Am I Crazy?

[TVJedi]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]

[graciegirl]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]


The Villages is a 55+ retirement community.

You need to only concern yourself with being financially ready.

[rubicon]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]

TVjedi Your time seem well off and you ought to spend it make a wide and deep search because the money you expend when retired cannot in most cases be replenished. Shop wisely and shop with your head and not your heart

[TVJedi]

GracieGirl, TV seems like the best 55+ community out there! We have been researching and TV keeps popping up on the top of our list! :-)

[redwitch]

I dunno. Seen a shrink lately? Any really interesting diagnoses?

If not, then probably not. There are several folks here that have purchased and moved here at around age 55. I only know of one that regretted originally moving here and she divorced her hubby and ended up buying her own place here. Guess the regret was her husband, not TV. So, I'd say go for it. If you decide it was a huge mistake, it's easy enough to sell your place and not lose the investment.

[Bonny]

We came down to look in 1999. We bought a lot and had 2 years to build.
When we went home, we thought we would test the market and put our house up for sale.
The first people to look gave us asking price. Look out Villages here we come !
We built then closed and moved in May 2000. 14 1/2 years ago.
I was 48 and hubby was 49. One of the best things we ever did !!!

[TVJedi]

That is encouraging, Bonny! We live in a non-age restricted golf community now and find ourselves already the youngest folks around. We don't mind a bit! :-) And no, we do not golf, but love the beautiful surroundings and other amenities that such places have to offer. While still working, however, we currently have no time to participate in any community activities.

A retirement community seems like a good fit for us since we have no children and feel the need to maintain social connections once we cease work (which financially we could do now, but choose not to...yet!)

I am hopefully with the other responses. I am a big planner and although it is eight or so years off, I feel the need to start asking questions! :-)

[Beth P]

My husband and I are in the exact same boat. I am 55 and he will be in January. We closed on our house in August and will be full-timers in February. Yes, we are on the young end but we have done our due diligence, met with our financial adviser and we are good to go. Now if February would just hurry and get here. I told him the other day that if we had to move in a week, I could be ready! Welcome!

[TVJedi]

*hopeful not hopefully

[mtdjed]

Do you really have to be 55+ to buy? Isn't there some % that can be less than 55? I live here and am well over 55 but was wondering if someone under 55 wanted to buy, Could they?

[Bosoxfan]

:clap2:I was 52 and the Mrs 56 when we moved here over 5 years ago. We both are working but do find enough :pepper2:time to be involved. Not as much as we'd like to but that day will come. In the meantime we're here so life is good!

[Cisco Kid]

hello all! I've been a lurker here at totv for a few months and like what i see! Hubby and i are t.h.i.n.k.e.r.s (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are gen-xers. My dream is to have a home someday at tv! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but tv already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am i crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in fl and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in fl as the years pass. We have lived in fl before and loved it! Thoughts? Am i crazy? [emoji12]



yes

[Patty55]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]

You could be crazy, as long as you're 55 it's not really an either/or type of thing. You can be crazy and live here or sane, they're very accepting of that sort of thing.

[2BNTV]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]


The short answer is no!!!!! Congrats on planning ahead and being in a financial position to do so. A lot of people retire early, so GOD bless if you can.

You can call off your research as this is the best place to retire to. There is no other place like it. There are communities close to TV, that advertise it's near TV. You can get more house for the money, but I found people who like to come into TV, for various reasons. There is nothing like being in TV and being able to use of all the amenities.

Do you really have to be 55+ to buy? Isn't there some % that can be less than 55? I live here and am well over 55 but was wondering if someone under 55 wanted to buy, Could they?

They allow 20% of under 55 to live here. You would need to check with a VLS to see if you could.

[TVJedi]

I can't wait to visit! I go to Disney yearly and plan to schedule a day at TV next time! Someday...Disney Annual Pass! Who is with me? :-)

[keithwand]

Nope not crazy. Stopped working at 48 in 2002 and moved to FL in 2004. Visited friends in TV in 2012 and moved here 6 months later. Never imagined us living in a retirement community but so glad we are.

