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Originally Posted by ROSEBUD99
I'm a 65 year old single retired RN and am hoping to move full time to the Villages at the end of next summer. Since I will be alone having full time neighbors is high on my list of things I am looking for. I enjoy my friends who are not right around the corner too but I have also always enjoyed my neighbors and impromptu block parties, potlucks or even just simple morning coffee with a few neighbors without having to travel every time for some simple last minute socialization. I don't want to find myself all alone in the middle of a bunch of empty homes during the "off" season when the snowbirds return to their northern homes. Plus for me at least it is comforting to know that there are neighbors nearby to call in the event of an emergency or hearing a "bump in the night"  ) Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the types of neighborhoods to avoid to prevent finding myself in a village that caters more to seasonal rather than full time residents? Or conversely does anyone have any suggestions of very welcoming and friendly neighborhoods that I may want to look at? At this time I am leaning towards the areas around Sumter Lake, I love the lake and the boardwalk views but I am open to other suggestions...I have however ruled out Marion and the far southern villages since I really love the idea of nightly music and dancing at the squares and Marion and the new builds are too far away from the squares. Thanks in advance for your time and am looking forward to moving and my next new adventure in life...Nancy |
Welcome to such a fun life, even if you do choose a neighborhood that has a lot of snowbirds. New neighborhoods historically are not filled with full time residents, as are the homes that are less expensive. Also areas that have more rentals have fewer people for "the long haul".
New neighborhoods frequently have snowbirds waiting to move full time. There will always be somewhat of a mix. But there is another issue...
Not all people who live here have the same experiences you hope for. Some folks have moved from areas that didn't know their neighbors and they may continue with that feeling. I expected the "OHIO EXPERIENCE" and got a new experience of people from all kinds of socialization backgrounds. Nevertheless, if you look for friendly, you usually get friendly back. I did not wait to be invited. I sent notes around to the neighbors when we were settled a bit and invited them to our house for coffee and donuts.
I want to welcome you home. I hope you are blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors.