We are #1! again!

[cquick]

Just heard on Channel 13 news that we are the #1 fastest growing community AGAIN!

Hurray for us!

[Chatbrat]

We didn't do it the Morse's did it-hats off to smart developers

[asianthree]

:ho::ho:

[pookieroo]

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

Why are you not sure?:confused:

It seems to reflect a lot of planning, commitment, $$ and perseverance on the part of thousands of people over several decades.

Our paper summed it up very well today.

This seems like a great honor to me. :thumbup:

Don

[outlaw]

How does one feel proud or honored that they happen to live in the fastest growing area in the country? This has been going on for all of Florida for my whole life, yet most native Floridians would not feel honored or proud. More like sad.

[RedChariot]

How does one feel proud or honored that they happen to live in the fastest growing area in the country? This has been going on for all of Florida for my whole life, yet most native Floridians would not feel honored or proud. More like sad.

This community has become a retirement place we did not plan for. Is it a retirement community anymore? So busy, so crowded. Road congestion. Squares inaccessible due to crowds. Fastest growing. We grew and grew. More like sad is right.

[Chatbrat]

Pretty soon, Buena Vista, Morse Blvd- will start to look like the streets in our old neighborhoods==LIE,BQE

Stop building -things are starting to get out of control-5 years from 160K--we're gonna need @ least 2 more town squares

Just wait until road rage hits here

[outlaw]

Pretty soon, Buena Vista, Morse Blvd- will start to look like the streets in our old neighborhoods==LIE,BQE

Stop building -things are starting to get out of control-5 years from 160K--we're gonna need @ least 2 more town squares

Just wait until road rage hits here

Don't forget MMP rage.

[Bay Kid]

I guess there will be some unhappy people leaving. Sorry, but this is a great place to live, or visit. You cannot lock the door from others once you are here. "The more that come to enjoy TV the more lost souls to save", quote Rev. Bob.

[Retiring]

How does one feel proud or honored that they happen to live in the fastest growing area in the country? This has been going on for all of Florida for my whole life, yet most native Floridians would not feel honored or proud. More like sad.

If it makes you feel better, new home sales in TV were down 12% in 2015.

[Villager Joyce]

I am so sick of hearing people complain about TV. If you are not happy here, do yourself and everyone a favor and leave.

[Chatbrat]

The positives still out weigh the negatives, if everything in a person life is always 100% positive-you must have some Ostrich in your DNA

[outlaw]

I am so sick of hearing people complain about TV. If you are not happy here, do yourself and everyone a favor and leave.

I guess your advice would apply to people sick of other people complaining...

[outlaw]

I would like to see property values drop about 50% so that many more people could afford to move here as was intended by the Morses. I'm a people person.
The U.S. Population Is Swelling in Almost Every State - Bloomberg Business (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-24/the-u-s-population-is-swelling-in-almost-every-state)

[Nucky]

I guess your advice would apply to people sick of other people complaining...

Ouch. Accurate but...Ouch!

[Villager Joyce]

I guess your advice would apply to people sick of other people complaining...

I was very clear. Complaining about TV. not complaining in general.

[Villager Joyce]

I would like to see property values drop about 50% so that many more people could afford to move here as was intended by the Morses. I'm a people person.
The U.S. Population Is Swelling in Almost Every State - Bloomberg Business (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-24/the-u-s-population-is-swelling-in-almost-every-state)

Does this include the home you own in TV, or you dont own one?

[graciegirl]

Good grief.


We have chosen to live in the most sought after retirement place in the country, maybe the world. It has so many things RIGHT about it, but some folks just revel in concentrating on seeing negatives.


If so many things are wrong here, than even if it is a LOT of trouble, clean up the house, paint the insides neutral, put it on the market for a reasonable amount, make QUITE a bit more than you paid for it, even given the sellers fees and move someplace that you think is better. IF there is some place that is better. Don't just complain and *itch and try to change things because you are just crabby and never happy. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with everything.


Now I feel better. whew.

[Allegiance]

The increased population does not really effect the people in the far north prehistoric section. No traffic, 3-5 minutes to town square and tons of shopping / resturants on 441 that keeps on getting better. A bigger villages just means more and better choices.

[NECHFalcon68]

This community has become a retirement place we did not plan for. Is it a retirement community anymore? So busy, so crowded. Road congestion. Squares inaccessible due to crowds. Fastest growing. We grew and grew. More like sad is right.

I found it better than retiring in NJ....

[outlaw]

Does this include the home you own in TV, or you dont own one?

I didn't buy my home for investment purposes. I bought it to live in. So lower value would lower my tax base....maybe.

