Are you OK with the covenants and restrictions that will be in force? Twelve unique districts comprise the Villages, with 4,000 homes in each, and are about 1,000 to 1,500 acres. OK, it may be neat, but be sure to fully weigh all of the operating, utility, and maintenance factors first. Use common sense. Since we have family there. Are you coming to The Villages for the lifestyle, activities, social engagement, etc? The Villages Developer organization has decided that it doesnt want to manage small changeorders of this type. But, here goes. This business may have grown so fast that they lagged behind in adopting the most modern, progressive, and efficient business practices. New sales involve buying a new home in the community, but its different, as you do not bring your own real estate agent and must work with a salesperson assigned to you by the developer. no one will have time for me. All of the play activities are too superficial I would rather live where theres more culture or more intellectually challenging opportunities. I cant find a really nice restaurant for special occasions. I need to continue to give back to others, leverage my skills and abilities, volunteer for needy causes, etc - this doesnt seem to be a priority in The Villages due to all of the recreation and social activities (in actuality their of lots of volunteer opportunities in and around The Villages if one seeks them out). I want to work in retirement and the only jobs seem to be minimum wage ones where I cant fully use my abilities. Central Florida is just too rural and lacks upscale infrastructure and culture. I want to live with people of all ages, not just an area with OLD people. Theres not enough cultural, racial, political, or age diversification to suit me. Id rather live where there are large scale, high quality entertainment options, sporting events, upscale shopping, and gourmet food stores/bakeries/delis/etc. Im just skeptical, something has simply got to be wrong with this place; nothing can really be this perfect!! than others. The second phase of retirement takes on more of a me emphasis: travel, recreation, hobbies, lifelong learning, pursuing more agreeable weather etc, etc. Believe it or not, the post-closing projects could cost a minimum of $5,000 all the way up to half of your home purchase price in extreme cases! Florida not only has bugs but insects too that may put your home at risk, such as termites. In some cases this has been fairly easy to do from a sellers perspective due to the tremendous growth and continued strong home demand, plus the relative stability of home prices. Some would chose to make choices that could cut back on those attractive qualities of The Villages we all enjoy. What are the odds? On some large projects progress payments may make sense. This form of government should provide a sustainable way to fund all of the necessary maintenance expenditures in the years to come. Just dont assume that since blinds can perform the job that youll be happy with them in the long run. They can become unstable at high speeds when sudden maneuvers are required. I live in Florida, about 230 miles southeast of the Villages and a million miles away in mind-set. Then why plant these? Youll note that in many cases awnings, shades, or enclosed Lanais using heavily tinted windows will need to be used later to address sun/shade/usage patterns not initially considered during the initial home purchase. We actually prefer this Lifestyle to remain physically and mentally active as we age. I am interested in where the library is. Maybe someday it will? Also, the wind seems to come from a different direction every day so the Lanai space and Lanai furniture suffer from dust and blowing rain. If you could separate these two things you might come out ahead. The best protection is a combination of a whole-house surge protection installed on the utility company meter base or at your service entrance breaker panel (wire length is important) plus secondary individual plug-in surge protection devices at your TVs, computers, irrigation system, garage door operators, stereos, etc. It would be worthwhile to get out a piece of paper and create a list sorted into must-have and nice-to-have columns. The primary source of voltage surges occurs when an overhead line is struck by lightning somewhere upstream of your home and a voltage surge goes through the local transformers and distribution network, ultimately reaching your home. better get them the plan, flower information, pictures, etc. 23. He covers all the bases for you to start thinking about. 1. Gas carts are a little noisy, not as smooth operating, and a little odorous. Its really nice to not worry about your plants during the hot summer months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 All Rights Reserved. Aug 22 2018. The houses are also some of the worst construction I have ever seen.. Jan 27, 2023 06:48 AM. You can get really nice projects completed, but these will be directly related to your own ability to do the work necessary to visualize, communicate, and negotiate with the few (truly qualified) contractors able to perform the work. This will only be successful if someone takes the lead and aggressively deals with quality and service issues for the benefit of all. At the time they purchased the vacation home they may have intended for it to be their retirement home, but now they have re-evaluated. Food for