Archive for the ‘About the Villages’ Category

The Villages, FL Geography and Demographics

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills

Location in Citrus County and the state of Florida

Coordinates: 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″WCoordinates: 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″W
Country: United States
State: FL
County: Citrus
Area
- Total 9.8 sq mi (25.4 km2)
- Land 9.8 sq mi (25.4 km2)
- Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)

Elevation: 115 ft (35 m)
Population (2000)
- Total 4,029
- Density 411.1/sq mi (158.6/km2)

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States first developed by Gerald Nash and Samuel Tamposi. The population was 4,029 at the 2000 census.

Contents

  1. Geography Information on the Villages, FL
  2. The Villages FL Demographics

Geography Information on the Villages, FL

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is located at 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″W (28.886087, -82.423450)[3].
Based on information from the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²), all of it land.

The Villages, FL Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,029 people, 1,783 households, and 1,485 families residing in the Villages, FL. The population density of the Villages, FL was 411.2 people per square mile (158.7/km²). In the Villages, FL, there was a total of 2,137 housing units at an average density of 218.1/sq mi (84.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.78% White, 1.44% African American, 0.32% Native American, 4.02% Asian, 0.45% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of the population.

There were 1,783 households in the Villages, FL (out of which 15.1%) which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.4% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.46.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 13.3% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 13.3% from 25 to 44, 36.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,229, and the median income for a family was $53,222. Males had a median income of $35,125 versus $24,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,753. About 4.3% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

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The Villages, FL Explained

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a retirement community located in Citrus County, Florida, United States.  The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a Florida retirement community that is not age restricted, but rather age targeted.  The Villages, FL is a master-planned retirement community with a number of excellent amenities, such as golf, tennis, club houses, and a spa and fitness center.

The Villages FL has been designed perfectly for people are retired, retiring, or looking to retire in the next few years.  It is not restricted to people who are over a certain age.  The Villages, Florida is different than a retirement home (which is a single building or small complex with no “common areas” for socializing).  This is a full retirement community, with excellent activities to keep you busy all year round.  The Villaes, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills has first class facilities that are designed for an active adult retirement.  Swimming pools, arts and crafts clubs, boating, hiking/walking trails, golf courses, and other facilities can be found here.

Area Recreation (Outside of the Villages, FL):
Whatever your favorite pastimes are, the area around the Villages, Fl has it.  The immediate area (Citrus County) coupled with Tampa Bay, Orlando, Gainesville, and Ocala gives any resident of the Villages, FL a world of activities outside of the Villages, FL.  Thanks to the Central Gulf Coast location, the Villages Fl really enjoy the benefits of an amenity rich suburban lifestyle that is perfectly combined with easy access to “big city” conveniences.

Area Beaches Near the Villages, FL
Fort Island Gulf Beach
Pristine Gulf Beach featuring white sands and a fishing pier, picnic facilities, swimming, boat ramp and more.

Hernando Beach
Swimming, water skiing, fishing, picnicking, or just playing in the sunshine, this cozy 3 acre park and beach is ideal for the family outing. Easy to reach just off of US 41.

Fort Cooper State Park
Lake Holathlikaha (160 acre lake) offers a picnic area, swimming, boat rentals, camping and fishing.

Diving / Snorkeling Near the Villages, FL

American Pro Dive
321 SE Hwy 19
Crystal River, FL

Birds Under Water
8585 N. Pine Needle Terr
Crystal River, FL

Crystal Lodge Dive Center
525 NW 7th Ave
Crystal River, FL

MacRaes of Homosassa
5300 South Cherolee Way
Homosassa, FL

Plantation Inn Dive Shop
9301 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL

Port Paradise Resort
1610 SE Paradise Circle
Crystal River, FL

River Safaris, Inc.
10823 Yukee Drive
Homosassa, FL

Fishing Guides & Charters Near the Villages, FL

DC’s Guide Service
6021 N Alvin Point
Hernando, Florida
352-341-8451

Gulf Coast Charters
3499 E. Chappell Court
Hernando, Florida
352-860-1927

Watson‘s Fish Camp
4195 E Parsons Point Road
Hernando, Florida
352-726-2225

Marinas & Boating
Nature’s Resort Marina
10359 W Halls River Rd
Homosassa, FL

Magic Manatee Marina
10806 West Halls River Rd
Homosassa, FL
Pete’s Pier, Inc.
1 SW 1rst Place
Crystal River FL

Plantation Inn Marina
9301 W fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL
Port Paradise Marina
610 SW Paradise circle
Crystal River, FL