[billethkid]

consider buying a resale...there is no specific age requirement. What you want to buy some day is the lowest price it will be now!

[JoMar]

Do you really have to be 55+ to buy? Isn't there some % that can be less than 55? I live here and am well over 55 but was wondering if someone under 55 wanted to buy, Could they?

Anyone can buy....the 55 rule applies to living here and yes, there is a % that can live here who are not 55. I think that's a Federal Law, not local.

[Halibut]

TV already seems like exactly what we want/need!

Do you mind me asking what requirements you have? It's not golf and you're still working so I assume it's not the activities. We might be better able to answer your questions if we knew what draws you here, or why you want to leave your present location. :)

[Bonny]

*hopeful not hopefully
Is this a grammar lesson ?

[Chi-Town]

*hopeful not hopefully
TVJedi, you can edit your own posts so you won't have to create another one for a grammatical error. And I'm happy for that.

[TVJedi]

No lesson...I am a teacher, so I corrected myself on my typo. :-)

What draws me to TV are many things. First, the sheer size of it and amount of activities...and like minded people! I would love to get involved in the clubs, teams, and events, as would my hubby! It also seems like an easy place to stay healthy...good weather, great sport/exercise facilities, etc. The location "near" Disney (I go every year) is a huge plus and the two coasts (for sunrises or sunsets!) are not too far away. Returning to the East Coast would increase the chances of family visiting us, we hope! We are on the West Coast now and rarely get visitors due to the distance. Lack of income tax on our government pensions is a factor too, admittedly. And the final thing I can think of is...rules!!! I am used to and love the rules and regulations of military bases and planned communities! Really! I love the order of it all. Crazy? Maybe!

[DougB]

I can't wait to visit! I go to Disney yearly and plan to schedule a day at TV next time! Someday...Disney Annual Pass! Who is with me? :-)

I have several friends who have Disney Annual Passes and I consider them kind of crazy. Odds are, you could me too.

[Happinow]

We moved here at 52 and 53. Didn't pose a problem for us. We have made many good friends, are involved in activities as much as we want and now call this home. The only thing that we find that doesn't work for is are the shows that are at the Savanah Center, or other venues around The Villages. The music is for the generation before us therefore it is not appealing. The rat pack and the kind alike aren't our style. But, that is a minor issue and we find plenty to do that appeals to us. The Villages isn't for everyone so go on a lifestyle visit during peak season to see if it's for you. Best of luck! 😊😊

[TVJedi]

Thanks for the responses! My hubby is getting a kick out of how I am on the TOTV boards now! LOL! We have watched the DVD from the sales office and I already subscribe to the VMail and I have The Daily Sun app on my phone!! See? Crazy! :-) Yes, I am a Disney fanatic! I love it! Used to go often when I lived in Florida; now I have to fly across the country to get there. Boo! Thanks for the heads up on the music scene. I like all types, but as a Gen-Xer (almost 47) I know it will be awhile before NIN or Muse (my favorites) plays the squares. [emoji13]

[DougB]

Thanks for the responses! My hubby is getting a kick out of how I am on the TOTV boards now! LOL! We have watched the DVD from the sales office and I already subscribe to the VMail and I have The Daily Sun app on my phone!! See? Crazy! :-) Yes, I am a Disney fanatic! I love it! Used to go often when I lived in Florida; now I have to fly across the country to get there. Boo! Thanks for the heads up on the music scene. I like all types, but as a Gen-Xer (almost 47) I know it will be awhile before NIN or Muse (my favorites) plays the squares. [emoji13]

Hang in there, I hear Justin Bieber signed to play in the squares in 2044.

[TVJedi]

Eeek! Fortunately, I am too old for that Bieber dude! :-) Seriously though, I have seen some videos of music (and dancing!) on the squares and it looks like a blast! :-)

[Cedwards38]

Yes. Everyone is crazy. It's just a matter of degree. If you love an active lifestyle in the sun, then you'll love The Villages, regardless of age.

