The Ultimate 72 Hour Adventure: Exploring The Villages!

[@Southwest55Plus]

To choose a time for a scheduled call or a Zoom click this link: www.calendly.com/esalechick

[@RobertWeig]

I made three separate visits there, a week, three weeks and then a month from 2009 through 2011 and found the humidity just too much for me as I am from New Mexico. My allergies were terrible there, too. It gets quite cold in the winter and is hotter than South Florida in the summer. It was easy to meet and get to know people and is overall a friendly place. Most of the residents are solid citizens, very nice and welcoming. A significant percentage are snowbirds. Most folks there do come from the northeast and midwest; just a few come from the west so I found the culture a little different than that to which I am accustomed. The homes are expensive considering they are cheaply built and go up very fast. When I was there the developer was selling a new house every 2-1/2 hours 24/7. Also there is a "bond" for infrastructure on top of the price of a new home. The amenity fees are very reasonable and the community kept clean and beautiful; some of the surrounding areas can be rough, though. Also finding good medical is tough all over Florida due to it being God's Waiting Room.

[@Southwest55Plus]

The humidity would be the deal breaker for me too. I love the desert air! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@GH-qw1cv]

Great video! It's hard to do comparisons and I think you did a wonderful job (mostly right). I grew up in Tempe, ASU grad, parents retired in Sun Lakes, and my wife and I have planned to retire in Sun Lakes or Leisure World. We recently visited The Villages and we completely changed our mind. It's the lifestyle, the activities, the town squares, the fishing, the golf, proximity to amazing beaches and cruise ports, close to Orlando and Tampa (but not in them), and, of course, going everywhere (even the grocery stores if we want) in a golf cart. An active lifestyle may not be for everyone and, like you said, may be overwhelming. But the AZ retirement communities just don't seem to have all the activities like The Villages. How come a large developer can't "copy" the recipe of The Villages and build a similar environment in Arizona? By the way, I'm not sure how I'll like the humidity either.

[@lauralampe1664]

Enjoyed your visit to The Villages. My good friend, who bought her patio villa about 1.5 miles from Lake Sumter Landing in 2012, has seen a lot of growth in the past almost 12 years. At one time the developer said build out would be about 2016. That has all gone by the wayside. There are so many new Villages planned for the southern end of The Villages near Eastport, the 4th town square, which is under construction. I believe I read somewhere that Eastport may be opening sometime in 2025. There was a report a few days ago that the population of The Villages is now 150,000. I have visited my friend numerous times since she moved there. I have done several 7, 10 & 14 day rentals, mostly in the summer to test the central Florida heat & humidity. If I do end up buying in The Villages, it would be a resale home, probably in the Spanish Springs area. Some people want homes in the newer areas as those areas tend to have a younger age group. Both Florida & Arizona are still on my short list. Fingers crossed retirement is now 15 months away. As you said, it's great we have choices about where we can spend our golden years.

[@Southwest55Plus]

Perfect assessment of the Villages Laura! Choices are great. So many love The Villages that it must be considered for those who like Florida. The size is an issue for me. Watch my next video for how TV compares to Arizona. I give my insight and a few personal thoughts. As always, thanks for watching!

[@elliekueper-mennucci6718]

We had our winter home in Arizona for 22 years. We decided we were too old to have 2 homes, so we sold it.. Came down to the Villages with my daughter who wants to retire here.. When we saw the villages, we were overwhelmed and amazed. We bought a new Villa in Fenney. We are going to be 84 soon. our neighbors are my children's ages. We love it and are having the time of our lives. I do miss hiking in the Arizona mountains and my beautiful big home. Both states are a great place to retire..

[@jimrogers1500]

Sawgrass Grove isn’t a full square but it’s great and less than 10 minute cart ride from Newell. Eastport is a new square being built within about a year and is close. Brownwood is about 30 minute cart ride and shorter car ride. The new areas are great. There are regional rec centers and smaller neighborhood rec centers. Lots more for you to learn.

[@Southwest55Plus]

You're right on all of that. Day 1 poured rain so that left two days to discover what we found. Not enough time but this was just a fun overview. For perfection you'd have to live there to really know it all which I assume that you do. Live there that is. Thanks for watching!

[@jimrogers1500]

@@Southwest55Plus Did most of my research on KZbin, then did a lifestyle visit. That can be booked through the Villages, gets you a house, golf cart, bikes and a low pressure realtor to show you around. It's not expensive and a very good way to learn about the Villages. Highly recommended. Then we did an Airbnb because no lifestyle visits were available. We bought when we were in the Airbnb. The Villages is awesome for an active retirement. Over 3000 clubs. More than 100 pools, etc.

[@Southwest55Plus]

I'm well aware of all of that. I wasn't there to buy a home. I am a Realtor. The lifestyle visits are booked many months ahead. I'm sure the Villages is a great place but I had no intention of moving there. I work in AZ and specialize in 55+ communities that are equally nice although not as large. Great that we hav choices in America isn't it? Glad you are happy with your selection!!

[@NomenClature-o8s]

I’ve heard businesses are buying up houses in The Villages and renting them out as Air BnB. I wouldn’t want that next door.

[@richardg4817]

I understand this is the largest 55+ community in the country with a population of 100K. As a lover of WW2 history, I loved the military displays! And of course, Eat, Sleep Pickleball!

[@Southwest55Plus]

I thought the military display was cool but the mannequins...I don't get it. Tons of pickleball there of course so they've got that down to a science!

