Question for residents who have lived in TV at least 2 to 5 years

[Cmgregory]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

[Barboza]

We found the Villages about 26 yrs ago, couldn't believe all the smiley people, had to be a catch!
Spent 10 yrs coming & going looking for it then gave in & bought in Santiago in 1999 when that was "the end of the earth" Lived there for 11 yrs with wonderful friends & neighbours with whom I am still closely in touch .
Moved South to Tamarind 5 yrs ago to find yet another lovely community & friends.
When we first bought, there were generally only the restaurants around the squares + country clubs that were golf cart accessible, & at that time you could not use your golf cart at night so had bikes or used taxis. Also not much in the way of stores & nearest hardware stores were Ocala or Leesburg,
Yes, things have changed ( in 1999 I could go to square & know most peoples faces) however much change in the way of Cinemas, shopping, entertainment, & recreational opportunities but each Village (wherever you choose to live) has retained it's own community within the greater Villages with everything you could wish for for a wonderful retirement.
Of course you will always find the occasional dissatisfied person, but I notice that though they may complain they seldom leave.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Just wish I could be an American!!!
We are Snowbirds from across the Pond who have been well accepted by everyone & grateful for it & the chance to spend 6 months in our home in the sun

[Two Bills]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

We are snowbirds from UK. and have been regulars here for 16 years. Changed a lot, over the years, but we still keep coming back.
All being well, we will be back there in 5 weeks, 6days and 15 hrs.:a040: Not that we are counting of course!
Hope that answers your question.

[Fred R]

I've owned almost 2 yrs and am here 5 to 6 months a year. I'm an outgoing single guy but a little disappointed that I haven't been able to meet more folks. Guess I am the exception

[Bitsee]

We purchased our CYV there 10 yrs. ago for our retirement home, we are both in our 60's.
Well..we have been retired for 5 years now and we still can't decide if we want to live there full time ! Love spending the winters there because
it's like one never ending vacation. However the atmosphere definitely has changed there over the years, and not so much for the better in my opinion.
It cost money to entertain yourself on a daily basis, it's first come first served for a lot of activities, the restaurants can be a nightmare, and the
tempers flare in the town squares if people can't park close for the intertainment. The home prices are soaring, your green space is shrinking, the water is costly, and your home services have to be scrutinized for fear of getting ripped off.
I'm always happy to come back to Wisconsin after the winter to our lovely home with an acre of privacy, great neighbors, and many friends and family.
If you can afford to be a snowbird there it's the best of both worlds, as we will be in TV this Friday for the winter, absolutely love my life !!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Been here for 4-1/2 years and would not want to be anyplace else.

My only complaints are that I would like to be closer to a beach and I would like to be closer to a major highway.

It's two hours to Clearwater beach so we don't go as often as we'd like and having to drive a half hour down 441 to get to the Turnpike is a bit of a hassle.

Other than that, this is the greatest place on earth as far as I'm concerned.

[rjn5656]

Been here full time 6 years. Live in a great neighborhood that is always there to lend a hand. Have never looked back, it was a great move.

[Bay Kid]

I have owned a home for 3 1/2 years. I am here 5-6 months a year. Still loving the place!

[fl boomer]

I have been a full time resident of The Villages for just over 5 years, am originally from Ohio, and have lived in the Orlando area, Indialantic, FL, Dade City, FL, and now here.

Even though I still connect with friends in those other areas, none of them had the amenities, activities, or other opportunities to live the active lifestyle that I have here in The Villages. Yes, things are changing, but I am completely happy with my decision to live in The Villages.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Bought in 2012 while we were both working. Hubby retired in 2014, bought a little larger home. I'm still running a company in another state but spend most of my time in TV.

Love it here! When I leave, I count the days till I get to come to my forever home. We have made wonderful friends and I love to golf!

Is this place perfect? For me it is!

[mickey100]

Bitsee, our experience has been similar to yours. When we first moved here 10 years ago we were in an area of the villages that was more rural, similar to the area we had moved from up north. When the wind was blowing right we could hear the horses neighing from the farm down the street. Of course everything is all built up now and it is essentially a large city comprised of old people. During the winter if you want to attend the Popular classes at the rec centers you pretty much have to get there 30-45 minutes early and take a number. Not fun. The restaurants are a nightmare to get into. Roads that were built for a smaller population are now stretched to capacity during the high season. teetimes on the executive courses? you better make them well in advance because if you don't, good luck finding a teetime for two people unless it is at seven in the morning or 5 o'clock at night. But of course there are many really nice things about the villages which is why we moved her in the first place. We have made wonderful friends, there are lots of opportunities for socializing and staying active. With the exception of the golf courses, which tend to be in varying condition throughout the year, sometimes terrible condition, the facilities seem to be well kept up. The Sharon is a wonderful addition to the community and we've enjoyed some shows there. There are numerous medical facilities with in a golf cart ride which is very handy. So all in all it is a tossup.

[baustgen]

Been here 16 years as a snowbirds. Everywhere has plusses and minuses. Cannot imagine anywhere with more plusses than TV. Sure there are negatives. In my opinion they are minimal compared to the positives. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Positives-no snow, unlimited activities, New friends, variety of entertainment, low taxes, amount of different exercises to chose from, 2000 plus clubs to join, free golf.

Negatives- crowds Jan-March, hot summer, cool Jan-Feb,we learned to work around all.

[oot]

Bought 5 years ago and we LOVE IT!!! LOVE our neighbors as well. Such a great community. I loved St. Pete Beach - went on vacation there for over 30 years. I always thought that was where I wanted to be. But, after coming here we decided this was the perfect place for us. When we want to go to the beach, we just go down and visit. There are so many more things to do here.

