Which Village would I Move to in the Villages Florida

Let’s look at the entire Villages by village and just see how big this area is to cover and then I narrow down to where I might move to if I were considering purchasing in the next couple of years.
If you are interested in viewing the Villages maps by William Vayens go to vayens.com/maps
William does ask for permission to use the maps for social media, etc. Thanks Bill for allowing me to use your map. If you are unable to get access through this website, try Don Wiley who provides the maps on his website www.goldwingnut.com/villages-map
So I selected Edenfield as the next village I would move to in the Villages Florida. Even though I haven’t found a bad village anywhere in the large community.
Also note I did make a mistake calling Magnolia Plaza a square but decided to correct it by putting the name on the screen.
I appreciate all of you who have supported my channel using the Super Thanks button. Now I have two ways to support my channel, you can purchase me a coffee through this link. - bmc.link/garyabbott or click on the Super Thanks button.
See you in the Villages!
#55plus #thevillagesbudget #55pluscommunity #lakewoodranch #thevillagesfl
#retirement #retirementplanning #retirementcommunity #thevillages #margaritaville #daytonabeachflorida #movingtoflorida #buyingahomeinflorida #thevillagesflorida

[@nedatkins2523]

A serious consideration should be your own timeline, specifically your health and age. At age 69, feeling health, and still enjoyable working with a nice income and and enjoyable career, I had my rude awakening 2 years ago with a heart attack. So, I don’t want to wait for what may arrive with all the new future development south of the turnpike. I want to enjoy The Villages for what is available now and during the next few years as a priority. Accordingly, I found that an 11-year-old existing house between 466-A and 44 best fit my needs and desires. Don’t disregard the value and best fit of resales for best meeting the needs and desires of any newcomer to The Villages. As you said, there is something somewhere in The Villages for everyone. Thank you for your videos and honest perspective!

[@GaryAbbott]

Well said Ned. I had a heart attack a year and a half ago and it kicked in my need to retire which is this month. You just never know how many years we have.

[@rethinkcps2116]

I've owned six SFH in three time zones, over the years. Five were new builds, one a resale. The 12-year-old home was never 'right.' Older air vents & HVAC issues vs. new state of art construction & HVAC were nite/day. In a hot climate, well insulated 'green' energy efficient new home is much preferred. My 2-cents -

[@BradInStLouis]

One thought against moving North of Eastport is the Turnpike Rest Stop proximity. Nothing is worse than the sound of a Semi-Truck down shifting (entering the plaza) or up shifting (accelerating back on to the Turnpike). I will be checking that out on my lifestyle visit.

[@GaryAbbott]

I don’t think you will hear traffic in those areas unless your house abuts the turnpike. I live in Citrus Grove next to turnpike on the other side and not an issue. Pickle ball courts are the ones not to be next too.

[@tamieemmer2795]

Thank you for the info Gary! Finally writing up the contract with my buyers so I hope to be visiting TV soon to look at homes! I just need to convince my husband to make the move!

[@markedwards5512]

Please note that the turnpike is going to be expanded to 8 lanes. Noise will be an issue, even if they put up sound abatement walls.

[@debrabyrd1306]

Thanks for sharing the information Gary

[@jay7621]

Great video. Enjoy seeing the location of different villages and the proximity to shopping. We’re getting close to looking at locations and this video is very helpful.

[@Dano99118]

Very informative , thanks Gary.

[@LisaLisaDB]

Thank you for the great, informative video, Gary! We also like the idea of the area of Edenfield. Coming for our first lifestyle visit in a couple of weeks and can't wait to check everything out! Possibly moving to TV in less than two years so your info is very timely! Thanks again! 😊

[@GaryAbbott]

Best of luck!

[@pattiebravata7462]

Thank you for the great maps and explanation of the different areas. Great video. Very informative.

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevenwilburn235]

Thank you sharing Gary.

[@DisMindy5767]

Did you hear the news? They're building a Costco on that YUGE empty lot next to the new Hobby Lobby on 466! I'm so excited. It's only about 10 minutes by car from our home in the Village of Santiago. Along that same strip is Publix, Marshalls-HomeGoods, Ace Hardware, IHOP, even Walmart. Just shoot every Village in the Villages has a Publix close by. The key is, what other stores do you want to be near? We will be able to visit the Eastport area but it'll definitely be by car. We also have to buy a golf cart. ⛳️

[@brianmadigan3052]

Thanks Gary and shout out to your friend for map great job.

