Tip One:  Assemble the Guest List.

Assembling your guest list is an important first step since knowing how many guests you will have is necessary for many other decisions.  Choose a number of guests you will be comfortable with, and that allows you to celebrate with those you really want to be there.

Tip Two:  Choose a Venue

Depending on the size of your guest list, you may choose to rent facility and caterer, or host a smaller gathering in your home, church, or a local restaurant.  Ask for an availability calendar, as well as inquiring about certain times of the week or year where discounts may be available.

Tip Three:  Choose a Date

Be sure to let guests know ahead of time about when your party will be occurring.  Since retirement usually means moving, you want to be sure that as many of your guests can make it so you can say farewell.

Tip Four: Arrange for Entertainment

Some retirement parties feature music and dancing, some a slideshow of old pictures, some just great dinner and conversation..  Again, the entertainment youchoose should fit you and your spouse, as well as the circle of friends and family you are inviting to be a part of the event.

Tip Five: Choose a Menu

Choosing the menu should be based on your venue, budget, and consideration for your guests.  Be sure to consider the time of day your event is being held, then plan accordingly.  If you plan the party for 6:00 p.m., guests will probably assume you are serving dinner.  Let guests know by a simple note on your invitation what they can expect to be served, whether heavy hors d oeuvres, dinner, or dessert and drinks.

Tip Six:  Send out your Invitations

About 4 to 8 weeks before the event, send out your invitations.  There are so many varieties of ways to invite others to your party today.  You can use a traditional printer/engraver, design and print invitations in your local greeting  card store, design and print online and have the invitations shipped to you by mail, or use “e-vites” – invitations that go out and are responded to by email.

Tip Seven: Ask for Help

One of the smartest moves you can make in planning a retirement party is getting some help for the actual event.  Of course, if you are hiring a catering service, or having dinner at a restaurant, you may have al the help you need.  If the party is at your home, a church or club, etc.  you should ask one or two individuals to help you with the details for the day of the party.  The guests you invite really are coming to see and celebrate with you, so you don’t want to be shuttling coats back and forth, or seeing to kitchen details throughout the evening.  Remember, you are celebrating the end of work!

Tip Eight: Personalize the Event

A great idea to make guests really feel a part of the evening is to prepare a speech, or written letter that details the special ways that the attendees have contributed to your life and working career.  It’s a great way to stir memories, make each guest feel honored, and help guests get to know each other better. Be sure guests know about your plans after retirement as well.  Including a few words about your new retirement home in the Villages, FL is a great way to do so.

Tip Nine:  Give Guests a Way to Keep in Touch

At the party, provide guests with a favor or gift with your new address in the the Villages, Florida incorporated.  This can be a small picture of you with the address printed on the back, a bag of candy tied in tulle with an attached tag, or even something engraved.  Whether your gift is simple or extravagant, it will provide an excellent way to stay n touch with your friends, neighbors, and former coworkers.

Tip Ten:  Give Guests a Glimpse of Your New Life

Last,  get together a few pictures of your new home or home site, along with photos or brochures from many of the local areas where you are retiring.  You can put these pictures into  short slideshow for viewing during the party, or create an album that guests can pass around.  This is a great way to give guests a picture of where you are headed, and maybe even encourage a visit!

Many people have misconceptions about Florida and Florida retirement living.  This article will address 10 myths about living in Florida and why the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills defies those myths:

Myth #1: Florida is overcrowded.

Actually West Central Florida, the location of the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is located in Citrus County, Florida.  Citrus County has done a great job of controlled growth.  It has a population density of only 202 persons per square mile.

Myth #2: Florida is for Tourists.

The areas surrounding the Villages are certainly attracters for tourists.  The abundant nature, beautiful wildlife, and access to many waterways make it so.  Tourists, however, are mostly attracted to the large amusement parks in the central part of the state.  The amount of tourism coming to West Central Florida is enough to keep businesses thriving and property taxes low, but not enough to disturb our tranquil lifestyle.

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

These fears are greatly exaggerated.  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.

Myth #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.  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.

Myth #5: Florida is in constant danger of hurricanes.

The North Atlantic hurricane season overall in 2009 ranked as the slowest since the El Nino year of 1997.

Myth #6: Florida is completely flat and non-scenic.

Florida has a very varied landscape.  Although areas near the coastline and beaches are mostly level, there are areas of elevation.  In fact, three of the top 25 most elevated cities in Florida are right near the Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills: Brooksville, Spring Hill, and Istachatta.  Ocala, a city famous for its horse farms and rolling hills, is also a great example of Florida’s landscape.

