Does The Villages Have Any Large Competitors – You Bet (the West).
Category: Active adult communities
Updated December 21, 2017, originally published February 11, 2011
This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series. Part 1 covers competitors in the West, while Part 2 discusses alternatives to The Villages in the East.
We frequently get a question just like this one – “We have visited The Villages (TV) and we love it – it is our first choice for retirement. But before we commit, are there any other age-restricted communities that are remotely the same size or offer a similar range of amenities”?
The good news is that, although no other community comes close to the mega-size of The Villages, there are least 16 other active communities with over 10,000 residents. That represents a size sufficiently large to provide a comparable range of amenities and clubs to those enjoyed by the over 100,000 residents of The Villages. In addition, there is another large group of communities with more than 5,000 homes which also have extensive amenities packages. This article highlights some of the ultra-large active communities in the West. We invite you to explore over 3500 active communities of all sizes in our State Directories at Topretirements.
A Refresher on The Villages
For those not familiar with it, The Villages, located south of Ocala in Central Florida, is one of the largest active communities in the world with over 110,000 residents. The Villages has 3 town squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood) that provide shopping, restaurants, and open-air plazas featuring free nightly entertainment. There are 33 golf courses, 8 country clubs where residents automatically become members, along with a large number of separate family and adult recreational areas. The Polo Center and its Pavilion host international polo matches and events like BBQ competitions. There is virtually every kind of activity and athletic resource: archery, one finger painting, pickle ball, quilting, scrap booking, synchronized swimming, taichi, yoga, etc. There are hundreds of clubs for every interest, including one for just about every state in the country. The community is large enough that singles can feel at home here, since there are clubs and activities just for them. Although there are plenty of people who hate the idea of a community this large, there are many more who are attracted to the idea. See our recent article, “Why the Villages is the Best Place for Len and Ann” for more about living there.
Large competitors in the West
Sun City. The original Sun City in Peoria, Arizona is probably the second largest active adult community after The Villages. Sun City has 48,000 residents. It was founded by Del Webb in 1960, making it the original active community in the world. It boasts every conceivable activity – 7 recreation centers, 11 golf courses, 3 country clubs, 2 bowling centers, Sun Bowl, Viewpoint Lake – plus hundreds of clubs. Like many communities established long ago, at 75 the average age in Sun City is well up there. Sun City West, which is close by the original, has almost as many residents and similar amenities.
More Sun Cities. The Sun City communities developed by Del Webb and Pulte consistently offer some of the largest active adult communities in the world. We already mentioned Sun City and Sun City West. Others include: Sun City Texas (near Georgetown) with 7,500 homes, Sun City Anthem (Las Vegas) with 7,200 homes and an 86,000 sq.ft. clubhouse. Sun City has other locations all over the country, including at least 4 in Nevada alone. There are also numerous Sun City communities in the East.
Laguna Woods Village(LWV) is a 55+ age-restricted gated community located on 2,100 acres of rolling hillsides just minutes from the Laguna Beach coastline. The community has 12,736 dwellings and is considered to be one of the largest of its type on the West Coast. Laguna Woods Village is home to 18,000 residents. The average age of residents moving into the community is 67 (which means the average age of all residents is higher). Laguna Woods Village offers a wide range of social and recreational activities, including yoga, dances, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, paddle tennis, table tennis, and bridge. Facilities include seven clubhouses, five swimming pools, a performing arts center seating 814, and the community’s “living” amenity, the equestrian center. The community owns several horses available to residents and their guests. There are over 230 clubs and organizations to choose from, and a choice of more than 100 Saddleback College Emeritus courses. Unlike TV, LWV does not have any retail or commercial establishments within the community, although they are nearby.
Hot Springs Village (HSV). This community near the historic town of Hot Springs, Arkansas is open to all ages. HSV is home to 14,000 residents. It has a full range of amenities and clubs including 9 golf courses and 10 lakes with marinas for boating and fishing.
