My First Six Months in The Villages The Good and The Not So Good Review | The Villages Florida

Подписаться 7 тыс.

Просмотров 605 тыс.

50% 1

My review and honest opinion of The Villages Florida after living here for my first six months. I share the good, the bad, and everything in between, of living here so far. UPDATE: I launched my One Year Review video! Check it out: • My First Year in The V...
Corrections to some goofs I said in the video:
- I was wrong about the gym situation, I found nice gyms in some of the regional rec centers in The Villages at a great price, and made a video about it: • Fitness in The Village...
- I said we're an hour or so from Disneyland, we're actually an hour or so from Disneyworld! My bad!
Thanks for watching my videos exploring The Villages, Florida. If you like this video, please like, subscribe and share. Comments and feedback are welcome, so please let me know what you think in the comments and thanks for watching!
You can also support this channel by grabbing some cool merch at: chiefhobie.com or donate via paypal at: www.paypal.com...
Your support helps keep this channel alive and growing with production, equipment and administrative costs and is greatly appreciated!
Primary equipment I use to make my videos:
Insta360: amzn.to/3q6BjHM
GoPro: amzn.to/3MZ0AwV
CAD Audio U37 Condenser Mic (voice overs): amzn.to/3Wq3Unw
iMac Computer: amzn.to/43g6oXY
For creating my thumbnail graphics I use Adobe Creative Suite and for final editing of my videos I use Camtasia.
Disclaimer: If you find a link to a product I may receive a small commission if you purchase the product. You Do Not pay more for the items. If you choose to purchase an item I spoke about in my video Thank You for the support. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Thanks!
TheVillagesChief
#thevillages #thevillagesflorida #florida #thevillagesfl #villages #village #2023

Опубликовано:

27 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 1,9 тыс.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Support this channel and get some cool merch at ChiefHobie.com

@dr.jamiedipalma Год назад

I agree with everything you said. I think the reason why they don't have gyms in the rec centers is Insurance, it would be too expensive. Great video 💖✌️

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@dr.jamiedipalma I recently found out that they have gyms in some of the regional rec centers they’re called fit clubs. It is a paid membership and very affordable I joined, and it’s been pretty good and nice and clean and lots of facilities. I was wrong about the Gym thing I did come out with a new video talking about it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LjZ7J-d7XeQ.html

@dr.jamiedipalma Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief What rec centers have these gyms, as I stated earlier I saw a gym outside my regional rec center near Monarch grove.

@juliachildress2943 Год назад

I'll be the only senior citizen ever to move to Fargo when I retire. I've lived in the south (including Texas and Florida) for my entire life, and each year get more sick of heat, humidity, gators, insects and hurricanes. After spending some time in Svalbard, I realized how much I love the cold, snow, and short summers.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I like a change of environment too, nothing wrong with that at all Julia!

@bravobravoh1344 Год назад

Well, the only time that Texas seems to warm up, it has rounds of thunderstorms with it, plus the Winters actually suck in Texas. The hurricane season in Florida can get rather precarious, but the Central part of the state seems relatively safe compared to the coastal areas.

@kathyhansen2820 Год назад

I miss the change of seasons including snow and ice, much more than I thought I would. Also, while initially pretty, these planned Florida communities have become rather bland and boring to me over time. However, the visual perfection does certainly help home values. Weighing the pros and cons makes sense.

@Dooguy Год назад

NO you wont Julia! Im with you lol. I hate the heat and humidity. My dream is to move to the north as I love the winter months

@borsch1115 Год назад

I don't know why you're moving to North Dakota for more cold, because Texas has relatively more cold days than the hotter ones that it's known for. Right now in the first part of April, we just dropped down into the 50s during the day and 40s at night. Just when you think that it's Spring, the cold weather keeps coming back, and it lasts and lasts. Frankly, I'm tired of it and ready to move to a more stable climate over this bipolar Texas.

@puravida5683 Год назад

It's all about perspective! Been there done that. I am a 21 year veteran of color, and of means. I moved from the Villages because of the lack of racial diversity and political polarization. Not to mention hearing a resident shout White Power! I moved and purchased beachfront homes in Costa Rica and Panama. Where I can also enjoy great weather, lower taxes and expenses.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Sorry to hear that happened to you, thanks for watching and sharing your story

@kimwilliams-mc9jo Год назад

Thanks for speaking on that. I’ve heard much the same from other people of color.

@allthingsharbor Год назад

My financial adviser is considering a retirement in Costa Rica. It must be very nice down there. Very nice.

@rudester7557 Год назад

I still remember the many videos with the golf cart parades, hailing Trump. Think I’ll pass.

@maryswanson9982 Год назад

I don’t want to play pickle ball with a bunch of cultish MAGAS.

@georgebuscay8511 Год назад

I was a "Navy brat". We always lived around an ocean: Guam, Key West, Hawaii, Okinawa, Long Beach, Ca until my dad was last stationed in Monterey, Ca. So, learned to swim in the ocean and have always loved the ocean. My husband and I were married young and moved to Carson City. What a change for me! We lived there for many years and told my husband I couldn't stand the extremes in weather in northern NV. Freezing in the winter with snow which I first experienced when we moved to Carson City and roasting in the summer. Short spring with a little longer fall and I enjoy that type of weather. Some people like the changing weather and that is great. We sold everything 5 years ago and full timed RVd for about 3 years. We weren't planning on buying again so soon, just wanted to keep traveling around the country. But, fate happened and we fell into a great deal on a little house across the street from the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon coast. Ocean views, pine trees, hiking trails, seals, sea lions, no bugs, beautiful rides on the coastal road...... Some rain but not what I thought of Oregon. Not bad at all. A sweatshirt in the car just in case it gets chilly but never too hot or cold and no snow. I guess you just feel at home sometimes around a place like where you grew up. I just hope others find a place they love and are able to enjoy life. Kathleen

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Kathleen, it sounds amazing!

@annieknight71 Год назад

I have found the place I love. It took me 25 years to get here. It on the Olympic Peninsula in WA state.

@jdgoodwin3136 Год назад

The Oregon coast is a beautiful place to live. So happy that you found your forever home. I grew up on Key Biscayne, Florida. My wife and I moved to Sonoma County, California in the mid-90's. Like you, we also found our paradise and forever home. We are very lucky people.

@John-wg1jh 7 месяцев назад

Who gives a shit? 😀

@keithpoindexter6758 7 месяцев назад

Such a Great Comment - We live on the beach on the SOBX & love it - We have some friends who live in the Villages & sounds nice, but way too far from the beach for me & way too many people- lol - plus we Love the NC Coast - It’s home to us & always will be 😎😎😎

@fredhobbs3613 Год назад

Great video Chief. Yeah the bond is tough to swallow. They say when you move to The Villages you are buying a lifestyle and I agree with that. The Villages is unmatched. Having said that, when it comes to purchasing homes, the developers charge a painful premium for what amounts to lackluster houses. Just my opinion. Stay well.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Well said

@dogcrazy25 Месяц назад

@@SockMonkey-w4hfunny, havent heard one person mention the swinger lifestyle except you and my sister in law. Are you a swinger?

@LiveINtheGood53 Год назад

My mom lived there from 2004-2020 at the Villages (In Summerhill Village) and she loved it as I (and my family) would visit her a lot! I thought it was a very cool place as there are younger (starting at 55) people there too. I would love riding and driving the golf carts as the golf cart paths were always there all over to ride on. Good luck to you at the Villages!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing!

@blindsquirrel3123 3 месяца назад

Well done, Chief! Retired (disabled) Army Infantry Officer looking to make the move. Appreciate the straightforward info.

@TheVillagesChief 3 месяца назад

Thanks so much! Good luck on the move!

