Under 55 yrs old & buying & living in The Villages

[HereComestheSun]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

[Indydealmaker]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

I don't think that there are anywhere near 10,000 residents living here at this time that are much under 55 and not retired. The 20% you are talking about is simply the percentage that CAN live here without the community losing its federal age restricted status.

That being said, the social life for under 55s is not really any different than it would be in any other small rural community that is top-heavy with boomers. You will find that night life here is not restricted to Villagers.

I would think that the big thing is going to be your ability to find work in your field depending upon what that field is. Wages in this area of Florida tend to be quite a bit lower than other parts of the country and there is very little manufacturing. The health industry is one of the big employers.

Good luck!

[redwitch]

You'll probably end making friends of various age groups. There are some 80 year olds that are younger than some 40 year olds I've known in the past. Just find folks who enjoy doing the same things you do and don't worry about how old they are. The one problem I've had is that friends die a lot here and that really hurts.

And I totally agree with Indy. Finding a job that pays a living wage here is hard. Your best bet is being able to telecommute.

Good luck!

[jbdlfan]

As a member of the demographic that you are inquiring about, I will give you the good the bad and the ugly from our experience. One of the many upsides is that your investment as far as the home will be a huge benefit. Home values in Central Florida fluctuate greatly based on location. Your home in The Villages will most likely increase substantially. You opportunities for play vary greatly also. The recreational plans of the community are not "worker friendly." What I mean by that is that the overwhelming majority of offerings are during the hours between 9-5.(it is an over 55 community) You will easily find folks your age but there are limitations. We have many friends in that age group that we have met through various means. It is not a Utopian society but it's like any where else, it is what you make of it. On the flip side, we would probably not move in as early as we did. We would most likely live elsewhere and use this as an investment for our eventual retirement.

[2BNTV]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

Buying in the newer areas will help you find friends closer to your age demographic, but 47 is a little young. Don't let that close you off to find people, within a 10 year radius. There are many younger people working in TV that could tell you, where they go, to hang-out, with their peers.

Finding a job that will pay you the comparable wages from where you came, is another challenge. There are towns nearby that might yield better results. Plan on commuting for better opportunities.

Real estate will grow rapidly so real estate will increase significantly, as the supply of homes will get lower, and the demand will stay high.

Good Luck and I know you will love what TV has to offer, in terms of, lifestyle!!!

[MicheleE]

We moved to the villages 2 years ago for the same reason - to be closer to my Mom who lived here for 9 years. At that time, I was 51. It took awhile to make friends in our age range (there are not too many under 60) but we found that it really doesn't matter what age people are - we've met so many people who are interesting and fun to be with at all ages. You will meet people by joining clubs and participating in activities and visiting your neighborhood pools. I love it here! and, have no regrets about moving to TV! Welcome!

[Giggles]

I am 46 and bought my house in the historical area. I haven't had any problems making friends here. Most are a bit older than me (50's-60's) but that's fine, they are pretty cool people and I do work with a bunch of people who are younger than myself. It did take me longer than I wanted to find work but that's probably because I wanted to work in The Villages. The pay down here is very different from back home and I didn't want to travel to far for little pay.
They do get some really good entertainment here both in the squares and the Savannah Center. In the year I have been here have probably seen 30+ shows just at The Savannah Center (they get really good tribute bands) We just saw a Billy Joel tribute this past Sunday & last month an Eagles tribute band, both awesome! Next week we are seeing Neil Diamond & Bee Gees tribute bands. Most places may close up earlier here than anyplace else, but I am never bored.

[tedquick]

I am going to address this from the “elder” position. My wife and I just moved to TV a few weeks ago. We are in our late 60s. Our best friends in the mid-west were two couples that were the ages of our kids, mid to late 40s. Whether we traveled overseas together, went to movies, church, social events or simply grabbed a few meals together, for the 6 of us, age meant nothing. You will find that your attitude is a lot more important for the development of friendships than is your age.

PM, if you have any more questions or curiosity. Best of luck to you.