Green Valley, AZ. Located in extreme southern Arizona, Green Valley is home to several developments, 59 home owner associations, and about 20,000 residents in over 12,000 homes. Most of its residents are retired. It has 9 golf courses, 13 recreation centers, shopping plazas, dozens of clubs and volunteer organizations, medical facilities, places of worship and recreation centers. Residents share in a cooperative venture, Green Valley Recreation, Inc., which provides recreational opportunities across the many developments in the Green Valley area.
Robson Ranch near Dallas, TX is a large and well-established community of 7,200 homes. It offers the extensive amenities you would expect in such a large community. Robson also has other large communities such as SaddleBrooke Ranch in Tucson. This one has 4,600 homes and includes amenities like 2 semi-private golf courses and a 27 hole private country club. Plus many, many clubs to join.
Sun Lakes, developed originally by Robson back in 1973, has almost 6,700 homes in several neighborhoods, plus all the amenities one would expect, such as 5 clubhouses and 4 golf courses. PebbleCreek (Robson) has over 6,000 homes in Goodyear, AZ.
Rossmoor Walnut Creek (CA). This community in an afflluent area about 25 miles from San Francisco has 6,700 residential units in three cooperatives, 12 condominium and one single-family home developments. It also has its own recreation department.
By no means a complete list
This list of the largest active communities that can compete with The Villages is by no means exhaustive. There are undoubtedly others with more than 1,000 residents not mentioned here. But before you search only for the largest communities, you should decide just how large a community you want to live in. The Villages is in a class by itself – but the truth is that any community over 1,000 residents is going to offer plenty to do and many interesting people to meet. Then you can narrow you choices down to location and what the community is like. For our money, the location of The Villages isn’t that great – there is a reason why the company was able to amass that much land – rural central Florida was never developed because it was too far from the coasts. It can be pretty chilly in the winter and hot in the summer.
You can use the Advanced Search at Topretirements to look for 55+ communities by size and other characteristics, such as amenities, price range, and type of community. As always, the best answer to the question of where to live is to sample various communities. Visit them, or better yet take advantage of “Stay and Play” or “Discovery” packages to see first hand if the community is right for you – before you buy!
What do you think? Is a very large active community for you? Or would you prefer to live in something a bit smaller? Do you know some other very large communities we should cover? Let us know your preferences using the Comments section below.
For further Reference:
Part 1: Competitors to The Villages –
East
The Villages – Facts and Opinions
Comments on "Does The Villages Have Any Large Competitors – You Bet (the West)."
Margaret Fallon says:
Before committing to the Villages in FL, you should look at other 55+ communities in the Southeast. As mentioned, Sun City Hilton Head is one of the premier resort destination 55+ communities and is located approx. 15 miles from Hilton Head Island and the beach. Savannah and Beaufort are about 20 minutes away, Charleston about 2 hours and Jacksonville FL about 2.5 hours. There are many home choices ranging from villas, cottages, single family homes, custom homes and even some homes with lofts. Prices range from low 100's to over 600K. So many clubs and activities, the choices are almost endless.
David M. Lane says:
Some people choose these large places like The Villages because there are hundreds of activities and socialization that never ends. They figure if they are in that stuff they will never age and go on with all the abilities they have unlike what they think occurs in other styles of retirement. All the ads for these large places feature youth retires and the pictures look as though the people are 45 or 50 that live there. This is a myth if you go there in person you will find many who are not as healthy and robust as in other retirement places. The Villages is busy building independent and assisted care places within their bounds. You will not be "young" forever. Think of what you will be like ten years from now and whether these places are the best place for you.
says:
I have visited several active adult communities … love The Villages except for 2 things: would prefer to live in a condo[even a midrise] and a better fitness club available ie with a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam, spinning classes … all-in-one!! Any suggestions?? I do understand that The Villages may have a better health club available in a few years when they build their 3rd town center??