[Walter123]

Look for me during market night at LSL. I'll be the one selling rose colored glasses.

I didn't move here to be proud (but sometimes I'm ashamed). I moved here because I like the place.

[rexxfan]

Now I feel better. whew.
Well said.
--
Bob C

[2BNTV]

Good grief.
We have chosen to live in the most sought after retirement place in the country, maybe the world. It has so many things RIGHT about it, but some folks just revel in concentrating on seeing negatives.

If so many things are wrong here, than even if it is a LOT of trouble, clean up the house, paint the insides neutral, put it on the market for a reasonable amount, make QUITE a bit more than you paid for it, even given the sellers fees and move someplace that you think is better. IF there is some place that is better. Don't just complain and *itch and try to change things because you are just crabby and never happy. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with everything.

Now I feel better. whew.

:agree:

April will soon be here and the population will decrease by 35% so there will be much less congestion on the roads and in restaurants.

I would never want to deny someone who wants to here, in paradise.

Property values will always increase, as the developer keeps this place immaculate!

There is no place better, as I've read where several developers have come to TV, to see if they could possibly "duplicate", this paradise. I always say, "may be imitated but not duplicated".

I am a frog, "I will be here till I croak". My cart plate says, "living the dream".

Whew, now I really feel good. :D

[Rango]

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

:agree:

[dbussone]

I would like to see property values drop about 50% so that many more people could afford to move here as was intended by the Morses. I'm a people person.
The U.S. Population Is Swelling in Almost Every State - Bloomberg Business (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-24/the-u-s-population-is-swelling-in-almost-every-state)



Either you don't live here or you rent. If you owned you would not want your investment to decrease.

And home prices are very reasonable to start with, IMHO

[dbussone]

Good grief.


We have chosen to live in the most sought after retirement place in the country, maybe the world. It has so many things RIGHT about it, but some folks just revel in concentrating on seeing negatives.


If so many things are wrong here, than even if it is a LOT of trouble, clean up the house, paint the insides neutral, put it on the market for a reasonable amount, make QUITE a bit more than you paid for it, even given the sellers fees and move someplace that you think is better. IF there is some place that is better. Don't just complain and *itch and try to change things because you are just crabby and never happy. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with everything.


Now I feel better. whew.



Amen, Gracie, amen!

[joldnol]

Either you don't live here or you rent. If you owned you would not want your investment to decrease.

And home prices are very reasonable to start with, IMHO

Home prices are reasonable only if you come from an area where prices are high such as NY and Mass.. By Florida standards they are extremely high as far as your home is concerned. The state cracked down on mail order sales for that reason. Developers were selling property to folks up north that thought they were getting a deal when instead they were over paying compared to surrounding areas because they were already use to high prices. Schwartz was selling this way initially. My father bought a lot from General Development in Palm Bay (GDC was a major developer in Fla in the 60's and 70's) in 1962 while we were in Pa. You pay a premium for your house in TV because of the amenities that come with it. Not being critical of the Developer as it's genius marketing. We looked at Stonecrest when we were still deciding where to retire. I could have purchased a far nicer house there for the same price as my house at TV but it also would not have the items that make TV so attractive. We love TV but don't kid yourself into thinking prices here are reasonable.

[dbussone]

Home prices are reasonable only if you come from an area where prices are high such as NY and Mass.. By Florida standards they are extremely high as far as your home is concerned. The state cracked down on mail order sales for that reason. Developers were selling property to folks up north that thought they were getting a deal when instead they were over paying compared to surrounding areas because they were already use to high prices. Schwartz was selling this way initially. My father bought a lot from General Development in Palm Bay (GDC was a major developer in Fla in the 60's and 70's) in 1962 while we were in Pa. You pay a premium for your house in TV because of the amenities that come with it. Not being critical of the Developer as it's genius marketing. We looked at Stonecrest when we were still deciding where to retire. I could have purchased a far nicer house there for the same price as my house at TV but it also would not have the items that make TV so attractive. We love TV but don't kid yourself into thinking prices here are reasonable.



Well I must disagree. I've lived in MA - and as you have noted they are a bargain compared to the NE. But I have also lived in Atlanta, Brentwood, TN; Jackson MS; Las Vegas, NV; Charlotte, NC; Ft Lauderdale/Weston; and Tampa. I think I have a pretty good handle on home prices.

I would rate our home in TV a better value than everywhere we have lived.