[@lindaredelman9471]

Pretty good video, but I wish you’d been more informed about The Villages. It would have been nice if you’d reported on and shown the third square, Brownwood. Also they are currently building the fourth square, Eastport. I suggest a return trip where you meet with someone who is well-informed …. Reach out to Jerry & Linda or watch their videos! THE VILLAGES FLORIDA NEWCOMERS

[@Southwest55Plus]

Thanks for the tip. The short time I was there was surely not enough to know everything that a resident would know. I did in fact visit the Brownwood Square. Very nice! The key is to make a video that is watchable. To show all the footage we shot would be a two hour film. Nobody wants to see that. This was meant to document a short little visit that I made. I never put myself out there as a Villages expert. I am however an expert in our AZ 55+ communities. Appreciate your comment and thanks for watching!

[@Bennyruss2634]

72 hours is not long enough to explore TV

[@Southwest55Plus]

It was never intended to be enough. That is the amount of time that we had to spend there. But I saw quite a bit and learned enough to pass on to others. You'd have to live there for a solid year to really explore it all!

[@suzsnnesanders4742]

This place just seems so structured for people, steppford wives come to mind

[@eprohoda]

Southwest!good morning. Bravo,very superb trip. =))

[@marywilson1948]

Just clicked on 1st time! Maybe quick introduction at beginning of your videos! Who you are , from Where , ( I did get AZ!😃) Nice tour of the Villages. Thank you!!!

[@Southwest55Plus]

Welcome to the channel! Hope you'll watch more of our videos in the future so you can get to know me and what I do with 55+ communities in Arizona. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Regina_2WildHuskies]

Enjoyed today’s show. Would love for you to do a show comparing The Villages to your favorite 55+ Community in Arizona. I spent the last year watching Jerry and Linda on You Tube to learn about the Villages and watching your videos on Arizona communities. I’ll be driving thru the Villages in March and spending a day. Then I plan to get out to Arizona. For me it’s about affordability and which heat I feel is better…humid vs dry.

[@Southwest55Plus]

Funny you should mention that...The video to compare Arizona vs The Villages will post next week I hope. It's a longer one so will be a bit longer to edit. I think you'll enjoy it! Thanks for watching my channel!

[@Regina_2WildHuskies]

@@Southwest55Plus you are welcome. I always enjoy your shows and am learning alot. I am totally looking forward to watching the next show! Have a great evening!

[@kjazzingilbert]

My brother and his wife moved to The Villages maybe 10 years ago. They absolutely love it there, but then they are Trump folks and from what my sister-in-law says, and so is everyone else. I’ll pass. Great place for heterosexual white old people I guess.

[@Southwest55Plus]

I think you might be surprised. These communities are more diverse than you might imagine. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@lindaredelman9471]

You need more than a day to visit The Villages!

[@BeachBum8865]

You missed a lot in The Villages that make it great. Visit again.

[@Southwest55Plus]

I'm sure I did. Probably other communities that I would check out before I'd go back. If you like it you should really dig in and go in depth. I think my 72 hours gave me all that I needed. Lots to see and there for sure.

[@chrisbayoumi8521]

Amazing video. How did you like the humidity? Would you ever move to the Villages?

[@Southwest55Plus]

I hate humidity but it sure is nice for your skin! My family is all in the west so wont be moving any time soon! Glad you enjoyed this one!!

[@MrFroglips69]

Groovy video. They seem to be over building, to the point where it stopped being a quaint little town/village. New homes so far away from town squares that golf cars are almost not useable. Unless they have improve it, The Village only has a very small law enforcement station to service the whole Village. And since The Village is open to outsiders, that's not good for safety.

[@deedeew4040]

I would have moved to the Villages in a heartbeat but I cannot do humidity. I feel as though a wet towel is on my face.

[@michaeltorrey3603]

I’ve thought of the villages but the possibility of hurricanes terrifies me. Then there’s that bond and high property taxes. And insurance premiums pretty high as well. I think Arizona is cheaper but then there’s that water issue.

[@Southwest55Plus]

We have water in Arizona. Don't be fooled by the reporting that you see and hear. Call me sometime for the real scoop on how it is here. No danger of having my taps turned off. Insurance and taxes are super affordable here as well. AZ is great!

[@jimrogers1500]

We didn't find our premium much more than our Massachusetts home. But I've heard they raise them a lot on second year, so will find out. The Villages is central Florida and not nearly as affected by hurricanes as coastal areas.

[@suziecue3027]

My sister lives there. I live near it and take part in the areas. So much cheaper than buying there..

[@peri3818]

@suziecue, I don’t live at the Villages but heard you have to live there to join clubs or participate in activities like pickle ball or yoga. I know going dancing in The squares is free to any outsider and so are the restaurants. Is that what you are talking about?

[@capwkidd]

Space Invaders?! That was Galaga!

[@Southwest55Plus]

Good gosh you are right!

[@MrSteeDoo]

It sounds like hell on earth. I am 60 and I couldn't stand being around nothing but geezers.

[@zakaryhappyschaeferschanne5057]

Would you mind sharing approximately how much they charge for a three day lifestyle visit? Thank you!

[@Southwest55Plus]

I don't know the cost but I think it depends on what level of home you stay in. When I called to book a stay they literally laughed at me and said they were booked many months in advance. I just went on airbnb.com and found a cute place that wasn't too high. Best way to do it! They provided a golf cart and access to the amenities. It was great!

[@lauralampe1664]

Also, a Lifestyle Preview Visit needs to be booked a few months in advance. The winter months are in high demand.

[@lauralampe1664]

If you call The Villages sales office or go on the website, the prices are posted there. Winter rates are higher than summer rates. About $195 per day in the winter. About $99 per day in the summer.

[@patty4709]

Save your money as we’ve been there, done that and don’t need more videos on The Villages