Andrea Martin . 6d ago. Thank you so much for all your time and information. I have been following you for some time now, as well as a few others. Trying to retire to a warmer climate, from the Windy City of Chicago . It’s been very hard not knowing anything about Florida Other than Vacationing vs living in Florida. Your ultimate guide to Central Florida is the tops! I will refer back to this over and over again until a decision is made. I have only been hearing about The Villages, On Top of the World, and Stone Creek. Today my eyes were opened to soooo many more to be researched. Once again thank you for the hard work you have done on putting this together.
Hi Andrea! Thanks for watching! If you have any questions about any communities in particular, feel free to reach out at hello@explore55plus.com and we can connect you with a knowledgeable agent in your areas of interest.
I live in and LOVE The Villages!! The Villages may be big and growing but one’s individual village and neighborhood is quiet and peaceful!! It’s not until one moves here that one learns that. If you drive thru the 45+ sq miles of The Villages - it seems busy and crowned it that’s because the roads in the commercial areas and businesses are open to the public are public between all the Villages- but one can chill out, peacefully on one’s lanai!!
Thanks for more fishing pictures. The lake looks like the Charlotte Recreation Center Lake. I am looking forward to fishing there again in June and July. I wish the golf cart rentals had seat belts.
Good video, we did a lot of Florida research before retirement early 2020. We narrowed our search to this area and SW Florida. Rented for 6 months in Cape Coral and the next 6 months in the Villages. Both areas had their pros and cons with CC getting the nod due to the proximity of the beaches and barrier islands. Ultimately we abandoned our plan to relocate to Florida. Many of the current Florida financial issues were appearing on the horizon and have only gotten much worse. We are more than happy with our decision. We will continue to do the snowbird thing in CC every winter but want nothing to do with home ownership in Florida. Your governor loves to tout Florida as the free state but the price to live their due to government planning failure and mismanagement is truly criminal.
I'd like to see a video dedicated to SNOWBIRDS! We are down there for 3, 4 or 5 months and our needs may be different from those who are full-time residents. For example, high HOA fees are problematic as you're paying year round but only enjoying the amenties part time. Love the content, keep it coming!
I've watched several of your shows and I enjoy your work, keep it up! I am wondering, though, why you seem to always skip the Country Club of Mount Dora. (CCMD). We border The Lakes of Mount Dora (which you mention often) and have many lovely and established homes with better price points than The Lakes. In addition, golf is a significant amenity in Central Flordia, and CCMD has a great course (which is even directly golfr cart accessible to Lakes of Mont5 Dora residents). I am not a realtor and don't have a "dog in the hunt", so to speak, but our easy road access, yard maintenance program, active clubhouse facilities/activities, and such are certainly worth a comment (IMO). Be well.
Really like your information, but not sure why the young kid is part of your video since he said he is not a realtor and obviously not over 55 +. Really enjoy hearing from the mature realtors!
The town squares and restaurants are open to the public, but the amenities are for residents only. For more specific info and nearby communities, feel free to reach out to one of our agents! There are some great options out there if you want a smaller community, but still want to enjoy some aspects of The Villages. You can call or text us at 407.970.0958 or email hello@explore55plus.com.😊
I grew up on the forgotten coast. Hurricane Micheal hit. My family business and my community was destroyed, & I had to leave. Lost everything but the ppl I loved (thankfully). Recently went back to visit. Its not forgotten anymore. Those who planned to retire there, snowbirds, and ppl who moved in from out of town and state, and invested in real estate began swallowing up the destruction. The place is not forgotten anymore. It's sadly unrecognizable. The natural habitats and wetlands are being filled in and condos being built on top. Air b&b's are everywhere. It makes me angry. Even the last largest natural barrier (huge sand dune) was demolished so the condos across the street could have a better view. Its disgusting. My family made a living fishing & oystering in the lagoon and bay... there are LITERALLY for sale signs in the marsh on the lagoon. Some parts have sold and are being filled in for vacation rentals. So yeah, keep em coming; I mean, who cares about that stuff... whats important is it feels like a "5-star resort". Smh
There will be another wipe out there. There is a path there. For last couple centuries, there have been major tides (tsunamis), and cat 4 & 5 hurricanes. So nxt one will be a MAJOR catastrophe. There will be no natural barriers or protection AT ALL. The devastation will be immeasurable.