Lauren says:
Not sure what area of the country that you are focusing on fiddlehead but Laguna Woods fits all of the parameters that you set out. On top of it, it is about 10 miles from Laguna Beach. Laguna Woods is the old Leisure World but became so large that it is now a city in and of itself. David Lane does have a valid point. One of my good friends is a realtor and when we sold our home, we wanted to look at Laguna Woods. We are in our early 60's and our friend advised us not to buy there yet. She told me that she sells a lot of condos in the development to people between 55 & 65 and within a year, they are calling here back listing the property. The reason? The age difference. Keep in mind that many residents in these locations are un their late 70's to early 80's.
Al says:
I would like to retire in a motor home! Are there any communities that cater to retirees living in their own motor homes?
Comment from Topretirements: Al, good question. If you use our "Search" feature you can search for 55+ communities and others for RV/Mobile Homes. Also, check out this new site: http://www.bestplacesinusa.com/rvcommunity.html Use the pull-down menus to search by state and lifestyle.
Rob Sassano says:
We moved from the Tampa FL area to Tellico Village in Loudon, East Tennessee 30 minutes south of Knoxville. There are so many nice communities to live in both in Florida and East Tennessee and all over the country. But I can tell you from personal experience that we absolutely love living in Tellico Village. What's not to like... 3 great golf courses, wellness center, yacht club, 125 special interest clubs, a tremendous lake where you can boat directly all the way to the Gulf of Mexico!
Add to that a very low cost of living (1/3 of Florida just in annual taxes and insurances alone), 4 mild seasons, access to major medical, shopping and restaurants and the great smoky mountains, a great outdoors lifestyle... not to mention we're not fixated on the Weather Channel worring and watching the track of hurricanes every summer any more! There are many other similar communities in East Tennessee as well... Rarity Bay, Tennessee National, etc.
Barbara says:
Does anyone have any information on Sun city center? They have some nice homes for sale.
The area seems good. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Barbara
Rick Berlin says:
My parents have lived in The Villages the last 7 years. We love the area living in northern Wisconson. They have much to do in the area with clubs and organizations. They have 2 squares and are building a third one. The population is at 80,000 and when it caps out at 120,000 they will cap it out. It is also a golf cart community. When we can we may also move to the Villages too.
clauper says:
I would love to see top retirement communities for young single retirees...not looking for dating or 'hooking up' so to speak, but one which is inclusive of all types of people and in which singles will be able to form long term friendships.
JulieG says:
Clauper and other singles. I too am looking for what you wrote of. I especially am having difficulty finding single family homes with less than 1,500 sq ft. 2/2. No kids! I do not need a large home for retirement. TN is my target area so far. Coming from San Diego will be an adjustment but it's better than my home town of Buffalo, N.Y.
gold1839 says:
I too would like to see a pklace to retire, small walkable town, where being single wouldn't be strange.
JulieG says:
Retirement income. I have the impresseion that most on this site are wealthy, By that I mean monthly income is above say $3,000/individual double that for couples. I am not one of those. My income will be approx. $2,000/month. Are there any here in the same circumstances? Thanks.
Shari says:
Julie...I'm with you...not affluent. I tried coming off the west coast of this country and I'm in agony with the closed mindedness I've encountered. Tell me about your attraction to TN.
JulieG says:
Shari,I'm glad I'm not alone. I've just started my research on where to retire. TN is attractive, so far, because of no state income tax, moderate climate and housing I can afford. I would also be closer to family (Buffalo and FL.) Living in So. Cal for over 30 years has been wonderful except for how expensive it has gotten. I want an area that isn't completely flat terain. Also, I'm a conservative, politically speaking and want to live in a Red state or at least a Red county. I like being active but many of the retirement communities have the added cost for all those ammenities that I just won't use. I don't like paying for something I don't want. I'm also wondering why so many of these communities have 2 story, 3 & 4 bedroom homes. I understand with larger families some might want extra rooms but the inventory of single family, one story homes with 2/2 seems very limited.
