How friendly are The Villagers?

[Virginians]

1)We toured a retirement place in Tennessee, with a resident. It had 1200 homes and will have 3000 when finished. 1 golf course, 1 restaurant and 1 swimming pool...on the other hand $4.95 for a great hamburger lunch, $18 to golf and $600 property tax. I swear every single person knew each other's names. The 'tour guide' resident made us come to their house for the best spaghetti I've ever had and wouldn't let us leave until 10:30 that night. Had we not had a motel room, guess where we would have stayed. Almost too friendly.

2)The perfect location for us would have been Dataw Island, Beaufort, SC. $3000 per month to golf wasn't exactly what we had in mind, on the other hand 'Morning' meant coffee and 'check the members' forum'. One post might be, 'my kids and grandkids are coming next week-does anyone know where I could rent a crib'? 30 min. later 3 members offer to bring one over and set it up. Another 30 min. 5 members are begging to have one of the families stay in their extra rooms. Now that's friendly.


3)My wife and I met in high school near Akron, Oh. We both graduated from Miami of Oh. 44 years later we are about to put our house up for sale in April and hopefully move to TV. Activities such as playing golf together on the executive courses, dancing and meeting new people are drawing us to TV.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, are there any Villagers with similar interests who would like to show us around and maybe share a round of golf later this spring?


'Anxious' retirees from Charlottesville, Virginia

[graciegirl]

Dear anxious couple.

Please stop worrying and get yourself here as soon as possible. There are so many things to do that sometimes we just have to scratch a NOTHING day on the calendar to regroup. AND FRIENDLY........

If I choose to read the paper on my front porch, every few minutes walkers are saying " good morning" and people are waving from golf carts. (These are people I haven't met). If I choose to go out my back door to Odell pool and read a book, I never get the book read, because someone with a big friendly smile will strike up a conversation and soon we are having a friendly quarrel about who has the smartest grandchildren. If I choose to go to Barnes and Nobel to buy a book, I find myself in another lively conversation, sometimes started by me, most times started by another.

I have found that there are so many people who play golf and who are also from Ohio, (We were born in Columbus) that I could never enjoy even a portion of them. We didn't graduate from Miami University but our children did.

Since I moved here I found time to learn Mahjong, attend Lifelong Learning College colored pencil portrait class and discover at least four couples from our neighborhood back home who live here. I have found that we Ohioans are the only people with unaccented speech, and that people from Virginia, New York, Boston and New Jersey talk a little funny, but people from Indiana sound just about right.

I have played bingo, bunko, bridge and bocce. I have made four tons of potato salad for pot lucks. I have laughed until my sides ached. I have hugged and touched peoples hands who have touched my heart.

I never, EVER, expected to be this happy.

Friendly? YOU ain't seen friendly yet. Come on down!

P.S. We would be glad to show you around and play golf with you. P.M. when you plan to arrive.

GracieGirl et al.

[ajdeck]

We too are looking, Thanks GracieGirl for more insight on the friends you have made and taking some of the worry out of this BIG move. We are from Michigan, with a mobile on Pine Island Florida. We have so many good friends we hate to leave both places and worry how long before we would have close friends to rely on for those trying times.

ajdeck

[villages07]

Can't say it any better than Gracie... well done, girl.

And, although Gracie, by nature, is a very friendly and outgoing person, her experiences are pretty common.

So Virginians, come on down and let us know via the website when you'll be here and I'm sure there will be a group meet and greet arranged.

A Happy Marylander!!!

[Safe Home Watch Mary Edwards]

Hi, We moved from South Fl.to TV and their is so much to do,and people they are so nice.So don't waste your time thinking about it, time goes by fast and you aren't promised tomorrow. Be glad to meet and play golf,I also agree with Gracie. Mary

[katezbox]

Hi,

We are moving to TV next month - following some friends from home who moved about 18 months ago. Their neighbors - who we have only met a couple of times - stop by our house periodically to check on the construction progress. :pepper2: And yes, Gracie is always that friendly.:eclipsee_gold_cup: She and I do disagree on accents. being originally from Western Mass (where we say r's where they should be and don't add them where they don't) I am of the opinion that we are the only folks in the country with no accent. I concede that my cuter half - being from near Cape Code and Maine - has a horrific one. He will put his "cah keys in his carkeys after driving to the peninsuler".... Translation: he puts his car keys in his khakis after driving to the peninsula..:2excited:

[renielarson]

ajdeck, I have friends who live on Pine Island. From what they have told me, Pine Island seems much different from The Villages. Pine Island is more remote with not many social amenities. Most islanders enjoy sailboating.

