Can You Afford to Live in the Villages - Monthly costs in 2022

[@TheGeonam]

I live on three wooded acres. We built a log home 35 years ago and I have a 30 ft. by 25 ft machine shop. I am 79 years old spend Mondays thru Saturdays in my shop from 12 noon till 6 pm. When not doing a job for a friend I work on my own pass time. We have deer, coyotes which I shoot when I can. My wife and I love our home and the best part is we don't have to put up with crowds or new people you meet that you think will be great new friends only to find out they are far from being good friends. We live under the rule of KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Good luck to those of you that have made the moves.

[@GaryAbbott]

Sounds great but keep watching my videos:)

[@bocabec6744]

I suppose the hospital is not too far away. Old farts always need an ER nearby. Sooner or later.

[@sanjaybhatikar]

Awesome!

[@4everu984]

I live in an isolated jungle.....the Villages def for a certain city person. Nightmare to me.....chocolate or vanilla.

[@LeahJackson420]

Sounds like a fabulous life you created for yourself. Enjoy and I agree!

[@johnharper2016]

We lived in a gated community in Naples, Fl for 14 years. 2000 sq.ft home and the community had all the regular amenities, pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, etc. Cost on an annual basis was right around $20k. No house payment as we paid cash. $20k included HOA, Property Taxes, Homeowners Insurance, Water, Sewer, Electric, Cable, Internet, minimum monthly food expense at community restaurant, etc. Not exactly cheap but it was beautiful community. Had about 800 homes in it. Just a 5/10-minute drive to the Collier County parking lot at Bonita Beach. If you're going to spend the $$$$ to live in Florida, go as far south as you can. Naples is truly subtropical climate. It gets cold in the Villages!!!!

[@Ryan-jx4vh]

Exactly. I don't get the villages. Not close to beaches, gets cold, so far inland not a tropical breeze like coastal living.

[@pwu8194]

Which gated community?

[@ziggy33399]

Helpful. Thank you for the update. I’m glad to hear not all homes are so large. I’m really really tired of cleaning . True story.

[@nightengale2123]

And then there are the extras for those moving into a new home that may need or want to get these things done before or shortly after moving in so reserving $$ for these things should be considered. We just purchased a new Avondale model CV in lower St. Johns and needed to add additional gutter which cost $1,300. Not a necessity, but we wanted to get our garage floor epoxied which the process we went with takes 3 days to cure, so no walking or putting anything on the floor during the curing process. We have a 2 car plus golf cart garage and our cost was $1,800 and we got estimates as high as $3,200. Another not necessarily needed and we have put this off for now is water softening and filtration systems and those run in the ballpark of $2,200. Most upgrade their landscaping at least replacing that messy pine mulch. The cost for this can be all over the place, and if one wants some hard scaping, stones in the beds, and some additional plantings expect to pay between $3-$5k for this. If one wants a new Yahama Quiet Tech gas golf cart a 2 seater will run around $17k and 4 seater closer to $20k. If you want to add an alarm system to your new golf cart which we are having that installed cost $375. Since we gave away most of our garage stuff when we relocated we had to replace some of that stuff like hoses, shovel, ladder, etc. plus new brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies and honestly lost count of our costs for these things. New homes do not include a washer and dryer so purchasing those appliances cost us $2k on sale. Fortunately we brought down some furniture so all we had to get was a bed and sofa. We went with a king size adjustable base with a higher end but not the highest Stearns & Foster mattress which cost us $4,100. Had we opted for a Tempur-Pedic mattress our cost would have been closer to $7k. We wanted a leather sofa and new ones cost minimally $3k, but we found a pre owned one in great condition but it still cost $1k. As one can see those TV needs and wants do add up so plan accordingly.

[@davisholman8149]

Thanks for sharing.😎

[@susangoodman7930]

Thanks for your insight.

[@nf2885]

Did TV provide you with a copy of their rules and regs prior to your home purchase? I searched on the Community Development Districts site and I can’t find it. Did TV include the refrigerator as part of your home purchase?

[@nightengale2123]

@@nf2885 yes, fridge and dishwasher were included in the home purchase.

[@nightengale2123]

@@nf2885 they were provided at signing of the contract which was a several hour process done with our agent and she went through ever line of it.

[@tammyicious]

Who showed up here from Nick Johnson's video about The Villages. Great video on the costs. Thanks.

[@GaryAbbott]

I will have to look up Nick Johnson’s video. Never heard of him.

[@tammyicious]

@@GaryAbbott , his videos are addicting if you go for that sort of thing. Look up his video on The Villages. Let me know what you think.

