I just posted on ot board but thought here would be more appropriate. My wife and I just returned from a week long vacation rental in the Villages. It is a 55+ retirement community ( I use the term loosely as residents number 150,000) in central Florida.
Every vacation I've ever been on I was ready by the end to get home. This one? I didn't want to come home. Seven days of pickleball (golf if you prefer), swimming, hot tub, golf cart riding over cart only paths, evening live music and dancing, everything you can think of is available.
The golf cart paths were awesome. Lined with palm trees, magnolias, live oaks, flowers and beautiful homes and golf courses. There were 3 golf cart only overpasses, including one which crossed the Florida Turnpike.
Everything was in reach by a golf cart. Amazing infrastructure kept you mostly out of car traffic. I never needed my car till we left.
Friendly neighborhood, very quiet, friendly staff at restaurants and shops. I had one shop with 2 door men opening the doors as I entered and as I departed. The live bands were great with 4 locations each night to choose from. My wife and I are now making plans to relocate to The Villages.

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Posted by wickowick

Head of Island

Member since Dec 2006

46123 posts

Posted on 4/28/25 at 2:55 pm to oldtrucker

How many STD's did you pick up?

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Posted by chryso

Baton Rouge

Member since Jul 2008

13054 posts

Posted on 4/28/25 at 3:07 pm to oldtrucker

I am close to retirement and am interested in hearing more about this. Is it pricey?

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Posted by oldtrucker

Marianna, Fl

Member since Apr 2013

2430 posts

Posted on 4/28/25 at 4:52 pm to chryso

Homes start around 300 thousand and up to a million. Small homes, tiny yards. Amenity fees run around $175 a month. They get you in the community pools and recreation centers. I heard taxes were less if you stayed north of Rte 44, different counties.
Also heard restaurants will jack up their prices during snow bird or winter season. Many people there are not full time residents but rather live up north during the summer. Many were saying their goodbyes while I was there. It seems that after Easter is when Many head north and return in October.
There are websites that itemize costs pretty accurately. They do offer lifestyle visits where you can experience it for a week.

This post was edited on 4/28/25 at 4:55 pm

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Posted by Nole Man