[asianthree]

First time we visit it was 07. Other half was in love and wanted to buy I said no. We visited again three more times and then bought a small home in 2010. Vacation there, bought our second home in 2012 and moved into our third home in 2014. Other half lives there 8+ months a year and loves it. I am still working full-time and will not be there for another 30 months. He would not live anywhere else.

[Madelaine Amee]

We are nine year residents. When we came we were absolutely amazed at the lifestyle that TV offers, everything you would love to do and then more! However, as we settled in to actually living here we have seen some great changes and, in our opinion, some really good improvements. We think the hospital has improved, medical facilities have improved, quality of doctors etc. etc. The older we get, these are the improvements that keep us living here, not necessarily the availability of the entertainment or restaurants, although it is nice to have them right here under our noses without having to travel to another area. I am centrally located between SS and LSL so I can get to the hospital in 10 minutes, 441 in 15 minutes, 466 in 5 minutes ......... everything I need to live a comfortable life is within a short drive. Had we tried to live out our life in Massachusetts it would have been very different.

On the minus side of this is obviously the enormous number of people who want to move here and live the lifestyle that we love - and after all, if we can have it, why not others. It makes for congestion on the roads and in stores and in restaurants - plenty to complain about if you want to! But, when I return to my former home in Massachusetts the congestion there is tenfold what it is here and it will only continue to get worse and more expensive.

Things change everywhere, and for us The Villages is the easiest and most comfortable place to live as we age.

[skip0358]

Moved here full time in Sept.09 from Long Island. World of difference. Would I do it again? In a heart beat, have a ton of friends down here, neighbors are great. Everything I want and need is a short golf cart ride away. Yea it's getting a little more crowded but so was where I came from. Big difference is the weather. Yep it gets hot but I don't have to shovel the heat like I did the snow in the winter. As for expenses we find it a lot more affordable Taxes, Electric & NO home heating oil bills.

[Fraugoofy]

Bought in 2012 and again in 2013. Live in TV 6 months of the year. Advantages to being a "reverse snowbird" (live here June through Dec) 1. Less traffic 2. Can walk on almost any golf course June through Oct 3. All bills are paid for due to high rental income 4. Enjoy all TV has to offer including making new friends 5. Love being so active. Disadvantages 1. TV is not the friendliest hometown. Our neighbors are wonderful, but some of the random people you meet (at the pool, playing cards at the Rec centers) are miserably unhappy and are rude to newcomers...and although you do find that in every hometown, it seems people here feel they have "earned" the right to complain...due to their age. If that's the only downside, we picture ourselves in TV for many years to come (part-time).

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

[Loudoll]

The Villages is everything as advertised and more but not for us. It seemed odd and a little "off" to be around only old people all the time. I missed the seasons, mixture of age groups and ethnic groups, etc. and The Villages was too crowded for me, homes too close together and you can hear your neighbors on their phones and they can hear your conversation if you are on your lanai. All is well in The Villages until you get sick and need ER care. Was extremely disappointed in primary care and felt like I literally got out with my life and back to health care I can trust. I would recommend not being a Frog but Snowbirding. Good luck.

[Jayhawk]

The Villages is everything as advertised and more but not for us. It seemed odd and a little "off" to be around only old people all the time. I missed the seasons, mixture of age groups and ethnic groups, etc. and The Villages was too crowded for me, homes too close together and you can hear your neighbors on their phones and they can hear your conversation if you are on your lanai. All is well in The Villages until you get sick and need ER care. Was extremely disappointed in primary care and felt like I literally got out with my life and back to health care I can trust. I would recommend not being a Frog but Snowbirding. Good luck.

Curious, if it was such a negative experience for you, why continue to hang around TOTV and re-live the unhappiness?

[Mikeod]

We bought here 10 years ago and live full time in TV. It has changed since we arrived, but the main reason we chose this place is the same. Every place we looked at to retire was similar. A golf course, a rec center, and a house. If you don't golf, your options are limited. When we got here, the myriad options were obvious.

What I have seen change here is that, when we bought, the vast majority of people we met were just thrilled to find a place of this quality to spend the rest of their lives and settled in to enjoy it. As the years has passed, we find more and more people who think this is a resort and all should be provided by the owner/developer. Another trend is one I have experienced in growing up in the Northeast. A parochial attitude that if not done the same as there, it is wrong. Whether it is cooking, golf design/maintenance, speed limits, or whatever, it's as if what they want is the same as where they lived before, except the weather.

As far as crowding, I find it better to consider the high season as the norm, and the summer season as the bonus I get for living here full time. Maybe it's easier to adjust coming from a congested area (SoCal) where homes are built close together. But it works for me.

[spring_chicken]

My biggest disappointment is the amount of car traffic. I really imagined more people driving golf carts than cars, so I was surprised to see so much traffic. It's only October and the number of folks going 20 in a 35 and stopping for no reason at yield signs is increasing every day. I've already told my husband to just take my keys away when I start driving like these idiots.

[jebartle]

We moved to Village of La Zamora in 2006 and absolutely love our neighbors and the villages. We moved here from NC, both of us are avid golfers but have discovered that we enjoy so much more. You don't know this yet but you have arrived in paradise. Who you are and where you are, comes down to attitude. Some villagers would not be happy, no matter what! Fortunately, those, are few and far between. I just know that you will love the Villages and TOTV is a great guide on vendors, doctors, and any little question you might ask.

