I've several friends who aren't Villagers. Among them are a number who are or have been on their community's board, in one way or another. Every one of them tell horror stories of the on-going animosities, verbal fights, downright anger that prevail at their development. I tell them about The Villages and they don't believe me. That is, not until they actually come and see it.
So - yes there are restrictions, but they're really quite reasonable. And, virtually everyone who comes here adapts very quickly when they find that all their new neighbors don't fuss or complain or bitch or whatever . . .
Come visit us. You'll be hooked!
SWR