[Giggles]

Thanks for the responses! My hubby is getting a kick out of how I am on the TOTV boards now! LOL! We have watched the DVD from the sales office and I already subscribe to the VMail and I have The Daily Sun app on my phone!! See? Crazy! :-) Yes, I am a Disney fanatic! I love it! Used to go often when I lived in Florida; now I have to fly across the country to get there. Boo! Thanks for the heads up on the music scene. I like all types, but as a Gen-Xer (almost 47) I know it will be awhile before NIN or Muse (my favorites) plays the squares. [emoji13]

I am 46 and bought my house here this year.
I wouldn't worry much about the music here. I think they do have some really good bands that come to the Savanah Center. One of my favorites is called "Beginnings" They are a Chicago Tribute band and Fleetwood Max was really good also. Just bought tickets to see Hotel California (Eagles tribute) Billy Joel tribute band, & Stayin Alive (who we saw last year also) They are a Bee Gees tribute band. There's also a bunch of bands at the squares that are really good.

Oh yeah, if you are looking for a Disney partner, I'm all there! LOL

[Bonny]

Eeek! Fortunately, I am too old for that Bieber dude! :-) Seriously though, I have seen some videos of music (and dancing!) on the squares and it looks like a blast! :-)
We do have a lot of good old rock & roll !!!:MOJE_whot:

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Thanks for the responses! My hubby is getting a kick out of how I am on the TOTV boards now! LOL! We have watched the DVD from the sales office and I already subscribe to the VMail and I have The Daily Sun app on my phone!! See? Crazy! :-) Yes, I am a Disney fanatic! I love it! Used to go often when I lived in Florida; now I have to fly across the country to get there. Boo! Thanks for the heads up on the music scene. I like all types, but as a Gen-Xer (almost 47) I know it will be awhile before NIN or Muse (my favorites) plays the squares. [emoji13]

Do you visit The Villages webcams? Go to thevillages.com and click on the yellow temperature. It s\ould ask you if you want to run a program say yes (it's harmless. Now you can see all 3 webcams
:clap2:

[TVJedi]

Thanks for all the encouraging words! I just woke up (Pacific Coast Time) and was thrilled with all the responses! Thank you for not thinking I am crazy! :-) Our move to TV is still far off, but I feel I am now one step closer. Watch out...Gen X on its way! [emoji4]

[TVJedi]

Oh, yes! I love the webcams!! :-)

[kgentile1010]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]

Come now. I'm 53 and I still work. I work from home, so I can be here now. I love it every single day. My neighbor down the street is 48 and her husband is 50. They love it. Maybe if you were 30, the age difference would matter, but for me it doesn't make one bit of difference. I have friends now all the way up to 80's. They're just great awesome people to me. I don't see their age.

[tedquick]

Hello all! I've been a lurker here at TOTV for a few months and like what I see! Hubby and I are T.H.I.N.K.E.R.S (two healthy incomes, no kids, early retirement) and are Gen-Xers. My dream is to have a home someday at TV! It will be a few years until we are 55+, but TV already seems like exactly what we want/need! Am I crazy? Will we be welcomed as two 55 year olds when the time comes? We are envisioning spending spring and fall in FL and winter and summer in the western state we reside now...with plans to spend more time in FL as the years pass. We have lived in FL before and loved it! Thoughts? Am I crazy? [emoji12]


My wife and I are moving into our TV home yet this afternoon. We went to Cancun earlier this year with two of our couple-best friends. We are in our late 60s and all four of them are in their late 40s. They are the ages of our kids but that has made no difference to them or to us.

In fact, one of the couples told us that if we run into a "deal" here to let him know as he'll buy now so that they and their friends have a place to go to during the cold Nebraska winters. And they'll then have their retirement home well in advance.

In other words, my suggestion is that you move forward!! And welcome in advance.

