So Disappointed

[jms33]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

[perrjojo]

Welcome to "Snowbird Season".

[rayschic]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

It can be very frustrating when all the tables are filled and you cannot be accommodated at the Rec centers. That is why, most people have these things at their house on a regular basis. Once you meet your neighbors and establish some friendships, you won't even go to the rec centers anymore. People have game nights at their homes all the time. Much more enjoyable.

[kansasr]

One of the biggest problem the past couple of years has been the failure of the commercial development to keep pace with the residential development. This really becomes obvious in January when the snowbirds return. Try finding a parking place at Colony Plaza or having lunch when the only fast food restaurant is the McDonalds at Colony. It's true, many of us go into hibernation for January and February out of self preservation.

[marianne237]

This is the time when you go out exploring and find good restaurants "off campus". There are many locations to travel to that are not a far drive. Find a new place and when we the part timers are gone, you will still have interesting locations to visit on a day that you might be bored.

[raynan]

Us full-timers grin and bear it because this is when the commercial areas make their money to sustain them the rest of the year. It can be frustrating but you will learn to go to everything super early, find restaurants off campus or adjust your dining schedule to real early or really late, shop at the supermarket during dinner time when others are at the restaurants. We eat breakfast late, skip lunch and have a really early dinner and my husband will snack later. Once you meet your neighbors have driveway parties, coffee hours, book clubs, card games, bunco, mahjong groups at home and rotate hosts. Being flexible keeps you sane.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

It can be very frustrating when all the tables are filled and you cannot be accommodated at the Rec centers. That is why, most people have these things at their house on a regular basis. Once you meet your neighbors and establish some friendships, you won't even go to the rec centers anymore. People have game nights at their homes all the time. Much more enjoyable.

:agree::agree: We live here full time and there are not enough hours in the day for all of the activities we do. It's a little tougher this time of year to go out to eat but we do it, just not as often as we do in the off season

[missypie]

Today we took a picnic lunch and went to the beach. It was fantastic!!!

[redwitch]

I understand your frustration but snowbird season has always been like this. Maybe not quite as extreme, but pretty darn close. You do learn to go at least an hour early for activities at the rec centers. It's a great time to meet new people, find new friends to sit with. Or bring a good book and just relax until the doors open and you can get your seat.

As has been said, we frogs just adjust our schedules to accommodate the snowbirds and visitors. For three months we're inconvenienced somewhat, but it is worth it so that stores, restaurants can be open after snowbird season. If this deters you from enjoying TV, I'm so very sorry. You're missing out on one of the better retirement communities in the country.

[ijusluvit]

Glad you haven't gotten flamed so far. Unfortunately you picked the hardest time to try to build a social network and have some fun. A good suggestion above was to connect with your neighbors. If you are in a new neighborhood, everyone there is experiencing what you are and looking for things to do. If the neighborhood is established, many of your neighbors are involved in things they can help you get into.
Consider posting your own request to start a card or game club right here. Set a tentative date and invite folks to your home. If you don't get enough participants, start the process again.
At Thanksgiving, one of our TV folks invited people to come to his home for dinner. The responses were interesting and it appears everything worked out and a good time was had by all.
As another poster aid, this is a great time to explore 'off campus' restaurants, golf and other activities.
Hang in there. If you make even one good connection, it may result in forming one or more long term friendships. That can be priceless.

[graciegirl]

No flaming from me either. It is a reality throughout The Villages because we are beautiful and sought after here.


This is the fastest growing place in all of the United States for good reasons.


Because it is WONDERFUL and people are coming in droves.


We played golf today with our great Friday group, enjoyed watching one of our group open her presents on her 91st birthday and had a nice lunch at Beef O Brady's.


Came home, did a little house work, read a bit on the lanai, and later fixed a nice dinner and was really grateful for a warm day after our short winter last week.


As our good friend and advisor on here, Bogie Shooter, often says, Patience, Grasshopper.

[2BNTV]

Us full-timers grin and bear it because this is when the commercial areas make their money to sustain them the rest of the year. It can be frustrating but you will learn to go to everything super early, find restaurants off campus or adjust your dining schedule to real early or really late, shop at the supermarket during dinner time when others are at the restaurants. We eat breakfast late, skip lunch and have a really early dinner and my husband will snack later. Once you meet your neighbors have driveway parties, coffee hours, book clubs, card games, bunco, mahjong groups at home and rotate hosts. Being flexible keeps you sane.

