Are The Villages Too Expensive?

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Jerry and Linda discuss actual Bill's and expenses from their first year in the Villages. Electric, gas, sewer, water, garbage expenses, property taxes, and more are discussed.
We would like to thank everyone for watching our videos.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
All information and opinions in our videos are ours alone and not guaranteed as accurate. We are not endorsed by nor paid by The Villages, Florida. We are just trying to share answers to questions we had when we were trying to decide if moving here was for us.

[@audiecarter8886]

My Wife and I move to Florida from Texas. I was born and raised in Texas and had a business career in Texas but Florida has given us a level of happiness we could not have found anywhere else. I'm now a Flatlander and proud of it.

[@cynthiacalcagni8714]

Thank you! So informative. We are preparing to come down next year. We recently came down for a visit and loved it. Hope we run into you when we move there. Thanks again 😊

[@triciaallen3200]

Great video & thanks for your honest information & even showing your bills was very helpful to hear & see. So happy you said your quality of life is so much better that is very important!! Enjoy you week.

[@sallymasters6648]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with so many of us considering a move to The Villages.

[@bonnieflanagan9297]

Another great video! It was awesome seeing you at Mystic Ice Cream last week. We love trivia on Thursdays there. Hope you had a good time! 😊

[@hotfootsue]

ty for your time, your insight is invaluable! best wishes to you both:)

[@bebop54]

appreciate you guys and your commentary ... glad linda is feelin' a bit better ....

[@dyates6380]

I must say, I really like your videos. I find them both informative and enjoyable. You are such a nice couple and so wonderfully kind and forthcoming with your opinions without being critical. I love that.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Thanks for the update. Linda you look much better. Keep enjoying that Florida Village lifestyle. Take Care of each other.

[@rabbit0712]

Thanks for sharing the video! You two are naturals.. Keep them coming.

[@Theflylover]

Thank you! I have fallen behind in watching your entertaining and straight forward informative videos. Hope Linda is doing AOK ... Enjoy your wonderful life in The Villages!

[@sheilaweber7564]

Thank you for excellent videos! Great information.

[@davidzimmer2694]

Thanks for the information. Great content from great people.

[@laurahayden5000]

We really appreciate the time you put into these videos, are considering moving there and appreciate what you’re doing. 😊

[@kidgreenhorn]

Florida HOA are very powerful, be careful. If the facilities and common area are new your expenses are less. But as the property ages re-work is necessary. For example, to re-do 40 swimming pools and Clubhouses you would be assessed your proportional cost. 18 Golf courses maintenace is expensive. Roads are private re-paving 1 mile with half inch asphalt. I moved to a gated community was on HOA board Hurricane hit $15,000 in common area cleanup. They have the power to lien property if any assessment is not paid. One board member was taking kickbacks from lawn company. A condo in the 90's Tiara on the beach was destroyed by hurricane. Condo's went for $500,000 up Owners had to pay mortgage and could not inhabit,plus assessed $250,000 each for damage. There are many many residents in the village which for me is another problem. The S.E. coast of Florida has the New York, N.E. crowd, the villages I believe are mostly mid -westerners. Big Big difference. Also,If you are comfortable living with a large amount of people it will be fine. Always activities. I lived in South Florida for 50 years, born in Pa. I retired to rural Georgia and live on 150 acres. No zero lot lines our house sold for $550,000 and we could hear our neighbor flush his toilet. We got burned out on the hustle and high cost of living. Wind damage insurance separate from homeowners cost at around $10,000 a year, car insurance expensive we paid $4,000 a year, $1,500 in Georgia. The Villages are in the middle of state, not near the coast. Lastly, Florida is a hustle state, many foreigners, and people from all over U.S. People segregate themselves into enclaves like the Villages which is more homogeneous. Thanks for listening I'm bored today.

[@wholeNwon]

@@kidgreenhorn Thank you for commenting, Robert. I was wondering about escrow accounts at the Villages for maintenance of common areas/services, disaster recovery, etc. Clearly one moves there not for the houses but for the life style, the absence of income taxes and Fla. asset protection laws. A very savvy friend lived in the West Palm area for a few years then moved to GA. He sold to the only qualified buyer to look at his Fla. house. He's happy with the change but I haven't reviewed the specifics with him.

