The Good AND Bad of the Villages

[DruannB]

I've read the books, including Talk of the Villages ebook, but I would love everyone's honest opinion on what makes TV wonderful, and what are its flaws. I plan to move here shortly and I want to be as informed as possible. Thanks folks. I love this forum.

[2BNTV]

There aren't enough words to describe what makes TV so wonderful. :smiley:

Have you ever visited? In a short while, you can see for yourself. OK, I'll give it a shot.
1. Friendly people who are always open to talking to a stranger.
2. Golf cart access to almost everything.
3. Golf.
4. How beautiful everything is kept.
5. Pools, rec centers, three squares where music is played every night.
6. The opportunity to be active, with over a thousand choices.
7. No winters of snow and ice.
8. A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.
9. Good entertainment at the Savannah Center. The new performing arts building is soon to be completed.
10. No village is a bad village, to live in.

The negatives is during the snowbird season, one may have to wait to eat, some traffic congestion and you may run into a grumpy pants.

[DruannB]

We were just there and noted many of the things you mentioned. I told my husband it was DisneyWorld for adults. I particularly liked this from you:

A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.

Before I visited, I envisioned people with walkers, sitting around, ignored, unloved. That is not what I saw. But those people must be somewhere in TV, right?

[tedquick]

We were just there and noted many of the things you mentioned. I told my husband it was DisneyWorld for adults. I particularly liked this from you:

A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.

Before I visited, I envisioned people with walkers, sitting around, ignored, unloved. That is not what I saw. But those people must be somewhere in TV, right?

I am sure there are some of those people, but they are hidden away. I'm guessing that they pretty much keep to themselves. TV is by far the most active center of its kind that I've visited or frankly ever even heard about. I was planning on moving to Arizona until my second day of visiting TV. It suddenly became very clear where my wife and I were going to spend our golden years.

[Edjkoz]

We have had our house for 2 years and just m ed on full time two months ago. I can tell you from first hand experience that the good far out weights the bad. The people and activities are wonderful.

[NYGUY]

I am sure there are some of those people, but they are hidden away. I'm guessing that they pretty much keep to themselves. TV is by far the most active center of its kind that I've visited or frankly ever even heard about. I was planning on moving to Arizona until my second day of visiting TV. It suddenly became very clear where my wife and I were going to spend our golden years.

A very wise choice!!!

[kaydee]

Love almost everything about living in The Villages. Do not like the fact that there is no guarantee that you won't have a home in your neighborhood that happens to have a reverse mortgage on it and it becomes an eyesore. We have one next to us and The Villages so far 3 yrs now can do nothing to put pressure on whatever bank has it and that bank could care less about selling it.

[pbkmaine]

The multi-modal paths, particularly the ones separate from the roads. To bike on one in the coolness of an early sumner morning is pure pleasure. The one-level living in houses that are thoughtfully laid out. The well-kept and lovely campus. The warmth of the people.

[VT2TV]

Very much agree with all the above. A wonderful place, almost perfect, however no place is without problems. Some of my complaints: The drivers who cannot read signs and follow the rules of the roads. Having trouble getting tee times in the winter if you are a group of 4 or more-esp. if anyone in the group golfs more than 2x a week. Not having a person or group you can go and talk to if you have any kind of problems (ie unruly people on the square, problems at the pools, etc., who will actually do anything about it) As our community keeps getting bigger and bigger, I would love to see the Villages hire actual police officers. I have nothing against the local police, but we have more population than Ocala, and the bigger we get it only stands to reason that it would benefit our community

[tomwed]

I haven't lived here very long. We only rented a little while before we bought. I interviewed residents and researched what I could. I met one guy early on who said "I tried for two solid years to find the skeletons in the closet, if you know what I mean, before I gave up looking."

I was skeptical.

I suppose it’s because we have gone to many timeshare presentations in return for promotions. We know when someone tries to sell you a lifestyle you better be sure you can afford it. You need very little money for entertainment down here if you like joining clubs, playing executive golf courses and using the recreation facilities.

If you are social, you will never run out of friends down here either.

Of course every now and then you will run into someone who is bored and unfriendly.

[cattywampus]

The BIG plus , for me anyway, is the opportunity to
"PAY IT FORWARD".

There is an abundance of Villagers who belong to
well organized Clubs or Neighborhood Groups that
are more than willing to share their blessings.

There also are MANY who silently underwrite major contributions
to many causes, without a hint of recognition.

When I was a young'n times were very hard.

The Good Lord has blessed me with just a little bit extra.
Not much, but enough to make a little difference in some small
ways.

I find it refreshing to personally know so many Villagers who
realize how Blessed they are.

Sharing what they can, in time or money, has shown me
there are plenty of Villagers who silently make a difference.
You have truly made a BIG impression on me.

Thank You.

Many people, young and old, will never forget what you do to
make a difference in their lives

[DruannB]

Thank you all. Your input has been very helpful.

[Bizdoc]

A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.

Before I visited, I envisioned people with walkers, sitting around, ignored, unloved. That is not what I saw. But those people must be somewhere in TV, right?

We visited TV in December 2012, partly to visit an old friend, partly to look at Freedom Pointe. We had been told that Betsy would never fully recover from a fall down a flight of stairs in June 2012 and that we should be somewhere (like a continuing care retirement community) which had easy access into assisted living. Since we had had a fairly active life style (Betsy hiked down into the Grand Canyon twice) as well as challenging professional careers.

The only CCRC that we liked was the Forrest at Duke (which was started by professors, doctors, and lawyers). Saw a lot of sad people at the rest we looked at.

Visiting TV, we saw happy, laughing people who were busy dancing, golfing, walking, and playing. We decided that we might was well live until we die. So we bought a house and moved here. Betsy went walking every day while I did the furniture, curtains, etc stuff. By the time we went back north to get the rest of our stuff, she had stopped using her walker.

There are people with walkers here and ones with wheelchairs. You may not notice many of them because they are busy, too. There are a number of assisted living facilities in and around TV. There are folks living at SumterPlace who golf everyday (it's inside TV). Some folks reach the point where they need skilled nursing or hospice. Their friends visit them and help with that final voyage. You may have noticed that the newer houses in TV are built to be barrier free, making it easier to safely get around. There's home health care if you want to stay in your home.

There are folks who are homebound for any number of reasons. You haven't met them yet and you may or may not meet them. There are folks who are unhappy here (you'll read about some of them on TV). Most of us are reasonably happy. We do as much (or as little) as we want. But mostly, we are determined to live until we die.

Welcome to TV. Prepare for your next adventure.