I've been on Pine Island and fell in love with it, but The Villages is the place for us. I like the variety of activities, restaurant choices, and shopping close by.

If I understand my friends, Pine Island is more for people who like more privacy, enjoy relaxing, and appreciate more quiet and solitude.

My friends say they would not like living in The Villages. The active community is not for them. I disagree but to each our own.

[JoC]

Hi,

We are moving to TV next month - following some friends from home who moved about 18 months ago. Their neighbors - who we have only met a couple of times - stop by our house periodically to check on the construction progress. :pepper2: And yes, Gracie is always that friendly.:eclipsee_gold_cup: She and I do disagree on accents. being originally from Western Mass (where we say r's where they should be and don't add them where they don't) I am of the opinion that we are the only folks in the country with no accent. I concede that my cuter half - being from near Cape Code and Maine - has a horrific one. He will put his "cah keys in his carkeys after driving to the peninsuler".... Translation: he puts his car keys in his khakis after driving to the peninsula..:2excited:

As my Topsfield, MA grandson would say -- wicked sick!

[Russ_Boston]

He will put his "cah keys in his carkeys after driving to the peninsuler".... Translation: he puts his car keys in his khakis after driving to the peninsula..:2excited:

I resemble that remark!

Gracie - well stated. It's people like you that make me confident that we'll have more friends in TV than we ever had back 'home'.

[ajdeck]

ajdeck, I have friends who live on Pine Island. From what they have told me, Pine Island seems much different from The Villages. Pine Island is more remote with not many social amenities. Most islanders enjoy sailboating.

I've been on Pine Island and fell in love with it, but The Villages is the place for us. I like the variety of activities, restaurant choices, and shopping close by.

If I understand my friends, Pine Island is more for people who like more privacy, enjoy relaxing, and appreciate more quiet and solitude.

My friends say they would not like living in The Villages. The active community is not for them. I disagree but to each our own.



Brightspot01

We live in Mobile home park (Pine Island Cove) and it is very friendly. The first nigth when we arrived to our Old New mobile every person on our street came to welcome us.

Once again, I know the Villages is very friendly but for us we already have that and the worry is not to have as good of neighbors as here.

Now with that said, and with having one set of friends that live in Briar Meadow that say neighbors on both sides are a pain but rest of neighbors are great. Any idea of good neighborhoods/streets for courtyard villa's??

aj

[ajdeck]

Dear anxious couple.

Please stop worrying and get yourself here as soon as possible. There are so many things to do that sometimes we just have to scratch a NOTHING day on the calendar to regroup. AND FRIENDLY........

If I choose to read the paper on my front porch, every few minutes walkers are saying " good morning" and people are waving from golf carts. (These are people I haven't met). If I choose to go out my back door to Odell pool and read a book, I never get the book read, because someone with a big friendly smile will strike up a conversation and soon we are having a friendly quarrel about who has the smartest grandchildren. If I choose to go to Barnes and Nobel to buy a book, I find myself in another lively conversation, sometimes started by me, most times started by another.

I have found that there are so many people who play golf and who are also from Ohio, (We were born in Columbus) that I could never enjoy even a portion of them. We didn't graduate from Miami University but our children did.

Since I moved here I found time to learn Mahjong, attend Lifelong Learning College colored pencil portrait class and discover at least four couples from our neighborhood back home who live here. I have found that we Ohioans are the only people with unaccented speech, and that people from Virginia, New York, Boston and New Jersey talk a little funny, but people from Indiana sound just about right.

I have played bingo, bunko, bridge and bocce. I have made four tons of potato salad for pot lucks. I have laughed until my sides ached. I have hugged and touched peoples hands who have touched my heart.

I never, EVER, expected to be this happy.

Friendly? YOU ain't seen friendly yet. Come on down!

P.S. We would be glad to show you around and play golf with you. P.M. when you plan to arrive.

GracieGirl et al.


