Florida Retirement Communities

[Ricky's Girl]

I'm planning a trip to Florida this summer to look at retirement communities. There was a community my DH and I wanted to check out called "Top of the World" or something like that. I think it was in Central Florida. Anyway I've lost the info and was wondering if anyone can help me?

We're also going back to Solivita and checking out Lakes of Mt. Dora. Any other suggestions?

 

[DMRick]

We're also going back to Solivita and checking out Lakes of Mt. Dora. Any other suggestions?

Solivita is really nice.We have friends that live there year around (most are there for the winter months), and they did try to tempt us when they first bought in. I can't believe how nice it is, compared to when it first started.

 

[Ricky's Girl]

DMRick - We visited Solivita several years ago. At the time we thought the homes and area were beautiful but thought their "downtown" area looked like a ghost town. My dh compared it to one of those false front Western sets. Things seem to have picked up and we're anxious to re-visit it. Who knows, it could very well be our futute home.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am not an expert on Florida retirement homes but since I have many friends who live at The Villages and have visited there myself I might suggest that you go and look at it. It is very impressive and for a Disney lover it is almost ideal since it is only 45 minutes away from DW and was build by engineers from both DW and "The Dark Side".

You can check out the website and it gives you much information as well as an offer for a trial visit. They are very low key in selling and you might find that you actually have to ask them for tours.

No, I do not get a cent for this referral BUT if you should move there and have a spare room you might invite me for a winter, or TWO.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy We did check out the Villages several years ago. I agree with you, it is absolutely beautiful. But for some reason (that escapes me now ) we decided it wasn't for us. Maybe we'll give it another look.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, shucks darn! That completely ruins my retirement plan. I currently know 3 people who live there and if I can get about another 10 or so I could visit each one for one week a winter and get away from the Indiana winters.

I figure a week is about how long anyone could stand me.

Good luck in your search but be aware that many big changes are getting ready to take place in FL with real estate taxes, insurance etc. It is getting expensive to live there, in some places.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy Sorry to have upset your retiement plans.

I'm not aware of the changes coming soon to Florida's real estate taxes,etc. Could you provide a link to more info on this? I'd really appreciate it.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, I have friends who have a huge expensive home in Indiana and own one of the lower end ($170K) villas at The Villages and they told me that Florida is considering giving property tax breaks for FL residents only. Their plan is to switch their primary home to FL rather than IN since they spend the majority of their time down there anyway.

I also have a sister who lives near Clearwater and she is not much of a complainer and she has been shocked at not being able to get insurance even though her condo has never had a claim and having to go to the , very expensive, state insurance that also incurred a bunch of fees to qualify for.

There was a thread on the DIS talking about some of these matters. I have many friends who have had places in FL for many years because they were inexpensive who have sold and moved because they could no longer afford to stay.

Your mileage could vary though. I figure folks should live where they are happy. It does not pay to save a few bucks if you are spending every spare minute, and extra dollar to get to where you REALLY wanna be.

BTW, I am flexible and available to visit for a week most anywhere if there is no snow to shovel. I babysit and do light housecleaning.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy Thanks for the info. Once we make the move we plan to live year round in Florida. I'm hoping that by moving to Central Florida insurance rates might be slightly less than along the coastal areas. I have a lot of homework to do before we make the move

By the way . . . do you do windows?

 

[stingray65]

Check out Lake Ashton. We were there last year and we loved it. It is near Lake Wales about 40 miniutes from Disney and 5 min from cypress gardens

 

[Ricky's Girl]

stingray65 Thanks for the info on Lake Ashton. I'll google it right now.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, maybe you can get better info from folks who actually live in FL right now?? I just know a lot of folks who live there, from low end to high end.

I do not DO windows, if you mean cleaning, BUT I am really clever in knowing how to decorate them in such a way that people do not notice. I live in a house that is over 100 years old and there is no possible way to clean the windows between the old wood frames and the storm windows, not one that I care to attempt anyway. I have found that nice clean sheers cover a multitude of sins though.

However, I can fix a leaky faucet, refinish woodwork, upholster old furniture, change oil in a car, landscape a yard, teach children how to read AND love it, lay carpet, wallpaper, paint, install molding, patch plaster, and a few other things. I presently work for free with no benefits.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy With all of your skills and talents I may have to adopt you.

My dh and I are thinking of renting an apartment for several months in Central Florida to give us more time to scout out different areas. When I search on-line I get a little overwhelmed by the shear number of communities listed.

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I'm planning a trip to Florida this summer to look at retirement communities. There was a community my DH and I wanted to check out called "Top of the World" or something like that. I think it was in Central Florida. Anyway I've lost the info and was wondering if anyone can help me?

We're also going back to Solivita and checking out Lakes of Mt. Dora. Any other suggestions?