[billethkid]

Mostly only pluses.
One minus is the driving habits/capabilities of an aging population......as a whole not bad....BUT.......a very high percentage of rules of the road violators resulting in too many near misses and too many actual encounters.
Therefore drive defensively.

[redwitch]

Pluses have all been said. I will say the biggest plus is the generosity of spirit here. Strangers willing to go out of their way to help others. The abundance of volunteers here.

The biggest minus to me is the inability to hear as many political viewpoints as possible. If the speaker isn't Republican, the town squares are off limit. The smallest venue possible is offered to others -- usually whatever club is usually made available to the club inviting the speaker. I get the feeling that developer would ban these speakers if he could.

[Trayderjoe]

There aren't enough words to describe what makes TV so wonderful. :smiley:
8. A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.

The negatives is during the snowbird season, one may have to wait to eat, some traffic congestion and you may run into a grumpy pants.

A friend of mine was kidding me about buying a home in a retirement community, picturing old people sitting around a table waiting for "their call" as another poster had pointed out. My friend came down to visit and we took him to Katie Belles to show him around. A band was playing and a woman, whom we found out was in her early 90's, got up to dance. My friend was highly impressed that it didn't matter how old you were, people were not here to wait, they were here to live until called. Since then he has rented a couple of times, with a third rental coming this winter. The golf opportunities have grabbed him and he may purchase (his wife is 10 years from retirement).

The poster I quoted did an excellent job with all of his points. My only other negative is that the quality of construction of the homes could be better. Don't get me wrong, they meet building codes, but until I purchased a home here, I had not seen so many plastic valves (the main water shutoff to the home, all of the sinks and commodes) which can be hard to turn (consider if you want to fix a leak). They are also mounted on thin PVC piping that feels like it may snap or come out of the wall when you try to turn the valves. The trade-off is the opportunity to LIVE during the my retirement and have as much or as little fun as I want to have.

[nitehawk]

If you like to play golf on courses in good condition - be prepared to play outside TV

[MikeV]

My one and only complaint is the size of TV. It is getting so big that even in summer everything is crowded. We really need a fourth Town Square.

[George Bieniaszek]

A good friend of mine had the misconceptions of living in a retirement community and always asked me why we bought. I kept telling him about The Villages and said that he and his wife have to come down and see for themselves. Well, this past February, he called and asked to stop by for a visit. We rented an extra golf cart for them so that they can toddle around and explore with us and by themselves too. We played lots of golf, went to some open houses, toured some of the pools, Rec Centers, danced in the Squares and after 4 days, they were ready to buy.

My friend thought that The Villages was full of old people shuffling around with walkers, elbowing and shoving their way to be first at the buffet line (His quote, not mine) and now his retirement plans have changed completely. They came away with a wonderful experience of the Villages and it is top on their list when he retires.

They are planning on coming back and either staying with us again as a back up plan, but first on the list is renting for a month and making final decisions after that.

[asianthree]

I don't think you will find a place filled with people that truly care like TV

[graciegirl]

If you like to play golf on courses in good condition - be prepared to play outside TV

Come and SEE for yourself about the golf courses.

32 count 'em ....32 executive courses and the price is your trail fee..four bucks. You drive your own golf cart. Over a dozen championship courses, I lost track, more building, that are cheaper to play than back home for us.

This place is so wonderful. And it is so well run. The overwhelming majority of people who live here are to the right politically as Redwitch says. The developers family began and grew this place risking and reinvesting their own money time and time again. It is a monument to free enterprise. They are also large contributors to the party that is not in office at this time. (The moddies won't let us say the name of either party.)

I love the miles and miles and miles of beautiful landscaping that looks like it has been here forever, the cleanliness and the beauty of homes who are owned by people who grew up taking care of their stuff. The fact that lawn cutting on most homes is available for around fifty bucks a month. The three town squares each with their own theme, each lovely fantasy places and rented to businesses and restaurants. I love all of the rec centers, each with their own separate theme and decorated with beautiful and expensive furniture and accessories. I love the way this place is run. Period. and exclamation point. I love that the amenity fee is about $140 a month. Affordable for most people.

I love the people who are living life to the fullest every minute of it.. I love that we are such a mixture and from all walks in life. You can sit at the square next to a Joe Blow and Joe Gotrocks. It doesn't matter what you used to do or how big or small your home is. We are all in this to have fun and enjoy friendship and new experiences. People are doing art that didn't have the time and people are bicycling and running, and working out, and playing tennis and pickleball and bocce, and doing pottery and glass cutting and enjoying some social drinks. (The glass cutting and the drinking SHOULD be done at different times);)

We are big in life experience, we have not come here untouched by sadness. You don't live for five decades or more without some huge awful thing occurring, and that usually just makes us more compassionate to others and more open minded about all things and all differences.

We have all had to work hard and to plan to get here and we so much appreciate the time for fun and fellowship and what we have.

Hurry down. I think this place is so wonderful and I am so vocal about it that some people think I work for the developer. Never met him or any of the family, but I would love to shake their hands.

They lived, worked and created the American dream.

And we are livin' the dream.

[patfla06]

The energy and zest for life makes T.V. an amazing place.

[waynet]

I do wish the golf courses (championship ) were kept in better condition. The rest of the place is awesome,why not the golf?

[cc1246]

We have a eyesore in our neighborhood and it's not a reverse mortgage, there just pigs.
Community standards does nothing.

[DigitalGranny]

My Dad lives in another retirement community to the south of here. It's nice. For years I visited him there and thought it would be nice to retire to a place like that. Then I found TV! It blows every other place off the list -for me! When we bought our house here this spring, invited my Dad and Stepmom up here to visit. Took them to Eisenhower Rec Center. We were all floored by the opulence -and the reverence for those, like my dad, who served in the military. He just kept saying "I didn't know there was a place like this!" Our only trade off is we are not on the beach, but my beautiful neighborhood pool, two blocks away, makes up for that!

[Madelaine Amee]

Pluses have all been said. I will say the biggest plus is the generosity of spirit here. Strangers willing to go out of their way to help others. The abundance of volunteers here.

The biggest minus to me is the inability to hear as many political viewpoints as possible. If the speaker isn't Republican, the town squares are off limit. The smallest venue possible is offered to others -- usually whatever club is usually made available to the club inviting the speaker. I get the feeling that developer would ban these speakers if he could.

I have to agree with this statement. I don't care what anyone thinks about the different parties, but don't push your preference down my throat!

However, having said that, there are so many other things which make living in TV excellent. We dine out at one of the Country Clubs and there are a couple of regulars who have had strokes and are in need of help. Every time they come in to dinner people go out of their way to help them to their table, everyone from the wait staff to the other diners. This caring attitude impresses me immensely and seems to be prevalent throughout TV.