GracieGirl

Wife and I are coming in couple weeks. Suppose to get a round of golf in the package. Can you suggest which course we should book (anyone else has a suggestion please reply)

ajdeck

[rajaha674@aol.com]

what is there to do at the villages if you do not play golf, tennis or fish. We like to be comfortable at home and not be bothered by going to dances, plays or anything that looks like a old folks place.

[chuckster]

You're probably better off staying where you are then. The lifestyle here is probably too active for you. Be happy wherever you are.............I am

[graciegirl]

Dear AJDECK

Arnold Palmer is good but I like Cane Gardens better for a championship course. Pelican will give you a good couple of hours for an executive course.


I am sure you will enjoy each and all of them.

I hope you have a terrific time and find it to be as wonderful as we did.

Stop by and see us when you are here!

GG

[KayakerNC]

Perhaps Raj would be happier in his comfortable chair, living beneath a nice bridge somewhere.

[rshoffer]

Remember, 70,000 people live here.... Be realistic, you may bump into the occasional curmudgeon who is and will forever be miserable (no matter where they live). Rent a cart and take a drive. 90% of total strangers will pass by with a wave and a smile. Nuff said.

[Donna]

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[ajdeck]

Dear AJDECK

Arnold Palmer is good but I like Cane Gardens better for a championship course. Pelican will give you a good couple of hours for an executive course.


I am sure you will enjoy each and all of them.

I hope you have a terrific time and find it to be as wonderful as we did.

Stop by and see us when you are here!

GG



Thanks for the help, we WILL make sure we have a good time. This will be the last time we visit and either buy or move on. Thanks again for all the info from everyone.

AJ

[scooper]

We too are from Virginia. We live in Alexandria. We were first in the Villages last week where we stayed with good friends and new TV homeowners. We had such fun and enjoyed everything. To tell you the truth, Before coming to TV I had a totally different idea of a retirement community. In May we are returning for a Lifestyle weekend. We are seriously considering buying a home. We are not in the position to retire yet...(4 adult daughters but 2 still in college...and 3 more weddings to go!) However we would like to buy a new courtyard villa or home and rent it some and take a month in the winter for ourselves. Our kids are looking at us and wondering why we want to be in a retirement community and saying that they don't think we are old why do we? We tried to tell them how nice it was to go out dancing and to just be our ages...58 and 59...and feel so at home. While this is our decision and I understand how kids can be are we alone with this reaction? Also, do many people buy in The Villages before 60 and not retired?

[katezbox]

We too are from Virginia. We live in Alexandria. We were first in the Villages last week where we stayed with good friends and new TV homeowners. We had such fun and enjoyed everything. To tell you the truth, Before coming to TV I had a totally different idea of a retirement community. In May we are returning for a Lifestyle weekend. We are seriously considering buying a home. We are not in the position to retire yet...(4 adult daughters but 2 still in college...and 3 more weddings to go!) However we would like to buy a new courtyard villa or home and rent it some and take a month in the winter for ourselves. Our kids are looking at us and wondering why we want to be in a retirement community and saying that they don't think we are old why do we? We tried to tell them how nice it was to go out dancing and to just be our ages...58 and 59...and feel so at home. While this is our decision and I understand how kids can be are we alone with this reaction? Also, do many people buy in The Villages before 60 and not retired?

Hi Scooper,

Our introduction to TV was much the same as yours - through good friends from Connecticut that live in Largo. They first shared the video with us and we laughed at the corniness of it all and were sure it wasn't for us. They I visited. They my husband and I visited together. To make a long story short, we are moving to Bonita next month. Our kids think we are somewhat crazy too. But we love TV - corny video and all!!!!!

I am 54 and he is 56. I transferred with my job to our Southern region; he will look for something new when we get there. I'm not sure how many there are overall - but I know other posters on this forum are also in this situation. Others buy now and rent out like you are suggesting. Realistically, I think if you can afford to buy a place now, that the prices are not getting any cheaper. One lifestyles you will get an idea if TV is for you. If your the friends you stayed with are in a home, then I would request a villa on lifestyles - and vice-versa. Also be sure to rent a golf cart. It is the best way to really get a feel for the place. If you need the name of someone to rent from , please PM me.

Good luck

Kate

PS - the people on this forum are the best place for information - and you won't meet a friendlier bunch anywhere!