:agree:

I would like to add that you are experiencing the snowbird phenomena. and sorry to say, prior planning might have avoided, some of this disappointment.
I have experience a longer wait at one restaurant, but tend to eat home.

I wouldn't give up on TV because when the snowbirds leave, everything goes back to normal. I am going to take up golf, but after the snowbirds leave, as getting a tee time, must be much harder. It's really not crowded except for the snowbird season. Some people might disagree with my last statement but coming from NY, everything requires patience. :smiley:

[Microcodeboy]

Snowbirds pay for the services all year. Full timers should praise them for paying some of their share. And why not show up an hour early to get into the activity of your choice? I am part timer but not a real snowbird due to timing. I love both seasons. During the change seems to be a bit of confustion, aggression, and error but so be it.
Still better than anything I could have imagined!!!

[Tweety Bird]

Today we took a picnic lunch and went to the beach. It was fantastic!!!

That's REALLY off campus. :pepper2:

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by missypie
Today we took a picnic lunch and went to the beach. It was fantastic!!!

Great idea. I would have loved to go to some of the peaceful park setting off El Camino and brought a picnic lunch to be shared with friends.

Thanks for the great idea. :smiley:

[Carl in Tampa]

Welcome to "Snowbird Season".

:agree:

This was the first response to your post, and it is correct.

All following posts were just elaborations on this one.

.

[angiefox10]

As so many of the posters have already stated so very nicely... The snowbirds are here. Everything changes. Those of us who live here all year... we adjust. We don't even give it a second thought. As the snowbirds come in, we enjoy the places off campus, places we didn't have time to enjoy when they were away and we were busy doing all the activities. The activities that weren't full.

Today, I went to a very long lunch with a girlfriend and later this evening, my husband and I went to dinner with friends at a lovely restaurant off campus.

I know it gets crowded, but we enjoy our snowbird friends so very much, we just don't care.

Come back in the summer.... You can enjoy everything.. No lines... no waiting. Give The Villages another look. You might see it differently.

[Matzy]

I think it isn't a problem of TV, it is as already said the season, all is tighten up. Some of the posts will give you good ideas what to do in this time of the year. Don't hesitate to ask neighbors what they are doing, and you'll see there is a lot of possibilities, combined with finding new friends or groups of same interests. Don't be disappointed about an experience of the last 10 days, you will see it turns that way you like when you are open to adapt to the situation(s).

[tainsley]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

I am here all year round. Love when the snowbirds are here but don't go out as much. Love it here come April, May, June...paradise!

[travelguy]

if you make a reservation for friday night trivia at bradenton you will have no trouble getting a seat. and i was there the night you mention, and there were several empty seats, so i do not know how you could not have stayed and participated.

[patfla06]

Think of it during this time like living in a big city.
Everything is crowded and takes longer.
We were shocked to have our movie sold out last Friday, the 1 pm showing.
Saw the movie in Tampa and were sorry we got in, ha, ha......
( The Wolf of Wall St. - not that great! iMHO....)

[jms33]

if you make a reservation for friday night trivia at bradenton you will have no trouble getting a seat. and i was there the night you mention, and there were several empty seats, so i do not know how you could not have stayed and participated.

Incorrect, you must have a table of 8 to make a reservation. We were there tonight, and no available seats.

Reservations open at 9:30 pm the Friday night prior and are closed out by 9:35 .
We were told this tonight by the activity director. Your experience may have been different, I can only attest to mine.

[kittygilchrist]

I thought I'd come here and just have a great time at activities. Now I'm here and my friends and neighbors are the center of my activities, not rec centers. It is the people who live here who make me happy.
I am sorry your experience has been aggravating...I love being here among wonderful people and spend more time at people's homes than I do at rec centers.
After 9 months in TV...no regrets, all joy.

[wendyquat]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

Don't make the decision not to buy based on Jan, Feb, and March! Come back one of the other 9 months and it is a much different story. We moved here permanently in May and, like you, were astonished come January. As frogs we view the crowds as a necessary inconvenience to fund the businesses year round. While mid summer is definitely hot and humid spring and fall months make it all worthwhile!