[@kidgreenhorn]

@@wholeNwon I moved to West Palm Beach,from Pa. in 1965 I was 12. I retired to rural West Central Georgia and built a house in the country on some acreage. We wanted peace and quiet, but that's not for everyone. My only advice is to rent or visit for at least 6 weeks. You can't pick your family but you can pick your neighbors.

[@wholeNwon]

@@kidgreenhorn Certainly good advice.

[@shariys1]

@@kidgreenhorn - there are TONS of East Coasters in the Villages! NY, NJ, MA, ME, CT, etc, they're everywhere, you can't get away from those accents! 😆😆

[@Floridagirl691]

Great info. Glad I found your channel. We planning on retiring in the next couple of years and escape from California. Good to know the details on certain cost of living expenses. You both a lovely couple

[@jimhunt7634]

Thanks so much for all the info.. very helpful

[@shelbyimus6779]

I've missed you guys & Gizmo, need more videos!!!!!! :-) That is super helpful by the way. We were encouraged with some of the expenses, we currently pay 120 a month for water. The Amenity fee is worth it when you get to live in a place that well cared for and full of fun things to do. Thanks for the video.

[@charlenehayes7348]

Hi Jerry & Linda. I live in New Hampshire and we are currently looking at places in the villages. We love watching you guys have learned a lot. We were down there the beginning of September looking at houses and say Linda drive by in her golf cart. Also that Gizmo is so cute. I would watch him for you for cheap. Keep up the good work. And I see you when we get there

[@ResslerMania]

A lot of great information. Thank you. I think I have been watching you two since you first got to the Villages. Been watching on my TV via our ROKU streaming device attached to our TV so have not been commenting much (No way to do it on the TV). Just wanted to let you two know you are appreciated. Keep up the great work. As I say at the end of MY videos, "Have a GREAT Day". 👍😃👍

[@sgp1489]

It's great to see Linda looking so healthy! You are coming to my favorite time of year in the villages. Autumn is such nice golf cart cruising weather!

[@joelb099]

Unfortunately Cool autumn weather (high78- low 58) for the Villages is till a good MONTH away to wait..

[@TheSeaVenture]

Thanks for the information we have been considering moving to the villages for about four years.

[@lauralampe1664]

Thank you Jerry andi Linda for your helpful and thorough video. Great Information for those of us considering a move to The Villages. PS I am writing this while sitting on the lanai of the patio villa I am renting. Wish I could stay here beyond Saturday.😎

[@aprilm3848]

Very informative video! Thank you! What a difference an hour drive will make! I’m in Orlando in Hunter’s Creek. Electric is $500+, water averages $66+, taxes around $3,000, $75 monthly for grass maintenance, $90 for pool care. Average food bill $500+ for three people (Publix), approx. $400 for HOA yearly (no pool or anything close to what is offered by TV). TV is a bargain compared to Orlando!

[@stevegrimes5105]

thanks very much for the video, thanks for the example bills! Love your commentary! $10 a day for boarding a dog in IN? Crazy!

[@tominator3]

Wow, you guys are getting a lot of views and subscribers! A testament to your quality and making unique videos on matters people care about. Thanks!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thsnks, Tom!

[@belmar1585]

First time here. Thank you for sharing this information. Where we are in central PA everything is way more expensive. No gulf courses, pools or club houses to choose from!

[@Gary65437]

I enjoyed hearing about the cost of living down there. It makes me grateful for my low cost of living up here in WV. As long as my knees hold up I continue to do my own yard work. It would be nice to live near the beach though.

[@larryhoughton6377]

Very informative Great video See you when I get there

[@auroranite]

Thanks very much for this episode and sharing all you have. Let me add that in Portland Maine area we pay $4400 taxes on a modest 1600 sq. ft. home built in 1941! A new home or resale the average is $6000+ in this area. The northeast is outrageous cost of living. Also we state income tax. A beautiful area but costly.

[@annabarrett1630]

planning to move to the villages in a few years. my best friend just moved there (at my encouragement ) I have heard of The Villeges since the 80's while living in KY. It's been my dream and my plan. Thanks for sharing because my "guy friend" needs to be encouraged and this video did the trick. We currently live in Chicago Il so your budget is funny compared to what we pay. We can't wait to pay so little for everything

[@MaureenLo1]

Jerry and Linda - my husband and I love watching your videos, they are so informative! We live in Ohio and are only in our 40s still but plan to move to TV or similar neighborhood as soon as we can 😃

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

See you when you get here!

