[eweissenbach]

I will attempt to address your concerns. The Villages is a diverse community of some 120,000 people who have come looking for the best possible landing spot for their "golden years". Some believe they have found nirvana and some probably hate it. I have heard from hundreds of the former and virtually none of the latter, though they undoubtedly exist. No one besides you can determine which camp, or somewhere in between, you are likely to land. I too have been to many retirement areas and communities, and have decided that TV has more going for it in terms of the things my wife and I like and enjoy, than any other. There are those who want to be on or very near the beach, others that desire a college town, others who want four distinct seasons, and on and on. Everyone's reasons for deciding their preferences are valid for them.

I watch Skip Smith's videos as well and I don't get the sense that he is painting everyone as stupid, only the extreme cases that show up in the online news, many or even most of whom are not even from The Villages. That is also part of Skip's shtick if you will. He repeatedly has stated how glad he is he retired to TV and how active and engaged he and Sue are here.

There is no place that is perfect for everyone thank God, or it would be impossibly expensive and exclusive. Just ask yourselves what you want out of retirement, what activities you would most enjoy, and what kind of climate would best suit you, then choose a community that best fits all your criteria. In the end no place you choose will be totally without some grumpy people or some level of stupidity, but I can assure you that The Villages will have as great, if not a greater percentage of contented, friendly, happy people as any other you may choose.