Florida Retirement Communities

[Ricky's Girl]

C.Ann - (As you have all probably figured out by now I don't know how to do mulitple quote/posts.) Thanks for the update on the Villages. It just so happens that we received info in todays mail from the Villages. We've requested a copy of their latest cd. Can't wait to see what's new. Thanks for sharing!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, moving to FL used to be my dream too. Might I ask exactly what it is about there that you crave other than the obvious -DW? The houses at The Villages have greatly increased in value since my friends bought there so it is a great investment. Many of the people whose homes were destroyed were put into other homes for the time being while their places are being rebuilt. It was amazing how well everyone pitched in and got the place back in shape in record time, from what I have been told.

They have a great program where you pay a reasonable amount and can visit for a week or so with everything included. They have a sales center and give guided tours of everything. My friends have a Courtyard Villa with hardly any yardwork necessary but they also have huge homes too. It is unlike anything I have ever seen but not for those with a small pocketbook.

clkelley, when you make the tour of the Northern states in the summer months, drop by and say hi!!

C.Ann, I think the last section was a New England decor. I like Spanish Springs better but you can go from one section to another as you wish. Lots of inexpensive places to eat there. I gained big when I visited for the week while I never gain weight at DW, no matter how long I stay. Too much sitting.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy Why Florida? For me it's Disney, Palm trees and sunshine. In reality, my dh was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about 6 years ago. Our brutal Michigan winters really take a toll on him with aches and pains plus the diabetes affects his circulation so he's always cold. We've traveled quite a bit throughout Florida and for some reason we always feel at home there. If the year round dream doesn't happen I'm sure we can down size here and spend a couple of months each winter in Florida - but we're not giving up yet, although those insurance rates are very scary!

We were so close to buying property in Crystal River about 5 years ago. Prices were so much lower then! But my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and came to live with us. We didn't want to take her out of state away from familiar surroundings. She passed away in 2005 and although we seem to have missed our golden opportunity for buying Florida real estate I wouldn't have done anything differently. I figure if it's meant to happen it will.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, if ever someone deserved to get their wish it is you for being such a good daughter. I am sure that the time you spent with your mom was very special and neither one of you would have had it any other way though.

I am guessing that you are somewhere around my age and you probably already know, in your great wisdom, that sometimes the things we do not get turn out to be for the best as we get something better.

Enjoy your search. Wherever you go you will take your yourselves and from what I have seen that is a very good thing!

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy/Linda Thank you so much for the kind words. I was having kind of a bad afternoon and your thoughtfulness sure put a smile in my heart.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ricky's Girl, I am delighted to have been of service but I never say anything I do not mean.

I had to spoon feed a dear friend today at the hospital so you made my day better too. The good news is that she remembered my name today.

SG/Linda

 

[DMRick]

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.

It's not a ghost town anymore. It'w really nice...built up, but not overly done.

We recently spent some time at the Villages, and while it's nice..to us it was truly a village. A very busy crowded village. We went into the square, and they were having a car show..so that brought in even more people. A lot of the smaller homes ($250,00 ones) in the newer areas don't have much space in between them. We actually prefered the "old" area, but I realize the types of homes there, prob aren't very safe if they have more of the horrible weather that destroyed some of the homes in January. I have seen pictures of the rebuilding, and I can't believe how fast they put just about everything back together.
We happened to be there the week before the storm hit...and our friends sent us pics of the very homes we looked at...yikes! I think the people who live there love it..but for us, it was too much like a city. We thought Solivita was more like a neigborhood...and yet it had tons of activities, and really cute homes. I think the homes in Solivita are smaller overall, than the new homes in The Villages. I think the Villages had too many rules for me too..I'd always be pushing the envelope LOL.
If you let me know when you visit, I'm sure my friends would be happy to tour you around the area. They love showing it off. I love their home. They also built a studio apartment off to the side, which is great for visiting family. Of course, they bought in when it looked like a ghost town, and they got a great price.

 

[ducklite]

You might want to check out Kings Ridge in Clermont. There are two DIS'ers living there already and loving it. http://www.kingsridge.com

Also FL property taxes already favorite residents. We are able to file homestead papework and that gives us an off the top assessment break, plus our taxes are "locked in: so we have maximum annual increases. Those who only use the home part-time are not given this option.

Anne

 

[Ricky's Girl]

SlightlyGoofy/Linda Here's some for you. Thanks for all your

 

[Ricky's Girl]

DMRick Now I remember what it was about the Villages - the crowds! I remember there were more golf carts zooming around than cars. I've heard they are moving right along with the rebuilding after the tornado disaster. Gee, maybe FEMA could learn a thing or two from this.

That's awfully kind of you to offer us a tour at Solivita (through your friends). I just may take you up on that. I'll let you know when we've scheduled our trip.

 

[Ricky's Girl]

ducklite Thank you for the link to Kings Ridge. I've heard good things about Clermont on the DIS. I'm looking forward to seeing it first hand.

 

[PatriciaH]

These forums are pretty good:

www.city-data.com

Some of the site info is out of date but the message boards are active. Click on Florida, scroll to the bottom where it says "forum archive", then click "view full version" at the top. Lots of info on insurance rates, crime, etc..

I think the Villages, Mt. Dora and Solivita are all nice but in the middle of nowhere. Solivita is the closest to WDW but you have to go down a 2 lane road for miles to get there. I would hate to see it at rush hour or in an emergency.