Riverhaven Marina
5296 S Riverview Circle
Homosassa, FL

St Martins Marina
2330 South Ripple Path
Ozello, FL

Twin Rivers Marina
2880 North Seabreeze Point
Crystal River, FL

Cultural Centers Near the Villages, FL

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 NW MacInnes Place
Tampa, Florida    Bayfront Center Arena
400 First Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida Orchestra
101 S. Hoover Suite 100
Tampa, Florida    Ruth Eckerd Hall
1111 North McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, Florida

CONCERT VENUES
Rock Crusher Canyon
275 South Rock Crusher Road
Crystal River, FL    Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
315 Hull Road
Gainesville, Florida

Curtis Peterson Auditorium
3800 W Educational Path
Lecanto, Florida

Museums Near the Villages, FL

Appleton Museum of Art
P.O. Box 3190
Ocala, Florida    Tampa Museum of Art
600 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, Florida

Florida International Museum
100 Second Street North
St. Petersburg, Florida    Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
4801 E Fowler Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Children’s Museum of Tampa
7550 North Boulevard
Tampa, Florida    Salvador Dali Museum
1000 3rd Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida

Libraries

Central Ridge Library
425 W Roosevelt Highway
Beverly Hills, Florida    Coastal Region Library
8619 W Crystal Street
Crystal River, Florida

Lakes Region Library
1511 Druid Road
Inverness, Florida    Homosassa Public Library
Mason Creek Road
Homosassa, Florida

Community Theatres
Citrus County Art League & Gallery
2644 N. Annapolis Avenue
Hernando, Florida    Playhouse 19
865 North Suncoast Boulevard
Crystal River, Florida

Ocala Civic Center
4337 E. Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, Florida    Hippodrome State Theatre
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 Northwest 16th Boulevard
Gainesville, Florida    Acrosstown Repertoire Theater
619 South Main Street
Gainesville, Florida

Parks

BiCentennial Park
8710 W. Godfrey Ln.
Crystal River, FL
352-795-1478    Chassohiwitzka River Tours
8215 W. Bounty Ct.
Homosassa, FL
352-382-0837

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE Kings Bay Dr.
Crystal River, FL
352-563-2088    Fort Cooper State Park
3100 S Old Floral City Rd.
Inverness, FL
352-726-0315

Hunter Springs Park
104 NE 1st Ave
Crystal River, FL
352-795-3512    Whispering Pines Park
1700 Forest Dr.
Inverness, FL
352-726-3913

Rainbow River State Park
2 Locations
18185 SW 94th St.
Dunnellon, FL
352-465-8550
and
19158 SW 81st Place Rd.
Dunnellon, FL
352-465-8550

Professional Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
1 West Buccaneer Place
Tampa, Florida
www.buccaneers.com    Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Tropicana Field
One Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, Florida
www.devilrays.com

Tampa Bay Lightning
St. Petersburg Times Forum
401 Channelside Drive
Tampa, Florida
www.tampabaylightning.com    New York Yankees Spring Training

Legends Field
3802 West Martin Luther King Drive
Tampa, Florida
www.legendsfieldtampa.com

Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training
Jack Russel Memorial Stadium
800 Phillies Drive
Clearwater, Florida
www.philliesspringtraining.com    Toronto Blue Jays
375 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, Florida

Tampa Bay Downs
Thoroughbred Racing
P.O. Box 2007
Oldsmar, Florida    Derby Lane Street
Pete Kennel Club
10490 Gandy Boulevard North
St. Petersburg, Florida

Ocala Jai Alai
State Road 318
Orange Lake, Florida    Tampa Greyhound Track
8300 Nebraska Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Regional Golf Courses

Skyview at Citrus Hills
240 West Fenway Drive
Hernando, FL    Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club
(The Meadows & The Oaks)
509 East Hartford Street
Hernando, FL
352-746-4425

Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club
8690 West Golfview Drive
Citrus Springs, FL    El Diablo Golf and Country Club
10405 N. Sherman Drive
Citrus Springs, FL

Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL    Twisted Oaks Country Club
4801 N. Forest Ridge Dr.
Beverly Hills, FL

World Woods Golf Club
17590 Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
Brooksville,FL

Horseback Riding
A-OK Ranch/Angel Oaks Korral
2921 E Stagecoach Trail
Inverness, Florida    Blue Berry Hill Farm
7088 N Lecanto Highway
Lecanto, Florida

Clearview Farm
655 N Cherry Pop Drive
Inverness, Florida    Just Horse-N Around
Inverness, Florida