[@prettygirlus9008]

I'm on FL's east coast. My natural gas runs $25/mo in base rates and misc. fees, before any NG usage.

[@cynthias6953]

It's all relative. I'm coming from New York where I'm paying over $19,000 a year for property and school tax. Add my $565. A month for gas and electric. The house is double 3,000 vs 2,200 sq. Ft. But I'm already way ahead of the game in the villages. People should consider purchasing a home where the bond is paid off as we did. When comparing costs I wouldn't count cell phones or other costs that you would have any where you live but yes should be considered as what you need a month. Ty for the info. On your video.

[@Travis_125]

I really enjoy the monthly budget videos. Love the transparency.

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks for watching. I think it is helpful for those on a tight budget. Also I hope the utility bills don’t go up like gas prices!

[@frankcloskey7789]

This advice is good for those can afford it.

[@dieseljuice3]

My current Duke electric bill is $109.56 which is down from $124.79.

[@karmasutra4774]

Ours is $330 in Polk with duke .. wish we could get it lower

[@johnnybq2]

Realistic breakdown thank you. Add in $500 a month for food.(at least considering Publix prices) your over $2k easy.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Jay, Your comment is very similar to others and I agree completely.

[@drewesalan7152]

Very good overview. I've been giving some thought on relocating from Nevada to Florida and The Villages are at the top of my choices. The costs are on the edge for me, but doable. Thanks.

[@WWPlaysHoldem]

Houses cheaper there I believe.

[@jw9980]

My 1700 Sq ft home in southern ca, built in 2007, with a pool is paid for. The basic cost per month is about $550 for property tax, water, sewer, power, gas, garbage pick up and home insurance, so the villages is way to expensive for me. I do my own pool maintenance and landscaping. Pest control is about $50 every other month. The duplex across the street is two 1500 sq ft units. No garages and they rent for $2,300 a month.

[@GaryAbbott]

It looks like you bought at the right time. Southern California always seems expensive when I look.

[@jw9980]

@@GaryAbbott you are correct. All of California is ridiculously expensive. I sold all my real estate in Seattle at the height of the bubble around 2006. I bought this home (a short sale) in California in 2007 for $60,000 (that's why my property tax is so low). I could easily sell it for $700,000 now. The new owners would be paying close to $700 a month just for property tax.

[@pwu8194]

Income & Poverty of The Villages. Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 $67,239 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021 $48,988 If your household income is at least the median, you can afford to live there.

[@GaryAbbott]

I will need to do an updated monthly costs video as I have seen the costs rise here over the past year. Also the price of homes is ever increasing and if you treat the Villages as a permanent vacation my estimate for food & beverage is way to low. :)

[@LarsPop-Tartus]

We are a married couple living in the Villages 1400 square foot house. No bond. $18k in cash is a minimum. We figure $24k cash if including going out to eat and take-out plus a week local vacation.

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks for sharing. I’m not looking forward to my first one year property tax bill.

[@Elaine-vf3kd]

I would guess $2,000 a month with no mortgage plus car and food.

[@MrJt3451]

florida taxes have gone up so much. I am in upstate NY and I pay about 5k for taxes each year for a small ranch home small lot etc. I remember when florida had taxes in the hundreds a year and I was like omg I cant wait to move to Florida. Now I am seeing taxes right up there, not sure its worth the move for me although I am tired of the cold LOL

[@GaryAbbott]

I think the cold weather has been my deciding factor to make the change. Especially today with NH temps in the 20's most of the day.

[@GaryAbbott]

Ok the highest property tax and electric costs in the country go to New Hampshire. NH $350,000 home is on average $8,000 property tax and in FL is about $3,500. Big difference.

[@Mushkiepotamus]

The bond is not figured on the value of your home. The bond is based on how much the building of the infrastructure (utilities, streets, and street lights, drainage, etc) cost to install in your village or development area divided by the number of homes.

[@GaryAbbott]

You are correct. I should have been a little clearer.

[@ET-uw9ph]

Incorrect, first of all stop calling it a bond, it’s called CDD, and the don’t base the CDD on how many homes it’s based on the size of your lot, it’s paid back in your property taxes over 30 years, average cost of the CDD is between 1,000 to 2,000 per year depending on the lot size

[@TheMrprez]

@@ET-uw9ph then why does every house in my neighborhood pay the same bond each year regardless of lot size?

[@vonfields6889]

Not that black and white.

[@shilohwoods4516]

Thank you for the ESTIMATEs....I understand these are NOT exact figures...that said I now realize that on a fixed income FL is very very very expensive.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@eskieman3948]

No, you're mistaken. Depending upon WHERE you live, it can be MUCH less expensive than you think. Why do you think Florida is so overwhelmingly popular with retirees, especially those on a fixed income?