Myth #7: Florida lifestyles are centered around the beach only.

The West Central Florida are offers access to beautiful beaches without the hassle of greater traffic, higher crime rates, and violent weather conditions found when living directly on the beach.  The villages of Citrus Hills and Terra Vista are adjacent to beautiful golf courses, nature trails, and fresh water springs that allow for a varied lifestyle.

Myth #8: Florida’s property taxes are too high.

South Florida is known for its high property taxes, but the West Central Florida area has property taxes well below the national average.  Florida offers a homestead exemption for the owners property of residence, and recent legislation has been passed to keep property taxes low.  Of course, now is the time to lock in the lower property tax rates available in the depressed housing market,  Floridians with homestead exemptions can not have throe property taxes raised by more than 3% in any one year.

Myth #9: All Floridians are senior citizens.

Florida is a great place to retire and attracts many seniors due to its temperate climate and attractive pricing. It’s also true, however, that Florida’s business-friendly laws offer families and younger people a great place to live and work.  This means that West Central Florida provides a mix of residents.  Those who with to live in a retirement only community can certainly find many to choose from, while those who desire a greater mix of ages will easily fulfill their desires.

Myth #10: Florida’s traffic is terrible.

The Villages, Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills are conveniently located next to many low traffic highways such as the Suncoast Toll Road, connecting Brooksville and Tampa Bay, the Florida Turnpike, which connects to areas throughout the state, and I-75 for Interstate travel.  Of these roads, I-75 is the most busy, but except for busy holiday traffic, the road is certainly easy to travel.  West Central Florida has managed growth extremely well forth last couple of decades, and our road system handles local traffic efficiently and safely.

When considering retirement to the Villages FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills, Florida, one should keep several factors in mind. Here is a top ten list of considerations for anyone considering a move:

To KEEP or NOT TO KEEP: FURNITURE

When deciding what to keep as far as home furnishings, consider the style of your new home. You may have special or heirloom pieces you will want to keep no matter what, but otherwise, some of your pieces may not fit the style of your new home.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Consider the climate in your new area when choosing how much of your personal items you need to keep. Moving is expensive, and unpacking laborious. Chances are your new home may be smaller or have less storage than your previous home, which probably included a basement. There is little need for heavy winter coats, snow equipment, heavy wool clothes, snow boots, etc. This can free up your storage space as you enjoy the freedom from snowstorms and freezing temperatures.

MOVING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Be sure you let your friends know about your moving plans. Provide a change of address for those in your address book, Christmas card list, email list, etc.

RECREATION

Florida living opens up a chance for nearly year round enjoyment of recreative activities including tennis, golf, and swimming as well as walking clubs, fishing, and enjoying nature trails.

MAINTAINING A POOL

Many homes in Florida have a beautiful backyard pool. Modern pools usually require little maintenance, but still need regular attention. Consider hiring an inexpensive pool service. In the end, the pool service will cost you less than fixing a major chemical error.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

You may want to travel back “home” for the holidays, or, even better, have your loved ones come and see you ion your new home. The Villages FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills are conveniently located near the International Airport of Tampa and Orlando. Plan early, and you’ll be able to shop around for very inexpensive flights in and out of these cities.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE

It’s important to establish a circle of friends in your new community. You can easily do that in local community groups, churches, or the many venues offered by Terra Vista and Citrus Hills including fitness opportunities, shows, and a full service spa.

PREPARING FOR HURRICANES

Although a major storm is unlikely, Floridians must be prepared for the seasons storms. There are numerous places throughout the community to obtain hurricane tracking maps, lists of supplies and preparation tips, and emergency weather radios.

TRAVEL

Sometimes, retirees plans are all about getting to their new home, but what to do once you’re there? Living in west Central Florida provides the perfect launch point for all kinds of road trips, day trips, and mini excursions. Whether discovering the cities of Miami and Orlando, or seeking the beach atmosphere of Boca Raton or Daytona, you’ll never run out of things to see.

1.    Think about timelines.

When do you plan on retirement?  When you’re thinking about your retirement, it’s absolutely essential to make good decisions that will allow you to have enough finances to keep up a level of comfort and a lifestyle that you will enjoy for the rest of your life.  You don’t ever want to have no other choice but to start working again during your retirement just to pay your bills!

2.    Your living expenses will go up with time.

Inflation will most likely always be a factor for years to come.  Without dealing with expenses related to raising a family and having a full time job, you will still need healthcare, food, fuel, housing, and other bills.  (Here is a retirement calculator that might help you chart your costs.)  Consider slight increases in these costs as the years go by.