[SALYBOW]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

The other day I was sitting next to a woman who was 52. All she did was complain about there being so many older people here and all the activites were aimed at older people. NEWS FLAsh!!! tHIS IS A 55+ COMMUNITY AND THAT IS CLEARLY STATED.
The reson for the 80/20 rule is it keeps TV out of a different tax situation that would have costed the developer more. I strongly doubt that 20% of the people are under 55. Many of the younger ones here came with spouses who are older.
As for getting gainful employment, that is not a very viable option. The jobs around here are all minimum wage jobs and they work hard to keep it that way.
I have a friend who is old enough to live here and she lives alone. She does not find it a very welcoming community for single ladies because every one thinks she might be out for their husband. She would not be,
Maybe some of the younger people would say something different but I would advise you to either change your expectations, or rethink your purchase. Actually, there are some people who resent the younger folk because they are sometimes more attractive and can play sports better. They feel it should be a community that is 55+ as advertised. Personally, I don't care, it is what it is. If it was only closer to my family and friends it would be perfect, but then, it would not be Florida.:sigh:

[kgentile1010]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

I'm 53 and have lived here two years and just love it. Age is just a number. There are great people of all ages. The hardest thing for me isn't my age, it's working. I work from home, but work M-F. I am the only one in my neighborhood who works. So, my neighbors are all out having fun during the week, and I'm working. Other than that though,when I hang up the computer on Friday at 5:00pm, I am living in paradise. :) PM me when you get here and we can meet up. However, I'm sure you'll be out and about having fun before you know it.

[HereComestheSun]

Thanks! I appreciate your reply.

[HereComestheSun]

Oops! I don't really know how this threaded-conversation stuff works. I meant to be replying to a specific reply further up with my last post, but I guess it really makes more sense to just post one message thanking everyone that has responded so far. Thank you!

I hope more will continue to reply, as I'm curious to find others who perhaps like myself moved to TV for the similar reason (needed a change and moved for family), are not retired, nor at that age yet - and are enjoying the experience.

I am so appreciative of all replies though! All of what has been said is pretty much what I've surmised too, but thought it best to put out some feelers and get real feedback.

I have been living in MD, just north of DC area for the past 9 yrs (prior to that Southern CA for 13 yrs, and born and raised in upstate NY). I know that the environment in TV will be a change, but I am hoping I find it stimulating enough. Perhaps just the change in lifestyle...less hustle bustle-like... will be appealing. I also anticipate making plenty of friends older than myself, since I've regularly had friends that are just generally my age or older.

Yes! I DO understand -it IS a retirement community - so of course that is the predominant population, but because that is the case - I am just putting out some feelers wondering if there might possibly be a few others like myself (less than 50 yrs, moved perhaps for family, and also a general change, and what their experience is)?

Thank you, again!

[slipcovers]

You should check out the job opportunities if you need to work, and of course, medical benefits. You may want to live with Mom for awhile, just to make sure it is right for you.

[Indydealmaker]

Oops! I don't really know how this threaded-conversation stuff works. I meant to be replying to a specific reply further up with my last post, but I guess it really makes more sense to just post one message thanking everyone that has responded so far. Thank you!

I hope more will continue to reply, as I'm curious to find others who perhaps like myself moved to TV for the similar reason (needed a change and moved for family), are not retired, nor at that age yet - and are enjoying the experience.

I am so appreciative of all replies though! All of what has been said is pretty much what I've surmised too, but thought it best to put out some feelers and get real feedback.

I have been living in MD, just north of DC area for the past 9 yrs (prior to that Southern CA for 13 yrs, and born and raised in upstate NY). I know that the environment in TV will be a change, but I am hoping I find it stimulating enough. Perhaps just the change in lifestyle...less hustle bustle-like... will be appealing. I also anticipate making plenty of friends older than myself, since I've regularly had friends that are just generally my age or older.

Yes! I DO understand -it IS a retirement community - so of course that is the predominant population, but because that is the case - I am just putting out some feelers wondering if there might possibly be a few others like myself (less than 50 yrs, moved perhaps for family, and also a general change, and what their experience is)?

Thank you, again!

When you want to reply to a specific post, just click on the "quote post" button at the bottom/right of the post.

[Bizdoc]

Unless you run around announcing your age, most folks will have no idea how old you are. The bigger deal you make about age, the bigger deal everyone else will.

The 80/20 rule is based on households, not individuals. At least 80% of the households are supposed to have at least one person over 55. The spouse/significant other can be any age over 19. There are also children/grandchildren in their 20s and 30s living here. In some cases they are quite unhappy because there are reduced dating opportunities and the entertainment is geared to us "old folks".

I honestly think there is more of a divide between the 60 something and the late 70/80 somethings. Read the periodic discussions of the kind of music at the squares, at Savannah Center and on WVLG and you can see it.