[@fusfea]

This is interesting we just put in our mortgage application today

[@GaryAbbott]

You should check out my updated video I released today, which brings this video up to date in 2023. A lot more information.

[@tonysofla]

Summer season electricity for my 1800sq Fort Lauderdale is $350 a month, no gas hoockup.

[@jengelbrecht6660]

I am in Panama City & I’m very thrifty on my utilities but last month, which was very hot, my electric was $214. Average I’m at about $125 with the same size home. I think a lot of his prices are too low.

[@petermorhead4160]

@@jengelbrecht6660 I live near Tallahassee. I have solar to power my house and to charge my electric vehicle, all for free. Best investment I ever made.

[@Chinlau124]

@@petermorhead4160 that’s a great deal. Who in FL is giving away solar panels and install for free. It’s a least $27k - $35k here. Divided that into the standard electric cost, id break even about the time I checked out.

[@Frank-nh9fe]

Please do a video on TV governance. What say do residents have? Input to amenities offered. Are TV corporate responsive? As an example, I hear there are many who are upset about the number of rentals. Any chance of them prevaling? I’ve not heard of anyone doing a video on this subject.

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks for the recommendations. I think these might be good topics to cover in the future.

[@jiggyfun807]

This is still much cheaper month to month than retirement in New York. And no ice or snow!

[@tomtugboat]

And no high taxes - couldn’t afford to retire in NY and I was brought up there ! Much cheaper to live in Florida !

[@iceman6354]

Been here a couple of years now, not by choice. I was more or less railroaded down here and had to walk away from a career that I mostly loved, friends family and many things dear to me. I love my home in the villages but as far as living here full-time and still having to work full-time it is not for me. I’m not really sure how we afford it. But my wife and I both still have to work. Coming here to visit friends on vacation it was always a blast. But living here and working under contract for the Villages has changed my whole perception. It’s just not for me. Hope I can get back home someday.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hope you get to go back home as it sounds like you had a lot going for you there.

[@adamnevis7636]

Extremely helpful video!!! Thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful. I will have more on the villages this summer.

[@125blackjack]

My bond was paid when I bought. I couldn't get insurance unless the roof was replaced.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hopefully the new laws passed in Florida will help curb this problem.

[@Brode77]

Thank you so much! This is an amazing thoughtful video. Super helpful.

[@pammusser8167]

Great video, lots of good current information on actual costs.

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks! 👍

[@VomBethel]

WAIT! Property insurance should not be based on potential maintenance issues. This type of insurance should be based on acts of nature and replacement value when these acts occur. Also, some basic liability if someone gets hurt on your property. Something is horribly wrong with property insurance AND property taxes in Florida. Taxes should be based on the value of the property not on the most recent sale of said property. OK. Rant over.

[@billh.1940]

The tax if based on sales price is the value of property,. The insurance is because when nature goes nuts in FL, whole town's and counties have been flattened and drowned! Things they don't tell you about! Storms are beyond believable. Also finding gators in your pool!!

[@norrieanthony5056]

Yes, taxes are based on the cost of lot, house and all the over charged upgrades ( that’s the part that irks me, but they do raise the value of the house, but something about that doesn’t seem right. Like 10$ for popcorn at a movie) We signed our contract in 2019 but didn’t move in until 2 months ago. The people that bought this summer at the peak will be paying almost double the taxes because the prices got ridiculously high. I’m not in The Villages, but in a same type of community. Our .75 lot was 10k. We just heard that same size lot, in a very nice location, but still- just the land, sold for 750k! That’s more than we paid for everything, including many nice upgrades. I don’t know how people do it. Jupiter is a very nice, but pricey area, but that was not the location.

[@flybyairplane3528]

Greg,hello,thanks for the info,not sure I’ll get there,now81 yo,,,,stay well,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@RedVote]

Property Tax, Bond and Home Insurance is often consolidated in with the Mortgage if you have one.

[@GaryAbbott]

If you take out a loan with the bank it will be combined. For those with no mortgage or request it not be part of the mortgage payment we handle it separately.

[@ldhawthorne]

Thanks for the video! Lots of good information!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@faethdanu219]

Fabulous! Very helpful! Thanking you from Ireland!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Hope you saw my video on How to Purchase a new home in the Villages as well.

[@faethdanu219]

@@GaryAbbott I just viewed. Brilliant information. Thank you!

[@bettymarshall615]

It sounds like to me you need a monthly income at lease 5k monthly n that depends on how much your mortgage is.