[Dirigo]

He will put his "cah keys in his carkeys after driving to the peninsuler".... Translation: he puts his car keys in his khakis after driving to the peninsula..:2excited:

Ayuh...he sounds like someone from my neck of the woods...

Dirigo

[JohnN]

I've found the Villagers to be exceptionally friendly

[barb1191]

I've been here for seven years and find the people to be very friendly and yet not at all imposing.

I came here single as a snowbird and three years later Mr Wonderful appeared while in TV and we were married about a year later. I didn't attend many social functions as a single gal, other than the friendly neighbors' functions and joining a bocce team.

My husband found me online, we met for lunch in Spanish Springs (before LSL was built) and the rest is history. I had been single for over thirty years and felt that I had flunked marriage and didn't dare try again until Mr Wonderful came into my life.

Bill and I are so very happy and have settled for good in TV with an occasional visit up North. Family up North are not too happy about our choice of full-time residence here in TV, however after this past winter in New England....No way; we're here in TV for good!!

Welcome newcomers and good luck...... barb1191

[katezbox]

Ayuh...he sounds like someone from my neck of the woods...

Dirigo

Wicked true!

[senior citizen]

x

[senior citizen]

x

[nONIE]

Senior Citizen,

Altho your message was meant for Gracie perhaps your mistake was meant to be! Im sure you will get some wonderful input into your concerns.

I have been a New Englander for 36 years and was quite reserved as you described, almost to the point of being considered unfriendly by some. The Villages has drawn me out of my 36 year shell and now I am knocking on doors and saying "lets get together and have some fun" I NEVER THOUGHT THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ME !!! It is a subtle thing that just happens because of the warmth and friendliness of everyone around you. However if you want to be left alone, people do understand it and will do just that after a couple of good hard tries to get you involved in things. TV will allow you to be whoever you want to be, and that is why this is such a wonderful place to live. The choice is yours! Good luck, whatever you decide.

[senior citizen]

x

[graciegirl]

I can't imagine our Nonie was anything but friendly and outgoing. She is the sweetest person and gets along with everyone and in the time I have known her she has never said or thought a mean word. She is the dearest and most perfect soul in TV!!

Senior,

I am here to tell you that every neighborhood has two pools, one for everyone including children and one for only 30 and above. There are many homes with pools on their enclosed lanais and there are many many non golfers in every neighborhood. I have lived in golf course communities for the last 35 years and this is unlike those. Golf is NOT the center of conversation whereever you go. It is so refreshing.

I am a people person, but not aggressively so and I have found this to be a perfect place for our family. Our very special adult daughter lives with my husband Sweetie and me.

I know you will love it here. Please PM me when you are coming and stop by for a cold drink and a rest.

Kindest wishes,
GracieGirl

[nONIE]

:oAwwww Gracie, You are so kind, you have me redfaced. Now I will have to live up to those wonderful attributes. Believe it or not I have been painfully shy most of my life, but The Villages has certainly helped to change that! :o

[senior citizen]

x

[ajdeck]

You are certainly a wonderful "ambassador" for the friendly residents of the Villages, however, are there some folks who might wish to comment on their experience as more quiet, laid back, private , "non golfers" who are used to the New England type of friendliness where it isn't as overt or constantly at your front door. No disrepect intended; just used to more privacy. Unlike the south, New Englanders (although there for you when needed) are more conservative in their lifestyle.

Also would anyone like to comment on what they perceive as the "VERY BEST" neighborhood for "non golfers" which would be close to either of he town squares and restaurants, shopping......3 bedroom home, etc. Obviously, everyone has fallen in love with a different aspect of the Villages, thus we welcome all viewpoints and suggestions. A neighborhood with a nice pool for when the grandchildren visit from Vermont, or a home with a pool and enclosed lanai. Any such home exist "very close" to the town squares? If so, which neighborhood. Any help at all would be most welcome. We do have the map purchased from the general store or whatever;-)

My husband enjoys boating, but we've discovered he would have to keep his 24 foot bayliner "overnighter" at a marina approximately 30 minutes away. Any suggestions on harbors or docking for the boat? Again, we are doing research for two years hence.
Or perhaps sooner;-) Everyone has been so helpful and friendly. We'd like to hear for the more "shrinking violet" types and how they adjusted to all this enthusiasm and activity when used to a more quiet lifestyle. Are quieter people seen as strange?
Also enjoyed the comments that the black African American fellow received as to would he be welcome. TV is obviously a friendly place. Again New Englanders are more "keep to themselves" with a small circle of friends & family.

