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Wednesday, August 13, 2003 Young, old finding smaller is better Although the most common perception when thinking of homes in Fayette County is probably that of large houses on large lots, there are other options for those who prefer something else. More and more homeowners are deciding that they prefer to scale things down, as children move away and house size is no longer as important, and the idea of maintaining larger homes and land is also becoming less appealing with many residents. On the other end of the spectrum, younger people just starting out in the real estate market are looking for homes that are more affordable than what the majority of Fayette neighborhoods offer. In downtown Fayetteville, a longtime apartment complex is being completely renovated with the finished product being a condominium community. Jeff Davis Intown, on Jeff Davis Boulevard, has a variety of plans in both townhouses and flats with prices beginning at $129,900. Renovations on three of the existing buildings have been completed, and three more buildings will be done by the end of 2003. Some townhome units have already been sold, and residents are beginning to move into the new development. Three townhomes are available for purchase right now, and six more will be ready by September. Eight flats are also currently available with prices starting at $139,900. The developer has also been working hard on the property's amenities, as a new clubhouse has been built and the existing pool has been redecked. There is also a great deal of new landscaping and fencing, as well as new park benches facing Jeff Davis Blvd., and the exercise facility should be open within a few weeks. These homes are appealing to first-time buyers as well as empty nesters and even some people who are now making a second home in Fayette, according to a spokesperson for the community. First-time buyer financing is available. After the redevelopment of the existing buildings is completed and all of those units are sold, a total of 28 new units are scheduled to be built. The new homes will be a combination of flats and townhomes, with the numbers depending upon the needs of the community. Another option for downsizing homeowners is coming together on the other side of Fayetteville, at The Villages. The first townhome sale has just closed on that property, next to the city's new amphitheater and Fayette County High School. Eleven townhomes are now complete, with seven more under construction. A total of 30 will be in the community when all are completed, at prices from $199,900 to the $230's. Detached cluster homes are also in the plan, with 10 finished so far and 173 planned for the total development, to be built out in the next 2-4 years. Most of these will be turn-of-the-century style homes with alleyways, from the mid-230's to $350,000 and up. The Villages development was conceived as a place that would mix residential, office and commercial uses so that residents can live, work and play within their own neighborhood. Homeowners will be able to leave their cars in their garages and walk to a wide variety of activities from the neighborhood itself to the Fayetteville square. The homes in The Villages are appealing to divorced people coming out of larger homes, some looking to be in homes by themselves for the first time, as well as younger homeowners. The idea of having lawn maintenance included in the overall ownership package is also a big sell.
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