Carol says:
I considered Tennessee and North Carolina - NC beats out TN because of the mountains and ocean. However, I realized that political election that "most", at least the ones that voted and are my age (65) are too conservative for my tastes. Would not fit in at all and would not like their narrow minded views - so I will meander down the road to Delaware, not too far from my or my kids, and has ocean, and more tolerant population. Having lived in Maryland all my life, living on the eastern shore of Maryland has had its challenges since they are so conservative; however, overall Md is socially liberal.
Delaware has no state sales tax and is very tax friendly, i.e, property tax.
tax on pensions, etc
Paula says:
I find it curious that someone who describes herself as liberal automatically labels anyone who's conservative as "narrow minded," and is trying to avoid all these taxes. How, pray tell, does one think that all these liberal social programs get FUNDED if not through taxes?? After moving to Ithaca, NY, from Toledo, OH, where I thought I was quite liberal, after almost 20 years here I have discovered that some of the most intolerant people I have encountered have called themselves "liberal." Too bad we can't just try to meet others where they are and not have us all get put into little boxes.
Dick says:
Carol, I have lived on the NC coast for 22 years and yes, I am a conservative. Every state has people with "narrow minded views", in fact, I think you have them also. There are areas of NC with "liberal leaning views" like Asheville and the Triangle. I live in Wilmington and have seen too many people from the Northeast who left because they wanted something else and then try to change Wilmington to be like their old area. By the way, I am from PA.
Dick says:
Right on, Paula.....
Roger says:
I am niether a liberal or an conserative I am a person who does not like labels or namecalling. I am also looking at TN and AL. Am fron AL but live in WI.
Carol says:
I guess I started a firestorm. When I call myself "liberal" I mean to say that I am socially liberal - pro choice, gay marriage, gun control to some degree. I have worked hard all my life, and would never try to avoid taxes, just not pay my entire pension to them.
Would just feel more comfortable living in an area where most people are like me.
Editor's note: Thanks for the clarification Carol. To echo some of the other comments in this thread, we don't think it is helpful for folks of any political persuasion to put labels or value judgements on the others. So we will continue to make edits to any posts that seem to cross that boundary. Wanting to live near people who think like yourself is perfectly understandable, but lets leave the arguing to the politicians - no one could beat them at that game!
cherie says:
Well, I think it was the unfortunate choice of the term "narrow-minded" that caused this kerfuffle. (isn't that a great word?!)
cherie says:
oops. I pressed the send button before I intended - I got too excited by kerfuffle! Anyway I understand what Carol's intention was. Being a liberal in a strongly red area or, for me, being a Unitarian in the Bible Belt, is uncomfortable and often times it puts you in a position of being an outsider. No one wants to spend their retirement that way! So we too are considering NC but the Asheville area is considered quite liberal. They even have t-shirts that say "keep Asheville weird." TN not so much - maybe in larger cities like Chatanooga.
Jim says:
Good heavens people. If Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg can be best friends, maybe you shouldn't be worrying about the politics of the people who live near you. Besides, how boring to live where everyone agrees with you.
Fionna says:
Comments about different "persuasions" reminds me of an incident when I first moved to Texas. I was asked by a couple of women which "church" I attended! I guess they just assumed everyone is Christian and goes to a church-- I was taken aback as no one had ever asked me this before.
sheila says:
Fiona: We too have been asked this question a number of times since we moved to Texas. We had never had it asked before either. The strong religious persuasion usually denotes political persuasion as well. Thats what we've found. We have friends of all political views but since we are moderates we are able to have open conversations on a range of issues with those who share our same values. Not boring at all. Thats where we're most comfortable. With friends of the other political persuasian there are topics/areas we simply don't discuss as we have both determined it might undermine our relationship. But there are a range of other things we can talk about and do together without any concern about where we fit on the political spectrum.