How do grandchildren enjoy visiting TV???? Thank you all in advance for responses.



Hi,

We are also boaters, if you can come up with any boating info please advise. We currently have a 20' Port Erie cat, reason for this boat is we are now on Pine Island Florida and have some skinny waters but the cat handles the Gulf very well also. We replaced our Proline due to the skinny water deal.

We also have a pontoon up north as well as our friends who have a villa in TV. They have mentioned they will bring that down when they move full time. Currently they are in TV from Sept to June every year.

Anyway, let me know if you fine a marina and any details. Also, do you know if there is a boat club in TV???

ajdeck

[youngretiree]

Hi! Just a general note about the friendliness of The Villagers. Once I got to know the people in my villas, I now feel that they are very friendly and nice. And if I strike up a conversation with a Villager most anyplace I find that they open up and are happy to chat. I love living here, though being single I often feel kinda out of place. A peeve of mine is that I keep waving at people in their cars and golfcarts and speaking to people at the mail station (where they would have to live close by) & if they don't know me they don't respond, even with just a smile. I am from FL so I am not used to that. What's up with that anyway? Do the men think that if they say "Hello" to a woman that they would be inviting some kinda further whatever?

[GOJODO]

Yes it is friendly!
We closed on our home in early November and have met many people one of course is Gracie. What a jewel, she is as friendly as she sounds on totv. In the few short months since our move in and between unpacking we have taken good golf lessons, played a little, want to play more.Taken pickleball 101 and playing several times weekly, still need more lessons. What fun! We both have taken a class at the life long learning college.

Before deciding on TV we have traveled extensively across the US and in our opinion nothing compares to this place. There are good places everywhere but this is the best.

There is so much more to do and so little time, come down and enjoy the experience.

Do we miss VA. ..... well no, we go back to visit family and as much as we want to see them we would rather be here.:a040:

John & Dorothy
Manakin Sabot, VA just 45 minutes from Charlottesville

[LI SNOWBIRD]

what is there to do at the villages if you do not play golf, tennis or fish. We like to be comfortable at home and not be bothered by going to dances, plays or anything that looks like a old folks place.

I too am not a golfer/line dancer/pickle ball plyer etc. But there are so many other things to do here in TV-- go exploring on the golf cart, meet new people, join a gaming group. you can do as much as you want and as little as you want. Just do whatever brings rest to your soul.
:wave:

[frannieb]

One thing we found (and we have only been twice for 2 mos each time) was that so many people already have their friends and it was hard to get "into" a group. It may be b/c we just are not here for most of the year and clubs etc meet once a month, not weekly for example.
My husband would love to find golf buddies and people to socialize with but just found it hard.

[teachnmo]

We obviously do not pick up our mail at the same time at Bonita as I would have been the one waving, smiling, and saying HI to people. Always figured it just came from my small town living in Missouri. But I have found many many people who have the time in their lives to share a smile or help you out. I'm on the short side with a top mailbox and the men are usually very happy to help me out.

Just keep on smiling! :) You will probably make somebody's day better without even realizing it.

[graciegirl]

We obviously do not pick up our mail at the same time at Bonita as I would have been the one waving, smiling, and saying HI to people. Always figured it just came from my small town living in Missouri. But I have found many many people who have the time in their lives to share a smile or help you out. I'm on the short side with a top mailbox and the men are usually very happy to help me out.

Just keep on smiling! :) You will probably make somebody's day better without even realizing it.

You are so right. I too come from a place where it is still safe to walk around the neighborhood and to smile at people in the grocery store.

On our block here in TV we have a couple who don't smile or wave or acknowledge others smiles or waves and I have to think that they have come from an area of condensed population where people do not feel so safe.

Unfortunately, after almost three years, I don't make as much effort towards smiling or waving at them as I did at first.

Almost every one of our neighbors have hosted a casual get together. The memorable and stellar efforts have been on Christmas eve (while the grandchildren were visiting and Santa came in person) the neighbors were asked to join that joyous time...and on Christmas morning breakfast was made in another home where half the couple is ill.

Either we live in the nicest area in The Villages or this town of small villages is truly wonderful. I am pretty sure it is pretty wonderful, warm and friendly.