If you move down here before you retire (intending to work), you'll find that the employment situation (except for a few professions) is not really great. You have a huge number of folks who get bored and want to work part time. That helps hold down wages and creates a "mostly part-time" environment. Many of the available jobs are in Orlando, a *long* daily commute.

[HereComestheSun]

You should check out the job opportunities if you need to work, and of course, medical benefits. You may want to live with Mom for awhile, just to make sure it is right for you.

I am fortunate in that I have a severance and medical benefits to rely on for the near future. My job was terminated due to a company downsizing. My job was working at a biotech company on Drug Clinical Trials.

I have done some investigating and am aware there may be some potential types of jobs in this field in the Ocala area, though spotty and few.

I also know there may be remote (work from home) contract positions in my field as well, but I think it might be best - moving to a new area - to have an office to go to in terms of daily structure and meeting people. My job for the past few years was in an office that was targeted and part of a corporate acquisition, and for 2 years it became kind of hollow shell and lacking in any sort of good daily camaraderie that can be a very positive part of the day. So I've been longing for that sort of interaction for a while.

I also hope it's not pie in the sky sort of thinking, that maybe there is a career transition I could make. The concept of this is kind of rejuvenating (if possible). Perhaps there may be jobs/functions in the Medical/Hospital community that I'm just unfamiliar with for which I have transferable skill sets, and could learn the rest on the job; and hopefully, they would have an open mind and see me as a viable candidate. Perhaps some sort of project type positions (or something else). The tricky part of course is seeking out such positions when you aren't aware that the positions exist to begin with.

Due to decisions I've taken with some finances, I should be okay taking on a job with a lower income (I hope) - even though that's scary - I think it's possible. I'd really welcome something that would be a refreshing change, and where I could work with others who really like what they're doing.

I am optimistic and looking forward to making things great!

While I appreciate all feedback - I also imagine that the sliver of population I was directing the original message to may not exactly be the people perusing this website on a daily basis.

[graciegirl]

I am fortunate in that I have a severance and medical benefits to rely on for the near future. My job was terminated due to a company downsizing. My job was working at a biotech company on Drug Clinical Trials.

I have done some investigating and am aware there may be some potential types of jobs in this field in the Ocala area, though spotty and few.

I also know there may be remote (work from home) contract positions in my field as well, but I think it might be best - moving to a new area - to have an office to go to in terms of daily structure and meeting people. My job for the past few years was in an office that was targeted and part of a corporate acquisition, and for 2 years it became kind of hollow shell and lacking in any sort of good daily camaraderie that can be a very positive part of the day. So I've been longing for that sort of interaction for a while.

I also hope it's not pie in the sky sort of thinking, that maybe there is a career transition I could make. The concept of this is kind of rejuvenating (if possible). Perhaps there may be jobs/functions in the Medical/Hospital community that I'm just unfamiliar with for which I have transferable skill sets, and could learn the rest on the job; and hopefully, they would have an open mind and see me as a viable candidate. Perhaps some sort of project type positions (or something else). The tricky part of course is seeking out such positions when you aren't aware that the positions exist to begin with.

Due to decisions I've taken with some finances, I should be okay taking on a job with a lower income (I hope) - even though that's scary - I think it's possible. I'd really welcome something that would be a refreshing change, and where I could work with others who really like what they're doing.

I am optimistic and looking forward to making things great!

While I appreciate all feedback - I also imagine that the sliver of population I was directing the original message to may not exactly be the people perusing this website on a daily basis.


That sliver? How important is it to connect to someone in your exact age group?

Like someone said a couple of posts back, if you don't mention it no one will know how old you are, and if we don't mention it, you won't know exactly how old most of us are.

There are several clinical trials currently going on in Orlando. http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/location/united-states/FL/Orlando

[Neighborat10]

My husband and I are both under 55 (53 and 51) and just purchased a home in the villages. We will both continue to work when we relocate. I also had the same fears at first which I have since overcome. The fact remains you make your own time and you get out of it what you put into it. We will be relocting in June but will make several trips for long weekends till then. Maybe we should start a new club "Under 55".

PM your thoughts.

[Chazz]

.. Maybe we should start a new club "Under 55"...

I don't qualify, but that actually sounds like a very good idea! Of course, as time goes on, members would "graduate" out of the club.:cryin2:

[Bizdoc]

You might want to look at the medical schools (UFL, USF, UCF) for potential jobs. All would be a fair hike for a daily commute (60-90 minutes). You might want to contact before you relocate.