[@kethsharakhlok1976]

Thanks for this info. session and the chance to learn about Indiana State; I had lived in upper Ohio for 5-month long in 1974 (have not seen Indiana yet after 46+ years in USA). Your YT series has been a good educational one for me to watch on daily basis regardless what got published first. Thank you! 🌞🙂🌻

[@RickTorn]

Jerry, you are a natural talent!!! Loved listening to you.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Rick!

[@Hdecnkoijhtredcadr]

You two always choose the best colors for yourselves.

[@ziggy33399]

Excellent helpful video! We have a loving woman who stays here in our home babysitting our golden retriever. She makes treats, walks her several times a day and the dog even sleeps with her. The neighbors now use her too. Whenever I mention her name, my dogs ears perk up. On occasion, my dog will spot her SUV at another home on our street and gets exited. One neighbor goes on several trips every year...cruises , overseas, etc So my suggestion is to get one that stays in your home and get a referral for that (trust is big). Ours is an elderly lady who’s dog passed away and she’s wasn’t ready to go through that again. They swim in the pool together, sometimes her daughter, sister and family to swim in the pool. The dog LOVES the swimming, the attention and she even gets brushed.

[@a.d9840]

Very informative thank you !

[@misterbill5700]

Hello Linda & Jerry! Sabrina & I live in CA, selling our home here and moving to TV. We have been enjoying your videos and taking notes. Thank You!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

See you when you get here!

[@luish3075]

I love watching you guys very honest and you guys are a great couple. Love the dog too.keep it going. Great job Clearwater or Daytona beach. Ball and chain lol

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Luis!

[@joanmaxine1]

Not planning to move there but really enjoy your videos.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you, Joan!

[@peanutsassyathena]

Being single with one income I can't make the math work to move there. But it isn't all bad, currently I have a beautiful home on half an acre with an inground pool. Swimming is my thing and a private pool is a must. The monthly fees charged for recreation at The Villages is very reasonable if you have those hobbies, but I don't so it would be a waste of money for me. I was hoping it would work out so I could gain a few more months of swimming in the warmer climate, but I guess I'll run the pool heater instead. That was a short lived dream, but I love watching you guys anyway.

[@waynenusbaum7204]

You will save a ton on energy costs in the winter, as you are already from Up north. Taxes-you are year round residents so you get a homestead exemption. Consult the state of Florida website or talk to your county tax collector. That will save you a bundle. You have to register for it at your county tax collectors office. License plate fees are lower usually than up north. Publix is a bit more expensive if you blind shop it. Their thing is high quality goods and service. Thursday starts the week in specials. Consult their website or the local paper or the flyers in the store for specials and shop them. Have a plan. Several TV stations and consumer types have compared a full shopping cart of groceries between Sweet Bay , Winn Dixie, Walmart and Publix. It showed about the same on the average with a full cart. Individual items there is a wide variety. You have to sort of work at it. There is usually one week in the month where Publix has super good buys across the board. Do not be afraid of their own brands they are generally very good and guaranteed-they will trade you for the name brand if you don’t like it. Taxes and fees were my biggest expense. You will figure out these are all piggy-back taxes. Then there is the surprise assessment now and then for something major your district has to do. The good news is that my tax guy wrote most of these off on my income taxes. If the fee appeared on my yearly tax bill he claimed it as a deduction. (Not in jail yet). Compared to SoFlo the water/sewer was more expensive. You are paying about average for what I did.

[@lindastewart1412]

When it comes to taxes , state , federal ,etc I would suggest finding a tax preparer that is an "ENROLLED AGENT " This CREDENTIAL is not easily obtained nor easily retained. There is a certain amount of continuing education required to retain this CERTIFICATION on an annual basis. It is not common knowledge of this type of a tax preparer. They are very educated in tax laws above & beyond ALL tax preparers. Whether they have a C.P.A., M.B.A., work for a tax preparer company/ corporation or a LAWYER. It would be in anyones' best interest to find a tax preparer who holds this credential. Anyone can visit the website NAEA.ORG to find an E.A. near you. Or feel free to email me at [e-mail] for a personal referral to a Enrolled Agent Tax Preparer.

[@mary123266]

Wayne Nusbaum “

[@kidgreenhorn]

I thought there was no more itemization with the standard $20,000 deduction?

[@brianevans8529]

Great breakdown for those of us who hope to make the move someday. Regarding the "expensive grocery store," I'm glad to hear someone confirm our thoughts. When we vacation in Florida we usually go there at least once because we don't have one where we live and it feels "vacationy," but those prices--wow! If we lived in Florida I don't think we'd go to that store very often.