[@GaryAbbott]

You bet

[@michaelsheedy]

Yes the area between 466A and 44 seems to be the new sweet spot garnering the highest home prices. A lot of open space, newer homes, maturing landscape, lots of golf courses, good location to either LS or BW, and traffic on Buena Vista is not terrible yet. But Trailwinds and Beaumont development is changing that big time.

[@fierceflyer5]

Gary, you’re giving away our secret village LOL, we’ve had that village picked out since we first saw the map of Eastport. Another great video. That map was amazing.

[@GaryAbbott]

I don’t think you are alone in looking at that village. Thanks for watching.

[@franklowe779]

Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@GaryAbbott]

You are so welcome

[@LifesLittleAdventures28]

We are going to be doing a life style visit and can't wait!!!

[@wildbunch2]

Us too!

[@Mycatguido]

Us too in late June early July.

[@wildbunch2]

@@Mycatguido next month!

[@alexbloss4163]

I love the north. All the stores and beautiful mature landscaping. It will take years for south to get what we have in north. I’ll be dead by then.

[@laurahahnlen5950]

Totally agree..love my area..Belle Aire..close to lots of stores..441 and 466...I am in the northern part of Sumter County,lower taxes..and bought a presued..house ..No Bond😊

[@christinemowbray6116]

Thanks !

[@TBH54660]

Awesome video

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christigallup2175]

Great video

[@GaryAbbott]

Glad you liked it. Those new area’s will be built over the next 3 or 4 years. Thanks for watching.

[@lauramalik1257]

I' ve watched almost all of your videos & they are so helpful. I like this one a lot with the map. I'm moving into Shady Brook, its very exciting. We'll be full time resident's, coming from LI, ny. I'm going to need a map with the areas & streets. I know The villages has the app with gps. I still love to see it on paper. Lol thanks again for all the info. Ps I followed your directions on looking up the bond & interest. I,m in a quandary about paying it off. Humm

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks for watching my videos. Laura you sound a lot like the dilemma I went through with the bond. I hate paying interest on the bond plus a administration fee so I paid it off. I'm working on a video which I show a map and a little of Shady Brook. Nice area.

[@flybirds2024]

I never really thought about looking at my place on a map but it actually seems that Hammock at Fenney is the most western village in The Villages!

[@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal]

I bought in Dabney in Feb this year. I bought it sight unseen but i went to visit for closing. My neighborhood was very new with not many neighbors. I am wondering if its getting more populated now. I live in Maui and i am grayeful for your feed back. Thanks Dawn

[@GaryAbbott]

It will take some time for everyone to move in as I went through the same thing. It takes a little over a year to have most of the homes occupied. Keep in mind some are snowbirds so houses will be empty part of the year.

[@arthurbellick5950]

Very good video

[@GaryAbbott]

Thanks Art. I will be around Sawgrass this weekend looking for a Kentucky Derby party or Cinco DeMayo party.

[@Peter-tc2gm]

Amazing video Gary. That’s the hardest part is finding the right area. Do you have any info about a swimming lagoon being added?

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Peter, Heard that rumor of the lagoon pool couple of years ago but don’t see it happening above highway 470. The bigger this place gets the more financial sense it makes to put one in. Thanks for watching.

[@billredding2000]

I think I'd be restricted to the older parts of The Villages, MAINLY (but not only) because of the huge BONDS (which only seem to get higher with each new development ) the new-homes/communities have to pay off, added to their monthly house pay't/expenses. Older areas (such as Spanish Springs for one example, and which still look nice, BTW) -- homes there often have the bond paid, so that extra pay't isn't there for the next owner. Of course for rich people that doesn't at all matter...it's just a serious consideration for the rest of us. -- BR

[@GaryAbbott]

I agree with most of what you have stated but one thing I found when I purchased three years ago. You really need to take an older home price plus with the bond if not paid off and calculate the true square foot cost. Then look at a new home adding both the price & bond and see what the square foot cost is. I was surprised at the time I bought a new home they were less expensive per square foot than the ones a realtor was showing me. Now that may not be the situation today but a fair way to compare any given home to a new one. My bond was definitely lower than many homes today. Thanks for watching.

[@rethinkcps2116]

​@@GaryAbbott- plus, budget for a roof. And storm-proof windows & sliders.. 😮

[@michellegaines-mitchell7937]

And used homes are higher in price trying to get back things like decorated driveways and the bond money. Most 2 car garage homes are trying to be sold for more than a new 3 car. The villages knows what they’re doing 😉

[@JimCar71]

Retiring in 2-3 years and we plan on selling the house and moving down. I have similar criteria so I really enjoyed your perspective.

