Is The Villages Florida EXPENSIVE? Our REAL LIFE Bills vs. ESTIMATED Costs 2024

[@tammaratiffany7425]

So glad I live in a 1991 Designer in an older section. I’ve completely remodeled (shhh). No bond. Garbage is in my taxes. No irrigation. No district maintenance fee. I can pay around $125 for my all electric home. I rarely use heat, but my hot tub is always on. My amenities fee remains under $175 (started at $145). I’m never moving.

[@nightengale2123]

We have a 1705 square foot Avondale model courtyard villa built in 2022 in St. Johns, and we keep the temp at 72-73 in the hot months and our highest electric bill was this past August which was $200. This may have to do with our home being poured concrete, plus it faces east and our front is pretty shielded from the sun so we really only get direct sun in the back in the afternoon and we keep our blinds closed. We don't use our oven much so our gas bill even in the winter when we heat is around $45. Our bond total was $32,500 at purchase with a 3.75% interest rate making our annual bond payment $1840. With homestead exemption, and a small veteran exemption our total tax bill which includes bond that we just paid was $6500. We relocated from R.I. where everything in that state is much higher in cost compared to our expenses in The Villages, so I guesstimate we are saving +/- $15k/ year. And the bulk of that savings reflects that we had pretty high property taxes and utility costs in R.I., plus we were state taxed % of our Social Security benefits, and all our other retirement incomes streams including my FERS pension was taxed as regular income. Bottom line, if you are coming from a high COL state The Villages will be a less expensive place to live. If you are coming from a low COL state The Villages home prices and expenses for some will be for some people significantly higher. But, one does not need the newest and biggest house to enjoy living in The Villages. And if you ask most who live in older homes in the historic section which many of those residents can afford newer and bigger homes, they will not sell and move because they love their neighborhood and neighbors and that is what is most important when the fairy dust wears off.

[@valeriehensley3005]

It seems complicated to be happy and satisfied.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Thanks for sharing your detailed budget breakdown! It's great to see how different home types, lifestyle choices and locations impact costs.

[@Anthony-ko3ep]

Your last sentence says it all.

[@embesq]

Thanks for the show. Love your decor.

[@BrianWhite-wy1eu]

Great break down, as a person who is looking forward to moving to the Villages in the next 4 years your video's are very informative.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! We’re so glad it’s helpful! Thanks!

[@BernardAnderson]

Tiffany and Michael! I love this channel..... but particularly grateful for this in-depth analysis of the cost of living in The Villages. Thanks!!!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! We are so glad you enjoyed it! We are always looking for ways to help our awesome, awesome community! Thanks!

[@PatriciaCentralFlorida]

We live in Village of Woodbury near Nancy Lopez. Our house is all gas. Gas stove, hot water heater and dryer. We paid no bond we have 3 bedroom 2 bath 1400 sq feet. Lots our bigger and streets are wider. Our house was completely redone. New kitchen, bathrooms were gutted and tiled with new cabinets and commodes. Established land scape. We bought October 2023. We are in Marion County. We think our taxes are high $4700 a year we just filed for Homestead. We are hoping that tax bill next year will be $4100. Our home is not big but we bought here for lifestyle not the house.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Thanks for sharing your experience, expenses and info with us! We just ate at Nancy Lopez Legacy for dinner the other night.

[@johnlane8599]

Good video! This truly helps to get perspective on the actual cost to live. 4 years and counting before our exodus from the snow belt. I was initially surprised by the electric - but I realized that you charge vehicles instead of purchasing gasoline, so the numbers likely equal out. (There is no free lunch) Between you and the 'newcomers we are researching our future life! Thank you for the open and honest content.

[@jenniferosher1626]

Great update. We just bought a home in the Atwood Villas. All electric. And no bond!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! Congrats on your new home! 👍 Good luck with your move!

[@JodyBrucato]

Thanks for your videos! You are appreciated. I’m planning to retire to The Villages in 3-5 years ❤

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Absolutely! Thanks so much! We are so glad you enjoyed the video and find it helpful. Good luck with your move in the next few years. Keep us updated!

