New to The Villages chat forum.

[DeniseZ]

Hi. My husband and I may relocate to The Villages in a few years. We are here to see what folks are chatting about and what life may be like here. Denise

[hollander]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

[OldManTime]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

What more can be said, he nailed it!!

[Barefoot]

Hi. My husband and I may relocate to The Villages in a few years. We are here to see what folks are chatting about and what life may be like here. Denise

Welcome Denise. For the most part, The Villages is a warm and friendly retirement community. We are seasonal residents. Each year when we return to our Villages home, I'm in awe of this beautiful well-planned city. Not perfect of course, but great!

[DonH57]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

The other six days of the week are fun too !

[CFrance]

Welcome, and keep in mind many on this forum have very strange senses of humor!

[2BNTV]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

A tongue in cheek post. There is much more good than the little bad.

Welcome Denise. For the most part, The Villages is a warm and friendly retirement community. We are seasonal residents. Each year when we return to our Villages home, I'm in awe of this beautiful well-planned city. Not perfect of course, but great!

This is more like the reality. :smiley:

You need to come for a visit because no amount of words can do justice to this paradise on earth. Too flowery. Check it out for yourself. :smiley:

[DougB]

Welcome to TOTV, Denise!

[Golfingnut]

Welcome. Never too early to do research. We saved a lot of money using this site and most important it helped us determine the right home style, size and location for us. :wave:

[manaboutown]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

Don't forget the lightning, sinkholes and occasional tornado!

Seriously though, The Villages is a beautifully maintained Eden for those of us of a certain age.

[Taltarzac725]

Hi. My husband and I may relocate to The Villages in a few years. We are here to see what folks are chatting about and what life may be like here. Denise

Glad you made a smart decision and came on TOTV. Read a lot of the posts and the like. There are many warm and friendly people both on TOTV and here in the Villages. I'd ignore most of the dog poop invective as I have rarely come across the heat this topic generates on TOTV in my real life in the Villages over the past nine years or so.

There is also a lot of media out there that can be very misleading which may make many Villagers out to be avid partiers, swingers, and the like. That also is far from the truth. The Villages daily newspaper The Villages Daily Sun used to have a very Republican slant but is getting more objective little-by-little about politics.

[Jayhawk]

Hi. My husband and I may relocate to The Villages in a few years. We are here to see what folks are chatting about and what life may be like here. Denise

This place is awesome. If you remember nothing else, remember this:

There are over 100,000 residents in The Villages, and maybe 20 who are, and probably always have been unsatisfied and live to tell everyone about it on TOTV.

My opinion is you will love it !! We sure do.

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

[DeniseZ]

Thanks for the input. We did visit last month for a few hours and had the "real estate" person tour. I think we will try staying there in the middle of July and get a reality check. Also we want to see if a lot of folks leave in the summer. I really don't want just seasonal friends.
Denise

[DonH57]

Thanks for the input. We did visit last month for a few hours and had the "real estate" person tour. I think we will try staying there in the middle of July and get a reality check. Also we want to see if a lot of folks leave in the summer. I really don't want just seasonal friends.
Denise

Seriously the villages is great. Sure there are some snowbirds but there are plenty of us permanent types. For us this is the best move we ever made.

[2BNTV]

Since you will be visiting in July, to check out TV for yourself, the next best thing you can do, is talk to anyone and everyone, about any question that pops into your mind.

Research this forum, as they are lots of info on contractors, services, costs, etc, so will be more knowledgeable when you pull the trigger, and buy. You won't feel overwhelmed as there are many things to decide.

Most of all, ask question here, and are smart members, will have an answer for you. :smiley:

Best decision, I ever made too!!!!!!

100,00 people here, and we all can't be wrong. Ignore the negative, as no place is perfect, but this is as close as you will get. Was 75 today, and a great day, to be out and about.

[uprivergirl]

Well Denise I am like you. We are planning a visit in May and if it is as good as most of the people talk about we will be in The Villages as soon as possible. I want to be as active as the people in the Villages seem to be. I can't wait to play pickle ball, golf and play cards. I am hoping to find a lot of new friends in The Villages.

[kathymar528]

Well Denise I am like you. We are planning a visit in May and if it is as good as most of the people talk about we will be in The Villages as soon as possible. I want to be as active as the people in the Villages seem to be. I can't wait to play pickle ball, golf and play cards. I am hoping to find a lot of new friends in The Villages.