3.    Try not to rely too heavily on social security.

Many experts believe that in the coming years, there will be major changes to the social security industry.  Between now and when you retire, the funds available from social security may change. Be prepared and plan ahead.

4.    Start Saving Today!

The longer it takes for you to start saving, the longer it will take you to quit working.  Planning your retirement will require long term investment planning and post poning your savings can have a detrimental effect on your retirement goals.

Plan Your Retirement Early!

Either way you choose, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to interact with new people with whom you share common ground, interests, and activities, while enjoying a retirement lifestyle you’ve always wanted!

If you are looking into the possibility of choosing a retirement community, here are some tips to follow:

1. Ask around for anyone who might have already chosen a retirement community.

A lot of times, friends or family members know of someone who has already gone before you – there is nothing better than hearing through a friend about his/her experiences when choosing a retirement community.

2. Make a list of what retirement activities are most important to you.

Do you enjoy recreation such as golf, fishing, boating, swimming, or exercising?  Make a list of your favorite pastimes and search for retirement communities that may offer these.  Check into the clubs, groups, and activities that the retirement community your are looking into offers.  Make sure you choose a retirement community that will satisfy your interests.

Some retirement communities, like Terra Vista, Florida, offer world class gyms, spas, golf, tennis, and other exciting activities.

3. Investigate online.

Most Florida retirement communities have good websites that offer lots of information – videos, testimonials, descriptions of the area, and other juicy information you would want to know before you decide on a place to retire.  This information can really help you in choosing a retirement community.  Also, take a look at websites such as Top Retirements and 55places.com which offer great information.

4. Calculate the costs.

An affordable retirement solution is extremely important.  Calculate the cost of living in the retirement community you are looking into.  Generally, places like Florida offer a cheaper cost of living, while other areas may be more expensive.  Be aware of “hidden costs.” Some retirement communities, such as the Villages in Florida, have a CDD – which means that the community builders will take out loans on your mortgage which will increase your monthly mortgage costs.

5. Find a retirement location that offers great health care.

As you look forward to the future, great health care options are extremely important.  Look around for a retirement community in a location that has a reputation for excellent health care!

6. Take a tour!

Most retirement communities offer 2 or 3 night stays in their retirement community so you can receive a great tour, and experience a taste of what you may be looking forward to in the future.  While you’re visiting, be sure to spend time to speak to current residents and some of the staff.  Residents will give you a great picture of what it will be like to live in the community, and by talking to the staff you’ll get a good idea of how you’ll be treated.

For more information on retirement and choosing the right retirement, please visit Florida Retirement Communities or call 800-511-0814

Think about what you want in retirement. This is when ideas about how you plan to live your retirement out start to become clearer, and the amount of your initial budget needed for recreation, living expenses, health care, and other odds and ends. Try to clearly define your retirement goals and then map out a plan to help you achieve your retirement goals.

Take time to do this, and truly try to think through what your lifestyle and expenses will look like. You might even try mapping out your retirement goals by using this retirement expense spreadsheet located here.

Here is the one essential question you need to ask yourself about your retirement goals:

How much income will I need to support my retirement goals and lifestyle?

Planning your retirement is a balance between your financial income from your retirement and the lifestyle you choose. It’s that easy! If you purchase a larger home with a bigger monthly mortgage payment, you might need to sacrifice some lifestyle activities. Maintaining this balance is one of the essential ingredients that go into financial planning for your retirement goals.

Try this retirement goals XLS spreadsheet to calculate your income versus your expenses.

For more information on retirement and Terra Vista of Citrus Hills, please visit our website, at http://www.citrushills.com/ or call 800-511-0814

2.    Florida Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen
Rolling hills, unspoiled natural landscape, and picturesque surroundings have long been central to Florida’s allure. Terra Vista 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.    Refined Community Planning
Terra Vista’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 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 Terra Vista of Citrus Hills, please visit our website, at http://www.citrushills.com/ or call 800-511-0814

Terra Vista of Citrus Hills

With comfortable winters and breezy summers the Terra Vista area offers ad ideal setting for enjoying all your favorite outdoor sports and activities.  Here, you’ll find a range of temperatures that allows you to comfortably enjoy the Florida experience season after season.  In addition to its balanced temperatures, Citrus County offers historically low hurricane risks compared to other coastal locations statewide.