[MangiaMangia]

When my in-laws bought back in 2008 and my husband and I came to visit we knew then that we would like to own here someday.
It's been a year now and we couldn't be happier that we were able to buy a house in TV.
Unfortunately for us, we are not able to retire just yet. With all the talk of build-out we took the plunge earlier than expected.
So, we rent it out in the snowbird months and we come down as often as we can. We love everything about TV. You get what you put into it.
We swim, golf, walk the S.R. preserve, use the gym, dance in the squares, eat out, eat in, movies.....on and on.
Finally ~ our house in the Village of LaBelle is available for Jan. and Feb. Email if you know of someone who is looking for a beautiful (IMO) designer home.

[Cmgregory]

Thanks for all the posts! Great information.

We are approaching 60, retired and have been living in our RV and traveling for the past 5 years. We have always been impressed by TV and have been considering it if we decide to come off the road.

Love all the comments. Keep them coming! If you have anything else to say, we would love to hear it. All the comments have been very helpful.

[coach]

If you don't like The Villages you aren't going to like Heaven.

[John_W]

I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, that's about two hours southeast of here on the coast. Later my parents retired and moved to Spring Hill for 20 years. That is also southeast of here and I've been there many, many times.

I often think of returning there and how I enjoyed going to spring training games, the beach, shopping at the mall. Then whenever I take a trip back to Tampa/St. Pete, I realized I don't really want to be out in the real world with all these young people. I don't feel old, but I no longer feel like I want to be in a night club full of 25 year olds. Going to play golf, or softball or pickleball and all the other people are your own age, that's what draws me back. I don't feel bad when running to first base and I'm not as fast as I was at 25, because nobody else is that fast either. That's what I really like about living in The Villages.

[bbbbbb]

Hi, we do like it here for sure,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, however, we would really like to see some controls on the drinking and driving. The erratic behavior by the drunks is a bit unnerving. I have found in a dangerous message, not to be on a multi modal path after the end of happy hours, had two close encounters by guys who seemed to be loaded. However, a lot of the drivers are very courteous and we wish it would get contagious. Riding a bike is good for your body low impact exercise but being driven off of a path and being nearly sideswiped is a real item. One cart with two occupants, overcame me, I always get over as much as possible, so the passenger used his hand to swat my rear view mirror. (We drive bikes and a cart also) Drinking is a major problem here and making the almighty dollar is more important than some kind of controls. We have been here one year now, I have never seen anyone get a ticket on the multi modal paths. Golfers will overcome us and pass us by at some incredible speeds while we are going 19 to 20 mph. Yes we are considering the safety seriously and may soon look elsewhere. Other than that, we think it is great.

[John_W]

...We have been here one year now, I have never seen anyone get a ticket on the multi modal paths. Golfers will overcome us and pass us by at some incredible speeds while we are going 19 to 20 mph. Yes we are considering the safety seriously and may soon look elsewhere. Other than that, we think it is great.

This has been mentioned numerous times on other threads pertaining to golf carts. The police can only ticket speeding carts when using the cart lane on city streets. The MMP paths are private property, the police can ticket a cart driver who is drinking on the paths while driving but not speeding. So when driving on the side of Odell, St. Charles, Pinellas, Hillsborough and the like, that's when you fall under police powers. However, you probably know, there is no speeding ticket for golf carts. If you're going more than 20 mph while on one of these city streets, your cart no longer fits the state's definition of a golf cart, your ticket will be for driving an unregistered vehicle. When you appear in court, you'll need documentation from a golf cart shop that the golf cart speed has been adjusted back to 19.9 mph or less and your ticket will be at least $240. So if you feel unsafe driving your cart at night on a MMP, then do what we do, drive your automobile to the square.

[NYGUY]

Best decision we have ever made.

[Debfrommaine]

Continue to love it more and more here. Being a bit of a gypsy at heart, feel very content, safe and happy. We find the expenses very affordable and people as nice as anywhere else - and we have moved a lot. I came here in my 50's and work full time - no regrets. Good luck!

[jojo]

Been here 8 1/2 years and love it as much as the first day. The changes have been positive - The Sharon, Rohan, Eisenhower, many new restaurants, shops etc. I'm also amazed at the maintenance and upkeep of all the wonderful facilities. It is more crowded in season but manageable. There are options if you don't want to go to the "free" classes at the rec centers. The Lifelong Learning College has many fitness classes and you are guaranteed a spot - same with MVP. As I read this thread, it appears that others have experienced far more horror stories with bad drivers than I. I can't say I've ever had a near miss. Yes there are some speeding drivers but that's fairly ubiquitous throughout the country. I love the activity choices, good neighbors, tennis friends, bridge group, the nightly entertainment at the squares and the beautiful landscaping etc. I volunteer at the Villages hospital and it is definitely improving. I tell everyone that moving to The Villages was the best decision we've ever made.

[Garden guru]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

I've lived in The Villages for three years now, and I hope you're taking the feedback that you're getting to your inquiry with the grain of salt. This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Consequently, people stop voicing their opinions. In other words, it's important to keep in mind that this forum is not a representative sample of the overall population of The Villages by any stretch of the imagination.

[Polar Bear]

I've lived in The Villages for three years now, and I hope you're taking the feedback that you're getting to your inquiry with the grain of salt. This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave"...
Some truth to that...just like those who praise TV are accused of being blind supporters of the developer who can do no wrong. It goes both ways.

[kaseydog]

Have lived in villages over 3 years. I find the increase in population , traffic, morse bridge & $400 million in bonds situations very disturbing.. The worst of all is the tv health center disaster. On lifestyle visit they touted the wonderful health centers that would be available to use. Health care is vital to 65 & over retirement community.
My husband & i have wonderful health coverage through retirement packages. It was accepted for 3 years until we were notified that as of 12/31/16 we are out. We can join medicare advantage(way inferior & more expensive than my current plan.) also be warned you are signing up for the 2017 med adv plan. Agents told us many changes possible for 2018 version. Please no rude comments such as "so when are you moving". Not an option for everyone. We made a huge error in moving here. Have no one to blame but ourselves.