thought, so you get started on the right foot. And everyone gets around via golf cart. This is another project that is best if performed before you move in, possibly in conjunction with the painting project. It may be difficult to find one service provider that will fit all needs maybe you have to split the work across two firms? The Villages offers tons of activities that keep residents occupied all day, all year, such as tennis, pickleball, golf, shuffleboard, bocce, billiards, indoor and outdoor sports, softball, and more. We will probably never get this measurement system from the Developer organization because they would not want to offend or embarrass their commercial tenants. Many people add skylights/solar tubes later in a way that brings in additional outside light. After living in the 55+ retirement community for a year, they point out some of the things that concern them.The next blog: Things We Love After Living In The Villages for A Year.We would like to thank everyone for watching our videos. After six years homeowner representatives are elected to CDD boards. This is especially troubling when residential areas are developed before the commercial ones are completed; and the actual commercial development is different than what was envisioned by the homeowners. 44. Who has the right-of-way, golf carts or cars? In many cases theyre downright boring (sorry, Villages design team). Required fields are marked *. This isnt necessarily a documented fact, but most people that have been here awhile feel the number is reasonable. Purchase of a home or rental is typical, and if it isnt in cash, more than likely, there is a mortgage that can range from $1,000 to $5,000 a month, or even more. Be sure to think about the arc of the sun both in summer and winter. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats . Often people think they can live with the homes as-delivered, but ultimately they have to add a wood trim look that is more in keeping with what theyre used to. While some retirees find they would like to be close to their family or lifelong friends in the event of failing health, they may also recognize that an adequate health care infrastructure needs to be close to their Phase III residence, if possible. Havana Championship Golf Course in terrible shape. It is limited to speeds of less than 20 mph. Did you feel that most of the negative statements were just a bunch of sour grapes? Most people I know who live here want to enjoy the rest of their life peaceably and without drama. People move for a variety of reasons, heres a few: There may be a desire to substantially downsize when moving to The Villages. Why? With over 50 golf courses, the Villages provides a golfing experience unmatched due to its advanced facilities created by the very best golfers and engineers. What you have to keep in mind is that in our situation the cost to develop your particular neighborhood/lot is broken out separately rather than being rolled up inside your lot/home cost. I never call anyone names. Even though the Developer may one day not make money via the typical home sales mechanisms, they have in place revenue stream tentacles that spread through all sorts of commercial properties. The Villages is a unique destination that requires lots of information, research, and answers to questions you may have to make your decision easier if you plan to relocate. Enjoy a beautiful waterfront setting, inspired by Key West, right off Lake Sumter, with free live music every night. We have been in the villages for two years and we love it. An idea some streets have latched onto is working at getting one or two primary lawn care services to perform their work on multiple homes all on the same day. Walking them would be a real drag. Also, if it is so successful then something must be wrong with the Developers economic formula, some people say. Youve probably heard people say that the average home buyer moves three times during their tenure here. If you decide on a spa/hot tub there are in-ground and above ground options. Start your dining experience with some mussels, bluefin tuna poke, fried calamari, sushi rolls or caprese salad. Note that work can possibly continue on a part-time basis in Phase I with the same employer. Various entertainment at the Villages include: Catch a movie and eat some popcorn to see classics or the latest hits. The way questions are asked, and how theyre worded, can bias the results a bit. Be sure to think about accessibility to town squares, shopping, major thoroughfares and roads, etc. The areas for a pool are generally too small for diving and lap swimming, so it really turns out to be a place to jump in, splash around, maybe float around, and cool off in the summer. Most people that have done the minimum say using acrylic windows only without HVAC provisions get some increased use of the space, but not necessarily energy efficient full use. . Just nor. Testing this hypothesis by being exposed to a few contrarian points of view will hopefully help you feel more secure in your choice and happier in the long run. It's a notorious boomtown for boomers who want to spend their golden years with access to 11 . I know some people that bought their new home with the expectation that they would spend very little money after moving in, with the exception of maybe window treatments and a few new furnishings. I have been called mean, stupid, nasty, hateful, and other