[@princeinflorida214]

Aldi and Save-A-Lot have very reasonable low prices. Just go there.

[@annebingham7583]

Hi Linda and Jerry, I LOVE your channel. I feel that you are very helpful in a classy way ! I live in Piedmont Village (by Nancy Lopez golf course and restaurant) in The Villages. I love it here also. I am curious, were you able to get sink hole insurance ? Thanks ... Anne

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Anne! Yes we did... through the Villages Insurance.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great video!

[@dannysgirl1549]

You need to sign up for homestead exemption. The first $50,000 value of your home is exempt from property tax on your primary residence. That's for all Florida homeowners.

[@aprilfryover5274]

A lot more money per square foot of house/property. $159/month for amenities is fine if you golf each week.

[@mariamkinen8036]

Interesting to find out.... thanks. 💕👣

[@kenhowerter2915]

Thank you for this video! Keep them coming. You got Colorado beat. Question, did you use a villages realtor or someone not associated with the villages?

[@sandym4875]

I would recommend having 2 realtors because the outside agents can't show the Villages properties and The Villages sales people can't show listings that aren't listed with The Villages. I would guess about 30 percent of the homes aren't listed with The Villages sales people.

[@diana7043]

Thank you for sharing your life 👍🇺🇸

[@lynnbrown5729]

Very interesting. Enjoy Florida !

[@brendaburke345]

Great video and we live in NYS (we are about 10 minutes from Canada) so we would be in heaven with the Florida taxes. We would save quite a bit on our taxes should we decide to move to the Villages. We pay Land and School taxes here. Linda, I would have been in shock with the hair expense as well, as I pay $41 every 5-6 weeks and my husband only pays $8 for his haircut when needed. We don’t have some of your other expenses currently as we live in the country so have well water and we do our own lawn care and we don’t have a monthly sewage bill. I do have a question though, do you have to carry hurricane and or flood insurance?

[@dawnglusko7243]

Thanks for this video. Coming from NY, so the numbers have not scared me off :)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Dawn, See you when you get here!

[@floridastitcher1]

I live outside of Jacksonville and prices are similar. The $159 amenity fee is about the same but you have so much more. Hope you are enjoying your retirement

[@merrywalsh2809]

When I lived in a high rise, I did a standing trade with my neighbors for pet sitting. I watched their cat, they watched my two dogs. It worked out well. We would pop in 2 or 3x per day. Granted, it was only an elevator ride away.

[@richardstevenson6623]

I was listening to your video and with ref to utilities in Scotland Natural Gas and electric is approx monthly at £90

[@cattracks9100]

I retired to Gainesville FL. World class medical, world class 'activities' with the University of Florida in town. Beautiful rolling hills and huge ancient trees in the countryside. All of Florida is beautiful and has a nice climate, but be sure to check out Gainesville if you are nearing retirement.

[@leonardbreau8928]

Aren't property taxes higher in Gainesville than surrounding towns? Of course, you might feel its worth it if its amenities are important ro you.

[@tonyj8947]

Thanks for the information, great video! Im from tghe suburbs of NYC and going to the villages when i hit 55 years old is a Score. Question - if my wife and I are 55 but have kids, can the kids live with us in the Villages?

[@rameye]

Excellent 411 guys!

[@fredasman04]

Loved your video Linda and Jerry. Thank you so much for the information. My wife and I will be there next summer for a month and would love to meet you both and Gizmo too.

[@tonynsharon801]

Live in Palm Beach county we are moving after 30 years here live in high rise condo million dollar view but crime increase made our decision easy . TY for the help insight all the questions were helpful . Not sure which Village we will buy in saw videos that said rent first check out different villages all are different . Greatly appreciate your opinions Jerry and Linda

[@kidgreenhorn]

We moved after 45 years and retired to rural Georgia on 150 acres, no neighbors, peace and quiet. Florida was fun growing up but got New Yorkerized. My wife and I and daughter went to Cardinal Newman. I love to deer hunt.

[@barrymcfarland3408]

We purchased our home in The Villages one week ago. We left NH with a tax bill of about $6500 per year and expect out taxes here to be less than half of that but we had no sales tax in NH so getting use to that takes a little adjustment. Groceries are higher so we are shopping around to find better prices. The Walmart wins so far. All in all, I expect our total operating budget to equal out to about the same per year as where we were. This doesn't include eating out which will be much more than we use to do, but that's controllable (Maybe).