@melodygarcia86 Год назад

We moved to TV 14 years ago. Lived in the bubble 6 years then moved outside the bubble for another 5. Then moved to SW Florida near the gulf. Beautiful community very high HOA fees so we moved back 2 weeks ago. I feel TV is beautiful, well organized and ran so we are happy to be back in the new section south of Brownwood.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That’s awesome you didn’t settle, I like moving around and experiencing new places until you finally find the place you love, we’ll done Melody! Thanks for watching!

@BalokLives Год назад

Great video! Yeah, we bought a house with a bond. It's exactly what you said. It's a tax. It covers the construction costs associated with setting up the infrastructure in villages, such as sewer, electric, streets, etc. There is a bond with all new homes in The Villages, and everyone has the choice whether to pay it off or pay it at property tax time. Many of the pre-owned homes don't have them because the previous owners chose to pay them off. Some pre-owned homes still have a remaining bond because the previous owners chose to pay it over time. We decided to pay ours over time, because if we had paid it off and then later decided to move, that benefit goes to the new owners. Big waste of money, unless you can add it to the sale cost of the house. The amount of bond you are assessed depends on the property value you purchased. They assess a percentage of that value to each property owner in an area or village. The entire construction (and maintenance? not sure about that) cost is divided up amongst all of the property owners in your village. Good and bad of the bond? It will be hard to come up with a "good", but I will try: Good: In many places I have lived, property tax on items such as construction and maintenance of utilities are paid as a tax or monthly utility bill in perpetuity. So, the fact you can pay it off and it goes away is a net positive. IF, you ever get to that point. Bad: You have a huge yearly bill that gets lumped into the rest of your property taxes. From our experience, the bond is the largest part of our property taxes, and it hurts to see all that money flying out of our account at that time. Hope this helps.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much for breaking that down Grib, well said!

@georgiamorrow8233 Год назад

Something the Morse’s should be taking care of! Floridas greediest hometown!

@imahotdog8261 Год назад

that's the thing about any place where you have a ruling body, you are always paying for this or that whatever they decide. And it always seems like someone making these decisions is lining their own pockets.

@elainelapides9545 Год назад

Hi wantedto

@elainelapides9545 Год назад

Hi wanted to let you know my thoughts on. This. I am 84 live in a historic ho.e in Wellesley Ma I am close to Cape Cod. N.H. and Maine. I can go to Florida for a month to escape some of the winter. I still work from home as a family therapist. Would I move to a managed life in Florida. That will never appeal to me I know many people are enjoying that life. I am very social and like to enjoy life. It is not as easy as you get older but I still want to blaze my own trail. Wishing everyone the best. Elaine

@naturegirllover 3 месяца назад

Thank you for your honest information. I lived in Fort Lauderdale back in the 80s and had a blast. Now I'm up in outside of Portland Oregon and I love it here I love the cold weather I love the mountains the river is the trees the beauty. I'm thinking about moving to the Villages but I'm not sure I could give up all the beauty and freedom I have up here

@TheVillagesChief 3 месяца назад

Sounds beautiful! Thanks for sharing 🙂

@jarnwine4960 Год назад

I know exactly why you like the Blue Ridge Mtns. - they are breathtaking! I live in North Georgia and am always taking a scenic drive up the winding roads that curve back and forth through the mountains. Florida is beautiful too and it's great that you like the heat because the summers get pretty sticky, but if you live anywhere in the south you definitely have to adapt to the humidity and heat. Loved your video and nice to hear your take on the community.😊

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much!

@scottmagruder6907 Год назад

My Parents have lived there for over 20 years. I've been going there long before I was old enough to be a Villager and now that I'm old enough. I've never been bored. People are very friendly. Good luck keeping up with these retirees, they can party.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Absolutely! Thanks for sharing Scott!

@bobbear4437 Год назад

yep highest STD in the state!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@bobbear4437 I have two opposing view points: if you play with fire you’re gonna get burned, or, is this the most fun place in the state?? 😂😂😂😂 sorry I gotta have some fun with the comments.

@manbtm1 Год назад

Well done video, lots of good content and explanations, thank you, it looks like a great place to those who want that lifestyle, but personally , not for me, I just prefer the four seasons, being up north, love the old Rust Belt cities on the Great Lakes that are rejuvenating nicely, tons of culture ,architecture , enjoy diversity, history along with all the things big cities offer good and bad. More than happy just to stay up here north. But good luck to everyone, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful life!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks!!

@amandasmith7323 Год назад

I was going to move to Virginia/ BR mountains a few years back and it wasn’t until I left Florida for a few months and suffered for weeks in the dark cold and sleet that I realized how good I had it living in here. Florida has a unique beauty you won’t be able to appreciate if you are longing for something else. We don’t have mountains, but we beautiful pine forests, amazing sunsets, and endless trails for biking, walking, horse riding..etc.. YEAR ROUND! Have you been to the Santos trails? Silver Springs State park? If you are into the outdoors like I am you will appreciate all that Florida has to offer. Florida has some of the cleanest and well maintained parks I have ever seen. This really is a great area to live in if you love the outdoors.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing, I haven’t explored that much at all around here other than crystal river kayaking, and a few beaches on the gulf that was pretty awesome but I’m looking forward to really getting out there and hiking and biking the trails and learning more about Florida. I haven’t heard of santos or silver springs but I’ll look into it for sure, thanks for the suggestions!

@amandasmith7323 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief My pleasure. Good luck!

@puppylove2493 Год назад

BS..born in FL and nobody with any sense goes outdoors in the high summer...Aligators and Pythons are real here.

@davidmarks5400 Год назад

@@puppylove2493 I lived in a swamp in Florida for 1 year. There were gators ,snakes,and everything else. I never had any problems whatsoever. That year, Aug 2012-Aug 2013 was probably one of the best years of my life ever! I don't remember even being bitten by a mosquito one time. I had no electricity,but I did have a battery operated fan to sleep with on the hottest nights-I still have it.

@michaelchin3550 Год назад

God bless you. Enjoy your life in Florida. For now, my wife and I travel back and forth from New York, Boston and Florida. One son lives in Miami and the other in Boston. We love all these places because our loves are there.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!

@cococook4790 Год назад

That was an exciting and honest perspective on things in The Villages. I love your positivity, I feel the same way. I am from West Virginia so I truly understand what you mean about missing the mountains. We once lived in Indiana where there are few mountains and I actually had a lonely feeling when I looked out and didn't see mountains. ( I also got lost a few times because the mountains help me get my bearings.) Then we moved to Western Kentucky and lived on the Ohio River. For some reason, living on the water somehow sufficed for the mountains and I loved it. So you might consider living by one of the lakes of ponds, which are numerous in the Villiages.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Yeah, I agree you need mountains or water nearby I do visit Lake Sumter Landing a lot here which I enjoy but I really do miss the mountains however, I love the sunshine! So I guess that’s a reasonable trade off!

@beevee4445 Год назад

I have absolutely no intention of ever moving or living at the Villages. Been retired for almost 4 years and live in a beautiful town in NC. However, I so enjoyed listening to you that I watched your entire video :):)

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Well thanks Bee Vee! NC is great, I’ve really enjoyed all my travels in NC especially the beautiful mountains. Thanks for watching!

@VetteGuy57 Год назад

The Bond. I agree in that I didn’t understand it initially. It was a cost I hadn’t planned on and it is seemingly hidden because you pay it as part of your mortgage if you have one. I have learned that the bond encourages development in Florida by reducing risk for developers for the initial development costs (sewers, water, irrigation, gas, roads, etc). Bonds are issued to pay for this and residents pay it back. Less risk for developers encorages development. One of the reasons Florida is grwing so much.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thats a good explanation, thanks Joe!

