Quote:
Originally Posted by Barboza
We found the Villages about 26 yrs ago, couldn't believe all the smiley people, had to be a catch!
Spent 10 yrs coming & going looking for it then gave in & bought in Santiago in 1999 when that was "the end of the earth" Lived there for 11 yrs with wonderful friends & neighbours with whom I am still closely in touch .
Moved South to Tamarind 5 yrs ago to find yet another lovely community & friends.
When we first bought, there were generally only the restaurants around the squares + country clubs that were golf cart accessible, & at that time you could not use your golf cart at night so had bikes or used taxis. Also not much in the way of stores & nearest hardware stores were Ocala or Leesburg,
Yes, things have changed ( in 1999 I could go to square & know most peoples faces) however much change in the way of Cinemas, shopping, entertainment, & recreational opportunities but each Village (wherever you choose to live) has retained it's own community within the greater Villages with everything you could wish for for a wonderful retirement.
Of course you will always find the occasional dissatisfied person, but I notice that though they may complain they seldom leave.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Just wish I could be an American!!!
We are Snowbirds from across the Pond who have been well accepted by everyone & grateful for it & the chance to spend 6 months in our home in the sun
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You know I don't want to knock the Villages but I agree with most of what BITSEE said. We've lived here as permanent residents for 5 yrs. south of 466A & the Village we live in is really great & the people in our village are the best. We have 1 gentleman in our village that pretty much plans everything in our village, wish I could tell you his name but I didn't get his permission & maybe he wouldn't like it. But I found out that whatever you can buy here it's cheaper outside the Villages, the water is expensive & not that good, buying houses,well that's got some pro's & con's, but the really good thing here is, where else can you play golf for FREE, other than Championship courses. Since we've lived here I've been in some other retirement communities that are just like The Villages & as nice & maybe just a little better but that just depends on who's evaluating it. For instance we liked Robson Ranch in Argyle, TX, but they have some pro's & con's too. Anyway I don't think we'll be living here for probably more than 6 to 7 yrs. more. It's getting to big & I'm afraid when the building stops & the money is cut things will go up. Now that's just my opinion & I know there's some people that will think I'm right & they'll be some that think I don't know what I'm talking about.