And if a person doesn't want to be part of a group, they too are respected.

I also love that big expensive houses and little not so expensive houses are in the same village.
The whole place is a mix of backgrounds, lifestyles, and personalities.

We villagers just are the greatest.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

what is there to do at the villages if you do not play golf, tennis or fish. We like to be comfortable at home and not be bothered by going to dances, plays or anything that looks like a old folks place.

We don't play golf, tennis or pickle ball. With over 600 activities available we keep busy as we want and at home as much as we want. your choice.
:BigApplause:

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I've been here for seven years and find the people to be very friendly and yet not at all imposing.

I came here single as a snowbird and three years later Mr Wonderful appeared while in TV and we were married about a year later. I didn't attend many social functions as a single gal, other than the friendly neighbors' functions and joining a bocce team.

My husband found me online, we met for lunch in Spanish Springs (before LSL was built) and the rest is history. I had been single for over thirty years and felt that I had flunked marriage and didn't dare try again until Mr Wonderful came into my life.

Bill and I are so very happy and have settled for good in TV with an occasional visit up North. Family up North are not too happy about our choice of full-time residence here in TV, however after this past winter in New England....No way; we're here in TV for good!!

Welcome newcomers and good luck...... barb1191

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us.:clap2:

[K9-Lovers]

what is there to do at the villages if you do not play golf, tennis or fish. We like to be comfortable at home and not be bothered by going to dances, plays or anything that looks like a old folks place.

Hi Rajaha674,

You sound alot like me. I don't play golf. Nor do I play tennis, "pickleball" or fish. I rarely dance, although I love to listen to music. My favorite activities are playing with my dogs, reading, writing, painting, photography, and cooking.

Most of my favorite things are are stay-at-home activities. Eventually, I may join some of the wonderful clubs here...there is a club or two for each of my favorite activities (reading club, writing clubs, painting groups, photo groups, cooking clubs, etc.) I also have taken a couple of courses at the "Lifelong Learning College" here which were very well done: intermediate French, art history and meteorology. I plan to take a few more courses. Also have attended various concerts which were outstanding!

While I am more of a homebody, Mr. K9 is out and about golfing and playing a variety of sports. So whether you are more comfortable at home, or not, you will love living in The Villages.

There is so much to do here, and such an overwhelming variety of clubs and things to do, that you will surely find something that makes your heart sing.

Nothing here looks like an old folks place, let me assure you! Quite the opposite.

By the way -- welcome to Talk of The Villages -- I see this is your first post.
:welcome:

Mrs. K9

[graciegirl]

what is there to do at the villages if you do not play golf, tennis or fish. We like to be comfortable at home and not be bothered by going to dances, plays or anything that looks like a old folks place.

There isn't anything in The Villages that looks like an old folks place.

If you don't like to be involved with others, than maybe The Villages might not be your best choice.

It is a people centered place.

If you like to be comfortable at home...you could live almost anywhere.

Be happy wherever you choose.

[Finallyretired65]

Thanks for the advice...well said


Dear anxious couple.

Please stop worrying and get yourself here as soon as possible. There are so many things to do that sometimes we just have to scratch a NOTHING day on the calendar to regroup. AND FRIENDLY........

If I choose to read the paper on my front porch, every few minutes walkers are saying " good morning" and people are waving from golf carts. (These are people I haven't met). If I choose to go out my back door to Odell pool and read a book, I never get the book read, because someone with a big friendly smile will strike up a conversation and soon we are having a friendly quarrel about who has the smartest grandchildren. If I choose to go to Barnes and Nobel to buy a book, I find myself in another lively conversation, sometimes started by me, most times started by another.

I have found that there are so many people who play golf and who are also from Ohio, (We were born in Columbus) that I could never enjoy even a portion of them. We didn't graduate from Miami University but our children did.

Since I moved here I found time to learn Mahjong, attend Lifelong Learning College colored pencil portrait class and discover at least four couples from our neighborhood back home who live here. I have found that we Ohioans are the only people with unaccented speech, and that people from Virginia, New York, Boston and New Jersey talk a little funny, but people from Indiana sound just about right.

I have played bingo, bunko, bridge and bocce. I have made four tons of potato salad for pot lucks. I have laughed until my sides ached. I have hugged and touched peoples hands who have touched my heart.

