New Yorkers Michael and Kellie Geiger purchased a home in The Villages this past December.
“We could not be more thrilled with our decision. It is true there are so many amenities it surely is impossible to enjoy and partake in each,” said Michael Geiger.
They found a home in the Village of Bradford and they say it is the “trifecta” as it is five minutes from Sawgrass Grove, eight minutes from Brownwood Paddock Square and 15 minutes from the new Eastport Town Center.
“The absolute perfect location for us,” Michael Geiger said. “What is of great value is the cleanliness of the property and The Villages squares. Neighbors are always willing to help with whatever need you may have. We couldn’t be happier.”
While the Geigers may be living the dream, time and growth have turned that dream into a nightmare for other Villagers. A recent Realtor.com report indicated demand appears to be cooling for homes in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
“Four months ago we sold our home in the Village of Charlotte. After 15 years we were growing tired of the seasonal growth,” said Ron Markland.
He said he was finally fed up with bad driving and big crowds.
“We were also concerned about the continuing rapid growth. Where are the new residents going to find groceries and restaurants? Even golfing is limited at the current time,” Markland said.
Longtime resident Peter Capo of the Village of Poinciana has seen many changes in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
“While it’s still a one-of-a-kind concept, in the last 5-10 years the lifestyle has deteriorated,” he said. “When we moved here in 2006 the population was 45.000. And we were promised no building past County Road 466A. Ha, ha.”
He laments the fact that The Villages has become a vacationland where airbnb and VRBO owners are making a killing, but disrupting once-peaceful neighborhoods.
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