2. Attractive Cost of Living

When compared to many Florida destinations, particularly in the southern parts of the state, Citrus County offers an escape from excessive costs.  As highlighted in comparative price index reports, Citrus County ranks among the most affordable places in Florida to live.  Here, you’ll enjoy a high-quality lifestyle where lower costs are prevalent, not only in everyday purchases such as dining out and entertainment, but also for major expenses including housing.  Plus, there’s the added savings of no state income tax and benefits of today’s Homestead Exemption laws and the long-term real estate tax stability they provide.

3. Balanced Location

From its vantage point north of Tampa Bay in the heart of the Nature Coast, Citrus County offers uncluttered beauty accentuated by towering oaks, pristine spring-fed rivers and the rolling hills that founded the area’s unique “Alps of Florida” reputation.  This is uniquely balanced by the wealth of cultural, fine dining, shopping, and urban pursuits found just a short drive away in metropolitan Tampa Bay, Orlando, Ocala, and Gainesville.

4. Outstanding Outdoor Recreation

Aptly referred to as Mother Nature’s Theme Park, Citrus County has 22 miles of lakes, 7 rivers and a Gulf of Mexico coastline.  Enhanced by our beautiful weather, residents enjoy world-class golfing and fishing; diving and snorkeling; boating and kayaking; and the many hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities provided in the area’s many parks and preserves, including the sprawling Withlacoochee State Forest.

5. Not Crowded

Citrus County offers an escape from the crowds increasingly found in many parts of Florida, especially the Southeast and Southwest regions.  Here, you’ll enjoy a more balanced pace of life without the stress caused by heavy traffic, long lines, and overcrowding.

6. Preserved & Ecologically Balanced

While south Florida grows more and more cluttered, Citrus County offers a pristine and picturesque lifestyle.  Its home to the many state forests and preserves, some of the most productive saltwater estuaries in Florida, as well as seven of the state’s outstanding crystal-clear waterways.  And this natural, untouched beauty will remain unspoiled because the County has protected about 50 percent of its land from future development.  While much of Florida suffers from near critical water shortages, we’re in the enviable position of having an ongoing supply of high-quality water from the largest collection of major magnitude springs of any county in the state.

7. Amenity-Rich Suburb

Citrus County offers the full range of amenities your active lifestyle demands.  From nearby shopping and diverse restaurant choices to local theatre productions and area festivals, you’ll find Terra Vista is an exciting, convenient place to enjoy great suburban Florida living.

8. Excellent Health Care

Offering a wide range of outstanding health care options right near home brings peace of mind.  Living in Citrus Hills, you’ll have convenient access to two hospitals, hundreds of highly regarded family and specialty physicians and dozens of outpatient surgery and diagnostic centers.  And just a short drive away awaits the world-class health care services at Shands Health Care in Gainesville.

9. Low Crime

Of the 67 counties in Florida, Citrus County boasts one of the lowest crime rates.  In keeping with our great suburban setting, residents enjoy a lifestyle free from the threats and worries often experienced in more populated parts of the state.  Plus, our Sheriff’s Department has earned national accolades and accreditation for its unwavering pursuit of safety and diligent crime-prevention efforts.

10. Educational Opportunities

With a long-standing tradition for excellence, Citrus County offers a comprehensive array of educational opportunities to meet the needs of our diverse population, ranging from educational enrichment courses for retirees to outstanding pre-schools.  Our public schools boast one of the lowest student-teacher ratios in the state, and there are several private school options.  Our community college and technical school offer local higher educational opportunities at very affordable rates.

11. Poised for Florida’s Future

Citrus County lies in a unique position along the coastal edge of Florida’s Central Belt, a region where the real focus of future growth lies.  In terms of bustling hubs of commerce, Citrus County is advantageously located just a short distance from the flourishing metro centers of Orlando, Gainesville and Tampa Bay.  Located even closer, is the blossoming city of Ocala.

12. Amazing Quality of Life

Set amidst gently rolling hills in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, this northern suburb of Tampa Bay offers all the amenities you desire to live life to its fullest.  Balanced year-round weather, idyllic natural beauty, great schools, advanced medical care and superb golf, tennis, boating, and fishing all combine with a rare spirit of community to create an enchanting place few places can rival.

For more information on retirement and Terra Vista of Citrus Hills, please visit our website, at http://www.citrushills.com or call 800-511-0814

Located in a coastal region with a terrain of Rolling Hills that rise to over 250 above sea level, Terra Vista of Citrus County is truly unique.  Imagine a place where you live in a picture perfect world where Mother Nature’s Beauty is preserved and the high rise condos don’t exist.  An area that ideally blends Small Town Charm, Big City Convenience, and a permanent escape from the overcrowded conditions found in places like Orlando, Fort Myers, and Boca Raton.  Then, imagine extremely low crime rates, affordable cost of living, affordable housing prices, and affordable insurance rates – all features which distinguish Terra Vista as a unique Florida haven!  Terra Vista is the perfect Florida Retirement Community.

