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Originally Posted by Michael 61
Yep - you are spot on - on the block I live on, I am the only owner-resident - very difficult to make friends with neighbors, with the majority of residents shoe-term renters or bnb folks on vacation. Luckily today I met a owner-resident on the street over, and she has taken the “Bull by the horns” and has started a club for the folks in our villas the own their homes (monthly socials).
I’ve been here four months now - absolutely love it - I am in so many clubs/activities right now and meeting great people - just not many of my neighbors in Richmond, which is kind of discouraging, but I’m making it work! Glad to be here, and I wake up very happy each morning, looking forward to the adventures of the day.
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Michael, that's about all you can do, unless you just move. And inside or outside the Villages, you can have the same thing happen. We are very sad about our situation. Everyone in our area near Lake S. bought lots and used the customize feature they offered back then. Some even had them take 2 different models, and create their own unique plan. The homes and lots were all in the higher price range at that time. It's now amazing that only 3 homes on our block are full time residents. Three others are AB&B type week, weekend type rentals. Never expected these larger models to become rental properties ! One reason for this is a couple deaths (and one more just a couple weeks ago) where the homes were inherited, not sold, and the relatives that inherited the properties prefers using them as income rather than selling. We have 3 part time residents, one who rents their out when not here, an two who do not want others in their homes so do not rent. One of the rentals also seems to be running a separate "business" out of the (large) garage of the home. They (the new owners ? renters ") have so much furniture even AFTER they got moved in and all moving boxes unpacked, the garage door when up, reveals it is literally packed to the ceiling. The came with one golf cart, it is always parked on the garage, never put away even in a storm.. no room in garage. They kept getting additional carts (?), never appear to leave with clubs to play golf, and have never seemed to have any interest in playing with any of us left in our neighborhood group. Some others have attempted to chat with the newest weekenders in another house on other side of them, only to meet with a very cold shoulder, no smile, and "excuse me, but we're on our way to an appointment" ! It's just the way things are, it's all perfectly legal. and if any violation does occur, it would take more time and money to "fight" against it that most don't want undertake. These types of deed restricted communities really have no legal "teeth", and no enforcement "security" with legal police powers. We are not the only community suffering from these new investment trends. Just have to enjoy live and look at the half glass of lemonade we do have ! (or, wine, if that is your thing, LOL !) Our neighborhood informal "parties" (actually just drive way gatherings on Th nights for anyone not doing something else), once one of the most compelling things to make every person so welcome, and part of the neighborhood, are now 3 people who bring their own mug of coffee. We not longer have our block golf group of couples, and our "gals group" is also "kaput" ! Just have to make the best of it we've decided.