I'm nowhere near retirement (sometimes I wish) but I do live in Florida now. My mom is in a condo in Mt. Dora -- not a retirement condo development though. But I can tell you that the entire Mt. Dora area is beautiful. Wherever you are looking in Mt. Dora will surely be nice.

Top of the World may have a location in central Florida, but I know of one in Clearwater. It is a retirement condo complex and each building is decorated/built to look like different corny castles. Quite a sight to drive by. But a lot people think they are great. It is very centrally located and there are bus shuttles that take residents out and about.

As for anything new in Florida about taxes or insurance, I don't know anything new. Ever since we had a few hurricanes blow through and criss cross the state, homeowners insurance companies have either gotten out or raised their rates astronomically, especially within 30 miles of the coast. My own policy was dropped 3 years ago, and I almost had to go with the state insurance of last resort -- Citizens. They keep their rates higher than the highest private ins. to supposedly encourage homeowners to go to all lengths to find coverage elsewhere first. It is hard though when no company will insure you. I was lucky to get on with State Farm, but at triple my previous rate. Yes, triple. And this years renewal has gone up again another $500 a year, pushing mine to almost $4000, which is really ridiculous on my small 3 bedroom house.

Good luck in your search.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

ADisneygirl, ouch!!! I guess when I pay my next insurance bill I will not complain, quite as much! My sister lives in a small condo complex in Clearwater and only has a one bedroom and her insurance went to $3,000 a year. I am thinking that it might be a temporary thing and the state will do something. I hope I am right.

Ricky's Girl, there are days when I would gladly be adopted. I think you are wise to think of renting for a bit before settling. We have a resort area near us and the city folks dream of retiring there. They often overpay for a home there because they are coming from the big city where things are SOOO expensive and then get stuck there when they find out that it is not as much fun living there year round and in fact it can be a huge pain. I hope you find your dream. I will never get far away from my grandkids, even for being closer to DW and hope to live long enough to enjoy great grands, many years from now.

Slightly Goofy

 

[clkelley]

Totally off topic, but the only way to retire for me will be 6 months at Ft. Wilderness from October to March, then 6 months across the rest of the country

 

[C.Ann]

I have a friend in The Villages whose neighbor moved to Top of the World after their home was totally destroyed by the tornadoes in February.. There was no "repairing" it - it was a total loss and would have to be rebuilt from the bottom up.. Her friend is sorry she made the move - says it doesn't have the same atmosphere as The Villages - but everyone's taste is different..

They're also breaking ground for an entirely new section of The Villages - forgot what it's called or what the "theme" is, but when my friend first told me about it I remember thinking it sounded pretty neat.. As of right now I absolutley love the Lake Sumter area of The Villages.. I go up there often when I visit my sister in Lady Lake..

 

[Ricky's Girl]

I'm nowhere near retirement (sometimes I wish) but I do live in Florida now. My mom is in a condo in Mt. Dora -- not a retirement condo development though. But I can tell you that the entire Mt. Dora area is beautiful. Wherever you are looking in Mt. Dora will surely be nice.

Top of the World may have a location in central Florida, but I know of one in Clearwater. It is a retirement condo complex and each building is decorated/built to look like different corny castles. Quite a sight to drive by. But a lot people think they are great. It is very centrally located and there are bus shuttles that take residents out and about.

As for anything new in Florida about taxes or insurance, I don't know anything new. Ever since we had a few hurricanes blow through and criss cross the state, homeowners insurance companies have either gotten out or raised their rates astronomically, especially within 30 miles of the coast. My own policy was dropped 3 years ago, and I almost had to go with the state insurance of last resort -- Citizens. They keep their rates higher than the highest private ins. to supposedly encourage homeowners to go to all lengths to find coverage elsewhere first. It is hard though when no company will insure you. I was lucky to get on with State Farm, but at triple my previous rate. Yes, triple. And this years renewal has gone up again another $500 a year, pushing mine to almost $4000, which is really ridiculous on my small 3 bedroom house.

Good luck in your search.

ADisneygirl - thanks for taking the time to share info with me. I've heard a lot of good things about Mt. Dora - can't wait to check it out. The Top of the World community I remembered had single home sites - maybe I've just gotten the name confused with another community. I'm pretty certain my retirement dream doesn't include living in a corny looking castle.

The insurance rates are very scary! I had no idea. We currently have Citizens for our auto and home and pay about $1000 a year for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath colonial with a 2 car attached garage. 4 grand a year would sure take a chunk out of the retirement budget.

Thanks again for your help. I've certainly got a lot to consider.

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy Thanks for the good wishes. Retiring to Florida has been a dream of ours for sometime now. Hopefully this year or the next our dream will finally come true.

 

[Ricky's Girl]

Totally off topic, but the only way to retire for me will be 6 months at Ft. Wilderness from October to March, then 6 months across the rest of the country

clkelley I hear ya! My ideal retirement location would be the new Castle suite at the Magic Kingdom. Hey! A girl can dream!