Quote:
Originally Posted by AbbyPye
I am in the process of obtaining a loft (a.k.a. an apartment) residence within The Villages complex. I am a recent retired single (long divorced) person that once lived in a community located “up north”.
I understand the fact that there are a number of events and activities available at The Villages so any new comer who does not have any residencies they personally know or know of can make friends with these people. The posts I read within these online forums, as well as the many countless video programs I find via YouTube emphasis these facts!
My questions are as follows. Once I take hold as a permanent resident, will I have to get out to the events and activities in order to make these friends (or at least make acquaintances), or will people approach me in order to make their presence known to me? Is there a welcome wagon-esque group that exists who seek out newly established move-ins to let those know who they are and/or what events are at their disposal?
I have lived in neighborhoods in my recent past where I would live next door to somebody (a family or even an individual) where I would never speak to them, let alone know that they even exist. Granted, I never knew the motives to their lack or friendliness and vice versa. However, since most (all?) people dwelling within The Villages domains (I won’t use the term “bubble” since that creates an illusion that people who state they live in a said bubble refuse to acknowledge an outside domestic society that is far removed from their needs and personal standards) are in a stage of “retirement” (whatever “retirement” means), and are no longer raising families, hold full and even part-time jobs, and are not tied down to other related duties and responsibilities. Thus, they now have the time to make friends and to pursue other hobbies and activities where friendship can grow in an organic mode. But if I don’t seek out any such outside activities and limit myself to actions that may take place outside of The Villages airspace, will I still remain as a single person who is on my own with not even knowing who is living right next door to me?
I would appreciate it if people can speak out to these inquiries so I will know what to expect. As of this writing, I have yet to complete my relocation process. So if anyone does hold the desire to invite me to an athletic game, a barbecue, a group dinner meeting, etc., I won’t be able to take part in any event or meeting right away. I am moving some 1500 miles (give or take) from my formal residence location, so please allow me to get my barrings in order first, so to speak!
Thanks again to all!
Pat
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It really depends on the neighborhood. Because the Villages is so ENORMOUS, there is no singular group given responsibility to ensure that new residents are properly greeted. That's 70 square miles of residences. I imagine that people won't be lining up at your door to tell you all about their activities, but you'll probably have a few folks in your building say "hello, welcome to the building, we're having a picnic next Thursday and you're welcome to come, pot luck but we have enough people bringing desserts, thanks."
In my neighborhood, we have a handful of women who had been getting together once every month for lunch at a restaurant. When I moved in, one of the women came by to tell me about it, and ensure that I was absolutely welcome to come as well. We also have driveway parties and if you know about it, you're invited. In other words - if you are in the neighborhood and driving past on the way to the golf course, you're invited to stop and say hello. Those are always BYOB.
There's another person who lives closer to the country club, who randomly sets out hotdogs, chips, and a bottle of water for ANYONE who shows up. They're just very friendly people and love meeting new folks, and this is their way of doing it.
In some other neighborhoods people keep mostly to themselves, or form friendships with just their next-door neighbors and the person across the street. And in others, they have organized get togethers at the local rec center grounds with cookouts and music, and everyone on the block is invited.