[coralblue15]

I am looking to purchase a home in the St. James area - Can anyone share any information about the area?

[kcrazorbackfan]

We have been new residents of St. James (my wife two months and me two weeks). We really, really like our Village; so conveniently located and the neighbors are incredible in making us feel right at home.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by coralblue15

I am looking to purchase a home in the St. James area - Can anyone share any information about the area?

The village of St. James is a convenient location. 15 minutes by golf cart to Brownwood, 20 minutes to Lake Sumter Landing town square. There are a dozen or so executive golf courses within minutes by cart. It is very close to Seabreeze regional recreation center, and a few more minutes to Lake Miona regional recreation center.
Route 466A is your main east/west route giving you access to 27/441, 301, the Fl turnpike and I-75. There is road construction ongoing, but it won't last forever. For shopping you'll be close to Pinellas plaza, and not far from Colony plaza. Walmart and other shopping on 466 is 15 minutes by car. In my opinion, it's a good location but then again, there aren't many locations in The Villages that aren't good. Good luck and have fun.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by coralblue15

I am looking to purchase a home in the St. James area - Can anyone share any information about the area?

I can help. It is close to the major road 466A (We also have a major road 466) St. James is a mix of homes, it has villas and cottages and designer homes, both stucco and sided. There are three executive courses very close and only a short golf cart ride to Havana Championship course. St James is about four years old and it has a lot of really nice people living it it. Almost all of the guys have salt and pepper hair and nearly everyone has at least one golf cart.

In St.James many drive their carts to the nearby and lovely SeaBreeze regional rec center and use the art room, the meeting rooms, the pickleball and tennis courts and swim or attend exercise classes in the sports pool. The décor is lovely in that building with bleached wood flooring a cabana and beachy beauty wherever you look.

St. James is very close to the newest areas south of 466A. But you can hardly call four years old....OLD. At least not here in The Villages.

There are many people living in St.James who have accomplished great things, raised great kids and worked hard. There are some folks who love to party and some who like to pray at the nearby St. Vincent de Paul church and other nice churches and some who just love chatting and getting together with their neighbors. There is a grump or two that lives in St. James.

You will love it. I have nice friends living there.

[coralblue15]

Thank you Bagboy and Graciegirl!! I appreciate your description of the area!!

[mulligan]

FYI, if you are considering a home that backs up to the pasture land, there is a plan on the books for that land that includes business, professional, medical, and multi-family residence. The pastoral view may not last forever.

[tainsley]

I am next to St. James in Tamarind Grove! We love this area!

[hulahips]

Good area. Great choice!

[Villager Joyce]

I'm confused. Why are you buying there if you don't know anything about the area?

[Phanatic Luvr]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

I'm confused. Why are you buying there if you don't know anything about the area?

Maybe they found a home they like in St. James and want to get some opinions.
I live in St. James and although I don't participate in many activities, as I still work, I think St. James is great location, easy access to Buena Vista, your out onto the main roadways very quickly. I also have the greatest neighbors, and there is something to be said for that.

[Villager Joyce]

Most people preach location, location, location. You find the area and then look for the house. I just struck me as odd.

[coralblue15]

Thank you Mulligan, Krazorbackfan, Tainsley, Hulahips and Phanatic Luvr for your responses answering my questions without prying. It is very much appreciated.

[Villager Joyce]

Originally Posted by coralblue15

Thank you Mulligan, Krazorbackfan, Tainsley, Hulahips and Phanatic Luvr for your responses answering my questions without prying. It is very much appreciated.

Ouch.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

Ouch.

Please don't feel bad Villager Joyce. I thought that as usual your question was right in line. We personally didn't narrow down our search to an area or to a village at all. There is just too much the same about this whole place if you aren't buying new-new..

I thought perhaps she wanted to be close to her parents because she said she is young.

When you move to a retirement community and post on a retirement blog you need to acclimate yourself to some curiosity and questioning.

[coralblue15]

It's all in the delivery of how something is asked - It's as though some individuals on this site do not welcome young people in the Villages. In response to your comment Graciegirl - Curiosity and questioning is fine but its the way the questioning and curiosity is being done. Everyone who lives in the Villages is equal - Young or old. Just because the Villages is considered a retirement community does not give people the right to interrogate others. I asked about a particular area and some people just ASSUMED I know nothing about the Villages. And may I remind you ladies even though the Villages is a "Retirement" community there is 80/20 rule in place. I would hate to find out that some residents discriminate because of age. Play nice[/B]