Monthly amenities do include the ability to a play championship course, but not for free. Please understand, you can play the executive courses for free if you want to walk, if you pay your trail fees, you can use your cart.
I always felt that places like The Villages would be expensive. You could buy a nicer home in Texas for less and be better built with all brick, and cheaper with all the hospitals, doctors, grocery stores, etc. nearby with a nice mall nearby as well. The association provides a pool. Garbage, trash, and recyclables are picked up at a low cost.
For the life of me I don’t understand the negative comments here “I would never live there....”, etc. This video was about what it costs to live there and I very much appreciate Skip’s informative videos - especially this one. Who cares what your opinion is of living like this? Thank you Skip.
Seems ironic that so many posts from people saying they would not live where you are told what you can and can’t do...but they think it’s fine telling you how to live. SMH! Enjoy your retirement, Sir...YOU earned it!
One thing to understand about Florida is that there is no state income tax, so government has to make up that money some how. Just remember nothing is free in this world. I do live in Florida, but years ago I learned to never EVER buy a home that has additional crap like bonds and home owner's associations. If I want a bloody pool, I'll have my own put it. Most counties have trash pickup and such incorporated into your property taxes. As for property taxes, do some research. A good example is the massive difference in the millage rates when comparing Columbia county with Alachua county. There are places in Florida where the cost of living is very low just as there are areas where you would be living from hand to mouth with a six figure income. Myself, if I wanted to live like Patrick McGoohan in "The Prisoner", I'd move to The Villages. But, I could not stand living like that. So I chose to live elsewhere.
Skip, I appreciate your effort in helping keep people interested in The Villages informed. Since this episode includes expenses, it would be helpful if you could update this video for 2021.
Thanks for the informative video. Does all the US have property tax? This is something that we don't have here in Australia. Our tax is worked on our income, bank interest and with everything we buy there is an extra tax included called GST. All other bills here are similar like electricity, gas, water (though we don't divide water into pure and recycled). To save on water bills, many people have water tanks installed to catch rain water for the garden. Oops!! I would be in trouble there with my specialised TV antennas here, which are used for long distance TV (TV DX). House prices in Melbourne and Sydney these days average around $1,000,000 plus. Very hard for new home buyers these days.
We pay council land rates here which covers garbage collection, maintenance for streets, parks and gardens and it is based on the land value as to the amount of land rates paid. We currently pay about $2000 a year for that, which is similar to your property tax.
There is normally no stamp tax in the US. However, the Villages have "the Bond" which is not a stamp tax, but is a large fee assigned when you buy the property, like a stamp tax.
These pop up communities are designed to take at least 4,500.00 dollars of your pensions. For that kind of money you can live quite confortable in the USA. 🙏🤙🤙💥💥💥🇵🇷
I sure cannot afford this, what bothers me is that I would have homerepair. For example , if you are the builder, you should cover the repairs. You built it!
New Homes have a 10 year home warranty on structure for the original buyer, Then you have Sub-Contractors and there involvement in this, Appliances has there own warranty, the lawn ( grass, drainage areas are warranted 30 days ) So as a new home buyer that's the first thing to look at and report anything wrong immediately ..
The Villages are selling a fantasy where you can live with warm weather, play tennis, golf, swim, eat, drink and be among your own age group. The fantasy really works for healthy people in the 60’s and into their 70’s but as you get into the mid 70’s issues start appearing and Father Time howls like a banshee at your doors. Then the decline and The Villages are just another place to wind down life. I think there is an argument to work as long as you can because being mentally challenged keeps aging at bay but to each his own,
I have lived in 5 states, Florida by far was the worst. I have 3 cousins that moved there and got out in less than 5 years too. Insects, humidity, juvenile crime, high food prices, especially meat. Bad schools, low paying jobs, everyone is from "somewhere else" and feels no sense of belonging nor obligation to community. The KKK was marching in full bed sheet regalia at the mall in Altamont Springs....... horrible state.
