Terra Vista Florida Retirement

Archive for April, 2010

It is easy to become so consumed with our plans for retirement- choosing a new hometown, moving, constructing or purchasing a house, etc. that we forget to actually celebrate it with the people that are closest to us. Here are ten tips for planning your retirement party.  Enjoy!

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!

Top Ten Florida Myths Don’t Apply to the Villages of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills

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.

Top Ten Things to Consider When Moving to the Villages FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills

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.