[billethkid]

We have been here over 12 years.
I f we had it to do over again, we surely would. With one exception, I would buy more tha a couple more homes here.

Talk about too much traffic?
I guess that depends where you are from. Traffic always moves along; a little busy during what some would call a rush hour. And maybe a little busier when the folks who live north get here. Being retired, there is no hurry.

We have watched TV more than triple in size since 2004.
We have also watched as TV attained a population size that was attractive to major national chains, food and retail.

In 2004 there was no Arnold Palmer CC, no Lake Sumter Square, no Home Depot, no Rolling Acres shopping center, no Kohls, almost none of the major restaurant changes, etc.

So the growth has been good. The way TV is planned with a sort of decentralized mail, pool and rec center location most close in needs are attended to within a few minutes from the house.

If one is flexible on when or where to play golf one will always get a t time. Restaurants....once past the early bird diners, there is no problem.

We enjoy TV as much as day one 12 years ago.
Ya see we are retired and we are not in a hurry!!!

[graciegirl]

Have lived in villages over 3 years. I find the increase in population , traffic, morse bridge & $400 million in bonds situations very disturbing.. The worst of all is the tv health center disaster. On lifestyle visit they touted the wonderful health centers that would be available to use. Health care is vital to 65 & over retirement community.
My husband & i have wonderful health coverage through retirement packages. It was accepted for 3 years until we were notified that as of 12/31/16 we are out. We can join medicare advantage(way inferior & more expensive than my current plan.) also be warned you are signing up for the 2017 med adv plan. Agents told us many changes possible for 2018 version. Please no rude comments such as "so when are you moving". Not an option for everyone. We made a huge error in moving here. Have no one to blame but ourselves.


Health care is a choice here just like any other place. There are amazing doctors and dentists and some that aren't so great. We wanted to get into that health care system and they wouldn't take our insurance from the very beginning. I think it was created to offer an alternative to some of the really not so great doctors who are around, just like the Southern Lifestyles and the restaurants...but everyone has an opinion as to the reason. It was meant to make money, not lose it for sure.

If you go back and read JoJo's post above, I would say that is how 90+ percent feel.

I love it here. LOVE IT...nine years now.

[Ohiogirl]

Bought 10 yrs ago, starting our 7th season as seasonal residents - we are Florida residents but spend 4-1/2 months or so in Ohio in the summer.

Like a lot of people, we wish the Villages had maxed out at 100,000 or less like we were all told, but still think there's no other place with so much to do for so little. I disagree with the poster who said it costs a lot to entertain yourself here. We spend much less day to day here than we do in Ohio.

We are too tired to go out and spend much as we play pickle ball (free here, have to buy balls temporary nets in Ohio in summer - pay rec center fee in winter), go to rehearsals (husband is a musician) in a golf cart, play duplicate bridge for $3 (it just went up from $2) whereas at duplicate bridge centers in Ohio it is $8/game. Social bridge and other card games are either free or $1 with a chance to win a few bucks. Pools are free, as are tons of exercise classes and things like water polo. And of course, there are the executive golf courses - free if you walk, very reasonable trail fee if you take your golf cart.

Groceries are more expensive here than in the Midwest, but probably not the northeast or west.

Lots of free interest groups and charities to volunteer in. Movies a little cheaper than most places, and lots of entertainment options are either free or not particularly expensive. More to do here than anywhere we have heard of. Every time we visit relatives in Ft. Myers (and we don't like to go often because of the traffic and because there's not that much to do), we meet people who are in process of moving here!

It's not for everyone, though. If you are not a joiner and a doer, you might not be happy here, or if you need to be near the water. We just do a long weekend or occasional visit to a beach area - for us, fun to visit, but wouldn't want to live there.

[plrbr1120]

End of this month we will be residents of the Villages 4 years. Would not make any drastic changes. During snowbird season, it's a little busier but we get thru it. Winters are warmer than they were in Illinois. Summers are hotter than in Illinois....but still lovin' livin' here.

[ColdNoMore]

I tell everyone that it's not all that great here and they will be much better off to wait and buy...a few months before build-out.




:D

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Garden guru;1307679]I've lived in The Villages for three years now, and I hope you're taking the feedback that you're getting to your inquiry with the grain of salt. This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Consequently, people stop voicing their opinions. In other words, it's important to keep in mind that this forum is not a representative sample of the overall population of The Villages by any stretch of the imagination.
Yes, we see your point. The drinking and driving is very popular and the drinking crew really gets riled up if we mention the problem. So the scene is to ignore it, there is nothing we can do, tolerate it or move. Too bad that someone has to be killed or maimed, maybe if someone sues the place for the push on happy hours???? Those folks perched on a bar stool for hours, well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they do not walk home, they drive, have seen it first hand. Also on the modal paths, it can get real scary at times. So be careful and be aware, the guy or gal in the car or cart may not do what you might expect from a careful driver.
bbbbbb :popcorn:

[spring_chicken]

And those who frequent the forum know the agendas of those who introduce the same tired topic in every response. I hope there is a community and message board for those who believe that everyone who drinks is a criminal and danger to society. Please find a community with no alcohol and move there. The vitriol is getting very tired.

[asianthree]

One can always move to dry counties in the south.

[dewilson58]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!



First..............congratulations on starting a great thread.

As with any where in the world, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. A lot depends on if you are a half full, or half empty person. From 10,000 feet, something must be going good..........look at the explosive growth in TV.

One of the most amazing things about TV is the people (yes, the properties, the squares, the golf cart style living are all amazing but, ). People from every where, with amazing backgrounds all come together to enjoy the next phase of their lives. Some living 100% on Social Security, some on pensions, others living off their millions. Doesn't matter, we are enjoying the next phase.