[@princeinflorida214]

Go to Save-A-Lot and ALDI for reasonable, low prices..

[@rettaconnelly3913]

Linda and Jerry thanks for the very informative video. I would like to ask about the pest control that you put on your lawn. On Long Island I never have any chemicals put on my backyard because of my dog and it was never a problem. I understand in Florida there are more lawn pests. Do you worry about Gizmo licking his paws and getting sick?

[@dustyd48]

Thanks for the information on the cost of living in The Villages. What about cruises are they cheaper if you live in The Villages compared to other areas of Florida like Panama City Beach.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

I don't know Dusty, but getting to the cruise port is easier. Sometimes groups take buses from here to the cruise.

[@carolapostolos8929]

Great information guys. Your expenses in The Villages look less expensive than what we pay in Michigan. Thank you for sharing!

[@blackcadillac8083]

I used to live in Florida and I'll tell you that it's not cheap at all. I had a house in Delray Beach and my property taxes were over $7,000 a year, high hoa fees, auto insurance $2,700 a year, groceries are expensive. Even though Florida has no state income tax, they're going to get you in other ways lol

[@patriciasizemore6196]

I so understand about Your Fur Baby . We have a little 9 year old Yorkie Poo . We do not go to many places any more because I can not bear to leave him . Can't believe Your Elec . is so cheap . My electric bill , but that does include water , garbage runs over 300.00 per month . We have a 4 bedroom 3 bath homes . You have a great electric bill .

[@cathybrown5293]

Thanks so much, Jerry and Linda! Very informative, and it doesn't sound too bad financially to live in The Villages. :)

[@maryanncarrington9833]

Always a wealth of information and really appreciate it. Can you tell us what your cable bill is and if that includes a phone?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

No phone...$181. Someextras: HBO, showtime, starz,etc. with 2 dvrs

[@Noname77331]

Thank you!!

[@sue2019]

We include the BEAUTIFUL landscaping by all the roads and squares, plus the entertainment in our $159 monthly fee! Amazing! We saved $200 semi-annually car insurance from Atlanta, GA (the tailgate capital of the USA).

[@lavander63859]

Hi Jerry and Linda. Can you tell me how much do you spend on TV/mobile/WiFi/telephone? Thanks a lot.

[@zoebar252]

What landscaping company are you using? I am looking to replace my current company and would like an estimate. Thanks in advance!

[@buckybuckman9894]

Been six years in Myrtlebeach sounds a lot cheaper here. Love it here

[@richardstevenson6623]

Our com tax that is valuation of property, water supply and garbage collection averages £100 - 10 monthly with 2 months free

[@buffycat4641]

Hi....welcome to Florida! I have been a full-time resident since 1969. Your yard maintenance can’t really be compared when you’re going from an acre to most likely almost a zero lot line. I am really surprised at the cost of your electric. My highest month was August at $109 and slowly goes down to about $60. The best way to handle pet sitting is to make good friends with other pet owners....then you take care if theirs when they are away and they take care of yours. Your maintenance fee is very low compared to here in Tampa. But mine includes water, sewer, amenities, and landscaping so it probably equals out. A big expense here in Florida I did not hear you cover was property insurance....it, is very high in the Tampa Bay & South Florida part of Florida. After hurricane Andrew it was near impossible to even secure and I almost didn’t close on a house because of its unavailability. Enjoyed your video.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Great info... THANK YOU!

[@stereomaster4231]

My mom has a 3 bedroom 2 bath condo in Tampa. She paid 66k for the place but the HOA fee is $750/mo! They just did the roof so there's an assessment coming there too...

[@bettyb1581]

$750.00 monthly wow that's too much. My Condo fees are $225.00 and have been for 15 yrs

[@pebblecreekranch]

How did you decide to move to Florida? Have you vacationed their prior? We’re looking for a retirement community but live in Colorado. Just hard to think of moving across the US. Any suggestions? Thanks for the information

[@CatFromFL]

We live 6 miles from the Villages in a deed restricted community ( not 55 and over) `and we can use all store and entertainment of the Villages. We have a much larger piece of property (3 acres) with low ( homesteaded) taxes`($1300) We do our own lawn and pest control. Much more home compared to “the Villages” proper but i can have a fence yard ( prohibited in villages) and i have more than 2 pets ( max allowed in villages) including 2 mini horses. There are plenty of public golf courses if you go occasionally. If you are a joiner or golfer Villages is a deal, not? Then its not. Move close and avoid the fees and bonds. Florida in general is cheaper in rural towns but Villages restaurants charge more to cover the fees they pay to the Morse family. Go a few miles and haircuts , etc are cheaper ( they gouge the seniors who want to avoid driving far) Great healthcare. I have the best, no or few rules yet close enough.also my mail comes to my home, Villagers have a mail kiosk.