LS says:
I felt the same way when I moved to Texas 14 years ago. Being from the north, there was culture shock. We live in a upscale town where many residents are professionals or executives who have relocated here from around the country and the world so it is OK where I reside. However, there is still the goofy state politicians in Austin that pass all kinds of absurd laws. Don't think I'll retire here for several reasons but politics and religion aren't factors. I've learned to co-exist and know which subjects to avoid in conversations. It would be better if we could all do the same.
Linda Christianson says:
We are planning on visiting North Carolina as a possible place to retire and are looking for the most conservative part of the state.Can anyone help direct us? Where would that be?We want to spend our retirement with people who have the same interests and have found over the years that if we agree on politics it seems we are more compatible in most other areas too.Not looking for a "discussion" on liberal vs conservative instead just looking for like interests. Thank you.
Elaine says:
Except for things like state taxes, I do not think that a state can be generalized that well. While I think that there are general tendencies by state, please do not judge a whole state by one area. I lived in Birmingham AL and found it very diverse except maybe higher education…perhaps because of the medical school located there. Huntsville AL was also unique (space program?). The weather in the state of Washington is quite different across the state. I lived in Chapel Hill NC and it was not conservative (the university?)
Even a county can be different in different sections. However, it does fine tune information a bit further. Do a search for the subject of interest by interactive map by county
Want t is see how generous your neighbors are? Try
http://philanthropy.com/section/How-America-Gives/621/
You can find education levels, humidity, economics, temperature, dew point, religion, etc. I tried to put a bunch of my favorites, but top retirements thhought it was "spammy" I will try just one more:
http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/results/president
Shari says:
I'm so saddened by how this conversation degenerated beyond ordinary retirement preferences. I agree with the editor. Folks...please note how you have chased people away from conversing with the vitrolic note put forth.
Shari says:
JulieG...Great insight and thanks for the reasoning. I'm from So.
Cal as well...and I don't care for the "flat terrain" either. We may be spoiled by having all the terrain types that could possibly be in CA.
Bill says:
Somewhere along the way this particular blog changed from comparing communities to the Villages to a lib vs cons discussion. Can this conversation be moved to a more appropriate place, such as the forum? Most of us really don't care if you don't want to live near someone with other political and social views as you.
Linda Christianson says:
Hey Bill: Wanting to live near people with the same political views is as important to many as finding ones dream community.That is only one of many criteria to look at when searching.For twenty-five years we lived in a community surrounded by University liberals and this time we will find more of our liking.So,sorry this offends you but to many this is a question that begs to be researched.
Sandy says:
I love northwest Florida, however don't even think of looking for a retirement community here. They are non existent. One on the gulf coast near Destin that is way way above most retires income. Don't see why affordable retirement areas have not been developed in this area.
Sara says:
Saddlebrooke Arizona 5000 homes,
golf cart active adult community is better comparison
than Green Valley which is more of regular mixed town vs community.
It just north of oro valley and Tucson with multiple golf courses, pickelball, athletic and dog parks,
Performing arts theater with live performances and movies, multiple restaurants, doc offices etc.
Great views and foothill topography, not flat desert. Mountain views.
Mixture of homes, sizes and types.
Saddlebrooke ranch is five miles north of main saddlebrooke, it is nice but more desert like.
Jane Olstad says:
This whole discussion has not mentioned costs (activity fees, charges, HOA costs, etc.) in any of these Planned Developments. And are there use restrictions, onerous covenants, or restrictions on selling? It has been difficult getting this information from many of the places discussed.
Mary says:
I understand the premise of this post in finding suitable retirement communities based on style and costs etc. but there are those of us who would indeed like a community or an area in states where red or blue sensibilities are dominant and perhaps a separate post of retirement communities in each demographic would be of help. It would matter to me as I want to be around people who mostly think like me and like the same amenities like continuing education, the arts and culture or at least aren't way off in right field.