[graciegirl]

Home prices are reasonable only if you come from an area where prices are high such as NY and Mass.. By Florida standards they are extremely high as far as your home is concerned. The state cracked down on mail order sales for that reason. Developers were selling property to folks up north that thought they were getting a deal when instead they were over paying compared to surrounding areas because they were already use to high prices. Schwartz was selling this way initially. My father bought a lot from General Development in Palm Bay (GDC was a major developer in Fla in the 60's and 70's) in 1962 while we were in Pa. You pay a premium for your house in TV because of the amenities that come with it. Not being critical of the Developer as it's genius marketing. We looked at Stonecrest when we were still deciding where to retire. I could have purchased a far nicer house there for the same price as my house at TV but it also would not have the items that make TV so attractive. We love TV but don't kid yourself into thinking prices here are reasonable.



I have friends in Stonecrest so I may not have them tomorrow, but The Villages takes so much better care of the common areas than Stonecrest and other nearby communities... and the deed restrictions here in TV make a huge difference in how things look overall. Plus some unseen someone has the work ethic, because things are painted and washed and kept up so well that my folks would have been proud to know them. Yup. Koolaid drinker here, but actually a realistic evaluator and user of the scientific method. I'm not as dumb as I look. ;)

[outlaw]

I was raised to embrace differing viewpoints, not try to silence them. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with others' posts.

[perrjojo]

This community has become a retirement place we did not plan for. Is it a retirement community anymore? So busy, so crowded. Road congestion. Squares inaccessible due to crowds. Fastest growing. We grew and grew. More like sad is right.

I guess it all depends on what you expected in retirement. If you expected an active, full social life with easy access to shopping, doctors, etc.; well, you certainly got what you expected. I'm sorry you didn't get what you expected. We got all and more.

[Jima64]

Would rather see number one in crime drop, vehicle accidents and alcohol and drug related problems. That being said it is better than most places.

[CFrance]

The positives still out weigh the negatives, if everything in a person life is always 100% positive-you must have some Ostrich in your DNA
I'm stealing that!

[Walter123]

Either you don't live here or you rent. If you owned you would not want your investment to decrease.

And home prices are very reasonable to start with, IMHO

You'd be right except that Outlaw clearly stated that he didn't buy for investment purposes. Neither did I and I'd bet most people that live here full time didn't either. I believe this place is priced correctly for what you get.

[circletrack]

Would rather see number one in crime drop, vehicle accidents and alcohol and drug related problems. That being said it is better than most places.

It would be quite tough for an area already at the low end of those categories to record the biggest drop.

Don't let the police blotter blog fool you. Two or three report worthy arrests per day in an area this size is pretty good. The biggest problem I see around here is that folks believe crime never happens, and leave garages open, doors unlocked and golf clubs on the back of their carts.

I wouldn't even do that in Pleasantville

[dbussone]

You'd be right except that Outlaw clearly stated that he didn't buy for investment purposes. Neither did I and I'd bet most people that live here full time didn't either. I believe this place is priced correctly for what you get.



I didn't either. And I agree with you. But in my experience the homes - at least my home - is a terrific value compared to other places I have lived. I love it here.

[Polar Bear]

...We love TV but don't kid yourself into thinking prices here are reasonable.

I lived in Florida for 40 years before retiring to TV and have bought several homes in various regions of the state...

You don't have to kid yourself to think prices here are reasonable.
This community has become a retirement place we did not plan for. Is it a retirement community anymore? So busy, so crowded. Road congestion. Squares inaccessible due to crowds. Fastest growing. We grew and grew. More like sad is right.

Apparently sad for you. That's too bad.

Like most places, TV is whatever you make of it.

[cquick]

oh, my, so many negative comments! I thought it was just an interesting story. Nothing negative or positive, just an interesting fact.

All of your comments are appreciated, but I say, live the best life you can anywhere you live and if you don't like where you live, move somewhere else, there are many types of living available!
:laugh:

[Chatbrat]

The only people who benefit from real estate growth in value will be your heirs, considering the average age of village residents or your wife's next boyfriend

[graciegirl]

If we were NOT number 1, then the group who love to find fault with things would besiege us with comparisons to the area that IS number one and point out all of the things THAT area has that we don't have. Ultimately it would be pointed out by them that the Morse family was to blame.


I think it is better to be beautiful and sought after than desperate and dateless.


And it is better to be looked over than overlooked.

[Chatbrat]

Just imagine if the Morse family ran the nation-it would be great

[2BNTV]

oh, my, so many negative comments! I thought it was just an interesting story. Nothing negative or positive, just an interesting fact.

All of your comments are appreciated, but I say, live the best life you can anywhere you live and if you don't like where you live, move somewhere else, there are many types of living available!
:laugh:

As usual, it doesn't take long for some people to be negative on a thread.