[Happinow]

Unfortunately, your timing wasn't good. The winters here are chaotic at best and we who live here full time learn how to live differently 4 months out of the year. It's a small price to pay for 8 other glorious months. We don't go out to dinner much in the winter, we can't play golf as much as we want, we don't shop much, and we tend to stay off the roads more. However, when spring arrives the tables turn and we get the place to ourselves again. Life returns to normal. The snowbirds pump a lot of money into our economy so we need them. They are people too!! Don't let this detour you from purchasing a home. There is so much to do and love. I used to live 7 miles from a place that depended on tourist to survive in the summer. I knew that in the summer I would not go near there due to the congestion, bumper to bumper traffic and long waits at restaurants. However, the other 9 months put of the year were beautiful. Come and visit the villages in June!!! See what you think of it then

[graciegirl]

I guess the reason that I didn't feel that way when we first moved here, is that we had so many things to get done, feathering our nest, and even without enough coffee cups I put an invitation on the doors of several of our neighbors asking them to come for coffee and bring their cup. I bought three nice sweet rolls at publix and everyone stood around, no chairs. The neighbors were WONDERFUL and got right in the spirit of things, bringing lawn chairs and we had a wonderful get together. They are still our friends even though we live in another village now.

I was so in awe of all of the wonderful sights and so many nice people and of course we weren't trying to go to the rec centers at that point. We were hanging out at lot at Lowes and Home Depot.

[wendyquat]

Incorrect, you must have a table of 8 to make a reservation. We were there tonight, and no available seats.

Reservations open at 9:30 pm the Friday night prior and are closed out by 9:35 .
We were told this tonight by the activity director. Your experience may have been different, I can only attest to mine.

You are correct about the trivia at Bradenton. They allot one 8 seat table to walk-ins. Last Friday that table filled up very early and there were still 20 or so walk-ins waiting for a seat. They then fill seats vacant on established teams. This time of year our team does not always manage to get "in" even when our request is made at exactly 9:30.

Are you aware that there are also trivia nights at Canal Rec Center on Sunday nights and Fishhawk Rec Center on Wed nights? Look in the Recreation Weekly and contact Bonnie or Joyce about coming as walk-ins.

BTW, talk with the people doing the trivia and not the activities director. It's Sue or Craig at Bradenton and Bonnie or Joyce at the other two.

I wish you the best of luck!

[Barefoot]

.... I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction. Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

This is Snowbird season. All Florida is stuffed to capacity. We are seasonal residents, contributing to the lineups, traffic congestion, and wait times. Having said that, in the last ten days we've golfed twice, eaten out numerous times, and hung out a lot with good friends.

Once you live here permanently, I bet you'll be encouraged by neighbors to participate in local events. You'll make more friends and have more fun than you have ever imagined. I hope you give TV another look because where you decide to spend your golden years is critical to your good health and emotional well being.

I'm so sorry that you feel disappointed. But based on my experience, ten days is not enough time to make new friends and establish new relationships. I hear from my Froggie friends that during the summer months, there will be lots of opportunities to have ready access to restaurants, golf and recreation activities. By April or May, most Snowbirds will have flown north and The Bubble will be reclaimed by Frogs.

Until Fall when the chill winds start blowing. :evil6:

[Cisco Kid]

Look on the bright side ,,,,,,,

Your were not mugged .

[willie72]

We are also very disappointed. We signed up to bring guests golfing on Tuesday and our request was denied. We have not golfed yet as the first time we signed up the courses were closed due to inclement weather. We have lived here less than two months and have paid our trail fees but have not been able to golf.

[swimdawg]

Look on the bright side ,,,,,,,

Your were not mugged .
Cisco....you are toooooooooo much. OMG....I don't like to give the coveted???? Swimdawg Post of the Day Award so early..........but when I'm reading a post and break out in laughter..........and nearly spit my coffee out, that's it! You get the award...........again! SPOTD Award :eclipsee_gold_cup: to Cisco!

BTW, I went to din with friends last night. We planned on going to Bonifay....but when we arrived, we were told it would be at least an hour wait. I called Evans Prairie and they said the wait was short. We zipped over there and got seated within a few minutes. A scrumptious dinner was enjoyed by all. Sometimes it pays to give the restaurant a call to check out the waiting time.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I attend three or four regular club meetings each week and have never been turned away. Maybe I don't go to the most popular clubs, but I have never experienced this problem. Of course, I don't play golf or pickleball so I've never experienced the frustration of trying to get times for those. But I think that there are plenty of activities that you can do that you will not be shut out of.

