January 2012

2012 Predictions for The Villages

By Elder Gray

2012 Predictions for The Villages by Elder Gray

1. The Villages will be recognized as the top and best retirement community in the nation by major journals and publications in the housing / retirement industry, gaining additional recognition for its advancements in healthcare facilities and services, along with its active lifestyle.  The Villages will also gain recognition and notoriety for its “America’s Healthiest Hometown” program.
2. The number of golf carts in The Villages will exceed 55,000.  Best estimates of the current number of golf carts are already over 50,000.  With the outlook for 2012’s economy and gas prices, more Villagers will be trading in second cars for second golf carts, increasing the golf cart to household ratio.  Newcomers will push the total easily above 55,000.
3. Golf “holes-in-one” will average about 150 per month and exceed 1800 for the year.  With the completion of the 29^th executive golf course and the 10^th championship course, extended tee times, and off-hour golf bargains, additional opportunities will be available to many more hole-in-one plaque owners.
4. (Repeat of 2011 prediction) The Internal Revenue Service will complete its review of The Villages’ District Government bond issue with “no finding”.  The frivolous inquiry was opened by an agent soon “promoted” out of the job, followed by a second and now a third, with only periodic requests for additional information and data.  A finding other than “no finding” would be disruptive to 100’s of community developments districts throughout Florida.
5. The Moffitt Cancer Center at The Villages will be the catalyst for substantial upgrades in current and new medical services and healthcare providers in The Villages community.
6. Villages south of CR466A will accelerate in sales this year reaching the outskirts of the new town center of Brownwood.  The continued sale of new homes in The Villages has remained strong through a down economy and down housing market. 
7. Clubs and activities in The Villages will exceed 2000.  Organizations being managed by The Villages’ Recreation Department already exceeds 1800, but the recreation facilities are still only about  two-thirds capacity, with considerable prime-time space available for expansion of new chapters, clubs and activities.  Last year’s estimate of an average of 12 new activities per month was too conservative.
8. Low Speed Vehicles will increase in popularity and numbers.  With the continued expansion of The Villages and increasing gas prices on the horizon, Villagers will be using the golf cart (car) more and more as a second car and discover the convenience of a LSV.  Gas powered golf carts will increase in their proportion of sales as gas engines improve and Villagers demand greater range in their carts.
9. The percentage of seasonal residents will continue to drop.  The poor economy will make the maintaining of two homes less attractive to two-home families.  The benefits of living in The Villages will have more double-home owners selling their out-of-state homes and moving to Florida permanently to enjoy The Villages’ lifestyle year around.
10. Home values in The Villages will outpace state and national averages as baby boomers reaching age 65 at 10,000 per day seek the best value for their dollar and discover The Villages’ Lifestyle.