@franko7357 Год назад

Great video, I am a retired United States Marine and am also 100 percent service connected disabled. thank you for sharing about the V.A. Clinic. I am seriously thinking of moving down there.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Awesome Franko, come on down!

@rosemarythornton5949 11 месяцев назад

My husband (we just got married!) is a 72-year-old Army veteran and I am so pleased with the strong military presence here. My husband was an Army Ranger and we've already discovered another Ranger in The Villages. And there's this: We've been to the Town Square twice and both times, I've watched him stand up and start dancing when the old rock-and-roll music starts. This place is so good for both of us. I love it here.

@angelwingz892 11 месяцев назад

My neighbour suggested we should all (older residents) live in one part of our apartment community. Not a chance! I love hearing children and life going on. My elder neighbour's talk endlessly about their aches and pains...it's tedious.

@TheVillagesChief 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching!

@jennykimball4457 Год назад

I lived in a similar community in SC for a few years. Now I'm in an Orlando suburb. 100% agree with you about the Florida winters - I love it! Where I lived in SC was 50+, and I was 51-53 years old when I lived there. My "con" of living in communities like these is that they're often located where land is abundant, so you do get the bubble you described of a perfect community within a rural setting. I'd go further and say that what that means for 50-somethings is that you don't run into very many people in the 45-60 demographic. I simply got there too soon. These communities are advertised as 55+, but I'd recommend them for 60+. Liked your video! Thanks!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That’s great advice! I agree I sometimes feel I came here a little too soon, but then in a couple years I’ll fit right in it’s such a hard thing to get just right, sometimes you gotta jump in and hope for the best which is kinda what I’m doing right now. I love the Orlando suburbs, it’s gorgeous down there with tons to do.

@jennykimball4457 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief You do raise a good point in your video - you are within 2 hours of many cool places. If you ever take a motorcycle ride to Winter Park, send me a note and we can meet for coffee to compare notes on 55+/new to Florida.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@jennykimball4457 sounds great!

@loosilu Год назад

I'll take northern winters any time if I can avoid rest of the year in florida. Hot and humid is my personal hell.

@SewingPostcards Год назад

The Villages offers so much more than Sun City (in SC).

@maddyglenn7926 Год назад

Your comments on traveling outside the bubble is exactly my experience, as I lived 39 years in Germany, and moving to the rural south has been hard. Like you, I have enjoyed the beauty created by people who took pride in their property. Hard adjustment for me.

@daveduffy2823 Год назад

Yep, poor is not an excuse to be a dirty slob. That is why I stay in the North East.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Maddy

@SEABEE150 Год назад

Great video as always .. I grew up in Ormond beach Fl and we used to head to inland to The area where the villages is to hunt .. People don’t realize that outside the bubble is the rural south . Lots of people that have visited Florida only see the tourist side of the state and never get to see the real Florida. I feel a lot of people forget they are in the rural south

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Very cool!

@Cathy-xi8cb Год назад

Did geriatric home care in that area 30 years ago. I saw and heard things I didn't know existed. RAN back to Brooklyn!! I had a patient warn me not to drive alone on rural roads because she was worried I would be driven off the road and raped. Totally sincere little old lady. I took her at her word. Brooklyn was safer than that.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@Cathy-xi8cb wow sorry to hear that!

@weekendatbernies2265 Год назад

@@Cathy-xi8cb Brooklyn, safer than Florida’s? As our feeble Pres would say, “Come on Man”. Not much Rural left in Florida these days.

@robertmoore2049 Год назад

@@weekendatbernies2265 yeah, that’s pretty sad that rural Florida is getting cleared away for so much development. To me rural Florida is the real Florida.

@carolepeck3829 Год назад

If you're the type of person he wants to live in a highly structured planned community this sounds like the appropriate place if that's the vibe in which you feel most comfortable.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Yeah honestly thats me, I think it's the military in my soul, it stays with you sometimes, and I'm one of those guys for sure that loves structure, with a little bit of controlled chaos every now and then. Thanks for watching!

@zkatt1959 Год назад

Yeah that's how I know the Villages are not for me. I plan on retiring in the Ocala area nice and rural with no gestapo telling me how to live.

@bjb2099 Год назад

Agree

@landahoy5217 Год назад

@@zkatt1959my goodness the villages doesn’t tell you how to live.

@devonnep.7126 Год назад

I certainly agree with you about missing the mountains. We moved from Kentucky in 1968 to Georgia and I've always missed the mountains. Florida is not for me. We drive thru to get to the cruise terminals, lol. It's too flat and not my type of landscaping. I'm always glad to get back home. Life is where you're happy! ❤

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

You’re so right Devonne!

@davisholman8149 Год назад

I used to live in Park City, UT…. I am a mountain person too. But as a military brat - I have grown to love areas all over the world, including Europe & Japan. I live In Scottsdale Arizona, but my soul sings in the mountains.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@davisholman8149 park city is great area, I like all of Utah. Beautiful state!

@frankdillon6127 Год назад

had a elderly friend once tell me why he left a retirement community. he got tired of all the crabby, old folks and going to a funeral every couple of weeks. he moved to a so called normal community where there are kids playing and mostly younger families with (life all around). just not so diperssing.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I don’t find this place depressing at all, I see people doing way more here than in my previous neighborhoods. Thanks for sharing tho always interesting to hear other perspectives .

@lowerrightlife Год назад

I'm not made for the planned community (we are currently shopping for a little farm in Florida) - but we'll be close enough that I'm looking forward to coming into the bubble to visit! As a former realtor, the top golf course community that I sold had HOA fees triple the Villages, and just one golf course. The amenities in the Villages are incredible. I think you did a great job talking about who would fit in the Villages, and I found your video very informative! We're moving in July, and the Villages "explore" is definitely on my list!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That sounds like a smart plan, live nearby because the entertainment is free to everyone, I think it’s a good move! Thanks so much for watching!

@lowerrightlife Год назад

Yes! And who knows, when I'm feeling like feeding chickens is too much work...I might just retire to the Villages, where you can just enjoy the Florida sunshine!

@Danno-in-Maine Год назад

Lived in Maine my whole life, have visited Florida several times and love the weather, even went down in August to see how hot it gets , didn’t kill me. But the prices are getting so high, don’t know if I will ever be able to afford it. Just wish they had a more affordable neighborhood.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I agree Dan, last few years it’s sky rocketed, thanks for sharing

@guepster Год назад

My Mom lived in Top of the World in Ocala. She bought a unit in the older section where they have 4 units in each. I believe it was called Friendship Village. She bought an end unit. So she had a little patio area in the back. She was able to go everywhere on her golf cart. And it was reasonably priced. They also have single family homes and a couple golf courses.

@michelleanna1277 11 месяцев назад

Maine is beautiful . I wish I could move their

@seanmelvin5115 Год назад

I’m not old enough for the village but it does look amazing. I live is south Ocala and one of the things that hit home for me is the cleanliness. You are very right about outside the bubble it becomes almost well a dump. People just dump trash even though the city will take it for free. Run down double wides. This area is a bit of a contrast. The over 55 community with $$ and the people that have grown up in the area with a top out pay of $18 an hour. When I first moved to the area I thought it had a Roseanne show feel to it. The city planning out side the Villegas leaves a lot to be desired. Anyone come from other states that did a great job with development so it had a beauty like the villages?

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Sean, good points.

@Cwgrlup Год назад

I love to visit Ocala one day-thats where my thoroughbred came from. He was born and raised on a farm that used to be called Mockingbird farm. A very famous place in the racehorse community!

@kristent6777 Год назад

That was a very detailed review!! Thank you for sharing this!😊

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much Kristen!