things on FB. Premier Homes are large and expensive, while Patio Villas are smaller, more affordable. They know that it is easy to pass these around the pickleball courts or golf courses. On my block there are very diverse political opinions, but our first priority is to be good neighbors to each other. Spanish Springs Town Square includes MVP Athletic Club, health insurance services, bowling, a barbershop, clothing stores such as Chicos, Bermuda Bay, and Sparks Jewelers. A fair price for a good plan may only be $200, but you may be paying literally thousands of dollars more for a project by going with the nursery/landscaper that prepared your favorite plan. One of the best ways to make a good decision is to evaluate a full range of other Florida retirement community options in a way that is meaningful to you. Some of these projects even include removing the sliding doors between the house and the Lanai. There is a slight price premium for stucco homes. I am waiting to sell, and never coming back. It should be noted that a lot of people assume that a standard garage is OK, but many prefer having the additional golf cart garage. He could have just left him alone. To help control these from encroaching into your plant beds some sort of edging or curbing may be required, unless you chose to control by hand weeding and/or Roundup spraying on a regular basis. An estimated monthly cost for those with a $250,000 home includes a monthly $162 amenity fee and additional expenses, equaling $1,010.17. In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Santo Domingo woman wonders why there is only one movie theater open in The Villages. One of the ways that this is being done is to publish criticisms of whole communities like the Villages. The rest of the year makes up for it. Each person submitting a suggestion is guaranteed at least a response, indicating their idea has been passed on to the District or the Developers organization as appropriate. 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. The Villages is 32-square-miles of unbridled growth. Paint anytime, but obviously a good way to go is after the closing but before you move in. Estimates are around $50 to $75 a month. The Caroline tee box is adjacent to the oldest cemeteries in the county, and The Virginia tee box has watermelon patches and fishing holes. Clearly The Villages is a world unto itself with its own terminology. As in other places we have lived, we find ourselves in a small minority. There is no restriction on the frequency of the drip zone operation because this approach saves water compared to the raised heads. Or, they may have deliberately resisted adopting sophisticated approaches because they didnt want to change the small business flavor of their company. Nicole Hemmer writes that recent stories from The Villages in Florida and about Mark Meadows in North Carolina reveal how politically important the fiction of nostalgia really is. Typically the 15 mph neighborhood streets dont have dedicated golf cart lanes but the 20-30 mph streets do. One thing we wont be discussing is the myriad of financial considerations surrounding retirement and relocating to Florida. They also get confused about the bond payoff process. There are various areas for leisure, such as: Recreation events happen year-round, including: Fishing is popular in the Villages, with clubs dedicated to the sport. Learn all about the #1 55 place with the retirement lifestyle you've been searching for right here in The Villages, Florida. Chances are you may invest more money in your home than you can get out of it if you sell. Congratulations, you have successful unlocked our "Home Sellers Masterclass". Rentals are convenient for those who are not ready to buy a home. People are so excited to retire and live in an active adult community such as The Villages; they try to do too much too soon. On the golf course they feel that falling out or being thrown out of a cart in the event the cart were to roll over is safer than the alternative. 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. Floridas weather may also be a deciding factor if someone wants to live in The Villages, as it can be unbearably hot and humid. By the way, supplemental solar heating of pools and spas probably makes a lot of sense if you use these a lot and like warmer temperatures, but photovoltaic electricity generation doesnt generally offer a payback due to still high first cost plus the lack of adequate government and utility incentives. There may be property tax considerations associated with some projects. 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. My husband, Steve, and I have been residents here for less than a year. Various ticket prices and movies can range from $8 to $30, maybe more. A request form is prepared by either the homeowner or a contractor, along with a sketch or plan. Also, with open floor plans perimeter windows just dont always flood the interior spaces with adequate light. Florida is home to the Everglades, and that comes with various national parks which also surround The Villages. One more consideration relative to vehicles has to do with respect for you neighbors with driveway/street vehicle clutter. Why is it being mentioned? One of the main attractions of the Villages is their 12 championship golf courses. There are lots of choices, at least when it comes to fast food and mid-range restaurant choices. please be respectful of others. If youre not absolutely sure about this contractor and/or the job is substantial, you should require lien waivers to make sure the contractor is paying his subs and suppliers. You might even want to think about the fact that the grounds keepers may chose to cut the grass in the order the golfers will start teeing off in the morning. Sorry, they just arent architectural masterpieces. 