I never, EVER, expected to be this happy.

Friendly? YOU ain't seen friendly yet. Come on down!

P.S. We would be glad to show you around and play golf with you. P.M. when you plan to arrive.

GracieGirl et al.

[PamfromNY]

I was wondering just how easy is it to fit in at TV if you are single. My Dad and I visited there two years ago and are considering moving there from NY. It seemed to me that most people were couples. I am 57 and divorced and my Dad is 79 and a widower. We plan on buying separate homes near each other and are hoping that we each find new friends and people to do things with. Any info would be appreciated.

[Pturner]

I was wondering just how easy is it to fit in at TV if you are single. My Dad and I visited there two years ago and are considering moving there from NY. It seemed to me that most people were couples. I am 57 and divorced and my Dad is 79 and a widower. We plan on buying separate homes near each other and are hoping that we each find new friends and people to do things with. Any info would be appreciated.

Hi Pam,
Please don't worry about being single in TV. There are many active singles! Anyway, I have friends in TV who are singles and friends who are couples.

Smile. Wave. Get involved in activities you love. You will meet the nicest people here and have no trouble making friends. This is "Florida's friendliest hometown". No kidding, it is!

[champion6]

I was wondering just how easy is it to fit in at TV if you are single. My Dad and I visited there two years ago and are considering moving there from NY. It seemed to me that most people were couples. I am 57 and divorced and my Dad is 79 and a widower. We plan on buying separate homes near each other and are hoping that we each find new friends and people to do things with. Any info would be appreciated.There is a "Singles" section in this forum. I hope you found it.

[2BNTV]

I was wondering just how easy is it to fit in at TV if you are single. My Dad and I visited there two years ago and are considering moving there from NY. It seemed to me that most people were couples. I am 57 and divorced and my Dad is 79 and a widower. We plan on buying separate homes near each other and are hoping that we each find new friends and people to do things with. Any info would be appreciated.

I am still a single wannabe. It has been my experience that in my two visits to TV, I had no trouble making friends easily.

IMHO - With any semblance of effort, I'm sure you will have no problem meeting new friends. Just put a smile on your face and you will have more friends than ever before. :smiley:

[hedoman]

We just got back and allI can say is WOW.Nolie the Villagers re friendly. WE started up conversations spontaneously in the squares, in line for the 2 for 1, and everywhere. Everytime I got lost in our cart within a minute some nice person would stop and help. This was not 1 day but 7 straight days.

Yeah the Villages IS the friendliest hometown.

:thumbup:

[ajdeck]

1)We toured a retirement place in Tennessee, with a resident. It had 1200 homes and will have 3000 when finished. 1 golf course, 1 restaurant and 1 swimming pool...on the other hand $4.95 for a great hamburger lunch, $18 to golf and $600 property tax. I swear every single person knew each other's names. The 'tour guide' resident made us come to their house for the best spaghetti I've ever had and wouldn't let us leave until 10:30 that night. Had we not had a motel room, guess where we would have stayed. Almost too friendly.

2)The perfect location for us would have been Dataw Island, Beaufort, SC. $3000 per month to golf wasn't exactly what we had in mind, on the other hand 'Morning' meant coffee and 'check the members' forum'. One post might be, 'my kids and grandkids are coming next week-does anyone know where I could rent a crib'? 30 min. later 3 members offer to bring one over and set it up. Another 30 min. 5 members are begging to have one of the families stay in their extra rooms. Now that's friendly.


3)My wife and I met in high school near Akron, Oh. We both graduated from Miami of Oh. 44 years later we are about to put our house up for sale in April and hopefully move to TV. Activities such as playing golf together on the executive courses, dancing and meeting new people are drawing us to TV.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, are there any Villagers with similar interests who would like to show us around and maybe share a round of golf later this spring?


'Anxious' retirees from Charlottesville, Virginia


Biggest thing we have found out is people are VERY friendly. If I had anything questionable to say of The Villages is it's cold compared to south Florida. If coming down for few winter months only and not being summer warm than you should consided that.

Our thinking is in 'winter' months when it's busy just do the league things that you have the time locked in. Or stay in on cold days and enjoy the warm ones and wait for the winter folk to leave then you have the whole place to yourself.

aj

[graciegirl]

..

[cybrgeezer]

I am still a single wannabe. It has been my experience that in my two visits to TV, I had no trouble making friends easily.