The longer you are off the job market (and the older you are), the harder it is to find a position. The same reduction in NSF and NIH money that is driving downsizing in DC will be true here - perhaps worse.

I would suggest looking for a job first and a house only after you know where to be.

Talk to the alumni association at your college - they can put you in touch with fellow alums in your field who are either working or know your field. (There are, for example a bunch of Purdue pharmacy grads here in TV.) Also talk to the placement folks at your college.

Oh yeah. One last suggestion. Listen carefully to the advice that the folks here give you. Many of us retired here from professional careers. Several folks had full careers in HR. Many were hiring managers. We're aren't trying to discourage you from moving here. However, many of us have weathered career storms and watched others weather them. We're trying to help. Honest.

[NYGUY]

Suggestion....spend a month or two here, maybe with your mother (if that is possible). Look at employment opportunities, but more importantly, get the lay of the land. Then decide what is right for "you".

[graciegirl]

Suggestion....spend a month or two here, maybe with your mother (if that is possible). Look at employment opportunities, but more importantly, get the lay of the land. Then decide what is right for "you".


He is so right. AND a person who is contemplating making a major life change and move without the apprehension you are feeling would be quite unusual.

Good luck. Hope you love it here and stay.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

Another misunderstanding of the 80/20 rule. What the federal law says is that in order to be declared and over 55 community, 80% of the homes must have at least one person over the age of 55 living in them. If you do the math, it is possible, though very improbable, that 80-90% of the residents here could be under 55.

But to answer your question, I don't know if there is a way to tell exactly how many under 55 residents there are. I can tell you by my experience that there are a good number and you will not feel out of place. The other thing is that a lot of the over 55 people seem to be a lot younger. As I read in a story this morning, "The Villages is a place where older people come to get young".

[graciegirl]

Another misunderstanding of the 80/20 rule. What the federal law says is that in order to be declared and over 55 community, 80% of the homes must have at least one person over the age of 55 living in them. If you do the math, it is possible, though very improbable, that 80-90% of the residents here could be under 55.

But to answer your question, I don't know if there is a way to tell exactly how many under 55 residents there are. I can tell you by my experience that there are a good number and you will not feel out of place. The other thing is that a lot of the over 55 people seem to be a lot younger. As I read in a story this morning, "The Villages is a place where older people come to get young".

It's the truth. I am back on birth control pills again.

[dbussone]

You might want to look at the medical schools (UFL, USF, UCF) for potential jobs. All would be a fair hike for a daily commute (60-90 minutes). You might want to contact before you relocate.

The longer you are off the job market (and the older you are), the harder it is to find a position. The same reduction in NSF and NIH money that is driving downsizing in DC will be true here - perhaps worse.

I would suggest looking for a job first and a house only after you know where to be.

Talk to the alumni association at your college - they can put you in touch with fellow alums in your field who are either working or know your field. (There are, for example a bunch of Purdue pharmacy grads here in TV.) Also talk to the placement folks at your college.

Oh yeah. One last suggestion. Listen carefully to the advice that the folks here give you. Many of us retired here from professional careers. Several folks had full careers in HR. Many were hiring managers. We're aren't trying to discourage you from moving here. However, many of us have weathered career storms and watched others weather them. We're trying to help. Honest.

Spot on advice!

[jbdlfan]

Hey, there's always teaching. You know, anybody can do it and the pay is awesome. (not to mention the time off)

Seriously though, we are always looking for science teachers.

[justjim]

OP did not say (or I missed it) what type of career path he has been on. As others have mentioned, a decent paying job may be the largest challenge.

The newer areas will have the "younger" residents but age here in The Villages means very little after you settle here. Good luck--you are in for a real "adventure".

[Within you Without you]

I am sure your friends will miss you!! :(

[VT2TV]

The only thing I would like to add, is that you might want to actually secure a job before you move all of your things down here, especially if you hope to have a good job in the Villages. If for some reason you have to find work over 30 -60 minutes away, it would be much easier to commute to visit your Mom, than to commute every day for work. Unless you have a really good back up plan, you may not want to think about a part time - at least initially. You should get a feel for prices of things. We came from a fairly large area, but have found that groceries and eating out in TV and the surrounding areas are right much more expensive than where we used to live. But with TV being such a large area, I am sure that you will hear different things from different people

[HereComestheSun]

We moved to the villages 2 years ago for the same reason - to be closer to my Mom who lived here for 9 years. At that time, I was 51. It took awhile to make friends in our age range (there are not too many under 60) but we found that it really doesn't matter what age people are - we've met so many people who are interesting and fun to be with at all ages. You will meet people by joining clubs and participating in activities and visiting your neighborhood pools. I love it here! and, have no regrets about moving to TV! Welcome!

