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Sadie R.
best-worst
Best neighborhoods in The Villages
Hello, The unemployment rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low.
5 upvotes
26 Replies
Isla Martin
bump
40 upvotes
Everly Perez
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Weston H.
exactly what I was thinking
39 upvotes
Benjamin
Moved here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Addison L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 13 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Uptown for 13 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
David M.
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Joseph
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Kai Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Miles
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
christian_soul
I work in retail here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is underrated. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Zoey Wright
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Emilia S.
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
Nicole R.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
18 upvotes
Everly Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Sarah P.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Allison Lopez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
10 upvotes
Aria Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 36, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a teacher, 36, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
6 upvotes
Ruby Brooks
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Ruby L.
good to know, thanks
6 upvotes
Jordan J.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Gabriella James
this is the way
4 upvotes
Adam Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
3 upvotes
Austin H.
glad someone said it
2 upvotes
Ella
hard disagree but ok
2 upvotes
Josiah Jimenez
seconding this
0 upvotes
Ryan
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
0 upvotes