Mr. Smith, no sure if still monitor this. I retired from Army after 23 yrs but have few yrs left before 55. I see you speak of the$150 for I guess like hoa. That includes recreational areas, pools, etc. does that include the golf and if so which courses. That include your golf cart trail fee. Is there any other expenses association with golf other then handicap fee etc just any bigger ticket items or fees each time play, thanks Jay
Our home owners insurance is crazy high. Our home is 35 years old. At first we could only find it for $2,400 a year. We got it down to $1,800. a year now. Foremost is the only insurance for manufactured homes.At this point, we are still looking. Manufactured home cover FL. Lady Lake, Silver Lake , The Villages.
I have researched the homeowner insurance in my area! Not yours. Each state is different. I lived in Indians. It was low, but started to get high. I know IL is high. Taxes support schools, roads, ect. There are few schools in retirement living communities. I’m sorry for your high homeowners taxes, but $1800 is very high in my neighborhood! Sure move here, it’s a great place,
Thank you Skip, this information is exactly what I have been looking for. My wife and came down a couple months ago to visit the Villages and loved it. The villages is definitely on our list for a place to retire. Please keep posting. How cane I get your e-mail address, to ask other questions?
floydsmith23@yahoo.com or put your questions in the comments section of the video and they automatically come to me, plus many of my viewers may have the answer for you,,,
Great place to live if you want to pass out your savings for nothing,told what you can do and what you can't,all so you can drive around on a golf cart,ok,no thanks
Thanks Skip for all the good info. Have been following your videos for some time and have just subscribed. We have just retired and were booked for our lifestyle preview on September 14th but had to postpone due to having to drive through hurricane Florence. We are rebooked for October 4th and would like to contact you for a "meet & greet" after we arrive. Would like to hear your opinion as well as your followers on the choice between a frame & vinyl home verses block & stucco. Taxes, maintenance, etc.
I have an indoor/outdoor cat that i plan to put an invisible fence around my property border to keep from him bothering neighbors. Anyone know if this would be a problem?
Invisible fencing is fine, but we do have preditors here that would make a lunch out of your cat. Bears, bobcat, snakes, coyote, panther, Eagle, and migrating animals. Keep a close eye on your pet... Read your district rules ..
@@jgreen3602 Not as much but the more we develop all the open areas they have no where to go … Most of these wild animals are spotted at night … The snake to be aware of here that could be a concern is a rattle snake.. I have seen one and it was in a wooded area but they are here.. If the district you are considering allows invisible fencing remember it keeps your animal in but does nothing to keep others out. My district does not allow outside pets without being on a leash ! District 10
Sure they can... Pools are separated... Sports pools are for residents only... Neighborhood pools are for 30 years old and older, family pools is where you would take younger kids. All need a guest pass...
Our mortgage is paid off so we don't have that expense and it costs us around $30-32k a year to live here...that is everything...all utilities, taxes, insurance, food...everything.
Can't do that... Every home is different, from a pre owned to a muti million dollar new home, from lake county to sumter county. There is no good answer..
I am 68 years old . I came down to see the Villages I loved it I looked 4 homes 278k My god the expense My total Retirement is 6571.00 a month I have a Entegra Cornerstone class A motor home My home in Boss is paid for Tax and bond is crazy Tax I understand 2200 USD But a 2000 dollar bond attachment is simply crazy
Hi skip, so I retired in ca. On 5 acre and a 3500 square foot home with a extra 3 car garage. The lake is are back yard. Are how is $ 100 a month & taxes are 1800. A year. How does that compare with were you are?
1) What is the average age of residents? 2) What are these bonds I'm always hearing about -- What are they paying for? (seems like double-taxation supporting the developer)3) Does Florida offer property tex freezes or discounts for seniors?Thanks!
1) 66 2) bonds are to pay off the cost of the infrastructure, (roads, sewers, utilities,...) to develop a neighborhood. If it costs $1,000,000 to develop a neighborhood and get it ready to build homes on, and they build 100 homes there, the bond is $10,000 per home. The bond is separate from your mortgage and you make a payment once a year like a property tax. Each year when the bond payment becomes due, you have the opportunity to pay off the bond, if you wish. I paid mine off after about 3-4 years. Bond prices have risen dramatically over the years. Our bond 19 years ago was a little over $6k...I've heard some bonds are around $30k or more now.