Sure, there are some who don't like it here. Is it the place or the person, we will never know. I pray for them. Life is too short [ mostly at our old ages ;-) ] not to be happy.

I watched this place grow for 15 years before we purchased. I enjoyed the video's, but it's better than the video's. There will be some of the half fulls who attack me, but again..........all I can do is pray for them and their happiness.

Hope you come and join us, you will not be sorry.....I can tell.

Good Luck.

:super:

:super:

:super:

[rubicon]

Cmgregory: The question you pose can only be answered by you and based on your situation as respects family, finance, health, personality and temperament.

Here are some of the considerations we had that may mirror yours also. We moved to Florida because of the tax advantages;albeit property taxes are higher than what we expected. The last six summers that we have lived here have been very hot and humid especially for my wife. It use to be that there was some relief from congestion in off season but no longer. We adjust .

There are plenty of things to do here but again it depends on the person which carries me to the amenities. You need to consider how active you desire to be given your interests and your health because you will be paying a monthly fee whether you use any amenities or not.

We live in a very friendly and active neighborhood and that is a blessing because without family around they in a limited sense become your support system

I knew The Villages expansion would become a victim of its own success but then reasoned that it is a well planned community with rules that assist in keeping properties from deteriorating .

Some residents here compare The Villages to that of an adult Disney World which they view as a positive. Again because we are all different that concept to me translates to not real and not real translates to artificial

Finally The Villages is marketed as an 55 and over retirement community but it is increasingly becoming a vacation destination for many and that also tempers the meaning of community.

To my wife and I this is not a right or wrong, love it or leave it thing, it just is and we adjust.

The best of luck with your decision and your decision will be the right one.

Personal Best Regards:

[PaPaLarry]

Make the move!!!!!! You will not be sorry.

[kaseydog]

The villages is now a small city(some indepentent census companies are estimating 120,000 to 150,000 current population) in season, going to rec center clubs, restaurants, tee times & have to be carefully planned to try to avoid excessive wait times. Colony plaza(one of our favorites since we moved here 3 years ago) is off limits many times of the day. When walmart & bob evans open i can't imagine the traffic.
But developer decision to accept only medicare advantage at tv health centers is an extreme insult. On lifestyle visit guides touted shiny new health centers accessible by golf cart. For 3 years we used these centers & developed great relationship with a good doctor. Current insurance way superior to med advantage 2017.(med advantage 2018 will have new rules you may not be happy with) agent at unitedhealthcare medicare store spent 3 hours with us. Final result keep current plan. So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.

[Mikeod]

So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.
I understand your distress with the VHS changes, but don't you think the "several hours" is a bit of an overstatement? All my neighbors who are affected have found new doctors within the area and most are cart accessible. Gainesville and Orlando are not that far away and even Mayo in Jacksonville is manageable.

[kaseydog]

Anyone who moved to tv & tv health didn't accept your insurance were lucky. They had a chance of finding a doctor within reasonable geographic distance. Now there are about 15,000 villagers looking for doctors because their current excellent health insurance is no longer accepted at tv health. The rumor that developer was loosing money on tv health is just a rumor. Developer found a way to make more money. Don't care how much money developer has. However using tv health centers as a selling point then changing rules really defines his character. Health care is vital to retirement community.

[kaseydog]

On the issue of "build out" have heard this phrase since moving here. As long as developer can get land to build on & sell homes he will continue. Developer has no regard for quality of life in villages.

[ColdNoMore]

Yes, we see your point. The drinking and driving is very popular and the drinking crew really gets riled up if we mention the problem. So the scene is to ignore it, there is nothing we can do, tolerate it or move. Too bad that someone has to be killed or maimed, maybe if someone sues the place for the push on happy hours???? Those folks perched on a bar stool for hours, well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they do not walk home, they drive, have seen it first hand. Also on the modal paths, it can get real scary at times. So be careful and be aware, the guy or gal in the car or cart may not do what you might expect from a careful driver.
bbbbbb :popcorn:

Just a little hint, but if you quote someone else it really helps if this...[/QUOTE]...is after the quoted persons post

That way we can see where the quoted post stops...and yours begins. :ho:

[mickey100]

I've lived in The Villages for three years now, and I hope you're taking the feedback that you're getting to your inquiry with the grain of salt. This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Consequently, people stop voicing their opinions. In other words, it's important to keep in mind that this forum is not a representative sample of the overall population of The Villages by any stretch of the imagination.

Very true, everything you said. There has been a group (called "the posse") that has regularly attacked people who post their opinions that are not favorable to The Villages. If I were looking to move here, I would rent for a few months during the high season to try it out, and talk with as many people as possible - neighbors, folks you golf with, etc. to try and get a better feel for the place and whether or not it would be a good fit for you. As far as research, TOTV is a starting point, but is not the end all.

[mickey100]

First..............congratulations on starting a great thread.

As with any where in the world, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. A lot depends on if you are a half full, or half empty person. From 10,000 feet, something must be going good..........look at the explosive growth in TV.

One of the most amazing things about TV is the people (yes, the properties, the squares, the golf cart style living are all amazing but, ). People from every where, with amazing backgrounds all come together to enjoy the next phase of their lives. Some living 100% on Social Security, some on pensions, others living off their millions. Doesn't matter, we are enjoying the next phase.

Sure, there are some who don't like it here. Is it the place or the person, we will never know. I pray for them. Life is too short [ mostly at our old ages ;-) ] not to be happy.

I watched this place grow for 15 years before we purchased. I enjoyed the video's, but it's better than the video's. There will be some of the half fulls who attack me, but again..........all I can do is pray for them and their happiness.