Maimi says:
Does anyone know of any over 55 communities in New England that are moderately priced?
I think the above discussion about finding a place where there is one predominant political view could be irrelevant if you find a place where there ar activities and amenities that interest you. I sure hope that our country has not become so divided that we can no longer tolerate the views of others. I find the New England states are diverse enough to be interesting and tolerant.
Alan E says:
Initially, the notion of finding a retirement community with the same or similar political values and views seems to be of little concern and perhaps comes across as being narrow minded. Yes, I agree we should not exclude new potential friends and acquaintances on the basics of political views. But, if this is ones retirement desire, then so be it. Within financial limitations, each of us has a right to choose how and where we want to spend our remaining days.
Thinking this through, one needs to consider the ramifications of the HOA of such a community where political views are converged into a desired commonality. The political views of board members in charge of running the HOA can and will impact ones quality of life.
For example, if the controlling members of an HOA feel the need to raise the dues/fees so more opulent communal facilities, services and, or grounds can be provided, then this can drive out many that are not able to or unwilling to pay for it (ie: increase taxes and spending). Likewise, if the HOA decides not to raise dues/fees for even basic ongoing repairs, maintenance and upkeep, then this can also drive out some residents because of substandard and deteriorating communal facilities, services and, or grounds (ie: lower taxes and spending).
Therefore, the idea of political orientation perhaps should have an influence as to where and how we choose to live. Investigating beforehand how a community is managed and ruled on the local level might save one some money and angst before a retirement location decision is made. Yes, thinking this through has changed my mind as to the significance of this topic.
Sharon says:
Any suggestions on RV garage home developments with nice amenities like The Villages?
Jean says:
Mary, People move in and out of retirement communities so if there is a dominant political leaning it could change in a short time as people come and go. If you find a community that meets your other needs, you can check on Meetup.com for local groups where you can find likeminded individuals. The nice thing about meetup groups is that you get to meet people from the area to which you moved and just those in the 55+ place. And its easy to start your own meetup group if you dont find one that appeals to you! I've joined a crafters group, and bowling, golf, and transplant groups, all on meet up.
Moderator Flo says:
Maimi,
If you go to the drop down menu on the Topretirements.com website, and go to search, scroll down to advanced search where you can enter states and 55+ criteria.
Hope this helps!
Flo
Louise S says:
Alan E
Your point is well taken, but how does one go about finding out the political leanings if the HOA board when looking at potential properties? Also how can you find out the average age of the residents. My husband and I are in our mid 60s and active and would like to be in a community that at the very least is mixed so as to provide something for all. Can we trust the realtor on this ?
Bruce says:
Many communities now use professional companies to run the HOA, with resident representation, which I believe is a good way to stay solvent and fair to its community and residents. Many communities are also 45+ which allows for a nice mix of seniors of all ages and many different activities and clubs. I love retirement communities which are part of a larger master plan. This allows for more services and stores with a larger population instead of just the senior population. Our realtor was so helpful and she only worked with individuals or couples in retirement or about to retire. She was so well known and respected as we made visits to many communities.
Admin says:
This conversation seems to have veered into discussing HOAs instead of its original focus, large active communities (in the West). For more on HOAs we recommend you go over to these two articles where you will lots of info and other comments on the subject!
https://www.topretirements.com/blog/active-adult-communities/on-an-hoa-board-heres-how-to-avoid-problems.html/
https://www.topretirements.com/blog/active-adult-communities/why-do-some-people-seem-to-hate-hoas-and-how-many-of-these-people-are-there.html/
says:
These comments asking for information on Hot Springs Village were moved here from a different Blog for more discussion of large communities:
I live in Hot Springs Village, AR, for a little over 6 years. If you have questions feel free to ask. I am happy to discuss the area.?Good health
Phil M — March 19, 2018
Hi Phil M,Hot Springs Village looks very nice!? Can you tell us how far stores, like Walmart and big Grocery stores are from HSV? ?What does the HOA fees cover? Would lawn care be included? ?Is there new construction there or just resales? Did you buy a resale? ?Thanks!
by Louise — March 19, 2018
Phil M. ?I am curious if it is a walkable area. Would we have to have a car to get to essential things like grocery stores. Also is the state kind to retirees in general.?Many thanks,?