Girl I feel your pain. Unfortunately this has been going on for the last century plus in Florida. Build on swampland, the politicians and builders get rich. Mother nature destroys it and guess what. The builders and politicians get a second shot and get richer. That's Florida, no concern for anything but the money.
I have been living in Central Florida for 50 years....a decent house will run 450 to what ever you can afford u don't buy houses u bid on them with cash buyers ...traffic is utter hell and getting worse...rents for anything decent will run u around 1900 and up u will pay hi insurance premiums for driving and on ur home..no state income tax but u can easily spend 150 to 250 a month on the crowded toll roads...Florida is a huge state there are a lot more places more affordable and less easy than Central Florida ..unless u can go the beach at off peak times u will deal with tons of traffic...we bought a house with a pool 30 years ago and staying home and not dealing with crowds and traffic makes life here more enjoyable..if ur looking for a relaxing lay back life style for retirement...u won't find it in Central Florida ...it's a rat race like north jersey..
Hi Shannon, feel free to reach out to us at hello@explore55plus.com and we can connect you with an agent who can give you the rundown on communities that would be a good fit for you. 😀
I love the Gainesville airport! Only Delta and American fly out of there. But it is so small and easy I fly from there whenever I can!
Every time I think I've found a place to explore...you guys muddy the water with even more!!! Thanks (seriously) for the info.
Andrea Martin . 6d ago.
Thank you so much for all your time and information. I have been following you for some time
now, as well as a few others.
Trying to retire to a warmer climate, from the Windy City of Chicago . It’s been very hard not knowing anything about Florida
Other than Vacationing vs living in Florida. Your ultimate guide to Central Florida is the tops! I will refer back to this over and over again until a decision is made. I have only been hearing about The Villages, On Top of the World, and Stone Creek. Today my eyes were opened to soooo many more to be researched. Once again thank you for the hard work you have done on putting this together.
Hi Andrea! Thanks for watching! If you have any questions about any communities in particular, feel free to reach out at hello@explore55plus.com and we can connect you with a knowledgeable agent in your areas of interest.
Great video! Loved the moment of levity. 😂 My vote goes to slow-cala or Leesburg. Coming from a big city, rural sounds heavenly.
Thanks Nicky and J Michael!
I live in and LOVE The Villages!! The Villages may be big and growing but one’s individual village and neighborhood is quiet and peaceful!! It’s not until one moves here that one learns that. If you drive thru the 45+ sq miles of The Villages - it seems busy and crowned it that’s because the roads in the commercial areas and businesses are open to the public are public between all the Villages- but one can chill out, peacefully on one’s lanai!!
Thanks for more fishing pictures. The lake looks like the Charlotte Recreation Center Lake. I am looking forward to fishing there again in June and July. I wish the golf cart rentals had seat belts.
J Michael your hair is getting long.... looking good kid. Good info thanks. Love you guys. Keep up the good work.
Good video, we did a lot of Florida research before retirement early 2020. We narrowed our search to this area and SW Florida. Rented for 6 months in Cape Coral and the next 6 months in the Villages. Both areas had their pros and cons with CC getting the nod due to the proximity of the beaches and barrier islands. Ultimately we abandoned our plan to relocate to Florida. Many of the current Florida financial issues were appearing on the horizon and have only gotten much worse. We are more than happy with our decision. We will continue to do the snowbird thing in CC every winter but want nothing to do with home ownership in Florida. Your governor loves to tout Florida as the free state but the price to live their due to government planning failure and mismanagement is truly criminal.
What about mobile homes and rv communities?
Love the updates on the communities. ❤
I'd like to see a video dedicated to SNOWBIRDS! We are down there for 3, 4 or 5 months and our needs may be different from those who are full-time residents. For example, high HOA fees are problematic as you're paying year round but only enjoying the amenties part time. Love the content, keep it coming!