Hope you come and join us, you will not be sorry.....I can tell.

Good Luck.

:super:

:super:

:super:

I agree with your comments about the people! There is such a nice variety of folks here from all walks of life. We have found it very enriching.

[Boomer]

The Villages is the world's biggest high school.

And all that entails.

Everybody is here.

You can find your people and your way.

Boomer

[Garden guru]

And those who frequent the forum know the agendas of those who introduce the same tired topic in every response. I hope there is a community and message board for those who believe that everyone who drinks is a criminal and danger to society. Please find a community with no alcohol and move there. The vitriol is getting very tired.

In an earlier post on this thread I wrote: "This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Spring_chicken's latest post is an excellent case in point. I now reiterate: Posts on this forum do NOT reflect a representative sample of all Villagers! Take them with the grain of salt.

[outlaw]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.

[dewilson58]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.


:jester:

I enjoyed that.

:pepper2:

[Ohiogirl]

The villages is now a small city(some indepentent census companies are estimating 120,000 to 150,000 current population) in season, going to rec center clubs, restaurants, tee times & have to be carefully planned to try to avoid excessive wait times. Colony plaza(one of our favorites since we moved here 3 years ago) is off limits many times of the day. When walmart & bob evans open i can't imagine the traffic.
But developer decision to accept only medicare advantage at tv health centers is an extreme insult. On lifestyle visit guides touted shiny new health centers accessible by golf cart. For 3 years we used these centers & developed great relationship with a good doctor. Current insurance way superior to med advantage 2017.(med advantage 2018 will have new rules you may not be happy with) agent at unitedhealthcare medicare store spent 3 hours with us. Final result keep current plan. So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.

I guess this is getting offtrack, but how do you know that United Healthcare of the Villages Medicare Advantage Plan will have new rules? Of course, all plans can change provisions every year, and the 2017 policies are out, but what and where did you hear about 2018 - is this just rumor?

[Nucky]

I hope you don't mind but we didn't make your 2 to 5 years designation. We landed here in June 2016 and are thrilled fully. There is no Hocus Pocus with anything, the thing is we live with other people in a community and may be interrupted in our travels slightly and travel to a doctor may not be the perfection that was envisioned. I believe it's the way we all handle these ground shaking horrific challenges. It is better than we imagined before we arrived. Our expectations have been exceeded. You'll be fine in The Villages, the sky is not falling.

[pgc4340]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

I suggest to go elsewhere for negative opinions about The Villages, because this forum does not want to hear them. Be aware that The Daily Sun is owned by The Villages, so their news is biased. Be aware that very little in life is free, most especially in The Villages. Be AWARE.

[2BNTV]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Been here for over 3 years.

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

Better

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

Without hesitation.

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

Positives:
1. You don't have to shovel sunshine.
2. You tend to stay in better shape if you are physically and mentally active.
3. TV is kept immaculate. Hardly ever see a piece of trash on the ground.
4. Over 2,000 clubs.
5. Meet new friends that become like family.
6. A $150 amenity fee that allows you to use all of the facilities.
7. You can as much as you want or as little as you want.

Negatives?
1. Snowbird season, (Jan thru Mar), will swell the population by 35% causing traffic and restaurant waiting times.
2. Last summer was hot so you need to adjust your schedule, to do things first thing in the morning or later at night.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

118,000 people moved here! Could everybody be wrong?


Thanks for your comments!

Let me close by saying this thread has almost gone off the rails about one's driving safety and medical concerns. No matter where you live, no one can guarantee you won't be in an accident or have medical coverage to fit their own personal desires. Medical coverage changes from year to year. One must look at the realities of their own situation and then act accordingly.

TV isn't perfect, but darn close. IMHO

BTW - Rent a home for a month or two. Only you can decide!!!

[Fraugoofy]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.
I love this post! I am laughing so hard I am crying! Btw, I told you where to find $5.75 pitchers, right?

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

[kaseydog]

Just returned from doctor's office located on 441. Receptionist put our names on a waiting list about 10 pages long with about 50 names on each page.
Developer touted the tv health centers (that took my insurance at the time of home purchase) as a selling gimmic. I have health issues & this figured into our decision on whether to buy in the villages. Were members of tv health for 3 years. Now we are forced to choose between my excellent health insurance and medicare advantage(2017 version). Medicare advantage(2018) plan is in the works but agents say they are not privy to the details.
Medicare advantage agent said it would be unwise to drop my plan & go with tv health plan. $0 copay is too good to be true when you analise all the delails of the plan. Moving at this time is not an option.

[John_W]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.

First off, 'paragraphs' should be your friend.

Second, there's a counterpoint to many of your observations. Fights at the squares, the only ones I've heard about were the woman line-dancers at Spanish Springs. I don't line dance, really don't dance much at all, and most times when there is trouble at SS, the Lady Lake Police will step in, or at least give you a ticket for going 26 in a 20.

Standing in line 45 minutes for an activity, doesn't happen at MVP. Of course it's not free, but it's the best $100 a month I pay for my wife and myself. There's plenty of classes and equipment for everyone to find something to do.

The 'beginners' at the executives holding up the regular golfers, don't you know the regular golfers are at the championship courses. We leave all the execs for the hackers. You have to spend a little money to get what you really want.

Long waiting lines for dinner. It's never happened to us. Then again, we never eat dinner out. We eat lunch out at least 3 to 5 times a week. It's cheaper, it's when I'm the hungriest, less customers, you have the rest of the day to burn it off.