[Wandatime]

I asked my husband what he liked best and he said all the opportunities for recreation that await you right outside your front door.

I asked him what he liked least and he said not being there.

I concur on both parts!

[mgcsooner]

The good, too many to count-really! The bad-- I won;t say bead, but what could make it better is more competition on Pizza---it's not so good here, which means room for more entrepreneurs!! Also Mexican food, very limited, particularly TexMex.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There is too much positive to list in one post and there have been many posts here extolling the virtues of The Villages. I agree with every one of them.

As to the negatives, some people complain about traffic during the snowbird season. If you've ever lived anywhere with real traffic you'll see that this is a joke. Traffic here at it's worst is minimal. Waits at restaurants seems to be another consistent complaint. Yes, you might have more of a wait during the snowbird season, but more and more retail including restaurants and country clubs are being built all the time. Again, if you've ever lived in a big city, this is pretty much the norm.

Two things that I don't like is that we are far away from a major highway. It takes me 35-40 minutes to get to either the Florida Turnpike or Rte 75. So going any where is a bit difficult.

If I had my preference, The Villages would be located closet to a nice beach. We're about two hours away from Clearwater Beach which is the best in the area.

Other than that, I couldn't be happier here.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We have a eyesore in our neighborhood and it's not a reverse mortgage, there just pigs.
Community standards does nothing.

Community Standards only responds to complaints. I, myself find this absurd. Their trucks pass by every home in The Villages at least three times a day. You would think that the drivers could make notes of poorly kept properties and report them, but they are not allowed to. If you have a property in your neighborhood that is not being kept up to proper standards, call and complain. I've seen them send a crew out to take care of these properties and then bill the owners.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I do wish the golf courses (championship ) were kept in better condition. The rest of the place is awesome,why not the golf?

I no longer play golf but I do keep up with posts on TOTV about the courses. I remember seeing several complaining about the condition a few months back. Lately I saw a few posts talking about how good the conditions are on some courses.

Unless you have an unlimited budget it is nearly impossible to keep a golf course in tip top shape 365 days a year. Sometimes projects are being done that effect conditions. Weather and all sorts of other thing will effect conditions.

Like I said, I haven't been on them but the conditions seem to ebb and flow. I did read that they hired a new maintenance company so it does seem that they are responding to the complaints.

[Bavarian]

Traffic is bad if you lived the majority of your adult life in a rural area.
No Silverqueen corn all Summer. No Hardshell Blue Crabs all Summer.
But first Summer here and we are adjusting. Planning to return to MD House end of week for awhile to check on things, still no sale. May bring some Silverqueen back.

[justjim]

Pluses have all been said. I will say the biggest plus is the generosity of spirit here. Strangers willing to go out of their way to help others. The abundance of volunteers here.

The biggest minus to me is the inability to hear as many political viewpoints as possible. If the speaker isn't Republican, the town squares are off limit. The smallest venue possible is offered to others -- usually whatever club is usually made available to the club inviting the speaker. I get the feeling that developer would ban these speakers if he could.

Good points. Both the residents of TV and The Developer have shown a generous spirit---time after time. So many good things about this place. I say amen to all that have been mentioned.

Since the Squares are open to the public--in all fairness it should be open to both political parties. Seems right and fair to me. I don't know the "legal" aspects of this issue but discrimination because of political affiliation doesn't seem right to me.

[njbchbum]

The good has all been mentioned. As snowbirds, the one bad aspect of the Villages that we experience on the roadways, in restaurant lines and grocery stores, and even here on TOTV, etc is the disparagement we receive from the full-timers who believe they are entitled to life in the winter season as it is in the off-season.

Many full-timers do welcome us back as the friends we have become - BUT - there are always those who truly resent our seasonal 'flocking'. They care not to appreciate us for paying year-round full-time amentities and other expenses [as well as suppport the businesses] while only using same for three months or so! We learned long ago that the world just needs all kinds of folks to provide us with perspectives.

[graciegirl]

Good points. Both the residents of TV and The Developer have shown a generous spirit---time after time. So many good things about this place. I say amen to all that have been mentioned.

Since the Squares are open to the public--in all fairness it should be open to both political parties. Seems right and fair to me. I don't know the "legal" aspects of this issue but discrimination because of political affiliation doesn't seem right to me.


If I could really CHOOSE, I would say NO political stuff on the squares. THEM or US...lol. We never go to the political gatherings. We just..well, we VOTE.

But, JustJim, I a SURE that it is legal.

[njbchbum]

snipped - hijacking

If I had my preference, The Villages would be located closet to a nice beach. We're about two hours away from Clearwater Beach which is the best in the area.

Other than that, I couldn't be happier here.

Wouldn't it be super if the developer designed one of the regional pools to have a sand beach with zero entry points and salt water for residents to enjoy? Wowza!

[janmcn]

Good points. Both the residents of TV and The Developer have shown a generous spirit---time after time. So many good things about this place. I say amen to all that have been mentioned.

Since the Squares are open to the public--in all fairness it should be open to both political parties. Seems right and fair to me. I don't know the "legal" aspects of this issue but discrimination because of political affiliation doesn't seem right to me.


The squares are open to the public, but the developer owns the property and therefore can discriminate as much as he wants. His organization still owns all the rec centers south of CR466 (except for Belvedere and Laurel Manor), so speakers must get permission from them to speak.

[graciegirl]

The squares are open to the public, but the developer owns the property and therefore can discriminate as much as he wants. His organization still owns all the rec centers south of CR466 (except for Belvedere and Laurel Manor), so speakers must get permission from them to speak.

I like that just the way it is. When the developer runs things they are run well, when you turn it over to the populace...stuff happens that isn't as good. You can see that here.

I cringe to ever see the inmates running this asylum.

[justjim]

The squares are open to the public, but the developer owns the property and therefore can discriminate as much as he wants. His organization still owns all the rec centers south of CR466 (except for Belvedere and Laurel Manor), so speakers must get permission from them to speak.

When a property is open to the public, does that not change "things" a bit?

[Wandatime]

The good has all been mentioned. As snowbirds, the one bad aspect of the Villages that we experience on the roadways, in restaurant lines and grocery stores, and even here on TOTV, etc is the disparagement we receive from the full-timers who believe they are entitled to life in the winter season as it is in the off-season.

Many full-timers do welcome us back as the friends we have become - BUT - there are always those who truly resent our seasonal 'flocking'. They care not to appreciate us for paying year-round full-time amentities and other expenses [as well as suppport the businesses] while only using same for three months or so! We learned long ago that the world just needs all kinds of folks to provide us with perspectives.

