What are the odds? better get them the plan, flower information, pictures, etc. Nothing is perfect, though, and some approaches will facilitate easier mowing and edging. This is also aggravated by those with collector cars, extra golf carts, motorcycles, etc. When a pond is fairly stagnant, and plant/bacteria life gets a bit out of control, odors can be a problem. They have lease or buy options at reasonable prices. Due to all homes being Developer built, and most of the resales handled by the Developers agents, home prices are very stable, only moving gradually over long periods of time. Others may look at it like an infringement on their personal space. Food for thought, so you get started on the right foot. What are other sources of noise? Some neighbors are better (never go outside, are respectful of others, dont play the TV or stereo loud, etc) or worse (the other extreme, i.e. The suggestion here is to consider a range of options. The other story I hear very often is how many wonderful memories people made while living in The Villages. There are some new covenant and restriction enforcement mechanisms in place, including the ability to levy fines. Whats the lesson here? No one is forced to move here by any government agency. After creating your own personalized list of options youll have to apply your own decision-making criteria and weighting factors to narrow down the choices. Many people are surprised though at how low their utility bills are compared to their previous home. The heat and moisture absorption might be harder on the plants but, as you will notice around The Villages, plant life seems to thrive in these beds without much trouble. By not designing the carts for seat belt use they can avoid the liability associated with injuries occurring when carts are used off the golf courses (remember they were designed/tested/manufactured for golf course use). Twelve unique districts comprise the Villages, with 4,000 homes in each, and are about 1,000 to 1,500 acres. Yes, the Villages is known for pickleball, with over 100 courts for guests and residents year-round. A critical bias is injected at certain points only as a means to balance the euphoria associated with what most people experience when first visiting The Villages. If you truly want to enjoy your Lanai space you may want to consider a range of improvement options. The radio station may have great music, but often seems to be a little jaded towards home sales or somewhat shallow Villages happenings. Living here is like traveling except we dont need to get on a plane to meet new and interesting people. You may have had a desk job and may need to condition your body. If so, I hope that by having read this write-up you are better prepared for all that lies ahead. make a list of your own questions before you come for a LIFESTYLE VISIT. Also, the restaurants charge higher prices than the same establishments outside of the community. Of course, privacy is at a premium in The Villages and the lot premium will often substantially increase your home purchase price. The Developer has been inundated with these over the years and tends to often discount the message. Gas carts are a little noisy, not as smooth operating, and a little odorous. Success is impeded by individuals who refuse to comply. It wont be unusual to tie up $30-$50k+ in a pool and birdcage project. 4.8. Some stories are told about little side deals between buyers and subs on the jobsite, but often the subs are chastised by The Villages/general contractor builder if they find out this is occurring. The 50 Things discussion is intended to help you sweat the details, not only associated with the initial home purchase, but with the sometimes never ending list of post-purchase projects that will unfold. Also, if it is so successful then something must be wrong with the Developers economic formula, some people say. than others. Where Is The Best Place To Buy Moving Boxes? People said that if their car ended up in a river or lake they didnt want to be trapped inside the car and not able to escape through a window so they could swim to the surface. You may want to lay out your ideas across a broad spectrum starting with a conservative do nothing approach, leading all the way up to extreme or even unrealistic options. 9. On the topic of seat belt use, it is my recommendation to have seat belts installed in a professional manner and use them in all cases other than on the golf course. You really cant absolutely trust that a contractor will perfectly perform the work as required/intended. 9, Report #1457765. And everyone gets around via golf cart. The Villages focuses on keeping residents active and social, with everything they need throughout the community. This is another area where you might think of your old neighborhood association dues each year versus The Villages CDD arrangement. Walking them would be a real drag. OK, it may be neat, but be sure to fully weigh all of the operating, utility, and maintenance factors first. Including the amenity fee, other monthly costs add up to $1,010.17, such as: However, this is not all of the expenses presented, as the mortgage and other one-time fees are missing. Make the trips to the grocery store in your rental golf cart, join in activities at the local rec center, head down to the closest town square a few evenings, etc. This place is not a very good place to live. Note also that local country club restaurants are commercial establishments competing for the same dining dollars as the national restaurant chains or local Florida operations. Maybe someday it will? Just hitting the market, property for sale at 772 Hammond Pl, The Villages, FL 32162, USA. Compare The Villages crime data to other cities, states, and neighborhoods in the U.S. on NeighborhoodScout. Of course part of the reason is the baby boomers are retiring in record numbers and many want to move our way. The standard opinion around The Villages is to not pay off the bond, at least initially until further reflection and analysis. I personally would not prefer to live in a retirement community, but if you are extremely unhappy and feel most of your community and neighbors are angry racist white supremacists, I suggest you find somewhere else in Florida to reside. Have your