Yes, we are a bit more crowded for a few months. You may have to wait a while for a table at a restaurant. (Personally I don't wait. If I am told the wait is over 10 minutes, I leave. There is no food on earth that's worth waiting an hour for.) There's a little more traffic and you might have to wait a little longer at the cash registers. I don;t like any of this either, but I am trying very hard to simply accept it as a trade off to living in an isolated area or worse, someplace where there is snow.

As far as The Villages not keeping up with it's growth, I think that any of us who have owned businesses understand that you can't staff based on your peak periods. You wouldn't build a restaurant that holds 500 people if you average 200 per day over 12 months. I believe that this is planned for and the Villages planners and business owners accept that they will not be able to handle the crowds for a few months a year. Most would love to be half full in August. Again, it's just another trade off.

I don't recall seeing any posts about us growing too fast in July and August. A few months of peak season and people are ready move away and talk about how bad the planning is and how we're outgrowing everything. As long as you live in Florida, or any other state where people come for the winter, or summer months for that matter. (Cape Cod has the same problem opposite us) you will have a few months where your community has seems to have grown too fast.

[willie72]

We are very disappointed too. We have lived here less than two months and have yet to golf. We tried to get on this coming Tuesday because we have guests coming but were denied our request. VERY DISAPPOINTING!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We are very disappointed too. We have lived here less than two months and have yet to golf. We tried to get on this coming Tuesday because we have guests coming but were denied our request. VERY DISAPPOINTING!

I have friends that play golf every day. I don't play anymore and haven't bothered to learn about the tee time system, but is it possible that you don't fully understand how to get a tee time?

[Jayhawk]

We have been back for 14 days and are now permanent and loving it !

In these two weeks, we have been to a neighborhood New Year's Eve party, signed up for PB 101, registered for the newbie Pickleball league, rented a golf car and riding the wheels off it while shopping for one to buy, went out to dinner at one of the Country Clubs with our new friends and neighbors (and had just a 15 minute wait on Friday night at 6:00), hit golf balls at Arnold Palmer, hit the squares (and even danced despite both left feet), breakfast twice at Toojays, had a couple of service calls on the house that were responded to in record time by the warranty department, stocked the kitchen at Publix with all the other recent arrivals, met many new neighbors just by being outside in the driveway (our dog is a friend-maker. Take him out and here they come ), had quiet dinners at home and watched my favorite team (guess who :smiley:) play twice on TV.

As we were previously part-time and now full-time, we continue to be thoroughly thrilled with this place. Every experience makes a new memory and we are so fortunate to be able to be here.

Every time we get stuck in traffic or have to wait to be seated at a restaurant (which in the big picture is not really an inconvenience), I remind myself that there was much more stress going to work everyday :024:

Take a breath, look around, and realize this really is about the most awesome place anywhere.

:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[ajbrown]

We are also very disappointed. We signed up to bring guests golfing on Tuesday and our request was denied. We have not golfed yet as the first time we signed up the courses were closed due to inclement weather. We have lived here less than two months and have paid our trail fees but have not been able to golf.

I am making an assumption you are trying to play an executive course? It is much tougher to get a tee time on an executive course with a guest. You go into the request queue behind all requests that have no guests, NO MATTER HOW MUCH THE PLAYERS IN THOSE REQUESTS HAVE PLAYED.

Looking at Tuesday executives, there are tee times available, but NONE between 7:48 AM and 3:26 PM.

Looking at Tuesday championships, there MANY MANY open tee times to be selected...

[rubicon]

It is simple The Villages is over-grown and while it is worse for Jan, Feb, Mar it hs also become crowded for the remainder of the year.

Full time residents do adjust because they are forced to.

I find it perplexing that people who praise The Villages Lifestyle in one breath say in the next that they go off campus in order to eat, golf, etc. Am I the only one who sees this as an oxymoron? And yes I understand some folks go off campus for many other reasons than over crowding

Now I am ready for those villages self appointed protectors to tell me if I don't like it then move. Geezzzzzz I now say my mea culpa's:wave:

[gomoho]

I don't think we've seen anything yet!!! I took a drive to the southern parts of The Villages yesterday and was absolutely amazed at the construction going on and the vacant land yet to built on (not even taking Fruitland Park into consideration). My only thought was - where in the world are all these people going to buy groceries???

[Birdie Dreamer]

We are also very disappointed. We signed up to bring guests golfing on Tuesday and our request was denied. We have not golfed yet as the first time we signed up the courses were closed due to inclement weather. We have lived here less than two months and have paid our trail fees but have not been able to golf.