The problem with doctors isn't just a Villages Health situation. My first VA doctor at the Villages VA almost killed me. He took me off of my Plavix (blood thinner) medication. He said, after 18 months you don't have to take Plavix anymore after getting a stent. He didn't know they have two kinds, a metal stent which is what he was talking about and a chemical stent, which is what I have and requires Plavix the rest of my life. My second Villages VA doctor was a 6'6" red hair woman from the Ukraine, but she was actually good but had to return to her homeland. The third and current VA doctor is from India and knows very little about anything I have a problem with. I usually have to do my internet research so when I see him, I know what to ask for.

[kaseydog]

Dear outlaw loved,loved,loved your post listing all the "wonderful???" things about the villages. I have lived here 3 years & things have changed & not for the better. I expect to be stoned to death by the paid i.e. Janet tutt & unpaid lakeys of the developer when i go to one of the squares for agreeing with you.
Do you know where i can buy a pair of rose colored glasses? They must come with blinders like horses wear so i can pretend the villages is perfect. Please keep these posts coming. Can't find a competent doctor either. So have to rely on the old adage "laughter is the best medicine" for now.

[kaseydog]

Dear outlaw p.s. I'm sure some retired english teacher will review my post for improper spelling,punctuation etc. I don't care whether you used paragraphs or not. Your post was truthful & entertaining.

[graciegirl]

Just think. If the developer wanted to be "greedy" he/they could build homes on all of the golf courses. Even if you don't play or it takes you two hours to play nine, they are a lovely thing for your eyes to behold.

What is the Villages Wine? A nice mellow glass of vinegar with your beef.

[Polar Bear]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.
My sincere sympathies.

[TomOB]

We lived in The Villages for 5 years to the day. Build out was promised, but it won't happen. We had a great time until it became a major metropolitan statistical area with too many people for us. We moved to a smaller development in Ocala and we are very happy here too. The Villages is a great place with a great business plan. I am not saying anything bad about The Villages. Enjoy it. We miss our wonderful neighbors, but we have wonderful neighbors here too. To each their own.

[outlaw]

I hope you don't mind but we didn't make your 2 to 5 years designation. We landed here in June 2016 and are thrilled fully. There is no Hocus Pocus with anything, the thing is we live with other people in a community and may be interrupted in our travels slightly and travel to a doctor may not be the perfection that was envisioned. I believe it's the way we all handle these ground shaking horrific challenges. It is better than we imagined before we arrived. Our expectations have been exceeded. You'll be fine in The Villages, the sky is not falling.

You're so right. The sky is not falling. The Morse bridge foundation may be collapsing, or another section of TV roadway may disappear into a sinkhole, but definitely the sky is not falling.

[outlaw]

I love this post! I am laughing so hard I am crying! Btw, I told you where to find $5.75 pitchers, right?

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

$5.75 pitchers of beer in TV!? Where?

[outlaw]

Just think. If the developer wanted to be "greedy" he/they could build homes on all of the golf courses. Even if you don't play or it takes you two hours to play nine, they are a lovely thing for your eyes to behold.

What is the Villages Wine? A nice mellow glass of vinegar with your beef.

No one wants to be greedy. They just are. There's nothing lovely about watching beginners play golf unless they're behind you. Waay behind you.

[pauld315]

One can always move to dry counties in the south.

Where are those specifically ?

[pauld315]

I received this as a private message from somebody I will not name, that many on this forum would recognize, when I asked why he and his wife left The Villages in 2010. I didn't write it so take it as you want

After about 5 years, we felt that The Villages was aging us. That may sound funny because there are so many youthful things to do there. For us, however, every place we went, theater, grocery store, restaurants, golf courses, stores, there were old people just like us. We craved a little youthfulness around us once in a while. Even now, when we go back to The Villages to visit our friends, we sense the constant age grinding at us all the time.

There was another complication for us. Golf carts everywhere. There are 80,000 residents and about 35,000 golf carts. They zig zag everywhere. People don't consider them to be cars. To most, they are toys. It is a constant assignment to watch for golf carts. Some guys soup them up to double speed. Others have never had a license in their life, but now drive a golf cart. Then there are those who are legally blind or too old to drive cars, but they drive their carts. It was getting to be a real annoyance to us. But, there 79,999 other people who don't mind.

Since our home in NY was 2 acres, we really felt hemmed in at the Villages. Deed restrictions keep the community looking beautiful, but also keep active residents from being the "kings of their castles."

Most residents call The Villages, "The Bubble." They joke about "drinking the Kool aide" Honestly, I don't want to live in a Bubble. I am my own person and want to live that way. I want to live in the "real" world.

We built in Plant City on 1 1/2 acres. I can do pretty much what I want and when I want to.

For most folks, The Villages is heaven on earth. But it wasn't for us.

[Fraugoofy]

$5.75 pitchers of beer in TV!? Where?
1. Honest John's at LSL has $1.50 pints on Monday, so that's $6 pitchers 2. Right outside of TV in Wildwood at a place called O' Shucks at 1016 Main Street. Great wings, too. Not cart accessible...$5.75 pitchers... check it out and let me know what you think!

Sent from my SM-N910R4 using Tapatalk

[rubicon]

Expectations -expectations- expectations it all begins with expectations and of course your frames of reference. I believed the area I moved down from was the best place in this nation and national survey after national survey supported my belief rating this city the highest and the state the second best in quality of life. A large metro area but so well designed and planned that traffic moved well and the area always kept in pristine conditions. So we were use to a large geographical area and large population but one that was well managed and well planned

We never viewed The Villages as some sort of Disney World, in fact thought such an idea should be discouraged because its a fantasy and sooner or later all fantasies disappear. Nor did we believe all the hype about living like a millionaire on retirement income. We focused on the tax situation and the restrictions that preserve properties. Golf carts for us are used for golf nothing more .