I would imagine this is no different than any other development but, The Villages chooses to break out the bond payment separate from the home cost. The cost involved to develop a neighborhood is not ignored no matter where you buy, no developer ever has built up a neighborhood for free...other places/developers just roll the infrastructure into the home price, so it's six of one, half dozen of another...bottom line...the same thing. You're complaining about property taxes? Tell me where there isn't any and I'll consider moving there. HOA fees? The $145 or so we pay each month is a screaming deal considering what you get. I know some people that pay 3-4 times that much (near Tampa) and they don't have 5% of the amenities we have here.
I have question about property taxes, do you get a discount at the age of 65? there’s a name for it but I forgot. We get this discount in Kentucky. Thanks
I know I'm cheap but this is expensive. I built a new house in the woods of Pa for a fraction of this and I own it along with 6 acres. Must have a good pension and retirement to live there.
All infrastructure has to be built first by Florida law, so all streets, street lighting, sidewalks, water, sewer lines etc. Are cost averaged per home in that district. Usually bonds are 20 to 30 years.
Gary Parker I agree. It would be nice if your wife would do a video since she pays the bills and would have more specific information for those of us who are interested.
Just for expenses you're talking about $1300-$1800 a month on average...For that u live in a plastic enviroment full of nothing but old people...I mean being old is okay, but to be around nothing but old people would be rather depressing,it's kinda like a nursing home on steroids...
I built a home in 2016 . I own 5acrws on top of a hill I have white Nylon fense 259k to build my home in Boss Mo My god I have gas and electric satellite TV high speed internet I pay for a golf membership
maybe this will help with you bills Skip. the wife and i use NitroTV through here~~~ machtvroku.com/ and our monthly bill is around 20 bucks. also we use it through our Roku. hope this helps in some way and thanks for the video...
Monthly amenities do include the ability to a play championship course, but not for free. Please understand, you can play the executive courses for free if you want to walk, if you pay your trail fees, you can use your cart.
Nothing is free. The amenity maybe included in the fee but it's not free.
@@dogcrazy25 well, so is everything then right. I am talking about executive golf courses and a trail fee to ride and free to walk.
I always felt that places like The Villages would be expensive. You could buy a nicer home in Texas for less and be better built with all brick, and cheaper with all the hospitals, doctors, grocery stores, etc. nearby with a nice mall nearby as well. The association provides a pool. Garbage, trash, and recyclables are picked up at a low cost.
For the life of me I don’t understand the negative comments here “I would never live there....”, etc. This video was about what it costs to live there and I very much appreciate Skip’s informative videos - especially this one. Who cares what your opinion is of living like this? Thank you Skip.
My thoughts exactly
In California we have a bond on retro-fit and newer communities. It is called Mello-roos.
Seems ironic that so many posts from people saying they would not live where you are told what you can and can’t do...but they think it’s fine telling you how to live. SMH! Enjoy your retirement, Sir...YOU earned it!
Thanks
Thank you for the GREAT information AGAIN!!
One thing to understand about Florida is that there is no state income tax, so
government has to make up that money some how. Just remember nothing
is free in this world. I do live in Florida, but years ago I learned to never EVER
buy a home that has additional crap like bonds and home owner's associations.
If I want a bloody pool, I'll have my own put it. Most counties have trash pickup
and such incorporated into your property taxes. As for property taxes, do some research.
A good example is the massive difference in the millage rates when comparing
Columbia county with Alachua county. There are places in Florida where
the cost of living is very low just as there are areas where you would
be living from hand to mouth with a six figure income.
Myself, if I wanted to live like Patrick McGoohan in "The Prisoner", I'd move to
The Villages. But, I could not stand living like that. So I chose to live
elsewhere.
Skip, I appreciate your effort in helping keep people interested in The Villages informed. Since this episode includes expenses, it would be helpful if you could update this video for 2021.
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the informative video. Does all the US have property tax? This is something that we don't have here in Australia. Our tax is worked on our income, bank interest and with everything we buy there is an extra tax included called GST. All other bills here are similar like electricity, gas, water (though we don't divide water into pure and recycled). To save on water bills, many people have water tanks installed to catch rain water for the garden. Oops!! I would be in trouble there with my specialised TV antennas here, which are used for long distance TV (TV DX). House prices in Melbourne and Sydney these days average around $1,000,000 plus. Very hard for new home buyers these days.
