[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Erijo

If I may respond about retirement localities. We are now living here 2 years and have looked in many areas in preparation for our retirement.
Sun City Center, Tampa. Pretty place, but very little to do. We were there approximately 2010 looking around in the newer area, where all the new construction was going on. Very pretty, villas attached to one another, so 2 units lived under one roof. The rec centers were empty and dreary looking. I'm remember the halls of the rec center being painted a dark brown. The people by the pools were just sitting there, as though waiting for the grim reaper. No music, not reading, no socializing just staring into space. I could not picture us living there.
Valencia lakes, Tampa. ( we looked here in 2010-2011). Beautiful! Homes were beautiful. Lots of Forrest area with gorgeous greenery behind the homes. We were told that this view was not promised, that future homes would be built there. We saw only one Rec center to be used by all. It was brand new and still under construction. Again, I could not picture us living there, to much was not finished with no guarantees or promises.
Ocala. Just did not like it. As we walked around the community, we saw no activity. I felt as though everyone just stayed inside. Not our cup of tea.
We looked at the Villages a couple of times, although about 8-10 years apart. The difference between the two visits was night and day. Obviously, we could picture ourselves living here! I am not being negative about other retirement communities, just a honest opinion. Hope this helps your brother. That being said, he needs to go look at these places himself and decide what is best for him socially and financially. Best of luck and happiness to him.

Well said!!!