May be a good idea to go to the Good Golf school to learn more about the tee time system. Once you understand it better you will find the point system makes it virtually impossible for you not to be able to golf ( maybe not as much as you would like) at least once a week.

[Bonny]

We are very disappointed too. We have lived here less than two months and have yet to golf. We tried to get on this coming Tuesday because we have guests coming but were denied our request. VERY DISAPPOINTING!

Groups of residents will get a tee time before someone with guests. More difficult with snowbirds here.
Gotta love the snowbirds & renters. They put a lot of money into the Villages. All the stores and restaurants get to make lots of moola. It definitely gets crowded for a few months, but then we get the whole place back in the summer !!
We have all learned to get where ever we want to go a little earlier and not be in a hurry.

[willie72]

We did attend the Good Golf School. We put our request in 6 days in advance for 2 residents and 2 guests with a 5-hour span of time and 3 golf courses.

[Bonny]

Putting in only 3 golf courses will limit you as well. The bigger problem this time of the year is trying to make a tee time with guests with so many residents here.

[784caroline]

It is simple The Villages is over-grown and while it is worse for Jan, Feb, Mar it hs also become crowded for the remainder of the year.

Full time residents do adjust because they are forced to.

I am here full time and I am NOT "Forced" to do anything. I still participate in many activities including card games at Rec Centers but as a full timer you learn how to adjust and how to accomodate the "sno-bird" crowds. Full timers need the sno birds for they help pay the bills and make life easier here in TV for the other 9 months a year.

OH did I say Im going on a cruise later this month to get out of town!!

[graciegirl]

It is simple The Villages is over-grown and while it is worse for Jan, Feb, Mar it hs also become crowded for the remainder of the year.

Full time residents do adjust because they are forced to.

I find it perplexing that people who praise The Villages Lifestyle in one breath say in the next that they go off campus in order to eat, golf, etc. Am I the only one who sees this as an oxymoron? And yes I understand some folks go off campus for many other reasons than over crowding

Now I am ready for those villages self appointed protectors to tell me if I don't like it then move. Geezzzzzz I now say my mea culpa's:wave:



Don't move Rubicon. We love you here.

[Cisco Kid]

It is simple The Villages is over-grown and while it is worse for Jan, Feb, Mar it hs also become crowded for the remainder of the year.

Full time residents do adjust because they are forced to.

I find it perplexing that people who praise The Villages Lifestyle in one breath say in the next that they go off campus in order to eat, golf, etc. Am I the only one who sees this as an oxymoron? And yes I understand some folks go off campus for many other reasons than over crowding

Now I am ready for those villages self appointed protectors to tell me if I don't like it then move. Geezzzzzz I now say my mea culpa's:wave:

If you don't like it move !!!!!! :wave: :loco:

Just kidding

[yabbadu]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

Life is what YOU make of it!

[terrieb]

There are so many pros and cons in consideration when coming to the Villages and at what time of year. The Cons I will not mention except for one which is the growth of the population. By this being a con is the fact since we have been coming down here during December and then this year December and January, since 2006, we have noticed the growth mostly in construction of new homes and not necessarily the addition of many needed retail establishments around the newer Villages which means an overcrowding of already established stores. I think they do this while in their cars as well. Too many people for the amount of stores. If you are not used to being around lots and lots of people during certain times of the year, then the Villages is not for you. Over 100,000+ people at one time can be overwhelming and because of this, we have decided not to make the Villages our home. What good is the lifestyle if you are not able to participate in many of the events if you can't get to them or you have to spend a couple hours ahead of time in order to enjoy them. Being here in January for the first time has finally confirmed this, the Villages is not our cup of tea. Driving through the roundabouts at times is like going on a thrill ride at an amusement park. You really have to drive defensively not only through these areas but everywhere. I am not willing to spend the rest of my retirement for fear of getting in an accident down here. We have seen so many close calls down here. It is a remarkable establishment, that is the Villages and what the developer has done here. There is no other place that compares to what the Villages has to offer. It will definitely take quite a few visits to determine if it this place is what you want.

[manaboutown]

Over the years I have visited several coastal areas of Florida in season. The first time was back in the 70's, Longboat Key. I could not believe the traffic and the crowding. Also I remember trying to get into popular restaurants in Miami, find a parking spot at a grocery store in Boca Raton, and so on. If one is in "the place to be" in season this is the way it is.