[@GaryAbbott]

Jim thanks for watching.

[@painlesscotton]

Thanks for info! Rental houses will be in the mix in that area I am sure. Do you know what percentage of the Villages is full time rental property? Thanks

[@GaryAbbott]

Don’t really know that info.

[@DotComMomm]

I agree with you

[@markgraves5344]

Hi Gary Great video !!!!!! Would it be possible to get a copy of that map I've been looking for a complete map for some time . Hopefully buying when we come down for the Fourth of July !!!

[@GaryAbbott]

Use the links in the discription of the video. I’m aware they have been updated since I made the video.

[@williamshubert]

Gary, how can I get my hands on one of these maps? Getting a good map of The Villages with all of the villages listed on the map is virtually impossible. Thanks for the video it was very informative.

[@GaryAbbott]

@GaryAbbott You can find a link to the map in the description of the video to William Vayens website. Map Maker!

[@kpavone3873]

How can your viewers access that wonderful map? Great information; thank you.

[@GaryAbbott]

it’s in the description of the video.

[@ourfamilyvideos7283]

Any ideas of shopping /restaurants coming to Eastport or Middleton?

[@GaryAbbott]

Just went over there today to see if Boosters was open but not yet. Still will be a while before we see restaurants in Middleton and Eastport. My guess is not until 2025 or 2026.

[@Livefreeordi]

We are closing in Dabney because it’s quiet with no traffic or noise.

[@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal]

I just bought there too. I bought on River Oaks Circle.

[@lisaherrington-sm4gp]

Hi Gary! We're longtime fans of your channel. Is there any way possible to buy a color copy of your NHampshire friend's big updated map? We'd love to purchase one! 😊

[@GaryAbbott]

I would go to Willam Vayens website that I put in the description of the video and reach out to him directly. He is a Nice guy. Another option is contacting a Villages sales agent as they usually have access to printed maps. If you want I can give you my agent who sold us our house? Thanks for watching.

[@GaryAbbott]

Lisa, I think the William Vayens website is now password protected by I put an alternative link in the video description and you can download it as a pdf to print.

[@michaelsheedy]

Eastport is a copy of Sumpter Landing that will take many years to fill in. Brownwood took at least 10 years.

[@user-kf4zw8fc8f]

There's quite a waitlist for available apartments at the Lofts in Brownwood, have you heard of any plans for additional apartments to be built in the area of Eastport?

[@GaryAbbott]

I have not heard of any at this point in Eastport. I did look at the lofts when they first became available but they were priced at a premium and for me is was less expensive per month to purchase a property.

[@user-kf4zw8fc8f]

@@GaryAbbott thank you for the follow-up. have an awesome day.

[@brhutchi]

Agree not sure about timeline

[@michaelsheedy]

It's too bad the Turnpike cuts South Villages in half and Transmission Lines affect many other parts. But I get it, not many homes for sale in Central and North Villages. Pickings are slim.

[@yogibearstie]

My lifestyle visit is July 2024, so this is a timely video for us. I could not get a handle on the layout of TV and hearing the village names didn’t mean much. This helps.

[@GaryAbbott]

The place is big and the map is very helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@karenvelez3023]

Hi Gary, We are looking for a home in the Villages, new or used. My concern with Eastport area villages is highway or road traffic noise. I live in suburban atlanta, and we have a trunk road a mile away that leads to highway 85. It is not even an expressway, but I can hear traffic noise clearly day or night. I do not want to hear that in my retirement home! I am 61 and I also have a mobility disability and I need a rolling walker to walk. I would like my home to be next to a paved walkway/walking path, so I can get exercise safely. Do you have any suggestions of a village or villages for me? Just not sure if it better to buy new or a resale. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Karen, a lifestyle visit will answer those questions.

[@karenvelez3023]

We have had two lifestyle visits, and when we ask the VLS and MLS realtor that was assigned to us, we can never get a straight answer, that was why I was asking your thoughts. We could not possibly see all there was to see in the period of time we had when we visited there, so that is why I was asking your advice, since you obviously would know more than I do, since you have been there much longer. Thank you!

[@GaryAbbott]

Right now is a great time to buy. I was traveling around the Villages this past weekend and so many homes for sale in all of the Villages. I think the best person who would be helpful is David Monty a realtor that I have used his home calculator he offers for free. Just set your criteria with him for what you are looking for. Not near a highway or busy road, close to a walking path or recreation area. I think he can find you something. Good luck.

[@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal]

I bought on River Oaks Circle in Dabney. How far is it to the New East port town center?