I am 100% convinced this is the easiest place in the world to make friends. It is incredibly easy to get involved, keep busy, explore new and old interests. It is very difficult to find time to get the laundry done. :)

[Lpierleo]

:welcome:Denise,
We love it here! Unfortunately, we are not yet full time but will be within the year. We built our dream home in July 2012 and all of our surrounding neighbors are full time as well. Sure there are snowbirds, however, in my experience, there appear to be many more full timers than there were a few years ago. When you come down, get the Daily Sun Newspaper. Visit open houses both new and resales. Go to the local eateries and most likely a conversation can be easily obtained with current residents. A golf cart is a must, you most likely will get lost, but just pull over to the side and someone will stop to see if you need assistance. I still get lost! Enjoy the town squares for their nightly entertainment and the neighborhood pools are great for striking up a conversation as well. Golf, pickle ball, movies, etc. are all within your grasp. Enjoy every minute of your stay. You won't be sorry. Best Wishes.

Linda:a040::a040::a040:

[JaniceOhio]

I am 100% convinced this is the easiest place in the world to make friends. It is incredibly easy to get involved, keep busy, explore new and old interests. It is very difficult to find time to get the laundry done. :)

I think it's very cool how so many of us are slowly headed down to TV but have to work hard now to make it happen in a couple of years. We're making our way down there for good reason.. Really gives me incentive! Exciting as I get closer! :coolsmiley:

I'm very glad I didn't wait to buy.. No I can't live there full time yet.. But I have a new home, neighbors, a neighborhood and a real sense of community waiting for me! It's nice to be around people that I have much in common with. Guess that makes me a Stepford Single and that's fine!

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Welcome, Denise. I came with only the intention of seeing why my friend from back home couldn't stop talking about TV. Well, we spent the whole LSV shopping for a home of our own. We talked to so many people who loved TV and couldn't find anyone who didn't. It almost felt like people were planted there to tell us good things. We asked questions, we visited a lot of places and homes and we were so hooked we couldn't wait to buy. Of course, you'll have to decide for yourself, but I know I'm not the only one who had this experience. In fact, from reading posts, I know it's pretty common. Good luck and don't put too much stock in the negative posts. It's like anywhere else- there will always be someone to tell you something negative. It's up to you whether you listen to it or not. Happiness is a choice.

[DeniseZ]

Thank you for all the great advise and information. I am concerned about the "bond" we have to pay on a "designer" home with a pool. Advise with this would help.
At this point I think the best thing we should do is rent before we buy. That way we can find the right home in the area that would work for us. We are still young and I will be 59 when we decide to move in. Well my husband will be 56. Watch out ladies, he is a model. LOL
The concern we have is healthcare. We live in NYC and have the best of the best. I heard Florida hospital on Rollins Ave in Orlando is the best in the state.
Well we will see........
Denise

[Maryc7878]

Like any community it has the good and the bad. But, being able to walk, bike, golf, swim or go dancing in the square, ANY day you want...makes for a healthy and active group of people. Come and visit Denise

[jalopy54]

Hmmm lets see... There is lots of crime, old farts in golf carts that yell at each other and sometimes get into fist fights. More dog poop than you have ever seen in your life, gators, snakes, fire ants, coyotes, people who go through your trash, others who save all the seats at the square, and tons of republicans. Did I mention the dog poop?

I disagree, there is not a lot of crime! Actually, there is no dog poop in my village. We have responsible dog owners here. Some people's cup is half empty and not half fun. Well, my cup is half full, and we love The Villages.

No, matter where we go it is wonderful place to live! Sorry you had to here this negative person. Come when you can and you will not be disappointed. You will have a big smile all the time!

[CharTalk]

Moving to The Villages was one of the best decisions of my life. We simply love it here. Are there some grumpy people? Hey, out of 100,000+ residents there are a few but there are so many friendly, helpful and fun individuals that you can do what I do and ignore the others.

I lived in Philadelphia and when I hear people complain about the 'crime' I laugh. There have been some robberies and break-ins but luckily no one has been seriously harmed and the police have done a wonderful job of arresting the offenders. I am a woman and I feel very safe here.

There is always something to do whether you are seeking physical activity, social interactions, intellectual stimulation or the opportunity to volunteer and give back to your community. And if you want to kick back and be alone, you can do that too.

Are the summers hot? You bet. But actually it never gets hotter than it does in Michigan - you just get more hot days in a row down here. I find I just adapt my schedule and do physical activities in the early morning and evening, and the heat doesn't bother me.

I feel very fortunate to have found this place. I hope you will feel the same.

[Deseylou]

We just closed
Still moving in
Ventura Villa
Doing the happy dance