One can agree to disagree, without being disagreeable. There are so many way to express oneself, without marginalizing another's point of view. I especially love that some people say "people are being critical" when most of their posts, are critical.

TV isn't perfect but I rather be here, than what's in second, or less than second. How about saying I love TV but I just wish a certain situation could be better or needs to be corrected.

[circletrack]

If we were NOT number 1, then the group who love to find fault with things would besiege us with comparisons to the area that IS number one and point out all of the things THAT area has that we don't have. Ultimately it would be pointed out by them that the Morse family was to blame.


I think it is better to be beautiful and sought after than desperate and dateless.


And it is better to be looked over than overlooked.

We won't be number 1 any longer within the next few years. Theres only so much more room in Sumter County. Then the population will stabilize and folks will get used to the shift during snowbird season.

But negative people will always be negative. I frequent several forums that cover various topics, and every one but a car club is dominated by angry posters. I've just tried to accept that.

[Polar Bear]

...negative people will always be negative. I frequent several forums that cover various topics, and every one but a car club is dominated by angry posters...
Welcome to internet forums. :)

[graciegirl]

We won't be number 1 any longer within the next few years. Theres only so much more room in Sumter County. Then the population will stabilize and folks will get used to the shift during snowbird season.

But negative people will always be negative. I frequent several forums that cover various topics, and every one but a car club is dominated by angry posters. I've just tried to accept that.



That is very wise advice. When we are no longer first in growth, I hope we continue to be first in beauty and interesting things to do and in a population of wise and compassionate older people.

[OhioBuckeye]

You know I'm especially proud of all the comments, there's not one negative comment & I know you're saying there shouldn't be. I saying this because there's usually somebody saying something bad about the person that had all the brains & put up their own money to make The Villages a success! Thanks to the Morse's. :bigbow:

[toeser]

Just heard on Channel 13 news that we are the #1 fastest growing community AGAIN!

Hurray for us!

Unfortunately, there will not be any new roads through TV to accommodate the increased traffic. On a recent day, the traffic on Morse was absolutely insane with all four lanes (two golf cart lanes) choked. I cannot imagine the traffic in 10 years.

[RickeyD]

Unfortunately, there will not be any new roads through TV to accommodate the increased traffic. On a recent day, the traffic on Morse was absolutely insane with all four lanes (two golf cart lanes) choked. I cannot imagine the traffic in 10 years.



Until real businesses open up on 44, all of the southern Villagers will head north causing massive bottlenecks through Morse. That's where the businesses are !

[Polar Bear]

Until real businesses open up on 44, all of the southern Villagers will head north causing massive bottlenecks through Morse. That's where the businesses are !
"...massive bottlenecks...". That's a good one.

Sorry, I just got back from driving around Tampa Bay on a Friday afternoon. :)

[HoosierPa]

Until real businesses open up on 44, all of the southern Villagers will head north causing massive bottlenecks through Morse. That's where the businesses are !

Agreed. There is a real need for business on 44. Our house is as far south in TV as you can get and besides groceries and some Restaurants, all the shopping is North. It will come but could be a few years.

[pgc4340]

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

I really agree with you! The Villages was so much nicer when it was smaller, especially when Harold Schwartz was still living, because he cared about more than making money. He wanted the residents to be happy! With the growth has come increased crime, so we no longer feel safe and it is no longer the "friendliest hometown".

[graciegirl]

I really agree with you! The Villages was so much nicer when it was smaller, especially when Harold Schwartz was still living, because he cared about more than making money. He wanted the residents to be happy! With the growth has come increased crime, so we no longer feel safe and it is no longer the "friendliest hometown".



I think practically everything you just said is an Urban Myth.


And Harold Schwartz being a good guy and wanting to make money too is o.k. with me which I am pretty sure he was both. That is how the world works. I am a little tired of successful business people being made into vicious ugly greedy b...........s.


Our crime rate is better than even where I came from which was remarkably low. The friendliest hometown depends on who you know and who you choose to hang out with and what time of the year it is.


Thirsty for more Koolaid.


Incoming..........

[RickeyD]

I really agree with you! The Villages was so much nicer when it was smaller, especially when Harold Schwartz was still living, because he cared about more than making money. He wanted the residents to be happy! With the growth has come increased crime, so we no longer feel safe and it is no longer the "friendliest hometown".


You might say The Villages is a microcosm of what is happening in our country. No place is safe, we are no longer isolated from what our ancestors left behind. Unfortunately we are also being attacked from within. The world was a whole lot different before Nixon was president, but we still are better off then our counterparts. I still feel safe sitting on my front porch. But when I go to sleep I do make sure to set the alarm.