IMHO - With any semblance of effort, I'm sure you will have no problem meeting new friends. Just put a smile on your face and you will have more friends than ever before. :smiley:

You wannabe a single? Seems pretty easy to accomplish.

[graciegirl]

We three G's were invited over to the Skyguys place this evening and had a wonderful time!

These great people have the same floor plan as ours and their house is completely different and just beautiful.

They have "two" kitties too.

They are smart and funny and nice and have a beautiful home on a great street and a terrific back yard and the prettiest roses blooming in their front yard.

We could have talked all night but I had to feed Sweetie. He was late because they were celebrating a hole in one for one of his playing partners so he missed dinner.

Thank you Sky and Eileen. Hugs to both.

[skyguy79]

We three G's were invited over to the Skyguys place this evening and had a wonderful time!

These great people have the same floor plan as ours and their house is completely different and just beautiful. They have "two" kitties too.

They are smart and funny and nice and have a beautiful home on a great street and a terrific back yard and the prettiest roses blooming in their front yard.

We could have talked all night but I had to feed Sweetie. He was late because they were celebrating a hole in one for one of his playing partners so he missed dinner.

Thank you Sky and Eileen. Hugs to both.Gracie, you're making me blush. You're also a difficult act to follow with those remarks.

Aah... nix the blush bit, it's just the heat being set too high!

It was a pleasure to have you, Helene and Henry over and we're happy we can now call you friends! Also tell your sweetie to bring an two pairs of pants the next time he goes golfing. It will be his turn to get a hole-in-one!

You're welcome and hugs back at ya'all!
p.s. tell your kitties that Pixie & Copper say... "SNACK TIME!" http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/birmanmonky.gif

[harbor53]

oops

[Russ_Boston]

Is this TMI?

I think you have TOTV confused with match.com:)

[K9-Lovers]

I wanted to read "Summer" but of course, there is no way to attach a file.

[PamfromNY]

Hi Pam,
Please don't worry about being single in TV. There are many active singles! Anyway, I have friends in TV who are singles and friends who are couples.

Smile. Wave. Get involved in activities you love. You will meet the nicest people here and have no trouble making friends. This is "Florida's friendliest hometown". No kidding, it is!
Thanks Pturner. It does sound encouraging. I'm very active (when the weather permits) so I'm looking forward to being more active and getting out on a bike and the cart to have fun and make some new friends. My Dad is more active than me (rides a bike, walks, lifts weights and enjoys riding his classic Harley Davidson Heritage) but a little shy so I'm going to encourage him a little to get out and give some clubs a try.

[skyguy79]

Thanks Pturner. It does sound encouraging. I'm very active (when the weather permits) so I'm looking forward to being more active and getting out on a bike and the cart to have fun and make some new friends. My Dad is more active than me (rides a bike, walks, lifts weights and enjoys riding his classic Harley Davidson Heritage) but a little shy so I'm going to encourage him a little to get out and give some clubs a try.Pam, welcome to TOTV, and after you and your dad gets to TV, I hope you'll get a chance to occasionally see your dad or that he at leasts checks in with you once in a while! :a20:

[PamfromNY]

Pam, welcome to TOTV, and after you and your dad gets to TV, I hope you'll get a chance to occasionally see your dad or that he at leasts checks in with you once in a while! :a20:

Hi Skyguy..lol.. you are right... I'll probably have to schedule a visit with him because he'll always be busy..

[kofficer]

You have to see it to believe it. The first time you go to one of the market places, and you start walking around, you notice a feeling of companionship with the people around you. Being from elsewhere in Florida, where most seniors are just mowed over, you also notice, that in the Villages, everyone treats you like you are special. Last August we went to dinner at the English tea restaurant while Petrina was there on a Friday night, and by the time dinner was over, not only did we know her, but everyone else in the restaurant, and we stood outside and talked quite a while with people regarding our impending move next year to the Villages. One thing I certainly don't feel when I am in the Villages, is old. Nor do the people you are around. You'll see, but you need to come there and feel it for yourself.

It's an amazing place, and we for one, can't wait to get our house up for sale next fall. If it sells right away, we are going to buy our home in the Villages, and use it on weekends and vacations until we can permanent move at the beginning of 2013.

Lee and Richard, presently of Tampa