I recommend renting for a year. So many of the things I thought I would enjoy are not the things I do enjoy here. I found different things to enjoy, of course. My regrets: I enjoy travel and Orlando airport to North Villages is quite a slog not to mention expensive (or a slow or crowded shuttle). I liked "art film" but they closed the North Villages theater, and it will never re-open. I thought I would enjoy the squares, but I found them hot, weatherwise, most of the year, and I can hear good recorded music. I like volunteer work but the main volunteer luncheon for the group I like is in the far south villages. - - So, rent for a year, find the special things you like. Commuting here is unpleasant due to very slow speed limits, avoiding problem drivers and lots of traffic circles. I don't like 15 minute drives, let along the common 30 minute drives in these conditions.

watch the jerry and linda video on youtube

By 2030, The Villages thumbprint will change tremendously! That’s a lifetime away for retired folks, who may or may not still be here. I agree! Check this place out as soon as you can. Even for a week at a time.. do it frequently before you plan the move.

Keep an eye on new construction near Eastport. If you get in there early and don't like it, you will be able to easily sell and make a profit.

The current wind mitigation standards include homes that were built from 3/01/2002 to the present. New roofs on older homes are required by insurance companies because roofs deteriorate over time. Knowing this, most resales have newly replaced roofs. No one wants to see their home sit on the market because a buyer cannot get insurance.

You have to pay realtor commission and closing costs when you sell your home. Those fees can add up. An easy sell is up for debate. Most homes on the market today are sitting and are not selling at the higher prices demanded by the post-Covid craze. Companies are demanding workers return to the office, interest rates are high, people are choosing to rent because it is cheaper than buying, inflation is high, and there is an overabundance of short term rentals. If you purchase a home with the intent of flipping it quickly, you may find it is not as easy as it once was.

The best hiking is down South and living near Wiechens would give you access to a nice boardwalk as well as Hogeye (wonderful 2.5 mile path) as well as at least 4 more very nice hiking areas in the newer areas. Okahumpka Recreation Center has a beautiful 1/2 mile trail and soon the boardwalk will be open. Although I live on the North end, I belong to the birding groups and often am down South. The VIllages also just built a new "soft" walking trail at Lake Miona that is 2/3 of a mile one way. I heard they are building a new town square down South but don't know when it will open. Brownwood Square is closest to Wiechens and the area you are looking at and Lake Sumter is not that far away. And yes, they have music 7 nights a week.There are a number of neighborhoods that might fit your needs including La Belle. There are other things to consider also. An example; we are dog people. We would never consider living near one of the ponds or a large natural area. Unfortunately, there have, on occasion, been dogs killed by alligators. We also have other wildlife. Another thing to consider is will you want to drive your car or do you want to use a golf cart? I go to a number of the recreation centers/hiking trails and because I live up North, I drive my car. Just about everything is accessible by golf cart if you don't mind the extra time it takes. So I agree, spending some time here is the best way to move forward. I will say, there is no perfect place but I really enjoy living in The Villages. With over 2000 clubs (including hiking clubs), there are a lot of things to explore. Clubs are listed in an insert on the Thursday paper.

Hope you can afford it by 2030, Florida is probably the most wanted state to move to, hope there’s some land left. If I were you I would buy some property in TV now & even if you don’t decide now to build you’ll make money on it if TV let you buy it now or let you buy land without building now. I take it you’re not old enough now!

For a house with more than 1156 square feet? By 2030? Yep close to a million. If you doubt me hang around until then and try to buy a house with1600+ sf with a golf cart garage, stucco.... mark my words. Oh yes, the bond payment, the fire assessment...dint forget that.

If that happens, people will evacuate Florida just like those in California, New York, Chicago, etc are doing now. And, who wants tented homeless areas?

Thanks for the reply, Bogie Shooter.

I have tentative plans to visit The Villages within the next year.

The reason that I am investigating and asking questions now is so that I can target which area within The Villages I will staying during my visit. Does that make sense?

Thanks for the reply, Stu.

Thank for the reply asianthree.

I'm a little confused. Are you saying that it is a waste of my time to do any online research about The Villages?

Thanks for the reply npwalters.

Are you including the Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve in your 'no place suitable for hiking' assessment?