Thanks!

[graciegirl]

Salybow (QUOTE) Actually, there are some people who resent the younger folk because they are sometimes more attractive and can play sports better. They feel it should be a community that is 55+ as advertised. Personally, I don't care, it is what it is. If it was only closer to my family and friends it would be perfect, but then, it would not be Florida.:sigh:[/QUOTE]
================================================== ======================================
Oh Sally, I know you miss your wonderful family and they miss you. I know you have been through a lot of medical stuff lately and still don't feel well.

I am glad that you are sitting next to me in Art class today.

I just love you SallyBow.

[Advogado]

Some of the posts in this thread indicate that there is some confusion among Villagers as to the "80% rule", compliance with which enables us to exclude (i.e., discriminate against) families with children in The Villages. If we didn't comply with the 80% rule, such discrimination would be illegal. Here is an authoritative explanation which, I hope, will clarify things: Senior Housing - HUD (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/seniors)

Incidentally, I don't think that there is a snowball's chance in hell that The Villages will fail to comply within the foreseeable future.

[sueandskip]

Don't move next to me...I can never under stand why someone your age wants to move in with old folks...

[Indydealmaker]

Don't move next to me...I can never under stand why someone your age wants to move in with old folks...

If you are replying to a specific post, please do so by clicking on the "Quote Post" button. That way everyone will know to whom you are addressing your statement.

[tomwed]

Another misunderstanding of the 80/20 rule. What the federal law says is that in order to be declared and over 55 community, 80% of the homes must have at least one person over the age of 55 living in them. If you do the math, it is possible, though very improbable, that 80-90% of the residents here could be under 55.

But to answer your question, I don't know if there is a way to tell exactly how many under 55 residents there are. I can tell you by my experience that there are a good number and you will not feel out of place. The other thing is that a lot of the over 55 people seem to be a lot younger. As I read in a story this morning, "The Villages is a place where older people come to get young".
My acne came back.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

My acne came back.

Yes, there is a downside to getting younger.

[DougB]

Don't move next to me...I can never under stand why someone your age wants to move in with old folks...

Probably not anything someone needs to understand.

[HereComestheSun]

I am 46 and bought my house in the historical area. I haven't had any problems making friends here. Most are a bit older than me (50's-60's) but that's fine, they are pretty cool people and I do work with a bunch of people who are younger than myself. It did take me longer than I wanted to find work but that's probably because I wanted to work in The Villages. The pay down here is very different from back home and I didn't want to travel to far for little pay.
They do get some really good entertainment here both in the squares and the Savannah Center. In the year I have been here have probably seen 30+ shows just at The Savannah Center (they get really good tribute bands) We just saw a Billy Joel tribute this past Sunday & last month an Eagles tribute band, both awesome! Next week we are seeing Neil Diamond & Bee Gees tribute bands. Most places may close up earlier here than anyplace else, but I am never bored.

I meant to comment back to your post last week, then wondered if I imagined it, not having success relocating it, and just now realized it was earlier in the string.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It was good to read! I appreciated learning about the tribute bands! They definitely sound fun.

I've appreciate all the various opinions and comments to my posts (thank you everybody!), but wanted to especially comment back to you, Giggles, and thank you for sharing your personal experience, as it was helpful to read.

The thoughtfulness shown and consideration conveyed in posts and PMs have impressed me. Thanks to all!

[MoeVonB61]

I am 53 also and living and working in the Villages....have owned here since I am 47 (had rental properties here when we lived in NJ)........The Villages is a fantastic place to live and LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT (Tedquick is correct, attitude is everything).....there are many recreation centers that have activities on Saturday and Sunday. There's also a great singles group and many clubs for you to gain friends....AND YES, Salybow is correct about minimum wage but that's only if you work FOR the Villages in an hourly role. There's PLENTY of healthcare practices, hospitals, law firms, real estate agencies and other places you can work that pays much more than the minimum wage.....FEEL FREE to PM me also when and if you move here and we can meet up!! :)