[Chi-Town]

Thanks for all the encouraging words! I just woke up (Pacific Coast Time) and was thrilled with all the responses! Thank you for not thinking I am crazy! :-) Our move to TV is still far off, but I feel I am now one step closer. Watch out...Gen X on its way! [emoji4]
OK. Gen X--born 1965-1980. Nine Inch Nails and Muse became popular around 80-85. So here's my guess: 47.

BTW, I heard some Frankie Goes To Hollywood at Spanish Springs.

[The20Percent]

Don't worry around your age around here, you will surely fit right in, so go ahead and retire early...why wait?? I sold my business this past January and bought a nice house here the very next month! I was age 47 and 48 now. My wife is only 43. We also don't have any two legged children, just two of the furry four legged type. We have a great neighbor near us who is also 48 and she also loves it here. Although everyone on our street is older than us, we really don't notice this age difference and some of our neighbors actually act younger and have more energy and are more active than we are! We hope to be as active and fit as they are when we are permanently living here.

We didn't have a problem being allowed in at our ages, as the law states 20% (hence my username) under age 55 can be allowed to live here. Our real estate agent just put in a call to the management, told them we are willing to pay cash for a brand new house and bingo, we were approved and in like Flynn! I would suggest buying south of 466a as we did because the occupants are overall younger here than up north.

I also felt that buying a house here sooner rather than later was not only a great lifestyle change but also a wise financial investment. As fast as a lot of homes sell and the way the prices are rising in TV, I figured buying sooner would save me a great deal of money other than waiting until later when the proposed "build out" may occur. I don't know your salaries or financial condition but consider, if you put off buying now and wait another few years to continue working and then the type of house you want here has appreciated 'X' amount by then, will the extra money you made working, far exceed this additional cost? If not, then maybe you're working for nothing and can in reality be here sooner than you even imagined. Or, if you're in very good financial shape, what about buying here at today's price, work your retirement out and then rent your house in the meantime and have it pay it's own expenses?

You're not crazy for wanting to live here. We don't feel crazy living here and enjoy every day we spend down here. Plus, don't forget, Disney is calling your name! :welcome:

[Patty55]

Thanks for all the encouraging words! I just woke up (Pacific Coast Time) and was thrilled with all the responses! Thank you for not thinking I am crazy! :-) Our move to TV is still far off, but I feel I am now one step closer. Watch out...Gen X on its way! [emoji4]

Just so you know, if you are crazy you'll have a problem. I don't think we have any shrinks here.

[TVJedi]

I loved FGTH back in the late 80's / early 90's! Yes, I am almost 47. Thanks for the great advice, encouraging words, and welcoming tone! :-)

[Schaumburger]

TVJedi, From a younger wannabee (almost 54) I recommend that you take a Lifestyle Preview Visit (4 to 7 days) which can be arranged through The Villages sales office. You will get a taste of what it is like in The Villages. In the slower season (May through about mid-fall) you can pretty easily rent a home in The Villages for a week or two at a time from private homeowners in The Villages who are either snowbirds or who live in The Villages full time but also own rental homes. I have rented short term in TV several times in the past few years to get a feel of what living in different villages is like. Good luck in your research!

[TVJedi]

Great idea! We will plan on doing a visit someday relatively soon. :-) How exciting!

[graciegirl]

///

[TVJedi]

Our vision is to be snowflakes at first. Reverse snowflakes, as we like to snow ski and have a place in the west to do so. Question: what is tricare standard for military retirees like around TV (not tricare for life)

[Nightengale212]

Our vision is to be snowflakes at first. Reverse snowflakes, as we like to snow ski and have a place in the west to do so. Question: what is tricare standard for military retirees like around TV (not tricare for life)

Hi, I too am a TV Gonnabe like yourself in 5-7 years and also a Fed Employee (VA Nurse). I know there is a VA Clinic (CBOC) right in TV, but with regards to Tricare you may want to post your inquiry on the Health Message Board and you will probably get a number of good responses there.

[TVJedi]

Good point! Great to meet a fellow TV Wannabe!