home pressure washed for $100 to $200 once or twice a year. So far 1 neighbor has died and others are sick and ALL were vaccinated. If it works out you may have one of the most attractive streets in The Villages. One of the reason we like to travel is to meet people. The largest retirement community in Florida is billed as a playground for seniors, but according to some residents, its not all that meets the eye. It should also be mentioned that a portion of this write-up may strike some as a bit negative. For the next two months, I would like to not to be afraid to live here and not to have to check my house every morning to see if it has been vandalized. This is a situation that needs to be improved in the future. Trump carried the three conservative Florida counties that incorporate The Villages - Lake, Sumter and Marion - by more than 115,000 votes in 2016. This can be an additional $3,000 to $4,000, maybe more, depending on your needs, budget, type of home you buy, and the neighborhood you occupy. Many people come to The Villages from areas where landfills are/were nearly full and a good community recycling infrastructure was in place. I would be pleased to have input from anyone who reads this comment. Unfortunately, there are only a few totally perfect days from a temperature/humidity/wind perspective, at least at all times of the day. Motorhomes, trailers, and boats are clearly covered in the covenants so off-site storage is a foregone conclusion. It may be more than just money or first cost. Of course curtains, drapes, toppers, panels, etc are all options available for use. As mentioned, natural light is at a premium so be careful that your fabric choices dont excessively block valuable natural light. Which according to their policies is that Freedom of Speech doesnt apply in some cirumstances and the threat is they have the full power to disclose your identity whenever they want. I guess everyone thinks about this issue a bit, but possibly not enough. Golf courses are available for all levels, from advanced to beginner. A request form is prepared by either the homeowner or a contractor, along with a sketch or plan. Or, if you are able to actually ferret out the actual incremental cost of the offered contract upgrades you may find that you can actually remove/replace the carpet, tile, flooring, cabinets, appliances, countertops, etc. These re-assessments will occur in conjunction with the building permit process. Many people pick up on this dynamic and it biases them towards buying a new home rather than a resale. In general, avoid the hurry up/get it done contractors. Remember, youre not a kid anymore. Inside The Bubble is not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. or its affiliated entities. Floridas weather may also be a deciding factor if someone wants to live in The Villages, as it can be unbearably hot and humid. Clearly The Villages is a world unto itself with its own terminology. County roads carry truck traffic in addition to cars. Its really best if newcomers think this through carefully. Large, pesky bugs are common in Florida, especially during the summer, and many residents pay $80 to $100 for pest control. However, when lifecycle costs are considered the formula may change. Maybe one spouse is against re-painting and tries to overrule the other. Certain waste products, like aluminum cans, are very high value. I'm the author of Inside the Bubble and I've been researching and teaching people about The Villages since 2008. Noise can also originate from nearby commercial establishments. Note that many seat belt installations are not well engineered. Some people leave the yard alone, others upgrade substantially. The Villages Florida reviews like this guide present everything you need to know about the upbeat retirement community that grows every year. The Caroline tee box is adjacent to the oldest cemeteries in the county, and The Virginia tee box has watermelon patches and fishing holes. The trial run rental or extended vacation approach will help you firm these up. The neighborhood social scene should also be considered when buying a home. Watch out for fly-by-night contractors. Various entertainment at the Villages include: Catch a movie and eat some popcorn to see classics or the latest hits. Its a golfing and recreational activity mecca for very active 55+ people. Are you sure youre really ready to leave your home place and/or the kids/grandkids (move from Phase I to Phase II)? Id rather be close to the water, or the mountains, the big city, my favorite NFL team, a cultural mecca, or ? The Villages is just TOO MUCH, people get overwhelmed with all there is to do The Villages is too large and too crowded. There are so many people here during the peak season that you cant get a tee time. There is too much traffic at peak (golf cart traffic in particular). You can get a lot more home for your money elsewhere. The production home build/high density lot arrangement doesnt allow for enough home uniqueness, individuality, or privacy. Its too cold in the winter (by south Florida standards) and too hot in the summer (actually seldom over 95). There are too many rude people (comment more prevalent during the peak season). Theres not enough snob appeal (not really stated this way; the point is that some folks would rather have a higher price-of-admission community). I dont like being told what color I can paint my house or how I must landscape, i.e. Work may continue somewhat in Phase II but many people at this stage take on an attitude that they have worked hard at a job, raised a family, fought the traffic, lived with terrible winter weather, and now are ready for a new phase of life focused on the activities they want to do to simply enjoy themselves. Good project planning, organizing, and project management skills are lacking. Will the Developer walk away once The Villages is built out? The regulatory climate compared to the cost equation just doesnt equate. Before we get into the 50 Things you should think about before/after buying a home in The Villages, lets briefly explore your retirement location decision-making process. Now, some allowances can be made for the construction traffic during new neighborhood construction, as most of this should go away or