When we made our first trip down after purchasing the house, somewhere around October, I overheard two ladies in Bargains and Treasures lamenting the fact that The Villages was soon to be overrun with Snowbirds. They just went on and on and on. Plus they were blocking the aisle. I remember looking at my husband and yes, I'll admit it, rolling my eyes over their silliness. I do believe there is enough room for all of us. Welcome Snowbirds!! More friends I haven't met yet!!
:welcome:

[DruannB]

Some of your descriptions are so poetic, and yet, they all ring true.

[Xavier]

Traffic is bad if you lived the majority of your adult life in a rural area.
No Silverqueen corn all Summer. No Hardshell Blue Crabs all Summer.
But first Summer here and we are adjusting. Planning to return to MD House end of week for awhile to check on things, still no sale. May bring some Silverqueen back.

Have you tried Fresh Market? The season is pretty much gone now, I would guess, but you never know. In the spring we had plenty. The "Tuesday Deal" was 12 ears for $2.99 (6 for $1.50). The two of us can't eat a dozen!

Xavier

[Xavier]

The good has all been mentioned. As snowbirds, the one bad aspect of the Villages that we experience on the roadways, in restaurant lines and grocery stores, and even here on TOTV, etc is the disparagement we receive from the full-timers who believe they are entitled to life in the winter season as it is in the off-season.

Many full-timers do welcome us back as the friends we have become - BUT - there are always those who truly resent our seasonal 'flocking'. They care not to appreciate us for paying year-round full-time amentities and other expenses [as well as suppport the businesses] while only using same for three months or so! We learned long ago that the world just needs all kinds of folks to provide us with perspectives.

This is our permanent home, but we do travel for 4 or 5 months each Summer in our motor home. That sort of makes us snowbirds. When I hear someone take off on Snowbirds I simply say, "That would be us." or "Don't go there." The conversation has always stopped at that point. I do the same thing when, although infrequently, others take off on Politics or our President. It really burns my butt when anyone has the unmitigated gall to assume that everyone thinks the same way they do. They expect everyone to join the conversation supporting their communication. I certainly know how to put the brakes on without being nasty. It sort of takes the wind out of their sails. There is way too many good things about The Villages to let this stuff get under your skin.

Xavier

[RErmer]

We were just there and noted many of the things you mentioned. I told my husband it was DisneyWorld for adults. I particularly liked this from you:

A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.

Before I visited, I envisioned people with walkers, sitting around, ignored, unloved. That is not what I saw. But those people must be somewhere in TV, right?

About those people with walkers: a lovely lady, mid-80s, recently started to use a walker. She still comes to the morning water aerobics class almost every day, with her walker strapped to the back of her golf cart, and we all help her in and out of the pool. She named her Walker - Johnnie.

Love the caring attitude of almost everyone I meet in TV and am still thrilled to live here after 2 yrs. full-time.

[Vladimir]

Be prepared for aches, pains...and crutches. I should know since in trying to do all those active sporting activities the body sometimes just does not want to cooperate!

[Loudoll]

TV is everything and more than advertised, however it is just not for me and my husband. We're exhilarated to be back in Ohio. I guess we're just hillbillies. I need hills, good green beans, all age groups but most of all changes of seasons. We loved TV at first but it's like the old story where a little girl wished for a birthday party everyday...not for us. Everyone is familiar with the good things of TV. Some of our disappointments were living on concrete floors! Anyone notice how so many varicose veined legs are in TV? It is partly from the concrete floors. Not a good thing for older folks at all. Agree with the other writer that the homes are not as well built as the price is high. We are giddy with delight over our new Ohio home because it is so well built and user friendly. The houses are too close together in TV for us....no privacy ever.
The weather there rarely suited me. I also have a sinking feeling medical care is not as good as hyped...feel secure back with my old caregivers. We talk the same language.

[RedChariot]

TV is everything and more than advertised, however it is just not for me and my husband. We're exhilarated to be back in Ohio. I guess we're just hillbillies. I need hills, good green beans, all age groups but most of all changes of seasons. We loved TV at first but it's like the old story where a little girl wished for a birthday party everyday...not for us. Everyone is familiar with the good things of TV. Some of our disappointments were living on concrete floors! Anyone notice how so many varicose veined legs are in TV? It is partly from the concrete floors. Not a good thing for older folks at all. Agree with the other writer that the homes are not as well built as the price is high. We are giddy with delight over our new Ohio home because it is so well built and user friendly. The houses are too close together in TV for us....no privacy ever.
The weather there rarely suited me. I also have a sinking feeling medical care is not as good as hyped...feel secure back with my old caregivers. We talk the same language.

I so relate to everything you have said. For us it's NJ. The tomatoes, the corn, the pizza, and seafood. NYC and Broadway. The health care available at prestigious medical centers. Family most. But here I love my neighbors, the social environment, the games. Detest how close the houses are to each other. Never privacy. So torn all the time. Gotta go..Mah Jongg awaits.

[Bizdoc]

Wouldn't it be super if the developer designed one of the regional pools to have a sand beach with zero entry points and salt water for residents to enjoy? Wowza!

Better yet - a lazy river connecting the town squares.

[gomoho]

TV is everything and more than advertised, however it is just not for me and my husband. We're exhilarated to be back in Ohio. I guess we're just hillbillies. I need hills, good green beans, all age groups but most of all changes of seasons. We loved TV at first but it's like the old story where a little girl wished for a birthday party everyday...not for us. Everyone is familiar with the good things of TV. Some of our disappointments were living on concrete floors! Anyone notice how so many varicose veined legs are in TV? It is partly from the concrete floors. Not a good thing for older folks at all. Agree with the other writer that the homes are not as well built as the price is high. We are giddy with delight over our new Ohio home because it is so well built and user friendly. The houses are too close together in TV for us....no privacy ever.
The weather there rarely suited me. I also have a sinking feeling medical care is not as good as hyped...feel secure back with my old caregivers. We talk the same language.

Agree with you post especially about The Villages being all ts is claimed to be, BUT not for everyone. We also lasted 2 years, had some great times and made some wonderful friends, BUT couldn't deal with people living on top of each other, houses everywhere you looked and the weather. I actually lived in Florida before and when we left said "never again", BUT you know how they say never say never. Now enjoying the beauty of a natural life in the north Georgia mountains in my log home on 2 acres in the Chatahoochee Forest - now for us "this is living".