[@thetoddfather8163]

Love the video the transparency it really helps

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! Glad it is helpful! Thanks for letting us know.

[@sherrycampbell9196]

Always enjoy your vlogs..❤

[@shelleypowers-pearson5679]

Thank you for this awesome, helpful video! We close on our condo on 12/5 and are hightailing it to The Villages before the ink dries. Plan to rent for a month while we look at homes. Your content has been key to our decision-making process. Thank you!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Congratulations and we are so glad the video helped! Best of luck with the move! Keep us posted! Thanks!

[@marlenejohnston9046]

I wouldn't doubt that you are over budget! Can't wait to watch and find out. Love, love love your videos!!!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Glad you love our videos! Thanks!

[@jeffreysearle2996]

It’s refreshing to hear people say they’re going to live to be 110. 😎😎😎

[@barbaraebner5889]

Thank You both for the very important information. It helps anyone thinking about moving there.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

You’re welcome! We are so glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@raquel5401]

good information, of course everyone's water, electric, and gas use will vary based on lifestyle, but it's still nice to have an idea - thanks!

[@SFL323]

We have seco in a courtyard and paid $133 for October. Now we keep it at 77 all day and 71 overnight when we go to bed. Gas was $37 from Leesburg. Btw we’re in Moultrie

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

That’s great to know! Thanks so much for sharing your information.

[@ellenwhite7173]

Well said. Great comment

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks! 👍

[@dinolozano6082]

Thank you for great info and all your fun videos! We are about a year out from moving there.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesome! Glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your move in the next year! Keep us posted!

[@faygallagher61]

Great video you two xx

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks so much! We’re glad you liked it!

[@alisaveenendaal4089]

Love the video. The Villages are on are radar for retirement house. Would love tracker.

[@vsFY2023]

Absolutely will !

[@jlt1160]

Very helpful! Thx for all your efforts!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

We are so glad you found it helpful! Thanks!

[@daved.6586]

I’ll trade your electric bill with ours…. $540 for just electricity up here in CT…. It is nowhere near as hot here as it is down there in FL. Your water and sewer bills , though, are higher than ours. Very informative video. 👍

[@ShakaTravelGuys]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@jennsmith4832]

Tiffany, the way you quickly figure the percentage difference on each item you must be in accounting or math.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Neither of us are in accounting. 🤫 Don’t tell anyone but we may have used a calculator to figure out the percentages before we started recording the video. Thanks!

[@CleanWorksPressureWashin-uc4gz]

I been looking for your Rv videos didn’t realize y’all stop. Did you guys sell your rv? Good luck with this channel. I will be watching.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! So glad you found our new channel. Yes, we sold our RV a few months ago and also one of our 2 RV lots. Thanks so much for reaching out!

[@DotComMomm]

I was also surprised that my Amenity Fee went up by the month I put a deposit my lot (March) not when I moved here to live (November). Just doesn't make sense since I really didn't own it until I closed.

[@kal7049]

Could you have negotiated that as part of your purchase agreement? Example - I will begin paying Amenity Fees beginning one day after my closing/purchase date?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Us too! Not that big of a an increase this year but something for everyone to consider. Thanks!

[@ZACTY-hm8nl]

Awesome awesome - love love love this video!!! It really does give us an idea if we will go for early early retirement!!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

We’re so glad this video was helpful for you! Good luck with your early retirement goals! Keep us posted! Thanks!

[@donatogonzalez1769]

very informative and helpful. Thanks for your openess

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesomeness! We’re so glad you found it helpful! Thanks!

[@jeffgunn33]

Awesome Awesome video guys!! Thanks for the info.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jeriharris1751]

Love the video as usual 😀 my friend Colleen and I are coming up 11/14-11/17 we are coming for a girls trip to see the Glow light party at Sumter landing on the 15th last time we were there we saw you filming in the Enclave. If we see you thus trip I will DEFINITELY 💯 stop and say Hello 👋

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

So glad you enjoyed the video! That sounds like a fun trip! Definitely say hello if you see us out and about. Thanks!