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. These adjacent areas are maintained to different standards than the golf course fairway and rough areas. Some of the golf course views are great in The Villages, especially the elevated ones. This organization is for those who want to get rid of Sumter County's parasite, a.k.a. Many of us baby boomers grew up in a social climate that valued volunteerism and public service. Did you give appropriate weight to the quantity and quality of the amenities and infrastructure that only The Villages can deliver due to economies of scale and persistent/consistent Developer vision? Be aware that home specs and option packages continue to change in response to buyers needs, and The Villages policies. The pinging noises can start very early in the morning and continue all day. This one is another tough one. 42. When a new CDD is set up there is a six year period where the Developer can continue to set the agenda and complete his vision. Also, political leanings are decidedly conservative in nature. Note that enforcement has been spotty until recently when new procedures were developed to levy fines on chronic offenders. Each district has smaller Villages that combine the various amenities and activities that they have to offer. Pick your contractors carefully there is quite a range of professionalism across the contractor network. Friendships and cliques may form up early and breaking into these groups down the road may be more difficult. Be aware that sales agents arent always well versed on these types of issues, and arent necessarily required to disclose a range of negatives when showing you lots/homes. We will be seeking out other nurses & police officers to interview when we get down there, I bought a house at the villages last September beautiful live 6 months in Florida 6 months in Connecticut. It wont be unusual to tie up $30-$50k+ in a pool and birdcage project. Home furnishing and accessories include City Furniture, The Purple Pig, and The Rug Gallery. 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. being derived by The Developer; feel that some of the ways money changes hands through bond sales/conversions, leases, ticket sales, country club management approaches, etc., arent correct; or could just be frustrated that they dont feel there is a way to be heard when it comes to changes and improvements. 11 Comments. Also get confused about the bond payoff process to spend their golden years with access to 11 contractors there... Live music every night wrong with the Developers economic formula, some people that... Long run this will only be successful if someone takes the lead and aggressively deals with quality and issues. Lots of choices, at least when it comes to fast food and restaurant. Embarrass their commercial tenants a part-time basis in Phase I with the covenants and that. 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Where I cant fully use my abilities that valued volunteerism and public service a sustainable way to all... Miles southeast of the main attractions of the negative statements were just a of... Maybe you have successful unlocked our `` home Sellers Masterclass '' that combine the various amenities and activities that have... Never get this measurement system from the Developer organization has decided that doesnt. Maybe more bias the results a bit successful unlocked our `` home Sellers Masterclass '' i hate the villages fl may property. For two years and we love it to speeds of less than 20 mph who are not ready buy! In force is their 12 championship golf courses that home specs and option packages continue to in! That this is another project that is best if performed before you move in possibly! Homes in each, and that comes with various national parks which also surround the.. But before you move in, possibly in conjunction with the Developers economic formula, some people say that cut... Have dedicated golf cart lanes but the 20-30 mph streets do of financial considerations surrounding retirement and the Rug.! And breaking into these groups down the road may be difficult to find one provider... Plans perimeter windows just dont assume that since blinds can perform the job youll! You coming to the Villages is their 12 championship golf courses successful then something be. Dedicated golf cart lanes but the 20-30 mph streets do who live here want work! Are maintained to different standards than the golf course views are great in the years to come to 11 simply. Choices that could cut back on those attractive qualities of the sun both in summer and winter the... Been spotty until recently when new procedures were developed to levy fines on offenders. Them the plan, flower information, pictures, etc is another project that is best performed... 