@TonyBar323 Год назад

I just spent two weeks visiting my mom who lives in Del a Vista North. She’s been there since 1997 and she loves it. Two things I don’t like about the Villages is definitely the traffic! I do agree that the Villages is friendly except I think they put the meanest people in the gate shacks. Give a woman a stop sign and no more Mrs nice guy. Lol

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That’s hysterical Jamie. The ones here in Santo Domingo seem nice, they always hit the gate for me when I roll in on the Harley so I don’t have to dig for the card. Cool about your mom, she must have bought when everything was newer up here.

@TonyBar323 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief when my parents bought their house there were only 25,000 people in the Villages.

@andrewspencer303 Год назад

I hope to all that is good that this place still exists in twenty years. I'm 35 so I know I have to wait a little while before I can find a home there. I'm a vet rated at 100% so I can't work any longer, but I'm going to start saving every penny so I can live here. Looks like heaven wow. Great video chief, thank you.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

This place aint going anywhere, and btw, your young enough to move here now, it's an active adult community, 19 or older, not sure how it works but I would look into it if you want to move here sooner. Thanks for watching!

@andrewspencer303 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief Thanks for the info! Due to the amount of disability income and debt I know it’s not possible to afford living there right now, but in the future maybe! I am lower class considering what I get for my benefits from the VA, no where near being able to afford a home or what it takes to maintain one. I’m working everyday to get better and reintegrate with society but it seems I’m stuck at this level. Hopefully in the future I’ll get a lucky break or heal enough to find a career so I can afford to come stay. Keep making great content thank you!

@kellygreen8467 Год назад

My uncle was super excited to move into the Villages. It really is so beautiful! He ended up being pretty shocked by the politics there. I was shocked that he was shocked. Lol. I thought he’d fit right in but he was super turned off by the, shall we say “over-enthusiasm”, for a person and not a party. He’s instead moved to a sea-side town and appreciates having more land and less ridiculous neighbors. He also swears that the soil is better near the ocean. 🤪

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Kelly, where did he move to?

@kellygreen8467 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief he moved to Venice/Nokomis area. Loves it!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@kellygreen8467 I was thinking of traveling down to Venice tomorrow to checkout the beaches there

@kellygreen8467 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief it’s lovely! My family has a home there as well. I’ll eventually move nearby. 🥰

@stevem9766 Год назад

Good to see your video . I live in Hayesville now . Moved up from Jasper Ga . I love the Mtns myself. However, Every thing you mentioned positive about the villages , I find interesting. Very informative. Thanks ! Brother

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Steve!

@frankgiuliano380 Год назад

Unfortunately I live in Florida for the beach a 1 1/2 hour to 2 hour beach trip , means you never get to the beach. After visiting the Villages , it was houses 10' apart. you can see and hear your neighbors on each side, so don't plan on being outdoors. Plus, every one is old... 150,000 people way over 55. We moved to an Atlantic side island community. beautiful beaches, 2 minutes away, houses 60' apart min. beautiful planned environment surrounded by natural state parks.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Frank, sounds pretty nice!

@amylee9 Год назад

Where is this community?

@ourfamilyvideos7283 25 дней назад

LOVEEEE it here..one thing for ppl considering the move(especially is new build)..extra $ needed for: pest control(around $100 Mo. all in), changing out the pine needles to new landscaping ($3-20k), golf cart ($11k-23k avg/ or marketplace less expensive), driveway paint, garage epoxy floor, attic termite spray 1x, redoing closet/ garage for more storage, gym membership(indoor),extending back patio concrete, gutters, palm trees($400+) lamp post name sign. Just make a list, take your time and do as you can. Again, love it BUT THE people are amazing.

@TheVillagesChief 25 дней назад

good tips, thanks for sharing!

@charlottebarty6900 5 месяцев назад

Glad I found your channel! Considering snowbirding from Canada in a while.

@TheVillagesChief 5 месяцев назад

Nice! Thanks for watching!

@sgarrita2561 Год назад

Thx for the video. If it wasn’t in Florida, I would be all in, but Florida weather and culture is no bueno for me. Best to you! So important to be living a quality life in a place you love!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks!

@e.turduckeny630 Год назад

Enjoyed the video! I'll add some thoughts on the bubble. I grew up in the area long before the villages as it exists came to be. Still living here, geographically not in a town (considered county), but closest to Lady Lake. I can remember when all that land was basically some form of pasture or swamp and there really wasn't anything much in areas of Sumter county. Parents would take kids to some of those lone roads to practice driving because of the lack of drivers. 30 years ago, Leesburg was the "place to be" in the general area. Had the mall, nice restaurants, etc. Over time, the surrounding areas have developed much more (Tavares, Clermont, etc). And with the growth of the Villages in Sumter County and now into Wildwood, many of the other areas have gone a bit downhill as the population moved. And with the more stringent rules for upkeep and aesthetics, many businesses started to move as well. I remember fast food locations that closed due to construction or fire, that re-opened in the Villages instead of the original location because it's more attractive now in regards to upkeep and customer numbers. Just kind of how things change over time. Would be nice if some older areas cared more about landscaping and such, so there wouldn't be such a contrast (Seen the same thing happen in parts of Orlando and Tampa) Even as a Villages neighbor, as opposed to resident, I can appreciate the shopping opportunities and restaurants. Though I admit sometimes the traffic is frustrating. I'm sure they'll finish the HWY 27 road expansions "someday".

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much, what a good insight from someone who really knows the area, thanks so much for sharing!

@danguest5379 Год назад

The prerequisite for living in the villages is , you have to be white and racist .

@mskulagal Год назад

Me again. We live in Tucson in the Saddlebrooke retirement community. We have a wide Mountain View property, no power lines anywhere, a great community of people from all over, a lot of veterans, gyms with weights, treadmills, cycling, pools, clubs to join, no bond to pay on new homes, weather is temperate in the winter (cold this year) but hot in the 3 months of summer and beautiful spring and fall. Homes are probably close to FL prices at the lower end but not higher than 1.5 million at the high end and not too many of those. We don’t have squares to go to for entertainment but we have entertainment come to us. TV is large so can accommodate this type of fun. Otherwise, what’s not to love? The humidity in FL is a killer for us plus lack of mountains is a negative. Wish the ocean were closer but residents drive to San Diego for beach. Not Mexico! We were just in Miami in January and it was humid! We have all the stores we need plus we feel safe here. We are 20+ miles north of Tucson but most store shopping is between 5-10 miles away. Give it some thought, but in any case enjoy your life!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I’m gonna look it up, I have a brother near Phoenix so would love to be near him some day. Thanks so much for the info. Heck maybe I could be a dual snowbird lol, have two great sunny locations! Never hurts to dream!

@Lianne459 Год назад

I enjoy winter vacationing in Florida. Summer heat that you love is definitely not for me, I loathe soggy humidity and extreme heat. Glad you enjoy your choice of TV.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for watching!

@donnaturner5522 Год назад

As I sit in my office at the courthouse in downtown LA watching your video, I am salivating at moving to the Villages in five years. It's my little fantasy to escape craziness and just play and relax with new friends. Thank you for giving those of us outside the bubble an invitation to join you guys. You're living your best lives, and I want to be part of the fun!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

What a great comment Donna, makes the effort of doing these videos well worth it! I lived in CA for many years and loved it out there back in the day, but it's great here at this point in my life, come out an do a lifestyle visit if you havent yet, you'll love it!

@adr3naline23 Год назад

There are better spots 🎉

@TheBichonma Год назад

Donna, you don’t have to move to Florida and the humidity to enjoy this type of life. Take a look at Sun City Palm Desert. Honestly, it’s amazing, so many clubs, gyms, things to do, a wonderful Artists Village, friendly folks. 20 min into Palm Springs, and a great small international airport.