2. Neighborhoods Dedicated to Retirement Life with Style

There are two retirement community neighborhoods destined to capture your imagination and win your heart.  Like a fine jewel they are nestled between gently rolling hills and a maze of rivers, lakes, and springs. Bathed by refreshing Gulf breezes that gently sway the Spanish moss of the majestic oaks, these are places where the very best in active country club living is enjoyed by all.  These are Terra Vista of Citrus hills and Brentwood at Terra Vista.  These two neighborhoods combine to be the most attractive retirement and golf communities in Florida!

3. Choose the Retirement Lifestyle You Want to Retire In

Whatever lifestyle option you desire – a palatial home with gorgeous views of the fairway or an unpretentious maintained villa of simple elegance – you’ll be enchanted by a variety of choices in village settings where the natural and planned come together in perfect harmony.  Gated neighborhoods where lush landscaping contrasts stunningly against the area’s distinctive rolling hills.  Here everything comes together to form a great suburban community surrounded by a world of comforts and conveniences perfect for your active Florida retirement.

4. World Class Amenities You Desire

At the heart of these active retirement communities you’ll find all the amenities you desire to create an enriching and spirited life.  Four ClubHouses, three Championship Golf Courses,  two Tennis Centers, a choice of casual and gourmet Private Restaurants and the luxurious BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center.  Collectively, they lay the foundation for an abundance of recreational diversions and a hub of social activity.  With over 100 active clubs and events for Golf, Special Events, Fitness Clubs, and Other Activities, you’re sure to find something perfect for you!

5. Located at the Heart of Citrus County – Where It All Comes Together

Located along the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, this northernmost suburb of the Tampa Bay region offers all the amenities you desire to live life to its fullest in an environment uncluttered by congestion.  Abundant shopping, world-class golf and fishing, great restaurants, a well-developed school system, traditional and contemporary houses of worship, and dozens of excellent health care facilities are right at your fingertips!

Natural and unspoiled, Citrus County is the perfect place for your retirement.  Home to an uncommon wealth of protected resources that provide incredible environmental benefits, and bordered by waterways on three of its four sides, Citrus County is a water-enthusiast’s dream.

6. Balanced, Comfortable Climate Year Round

With our balanced year-round climate and historically low hurricane risk, you are sure to find an abundance of outdoor events to enjoy throughout the year.  Those who appreciate championship golf will be awed by the region’s 20-plus golf courses, many of which hold a national distinction.

7. Home Town Charm With Big City Conveniences

While many areas to the south are growing far too crowded, Citrus County has safeguarded about 50% of its land from future development, preserving the natural, untouched beauty you desire.  Combine this pristine paradise with the excitement, endless cultural possibilities, superb shopping, dynamic nightlife, and major sporting events, and you’ll discover Terra Vista and Brentwood!  These are the perfect places for you to retire.

If the Big City still beckons, you need only to hop in your car to enjoy day trips to everything that attracts millions of vacationers each year.  Just a leisurely drive east alone the Florida Turnpike awaits Orlando, offering a wide assortment of world-famous attractions.

Head south for an hour on the Suncoast Parkway and you’ll discover cosmopolitan Tampa Bay – which boasts the largest performing arts center and science center in the southeast!  Home to internationally acclaimed museums, major league sports teams, and everything in between, Tampa is becoming the South’s most dynamic city.

8. Fully Customizable Homes

Whatever your needs – palatial executive residence, casual retirement home or modest vacation retreat you’ll find a selection that meets your budget and taste.

The offering includes a wide choice of traditional single-family homes and detached villas that personify the essence of great Florida living in villages that include select golf course home, lake and preserve opportunities.

Visitors to the community will experience the designer homes at an extraordinary collection of furnished model homes.

9. Terra Vista – An Affordable Retirement and Active Adult Community

Living a first-class country club lifestyle without breaking the nest egg is the promise you’ll discover at Terra Vista. The worry of excessive taxes and insurance rates is absent, and the cost of living is more attractive than many other Florida areas.  Plus, you’ll enjoy a unique array of housing values designed to accommodate everyone from the budget-conscious to those seeking the ultimate in luxury.

For more information on retirement and Terra Vista of Citrus Hills, please visit our website, at www.citrushills.com or call 800-511-0814

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