[@Mrbeansadog]

Thank you for sharing

[@Twisted_stitches_leather]

Where do you live. Interested in looking there.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

The Brownwood area of the Villages.

[@careaboutnature]

We moved to Palm Coast, FL in 2017. We moved into a nice development that is still being build out and in its last phase. Our homes are about the size of your home. They are cement block with a stucco finish. Our taxes are significantly higher than your current taxes; although, it sounds like yours will start to catch up to ours. Our water bill, sewage, garbage and reclaimed water for irrigation is again quite a bit higher than yours. Grocery prices were a shock. We live on the east coast and being a vacation spot; the grocery prices are almost 50% higher (we do shop at Publix which is definitely more expensive than Walmart). I can't stand shopping at Walmart; so, we pay the price for not shopping there. The electric is one of the only significant breaks in comparison to what we paid in Pennsylvania. We had only a heat pump for heating in winter and in the north; that is very inefficient for producing heat. We had bills in the winter that ran $250 - $375. That is the only thing cheaper in Florida. We pay much higher car insurance and our health insurance is significantly higher than in PA. So, I agree with you; Florida is significantly more expensive. Great video by the way.

[@Bandaid17]

I get it about Walmart. I found that if I order most of the paper goods laundry soap and other predictable items by mail I can save some money without going into the physical store. Free delivery for orders $35 and over. Also you can give them your list and just pick up your order and pay in the front of the store(where I live in PA). Organization helps. I’m not always so great at that but happy when I can make it work!

[@HouatSea]

Jerry must have some on camera experience- his on screen skills are Impressive!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks AH!

[@G17-911]

Hello Jerry and Linda . Try Rover.com for your dog boarding needs. We pay a girl to stay at our home, with our dog for $35 a day. No kennels , no disruptive schedule, for your precious baby . We interviewed about five people and found someone we really liked. Best of luck, take care.

[@wholeNwon]

Thank you!

[@Lori-er4zv]

My property taxes in central Illinois on a 1500sq ft condo are over $5K per year, so sounds good to me! Jerry I think you are a little homesick for Indiana--just think of all that snow coming their way!

[@jimmclelland206]

My taxes in Tennessee are $600 a year with 11 acres and a two story house.

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

I want to retire in TN.

[@Carla_Testa]

Property taxes are always higher in states with no state income tax like Florida. I live in Texas so I know what I’m talking about.

[@marykelly5891]

Agreed that food is more expensive at one of the "chains" and really miss Kroger. The biggest disappointment, though, is the quality of fresh produce. Not comparable to what we had back home. Property taxes are almost twice what we paid for a much bigger home, but it offsets the absence income tax. (The govt will get their money one way or another!). With so much to do in TV, we haven't gone to WDW yet. Plan to make that a priority in mid-October. Loved meeting you two at Mystic Ice last Thursday. Keep up with the informative videos for everyone who wishes they were living in The Villages!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes, nice to meet you Mary... you guys had a great bunch!

[@myfluffyflufferton]

The produce at one store almost looks like dumpster diving. We are limited in Crystal River. My fav store is Publix. It rivals Tom Thumb in Texas.

[@vonnieandrobertdasher8662]

Disney has a wonderful place to board right on property ! Best Friends Pet Care . Across the street from port Orleans resort .

[@johnharchar6731]

Totally agree!! Buddy

[@oceandreamer1958]

What do they charge?

[@margaretbowen5607]

I live here in north central Florida and from the sound of it I need to move to where you live because it is very expensive here.

[@margaretbinkowski6754]

A blast from the past! Gas at $2.25 per gallon and eggs at $.99? Wow! How things have changed!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Amen!

[@dianeevans9842]

I love your videos, so informative. I live in Rochester N.Y. and I board my dog at the Pet Smart Hotel. I pay $28 per night for overnight stays. It is about $19 for just a full day stay. So for me it would not be that much different. You had a really good deal at $10 per night.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Everyone tries to get as much as they can, and people usually pay it ... especially here. Then they comment "very reasonable."