@MomCat6000 Год назад

Hey Donna just wanted to encourage you to keep on keeping on with your countdown! I’m just recently retired and it wasn’t very long ago that I was at the 5 year mark. You can do it! 🎉

@coriculp Год назад

This was super helpful in decision making. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much Cori glad I could help :)

@pauline4848 Год назад

Hi Chief thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, I agree outside TV is not kept up, Love the mountains and understand how you miss it, Rent a log home in north georgia for a week and enjoy the area and see how you feel when you get back home in TV. My husband hates the bond there and reason we haven't bought yet, All the fees and higher taxes, We are living in a gated golfing community here in fl without a bond and much lower taxes so it's been difficult for him to take, We've done the lifestyle visit last june and will be back soon for a few more days and thinking next year to buy depending on economy as things are terrible right now, Your home is lovely, Give it more time and see how you feel. Enjoy 👍

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Great advice Pauline, thanks!

@surfer19541 Год назад

I have friends who live in the Villages but right now in my late 60's it's not for me..First drawback for me is it's not near the ocean/beaches. I'm a surf/water rat and like you Chief with mountains I'm that way with the beach. Second, is as far as I can tell the lack of ethnic/age diversity..Being up north and moving to FL was hard enough in that respect.. I mean up north you meet people from all over the world. Any kind of food imaginable...Greek, Indian, Turkish, Israeli, Thai,Korean Any country you can think of chances are you can find the food up north associated with that country/culture.I love traveling and love meeting people from different backgrounds and The Villages just struck me as very vanilla..( I don't mean that in a racial way, but just a lack of a varied demographic) But granted The Villages are beautiful.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing, well said :)

@amygiles8614 Год назад

The area may not have the gulf or Atlantic, but they have some of the prettiest waters. Salt springs, juniper springs, silver river. Better water than the gulf of Mexico.

@darrylwalker2728 Год назад

Great video…one thing to be aware of is the Insurance companies living Florida due to hurricanes. Watch your homeowners insurance carefully.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

You bet, thanks for watching Darryl!

@BethInstaNow Год назад

I’ve lived in Florida and now live in CO and get the love of mountain life.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Oh I miss the mountains

@teejay2483 10 месяцев назад

Enjoyed your commentary of TV. I compared it to our active adult community in Goodyear, AZ. It"s a gated community named Pebble Creek. We had a house built there in 2013 and are snowbirds from upstate NY. We love the area. Luke AFB is 10 minutes away by car and there are several clubs to take advantage of. Lots of pickle ball courts also. We also have the mountains but no hurricanes, tornados, mesquitos, or mildew. Since you mentioned that you weren't sure you would stay permanently in TV, thought I would mention this to you. Be well and enjoy the nice weather!

@TheVillagesChief 10 месяцев назад

Thanks Tee Jay, I love exploring places to live so appreciate the suggestion I’ll check it out :)

@lindy2341 Месяц назад

Being close to Luke AFB would be a huge draw for me!

@foxiedogitchypaws7141 Год назад

A Fur Kid! We need to hear from him what he likes and doesn't like about his new place.🐈 It's very hard to think about selling a place you have had for almost 50 years. The only thing I think about is setting up my vehicle to travel and I have family in Arizona and a Colorado native. So I like the beach, love the mountains and love the 🏜️ desert. No matter where you live, just remember fur kid comes first 🦊🛣️🏔️🌵

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

👍

@987caffe Год назад

Thank you for your view…it was incredibly validating for me. I recently came upon this community, and I was curious. Everything you hit on regarding the Cons were excellent. I too love the mountains and that was one of my greatest concerns. The gym issue is big-I gotta have a great gym that’s affordable. And, yes the Bond…it’s just another marketing strategy… I agree, just increase the value of the homes don’t attach a phony up charge. Thank you!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I did an update on the gym situation, it's better than I thought, I switched over to the Villages Fit Club and I really like it, I was unaware of those gyms when I made that video, here's the update on the gym video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LjZ7J-d7XeQ.html

@PietrinaBravata Год назад

Hello Chief. I totally agree with you about the power lines. I think it definitely takes away from the overall beauty of the Villages. Hopefully someday maybe they'll be able to figure a way these power lines (at least some) can be run underground or some type of invention that will no longer require power lines. How nice would that be! Also I would love to see a Planet Fitness gym come to the Villages. It's only $10.00 a month and a small membership fee once a year (around $40.00). It's affordable, one can get a good work-out and the people that work there leave you alone unless you want to work with a trainer. I love Planet Fitness and hope they can eventually come to the Villages.I don't lift weights but they do have lots of weights for those interested. Some people put a small scale gym in their lanai but it takes up valuable space so it's a personal choice. As for the bonds I agree it's an added expense but I guess it's worth it if one lives in an area they really want to be in. I don't live in the Villages yet but hope to move to Eastport depending on the timing and what the economy is doing. Mountains are beautiful and I get that you miss them but as we get older I think the convenience of being in the Villages makes it all worthwhile. At least that's my current thinking. We'll see, only time will tell. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Yeah I would love a planet fitness too!

@rugger1009 Год назад

Pathetic - overhead power lines ?

@David-rx2to Год назад

Lived in the Villages from 2001-2020. I think most visible power lines are/where at the perimeter areas of the Villages. Power came to the area above ground, then went underground to serve the neighborhoods. I lived in the Glenbrook neighborhood, and all of our utilities were underground. I remember a golf course at the northern end of TV near Rt 42, where a power line went underground. However, as TV expands like the Blob, absorbing adjoining properties, those once distance power lines are now on TV land.

@mwolrich Год назад

Theres already a way to elliminate powerlines.. you won’t like it though. Every houses southern exposure roof gets covered in solar panels (about 10KW, or 40 or so panels), then you need about 40-50KW of battery storage, so your house can run through the night on “banked power” from the day.. next day the batteries are recharged, and so it goes. Florida has very few “cloudy” days, so you can most likely survive with no grid connection, and no cost for your energy, after you pay for the PV/Battery system (which will likely be 50-75K)

@carolbradley4845 Год назад

The Village Chief! Clever! I love it. Thank you for your thoughtful video. We live in Texas and my husband inherited a mountain home in New Mexico. If we ever did buy a house in The Villages, we would definitely keep the mountain home. So I hear ya. The pull of the mountains are strong. I would love to do a lifestyle visit. I hear that there are no more openings until June. My husband tolerates the heat better than me. We shall see……take care and new subscriber here! ❤

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks so much Carol!

@Jetwheels84 Год назад

Thanks Chief. My wife and I are kicking around the idea of retiring to the villages or to a community near the villages. We are currently in western North Carolina and also enjoy the mountains. What we don't like is when it snows and the whole world shuts down. Our power lines are buried so no big towers. I agree with the bond issue. We would only look at resale where the bond is paid.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Very cool, thanks for watching and good luck with your future plans :)

@loop1800mickey 4 месяца назад

Thank You for your review we bought 3 rd house from The Atlantic Ocean very high taxes and insurance but no HOA and working wonderful for us at 76 years old . Enjoy your retirement

@TheVillagesChief 4 месяца назад

Sounds great! Thanks for watching!

@jodystancliff7864 Год назад

I bought in Citrus Grove, so I have a bond. It's wrapped up in annual taxes. Even with the bond, my tax bill is less than I was paying in taxes for the home I sold in Northern Kentucky. So for me, it was more about getting the house I wanted and being in the neighborhood I wanted to be in. I just considered it part of the cost of living here. That said, I wish there was a way to pay it off early (other than one lump sum payment). From what I understand you can either pay it off in a lump sum or continue to pay it as part of your tax bill. It's not like a mortgage where you can make additional monthly payments to pay it down faster. At any rate, I love it down here. I've been here since October 2021.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Hi Jody, thanks for sharing your experience with the bond, I didn't know you couldn't pay it down early other than lump sum, interesting. Thanks for watching too!