[@N2tech]

You have a very nice home and the area is awesome but I'm so glad I bought land and built a home free from HOA money pits. After buying a Tesla and adding solar my bills are less than $300 a month not including food.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks so much for sharing your info. Good points for everyone to consider. One of the things we forgot about to mention that even though our electric bills are higher since we have an electric car and golf cart… we actually spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. Will probably sell that in the next couple of months and go all electric for our all our vehicles.

[@lanalohman8202]

So informative for someone wanting to move to TVs. Thank you.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

So glad that it is helpful! Great seeing you again at the 5K and our first official Meetup last weekend! Thanks!

[@stevenwilburn235]

Thank you for sharing your awesome budget!!!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Absolutely! Our pleasure! Good to hear from you! Thanks!

[@jbdad]

Great video as usual! Thank you! In Ohio, there is a website that we use to be able to choose the best price for both electric supply and gas supply. They call it "Apples to Apples." Does Florida have a similar program?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks for the info! Not sure about FL but we will look into it and find out and make sure to share in a future video.

[@Anthony-ko3ep]

Thanks for the info.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Our pleasure! Thanks!

[@OnePoodleFan]

Thanks for the great information as always! I currently live near Phoenix so high electric bills don’t scare me 😮. But I keep the temp quite a bit higher than you during the day. We have very low humidity here. Anyway, looking forward to moving to TV in 2025. Cheers, Cindy

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks! So glad it was helpful. We have been to Phoenix and Tucson several times during the months of January - April. Love it there that time of year. You will definitely have to adjust to the humidity here in FL during the summer months. Good luck with your move in 25! Keep us posted!

[@OnePoodleFan]

Yeah, the humidity in Florida is a bit scary, but I have spoken to folks from California (where I am from orginally) and other lower humidity states who say you can adjust. At least the we won't get 100 days in a row of temperatures over 100 degrees in TV like we did in Phoenix this year! Take care.

[@robbyf5402]

Thanks great to meet you guys

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks! Great meeting you too!

[@dannyblinn3304]

Thank You Both

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Absolutely! Our pleasure! Thanks!

[@margaretfinney6546]

You two are adorable, and very compatible. How is the comparison of your bills to when you were in your home years ago? Did you always have a budget for expenses? Very interesting video, and very helpful for others who are planning on moving there.👏

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awww… 😊🥰 Thank you so much! Great question. Yes we have always had some type of budget tracker for our previous home or when we were full time RVers. We will share more of that info in a future video.

[@rickyf1960]

Thanks for the update. What do you estimate for charging the Tesla?

[@margaretmattason-tw9cc]

Not all of the north is purely electric. There is gas on the Lopez side. Simply telling you this because you are searching for a new home. If gas is your preference, it is available in many older homes.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Good to know! We will keep that in mind as we search for our next home. Thanks!

[@pamelacox6034]

Tiffany you look so pretty today.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

🥰 Thank you!

[@Wayneman50]

We have a Providence(which is basically a stretched seabreeze) on the water. Our bond was only $17,000. Will never move if i can help it. The new bonds just amaze me. Better off looking for a used home with a paid off bond or much lower bond. New is not always better. Costs will only go up, never down.🤔

[@annamariekorte7259]

I think ill stay in SE Missouri!!!!

[@denisekilz]

Hi folks! What about cost of landscaping/lawn care?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

We pay about $50 per month. We will include that in our 1 year Total Cost review video. Thanks!

[@smsunder]

Another awesome, awesome budget comparison! Very helpful in assessing the monthly housing costs in The Villages. Michael, is your occupation in media? You're sure have a great camera presence.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Glad the video is helpful! Thanks so much for the awesome, awesome compliment. Great question! I used to be in broadcast media a long, long, long time ago. Will save that story for a future Q&A video (soonish). Thanks!

[@smsunder]

@@MichaelTiffanyTVE I look forward to your videos. Great, a Q&A would be greatly appreciated by your subscribers.