[joldnol]

Agreed. There is a real need for business on 44. Our house is as far south in TV as you can get and besides groceries and some Restaurants, all the shopping is North. It will come but could be a few years.

we've gotten use to driving to Leesburg (44 makes it a piece of cake) and Ocala (the drive up 475A is spectacular) and avoid 441 if we can

[joldnol]

I think practically everything you just said is an Urban Myth.


And Harold Schwartz being a good guy and wanting to make money too is o.k. with me which I am pretty sure he was both. That is how the world works. I am a little tired of successful business people being made into vicious ugly greedy b...........s.


Our crime rate is better than even where I came from which was remarkably low. The friendliest hometown depends on who you know and who you choose to hang out with and what time of the year it is.


Thirsty for more Koolaid.


Incoming..........

I agree. When people complain about crime and traffic they need to watch the 6 pm news on 2, 6 or 9 to put things into perspective

[Walter123]

In the movie "Elf", Buddy puts a blindfold on Jovie and takes her for a cup of coffee at a diner that has a sign that said "Worlds best cup of coffee". She takes one sip and said "Tastes like a crappy cup of coffee" Buddy said "No, it's the worlds best cup of coffee".
That's like The Villages claiming to be Florida's friendliest home town, it's all subjective.

Maybe Buddy should have taken Jovie for a cup of Kool aid instead!

[photo1902]

we've gotten use to driving to Leesburg (44 makes it a piece of cake) and Ocala (the drive up 475A is spectacular) and avoid 441 if we can

Exactly. Not to mention those of us below 466A can always take it directly to 441, or even Micro Racetrack/Rolling Acres. Sometimes I even take 301 to 42 and come down that way, if I want a less stop and go route.

[RickeyD]

Have found BV to Stillwater to Morse is the quickest way. I don't mind roundabouts.

[rubicon]

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

I agree. Also I wonder what we won?

[Incoblack1]

How does one feel proud or honored that they happen to live in the fastest growing area in the country? This has been going on for all of Florida for my whole life, yet most native Floridians would not feel honored or proud. More like sad.

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

[Nucky]

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

Yeah stop growing just after we get to move in! First in line rite behind me! Oh Boy!:popcorn::popcorn:

[peteal48]

I agree! When is enough enough! Now another village is going to be built,south of Rte 44. They keep adding more homes,but not more Championship golf cources or Town Squares!

[Hansa]

The increased population does not really effect the people in the far north prehistoric section. No traffic, 3-5 minutes to town square and tons of shopping / resturants on 441 that keeps on getting better. A bigger villages just means more and better choices.

What did you mean by calling it "Prehistoric"? That has such a negative connotation. This area is the birthplace of The Villages that we are all so proud of. It is commonly referred to as the "Historic" section or "The Village Center" on the district maps. Perhaps this is what you meant to call it. :)

[Allegiance]

I personally, lovingly call it the prehistoric side. I always thought it was funny, coming from up North that homes 30 or 40 years old are called historic. I think the HISTORIC side is wonderful.

[Hansa]

:laugh:I personally, lovingly call it the prehistoric side. I always thought it was funny, coming from up North that homes 30 or 40 years old are called historic. I think the HISTORIC side is wonderful.
I couldn't agree with you more. :laugh:

[dotti105]

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

Wow! Maybe The Villages isn't the place for you! We look at The Villages and see an amazing variety of opportunities to enjoy our retirement. No where else can you find so many pools, rec centers, golf courses, with in a 5 minute golf cart ride.

Glass half full? I think mine is overflowing!

[mickey100]

I was raised to embrace differing viewpoints, not try to silence them. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with others' posts.

:BigApplause: I agree, but it's always the same few who put down those who might find something about The Villages less than perfect. We know who they are and we've learned to ignore them.

Many people I've spoken to have said the same thing about the growth. It is a two sided coin. There is an increase in the number of doctors we have now, a few more grocery stores, a few more restaurants although nothing outstanding, the performing art center, but this all comes at the expense of increased traffic congestion, more people using the facilities which haven't kept pace with the growth, poor golf course conditions related to high useage, etc. When we first moved here, The Villages had a small town villages feel to it. Now we have become a city of larger proportions, and that small town feel is rapidly disappearing. That isn't necessarily bad, but it is different, and not what everyone signed on for. In our case, we've decided the positives outweigh the negatives for now, but we keep our eyes open in case we see other retirement communities that might be more appealing. Retirement communities are popping up all over the country in response to the baby boomers retiring, and there are some interesting concepts being played out.

[rjn5656]

I am glad to be here. No regrets.