[@GaryAbbott]

check out my newly released video called Retirement- Budget Numbers for the Villages. Gives you recommendation to get tools to get closer to the monthly numbers you would see depending on the home you want.

[@beautifulflorida]

Thank you for your informative video!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dimythios]

Hate to say this but I live in California. I have a house in California. I made great long terms planning in California. THE RESULT... I PAY LESS than what this gentlemen does per month. A LOT LESS. And I live in one of the best places as far was year around weather in the US. MORAL OF THE STORY. IF YOU DO NOT MAKE ANY LONG TERM FINANCIAL GOALS... WAGIE CAGIE wage slave when you get old.

[@BrisLS1]

Very good analysis! I am sure folks wanting to move there will appreciate these numbers. I am surprised how low your electric and trash are, just compared to a small home in Virginia. The bond payment seems like the surprise elephant in the room, but really, if you're moving south, you save that in heating bills anyway. All in all, it seems pretty cheap from this video, like I said, just compared to a small starter home in the Mid Atlantic. But not working at all, you can't afford to be wrong, so I would want the opposite of sticker shock, ha ha.

[@GaryAbbott]

I did another video talking about what happens to my electric bill when I’m there full time. I also did a video that summarizes both income and expenses in general as part of a four part series.

[@signalfire6691]

Another podcast estimated they paid over $1000 a month just in food. Eating out and drinking cost a lot. And the cost of all that golfing also seems extreme, not 'free' like the ads keep touting. My takeaway on this place is it's a nightmare of extroverted braindead alcoholics and wait until the hurricanes catch up with it.

[@dieseljuice3]

Taxes, with Homestead, $3,338.01

[@richardpolidore2932]

Good job Gary!

[@LeahJackson420]

Sounds like too much complexity for me. My paid-for townhouse has an HOA for $220 a month. That gets me all landscaping, a country club pool with swimteam, tennis courts, it replaces the roof once a decade, all siding repairs, painting of all exteriors once every five years. Some community events. The villages is not worth it all of those bills. IMO And I live in a capital city. North Carolina.

[@GaryAbbott]

Sounds like you have a nice community. I just haven’t found any community the size of the Villages with so many golf courses, activities, clubs, recreational facilities, available to residents. When you have some 100,000 homes and over 150,000 residents its so hard to compare with typical 55+ communities. Thanks for watching my video.

[@LeahJackson420]

@@GaryAbbott It looks like a great place to live if you’re into that stuff. Especially if you love golf. I hope you guys enjoy! I just hate they seem to be dinging ya’ll for every little thing.

[@LeahJackson420]

@@GaryAbbott oh I do LOVE golf cart communities though. You meet more people.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

Thank you. Would you please do another update on costs to live in TV? I live in Duluth Minnesota and my expenses, comparatively speaking, are far more than TV. I don’t have a bond nor amenity fee nor a DDA. If I paid cash for my home and didn’t over extend, I could afford it. I just don’t want to be house poor. I’d be a permanent resident.

[@GaryAbbott]

I did two more video’s that I think you would find helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZzFpoqugdSfmck and kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3PRgYKVa5pmb9k I’m only offering the spreadsheet for free until the end of February.

[@lp4418]

Home insurance is apparently absurd in Florida!

[@Brockton153]

As it should be. Big Hurricane threat living there.

[@shariys1]

CAR insurance has gotten ridiculous!!

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

We have a 3500 sq. ft home near Naples. Because we have all the weather resistant upgrades plus a style of roof which is better vs wind our home insurance has a $16,000 reduction. Because hubby is a military veteran we got insurance via USAA company for approx. $3600. We do have a new roof post hurricane Irma in 2017 (roof is cement tiles so that tells you how fierce wind damage can be) from a now defunct insurance company. BUT I thought for a decade that our home insurance was too cheap! After Hurricane Wilma (2005) our insurance was about $4800 and eased to about $3600 in 2021. Why decreased premium? The risk did not go down but the company was coasting on 15 years of no major storm in our area. In my area of Naples every home, condo, commercial building had a major roof repair or total replacement post Irma. Today condo developments a mile from me are finally getting their roofs replaced. But every repair like that has a stronger code to adhere to and will be more resilient in the future.

[@michelecaron]

Excellent guesstimate. Great 👍🏽 work. Very helpful.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you enjoyed it! Also I like that you understand I haven’t got all the costs not having owned it for a year but I think I’m close.

[@furiogiunta556]

Great video, very informative, thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you enjoyed it! check out my update video after I got my July electric bill.