@ronniedelaplain6722 Год назад

I use the VA clinic a lot it’s my only medical care I do, mental health, medical doctor, physical therapy and more. I’m a Marine 1/9 The Walking Dead. Just found your channel great job. I always enjoy my 25 minute ride to the VA in my golf cart for appointments

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Ronnie, and thanks for your service!

@gilleygurl Год назад

Pluses, lots to do, clean, safe, well planned. Cons for me would be the lack of diversity both with the people and the homes. I never thought of this area before but I can see the appeal.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for watching CMG!

@dianepruss1024 Год назад

Thank you for mentioning lack of diversity.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@dianepruss1024 I do plan on doing a video about diversity. This video was based on my experience living here for my first six months. I have met people from all walks of life and backgrounds, but I didn't feel I lived here long enough to get a real feel for diversity or lack there of just yet to give an honest opinion. I don't want to base it on media hype or virtue signaling. It is a good conversation to have for sure. Appreciate ya watching!

@gilleygurl Год назад

@@dianepruss1024 yea, that is just my thoughts after doing a bit of a deep dive. I live in Colorado and I guess my state is now in the top 10 of places to retire, so I am probably going to stay put lol. I love the weather here but over the last 10 years, it has gotten very crowded and overpriced. If it were not for the fact that I own my home, I could not stay here and live on a fixed income. I might downsize to something smaller but unfortunately, that would mean paying more for a home than what I currently own. Like I said before, I can see the appeal of the Villages, it is kind of in a class by itself as far as amenities and active lifestyle. That really interests me. I think that is why people like it so much, especially as you get older. Having connections, being active, the key to longevity and happiness.

@Phillyboy077 Год назад

Hey Chief! Moving to The Villages from Southeast Florida. Looking forward to the change and getting away from the hurricane threats that have become too frequent.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

That’s awesome, come on up!

@Phillyboy077 Год назад

Can’t wait! Closing early May down in Newell. Moving end of month. I’m glad to see the fitness equipment, gotta get back to it. Used to be a gym rat!!! Lol

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@Phillyboy077 looks awesome at Newell coming along nicely I drive down there a few weeks ago, hot area you done good!

@pamela7211 Год назад

I love the mountains!

@barbaraebner5889 Год назад

Chief you named 3 places my husband and I love. Sedona. Moab and the Blue Ridge Mountains. You did a 360. Enjoy where you are now and keep your options open.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Barbara!

@susant5215 Год назад

I'm retired Air Force and hope to move there soon. Your videos are concise, informative and enjoyable. Thank you!😊

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Susan!!

@Joerides7 7 месяцев назад

Concerning the bond, I agree with you. Just add it to the price of the new house! I'm trying to decide where I end up when I retire. Florida and Arizona are at the top of my list. I forgot about how much I liked Moab when I was there. I may have to add it to my list, especially since I'm an avid cyclist. Awesome trails there.

@TheVillagesChief 7 месяцев назад

Yeah I would buy in Moab if I could find a nice affordable 55+ neighborhood, it’s one of my favorite places on earth 😎

@galechicago325 Год назад

In California, new homes have a Mello Roos tax. Pays for creating the infrastructure and schools of the new neighborhood, rather than raising the tax burden on older neighborhoods in that same town.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Gale, it’s a good way to look at the bond.

@georgiamorrow8233 Год назад

Stay in California! I moved back to California from that awful place! Trust me!😂

@galechicago325 Год назад

@@georgiamorrow8233- oh yes, I have to stay in California. I haven’t seen a mosquito since I left Chicago!

@richardjacobson1735 Год назад

Not all new homes have Mello Roos in California.

@Shopgirl49 4 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing your opinion and views… moving there soon and it helps to know another persons take on The Villages.

@TheVillagesChief 4 месяца назад

Thanks!

@rgfan12345 Год назад

The Bond in Newell for a 1500+ Sq. Ft. "Designer Home" is OVER $40,000! on top of the high purchase price

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Dang that's a lot!

@oldcop18 10 месяцев назад

We moved to an over 55 community about 10+ years ago and absolutely love it here (DC area). We have an active social life and have made lots of good friends here.

@TheVillagesChief 10 месяцев назад

That’s awesome!

@bfn6ghh 10 месяцев назад

Curious where in DC is the 55 older community?

@SuperMassman Год назад

Live in Weston Florida,,😂 don't forget the extreme heat & humidity😮 most of the year. Your stuck in your house no matter how much you love the heat. Not being negative just stating a fact.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Challenge accepted! Hopefully I can take the heat and humidity, if not I’ll be moving, I think I can hack it tho or at least willing to give Florida a chance. I love the outdoors too much to be stuck inside.

@bobbear4437 Год назад

One thing you can't change, its way more humid, and much hotter in central Florida than on either coast which get sea brezzes!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Yes it is!

@rosesmith6925 Год назад

I'm 62 and if there's one thing you learn growing up in Florida is you NEVER want to live where the old people congregate 😳😂

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I think old is a mindset I don’t feel old, I certainly don’t act old. I don’t care how old people are, I like being around positive people.

@rosesmith6925 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief, I apologize for the "mistake" or maybe a should say misunderstanding. I NEVER said or implied you or I or anyone you love was OLD. I said I learned never to live where OLD PEOPLE congregate 😂 I don't think old, as a matter of fact being raised in the 60's and 70's I think I feel rather like the cool grandma (white hair very slowly kicking in this year)and was referred to by my daughter's friends as the cool Mom. But I do find myself drifting to my "Golden years" realizing I don't think the way real old farts think. I have nothing in common with what they want in life and if I was to die tomorrow I know I've lived my life to the fullest. Shuffleboard and cards, politics and religion aren't my happy places.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@rosesmith6925 I was agreeing with ya Rose I knew what ya meant :)

@susanmalloch9375 Год назад

When you’re young! But you can have a blast with people around your age when you’re older. Similar frames of reference; similar experiences, memories, etc. Similar energy level 😊

@ronnieschmucker Год назад

Rose you,probably don’t live in The Villages.

@Mushkiepotamus Год назад

Many communities have bonds. And it’s GREAT that there are different price ranges so pretty much anyone can afford a home here.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

You're so right, it is nice that there are so many affordable homes here, I should have conveyed that in the video that there is a positive side to the wide variety of prices. Thanks!

@shariwelch9573 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your service and continue to enjoy yourself and the sun !!!😀

@TheVillagesChief 10 месяцев назад

Thanks so much!

@isabermudez3306 Год назад

As I randomly put the villages in my search because it’s very close to my current home I came across this video and I’m glad I did! You seem like a genuine guy and I’m very intrigued ❤ thanks for making my Monday start off a little better. xoxo

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

😎

@JudyIBKJK Год назад

Oh my, it all resonates so true :) ! -I moved here last May (Brownwood area) and I too have mixed feelings... love it for what it is, but also miss, all that it isn't :) - Thanx for giving it a voice.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Judy!