?by Jennifer — March 19, 2018
Phil M, another question, do people get around on golf carts there or are they only for the golf course? I like the fact that some communities use golf carts exclusively to go to stores and restaurants. Thanks!?
by Louise — March 20, 2018
I am not yet a resident of Hot Springs Village, but I am closing on my townhome in early April…
You definitely need a car in Hot Springs Village…
Hot Springs Village is not a walkable community, although there are 31 miles of walking and biking trails… there are over 500 miles of roads in Hot Springs Village, and the main road runs from the East gate to the West gate (approximately 16 miles). It appears to me that the East gate area has minimal shopping choices close by. From what I understand, most people who live near the East gate travel approx 25 miles to Benton, Arkansas to do their shopping…. I will be living about six minutes from the West gate, where there are numerous nearb businesses such as Walmart supercenter, US Bank, McDonald’s, and other local Restaurants. Hot springs, Arkansas is about 16 miles from Hot Springs Village…
New construction lots are available, but it appears to me that most real estate transactions are resale…
HOA fees do not include lawn care… The soil seems to be very rocky, and most homes do not have wash green grass… A lot of homes have “campground landscaping”, or rock landscaping in their yard… amenities such as golf, pickle ball, bocce ball, lawn bowling are available for a very reasonable fees… The nice thing about this is that if you don’t participate in a given activity, you don’t directly pay for it…
--Blaine
Phil M says:
Thanks Blaine, for assisting with your answers.
Please note HSV is 17 miles from East gate to West gate, the main road is DeSoto, it runs through both gates, The East gate is about 24 miles to Benton and about 23 to Hot Springs, though they share many of the same shops, many are also different, so a person might head either direction. A Walmart is about 4 miles and a small grocer about 1 mile from the West Gate. At this time the East gate has a Gas station, Restaurants, some shopping, and a Dollar store near by.
The village is not walkable at this time, but there are plans to add a walkable area, would not expect it to happen in less than 5 years.
Yes, a car is a necessity here. No, people do not use golf carts as there only transportation.
I personally bought resale, but both are available.
I think the state is kind to retires and especially kind to exmilitary.
In addition to what Blaine mentioned as recreation, we have a large Bridge/Card club, many lakes, 2 beaches, a dozen Churches, Banks, some doctor offices and about 150 active clubs of all sorts.
For small extra dues we have a library, work-out areas, indoor pools, a live theater, and other community centers.
Feel free to ask more.
Good health,
Phil
Chuck says:
Do any of these Villages alternatives - east or west - have recreation centers with billiards tables?
There are 6-8 tables in 20+ neighborhood rec centers in TV and a large, competitive billiards community with numerous leagues and tournaments. We’re considering a move out of TV because of the serious overcrowding/traffic problems and the growing sinkhole issues.
But I don’t want to give up my billiards lifestyle.
Tess says:
You may already be aware since it's so close to TV, but On Top of the World in Ocala has billiards. I'm not a resident and don't know the details, it's just something that I learned of last year when I visited there.
Kate says:
For those who want a similar place but with a lot more nature and many RV-ers, I would recommend The Great Outdoors in Titusville (FL). They have all the activities, golf carts, restaurant and clubs but also lot's of woodsy spaces with really beautiful birds, some gators, otters, bobcats and deer. They also have an amazing nature center and meeting hall with monthly lectures. I'm kind of tempted to move there sometimes but I live on the river and closer to the beach so...