[@domfer2540]

Why do you buy a bond? As a Florida resident, I am surprise how easy transplants pay for things that is not normal. You electrical is low, I would expect about 140.00 avg per month over a year. Everyone listen to what is needed and your expenses will not be the change.

[@GaryAbbott]

The bond is part of the cost of every new home in the Villages so if you want new no real option. I did a follow up on my electrical costs and why so low compared to full time. I also have done some updated budget videos you may want to look at. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@rayc.8555]

I can see how that lifstyle would be appealing to some but that is way to structured for me. It's like the truman show or groundhog day. Nothing new and no challenges. It would be interesting to see the single women there.

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks for your comments as you gave me an idea for another video.

[@rayc.8555]

@@GaryAbbott Honestly though i can see the attraction to the Villages but how would one pick the village that would be right for them? I understand they vary. Its a very interesting lifestyle. I am now a subscriber.

[@kennyvalentine7644]

Gary…I haven’t been able to figure out how to request a copy of your budget (expense/income) calculator. How may I request a copy?

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Kenny send me an email that I just put in the video description. I needed to update it.

[@jenifermac-5150]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rumpestillskin4671]

The money you save on snow removal and winter heating charges, you can afford this.

[@lauralampe1664]

Useful information! Thank you.

[@GaryAbbott]

You're welcome!

[@marianomusso2887]

Excellent. Very helpful.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iron1215]

Throw mortgage payment on top of that. No probably can't.

[@GaryAbbott]

I get it, as when you add some of the unique costs in the Villages it can be more than what someone counted on. Thanks for watching.

[@celinasuckiel6801]

That’s expensive wow for a retirement community

[@therrienmichael08]

Fees, fees and more fees...

[@timothycunningham7352]

I think you're better off to rent in Florida, especially if your a snowbird. The cost of homeowner insurance is becoming astronomical.

[@GaryAbbott]

My insurance has stayed low even after the storms in Florida. I’m lucky that I don’t live near any of the coasts where insurance must be very high.

[@runningwild1055]

Turn your A/C on and watch that Duke Electric bill jump!

[@GaryAbbott]

I did turn my A/c from 80 to 75 for the month of July. Will do an update of what it jumped too.

[@runningwild1055]

@@GaryAbbott....... I ran mine at 78 and includes electric water heater and it was $199.84 for July. Just outside of The Villages on Duke Energy in a house built in 2006. Marion County water/sewer/lawn was $148.21 for same period.

[@GaryAbbott]

Check out my KZbin video update to address the electric bill estimate. I got my July bill and I was there the whole time running everything. Temp set at 74 and 75. Looks like my 2021 home is very efficient. I show my bill.

[@ericsparks4288]

1800 square feet home in Kentucky and my electric bill budget is $330 a month

[@kennybayles6914]

I have heard a number of people do this very thing and you are tens of thousands less than everyone else. You better be carrying down about 3/4th. of a million for a few years. They get you on everything.

[@dianebarrie7343]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@12044m]

Do you get a break on taxes at all? Where I live we get a homeowners exemption and an exemption because we are over 65.

[@GaryAbbott]

You can get a homestead break once you can show permanent residency. I don’t think it is as much as some states that offer 65 and over tax discounts.

[@eskieman3948]

@@GaryAbbott Gary, it's pretty good - about 50% off the tax bill.

[@karmasutra4774]

They offer a deal after 65 if you have lived in the state 25 years .. which I have thank goodness

[@MrZola1234]

The price seems very high. I did not hear a number for an HOA, is there one.

[@GaryAbbott]

The Villages HOA is called the amenity fee which pays for pools, recreation centers, outdoor courts, etc. I discuss the amenity fee in the video. Thanks for watching.

[@DaveFL1776]

$38 for electricity in Florida? Do you have solar panels? I live in Florida and mine, on average, are $250

[@GaryAbbott]

No solar panels and electricity really does only run about $38 or 39 per month when unoccupied and $75 occupied. keep in mind a number of items are natural gas like dryer, stove, hot water.

[@DaveFL1776]

@@GaryAbbott I believe that is what you are paying and I also believe that is amazing. No one in Pensacola pays anywhere close to that without solar panels. Maybe some kind of deal with your energy company. Most folks in Florida are forced to use FPL. According to Energy Sage, the average cost of electricity for a villages resident is $244 per month. Maybe if you had FPL? Hope Duke doesn't get bought out by FPL, like what happened to Gulf Power here, and raise rates

[@seeyaatthebema]

Very helpful, thanks so much.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@faithcomesbyhearing2148]

thank you. this was very helpful.

