COMPARING THE THE VILLAGES TO LAKEWOOD RANCH - Which Is Better For You?

[@joebanville7510]

You made a mistake, you DO NOT have to be 55 to live in The Villages. Under Fla law 20% of the housing has to be for those under 55 and they have not reached that level yet. Additionally they are building an under 55 area, called Middleton. It is designed for young families and has an outstanding high school they just built, mainly for Villages employees and those who work in The Villages.

[@lyndastanonis4356]

The Villages has a new under 55 section with new beautiful schools. Its in brand new southern section. Called the village of Middleton

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thanks so much for sharing that. Great information!

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Middleton and Coleman Landing are not new Villages. They are the newest 2 family or support communities ie for people that don’t want to or can’t live in a 55+ community. Middleton has its own town square, shopping, rec centers , dog parks, etc. Villagers will be able to enjoy their town square but NOT their rec centers or dog parks.

[@susang888]

Both are great! I loved LWR and now enjoy The Villages - the diverse activities (hobbies, health, sports, culture, music & arts) are abounding! And I mostly use golf cart for daily cruise to the mailbox with dog. So many Happy people - young at heart and health here too! I can’t keep up 😊

[@LivingInSarasota]

Love to hear that. Glad you found such a great place to live!

[@DeniseBenson-on5mu]

I don’t know much about the villages but as far as Lakewood Ranch there’s not much to do in Sarasota. You have to drive to St Pete or Tampa for entertainment or for anything fun for that matter.

[@LivingInSarasota]

I agree there is a lot to do in Tampa and St. Pete and that also lots of people love living here as well.

[@andrewhwest]

😂Not much to do in Sarasota other than opera, theater, art museums, music concerts, beaches, shopping, golf, racquet sports, and great dining. But it's not a place with a lot of bars or late-night action. Try Orlando or Miami?

[@longtimelo]

No way you’re getting to the beach or Sarastoa from LR in 15-30 mins. More like 40-45 mins. It’s a whole day trip when we go.

[@cherier3283]

40-45 mins that's nothing! Try living in Arizona the ocean is 5 hrs... and it's awful communist CA... YUK!

[@YTDLW064]

The positive side of The Villages Location it is safer from Hurricanes’ Gulf & East Coastal Water Surges. You may get high winds, rain & maybe a Small Tornado, but receives less damage & The Villages are great at clearing after storm debris, fallen trees & road clean up.

[@walte153]

After going through hurricanes Andrew and Wilma, living in Miami, I knew I was moving inland as soon as possible. It's great to not feel the stress when it's announced "Well, it's hurricane season again. Time to start making plans..." The beach? 30+ years in Miami... went once.

[@Satjr35031]

Let’s see Tampa is just over 80 miles from The Villages. They must be driving 100mph to get there in 45 minutes.

[@johnboutet7560]

Have you ever driven on I-75? That's about what they drive.

[@Satjr35031]

@@johnboutet7560 Yes I have but they keep it around 90

[@LivingInSarasota]

Traffic is speedy here in Florida. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Satjr35031]

@@LivingInSarasota Tell me about it LOL

[@lynette8918]

BUT a lot of the golf cart lanes in The Villages are just a painted lane on the streets. (Narrow, winding streets) It’s not very safe.

[@veev2561]

I could never never like in a senior over 55 place with no beaches near, no kids living,playing,animals.

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thanks for reaching out. There are so many options of places and everyone likes something different.

[@veev2561]

@@LivingInSarasota thanks, are you a re agent for fl?

[@cherier3283]

If and when you get past 40 you'll appreciate an over 55 community, trust me I know!!

[@hd4100]

Sorry, but the background music in this video is extremely distracting

[@tomcarey-c4k]

Can a person do winter rentals at the Villages?

[@LivingInSarasota]

Yes they can. Most are individually owned and rented.

[@monkusbee]

400k for a 1200 sq ft home isn’t cheap or reasonable IMHO.

[@Satjr35031]

More like 1,600 to 2,000 square feet.

[@michaelblackburn283]

The Villages is far larger than 32 square miles! You must have seen old statistics somewhere.

[@colleenmoras7887]

3 years ago it was just over 55 square miles, since then they have bought more land and adding more communities they are even larger now! It's an awesome place!

[@billredding2000]

@@colleenmoras7887 Yes, I think it's 57 square miles now...and growing, as you said, especially in their new/upcoming "Eastport" (their 4th Town Square, IIRC) area with more villages/golf courses being built around it. -- BR

[@danielterry382]

They are at different price points.

[@dennisbridges6068]

Both are overcrowded and very expensive Florida not what it use to be

[@martinjohnson6510]

First thing you said is 100% not correct. Yes under 55 can purchase in The Villages 80-20% split The Villages is 55 Sq mile.

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thank you for letting me know.

[@tomspaulding6485]

Babcock Ranch beats them both. Easily 😊

[@waynestein3081]

Why no lights on any courts

[@cherier3283]

What about sink holes????

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Spanish Springs not Spanish Lake

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

For those who love Trump, it is the Villages.

[@natashashark85]

The new word on the street, give realtors a short drop and sudden stop for the free life they pretend to earn.

[@lostwhirley]

umm...you can be under 55 and still live in The Villages.