[gerryann]

Agree with you post especially about The Villages being all ts is claimed to be, BUT not for everyone. We also lasted 2 years, had some great times and made some wonderful friends, BUT couldn't deal with people living on top of each other, houses everywhere you looked and the weather. I actually lived in Florida before and when we left said "never again", BUT you know how they say never say never. Now enjoying the beauty of a natural life in the north Georgia mountains in my log home on 2 acres in the Chatahoochee Forest - now for us "this is living".

I envy you. That sounds like heaven.

[cattywampus]

When a property is open to the public, does that not change "things" a bit?

A property open to the public, but privately owned or leased,
makes it VERY easy for appropriate sworn Law Enforcement Officer
to issue a trespass warning.( Lake Sumter Landing for sure.)

After the first warning, further infraction generally results in a
lifetime BAN from entering the owned or leased property.

Same goes for anywhere. If someone entered any store or venue and "pitched a fit",
LEO's can issue with request of owner or lessor
or lessee.

Did I make that up ?

If someone threatens an owner or lessor or lessee,
the first infraction generally results in being Banned.

[Villages Kahuna]

...I love that we are such a mixture and from all walks in life. You can sit at the square next to a Joe Blow and Joe Gotrocks. It doesn't matter what you used to do or how big or small your home is. We are all in this to have fun and enjoy friendship and new experiences....Gracie, I didn't delete the rest of your post because I didn't think it was important or accurate...it all was. But I wanted to emphasize this part, something that seldom is mentioned when people ask about the advantages and disadvantages of The Villages.

I love this place because almost regardless of which village you choose to live in or what club you join, there are no cliques based on socio-economic or religious factors.

I've been here for eight years and the most common question asked of newcomers is "what villages are you in?" and then, "where are you from?" I can't remember when any one asked me what I did for a living, what my title was, or anything having to do with my financial condition. The same is true of religious affiliation--never a question that I can recall.

I will tell you that this place doesn't differ from the rest of central and north Florida and much of the U.S. south and west politically--it is hard right. You can stay out of trouble if you avoid discussing what may be wrong with hard right positions or legislators. But heck, our mothers used to tell us to avoid having such discussions, didn't they?

But in addition to all the other "stuff" mentioned above, I love the relationships one can establish with others here that have no basis on socio-economic or religious factors. No one asks or seems to care about those things.

[2BNTV]

I forgot to add, it's the only place where:

"you can live like a millionaire, without being, a millionaire".

[JB in TV]

Wife and I are another couple who tried The Villages, but after a short time, we decided it wasn't for us.

The Villages is truely an amazing place. No where else could we have bought a new home, then decided it didn't work for us, and sell at a profit in such a short time. MANY MANY folks like TV, but after a good try, we decided it just wasn't right for us. I am very happy to have experienced it, and thankful that the Morse family has developed such an amazing place. The one thing we will miss the most? The friends we made both online and in our neighborhood.

The OP asked for good and bad, and obviously, those vary dramaticaly between differnt people. For us, I'll say the close quarters, and humidity were big issues.

[Jayhawk]

Come and SEE for yourself about the golf courses.

32 count 'em ....32 executive courses and the price is your trail fee..four bucks. You drive your own golf cart. Over a dozen championship courses, I lost track, more building, that are cheaper to play than back home for us.

This place is so wonderful. And it is so well run. The overwhelming majority of people who live here are to the right politically as Redwitch says. The developers family began and grew this place risking and reinvesting their own money time and time again. It is a monument to free enterprise. They are also large contributors to the party that is not in office at this time. (The moddies won't let us say the name of either party.)

I love the miles and miles and miles of beautiful landscaping that looks like it has been here forever, the cleanliness and the beauty of homes who are owned by people who grew up taking care of their stuff. The fact that lawn cutting on most homes is available for around fifty bucks a month. The three town squares each with their own theme, each lovely fantasy places and rented to businesses and restaurants. I love all of the rec centers, each with their own separate theme and decorated with beautiful and expensive furniture and accessories. I love the way this place is run. Period. and exclamation point. I love that the amenity fee is about $140 a month. Affordable for most people.

I love the people who are living life to the fullest every minute of it.. I love that we are such a mixture and from all walks in life. You can sit at the square next to a Joe Blow and Joe Gotrocks. It doesn't matter what you used to do or how big or small your home is. We are all in this to have fun and enjoy friendship and new experiences. People are doing art that didn't have the time and people are bicycling and running, and working out, and playing tennis and pickleball and bocce, and doing pottery and glass cutting and enjoying some social drinks. (The glass cutting and the drinking SHOULD be done at different times);)

We are big in life experience, we have not come here untouched by sadness. You don't live for five decades or more without some huge awful thing occurring, and that usually just makes us more compassionate to others and more open minded about all things and all differences.

We have all had to work hard and to plan to get here and we so much appreciate the time for fun and fellowship and what we have.

Hurry down. I think this place is so wonderful and I am so vocal about it that some people think I work for the developer. Never met him or any of the family, but I would love to shake their hands.

They lived, worked and created the American dream.

And we are livin' the dream.




Right on, sistah!!!! Agree with you 1000%.

[Steve & Deanna]

The only 'bad' is that we've yet to be able to play Bingo (one of Deanna's favorites) for two years running. They ought to give residents first buys. Shifting gears, when we rented years ago and as I would take part of my morning walk through Sumter Landing, I would say to myself 'why would I ever want to leave the reservation?' (as some of our friends affectionately use this term). Other than a Bingo gripe, the three words we use to describe The Villages....It's all good.

[Colts Fan]

I think it speaks very well of The Villages, and its residents, that even those who found that The Villages wasn't for them still stay in touch with Talk of The Villages forum. We'll be making our first visit next month, so beyond what I see here on TOTV, I can't comment on the goods or bads. From afar there seem to be alot of goods.

[upstate]

We bought last year and are snowflakes and have discovered we could not live here year round. Our neighbors are great and we enjoy our Florida home as a getaway from up north. In a year or two we will decide whether to stay or sell, in the meantime we are enjoying ourselves while down here. As stated before, construction, healthcare and security are paramount in our decision of where we live. The Villages is unique, no doubt about it.

[buggyone]

[QUOTE=Villages Kahuna;921976]Gracie, I didn't delete the rest of your post because I didn't think it was important or accurate...it all was. But I wanted to emphasize this part, something that seldom is mentioned when people ask about the advantages and disadvantages of The Villages.

I love this place because almost regardless of which village you choose to live in or what club you join, there are no cliques based on socio-economic or religious factors.