[@GaryAbbott]

You're welcome! Did you see my buying in the Villages video which I try to explain how to find a newly built home?

[@allencrider]

No thanks! I'll stay in my California home. One without rules and regulations and nosey Karens telling me what to do.

[@bettymarshall615]

THANK YOU GARY!! So, what would u say a person or a couple have to make yearly living confortly??

[@GaryAbbott]

I made a video with a spreadsheet specifically for this question. This should really help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3PRgYKVa5pmb9k

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

What village, where? Does he ever mention? Did I miss?

[@GaryAbbott]

The Villages, Florida is where and it is I believe the largest master planned development in the US for retirees.

[@eduardotirado839]

So every month you have to cut out 10 to 12 chks? Does it get deducted automatically from your bank account? Are there businesses that help you pay all this without forgetting or if you are away?

[@GaryAbbott]

At first it seems like a lot but really it is not.

[@nf2885]

Hi Gary. Where can I find the rules and regs of TV on the Community Development Districts website? I don’t see it.

[@GaryAbbott]

Try this but it may be an older version - www.villagescommunity.com/uploads/1/0/8/7/10872135/rules_and_regulations_2015.pdf

[@richardargst157]

Is there a place in the Villages where I could buy a large lot and not have to live in a cookie cutter shack?

[@GaryAbbott]

You should watch my video with the hats. I show nice homes with large lots if that is what you are looking for.

[@IndianaRandy]

No

[@CarlosRuiz-qk9hq]

@@IndianaRandy No Randy? I have to live in an ugly shack?

[@AddamSantana]

$38 average electric bill???

[@GaryAbbott]

Like I explained in the video I really only had the min charge because 98% of the time it was only to keep the systems operating over mostly winter months so minimal electricity using the gas fired heater. I also stated I anticipated in the summer to jump and put my average between 65 and 120 per month. I will know very soon if that is correct as I was full time starting in June. The $38 was my new minimum as the company told me it was increasing from $32. Now with the fuel crisis who knows what I will be paying. Hope this helps clarify as I did get a lot of questions on this. I will say my new home is very well built with great insulation and eco friendly appliances.

[@GaryAbbott]

Check out my new KZbin video answering the electric bill costs and what it costs me living there full time in July!

[@billwhite7316]

$1500 a month? That's all? Holy smokes....what a deal!

[@Gautengaleng]

There is no ways electricity is $60 for 1500sf

[@GaryAbbott]

OK, I did explain my low cost electricity bills in a follow up video but I just looked back at my last three months of electricity bills. Each month was $34 each month. I’m not complaining. My apartment in New England for the last three months averaged $280 each month with less square footage.

[@michaelblackburn283]

He said 38.00 . I have a similar size house and it's $ 100 average now.

[@danacaro-herman3530]

​@@michaelblackburn283We are in 2023 now

[@allioakley3372]

Are you allowed to have a garden in your yard?

[@GaryAbbott]

Not really sure. I know at my house I don’t think it would be allowed since I don’t have a fenced in back yard so the district would be concerned how it would look bad to all my neighbors. Another reason is you would need to have it in planters because your yard is watered with recycled water and not good for a garden. Regulations may be different in the historic section compared to new.

[@lauralampe1664]

I appreciated your summary of your living expenses. I have seen summaries for designer homes, but not for a cottage/Ranch size home which is very sufficient for me. Did you purchase in one of the new Villages south of 44?

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GaryAbbott]

Yes I purchased in Citrus Grove.

[@louieloglio254]

Don't know where you get these numbers for air condition bills

[@tyrinalondon]

@@louieloglio254 I don't know where he got the electric figures either. Mine, in a designer home, are unbelievably expensive.

[@irisvelasquez6440]

Nice Tks for your information.

[@GaryAbbott]

Welcome

[@TraderRoss]

My Aunt lives there on the golf coarse. I can't afford the gas to put in a fancy car to live there.

[@GaryAbbott]

At least prices are dropping. I just filled up my diesel vehicle and price is down a dollor from last month. Still needs to drop another dollar to get back to last year's price.

[@artmaltman]

How much do the homes cost to purchase or rent?

[@GaryAbbott]

I recommend you download the villages app to see homes for sale and check out the villages rental websites as it depends what you are looking for an time of year.

[@kennedyland1]

Thanks, I'm sure it's fine, but I'm not into generic suburban lifestyles. Enjoy if you like it, but it ain't my cup of tea. xo

[@GaryAbbott]

Fair enough!

[@eckankar7756]

What is the Amenity fee for? you never say what it's about.