[@keithbarnum9470]

I love how she needs to reiterate that she's over 55 within the first 68 seconds... like we didnt know within the first 68 hundredths of a second in to it.

[@pamelarosenbaum7136]

What about the rep of villages being for “”swingers”

[@LivingInSarasota]

I know a number of people in Villages and most of that is hype. Can’t speak for everyone however.

[@noahschechtel8979]

To tal bs..hype..I live there

[@christinemowbray6116]

It’s a silly rumor .. 99.9999% are hardworking , good hearted Americans .. I have several family members living there for a dozen years or more and have had none of the drug and sex incidents that people talk about 😊

[@noahschechtel8979]

Bingo!!!@@christinemowbray6116

[@billredding2000]

@@LivingInSarasota You're 100% correct...but people -- who don't know anything about real-life in The Villages (except what they hear from others who don't know, either) -- continue to parrot such labeling, don't they. Even when corrected, they persist so they must dislike 55+ communities in general or The Villages in particular. Doesn't change the facts though, as LOTS of people like living there and more newcomers move in regularly. Does it have issues? Of course, but then all places do, yes? Still, the pluses clearly outweigh the minuses. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to continue my research on a golf-car (gas, not electric thank you) purchase... ;-) -- BR

[@2hba190]

Don’t moved to Florida!, We are full. There is no more room for you.

[@byronwilliams8045]

The utopia of the villages? I am 82 and view the villages as a giant senior home . Not much culture and sterile! The political climate reflects values that are appalling.

[@thomasbenner9621]

Move

[@LivingInSarasota]

Sorry you do not enjoy it. How long have you lived there?

[@jimrogers1500]

You are appalled by strong family and moral values, freedom, and Christianity?

[@march24-lp4pv]

Perhaps you're just to obsessed with weird stuff and diktater Biden.

[@Sabrina-o5h]

You want diverse culture and politics in line with your views only then Move to NYC! Complete Utopia for you.

[@donaldmaycottrealestateadv9550]

Some of your facts about The Villages FL are not factual. As an example, you are correct about The Villages FL not having an HOA but it has nothing to do with CDD or Bond. We have an amenities monthly amenities fee also known as our FUN Fee and it's $189 per month. You can also live here under the age of 55. I live, play, and sell The Villages FL as a real estate advisor and U.S. Army Veteran.

[@LivingInSarasota]

Thank you so much for that info. I appreciate it.

[@Satjr35031]

The Villagers is around 80 square miles.

[@flybirds2024]

The one issue that you didn't mention is that of the home insurance cost, I would guess that Lakewood Ranch being so close to the Gulf of Mexico would be much higher than the Villages!

[@precognation]

$400 isn’t expensive anymore. I can’t keep up. I have lived in two gated communities in Florida. Take it from me, they suck. They tell you what color to paint your house, you have fees fees and more fees, you wanna plant something in your yard you have to get permission, they are extremely clicky and worst of all you can get stuck being next to neighbors that you can’t stand and the houses are often very close together. So much better to buy 2 acres of land and put your own house on it with no fees. You get bored seeing the same people in your community over and over in a gated community. It’s so much better to get out of your local community and meet people in the greater area.

[@fillydevotie1]

they hike your hoa fees,forcing many to become homeless.welcome to florida.but please go home! whats been happening for 30 yrs is now the very rich are moving in..beware of real estate brokers mafia in delray beach florida..stop causing more car accidents,driving our insurance astronomically.

[@jamesstevens2591]

Sometimes even two acres won’t provide enough space between you and your neighbors. The option you mentioned is infinitely better for lifestyle than Villages or Lakewood. Living in any HOA is like going back to Jr. High.

[@lmb4876]

I google..Where should I RENT for a few months each winter…No need for all the hassle of 2nd home ownership

[@LivingInSarasota]

That is what a lot of people do and it works out great.

[@lauralampe1664]

You can easily buy a preowned home in The Villages if you are under age 55. Just no one under the age of 19 can be a resident of The Villages. Under age 55 buying new construction in The Villages...check with The Villages sales office.

[@joebanville7510]

You mention there are no beaches near the Villages, well not really true, there are several springs where swimming is allowed within an hour. The one advantage to The Villages when it comes to beaches, you are no more then 2 hours from the Atlantic AND the Gulf.

[@carolrhodes6685]

It's Lake Sumter, not Lake Sumpter

[@LivingInSarasota]

oops, sorry about that. Thanks so much for letting me know. I will be sure to correct.

[@stevewalther2293]

It's Sumtaa...

[@billredding2000]

Don't forget another 55+/golf-cart planned community, and it's pretty close to The Villages: "On Top of the World" (aka: OTOTW)...about 18 miles to the NW. BTW, one plus of The Villages is the home prices there range from cheaper "starter home" prices all the way up to $1M+ homes...so there are homes available for most budgets, even affordable for the "not so rich" people amongst us (like Yours Truly). ;-) -- BR

[@lindawoody8501]

The new "Enclave" village in The Villages has big lots and premier semi-custom homes. Some sites are 1/2 acre! This is one of really three villages with huge lots in The Villages.

[@karenbretana3853]

They both have the same issues

[@donaldgodwin3419]

You got a Sarasota decal on the wall, not biased are we