Taking a Vacation from Retirement

March 4th, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in About the Villages Florida, Central Florida Information | No Comments »

With all the planning and anticipation that comes with retirement, we sometimes don’t think about the opportunities life will offer afterward.  New friends, new experiences, and more time to relax are just some of the advantages to the retirement lifestyle.  In addition, travel becomes a more viable option for those who are retired.  Work schedules need no longer dictate our schedules.  This opens us up to a literal world of possibilities when it comes to retirement travel.

Retirement travel is a great possibility for those who have chose The Villages, Florida.  Located in West Central Florida, The Villages offers residents who want to travel a myriad of choices for access to adventure.

Located just a few miles from I-75, and only 65 miles from Jacksonville, The Villages is conveniently located for Interstate travel.  Access to both Interstate and toll roads provide for a variety of automobile travel choices.  Day trip locations include:

  • Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards
  • Renningers’s Twin Antique Markets
  • SeaWorld Orlando
  • Silver Springs

Less than 250 miles from beautiful Savannah, Georgia, and less than two hours from the metropolitan areas of Orlando and Tampa, The Villages provides the perfect launch point for short trips, as well as longer vacations and travel itineraries.  Florida is a great state to explore even if you don’t plan on going far.  Whether you are looking to visit Gulf or Ocean beaches, historical Indian burial grounds, or the busy and vibrant cities of South Florida, all are easily accessible from The Villages.
Two international airports serve the Villages area, Tampa and Orlando International.

Tampa airport sees over 30,000 travelers every day, while Orlando International serves over 30 airlines, both domestic and international. Both airports are easy to navigate, and can be reached with your vehicle (with ample short and long term parking) as well as car service.

Many retirees are interested cruising.  Florida is a great starting point, With five cities serving as major cruise ports-Jacksonville, Cape Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa. Cruising has become a literal mega-industry, with varieties in the size of ship, length of days, and styles of cruising, so that cruising has an appeal for all segments of the retired population.

Vacation and travel plans that begin in the Villages and West Central Florida offer abundant choices, ease of planning, and accessibility.

4 Misconceptions about Florida Retirement Living

March 3rd, 2010 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in FL, florida weather | No Comments »

Many people have misconceptions about Florida and Florida retirement living.  This article will address some of those misconceptions and present the real facts about living in West Central Florida’s Villages.

Misconception #1: Florida is overcrowded.

West Central Florida’s Villages is located in a rural setting with access to nearby amenities in Ocala, Tampa Bay, and Orlando.  The Nature Coast area is known for its controlled growth strategy, which encourages both small business development and nature conservancy.

Misconception #2: Florida is for Tourists.

Florida does indeed have a thriving tourist industry that employs many of its residents, resulting in lower property taxes and a thriving economy.  Tourism, however, is not all that Florida has to offer.  The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills area features pristine waterways, indigenous wildlife, many nature trails, bike paths, and state forests and parks. Locals in West Central Florida enjoy the yearly visits of the manatees from March to October as they make their way to our warm natural springs.  Florida’s residents also benefit from a variety of beaches year round.  While some beach areas attract tourists, the extensive coastline of both Atlantic and Gulf Beaches means that Floridians always can find deserted but beautiful sites for walks, picnics, shelling, and swimming.

Misconception #3:  Florida’s wildlife , such as snakes and alligators, make it a dangerous place to live.

Actually, very few Floridians ever have direct contact with poisonous snakes or alligators.  General precautions, such a keeping grass mowed and never feeding alligators or crocodiles are common sense approaches to avoiding encounters with these creatures. Only 4 alligator attacks are reported each year in Florida.  In addition, of the 50 species of snakes living in Florida, only 6 are venomous.

Misconception #4: Florida is always hot and humid.

Florida is actually quite seasonal, with far less extremes than other areas.  Average highs during the winter months are in the 60s; average lows in the 40s.  These mild winters allow for longer and more productive growing seasons and more outdoor activities.  The summer months have average highs of 90 and lows in the 70’s.  During the hottest months, Florida has a rain pattern that provides almost daily showers that cool the evenings and keep plants and lawns green.   For many, the favorite seasons lie in between winter and summer- crisp falls and verdant springs.
The Villages, Florida is a choice for retirement for many seniors because of its great weather, abundance of nature and beauty, and privacy.

Better, Healthier Retirement Life in the Villages, Florida

March 2nd, 2010 | Posted in About the Villages Florida, FL | No Comments »

When considering a retirement location, people consistently choose warmer climates, and with good reason.  The harsh weather conditions of the Northern states, especially this year, point to why.  While all of us appreciate the notion of a “White Christmas”, season-long snowfalls and extreme temperatures  become a daily and dreary reality.

