[Freeda]

I have been here for about 1 1/2 years; I moved from Louisville, KY; while it was not a NYC atmosphere, Louisville is an upscale metropolitan area, and people there dress fashionably. So, I totally get what you are saying. While you are right that people dress predominantly casually in the squares and shopping areas, it is still ok to dress up and wear heels, even just to go dancing on the squares; you will always see some people doing that. Plus, since there are always people who are visiting here, all types of attire, from very casual to very upscale are seen; so it is really up to you. As long as you don't mind that the 'majority' may be more casually dressed, just go ahead and dress as you please. Also, at parties, at the shows at Savannah, at the piano bar in the Waterfront Inn, in the country clubs, in Katie Belle's, at Lopez 9particularly on Friday night in the bar area), in Margarita Republic's, at the dances in the rec centers and area clubs, and at other night spots and restaurants, both in The Villages and in the surrounding area, you will fit in just fine in as upscale attire, and in as high of heels, as you want to wear. You will probably, though, be surprised, as I was, that you will gradually adapt and actually like the idea that, while you still can dress up, you do not have to always dress up as much as you are currently used to; you have the freedom to relax a little bit more than you may feel that you can where you live currently; after all, remember, this is Florida (yea!), and it does get quite hot here part of the year! It is nice to have the choice; just one of the many wonderful things about TV. My husband and I, and friends, also go frequently to beach areas on both coasts, and to Orlando, and to Tampa, where there are night clubs and the Hard Rock casino (which also has shows and concerts), etc; again great opportunities to dress up.

And as for shopping, there is some great shopping here in The Villages. I still love great shoes; and there is a wonderful store in St. Armand's Circle that is worth the drive just to go shopping for those to-die-for shoes. And, then, there is the wonderful Millenium Mall in Orlando. . . . but I digress.