I've been here for eight years and the most common question asked of newcomers is "what villages are you in?" and then, "where are you from?" I can't remember when any one asked me what I did for a living, what my title was, or anything having to do with my financial condition. The same is true of religious affiliation./QUOTE
-----------------------------------

You are absolutely right about no class status here. However, the topic of former careers comes up all the time in general conversation. How can you not talk about something that consumed 25-40 years of your life? Most people are proud of their career and enjoy talking about it. You are right in that we do not talk about how important we were or were not or how much money we made or did not make but we do enjoy sharing work experiences with friends.

The Villages is comprised of interesting people of all types of former careers all enjoying the great Villages lifestyle.

[nitehawk]

I do wish the golf courses (championship ) were kept in better condition. The rest of the place is awesome,why not the golf?

:bigbow::bigbow::mademyday::BigApplause:

[Halibut]

I will tell you that this place doesn't differ from the rest of central and north Florida and much of the U.S. south and west politically--it is hard right.

That was going to be my point as well. It is Central Florida with all that entails. It's an agricultural economy. The racial makeup of Sumter County is 83% Caucasian and the per capita income is $16K, with Lake and Marion counties being similar. The weather is not to everyone's liking, and there are sinkholes and more lightning storms than most would prefer.

I'm not sure these are even negatives, but you have to be content with a suburban life that includes miles and miles of neighborhoods with closely-placed tract houses. You need to drive to get to big-city entertainment and cutting-edge health care facilities. Even driving, Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville are not NY or Chicago.

[Bill Tasker]

It appears the most serious complaint is the lack of professional health care providers. That would be a serious consideration. I agree with everything that Gracie said. We have visited TV every year for 17 years and have seen the massive expansion from the "historical side" to the build out of the three Town Squares. Everything that TV owners said they were going to do has been done in spades. It's an adult wonderland. What I enjoy most is the beauty of the landscape throughout TV. I think TV was best described as "every day feels like you are on vacation."

[perrjojo]

That was going to be my point as well. It is Central Florida with all that entails. It's an agricultural economy. The racial makeup of Sumter County is 83% Caucasian and the per capita income is $16K, with Lake and Marion counties being similar. The weather is not to everyone's liking, and there are sinkholes and more lightning storms than most would prefer.

I'm not sure these are even negatives, but you have to be content with a suburban life that includes miles and miles of neighborhoods with closely-placed tract houses. You need to drive to get to big-city entertainment and cutting-edge health care facilities. Even driving, Orlando, Tampa or Gainesville are not NY or Chicago.

You know what they say...New York is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. Same goes for.Chicago.

[graciegirl]

Watch this again. It makes me smile every time....until it gets to Blechman and....where is the water skiing going on???

In Play: The Villages Golf Retirement Community | Golf Channel (http://www.golfchannel.com/media/play-villages-golf-retirement-community/)

[manaboutown]

Thanks for the link to the video, GG. Blechman looks like he should come back down to TV and get some exercise. Compared to photos of him associated with his book he appears quite a bit heavier.

It was a fantastic video except for Blechman who was the t**d in the punchbowl otherwise full of Kool-Aid.

[Bizdoc]

The quality of doctors is generally going up. However, there are still some docs around who came when TV was still small and could not support docs from the major leagues.

That having been said, The Villages hospital is a nice small community hospital It will *never* be a major medical center. Even if we hit 200,000 population at build out, we still won't have the population to support a 1,000 bed major medical center.

As to the availability of specialty care, you can find some here. You can find more in Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando. Probably 90% of your potential needs can be accomodated.

None of the medical schools is Florida is in the top tier of medical schools. This means that for the super duper gee whiz stuff like a whole body transplant, you'll have to go to someplace like NY, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, LA, Dallas/Austin and other places in Texas or Raleigh-Durham. Before you rush to move to one of those cities, consider just how likely you are to need that level of care. Is it high enough to deal with Boston winters?

[jojo]

I have never second guessed our decision to move to The Villages. It felt right from the beginning. I'm more positive about health care with the advent of the Villages Health system. It is working well for us. The only negative would be having to get to fitness classes early in season. However, there is a way around that which is to enroll in the Learning College classes. I am hard pressed to find negatives. Been here six years and am still enthralled with the place.

[dbussone]

The quality of doctors is generally going up. However, there are still some docs around who came when TV was still small and could not support docs from the major leagues.

That having been said, The Villages hospital is a nice small community hospital It will *never* be a major medical center. Even if we hit 200,000 population at build out, we still won't have the population to support a 1,000 bed major medical center.

As to the availability of specialty care, you can find some here. You can find more in Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando. Probably 90% of your potential needs can be accomodated.

None of the medical schools is Florida is in the top tier of medical schools. This means that for the super duper gee whiz stuff like a whole body transplant, you'll have to go to someplace like NY, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, LA, Dallas/Austin and other places in Texas or Raleigh-Durham. Before you rush to move to one of those cities, consider just how likely you are to need that level of care. Is it high enough to deal with Boston winters?

What is your definition of upper tier? There are numerous ways to rank medical schools (e.g. NIH research grant $, MCAT scores, medical student rankings, teaching hospital affiliations, etc). I'm from Boston but I can find anything needed medically at an appropriate level of quality here in FL. All you have to do is do your research.

[Bizdoc]

What is your definition of upper tier? There are numerous ways to rank medical schools (e.g. NIH research grant $, MCAT scores, medical student rankings, teaching hospital affiliations, etc). I'm from Boston but I can find anything needed medically at an appropriate level of quality here in FL. All you have to do is do your research.

Let's see... the highest ranking medical school in FL is 51st in the nation. Wow. That's impressive. Not.

For most routine things, we would probably stay iin FL. For anything important/complex, we're headed for Durham or Baltimore.

[dbussone]

[ QUOTE=Bizdoc;922473]Let's see... the highest ranking medical school in FL is 51st in the nation. Wow. That's impressive. Not.



For most routine things, we would probably stay iin FL. For anything important/complex, we're headed for Durham or Baltimore.[/QUOTE]

Again, what is your ranking measure?

[Avista]

Love everything about The Villages including The Villages Healthcare. The only negative I see is being so far from Orlando and Tampa airports. To balance that negative, we are close to Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa for cruises. Can catch those last minute deals.

[Bizdoc]

OK. Here ya go:

University of Miami (Miller) | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-miami-miller-04021)

University of Florida | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-florida-04020)

University of South Florida | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-south-florida-04022)

Florida State University | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/florida-state-university-04149)

Florida International University (Wertheim) | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/florida-international-university-herbert-04155)

And your evidence to the contrary is?

[dbussone]

OK. Here ya go:

University of Miami (Miller) | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-miami-miller-04021)

University of Florida | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-florida-04020)

University of South Florida | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/university-of-south-florida-04022)

Florida State University | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/florida-state-university-04149)

Florida International University (Wertheim) | Best Medical School | US News (http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/florida-international-university-herbert-04155)

And your evidence to the contrary is?

Sorry, I don't go by popular magazines. I worked in healthcare for 35 years. All US News rankings are good for is advertising. For starters I use AAMC sources and various medical societies depending upon what I'm looking for.

[The Mountaineer]

Love everything about The Villages including The Villages Healthcare. The only negative I see is being so far from Orlando and Tampa airports. To balance that negative, we are close to Port Canaveral and Port of Tampa for cruises. Can catch those last minute deals.

The Villages IS handy for cruises and even flying off to the world. "So far from Orlando and Tampa airports"? Closer than they are in Ohio.


See everybody in January for our 3-month hanging-out off No. 5 green of the Silver Lake Executive Golf Course.

[Neal2tire]

If I was to give you an honest answer (as you have asked for)
I would tell you some great things about TV
I would also tell you the 1 or 2 MAJOR factors to consider before you invest here.
From there an all out attack would ensue against me by 90% of the posters on this site
and maybe even the moderator.
There in, is your answer.
Feel free to privately write me and I'll tell you why you need to consider moving here.
Again, for those who can't read.... 80% is very positive but for certain folks this place does not work.
NG

[Nightengale212]

I have been an R.N. for 36 years and have worked in both small community hospitals and large teaching hospitals, and being a TV wannabee I read with great interest the posts regarding Florida and TV healthcare.

A big measurement I think should be considered when evaluating healthcare is not just the quality of the doctor care but the quality of nursing care that you will receive in the event you are hospitalized. You can have the best doctor on the planet, but it will be nurses that will be providing you the majority of your care and you want to make sure that these nurses are competent in their practice, and the hospital supports a safe staffing model.

Magnet Recognition is a measurement used for quality of nursing care in hospitals. IMO it is not the be all end all since some of the criteria makes it difficult for small community hospitals that provide great nursing care to obtain this recognition, but it does foster quality of care through nursing education, nursing research, and most importantly optimum nurse/patient staffing ratios.

I believe the closest Magnet hospital to TV is the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainsville. If you are interested in additional info regarding Magnet go the the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) web site.

[Blessed2BNTV]

I have been an R.N. for 36 years and have worked in both small community hospitals and large teaching hospitals, and being a TV wannabee I read with great interest the posts regarding Florida and TV healthcare.

A big measurement I think should be considered when evaluating healthcare is not just the quality of the doctor care but the quality of nursing care that you will receive in the event you are hospitalized. You can have the best doctor on the planet, but it will be nurses that will be providing you the majority of your care and you want to make sure that these nurses are competent in their practice, and the hospital supports a safe staffing model.

Magnet Recognition is a measurement used for quality of nursing care in hospitals. IMO it is not the be all end all since some of the criteria makes it difficult for small community hospitals that provide great nursing care to obtain this recognition, but it does foster quality of care through nursing education, nursing research, and most importantly optimum nurse/patient staffing ratios.

I believe the closest Magnet hospital to TV is the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainsville. If you are interested in additional info regarding Magnet go the the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) web site.

So true. I do believe nursing care is equally important.

[dbussone]

So true. I do believe nursing care is equally important.

I concur. My wife is an RN also.

[Bizdoc]

Sorry, I don't go by popular magazines. I worked in healthcare for 35 years. All US News rankings are good for is advertising. For starters I use AAMC sources and various medical societies depending upon what I'm looking for.

So we gonna see what your evidence is or are you going to be mysterious?

[dbussone]

So we gonna see what your evidence is or are you going to be mysterious?

The point I'm trying to make is that it isn't as simple as looking at a list of best medical schools. If I need something sophisticated I'm going to research for information specific to that procedure and the physicians who perform them. And since many medical schools don't own their own hospitals, I'd want to research affiliated hospitals. For example, you could have a hot shot transplant surgeon doing a new procedure at a hospital affiliated with a non top tier medical school because the school decided to put the resources into recruiting a surgeon and his/her team.

[dbussone]

The Villages IS handy for cruises and even flying off to the world. "So far from Orlando and Tampa airports"? Closer than they are in Ohio.


See everybody in January for our 3-month hanging-out off No. 5 green of the Silver Lake Executive Golf Course.

And the shuttle service to/from Orlando is pretty convenient.

[Bizdoc]

The point I'm trying to make is that it isn't as simple as looking at a list of best medical schools. If I need something sophisticated I'm going to research for information specific to that procedure and the physicians who perform them. And since many medical schools don't own their own hospitals, I'd want to research affiliated hospitals. For example, you could have a hot shot transplant surgeon doing a new procedure at a hospital affiliated with a non top tier medical school because the school decided to put the resources into recruiting a surgeon and his/her team.

Yes. I accept that answer. I do the same thing in tracking the docs that my wife needs including who other "top dogs" say is the best. And not all hospitals are created equal.

The truth is that most of us will go thru life never needing that "top of the heap, at the bleeding edge" surgeon. And when you do, you either accept that you have to travel (ever charter an air ambulance? Fun, but pricey!) or you start to make compromises.

[Chi-Town]

I like that just the way it is. When the developer runs things they are run well, when you turn it over to the populous...stuff happens that isn't as good. You can see that here.

I cringe to ever see the inmates running this asylum.

Been here almost five years and still amazed at how well things are run even at a rapid development pace. When real estate was really tough all around, and that excuse could have been used to cut back on the grand scale, it just didn't happen. When the SeaBreeze Recreation Center opened any fears I may have had were gone. A beautiful facility with sand volleyball and platform tennis. In the middle of Florida! And look around since then; it just keeps rolling.

I also have a worry factor about the inmate/asylum possibility. So I am of the thought of more land and keep building. It has been a real trip watching this place grow with all the new opportunities and seeing the excitement of new owners and new owners-to-be.

[Nightengale212]

So true. I do believe nursing care is equally important.

Most individuals have no idea what goes on behind the scenes of healthcare and how much advocacy in done in their behalf often by nurses they likely have never met or will ever meet. Most days at work I feel more like a fire fighter than a nurse because of all the fires I prevent or put out often agressively in behalf of my patients. I just hope when I advance in age there will be some caring nurse who will advocate for me if need be.

[Neal2tire]

I've read the books, including Talk of the Villages ebook, but I would love everyone's honest opinion on what makes TV wonderful, and what are its flaws. I plan to move here shortly and I want to be as informed as possible. Thanks folks. I love this forum.