Many of us live out our working years with early morning windshield scraping sessions and evenings with snow-shovel in hand.  In retirement, we desire something different. Advancing age, certain medications,and even mild arthritis can cause more sensitivity to cold weather, making it harder on the body.  Even worse, cold can sometimes become harder to detect in our later years, meaning that the cold can have adverse effects on our health and well-being without our even being aware of them. In fact, cold weather presents many challenges, that are exacerbated with age:

  • Dry and chapped skin
  • Less exposure to the sunshine, resulting in Vitamin D shortages and weaker bones
  • Increased risk of injury due to falls and slips on ice
  • Dangerous driving conditions
  • A weather-induced sedentary lifestyle during the colder months of the year

The Villages, FL is a retirement community with an average winter temperature of 65 de-grees. In all seasons, the majority of the days are sunny.  The hottest part of the year, the summer season, is broken up by almost daily mid-afternoon showers that keep The Villages in Florida green and provide a break from the heat of the day.  Evening temperatures are mild, allowing for nighttime outdoor activities almost year round. The Villages, FL was con-structed and planned with the lifestyle needs of seniors in mind.

For those concerned about the lack of seasonal change, rest assured that Central Florida does experience seasonal weather. Our warm summers transition to perfect falls (a favorite time for many Floridians), crisp but mild winters, and finally to breezy and green springs. Seniors and others looking for a retirement location that offers a break from cold weather, snow, and freezing rain need look no further than the Villages, Fl of Terra .

Stop Thinking About It and Retire!

February 28th, 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in About the Villages Florida, FL | No Comments »

For many of us, it seems like yesterday we were just starting our careers, raising kids, and purchasing a first home.  Retirement seemed a long way off. But, before you know it,  conversation with friends, neighbors, and coworkers turns to retirement and retirement plans.  You may have heard friends or neighbors discuss The Villages, Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills as a possible retirement location.

At one time, retirement evoked thoughts of sedentary lifestyles, a time to be put off or avoided.  Today’s retirement lifestyles, however, offer a vibrant alternative to the visions of the past.  In fact, many people are moving up their plans for retirement, giving them more time to enjoy the years they have worked so hard to save for.

Retirement to communities like The Villages, FL in West Central Florida is an attractive option for many who are considering early retirement.  The Villages is an active adult community located in the heart of Florida.

The Villages, Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills’ amenities are almost limitless.  For golfers, there are professionally designed courses to enjoy throughout the year.  Even if you aren’t a lifelong golfer, retiring early will give you plenty of time to learn.  You can take advantage of the advice of our golfing pros to learn this relaxing sport.  For the active retiree, tennis, swimming, and fitness trails are just some of the attractions the Villages Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills has to offer.

An additional advantage to retiring early is the chance to pursue interests that may have eluded us during our working years. Local courses can be found in areas such as woodworking, cooking, and computers.  Here, you can meet new friends while learning new skills or adding to your knowledge.

A final advantage to early retirement is your potential savings.  Home prices are lower now than in many years, and taking action at the right time is key to maximizing your investment and home buying potential.  Join the many who have taken advantage of the chance to retire earlier than they had planned- and start enjoying the life you have always dreamed of now!

5 Reasons to Retire to The Villages, FL of Citrus Hills

February 26th, 2010 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in About the Villages, About the Villages Florida | No Comments »

The Villages, FL Are Amazing!

1.    A Beautifully Balanced Suburban Environment
Here at The Vilages, FL, you’ll uncover Florida like you have never seen before!  With the charm of contemporary suburban living perfectly balanced with easy access to Florida’s most unique cosmopolitan areas, you will discover a world of plentiful “at home” splendors prefected by the many amenities of nearby Orlando, Ocala, and Tampa.   This is what you will find in a stress free lifestyle here at the Villages, Fl.

2.    The Villages Fl – Florida Like Nothing You’ve Ever Experienced

Unbelievable rolling hills, unspoiled natural landscape, and picturesque surroundings have long been central to Florida’s allure. The Villages, FL abounds with nature’s untarnished beauty and lush landscapes and sits atop one of Florida’s highest elevations… a stunning environment protected from over development and congestion.

3.  The Villages, FL  Refined Community Planning

The Villages, Florida’s commitment of delivering a first-class country club lifestyle is evident from the moment you arrive.  A well planned setting of distinctive residences set within impeccably manicured surroundings signifying the success you’ve achieved and caliber of lifestyle you intend to enjoy.

4.    Equipped With Something for Everyone

From nature’s solitude to an active social scene, whatever your pastime passions or social schedule, our world-class facilities at the Villages, FL (Skyview and Citrus Hills Golf & Country Clubs) will satisfy any impulse.  Exclusive for our members are amenities with a breadth and depth few communities ever dream of offering! Whether it’s a vigorous game of racquetball at the Fitness & Spa Complex… a relaxing afternoon poolside, or a round of golf as part of your favorite foursome, the lifestyles and experience here is all about fun, friendship, and fulfillment.

5.    Affordable Distinctive & Varied Customizable Homes

You can commend yourself on finding a first-class country club experience for less than you may have ever thought possible!  A comparison of housing quality, community design, and club amenities will unquestionably establish this among the greatest luxury housing opportunities in Florida.

Enriching our lifestyle experience is a remarkable collection of traditional single family homes & detached villas.  As you would expect, each model offers a heightened level of architectural design compatible with community planning and the tastes of today’s discerning luxury homeowner. Every design offers the opportunity to be customized, to better accommodate your individual preferences.

For more information on retirement and The Villages, FL, please visit our website, at http://www.thevillagesfloridaliving.com/request.asp or call 800-511-0814

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