[@GaryAbbott]

According to my Apple Maps app you are 4.9 miles to Sawgrass. So another 2 miles to Eastport.

[@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal]

Is,that a bit far by ypur Standards? I might see it soon after i hit the 1 year anniversary.

[@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal]

Sell...typo

[@GaryWatches]

@@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal Not necessarily far but you it will take you 25-30 minutes by golf cart to go 7 miles. Now I live in Citrus Grove and we take my golf cart to Sumter Landing but it is about a hour ride but we just love it.

[@GaryAbbott]

@@DawnRahdianzeShantalKrystal Not necessarily far but you it will take you 25-30 minutes by golf cart to go 7 miles. Now I live in Citrus Grove and we take my golf cart to Sumter Landing but it is about a hour ride. We just love it.

[@Mushkiepotamus]

The golf cart bridge is open now

[@BrianFusselman]

Gary, great video. I would love to get the map. I know the link is in your comments but it asks for a password, can you help????

[@GaryAbbott]

I put an alternative link in the description. Hopefully this helps.

[@BrianFusselman]

@@GaryAbbottThanks Gary, worked great!!

[@wvayens]

The password was a temporary thing while I was doing some updates. You should be able to access them again.

[@michaelsheedy]

IMO, any golf cart ride longer than 30 minutes, especially on a windy day, is pushing my limits to get somewhere. For example, from my house to Everglades Rec. is 12.5 miles and takes 45 minutes across 2 bridges. Another 45 minutes coming home. My house is between Lake Miona and Seabreeze Rec. and both are less than 1 mile away. Location is important no matter what your age. There is a reason why so many preowned homes are for sale south of 44. Good luck to them in a buyers market with huge bonds.

[@stevenmrperfectpeterson542]

Thanks Gary? My brother is thinking about moving to the villages but his son is 22 years old and he’s on the spectrum can he live with his patents in the village

[@GaryAbbott]

Your brother should do a lifestyle visit to get a lot of answers about his unique situtation, but he may want to look at the village of Middleton since that is not a 55+ community. Their may be more things available for his son.

[@stevenmrperfectpeterson542]

Thanks Gary really enjoyed your videos

[@stephaniemoen4631]

Are you able to post a link to your map?

[@GaryAbbott]

You can find a link to the map in the description of the video to William Vayens website. The Map Maker!

[@GaryAbbott]

Stephanie some responded that the link wasn’t working so go to the description as I put an alternative link.

[@flybirds2024]

You do know that a new grocery store in being built in Middleton and a second grocery store will be built in Eastport.

[@GaryAbbott]

Not sure what the new grocery store will be in Middleton or Eastport.

[@susanbehme7518]

Thoughts here? The high school? Why would we want to live close to the high school in a 55+ stage of life?

[@GaryAbbott]

Middleton town center will have a lot of stores and restaurants. Some like going to sporting events at the high school as the facilities are really nice.

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Sawgrass is not a “town square” and was never advertised as a town square. The Developers said it was NOT another town square. Eastport is the next town square. Magnolia Plaza not square.

[@GaryAbbott]

That’s something I caught and why I inserted an typed on the screen “Plaza”. I just wasn’t going to redo the video for that slip.

[@charlesklink7179]

Gary, I don't understand your logic about buying in a new village. People will be of all different ages and have different interests, likes, etc. They are not all homogeneous. For example, I've heard that it is younger people (relatively) buying in the south. How does that fit with someone like me who is 70? Also, your link for the maps is password protected. I can't view any maps. Thanks for all of your informative videos. Looking forward to living in TV soon.

[@GaryAbbott]

Hi Charles, I put an alternative link in the description to view the maps. Thanks for giving me the heads up the link no longer works. I think even if you are 70 you will be going through a lot of the same things as your neighbors and may not specifically be age related. Like house upgrades and experiencing activities together. Many new villages hold street parties and even village get together at the recreation centers. So you are right we are not all the same age.

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Building Moultrie Creek?? Old info- People have already moved into Moultrie Creek. Edenfield will have Turnpike noise so hope you are deaf.

[@franomts7512]

Gary, one thing about Magnolia Plaza. It is already too crowded, and with new villages around Eastport coming onboard, it will only get worse. Hopefully, there will be comparable stores in the Middleton area to alleviate the problem at Magnolia Plaza.

[@GaryAbbott]

Same thing happen to me with Sawgrass. Was really nice before all the houses got sold in Newell to Dabney.

[@myd0gr3x]

if you have over $3 million any North area will do... Golf prices have gotten too expensive ⛳🏌️