During periods of my life I have lived in high growth areas. What I remember is the long lines of people waiting to vote because not enough places to vote were yet available. I am talking over three hours. Too, the grocery stores and restaurants were usually packed, the gas stations pricier, and the roads crowded with trucks and all that goes with construction. The Villages is and has been experiencing both, snowbird season and growth, for a good number of years the highest growth rate in the country! All in all, I see The Villages as handling it better than most places could and would.

The villages is where the (senior) action is so one has to bend a little to remain happy in paradise.

[Barefoot]

Over 100,000+ people at one time can be overwhelming and because of this, we have decided not to make the Villages our home. What good is the lifestyle if you are not able to participate in many of the events if you can't get to them or you have to spend a couple hours ahead of time in order to enjoy them. Being here in January for the first time has finally confirmed this, the Villages is not our cup of tea.

The Villages is a big city now. It's a busy place and definitely not for everyone. However most of the Frogs and Seasonal Residents learn to adjust to the crowds. I find that it's pretty quiet within each Village. And with careful planning and avoiding peak times, even in High Season it's quite possible to enjoy golf and restaurants and activities.

[Chi-Town]

The county I lived in had five million people. The busiest night here was a normal night there. I have had to adapt to uncrowded. No problem adapting to shorts in January though.

[graciegirl]

Find a place you love to be and bloom where you've planted yourself.

It is the old question of whether the glass is half full or half empty. I think we were born with our own answer to that and can't change it.


Some of us are given lemons and make lemonade and others just drive them and bi....I mean complain.

[ilovetv]

The o.p. said they "arrived" here Jan. 1, but it's not clear whether they bought a home or are renting. I think they're renting because of saying "I would never buy a home here", but maybe I'm wrong.

Assuming they're renting, I'd say that if you bought a home things would be a lot different for you. When moving in, you meet all the neighbors and in most neighborhoods, are asked to join the neighborhood phone/address/email list so everyone can communicate together, and you're immediately included in all invitations to neighborhood socials like year-round monthly meet & greet parties hosted by a different neighbor every month, golf scrambles, card nights at a rec center, game nights, bus trips to Tampa, Orlando etc., lots of socials.

Because of meeting the neighbors, we've had no need to vie for a spot in the rec department scheduled activities etc. That's not to say one shouldn't count on that. I'm saying when you move in as an owner, either part-time or permanent, neighbors usually welcome newbies into the neighborhood activities that are fun and you get to know the people personally.

[duffysmom]

It's a fact that people flock to Florida during the "high season". I've lived in costal Florida as well as TV and it's all the same, lots of people enjoying the beautiful weather. You learn to go with the flow and smile when you see the snow flying in other states and you're in shorts and flip flops. As I type this I'm sitting on my quiet lanai looking at the blue sky and feeling a soft breeze, I'm living the good life.

[cquick]

no flames from me. I am sorry that you had so much trouble getting to the activities you want to do. I hope things are better for you this week!

:mmmm: we like to go out for lunch, or if you want dinner, some places do take reservations.

[gomoho]

If you never took advantage of a club, the squares, the sport opportunities, or anything else our amenity fee covers $145 a month is pretty darn reasonable. The only amenity we use on a regular basis is golf and I believe we are getting a great bang for our buck. Have great neighbors to do things with so just don't get involved in all the rec center stuff.

[Bogie Shooter]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

There are many recreation centers in TV, did you try more than one?
BTW if you delay your dinner hour to after 7PM you will find more opportunities.

[villagerjack]

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

As Yogi once said " No body goes there anymore, it's too crowded."

[asianthree]

at least while you were looking for something to do, for a place to eat ,you have warm weather to do it with and can meet people and make friends along the way. We had 2.5 feet of snow ...grocery stores had empty shelfs, and the lines were 45 minutes to an hour to check out. Oh and did I mention it was 23 degrees below zero. So find a different class try going earlier or later for dinner meet some people and enjoy yourself. No matter where you are you can find the bad or the good in life...you just have to make the choice which one.

[swimdawg]

at least while you were looking for something to do, for a place to eat ,you have warm weather to do it with and can meet people and make friends along the way. We had 2.5 feet of snow ...grocery stores had empty shelfs, and the lines were 45 minutes to an hour to check out. Oh and did I mention it was 23 degrees below zero. So find a different class try going earlier or later for dinner meet some people and enjoy yourself. No matter where you are you can find the bad or the good in life...you just have to make the choice which one.