@David-rx2to Год назад

Had a home there (Glenbrook neighborhood) from 2001 to 2020. Maybe I wasn't paying attention but I found out about the bond at the closing for the home. It was a relatively minor expense back then ($6000), but what pissed me off was it had it's own separate mortgage rate, which was a couple points higher than the rate I got for my home. Anyway, I paid what I wa supposed to for a couple years, then paid it off. Homes back then were from $60K for a patio villa up to $600K for a variety of Premier homes. I think the lack of free weights might have something to do with liability insurance, but I could be wrong. Have you checked out the gym at Laurel Manor? Pretty sure they have/had dumbbells. Back in the day it was the best alternative to where you are going.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Hi David, yeah I found out about the gyms at seven if the regional rec centers and made a video about it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LjZ7J-d7XeQ.html , I really like the one at laurel manor it’s the one I use now. Thanks for watching!

@jeffbrown9214 Год назад

Chief, another good video. Sounds like you need TWO places, one in The Villages and one in the Blue Ridge Mountains. That was my original plan but like you I had one, then the other. PS Don’t move south of 44 brother - you won’t be in The Villages down there ;-)

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@jeffbrown9214 thanks Jeff, good advice! Between the “6’s” is growing on me

@jeffbrown9214 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief south of 466-A is ok too. Just don’t go south of 44. At that point, IMO, you’ve left The Villages. Too far from everything.

@lanalohman8202 11 месяцев назад

Great. Thank you! Cannot wait to see your 1 year video. I want to move there too.

@TheVillagesChief 11 месяцев назад

I’ll be making that video soon. I’ve been so busy with stuff but I do plan on putting out my one year video here in the next couple of weeks. Thanks so much for watching!

@scottpaulson1714 10 месяцев назад

Great insight and appreciate the honesty of your view of The Villages. Good info

@TheVillagesChief 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching!

@DONALD1951 Год назад

If you’re not sure if you bought the right house you can always sell and buy a new one.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

For sure, absolutely, wouldn’t be the first time!

@DougHanson2769 Год назад

Dude, you’ve got some muscle. Enjoy your relaxing vibe. I gotta watch the rest later. My Dad and Stepmom love it. I’ve only heard to 2:45

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks Doug!

@3101home Год назад

Curious to know what your perspective is with minorities in The Villages….since I like being around different cultures and learning from them.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Great question. I love everyone and anyone who is nice, don’t care about race, political beliefs, financial status, religious beliefs, etc, if you’re a nice person, friendly, respectful of others, that’s what I look for in people. I had a nice chat today with an Indian fellow this morning over coffee, complete stranger, at Spanish Springs, around here so far all I’ve seen are people being friendly. It never fails when I grab a seat at a park bench someone of any background is sure to say hi and stop and chat. Could there be more minorities here, for sure, I’m not naive to suggest it’s not mostly white, it is, but it’s misleading because so far I get the vibe that anyone is welcome, you just gotta move here. If you’re a minority come do a lifestyle visit and see for your self, it may surprise you. I like diversity and meeting people with different backgrounds, it’s more interesting then being a carbon copy of me. I think over time you’ll see more minorities taking advantage of this town, I hope so anyway.

@napervillerealestatelifewi5148 Год назад

I like your honest assessment. We are coming in May for our second lifestyle visit. I can’t wait to quit working. Take care!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thank you so much!

@mskevie0906 Год назад

I'm always puzzled when folks choose Florida over other locations such as Arizona...the high cost of insurance in florida likely offsets Arizona income taxes...and the humidity in the Florida summer is a killer. Arizona is a hurricane free zone and offers substantially more golfing days without rain. Perhaps it is the lure of Florida beaches.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Great points. I'm still thinking of retiring in Sedona AZ some day as an option. I love it here, but I miss the mountains, I really like the desert environment of AZ and the red rocks of Sedona.

@markp.7165 Год назад

Most people that retire to Florida do so from the eastern third of the country. That makes it possible to drive back home on occasion or have family drive down to see you in Florida. It is a heck of a drive from NJ or NY to Arizona so that means dealing with the airlines every time you have to go back to your old location. That is my take anyway.

@scooter5940 Год назад

Arizona is nice, but it’s turning blue, running out of water, and the summers can be brutal and the winter’s are cold. Plus, kinda isolated.

@lorithompson9166 10 месяцев назад

No water in Arizona, and most of the retirement communities there are very dated.

@mskevie0906 10 месяцев назад

I'm not sure what retirement communities you're referring to....many communities are still developer controlled so hard to be dated....can't argue about water...but that means no killer humidity or hurricanes @@lorithompson9166

@Cwgrlup Год назад

Thanks for your input. We’re in LA. Retiring in a year. We’re looking in Palm Springs area, a city called La Quinta. They have beautiful mountains and the san Gorgonio mountains and beaches are only about an hour away. Might be worth a look if you like to ride your bike in lots of cool areas. They also have lots of gyms, and California has beautiful weather.

@robertmoore2049 Год назад

You have the best of both worlds having the mountains and the beaches nearby. And of course the weather - no hurricanes!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I love California, lived in San Diego for many years, thanks for sharing!

@robertmoore2049 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief I’m from San Diego and now living in Atlantic Beach Florida. It’s a beautiful coastal community and I met the best people here. I do miss San Diego at times. Both great Navy towns!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@robertmoore2049 I'll have to check out Atlantic Beach, thanks!

@robertmoore2049 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief I’ll think you’ll like it, Chief!

@xtraflyr Год назад

We were at Disney a couple weeks ago. It was way to boring of a state,being so flat and so many high rise apartments. I’m sure it’s a great place if you like the shore. Not a place for me personally.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I get it, i do miss the mountains more and more. Ive said before I do love it here but I may end up moving out west in a few years unless the pain of missing my mountains goes away! Thanks for watching!

@reefshadow1 Год назад

Look at the bond as a sort of charge of development that is levied against the house and property itself, not the buyer. That's why it's a one time fee that isn't passed on to subsequent buyers of the property. We bought property in a subdivision in Hawaii and there is a similar levy that goes to the person who first chooses to hook up the property to the public power, it's called SSPP. The lines are already there, but it is the property developer's "share" of the cost to bring those lines in, even though in our case the lines have been there for 20 years! When power was first brought to the subdivision, ever parcel was assigned this SSPP debt but it doesn't come due until power is hooked up- by whomever does so. Then it is never levied again.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Hi there, here the balance of the bond is passed along to the buyer, and is paid annually similar to a property tax. It's used to build the infrastructure of the new neighborhood. Thanks for watching and sharing!

@XDetoursX Год назад

To each their own, but I find the heat stifling. I'd rather deal with 3 months a year of colder weather than walking outside and instantly sweating.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for watching!

@christinehutchins123 Месяц назад

I only vacationed in a friends home in the villages. I agree with everything he said. Very clean and well kept everywhere which is just nice. I don't know if I would want to live there but its easy to see why many do. About the view. Where I stayed the back yard and pool were on a golf course and pond. Its not a bad view. I liked all the different birds I saw,but those are found in many places I'm sure. Its not a bad view, I'm not sure what its Like when the golf course is open. This one was being worked on and closed. it would be less private when people are playing golf pretty close to your house. Overall seems like a great place for a lot of people.

@TheVillagesChief Месяц назад

Thanks for sharing Christine!

@johnq.u.n.reveille1703 3 месяца назад

Born and raised in Miami in the 1950's and 1960's. Did not have air conditioning-no one did in my neighborhood (no one did) and we were not poor. That is how things were then. It was wonderful. Have been in Houston the past 38 years. Love it here-relatively low cost of living, WONDERFUL people, live close to work and amenities so the traffic is not an issue.. Having visited South Florida in the years interim I cannot imagine going back there. Hostile people, crushing traffic, horrific prices-I watched many videos on the Villages and it looks like a nightmare, cost-wise, people wise (and I know highway 441 like the back of my hand). No thanks. Let the snowbirds go there who prize weather over the other issues. I'm staying here

@TheVillagesChief 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing John!

