[RobinM]

Two years ago my husband and I were looking to relocate to Florida for several reasons. Our primary focus was on the Sarasota/Bradenton area as we were familiar with it because we’d been visiting relatives there for years. Not finding exactly what we wanted we decided on a quick (2 night) stop in The Villages. We knew what kind of house and neighborhood we liked. It was a whirlwind but we found what to us was the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood. Two years later we still think that way. It was a lot of work to find the doctors we wanted but that work paid off. Between the two of us we’ve been in The Villages Hospital ER three times, once leading to admission, and have been quite pleased with our care. Is it perfect and top notch? No. But it’s just right.

Originally Posted by NYBob

We'll be heading to TV this coming week and spending a few days in a hotel to look things over. Just wanted to ask for suggestions as to what we should do to make the best of our time there. We'll be making stops at hospitals, doctors offices to discuss availability to new patients and acceptance of insurance. Visiting Assisted Living Facilities for elderly family members. Viewing various villages of interest, and the distance to and from stores, amenities, medical. The general layout as far as roads, traffic, construction. Speaking to villagers about likes and concerns. Hitting the outer areas, if time allows. Grabbing pamphlets, maps, info. Checking out the Squares, and basically trying to take in as much as possible.

We'll only be there for three days, as we regretted in the past booking longer stays in areas we left after spending a day or so and realizing it was not at all what we had expected. Of course if all checks out, our next visit will be longer.

What would you suggest a must see on a first visit ? And is there a 'Welcome Center' of sorts were we can inquire and find all or most necessary info in one place. We'll be there from Mon - Thurs.

One last thing, we watched a UTube video ( I believe it was by 'Gold Wingnut' though I could be wrong) whereas he mentioned a second hospital that was in the works. This video was about two years old, more or less. What has happened to this ? Was it scrapped ? Delayed ? This is a sticking point for us, as we have read/heard there is a distinct lack of medical care in the area. If anyone could elaborate on this we would appreciate it, as this is our primary concern.