[@badwolf323]

We looked at homes this summer as the bond is really jumping up on new homes.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

The bonds are getting very, very expensive for the new homes. Hopefully that will level off or come down in the future.

[@kal7049]

Are you paying a sewer fee for the water that is used for watering your landscape or filling a pool? That water isn’t going into the sewer system. Or is there a separate meter for the sprinkler system? I’ve seen people pay a water truck company to fill their pool initially to save on the sewer costs.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Yes. Great points that I forgot to mention but will make sure to discuss in a future budget update video. Separate meters and water types/supplies for our potable water we use for our house vs our irrigation for our lawn. Sewer is directly related to how much regular potable water you use. Thanks!

[@vsFY2023]

We are building a premier home in shady brook. Bond is 45K

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Congratulations! Good luck with your build process. Keep us updated! Thanks!

[@pfeffer271]

do you actually send out a payment for these things monthly or, are they just pulled from an account that you have for these costs? or do you get a quarterly invoice?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great question! We get all of our bills electronically (monthly for all of our utilities and amenity fee) and we have everything set up for automatic bill pay. Will make sure to discuss that in a future update video. Thanks!

[@debrabyrd1306]

Definitely over!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Thanks!

[@RobertSears-f3t]

Hi great informative video...I agree ,gas , electricity and taxes high where ever you live..We have to run our gas heat high for my partner in the winter months in Toronto.. As there are so many resales currently in the villages you may find a real nice deal.. On the flip side , I wonder if you worry about selling your house in the current market ? You two are infectiously positive, engaging folks!! Cheers..

[@CharleneY]

So my aunt and uncle bought their home in Amelia years ago (maybe about 20ish) and my uncle used to brag all the time how much money they were saving in FL vs. western NY. But in the last couple of years he's complained about how much everything especially insurance has gone through the roof. Do you guys find it's more or less affordable then Charlotte NC? I get the impression FL has become so expensive since covid with so many ppl flocking there. I used to live in Tampa and Orlando, rented and thought it was stupid expensive...and that was before covid haha. I would love to live in TV some day. But the budget is pretty scary.

[@jerryweber5657]

What is the cost of cable tv and internet. Are they part of your HOA fees since you don’t mention it.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

No those costs are all extra. We spend about $150 per month on our internet and KZbin TV streaming service per month. Plus we have extra costs for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. We will share all of those additional costs in our next budget update video. Thanks!

[@karenblaney9557]

Just wondering, did you lose or make $ on your driving camper? I don’t need to know the amount of $. I feel your very thoughtful on your channel and others know you both are still employed full-time.

[@debbiec6216]

over budget ! Our considers sewer and water together , $30.00 ( 2 people ) , trash $40.00 a month every 2 months, Power $120.00. Our HOA $110.00 a years it will be less when they sell rest of homes. Now the homes starts at $560K - $670K ( I am ONLY speaking about our subdivision. Our home is 17 years old and paid off . Other Subdivisions $600K - 1 Million Dollars+. We like it here and our neighbors are All ages , but you hardly see the children. Weather in the 50's day , 40's night !!!! brr

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Very good guess! Thanks for sharing your info with us!

[@maddogyz450f]

Over!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Thanks!

[@MissyMoe28]

Wow!! No state income tax but the developer sure knows how to raise and tax everything else. What exactly does your taxes include???

[@judyp4421]

Chitty Chatty has Duke as the electric company.

[@PeggyGrimsteed]

What is the spread sheet you use

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Google Sheets. We use that because it is free for everyone to use and we can share it easily. You just have to have a Google account. Thanks!

[@jennsmith4832]

You use more electricity because of car and cart, but you're saving some not purchasing gas

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great point! We spend very little on gasoline for our second car/suv. We will factor that in and make sure to share in our next budget update video. Thanks!

[@CJPCuse]

Are you allowed to install solar panels?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great question! Yes. We don’t have solar but we have seen several houses with solar panels. Thanks!

