[trapperjohn]

I've been lurking around TOTV for several months now, and I love the honest information I get from everyone here. I'm pretty sure that TV is where we want to move to when we're ready to retire, but I still feel I need to research other options....if for no other reason than to reinforce why we think TV is the place for us.

I understand that TV is either the largest, or one of the largest, active adult communities in the entire country. I understand that most places won't come close to the sheer number of activities. But are there any large communities that are comparable at all?

Two that I've seen on the 'net are Solivita and Valencia Lakes (both in FL), yet I haven't seen them mentioned in TOTV. Does anyone have any experience visiting either of those communities? I understand that they are smaller, but how do they compare to TV?

Are there any other large active adult communities that are comparable to TV?

[anarick]

We visited Solivita before visiting TV a few weeks ago. We chose TV.
We were led to Solivita by our gps and it felt like we were traveling thru a third world country. Our experience in Solivita was not good. We met a sales rep that took us to the model homes, dropped us off and left us there. Their central town area is tiny and we didn't see any pools, tennis or pickle ball courts, etc. Saw a few golf carts though.
We were blown away by TV. Everything in TV impressed us so much that we decided to put a down on a lot. We'll be back in Oct to visit again and plan to order our home next May.
Good luck hunting.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by trapperjohn

I've been lurking around TOTV for several months now, and I love the honest information I get from everyone here. I'm pretty sure that TV is where we want to move to when we're ready to retire, but I still feel I need to research other options....if for no other reason than to reinforce why we think TV is the place for us.

I understand that TV is either the largest, or one of the largest, active adult communities in the entire country. I understand that most places won't come close to the sheer number of activities. But are there any large communities that are comparable at all?

Two that I've seen on the 'net are Solivita and Valencia Lakes (both in FL), yet I haven't seen them mentioned in TOTV. Does anyone have any experience visiting either of those communities? I understand that they are smaller, but how do they compare to TV?

Are there any other large active adult communities that are comparable to TV?

Trapperjohn: I did visit several retirement communities both in Florida and Arizona and I can tell you, for sure, none compare to The Villages. Solivita I did visit----Valencia Lakes I did not. The main difference between TV and all the rest. The access (by golf cart or car) to all the necessary amenities. Restaurants, supermarkets, doctors, hospitals, shopping, movies, etc. etc. In TV you can get to all of these without driving several miles outside the retirement community. Makes a BIG difference as you get older.

Is The Villages perfect. Of course not----but its way ahead of whatever is in second place. By the way, my wife and I did live for a short time ( six months) in two other retirement communities before moving to The Villages.

[EdV]

Before I retired here, I rented vacation homes in the Solivita area for three years. You get free entertainment every night on your patio watching the Sheriffs’ helicopters flying around with their searchlights looking for drug and gang related activities.

Need I say more?

[anarick]

That is funny

[BobKat1]

While there certainly is no other source of info like TOTV for some of the other communities, you might do a search for websites, chat boards etc. for the ones of interest. I've come across them in the past and you can get a feel for pros and cons from folks who decided to live in other spots.

[keithwand]

Osceola County is pretty bad and "way out there".
When I did real appraisals in 2005-2006 it was pretty barren.
Theres a reason $$ are low in Solivita.
You get what you pay for.

[collie1228]

We have visited Solivita and while we found it to be OK, its size is nowhere near the size of The Villages, so its amenities are limited in comparison. What struck me were two issues. There are A LOT of pre-owned homes for sale, including many foreclosures, so prices are very low. But that's a double edged sword. Golf is expensive. They have only two 18-hole courses, but both are very nice. The greens fees seemed to be a lot higher than the championship courses in The Villages. I think there are only three restaurants within the gates.

[Sunshine Mary]

Forget Solivita
I spent the winter there because the winter rent is low in Solivita.
But what is there to do ? Ok gym is REAL nice and free .of course
The amenity fees is $350 the Villages is $145 so you are paying for the gym.
There got a real nice pool Palms .NOTHING to do at night .
Watch tv like I am doing here in PA.
Oh yea was told 90 clubs hahah not one I would want to join.
If you want to go shopping or out to eat you better plan on 45 min drive and our gas bill was so high you were always filling up your gas tank.
Outside of the gate I did not feel it was a safe place to be .You could buy a house a lot less then The Villages
But you well pay in the end with your amenity fees and gas to go any place .
No one out after dark .The only dances is you pay we was told someone got to pay for he music.Oh a free movie every Thu night .I only when one time in three months.
So if you like to workout ,like to lay at the pool all day ,and be out where nothing close traving 45 min go for it .
It was not for me .

[Sunshine Mary]

So true

Originally Posted by edvinmass

before i retired here, i rented vacation homes in the solivita area for three years. You get free entertainment every night on your patio watching the sheriffs’ helicopters flying around with their searchlights looking for drug and gang related activities.

Need i say more?

[JohnN]

We visited Solavita and it's great - inside the walls.
There's one road in and out that's either busy or really busy.

And if you go shopping anywhere, you feel like you're in the middle of a B-grade drug movie. We chose to pass.

[Markam]

Before visiting & buying here in The Villages last year, we visited several other 55+ communities, including Valencia Lakes.

We went to VL right after TV and couldn't get over how quiet it was away from the central activity complex and how vibrant TV was by comparison. Much smaller, fairly flat terrain and no lakeside homesites available at the time. Nice homes. Worth a visit though - it might be just what you are looking for.

Good Luck.

[hotrodgirl]

I am not familiar with Solavita, but there is a Valencia Reserve in Boynton Beach. I have a patio villa in Boynton (not at Valencia) and one of my neighbors moved there. They love it. The homes are quite nice, in line with some of the larger homes in TV. The area looks beautiful. Nicely landscaped with waterfalls, plantings, etc. I don't recall a golf course there, but a fitness center and a few pools. I think there is one restaurant, and a large clubhouse. Shopping is close, but you cannot get there by golf cart! It is a bit pricey, but probably not a deal killer. I love the general area of Boynton and Delray, but on my first visit to TV I ended up with a lot. How can you beat the entertainment and all the amenities? Plus the opportunities to meet people and join in so many activities? it just seemed like the place for me personally, but we all have to choose for ourselves. When you do decide where you'd like to be, you'll know you will have done your research and chosen the best place for you! Good hunting!

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by EdVinMass

Before I retired here, I rented vacation homes in the Solivita area for three years. You get free entertainment every night on your patio watching the Sheriffs’ helicopters flying around with their searchlights looking for drug and gang related activities.

Need I say more?

We were to stay three nights there for $100. got the same feeling and left before noon

[chuckinca]

Victoria Gardens in Deland is very nice and much closer to the ocean beaches.


Victoria Gardens: Deland, FL, New homes by Shea Homes - Trilogy - Active Adult


.