[@GaryAbbott]

The amenity fee pays for playing golf on the Executive courses, swimming pools, recreational centers, maintaining all the tennis, pickle ball courts, etc.

[@jwlindem1]

Nope, I can't afford it.

[@qq1651]

what is "fulltime" vs "part time"? Im assuming that you are only there 6 months per year? So, why would you double that if you live there all year? Im not understanding. And was that a typo? $666 for MONTHLY taxes? Can you tell us a ballpark on what the worth of your home is or how much you paid for your home, to give it perspective?

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi QQ, What is full time vs part time? Well I think everyone gets full time as you live hear year around but PT can vary from individual to individual. Some come for 6 months in the winter while some others come just on holidays or a few weekends a year. So PT can vary a lot. For me the first 7 months no one was there and my cost were extremely low. That is why I estimated higher than what I was paying in some cases. The $666 per month is estimating approximately $8,000 per year in property taxes. This can vary depending on you home size and evaluation. I this point, I need to wait until my first full year is up to verify if that is high or low but most do not disagree. If you actually get to the point that these costs are doable. I would contact a village realtor to get more specific on a given home. Thanks for watching.

[@dmobrecht109]

That’s not bad.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you liked that video. Did you see my budget calculator video that I did last year. Lot’s of viewers requested the spreadsheet I offered.

[@jeremybilbrey1133]

i wished I could afford to live that lifestyle...thats sounds like a cool lifestyle..but its way out of my range

[@centralfloridagmrs]

Most of the people that move to the Villages pay Cash for the house. That should tell you plenty about them

[@GaryAbbott]

I have heard from realtors in the area that about 60% are paid with cash. I think a number of homes are not cash as they are second homes.

[@jetg2059]

How much would your house cost today

[@GaryAbbott]

If you are asking how much the house cost would be today compared to a year ago, then looking at new home prices of the same style they are running $20 to $30 thousand more. So those that thought prices were going down because of inflation, I don't see that going on in the Villages. I hoped this helped. To see actual prices for the homes check out the villages app with all the current new homes for sale and see today's prices. I think that is the best way to find what you can afford and the style you would like to purchase. Hope you checked out my updated video on costs and budgets called "Retirement - Budget numbers for the Villages".

[@masminor]

Wow, your electric is cheap. Mine for a smaller place in California is $170/month.

[@GaryAbbott]

When I’m there full time it goes up to $50 to $80.

[@barbaraallen3054]

There are a few really nice retirement communities near by ,that are just as, nice without all the extra fees . Also the homes are much to close in The Villages. I have been there for winters and it is very crowded . Also lost it charm due to all the expansive development. I personally wouldn't want to retire there. Just sayin. Not my cuppa tea.

[@ronkeyes659]

Barbara, out of curiosity can you share the names of those nearby retirement communities? Living on a fixed income is becoming more and more difficult no matter where you are. We all want to retire safely and in a secure neighborhood free from crime and undesirables. Thanks!

[@hansblaser925]

Can you please give me the name of it

[@karmasutra4774]

@@ronkeyes659 one that is in Polk I lived in for 2 years that was super nice ... Lake Henry Estates. In Haines city and HoA is pretty reasonable

[@stevedotson8207]

An environmental wasteland way too much lawn stuff.hugh amounts of water and chemicals and fertilizer few if any trees shading houses. Do any of the residents give a damn.???

[@alcozome]

Excellent video----Thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Thank you too!

[@vaughnmcmillan8400]

I know this is aimed at the very affluent, BUT it's still not factoring in the MANDATORY flood insurance I've seen in other 'full disclosure' videos. And it's now MANDATORY, (there's that M word again) no matter where in the swamp (oops, I mean State) that you live! IF you choose to live in hurricane alley on the seashore, then by all means, try and kid yourself that you don't or won't need hurricane insurance! Now try and find an insurer! Since Hurricane Ian, no less than 15 insurers have either gone tits up or have simply pulled their horns in and vanished! What do you suppose that means you'll be paying in premiums to the remaining insurer(s)?! So all in all, I surmise that unless you're a politician or other class of mobster with residual income still coming in after retirement, then like everything else in Florida, it's waaaaay too expensive for the average Joe Blow from Komokeo. Just sayin'.

[@GaryAbbott]

Not sure where you heard that flood insurance is mandatory but that is not true in the Villages. Residents have the option to purchase it but not mandatory.

[@karmasutra4774]

We don't have it and in central Florida it was not required and still isn't

[@vaughnmcmillan8400]

@@GaryAbbott You're probably right in The Villages Gary, but I was referring to stand alone housing. Sorry about that.

