I'm investigating what to do next...
life after boat living.
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When I started this crazy boating project I created a 5yr plan. {#1.) Sell house & Buy boat #2.) Sail five years #3.) Sell boat and do something else.} Not exactly a detailed plan. I've lived aboard now since 2008. That'll be 13 years in October. I'm investigating what's next. *note: if YOU have a great idea, I would love to hear from you. Email me direct.
One option is get a land cruiser and see the USA.
Recently on the dock at my marina I ran into some people traveling in Caravans.
DJ and Margaret Nichols in their Ford Transit land yacht. (the silver one) Traveling Florida with another friend from New Mexico. (he's in the other camper) This is an option I am considering. My dear friends Bill and Denise Sears whom I met in Marathon Florida Christmas of 2016 recently sold their beautiful sailboat Brandy Girl and are looking a Winnebago. They looked at a "Minnie Winnie." I had a chance to discuss this with them two weeks ago. Their plan is to travel and volunteer at national parks for several months a year. (see the USA and stay for free) I CAN visualize Denise with her ranger hat on yelling at campers to follow the rules.
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Another option? The Villages...
A couple of weeks ago I had two buddies onboard 'to sail to George Town, in the Bahamas.' But, due to Covid, we didnt go anywhere. Regardless, we did have some discussions about Florida and retirement and one thing the guys mentioned was The Villages. After some research I decided to go and check it out. "The Villages is the largest senior living retirement spot in the USA." (it's 140,000 people living in a 60 square mile area) No one under age 19 can live there. Kids and Grandkids can visit - but not live there.
Google it. I did. There are lots of views and too many opinions. "The Villages seems like a place right out of a movie. It’s America’s largest retirement community, a sprawling, gated complex straddling three counties in Florida about 70 miles north and west of Orlando." I spent three days there looking it over. It's mind blowing. Let me just throw down some photos and come back later with the words.
Note all the golf carts. ~95% of residents have golf carts.
These town square photos - sans people - were taken at 7am.
My realtor, Frank DiPietro, a super nice guy. Here he is showing me the map of the many 'villages.' Frank said he is one of 250 salespeople working at the villages. (they sell between 350-500 homes per MONTH.) Prices range from $150,000 up to $3M. He worked an open house that morning for a new home @ $465,000. (i didnt see it.) He and his wife Judi both work there, but live outside the villages because they have kids younger than 19yoa.
Spanish Springs square
Spanish Springs Town Square closeup.
Villages? There are currently 3 town squares surrounded by about 100 housing villages. (think housing developments) Each town square is full of restaurants and bars, plus a Publix Grocery and lots of shopping.
You have Home Owner dues of about $150 per month which covers maintenance and your golf at the Executive courses. (plus all the Recreation Centers and activities: Tennis, Swimming Pools, Pickle Ball, Shuffle Board, Bocce Ball, Archery, unlimited Executive golf, etc.) In addition they have 12 Championship courses, 10 are 27 holes and 12 Country Clubs.* (*fee extra) Plus there are countless activities daily at each of the three town squares.
more later. tired now from driving all day. I'm in Mobile AL driving to Texas for family visits.