I hear ya loud and clear, Asian! Two days ago when I was on my way home from the pool at Swimdawg North, it was 7 degrees. :cold::cold::cold: Today on my way home from the pool at Swimdawg South, it was over 80 degrees.:smiley::smiley::smiley: LIFE IS GOOD!

[villagerjack]

.............

[Cisco Kid]

If the Polar Vortex that just now receded, decides to make a regular visits from now on you ain't seen busy yet.
The last time was over 20 years ago.

[The Buckeyes]

We came at the end of January last year for a lifestyle visit and fell in love with the place. On the 5th day we signed on the ***ted line to have a home built. We ate out every day and I didn't consider the wait that long. The only problem I had was dealing with the crowds at publix at colony. No flaming here but, if you think you are dealing with crowds here....I suggest you never take a vacation in July at Myrtle Beach!

[marlinguy]

After careful consideration and deliberation for a response requesting an honest answer which encompasses all of the original poster's issues and a lot more, those that other's have felt compelled to enumerate for us in the past and for the future, I think of those poignant words once spoken by good ol' whats-his-name,,,,"So What, Who Cares' Whatever".

[Golfingnut]

We lived in the suburbs of and worked in Wash D.C. for many years. Trust me the snow birds are no problem at all.

[Happydaz]

"New York City is too crowded and noisy, I hated visiting there."

"New York City is a great place to visit. The cultural opportunities are outstanding and it is alive with human activity."

"The far north, rural countryside is so beautiful and peaceful. I love to watch the snow fall and sift through the trees on a winter day."

"You have got to be kidding! I can't stand winter and let's face it rural areas are so boring and devoid of cultural opportunities."

To each his own. Do what you wish. Your view is your view. Reality is what you perceive it to be.

[JourneyOfLife]

IMO, Snowbirds are just on extended vacations during retirement.

My experience has been that, popular travel destinations are crowded during peak season.

No one that I know likes it... they just tolerate it and adjust.

If Florida is the destination, it is a big state with many options available. Many people have different goals and preferences when it comes to travel. They should be able to find a place that strikes the right balance for them.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It is simple The Villages is over-grown and while it is worse for Jan, Feb, Mar it hs also become crowded for the remainder of the year.

Full time residents do adjust because they are forced to.

I find it perplexing that people who praise The Villages Lifestyle in one breath say in the next that they go off campus in order to eat, golf, etc. Am I the only one who sees this as an oxymoron? And yes I understand some folks go off campus for many other reasons than over crowding

Now I am ready for those villages self appointed protectors to tell me if I don't like it then move. Geezzzzzz I now say my mea culpa's:wave:

Sorry, but I have to respectfully disagree. I don't see us as being crowded all year long. From my point of view, I see us as being what a lot of people here call "very crowded" for about three months. And I put that in quotes because it seems that people here who talk about the big crowds have never lived in big cities. They think that we have big traffic problems. Try driving in Manhattan or Boston or Manila. what we have is very moderate traffic at it's heaviest.

About three months of the year, it is moderately crowded and for about six months, it is dead.

If you don't believe that, go and talk to some of the part time employees in the stores or waiters and waitress in the restaurants and ask them what happens to their hours and income in the summer months.

From April through November, I drive by and awful lot of golf courses with no one playing on them.

I don't know how anyone can say that this place is over crowded from April through November.

We very seldom go off campus for anything that is available in the Villages. I do know people that go off campus to play golf in the winter, because the rates at the country clubs in the Villages are higher than just outside. But almost every restaurant that we like is included in the Villages and we visit them in the winter as well as the summer.

I think that most people live here because there is so much to do. The reason that there is so much to do is because there are so many people. We are a community of over 100,000 people. If you didn't understand that before you came here, I don't know what to tell you. If people want to live in isolated areas where it is a forty minute drive to everything, they should chose to live in Summerfield or Weirsdale or Ocklawaha. If you dan't want to be in a vibrant thriving community then the Villages is not the place for you.

Please don't take that to mean, if you don't like it, then get out. But I think that with everything, there is a trade off. If you like the convenience of shopping within minutes of your house, multiple of recreation centers and pools, hundreds of clubs and lots of people to do things with, you have to accept that you're going to have to wait in line for some things some time. But really only a few months a year.