[@mikey0360]

My property taxes are cheap at $10,000 on Long Island. My gas and electric are over $200 each. We are staying in the Villages December 3-10 and would love to take you guys to dinner one night. I always look forward to seeing your great videos.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Mike, just email us at [e-mail]

[@ellelorraine3540]

Hi...Im a new viewer. I love your videos. I am very interested in The Villages. Could you do a video about smaller things/rules that you must follow there? Like, are you allowed to park your car on the street, rules on trash cans, etc. Is there "golf cart etiquette"? I know this must sound funny, but I'm interested in these things. Thank you!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Parking? Yes, but it's frowned on. Its unsightly when such care is taken to groom lawns and landscaping. Trash cans... not allowed. Specific bags for trash, recycling, and yard waste are picked up three days a week. Golf cart etiquette: Yes, they have clinics. Thanks for watching!

[@shariys1]

There's not much I miss about Ohio, but #1 on the short list of things I do miss: KROGER'S! Nothing here like it, not even Publix. Unfortunately, the nearest Walmart to me is the one on Maricamp in Ocala, 6 miles. The one down there on 441 is 10 miles. There are things I can only get at Walmart. 😝 I have alot of cats. I get alot of cat stuff from Chewy.

[@bozenatoloczko9289]

You are so nice couple! You give a nice information !We are planning move to Florida from NJ . We not sure if renting will be better from beginning?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Hi Bozena, It is always better to try before you buy. Many people use the lifestyle visit to see if they like The Villages. You can contact the sales office for the information.

[@nancydial5156]

If this is a restricted area are there exceptions when someone passes away my father in law and his wife lived in the villages and both passed away one in August and one in September

[@deborah6085]

Thank you for explaining the monthly expenses. It is very helpful in planning. Glad to hear your assessment that the quality of life is high. Gizmo seems like he would share in your assessment of living in the Villages. Are taxes going up so high for you because it will be your second year living in the Villages plus the overall raise in taxes?

[@elizabethshaw734]

In Portland Maine where I was born and raised you pay $4,000 off the top just for the privilege of living in Portland which is the biggest city in Maine. Then your appraised taxes come added on to that along with your sewage and rubbish police fire and paramedic rescue. My mother was paying almost $9,000 a year in taxes for her house. Don't quote me on that it could be more but I believe it was an average of $9,000.

[@daveborchard2019]

Do you homestead your property? You had to live in the property on January 1st and apply for homestead. If your property is homesteaded, your accessed property value is reduced $50,000. You have a capped property tax increase of 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. If you homesteaded your property, how is it possible to have s 24% increase in your property taxes?

[@jamesinkeys]

Homesteaded when eligible, first year..Second year, did not see a reduced property tax...Now, going on third year, I.D.K. what to expect....

[@daveborchard2019]

jamesinkeys From what I read about the Florida homesteading, you have to live in your home on January 1st. Your accessed property taxable value is reduced by $50,000, and your property tax increases are limited to 3% per year or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. Your property tax might decrease from the reduction of the accessed property value. However, when you purchase a home, your property taxes could increase significantly at that point in time the home was purchased. But after that point in the, from my understanding, the Florida homestead law significantly caps the future property tax increases.

[@bonniedeibel1546]

Interesting to hear all this. I’m in northern Colorado & taxes aren’t bad but home prices are pretty high now. I’m lucky because my husband & I are living on 10 acres with a 2400 square foot house with a full basement, 3 car garage & a 70 x 54 ft machine shed that we had built back in 1995. Prices have escalated a lot since then. Water is expensive here. A couple I know who are in the process of building will pay $63,000 for just the water tap & are told next year that will be $10,000 more. We might have paid something like $4,000. It’s been so long ago that I’ve pretty much forgotten. Yes it’s expensive to live a good quality of life anywhere. Chicago property taxes are out of sight, along with Connecticut & New York.

[@ernestconnell8087]

Since you moved there at the beginning of the year, I assume that you received your homestead exemption on your property taxes. If you moved after 1 April, I believe you don’t get it this year.

[@someguy95376]

My Burning question - what did you think of the summer ! Looks like you didn't melt so must be all good.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not as bad as we feared... we love the evenings and tolerate the ass afternoons. The afternoon showers give relief very frequently.