[terrieb]

When we first came to the Villages on the lifestyle visit we wanted to move to the Villages right then. The sales group of the Villages is overwhelming in trying to sell you on living in the Villages but that's their job. That was in June a few years ago. We came back the following year in August for two weeks to see how hot Florida gets and believe me it was hot. We rode bikes in early morning as the heat and humidity was stiffling but it can be that way almost anywhere in the month of August and in any state. We came back again in October and also December 2010 and again this year. I noticed a lot of the novelty stores we were fond of closed up probably due to the economy so other than Bealls and Kirkland (my favorites), once you go through the stores here unless a new one pops up in its place. it's the same as up home. Talking to a few residents in all our visits to the Villages (10 years+ full time people), they are planning on leaving because in their opinion, it has become redundant for them - same stores, same restaurants and they are ready for a change, even a change of seasons again. I come from a town of 13,000 and I find 90,000+ people overwhelming having to plan eating out dinner earlier than we normally do so we don't have to wait to eat. I understand the months of Jan-April are very overwhelming because the snowbirds are back as well as additional renters wanting to get away from their home states up North. We have decided from this trip, that the Villages even though a golfers paradise (we both golf) is not for us. I like diversity in people, I am told grandchildren are only allowed for a certain length of time and are restricted in some areas. The Villages is not for everyone and you need to come down and visit several times before you make your decision. It took us six visits to determine that the Villages was not our cup of tea. Good luck in your search.