my advice to Robin would be: "Wherever you go, there YOU are." of course the villages is not for everyone but Robin seems to have so many negative remarks that it reflects also on her own personality. if someone cannot find interesting things to do with over 400 clubs to join, volunteer opportunities, athletic activities, theatre and music venues, it seems to me it is a personal problem. of course if there is a really large age difference it may just not be fun to do activities with a bunch of "oldies"
i can understand that. the advice to rent first is sound, as is the meeting of prospective neighbors before buying, but there is never a guarantee. i have lovely neighbors, but most of my real friends are my fellow singles with whom i spend most of my time. would be very interested in your observations after your visit.