I've watched several of your shows and I enjoy your work, keep it up! I am wondering, though, why you seem to always skip the Country Club of Mount Dora. (CCMD). We border The Lakes of Mount Dora (which you mention often) and have many lovely and established homes with better price points than The Lakes. In addition, golf is a significant amenity in Central Flordia, and CCMD has a great course (which is even directly golfr cart accessible to Lakes of Mont5 Dora residents). I am not a realtor and don't have a "dog in the hunt", so to speak, but our easy road access, yard maintenance program, active clubhouse facilities/activities, and such are certainly worth a comment (IMO). Be well.
Hi Dave! It's definitely a community we can add to our list for the future! :)
What about Del Webb Naples, Lolita Margaritasville
Really like your information, but not sure why the young kid is part of your video since he said he is not a realtor and obviously not over 55 +. Really enjoy hearing from the mature realtors!
Hi there! J Michael is one of the owners of Explore55Plus. 😊
What about communities with mobile homes? Very hard to find information on them.
Hiiii
Is there an area near the Villages with no HOA or CDD but is able to use the villages area/ restaurant and amenities ?
The town squares and restaurants are open to the public, but the amenities are for residents only. For more specific info and nearby communities, feel free to reach out to one of our agents! There are some great options out there if you want a smaller community, but still want to enjoy some aspects of The Villages. You can call or text us at 407.970.0958 or email hello@explore55plus.com.😊
Love all your info always! I just have to said…your long and facial hair 🔥🔥
Thought Ocala had an international airport. Pretty sure they do!
It does but only for private jets! There is no commercial airlines there. YET!!
I grew up on the forgotten coast. Hurricane Micheal hit. My family business and my community was destroyed, & I had to leave. Lost everything but the ppl I loved (thankfully). Recently went back to visit. Its not forgotten anymore. Those who planned to retire there, snowbirds, and ppl who moved in from out of town and state, and invested in real estate began swallowing up the destruction. The place is not forgotten anymore. It's sadly unrecognizable. The natural habitats and wetlands are being filled in and condos being built on top. Air b&b's are everywhere. It makes me angry. Even the last largest natural barrier (huge sand dune) was demolished so the condos across the street could have a better view. Its disgusting. My family made a living fishing & oystering in the lagoon and bay... there are LITERALLY for sale signs in the marsh on the lagoon. Some parts have sold and are being filled in for vacation rentals. So yeah, keep em coming; I mean, who cares about that stuff... whats important is it feels like a "5-star resort". Smh
There will be another wipe out there. There is a path there. For last couple centuries, there have been major tides (tsunamis), and cat 4 & 5 hurricanes. So nxt one will be a MAJOR catastrophe. There will be no natural barriers or protection AT ALL. The devastation will be immeasurable.
Girl I feel your pain. Unfortunately this has been going on for the last century plus in Florida. Build on swampland, the politicians and builders get rich. Mother nature destroys it and guess what. The builders and politicians get a second shot and get richer. That's Florida, no concern for anything but the money.
What about Umatilla or Paisley
Do any of these places have a required Buy-In ?
I have been living in Central Florida for 50 years....a decent house will run 450 to what ever you can afford u don't buy houses u bid on them with cash buyers ...traffic is utter hell and getting worse...rents for anything decent will run u around 1900 and up u will pay hi insurance premiums for driving and on ur home..no state income tax but u can easily spend 150 to 250 a month on the crowded toll roads...Florida is a huge state there are a lot more places more affordable and less easy than Central Florida ..unless u can go the beach at off peak times u will deal with tons of traffic...we bought a house with a pool 30 years ago and staying home and not dealing with crowds and traffic makes life here more enjoyable..if ur looking for a relaxing lay back life style for retirement...u won't find it in Central Florida ...it's a rat race like north jersey..
Hey what community could my mom live with my husband and I? Pls help. She’s 74/ husband is 57
Hi Shannon, feel free to reach out to us at hello@explore55plus.com and we can connect you with an agent who can give you the rundown on communities that would be a good fit for you. 😀