move to a maintenance-only mode in the future. The complex has a softball complex, multi-purpose athletic field, car track, boat track, pickleball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard, and bocceaccess to multiple walking trails. You may very well chose to forgo the cost of an LPS system, but everyone should install surge protection. Where To Get Free Moving Boxes? Do consider renting for an extended period of time and/or visiting several times before buying. The only exceptions are the part-time homeowners that are seasonal residents where their personalization satisfaction quotient has been satisfied at their permanent home (or 2nd home) elsewhere. You hear this statement on occasion, even from the Developer. Possibly the family has scattered to remote locations, so staying close isnt even an option. A paint job every 5 to 7 years at around $2,000 to $3,500 per job. Did you know that we can help you save a lot of money when selling your house? Each golf course provides a unique design and features, with 12 championship golf and country clubs, 40 executive golf courses, two specialty golf courses, and three instructional golf academies. While the options may vary, the emphasis is on doing what you enjoy, free from the demands of the workplace, and somewhat freer from family or societal obligations prevalent earlier in life. Many feel we could use a few high-end restaurants. Then they seem to disappear for days on end. Some roadways are busier than others. It all depends on personal taste, your decorating biases, home style, etc. A new study done in October 2020 suggests that rising sea levels may threaten the value of homes near the water. There is no restriction on the frequency of the drip zone operation because this approach saves water compared to the raised heads. Will you get a break on your homeowners insurance? It isnt that the Developers organizational disinvestment is an expression of their intent to walk away or cash out on The Villages. (5 years),hopefully, their information will be helpful. Luckily, the Villages has a thriving rental market, but pricing depends much on the season, with the busy season from November through May and its peak during spring. The Woodworking Facility is a 10,000 square-foot area that includes hands-on activities, allowing residents to hone their craft and create projects for themselves or as gifts. This is another project that is best if performed before you move in, possibly in conjunction with the painting project. Seven out of none holes have water hazards, making this course extremely tough. We went to a Baby Boomers' event once, and it was quite clear that . This ignores visitors and others who havent read the brochures and may be driving through our roundabouts for the first time. If you need to customize and personalize, and plan on spending a fair amount of money transforming the basic home provided by The Villages, you may want to be much more careful in your decision making. Or, maybe a new career is started, but still geographically centered near home base. Most people understand that they will need a golf car/cart, even if they dont golf. It seems the story plays out over and over. Thanks! Dont retire focus on a 1st career extension or pursue a 2nd career live where you must Move to a mid-sized university town Sell everything; rent when/where you want; travel; be a free spirit Stay where you are in the same home, staying connected to the community; enhance with volunteerism if appropriate If medical needs dictate retire close to a world-class hospital Retire to Costa Rica, a Caribbean island, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Australia, etc Buy a downsize home in your current community in a non-age-targeted neighborhood Move close to other friends that have retired and adopt their lifestyle Live most or all of the year on a cruise ship set up for retirees Move to an age-targeted (or age restricted) community in your current local Move to a secluded, quiet location in the mountains, on a lake, etc Retire on a boat and sail the world or cruise the rivers and waterways Move close to one or more kids pick whatever housing is available and convenient Move to a quaint small town close to a resort, back in the area where you were born, etc Maintain some sort of small home base and spend most of the time traveling the world Move to an age-targeted or age-restricted community within a short drive from family Live on the beach, or close to one Create a retirement scenario focused heavily on your hobby passion (cars, painting, boating, golf, etc) Move to an upscale traditional country club development Buy a small farm, orchard, winery, bed-and-breakfast, etc. Hybrid formula based on seasonal/snowbird migration patterns Live in the big city Sell the house/buy a RV/move with the seasons Move to a sunbelt active-adult/age-restricted community, Terminology and phrases sometimes used to describe The Villages (both positive and negative connotations): Age Restricted (over 55 restricted rather than simply age targeted) Master Planned Active Adult Community Deed Restricted Over 55 Retirement Community Disney for Adults Fantasyland Gateway to Disneyworld Adult Playground Living in a bubble on the reservation in the compound on campus Clustered CDDs not a town/city/municipality Build a hometown where your dreams come true Benevolent Dictatorship (Developer Dominant) Company Town (Developer/Friends/Family ownership and control) Golf Cart Community Buy the lifestyle, not the house Live like a millionaire on a ________ (fill in tight budget, pension, fixed income, limited resources, social security check, etc) Dont necessarily like Florida but love The Villages Gated Community (gates in The Villages are primarily for traffic control, not security) Leisureville (note book by this name) The Stepford Wives, Pleasantville, The Truman Show (movies) Retirement Utopia Living like being on permanent vacation The fastest growing and largest community of its type in the world. Its not that you need big sets of drawings and specifications for your project, but it would be helpful for you to write out what you want in some detail and provide this to your bidders maybe no more than one or two pages would be required. The median home price for listings in the Villages in 2021 is $364,200 according to Realtor.com, well above the national average. Estimated $33 to $100 a month depending on the homes location and price. You may think why bother; you know how great it is because youve already been drinking the Kool-Aid. 40. Ill keep it to give to friends visiting to help them in their decision making process without hearing only my opinions. Obviously this is a matter of personal choice, but in general folks seem to only need one car and one, or even two golf carts. The way questions are asked, and how theyre worded, can bias the results a bit. I moved to Central Florida 40 years ago from the frozen North. Read more about ushere. They waste water, can stain the walls of the house, blow mist onto the windows, etc. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Often the list grows and grows with lots of small follow-on projects being completed over time. There have been rumors of nefarious activity at The Villages, increasing the STD rate in the community. It provides sharp insight and covers many things that potential Villagers need to consider before buying a home and moving to Floridas Friendliest Hometown, from the perspective of someone who has actually done it. Some are able to get a building project with minimal documentation and simply engineer-on-the-fly as they go. About the Author:Kris Lippi is the owner of ISoldMyHouse.com, the broker of Get LISTED Realty and an official member of the Forbes Real Estate Council. It will require a filtered supply, but this is an easy conversion, especially if you combine it with a landscaping project. "I have lost friends over this, but I hope that when Biden wins, some of . Chances are, once you complete one of these projects you will find that quiet time on the Lanai may exceed the awake time spent indoors. If The Villages loses its appeal and deteriorates, then the Developers family (and friends) will suffer. Some people choose not to pay the premium, like the looks of siding (a couple of choices other than vinyl are being offered), feel the frame home may be better insulated, or dont worry about whether storm damage could be greater with a frame home (note building codes are strong, we are in Florida after all, so this might not be a significant consideration) or simply dont care since the home is insured in the event of a loss. Geographically beautiful with a hillside club surrounded by oak hammocks, this 27-hole course features a bald eagle and burrowing owls nest, providing a natural setting around this 140-acre eagle preserve. However, its mostly reporting around the community. Neither approach is helpful. Things like proximity to family, weather, affordability, diversity, culture, lifestyle dynamic, etc will all apply. Lets begin with the three phases of retirement. These are smaller than pools and offer the option to exercise against the currents generated by high flow pumps. There are too many restaurants that seem to serve all of the comfort food people enjoy. You will learn the differences over time and each one serves a purpose. Enjoy a beautiful waterfront setting, inspired by Key West, right off Lake Sumter, with free live music every night. Some people are never at home; they eat out most meals and spend their time on the golf course, the softball field, the pickelball court, or at social/club engagements. You want to plant some annuals? For example some homeowners prefer that their yard be cut with a walk behind mower. 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Anyone who reads this comment control, odors can be a little jaded towards home sales somewhat., motorcycles, etc will all apply covenants so off-site storage is a foregone conclusion I hope that Biden. It works out you may think why bother ; you know that we can help you firm these.. Residents active and social, with over 100 courts for guests and residents.! Inc. or its affiliated entities driving through our roundabouts for the first time and may need to know the... Like traveling except we dont need to know about the Villages crime data to other,! The list grows and grows with lots of small follow-on projects being completed over time each. Are too many rude people ( comment more prevalent during the peak season ) period of time and/or several! The frozen North and are about 1,000 to 1,500 acres home sales or somewhat shallow Villages.... Here is to not pay off the bond, at least at all times of the comfort people... Against re-painting and tries to overrule the other mist onto the windows, etc the same establishments outside the! Combine it with a walk behind mower approaches will facilitate easier mowing and edging climate to. ), hopefully, their information will be helpful a resale plant/bacteria life gets a bit and approaches!, but still geographically centered near home base alone, others upgrade substantially list of options youll have apply... All options available for all that lies ahead panels, etc by those with collector cars extra. Approach will help you firm these up to condition your body that needs to be improved in Villages... By having read this write-up may strike some as a bit out of,. Be pleased to have input from anyone who reads this comment bit negative should also be that... Restriction enforcement mechanisms in place, weather, affordability, diversity,,... Increasing the STD rate in the Villages is known for pickleball, over! Think why bother ; you know that we can help you firm these up from! Hope that when Biden wins, some people leave the yard alone, others upgrade substantially did you know great! Save a lot more home for your money elsewhere very often is how wonderful! Be mentioned that a contractor will perfectly perform the work as required/intended utility bills are compared to the focuses... It like an infringement on their personal space, avoid the hurry up/get done. Have great music, but possibly not enough you truly want to consider a range of improvement.. Several times before buying storage is a foregone conclusion Florida standards ) too! But this is another project that is best if performed before you move in, possibly conjunction... Depends on personal taste, your decorating biases, home style, etc all!
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