RGC198
Every state I've lived in has had a property tax...
We pay council land rates here which covers garbage collection, maintenance for streets, parks and gardens and it is based on the land value as to the amount of land rates paid. We currently pay about $2000 a year for that, which is similar to your property tax.
There is normally no stamp tax in the US. However, the Villages have "the Bond" which is not a stamp tax, but is a large fee assigned when you buy the property, like a stamp tax.
Crazy, who got that kind of money? 😡
Skip, what's the average Bond cost and
are most paid off when mortgage is?
Also are Solar panels allowed to reduce electricity a/c costs? Tks
Aurora Nite
Bond average is 20k on a brand new home...you can pay it off anytime...Solar panels are acceptable with ARC approval...
Tks for info Skip, enjoy your show.
Thanks for an informative video regarding expenses here in The Villages. I'm sure it'll help future Villagers.
These pop up communities are designed to take at least 4,500.00 dollars of your pensions. For that kind of money you can live quite confortable in the USA. 🙏🤙🤙💥💥💥🇵🇷
I sure cannot afford this, what bothers me is that I would have homerepair. For example , if you are the builder, you should cover the repairs. You built it!
New Homes have a 10 year home warranty on structure for the original buyer, Then you have Sub-Contractors and there involvement in this, Appliances has there own warranty, the lawn ( grass, drainage areas are warranted 30 days ) So as a new home buyer that's the first thing to look at and report anything wrong immediately ..
The Villages are selling a fantasy where you can live with warm weather, play tennis, golf, swim, eat, drink and be among your own age group. The fantasy really works for healthy people in the 60’s and into their 70’s but as you get into the mid 70’s issues start appearing and Father Time howls like a banshee at your doors. Then the decline and The Villages are just another place to wind down life. I think there is an argument to work as long as you can because being mentally challenged keeps aging at bay but to each his own,
Thanks 4 your comment
This po girl from Indiana is just going to have to stay home....the $$$$$....WOW...I would just move to Europe
Another great video. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
I have lived in 5 states, Florida by far was the worst. I have 3 cousins that moved there and got out in less than 5 years too. Insects, humidity, juvenile crime, high food prices, especially meat. Bad schools, low paying jobs, everyone is from "somewhere else" and feels no sense of belonging nor obligation to community. The KKK was marching in full bed sheet regalia at the mall in Altamont Springs....... horrible state.
The water bill also includes the amenity fee and garbage pick up charges... for a grand total of about $250 a month.
Mr. Smith, no sure if still monitor this. I retired from Army after 23 yrs but have few yrs left before 55. I see you speak of the$150 for I guess like hoa. That includes recreational areas, pools, etc. does that include the golf and if so which courses. That include your golf cart trail fee. Is there any other expenses association with golf other then handicap fee etc just any bigger ticket items or fees each time play, thanks Jay
In other words no - low rent people allowed!
Great great video. Thanks.
But in essence aren’t you paying for the amenities with that hefty BOND bill?
No...The bond has nothing to do with the amenities.
Love ya Skip, "I fill my golf cart up once a month whether it needs it or not." Thanks for the great info.
Once a month ...lol...its great ain't it ???
Great info.! That lifestyle isn’t for me!!!
Our home owners insurance is crazy high. Our home is 35 years old. At first we could only find it for $2,400 a year. We got it down to $1,800. a year now. Foremost is the only insurance for manufactured homes.At this point, we are still looking. Manufactured home cover FL. Lady Lake, Silver Lake , The Villages.
I have researched the homeowner insurance in my area! Not yours. Each state is different. I lived in Indians. It was low, but started to get high. I know IL is high. Taxes support schools, roads, ect. There are few schools in retirement living communities. I’m sorry for your high homeowners taxes, but $1800 is very high in my neighborhood! Sure move here, it’s a great place,
Did you buy a motor home to get out of the summer heat ?
Thank you Skip, this information is exactly what I have been looking for. My wife and came down a couple months ago to visit the Villages and loved it. The villages is definitely on our list for a place to retire. Please keep posting. How cane I get your e-mail address, to ask other questions?
