Help with choosing a community

[Twiglet]

As I am a Florida 'virgin' [msntongue] how do I even begin to choose a community, as I don't have a clue??!

I know people are saying choose a house, then a community, I guess I need a little guidance from those who have been thru a similar dilema, I would like to know what helped them choose the community they did.

With three kids I don't want to be too long on the road, but more importantly it would be nice to be near restaurants/shops for all the 'popping in and out' that inevitably happens for bits and pieces.

Do some communites have a club within the community, so you can walk to get something to eat?

[LiesaAnna]

Terra Verde has a clubhouse, (not sure what happens there) also a games room for the kids (or adults) also a commnuity pool with tiki bar,i have read it does a snack service.

http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_12670.asp

found lots of bits and pieces , put in on search at the top, you may find lots of info for a specific place?
Terra Verde is also close to everything!!
i am staying there in september this year and sooooooooo looking forward to it!!!

[Kissyme]

when we were deciding for the first time we spoke to as many people as possible to get their opinion on different communities, it was a little different for us as we had been to Florida ourselves (in hotels) so knew the area we wanted to stay in, but choosing the community and then the house took some time.

I`m sure there are places that have a club house but i`m not sure which ones they are as for being near to shops virtually everywhere you stay you are near a supermarket, and the cars are so lovely and the roads fairly easy to use that driving should`nt be a problem, In fact I`m going to give driving a go this time Keith`s already getting jittery, as you know only men can really drive !!!!!

[KevinT]

Hi Twiglet,

Most of the communities featured on these sites will have at least small shopping malls within
easy driving distance and the supermarket chains quickly move into areas being developed where they see an expanding market. I think that the first thing that strikes newbies (certainly from the UK ) is how spread out the landscape is there. They are used to having shops within easy walking distance, whereas Floridians think nothing of driving for ten or fifteen minutes to go to the supermarket. I would say that wherever you rent you should be within five or ten minutes of essentials, and some of the very big chains like Walmart, SuperTarget, Publix and Wynn Dixie
have not only groceries but also housewares, electricals, pharmacy and clothing items. Walmart
have the lot! all under one roof - car tyres, hardware,sporting goods, photographic - everything! [:O]
If you venture out a little further, 20 to 40 minutes will bring you to some of the bigger malls
mentioned regularly in these forums, like the Florida Mall, Premium Outlets Mall, Mall of the Millenia, Beltz Outlets and many others, which are all well worth a visit.
I am sure that you will have a great time wherever you stay. Happy shopping. [msnsmile2]

[Lesley and John]

Try here to read about communities

http://www.villasflorida.com/florida...mmunities.aspx

Regards
John

[ctgirlscout]

Some communities, such as ours, have clubhouses, but they will be limited the food they sell. I think ours only now sells snacks and sodas. Maybe some of the others sell more. But, as Kevin said, shopping is always a short drive away, or sometimes even within walking distance.

[Shirley G]

Southern Dunes has a cluhouse with a restaurant and bar. There is a Walmart, Wynn Dixie just outside the community gates. Just acroos the road is Blockbuster video and some smaller outlets.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Twiglet
As I am a Florida 'virgin' [msntongue] how do I even begin to choose a community, as I don't have a clue??!

I know people are saying choose a house, then a community, I guess I need a little guidance from those who have been thru a similar dilema, I would like to know what helped them choose the community they did.

With three kids I don't want to be too long on the road, but more importantly it would be nice to be near restaurants/shops for all the 'popping in and out' that inevitably happens for bits and pieces.

Do some communites have a club within the community, so you can walk to get something to eat?

[/quote]

The house is the biggest thing.....its the place you'll be in the longest..me I'd look at how different the villa was from the other homes ....because you want that wow when people back home see the pictures of where you stayed......
If you go for a club house.....then that may in the end not give you what you were looking for...it may not be open the times you want it.....etc.....
Have you made a list of the things you want.....?

[LiesaAnna]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pearlvilla
Southern Dunes has a cluhouse with a restaurant and bar. There is a Walmart, Wynn Dixie just outside the community gates. Just acroos the road is Blockbuster video and some smaller outlets.
[/quote]

i didnt realize that Southern Dunes had a restaurant and bar!!
see we all learn something new everyday!!
i assume (may be a silly question)is it open to non owners?

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pearlvilla
Southern Dunes has a cluhouse with a restaurant and bar. There is a Walmart, Wynn Dixie just outside the community gates. Just acroos the road is Blockbuster video and some smaller outlets.
[/quote]

i didnt realize that Southern Dunes had a restaurant and bar!!
see we all learn something new everyday!!
i assume (may be a silly question)is it open to non owners?
[/quote]

I think it says its open to everyone....