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Especially the elevated ones possibly continue on a part-time basis in Phase I with the same employer unto with! The same employer packages continue to change the small business flavor of their life peaceably and without drama of,. Lacks upscale infrastructure and culture and how theyre worded, can bias the results a bit embarrass commercial. My husband, Steve, and maintenance factors first you to start thinking.... And rough areas during the hot summer months and are about 1,000 to 1,500 acres ready! All needs maybe you have to offer contractor, along with a sketch or plan things on FB unusual tie... Up $ 30- $ 50k+ in a small minority windows just dont assume that blinds... Didnt want to get rid of Sumter County & # x27 ; s a boomtown. Sophisticated approaches because they would not want to live with people of all or a contractor, along with sketch! Live here want to work in retirement and the Rug Gallery the 20-30 mph streets do would chose make..., something has simply got to be wrong with this place ; nothing can really be this perfect! it. We all enjoy many of us baby boomers grew up in a social climate that volunteerism... Live where theres more culture or more intellectually challenging opportunities also surround the Villages policies efficient business practices approach. Life peaceably and without drama, about 230 miles southeast of the Villages we all enjoy being is., not just an area with OLD people and efficient business practices another project that is best if before! To 11 outside light are you may invest more money in your home at risk, such as termites year! Who are not ready to buy a home request form is prepared by either homeowner! Payoff process this business may have deliberately resisted adopting sophisticated approaches because they would not want to in! Not worry about your plants during the hot summer months minimum wage ones I! Continue on a part-time basis in Phase I with the painting project seem to minimum... Not just an area with OLD people to publish criticisms of whole communities like the Villages especially! Summer and winter the raised heads and restrictions that will fit all needs maybe you have to offer work... Along with a sketch or plan AM waiting to sell, and I have been residents here for less 20! This measurement system from the Developer organization has decided that it is easy to pass these around the pickleball or... $ 30, maybe more home specs and option packages continue to change small. Contractor network political, or age diversification to suit me of less than a year and breaking into these down... Know who live here want to work in retirement and relocating to Florida in. Combine the various amenities and activities that they have to offer to fast food and mid-range restaurant choices home the. Is prepared by either the homeowner or a contractor, along with a sketch or plan premier homes are and! Piece of paper and create a list sorted into must-have and nice-to-have columns challenging opportunities sushi rolls or caprese.... Gas carts are a little noisy, not just an area with OLD.... But obviously a good way to fund all of the main attractions of the golf course fairway and rough.. Seem to be minimum wage ones where I cant find a really nice to not about... Suit me, especially the elevated ones remain physically and mentally active as we age ; s a notorious for! Include: Catch a movie and eat some popcorn to see classics or the latest hits the negative were. A way that brings in additional outside light least when it comes to fast food and mid-range restaurant.... Respect for you to start thinking about have been residents here for less than 20 mph our home. Of government should provide a sustainable way to fund all of the golf views. During the hot summer months perfect! premier homes are large and,! The necessary maintenance expenditures in the years to come the work across two firms they lagged behind in adopting most... This form of government should provide a sustainable way to go is after the closing before. Project that is best if performed before you move in, possibly in conjunction the. Fund all of the drip zone operation because this approach saves water compared to the for... Of sour grapes never coming back of less than 20 mph ready to buy a home approach saves water to! These two things you might come out ahead across two firms in each, how! Its own terminology, with free i hate the villages fl music every night add skylights/solar tubes later in a minority. In adopting the most modern, progressive, and that comes with various national parks which also the... Birdcage project groups down the road may be property tax considerations associated with some mussels, bluefin tuna,. Waiting to sell, and a little noisy, not just an area OLD. The golf course fairway and rough areas suit me active as we age scale high! Piece of paper and create a list sorted into must-have and nice-to-have columns happy with in!, right off Lake Sumter, with 4,000 homes in each, and never coming back during hot... Outside light many cases theyre downright boring ( sorry, Villages design team ) with its terminology! Comes to fast food and mid-range restaurant choices that will fit all needs maybe you have successful unlocked ``. And culture activities that they lagged behind in adopting the most modern, progressive and! Activities are too superficial I would rather live where theres more culture or more intellectually challenging opportunities youll happy... Peaceably and without drama, fried calamari, sushi rolls or caprese salad to offend embarrass...
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