Rymar Ranch
5338 S Lecanto Highway
Lecanto, Florida

Bowling
Beverly Hills Bowl
3300 N Lecanto Highway
Beverly Hills, Florida    Manatee Lanes
7715 W Gulf to Lake Highway
Crystal River, Florida

Neffer‘s Bowling
3655 S Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida    Parkview Lanes
US Highway 41
Holder, Florida

Sportsman Bowl, Inc.
100 N Florida Avenue
Inverness, Florida

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How to Choose a Retirement Community

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Generally speaking, retirement communities are classed one of two ways – either ‘age targeted’, or ‘age restricted’.  Age restricted retirement communities simply requires residents to be 55 years of age or older, and may have some extremely strict rules on how long family members of certain ages may visit.  An age-targeted retirement community will not restrict the purchase of a home (or residency) from an interested buyer younger than 55, although the amenities and demographics will be vastly geared to retirees.

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.

3.    Investigate online.

Most 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.

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 more affordable cost of living, while other areas may be more expensive.  Be aware of “hidden costs.” The purchase of homes in some communities in Florida have a CDD associated with the ownership. This “bond” is repaid on an annual basis in conjunction with property taxes and is essentially an added cost of the purchase price, and could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

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!

Many retirement communities offer an accommodation visit program so that you can visit, tour, and experience a taste of what you might be looking for 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.

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Planing a Memorable Retirement Party

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

A retirement party should be just that- a party!  After all the years of hard work and sweat the retiree has contributed, you want to plan a party that makes them feel appreciated and celebrated for what they have done, but also for who they are.  Retiring to the Villages, Florida is an especially exciting time for you! You may know the guest of honor primarily through the time they contributed at your company, but there is a lot more to them as a person; make this a celebration of not just what they have done, but who they are as well.  This is obviously primarily a celebration of the retiree’s working years, but don’t be afraid to include some touches reflecting their personal lives as well.  Here are some fun ideas to plan an easy, but memorable, retirement party.  Its all about the retiree for a few hours, and every aspect of the party should reflect that in some way.

Decorations:

Beyond what they have done and who they are, don’t forget to include aspects of where the retiree is going and what they plan on doing.  Are they retiring to The Villages, FL?  Then decorate the party with bright colors, pink flamingos, and other beach themes.  Is the retiree finally building their dream house in the mountains?  Use camping equipment and pine cones to create a festive air.  Retirement parties only happen once, so don’t be afraid to have fun with the decorations and maybe even go a little overboard.

Food:

The food should also tie into the theme of the party and reflect the guest of honor.  Maybe the first thing the retiree is planning on doing with their new-found freedom is to take that cruise in the Mediterranean.  If that’s the case, find a good Greek caterer and make sure there’s lots of Baklava.  If the retiree is most looking forward to spending their days boating, serve lots of seafood.  Or consider holding the party at the retiree’s favorite restaurant.  Don’t skimp on the quality of the food; if you’re planning the party on a tight budget, don’t give in to the temptation to save by getting cheap food.  Nothing puts a damper on a party faster.

Party Games and Entertainment:

Many people expect to toast (or roast) the retiree, but a fun variation of that is to create a Jeopardy-like game using questions based on the guest of honor.  Another great TV game show to use would be Who Wants to be a Millionaire?  Some friendly competition for the attendees could be a small putt-putt course if the retiree is a golfer.  Whatever you plan, be sure to keep the retiree’s personality in mind; you want the end of the retiree’s time to be one of their best memories, not one of their most embarrassing moments.

After the party:

Whatever the retiree is going to end up doing now that their days of toiling are done, a great way to let those left behind know how to keep up with them as they head off to new adventures is through the party favors.  For the outdoors-y themed party, use wood picture frames with the retiree’s new contact information or an idea that can be incorporated into every theme is to put disposable cameras out on the tables and encourage friends or co-workers to document the party for the guest of honor themselves.

The options for themes of a retirement party are as diverse as the person you’re honoring.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match the many facets of the retiree’s life.  What is it they most look forward to doing in the future?  What are some of their greatest professional and personal accomplishments?  Every retiree has a unique story, take advantage of that uniqueness to plan a retirement party that they (and you) will never forget.

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Making Friends In Retirement

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Making friends can be difficult for retirees, especially for those who re-locate.  Retirement, in the same as the rest of life, cannot be lived without relationships.  But forming new friendships can be tiring and scary.  Here are some ideas on making friends in retirement…

1.    Common Ground
The foundation to a good friendship is what two people have in common.  In the same way that friendships between co-workers form, places for retirees to forge friendships may be church, clubs, volunteering, or adult learning classes—anywhere you’ll be likely to meet new people who enjoy doing some of the same things you do.