[Nightengale212]

Good point! Great to meet a fellow TV Wannabe!

Yes, there are a few of us Wannabe/Gonnabe forum members floating around here and chatting with our very nice future neighbors. Hubby and I would love to make the move to TV tomorrow (I am 57 and hubby is 62) but I really want to get in 20 years of Federal service, as well as be in close proximity for a few more years to our grandaughters who are 1 and 4.

[RedChariot]

Thanks for the responses! My hubby is getting a kick out of how I am on the TOTV boards now! LOL! We have watched the DVD from the sales office and I already subscribe to the VMail and I have The Daily Sun app on my phone!! See? Crazy! :-) Yes, I am a Disney fanatic! I love it! Used to go often when I lived in Florida; now I have to fly across the country to get there. Boo! Thanks for the heads up on the music scene. I like all types, but as a Gen-Xer (almost 47) I know it will be awhile before NIN or Muse (my favorites) plays the squares. [emoji13]

Don't believe the DVD. It really is not like that. The squares are not just for those that live here. They have many undesirables from the surrounding poor communities. The DVD leads you to believe only the seniors enjoy the squares. It's a marketing tool. You say you like rules. We have a hard time getting people to adhere to them. I'd bring up other issues that are constantly debated here, but don't want to add any more fuel to the fire. I'm already going to get blasted for this.

[Villager Dude]

I think you are CRAZY if you don't come and spend a month checking everything out and ask plenty of questions. Most Villagers are very friendly and will be happy to give you answers.

Very interesting how the sections of The Villages evolves as to age. The early areas are the oldest but newcomers are arriving that are 55 plus therefore creating age diversified Villages.

This process will continue throughout TV. It will actually have a wave affect. The point is when a 80 year old moves away a 80 year old does not move in the replace them. But as one poster said the younger folks are moving south of 466A. I personally like the central location of TV North of 466A and South of 466.

Enjoy.

[TVJedi]

This is all so exciting!

I understand the marketing ploys (as someone who is already living in a master planned golfing community) and how TV is not perfect, but it sure seems like the MOST perfect place to have one of our retirement homes for my hubby and me.

I read Leisureville and, aside from the Mr.Midnight shanangans, think it only solidified my decision to keep TV on the (top of) the short list.

The dream is we will also keep our small vacation home on the West Coast. It is the total opposite of TV. West. North. Mountains. Liberal town. A small home (thinking patio villa) in TV would balance things out for us in early retirement. East. South. Relatively flat terrain. More conservative folks around. The variety would make early retirement more interesting.

Our GenX peers think we are crazy, hence the title of my post. Retirement community? My mom has a home in one in Arizona and loves it. AZ, however, is not appealing to us.

Thanks again for all the responses!

[tippyclubb]

Don't believe the DVD. It really is not like that. The squares are not just for those that live here. They have many undesirables from the surrounding poor communities. The DVD leads you to believe only the seniors enjoy the squares. It's a marketing tool. You say you like rules. We have a hard time getting people to adhere to them. I'd bring up other issues that are constantly debated here, but don't want to add any more fuel to the fire. I'm already going to get blasted for this.

Oh please, you make it sound like scum bags are lurking around. I go the squares by myself and don't see these undesirables your speaking of. I do see a lot of people dancing, laughing, and spending time with friends having a great time.

OP come on down and do a lifestyle visit and see what a great place TV is.

[TVJedi]

A LSV is definitely in order! :-)

[Laurie2]

You have time. I would take it.

We recently bought a pre-owned. It was not the same as what we would have bought when we first learned about TV. I was in no hurry and did not want to be a landlord. We took the wait & see approach.

I admit to having concerns about the rapid rate of growth. We already feel the effect of the ratio of people to amenities and to something as mundane as grocery stores.

But for now, we really like being here. It is fun and we have wonderful neighbors and more blue sky in winter than could ever happen back home. I just can't help but wonder what the next few years will bring with the population explosion.

We rented a few times before buying.