 466A at Canal? If so that may be the answer.

Don't even think about crossing 466A on a street legal cart. They are limited to a max 35MPH speed limit and 466A is 45 MPH there.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

Don't even think about crossing 466A on a street legal cart. They are limited to a max 35MPH speed limit and 466A is 45 MPH there.

Thanks Shimpy.

When I was there yesterday we checked out the crossing to get from BV (north of 466A) to the other side of 466A. You need to go on Turtle Mound path and under the tunnel. Not really that much out of the way. From my house in Buttonwood to the newly proposed hospital at 44A it is less than 5 miles.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Thanks Shimpy.

When I was there yesterday we checked out the crossing to get from BV (north of 466A) to the other side of 466A. You need to go on Turtle Mound path and under the tunnel. Not really that much out of the way. From my house in Buttonwood to the newly proposed hospital at 44A it is less than 5 miles.

Russ, That ride from BV under the tunnel and thru the golf course to 466A is one of my favorites. It reminds me of a Disney ride with the curves and hills. From my home in Buttonwood to Colony Plaza takes me 18 minutes. Brownwood would probably be about the same. LSL takes 15 from my house in Buttonwood and S Springs 28 mins. We seem to be in the boondocks now but in a few years in a very desireable location.