Many things to consider. We moved to Tampa, FL 3 years ago for retirement. Learned a lot.
The Villages- recent article about how it is good for lesbians- as long as they are Republicans. Surprised me.
Single story house- yes! We’re only getting older. Older houses with “good bones” and layout can easily be updated (see some of my old posts about our pink house renovations)- flooring, doorknobs et al.
Home owners associations. We got lucky with local realtors who knew the ins and outs of how well managed various developments in our area are run. We wanted a nongated community, found one in our thousands of homes development in the part of town we chose. Gated communities become private- this means any street and sewer problems may become the owners’, not the city’s responsibility. Good drainage and worn out infrastructure can be an issue. Needing to be let in and out- yuck. Plus, with all of the service people coming and going I’m not so sure there is really that much security.
In this area it is easy to find services. Lawn care, insect care, pool care, house cleaning- easy to get. Add up the costs of an all inclusive HOA fee and paying yourself.
Consider the amenities. If you want groups to be with a 55+ community may be for you. If you are a reader consider the county’s library system. We would have paid $100/person/year to be able to use the great Hillsborough library system if we were over the county line in Pasco County.
Demographics. See above. We would be in trouble in The Villages- politics. Ethnic groups mean different foods and cultural activities. Like the restaurants here and Indians here are a good change for Indian H. Can’t get the same groceries I was used to- brands and types in some instances. Worth going to grocery stores in target area to see prices (high here!), brands and bakery/deli/meats et al. Churches in area.
Summers here- like winters up north in that indoor activities prevail. Easier to drive/dash into stores in heavy rain than snow, however. Our little street has several of our age- some retired and those who go up north for a month or more summers. Find that in Florida when you don’t up north. Also Florida has so many seniors there are many activities in mainstream areas (they serve us better than the school kids, sigh). Senior classes-Ollie- as well. Audit USF courses for free (over 60). You do not need to be in a special community to get the same benefits, depending on where you choose.
Another factor. Here there are many transplants, of all ages, from out of the region. Find plenty from the Midwest as well as up the east coast. Plus immigrants from many places. In some areas you would want to be among seniors to fit in and not be an outsider. Larger areas have more diversity- matters if you do not fit the local demographic mode.
There are several mobile home communities in this area. Not for me. Different lifestyle no matter how middle class.
Perhaps renting before buying, or at least several lengthy stays to see how you really like the area of interest- in all seasons.