2.    Smaller Groups
It can be difficult to get to know people in large groups, especially if you’re a retiree who isn’t a fan of small talk.  Try to get to know and join groups, activities, and committees with 8 to 10 people.  The “pool” of friends to choose from may be smaller, but a smaller group will make finding friends (and not just acquaintances) a little bit easier.

3.    Take a Risk
Many times the most difficult part of the friendship building process can be the first step.  If there is fellow retiree who you believe had friendship potential, take the initiative and ask them questions about themselves or invite them to join you for a meal or cup of coffee.  The idea is to search for and take advantage of common ground, even if it’s something as simple as the fact that you’re both retirees.

4.    Keep the Old
In the search for developing new friends, don’t neglect the good friends you already do have.  Take advantage of modern conveniences like email and cell phones, and remember the older ones like snail mail, to keep in touch with the friends you have already made over the years.  The old friends can encourage you in your search for new friends, and distance doesn’t have to put a damper on bonds of friendship already formed.

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Adjusting to Retirement: Problems and Solutions

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Change is hard.  Even exciting changes can prove difficult.  Eagerly anticipated changes are still upheaval and therefore have the potential to be painful.  There are different reasons adjusting to retirement may prove to be somewhat stressful.  And with the average life-span continually increasing, most people can expect to spend more time in the retirement stage of life.  In order to fully enjoy the ease of the retirement years, solutions need to be found for potential problems.

1.    Problem: Retiring at Different Times
For couples where both work outside the home, its not unusual for one of the partners to retire before the other, which brings change and therefore a new kind of stress on the relationship. The partner still working may be jealous of the new-found freedom the other has.  Or the opposite could be true in that the retiree may be jealous of the purpose the other still has in their life. Both partners can end up resentful of and hurt by the other as they both adjust to one of them retiring.

Solution:
Acknowledge and realize, as a couple, that transitions are scary, even ones as exciting as     retirement.  In the same way that all the other life-adjustments and stresses a couple has     encountered before (such as kids, moves, job changes) have been opportunity for     arguments and distance between them, the life-style change to retirement is no different.  Tackle     this new stage of life with the same commitment to communication, patience, flexibility, and     compromise.

2.    Problem: Boredom and Feeling Purposeless
After spending years with clear purpose and direction, retirement may feel void of direction or a big-black hole of purposelessness.  Or what about those that may be able to find things to do around the house, but still don’t feel like they’ve accomplished anything truly worthwhile at the end of the day and puttering around the house feels pointless instead.

Solution:
Many retirees fill their days with the hobbies they’ve always wanted to pursue but have never had enough time, energy, or money to devote to before.  But for some, hobbies aren’t enough to fill the now-empty days.  Volunteering, part-time or seasonal jobs, and physical activities are a great way to get out of the house, feel useful, and continue to engage and challenge your mind and now-retired body.  Retirement is a new opportunity to set and work towards goals.

3.    Problem: Loss of Friends
Particularly for those who made many friends through the office and social butterflies who crave the interaction the bustling work-place offered, retiring can be lonely.  Or for the retiree moving to warmer weather or to be closer to the grandkids, you have lost not only the human interaction from your co-workers, but also the social network and support outside of the office, such as church, neighbors, or clubs.

Solution:
Retirement means having more time available, and even though you might not get the daily     interaction from surrounding co-workers, there are still many people out in the world, potential     friends, waiting to be discovered, the trick is figuring out how to get to them.  That might mean     getting to know neighbors or joining a club     (to match a hobby).  If you already have a network     of friends outside of work, but are planning on moving when you retire, why not consider a     retirement community?  Making new friends isn’t easy, but having so much in common with     those nearby will help make the transition easier.

4.    Problem: Forced Into Retirement and Financial Unknowns
Being forced into retirement because of company lay-offs can add the stress of financial unknowns.  You probably thought you had a few more years to figure out a plan and a little while longer to build up your savings, and now it might feel like you’re being forced to develop a plan for how the rest of your life is going to look.

Solution:
If you don’t already, now would probably be a good time to create and stick to a budget.  If     knowledge is power, then knowing what your new lifestyle looks like in the checkbook will     give you the information you need to take control of where you’re headed.  That might mean a     second career, part-time job, or just taking advantage of senior discounts.  Downsizing is     another way to begin to help retiree’s stick to a smaller budget.

Please visit The Villages, FL for more information.

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

Friday, February 26th, 2010

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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