@Trouble-v1m Год назад

I’m 67, Florida has always been God’s waiting room to me. I would much rather drive a car and mix with different ages and peoples’ backgrounds here in the Midwest. Golf carts seem silly as a mode of transportation.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Understood, thanks for watching Tim!

@LiveINtheGood53 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief Thank you for your service in the Navy! Oh, what did you think of Top Gun Maverick? I loved it. My brother was a career Navy man too. :)

@johnfranktullo3463 Год назад

Tim you make life what you want not what it dictates to you golf carts are silly and so is driving through a blizzard I did plenty of that in nj and ny state so too each their own

@stephaniesihpol8553 Год назад

Yeah because there’s no young people here and of course way less diverse than the Midwest lol. I loved having absolutely nothing to do when I lived in KS 😂. I think you’re making a good decision, glad you like where you are, Florida has enough people.

@stephaniesihpol8553 Год назад

Tim I agree with all your cons. I miss the mountains, I grew up near the ocean on LI, but before moving here to Florida I lived in CO for 23 years, I miss the Rockies, there’s nothing like them! I thought I wanted to be back by the ocean but I’ve realized I’m a mountain girl now. Fortunately we can drive to TN! Beautiful mountains there.

@JOJOMO443 Год назад

Nice video. I have been here 7 years now. Also live close to Spanish Springs. I love it here, even though winter continues to be more and more crowded. Just wanted to say that my understanding is that a few rec centers south of us do have fitness equipment. Not sure if that includes weights, but would be worth trying to find out.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Hi JOJOMO443, I found out about the Villages Fit Club after I made that video, and I have now joined the Fit Club, nice gyms, i made a video shortly after correcting myself : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LjZ7J-d7XeQ.html . Thanks for watching!

@RayandRita Год назад

Great video and very informative. We live in North Georgia and have thought about moving to The Villages but we're like you when it comes to the scenery here. I know we'd miss it. Plus I love the fall and would definitely miss that. Glad you reminded us too about those power lines. We were checking out area last August and they were an eyesore.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for watching Ray and Rita!

@stephanielucas828 Год назад

We are in North Georgia and are planning our move this summer to TV. Thanks for your information

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@stephanielucas828 Thanks Stephanie good luck with the move!

@milankatz9628 Год назад

I have a home in a retirement community for winter only. I would never live in Florida full time. Florida has an underbelly that makes me uneasy. Good luck and thanks for your insight!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for watching Milan!

@vansmack4972 Год назад

With the monthly fee of the Villages, it’s hard to believe a fitness center isn’t included.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Yeah it would be nice, I’ll have to look into it further because some people are saying some of the newer rec centers have some equipment, I’ll do my homework on that.

@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief yes, it’s true. Some of the newer recreation centers have some equipment, but it is a extra monthly charge to use it. Unfortunately! When the real estate agent was showing me around, she showed me the gym within some of these recreation centers, but didn’t tell me it was an extra cost. !!! Per month !! I guess I should’ve asked more questions, but you don’t always think of the questions to ask or assume things that seem to be true

@davisholman8149 Год назад

Siesta Key Beach - my daughter & family lives in the Tampa area. We went to Siesta Key a couple of times - so perfect. Sugar white sand & not commercial. My little grandsons had a ball & so did I! I love Scottsdale & need a dryer heat - but my daughter loves Florida so much - they plan to retire there when my SIL gets out of the Air Force soon.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I love Scottsdale what a great area, thanks for watching Davis!

@mariebickley4988 Год назад

Wish they had something like this in Australia 🇦🇺Gym, Dancing, Fabulous Amenities, Lovely people sounds Fabulous 😊

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Me too, I love Australia, I was there in 1985 ❤️

@mariebickley4988 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChief where in Australia did you visit?

@alexarnold174 Год назад

Hello shipmate, I thoroughly enjoyed your review of the Villages. You should consider a career as a public relations representative. Your slight negatives about the area aren't too bad. Where on earth can you go and experience perfection? I think if you utilize your awesome deck plate leadership and form a solid coalition with other like thinkers, management will build the gym that you desire. I don't understand the bond thing either; i'm pretty sure i don't care for it. Thanks for the great review, the Villages and your neighbors are lucky to have you.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks shipmate! Here’s an updated video I did on the gym situation. I did find some good gyms in the villages at a really good price. Check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LjZ7J-d7XeQ.html

@alexarnold174 Год назад

I will definitely watch, Alex

@sv4673 Год назад

Hi! What is your home insurance premium like? I heard that Florida is requiring flood insurance for all and that many insurance companies are pulling out or have gone bankrupt . Although this was a realtor promoting South Carolina. 😊 I moved to a 55+ outside of Austin,Texas about the same time you did. Outrageous property taxes here. I find I am dreaming more of the forest since moving to a flat area with no mountains.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

I'll be doing a budget video, but I dont think the flood insurance problem affects us, we are central Florida, most of what you are hearing is along the coastal regions. But Ill look into it and do a video for sure, I was waiting a full year to be here so I have good numbers for the entire year.

@MrGonzo4000 Год назад

Thanks for the video I checked out the villages found it just a little busy but nice I’m RETIRED ARMY and disabled due to my service.I chose to buy a home at Stone creek Ocala …

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Very cool just up the road. Thanks for watching Michael!

@MrGonzo4000 Год назад

@@TheVillagesChiefthanks for the reply hope all is well I hope u guys do more videos have a great day

@nancyloomis3046 Год назад

I’m glad to be out of Florida….I lived in Tampa area for 15+ years and moved to Md in 2008. I love the changing seasons, mountains and woodsiness of the mid-Atlantic. The sticky heat in Fl and my allergies were awful the entire time I lived there…(and as a teen I lived there from 1972-1979) my body never did adjust! 🥵I saw some very negative things about “political diversity” or lack of it in The Villages back during the run-up to the 2020 elections. I know that didn’t represent everyone there…I get that. I just hope we don’t see that kind of thing again. It’s nasty & unnecessary. Florida is a beautiful state and there are lots of wonderful people there too. But between the heat, the hurricanes 🌀 (that are only going to increase) the cost of home insurance and some of the social/political influences, you can have it. Lovely 🌞 Florida…I will have to appreciate you from afar and when visiting friends and family. 😊

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing Nancy :)

@glennevans5824 Год назад

I agree Nancy I moved to south Jersey 55/over ..but I like the seasons…and I have my grand kids here my daughter in Jersey..My brothers are in Florida …but it’s just not for me …it’s flat..humid ..and getting crowded…it’s pretty but not enough to get me to move away from…the seasons my kids…😊

@juliamundt101 Год назад

We moved to MD in 2021. This place is beautiful, we love the seasons, and the people.

@natureandbirdsounds1427 Год назад

I miss Maryland so much after being in florida for ten years. I hope to get out of here and move back there.

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

@@natureandbirdsounds1427 I lived in southern Maryland for about six years and really liked it, beautiful area.

@hoosiermama3001 Год назад

Thanks for providing your perspective on the good and not so good in TV. I look at the homes for sale online and if there is a powerline visible I automatically disqualify that house. Still looking for that Goldilocks house!

@TheVillagesChief Год назад

Thanks for sharing!

@lanadobritchanin1182 11 месяцев назад

I toyed with going to the villages but decided I wanted the ocean! However, I agree about missing the mountains, I used to go hiking with a group in the Appalachian trail … but, if you want that, do a weekend get away to eastern Tennessee/Georgia area. It’s a bit of a hike but nice change of pace. I moved to Florida 4.5 years ago and I find I need a change of scenery (I’m in at. Augustine-love it!!-but…😊 I try to do day trips to places that are about an hour to 1.5 hours away! It really helps.

@TheVillagesChief 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing! 😊