[@GaryAbbott]

Still not really sure what you mean by stand alone housing. In the Villages we purchase our house and lot. We just agree to certain requirements to keep the place like new.

[@Atochabsh]

Your fees and costs seem reasonable for any single dwelling standard home. All those fees are things everyone pays no matter where they are if they are in a single family dwelling home. Are you implying (with your video) that it is extra expensive to live in The Villages? If so then I'd be interested in how much more reasonable it is to maintain a household outside The Villages.

[@GaryAbbott]

Well I did make the video so people could compare costs and know that you have some new ones expenses like amenity fees, bond fees, and pesticide & lawn fees. I didn’t have most of these living in New Hampshire. No intent except to share my costs as some will think it is a lot while others will think it’s inexpensive. Just depends on your prospective.

[@jbiz5528]

Bond was already paid on ours

[@GaryAbbott]

That’s great. One less item to consider.

[@Elaine-vf3kd]

Lawn care sounds way too low as does electric.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Elaine, watch my summer follow up video that clarifies the electric costs. It still sounds low to some.

[@Elaine-vf3kd]

@@GaryAbbott I pay $125 for electric in PA for my small 1 story house in the winter and I have gas heat and gas hot water. House is only 5 years old. In the summer with my temperature set at 74 degrees my electric gets close to $200. Maybe electric is just cheap in Florida 🙄. I looked into the Villages right when the pandemic started and decided it was over my budget. I don't golf and the amenities fee to pay for it keeps steadily increasing. Thanks for your video.

[@patty4709]

What’s with all the posting on the Villages. Everyone living there is posting all the same information.

[@GaryAbbott]

I think everyone who goes through the process gets complelled to tell the story and help others. That’s why I did my video in 2022 right after I purchased.

[@thily7682]

what is villages

[@GaryAbbott]

It’s a 55 plus community that has over 120,000 homes & growing. An takes by car about 30 minutes to go from the North section to the South section. It has some very specific rules that all home owners need to abide by so it looks beautiful where ever you go in the community. Also it is a large golf cart community where you really can almost do everything by golf cart. Lot’s of fun.

[@DeborahLynnM]

@@GaryAbbott Actually, it’s not 120,000 homes. That’s closer to the number of residents, which is about 135,000 when snowbirds are there. Homes is about 70,000. Big difference! 😁

[@cjenkins8785]

Welcome to the sunshine State

[@williambright363]

not sure why you would want to

[@GaryAbbott]

You should watch my top ten reasons to hate the Villages. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGLTaGh7htKNnMU

[@danielterry382]

25% of the people in the Villages are on Military Pension.

[@GaryAbbott]

That’s an interesting fact. Can I inquire where you got that number? I would also think we have a high percentage of teachers and government employees who have pensions and can retire early.

[@ryanreedgibson]

I just moved my mother to the Villages in 2019. She doesn't like the radicalization and Trump supporters. I laughed because she is surrounded by old people. How radical can it be? So I know have to go get her and move her back!

[@eskieman3948]

Yeah, The Villages are loaded with people who escaped from blue state fascists, and they enjoy the freedom AND the lower cost of living.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Ryan, I also found a number of women in the Villages who after moving there openly discussed missing family & home and wished they could have had two homes. Not everyone has that option. I find the politics less important overall to having fun & entertainment choices in the Villages.

[@MrGus.1]

I guess the fact that Trump supporters can afford The Villages says something about personal political leanings and the amassing of wealth. Go woke, go broke.

[@CarlosRuiz-qk9hq]

When I turn 70 I plan to begin collecting Federal welfare. My check will be $4,300 per month. Federal welfare checks help make the Villages affordable.

[@karmasutra4774]

What is federal welfare?

[@nancybarnes374]

@@karmasutra4774just guessing but it’s probably a smart a$$ reference to social security, which btw, we pay into all our lives. Our money.

[@OutnBacker]

No

[@moonbeamer4468]

It’s a beautiful place. But……are you all aware of the rumors about it? Sex gone wild puts it mildly. Hope it isn’t true!

[@GaryAbbott]

Moon, I think that is wishful thinking for some or just great marketing! :)

[@pmscalisi]

So it’s just like the rest of the country?

[@ziggy33399]

Not a factor for me. WAY to many people so bound to be diversity. I sense many others are into the arts, spirituality, books, pickle board, etc.

[@donchristie420]

Too many trumpers there,so no way 🤨

[@GaryAbbott]

I find politics a lot easier to handle with retirees.

[@donchristie420]

@@GaryAbbott they of all people, should know better( course a lot of people are about themselves) Politics= conservative/ liberal Trumpers= cult