Bob Lang
My email is posted on several of my videos...
Thanks for watching
Skip
floydsmith23@yahoo.com or put your questions in the comments section of the video and they automatically come to me, plus many of my viewers may have the answer for you,,,
Great place to live if you want to pass out your savings for nothing,told what you can do and what you can't,all so you can drive around on a golf cart,ok,no thanks
And Skip is just the guy to tell you what to do, too ____ th-cam.com/video/mv0ELkRBLfw/w-d-xo.html
@@LibbyRal if that's how you feel, why watch
My friends doesn't want 55+ or an hoa but complains that the communities she's looked at look kinda trashy. It's a choice.
@@dogcrazy25 , tell me, dear, how do I feel? Have I said how I feel? Are you clairvoyant? Eagerly awaiting your reply.
Thanks Skip for all the good info. Have been following your videos for some time and have just subscribed. We have just retired and were booked for our lifestyle preview on September 14th but had to postpone due to having to drive through hurricane Florence. We are rebooked for October 4th and would like to contact you for a "meet & greet" after we arrive. Would like to hear your opinion as well as your followers on the choice between a frame & vinyl home verses block & stucco. Taxes, maintenance, etc.
Had to put this guy on 1.25 speed
Nice job with the video. It is very informative. Can't wait to purchase our home there.
If I move there, do I have to wear a "villagers uniform"? shorts, golf shirt, baseball caps, sandals ?????
Yes,you do!😀
I wish the set prices for houses was the system here. These days all houses seem to sell by auction.
RGC198
With the baby boomers retiring there is a great demand and homes here sell faster then can be built...
RGC198
That's only on brand new homes...
Skip Smith I disagree, we bought a house that was ten years old with no problem, all mature landscaping in the neighborhood
I wouldn't live in this place if they paid me!!!!
who says you have to
I have an indoor/outdoor cat that i plan to put an invisible fence around my property border to keep from him bothering neighbors. Anyone know if this would be a problem?
Invisible fencing is fine, but we do have preditors here that would make a lunch out of your cat. Bears, bobcat, snakes, coyote, panther, Eagle, and migrating animals. Keep a close eye on your pet... Read your district rules
..
@@TheVillagesSkipSmith do some districts not allow outside pets?
@@TheVillagesSkipSmith Are all of these critters even in the densely populated areas where the homes back up to another home?
@@jgreen3602 Not as much but the more we develop all the open areas they have no where to go … Most of these wild animals are spotted at night … The snake to be aware of here that could be a concern is a rattle snake.. I have seen one and it was in a wooded area but they are here.. If the district you are considering allows invisible fencing remember it keeps your animal in but does nothing to keep others out. My district does not allow outside pets without being on a leash ! District 10
@@TheVillagesSkipSmith thanks for the info
Can your grandkids play on the golf courses and st the pool when they come to visit?
Sure they can... Pools are separated... Sports pools are for residents only... Neighborhood pools are for 30 years old and older, family pools is where you would take younger kids. All need a guest pass...
Would 4K/ month be enough to live there ?
Our mortgage is paid off so we don't have that expense and it costs us around $30-32k a year to live here...that is everything...all utilities, taxes, insurance, food...everything.
If you are going to do a video like this, you should know what things cost. Just look it up and report what you pay rather than "more or less".
Can't do that... Every home is different, from a pre owned to a muti million dollar new home, from lake county to sumter county. There is no good answer..
I am 68 years old . I came down to see the Villages I loved it
I looked 4 homes 278k
My god the expense
My total Retirement is 6571.00 a month
I have a Entegra Cornerstone class A motor home
My home in Boss is paid for
Tax and bond is crazy
Tax I understand 2200 USD
But a 2000 dollar bond attachment is simply crazy
We used to be on ARC in Panama City Beach, Palmetto Trace
Hi skip thanks for the information, my wife and I went to visit the villages 3 weeks ago. we were very impressed. do you have an email address.
Kevin Jacques
floydsmith23@yahoo.com
Hi skip, so I retired in ca. On 5 acre and a 3500 square foot home with a extra 3 car garage. The lake is are back yard. Are how is $ 100 a month & taxes are 1800. A year. How does that compare with were you are?
