HELP ..looking for a 55+ active community (Tampa, Clearwater: condo, new home, construction)

[jivan13]

next week will be in fla near clearwater and am going to check out the villages in ocala and the valencia near tampa (i believe).. they are 2 55+ communities but does anyone know of others near the tampa area i should look at ?? also, anything nice in the temple terrace area??? any help would be great... will be checking out as many things as possible whike down there next week... if you have anything, please email me at jivan13@optonline.net... thanks ivan

[BucFan]

I live in Valencia - its about 20 miles south of Tampa in the town of Wimauma. Although this is an over 55 community, people younger are allowed to live here as long as no one in the household is under 18. It feels relatively safe here - and the living in the community feels like a resort (nice clubhouse, workout/fitness area). There are a lot of social activities if you're into that. (glhomes.com). There is a lot of construction going on with new homes - but there are still a lot of open lots - not sure if they're going to be able to sell all of them as only time will tell. There isn't a lot nearby - Sun City Center has a few restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and there is a Super Walmart about 2 miles away. I don't mind the drive into Tampa to do things - and Bradenton is also nearby. The quality of homes here seems to be pretty good - have lived in my place for about 5 months and haven't seen any problems so far (knock on wood). HOAs are a little steep $370/mo - could be more/less depending on what type of home you buy. Good luck.

[TampaKaren]

There are a lot of 55+ communities. In order to give you the best advice, you need to tell us your price range along with any other requirements, e.g., # beds, # baths, single family home, condo or villa.

P.S. I agree with BucFan that Valencia is very nice.

[BucFan]

Karen,
Can you tell me the difference between a villa and a condo? I live in a villa - but no one could really tell me what the difference was - is it the amount of sq ft. My place is really just a duplex.

[BucFan]

Kings Point at Sun City Center is worth a look if you really want a safe, organized over 55 community. There are homes at every price level. Sun City Center is also nice - but not gated.

[jivan13]

Bucfan, thanks for your input... will be there next thursday and will check it out.. thanks, ivan.......

[TampaKaren]

Originally Posted by BucFan

Karen,
Can you tell me the difference between a villa and a condo? I live in a villa - but no one could really tell me what the difference was - is it the amount of sq ft. My place is really just a duplex.

In most cases, a villa is conveyed fee simple meaning you own the land beneath the unit like a house (did you get a survey?). A condo is ownership of the unit along with a fractional share of the entire complex.

[BucFan]

okay - yes I got a survey. Thanks for your answer.

[cariad]

Highland Lakes is just north of Clearwater and west of Tampa in Palm Harbor.
You can find condo's, villa's or single family homes, most from under 100K to 250K+.......a few higher that have lake tarpon for a backyard. Every activity you can think of including 3 golf courses.

[ricthemic]

check all those other places first then go to the villages (20 miles south of ocala) where all these other places try to compare themselves too. check out this website, "talkofthevillages.com"