DruannB asked for 'honest' positive and negative about the villages. From what I understand DruannB has not purchased yet. I posted that I would send a private message and that is what I have done. Others have written me privately and asked what my 'negatives are'.
One or two of those who wrote are nosy and want me to waste my time.
A few I don't know but since you already live here and are happy it is not my place to speak about the community shortcomings for the sake of discussion. My intention was to help someone save a few hundred thousand dollars who seemed to be sincerely concerned about TV pitfalls.
Thanks for the PM's
NG

[Walt.]

Negatives... which have already been mentioned would be the lightning storms and distance from the airport. But then... the streets aren't flooded after a rain like they were in Miami AND after 5 years here I don't want to leave anyway.
So many positives, but not mentioned are two really nice modern bowling centers.
No parking meters!! Remember "gotta go feed the meter..."? Hated that.
W.

[nitehawk]

DruannB asked for 'honest' positive and negative about the villages. From what I understand DruannB has not purchased yet. I posted that I would send a private message and that is what I have done. Others have written me privately and asked what my 'negatives are'.
One or two of those who wrote are nosy and want me to waste my time.
A few I don't know but since you already live here and are happy it is not my place to speak about the community shortcomings for the sake of discussion. My intention was to help someone save a few hundred thousand dollars who seemed to be sincerely concerned about TV pitfalls.
Thanks for the PM's
NG

:bigbow:

[Avista]

Negatives... which have already been mentioned would be the lightning storms and distance from the airport. But then... the streets aren't flooded after a rain like they were in Miami AND after 5 years here I don't want to leave anyway.
So many positives, but not mentioned are two really nice modern bowling centers.
No parking meters!! Remember "gotta go feed the meter..."? Hated that.
W.

The lightning is a real safety factor. We are in the process of getting our home installed with lightning safety features. Bon Freeman gives talks on this. We're using A1 Lightning Protection Services. A-1 Lightning Protection locally installing lightning protection in The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, Crystal River, Spring Hill, Lady Lake, Tavares, Eustis, Leesburg and surrounding cities. We serve/install lightning protection systems in the entire (http://www.A1lightning.com).

[coloradotim]

This has been a very interesting thread to read as my wife and I are a little over a week away from our lifestyle preview stay. We figured we would come in August to see if we can stand the heat. We look forward to talking to residents while we are at the Villages to get more insight on the +'s and -'s of living in the Villages.

[graciegirl]

This has been a very interesting thread to read as my wife and I are a little over a week away from our lifestyle preview stay. We figured we would come in August to see if we can stand the heat. We look forward to talking to residents while we are at the Villages to get more insight on the +'s and -'s of living in the Villages.


Send us a PM and stop by. We LOVE this place. Second home here. Both new. Not as expensive to move here and easy to sell homes. So we may just move again, HERE....who knows? But not for sale now. WE LOVE OUR HOUSE.

[dbussone]

This has been a very interesting thread to read as my wife and I are a little over a week away from our lifestyle preview stay. We figured we would come in August to see if we can stand the heat. We look forward to talking to residents while we are at the Villages to get more insight on the +'s and -'s of living in the Villages.


You will love it here, despite the August heat. It beats the January snow and cold up north.

[perrjojo]

The Villages is like any place you might live. Whether you love it or hate it; it's pretty much up to you!

[The Mountaineer]

There aren't enough words to describe what makes TV so wonderful. :smiley:

Have you ever visited? In a short while, you can see for yourself. OK, I'll give it a shot.
1. Friendly people who are always open to talking to a stranger.
2. Golf cart access to almost everything.
3. Golf.
4. How beautiful everything is kept.
5. Pools, rec centers, three squares where music is played every night.
6. The opportunity to be active, with over a thousand choices.
7. No winters of snow and ice.
8. A wanting to live attitude, as opposed to being in GOD's waiting room.
9. Good entertainment at the Savannah Center. The new performing arts building is soon to be completed.
10. No village is a bad village, to live in.

The negatives is during the snowbird season, one may have to wait to eat, some traffic congestion and you may run into a grumpy pants.

That's about as good an assessment of The Villages as I've seen. Paula and I have only been there for two weeks, last December, but I can't wait for our three-month rental starting in January 2015. We're be just off No. 5 green on the Silver Lake course. Fore! Hey, maybe I'll get enough golf balls in our rental yard so that I won't have to buy new ones when I lose my old ones! :laugh:

[PennBF]

People, Clubs, Swimming pools, Golf, Rec Centers, Country Clubs, Golf carts Landscaping, Garbage Collected, Mail Boxes near by, Restaurants, Shops, Dancing, Music, Airport =1 hr, Disney near by, Charter Schools, Education opportunities, no telephone poles, Circles, Theaters, Medical Facilities, Urgent Cares, terrific great rain, Coffee stores to sit outside and enjoy coffee, lots of Contractors, Direct TV, lots of Etc's..Now the Bad...None..:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[redwitch]

Okay, forgot a couple of yucks. Love bugs twice a year. Serious YUCK! High humidity. Semi-yuck. Lightning storms. Getting to be less of a yuck every year. People whining about snowbirds and renters. These folks seriously need to get over themselves! Oldies music inundating you. Getting a little better but if I never hear another song from the fifties or early sixties, I won't complain. (And I used to love those sounds.)

And I think that's it for my TV negatives. The traffic, waiting in line during high season and bad driving are inconveniences and things to watch out for but no biggies in my mind.

[Yorio]

Love it, love it, love it. Bad? My friend said after visiting us, "it's like military post". He was stationed in Germany. Yes, perhaps, if you expand your imagination but I said "very super deluxe military base at that". Hope he changes his mind and move here.

[nitehawk]

Love it, love it, love it. Bad? My friend said after visiting us, "it's like military post". He was stationed in Germany. Yes, perhaps, if you expand your imagination but I said "very super deluxe military base at that". Hope he changes his mind and move here.

He is 100% correct

[Halibut]

Love it, love it, love it. Bad? My friend said after visiting us, "it's like military post". He was stationed in Germany. Yes, perhaps, if you expand your imagination but I said "very super deluxe military base at that".

I had this conversation with a friend before moving here:

Friend: "Who would want to live in a place where you can't even paint your house the color you want!?"

Me: "Someone who doesn't care what color their house is."

But yes, there are a lot of rules. People who chafe under that sort of thing would probably not do well here. The couple we bought our house from didn't participate in many activities and didn't like having to pay the amenity fee.

Many of the perceived negatives are intangibles, if you're the sort of person who believes that communities/cities each have their own vibe.