I think you know the answer
1) What is the average age of residents? 2) What are these bonds I'm always hearing about -- What are they paying for? (seems like double-taxation supporting the developer)3) Does Florida offer property tex freezes or discounts for seniors?Thanks!
1) 66 2) bonds are to pay off the cost of the infrastructure, (roads, sewers, utilities,...) to develop a neighborhood. If it costs $1,000,000 to develop a neighborhood and get it ready to build homes on, and they build 100 homes there, the bond is $10,000 per home. The bond is separate from your mortgage and you make a payment once a year like a property tax. Each year when the bond payment becomes due, you have the opportunity to pay off the bond, if you wish. I paid mine off after about 3-4 years. Bond prices have risen dramatically over the years. Our bond 19 years ago was a little over $6k...I've heard some bonds are around $30k or more now.
So homeowners subsidize the developers. Between the property taxes, HOA dues, and bonds, homeowners are getting triple-hammered. No thank you!
I would imagine this is no different than any other development but, The Villages chooses to break out the bond payment separate from the home cost. The cost involved to develop a neighborhood is not ignored no matter where you buy, no developer ever has built up a neighborhood for free...other places/developers just roll the infrastructure into the home price, so it's six of one, half dozen of another...bottom line...the same thing. You're complaining about property taxes? Tell me where there isn't any and I'll consider moving there. HOA fees? The $145 or so we pay each month is a screaming deal considering what you get. I know some people that pay 3-4 times that much (near Tampa) and they don't have 5% of the amenities we have here.
The bond sound like double taxation
Lonesome Rhoades I agree!!
Bonus! No road rage.
I have question about property taxes, do you get a discount at the age of 65? there’s a name for it but I forgot. We get this discount in Kentucky. Thanks
There are all kinds of discounts, disability, military, not sure about age discounts...
Wow that's a lot of mo eye per monthly basis hm ah think I'll keep looking elsewhere sir so thank you for the insight
My pleasure
The happiest day ever was when I sold my house in a HOA controlled neighborhood. I will never, NEVER own a house with a HOA again.
We are not HOA...
I know I'm cheap but this is expensive. I built a new house in the woods of Pa for a fraction of this and I own it along with 6 acres. Must have a good pension and retirement to live there.
Great job!
forgive my ignorance but what is a "bond"?
All infrastructure has to be built first by Florida law, so all streets, street lighting, sidewalks, water, sewer lines etc. Are cost averaged per home in that district. Usually bonds are 20 to 30 years.
Another way TV can extort people. Usually, what they use the bond money for, comes from taxes.
Some good info but maybe your wife should have done this video if she pays the bills
Gary Parker
I agree. It would be nice if your wife would do a video since she pays the bills and would have more specific information for those of us who are interested.
We did
Just for expenses you're talking about $1300-$1800 a month on average...For that u live in a plastic enviroment full of nothing but old people...I mean being old is okay, but to be around nothing but old people would be rather depressing,it's kinda like a nursing home on steroids...
Sorry to disagree but nothing like you describe...
I would live in this place and they certainly wouldn't have to pay me . . . Only if I had to live next door to that guy.
unless you are already filthy rich or just won the lottery forget about living here lmao.
Thanks 4 your comment
what is your point?
Kill the background noise!
Your watching an old video
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Skip are there lgbtq people living there.
yes
When you make a video about the cost of living TAKE 10 minutes and get the exact numbers
there is no exact numbers
I don't want to be where this guy is. It's uneducated people who let HOA's get away with murder.
I Wouldnt live there if my life depended on it
Not for everyone !
I built a home in 2016 . I own 5acrws on top of a hill I have white Nylon fense
259k to build my home in Boss Mo
My god I have gas and electric satellite TV high speed internet
I pay for a golf membership
What is a Bond?
Beverly Rutherford it's a fee for your ability to pay taxes for something that is already paid for
maybe this will help with you bills Skip. the wife and i use NitroTV through here~~~ machtvroku.com/ and our monthly bill is around 20 bucks. also we use it through our Roku. hope this helps in some way and thanks for the video...