[@CJPCuse]

@@MichaelTiffanyTVE great..our neighbors just closed in a new home on Karen Gardner way in the new section in shady brook I believe it is. Thanks for all of the great information in your videos!

[@marygiesler1363]

I will take a north home. New construction is overrated.

[@kal7049]

Electric increased. You have a EV car and golf cart. Did your gasoline costs decrease?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

That is an excellent point and question! Yes we also have a gas SUV as our second car that we may be selling soon. We spend a lot less on gasoline now. Will make sure to mention that in a future video. Thanks!

[@fierceflyer5]

I would think a designer of veranda budget of $2k a month would be a good start. I doubt $1481. is a realistic #.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks! We will make sure to track and share our expenses when we move to our next home type here at TV.

[@barbaraebner5889]

You have such a nice home in a nice area, why do you want to move?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Good question! Will share more info in future videos. Thanks!

[@davidrosen2971]

Over budget is my guess before viewing the video

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Thanks!

[@faygallagher61]

Over?

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Thanks!

[@deedeew4040]

You mean 2025, not 2024

[@lesliecooke2903]

I think over budget

[@jpwwatson]

Over budget?

[@billbreunig2534]

over

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Great guess! Thanks!

[@davidoverholt251]

Well. Michael, My wife and I are in our 70's! I have told my wife I do not want to buy or own another house when I am 72 years Old! Of course statistics have tracked and said that I will meet my Lord long before my wife will! So, do I push to move to a warmer place and leave our 3 sons and 4 granchildren up in the North East Ohio Area?

[@margaretpratt5963]

@@davidoverholt251 My story. 7 years ago I moved to Columbus to be close to my son & grandchild. Then my other son moved here. I’m in my 70’s and it is wonderful that they are only 10 minutes away when I have a medical issue. My parents lived in Barefoot Bay near Melbourne and when they were hospitalized it was a struggle to get there. I had to move my mother back north at 84 because she could no longer live alone. My thoughts are take vacations when that lake snow falls and stay close to family.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Hi David! Thanks for sharing! Great points that we all must take in to consideration. We only have one son and no grandchildren yet. But… if/when we do we will have a hard decision to make. Tiffany and I are both only children and both of my parents have passed. Tiffany’s parents live in FL just a couple of hours south of us. We are trying to convince our son to move to FL so we can all be closer together. He is coming for an extended visit for the holidays very soon.

[@karenblaney9557]

No, just travel w all of the family to FL a few times a year. I’d never leave our children......especially grandkids.

[@jenniferduquette3322]

Over budget

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Very good guess! Thanks!

[@kirschbaum1962]

OVER.

[@sharonridlington9222]

Sorry not worth it!,

[@RacerGirl-k3t]

Over

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Very good guess! Thanks!

[@stevensorvold8019]

If you can afford a premium home you do not care about costs!!!!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

🤣 That would be a nice problem to have! For us (and most) we have to track our expenses and stay on budget. Thanks!

[@putoluto5256]

I would not doubt that you went over budget, but because everyone is saying the same, I want to be the first to guess UNDER budget!

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 I love your thought process. Wish we were under budget! Thanks!

[@putoluto5256]

? re: budget tracker. The starting Cell# 13, is that one's total annual income? What exactly is the "Starting Balance?"

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Awesome question! I will do a quick separate video and explain how to use the Budget Tracker in more detail. Basically the starting balance is whatever you want to use as your starting point (checking, savings, retirement funds, etc.) Thanks!

[@lynelljansen8057]

Over

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Great guess! Thanks!

[@markryan3124]

Over budget

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Hi Mark! 👍 Very good guess! How are your actual numbers comparing vs. the estimated costs? Thanks!

[@markryan3124]

@@MichaelTiffanyTVEGreat summary video. I will send you some details from our experiences in a private email.

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Thanks!

[@debbietart5341]

Over

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Great guess! Thanks!

[@lisaduncan3363]

Over budget

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

Great guess! 👍 Thanks!

[@sharonridlington9222]

Over

[@MichaelTiffanyTVE]

👍 Great guess! Thanks!