So when I would read these glowing almost mystical reports about TV and the developer my thoughts moved to their disappointments when they discovered this place wasn't built just for them and that the incremental crowding in and around TV would eventually put all those expectations to rest.

Indeed the poster referencing a large homogeneous population as a problem is correct something also we took into consideration

The aptly termed "posse" is correct;albeit my belief is that they believe they are taking the high (positive) road blunting negative and unfair comments. The saying a pessimist is an optimist with experience comes to mind .

Love it or leave it" well in my view when one retires savings/replenishment's become almost impossible so financial decisions must never be taken lightly . We made our move with both eyes wide open weighing out the pro and cons . I miss the place I moved from but one always has fonder memories of the past. So we adjust because the most crucial aspect of life is adaptation

Those who ask should we move to The Villages ought to first ask why is it I want to leave where I live presently?

Personal Best Regards:

[ColdNoMore]

Expectations -expectations- expectations it all begins with expectations and of course your frames of reference. I believed the area I moved down from was the best place in this nation and national survey after national survey supported my belief rating this city the highest and the state the second best in quality of life. A large metro area but so well designed and planned that traffic moved well and the area always kept in pristine conditions. So we were use to a large geographical area and large population but one that was well managed and well planned

We never viewed The Villages as some sort of Disney World, in fact thought such an idea should be discouraged because its a fantasy and sooner or later all fantasies disappear. Nor did we believe all the hype about living like a millionaire on retirement income. We focused on the tax situation and the restrictions that preserve properties. Golf carts for us are used for golf nothing more .

So when I would read these glowing almost mystical reports about TV and the developer my thoughts moved to their disappointments when they discovered this place wasn't built just for them and that the incremental crowding in and around TV would eventually put all those expectations to rest.

Indeed the poster referencing a large homogeneous population as a problem is correct something also we took into consideration

The aptly termed "posse" is correct;albeit my belief is that they believe they are taking the high (positive) road blunting negative and unfair comments. The saying a pessimist is an optimist with experience comes to mind .

Love it or leave it" well in my view when one retires savings/replenishment's become almost impossible so financial decisions must never be taken lightly . We made our move with both eyes wide open weighing out the pro and cons . I miss the place I moved from but one always has fonder memories of the past. So we adjust because the most crucial aspect of life is adaptation

Those who ask should we move to The Villages ought to first ask why is it I want to leave where I live presently?

Personal Best Regards:

Good post.

I would just reiterate what others have already said...rent for a while first.

[Bay Kid]

Still loving TV!

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Cmgregory;1307156]For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Well the community is great in many ways. But for a bicycle person it is not good, not at all. After what happened to me yesterday which is a major thorn in the side of the exercise world of enjoying a bicycle. We do not feel we fit in here and will proceed to make some adjustments. Let me add. There is a bike lawyer named Dotson, if you need help.
Unfortunately it is going to take a major lawsuit and or accident or death to bring this item up for action.

bbbbbb

[bbbbbb]

Good post.

I would just reiterate what others have already said...rent for a while first.

Yes, rent for about 3 or more months, maybe stagger some seasons, a month or so and then more at a different time. We came here three times for a month each, it was not enough. You have to be here awhile to get the real picture. Only one example, we were told you can ride on the sidewalks when it is safe and unoccupied. Well that is not the truth. We were told that the Multi Modal paths are for bicycles, well not so much folks. So if you are considering this, make up your mind if you do like to see a lot of drinking, excessively or not,,,,,,,,,, then decide.
bbbbbb

[Matzy]

There are always pro's and con's. People are different and have different ideas, feelings, life-styles, taste's, etc. But they have it everywhere they live.
For us, when we visit the first time TV, it was like a dream and we want to make it like the dream came true. Yes, we checked out TV completely, lived for several month there and found the uniformity, the strict rules and we missed some culture events like going to museums, National sites, zoo, etc.
But we know also that it will be impossible to find a place which can fulfill ALL expectations at once people can have. Living before coming to USA at overseas for more than 25 years, then California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, we found the place "The Villages" and we did find out that WE have to change and adapt a little bit more, OPEN the eyes wide and see the BEAUTY of the place, the WONDERFUL PEOPLE (including all what might be different in each person - which make a person wonderful).
We found the best solution for us (in can change of course when we are getting older), living at two (special for us :Wonderful-) places, The Villages and St. Louis, and we still traveling around the world.
May you find your place you like when you are READY for it.
Yes, some people saying it's a BUBBLE, if you want to you can see it as that, others saying it isn't the REAL world, and my answer to that is:
IT IS THE REAL WORLD LIKE PEOPLE CREATED IT, IT IS THE REAL WORLD YOU WANT TO LIVE IN.
Other places might be dirty, full of crime..... call it 'real', it isn't for me and it isn't the natural world either.

[Sandtrap328]

Yes, rent for about 3 or more months, maybe stagger some seasons, a month or so and then more at a different time. We came here three times for a month each, it was not enough. You have to be here awhile to get the real picture. Only one example, we were told you can ride on the sidewalks when it is safe and unoccupied. Well that is not the truth. We were told that the Multi Modal paths are for bicycles, well not so much folks. So if you are considering this, make up your mind if you do like to see a lot of drinking, excessively or not,,,,,,,,,, then decide.
bbbbbb

Ah yes, the bicyclers! Obey the rules of the road and all will be fine. However, a group of 15 or 20 bicyclers will come to a stop sign and just blow right through like the sign was not even a suggestion to stop. They will ride 4 abreast taking up the entire MM path. All are equal on the roads and MM paths - but bicyclers are a little more equal?

[outlaw]

[QUOTE=Cmgregory;1307156]For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Well the community is great in many ways. But for a bicycle person it is not good, not at all. After what happened to me yesterday which is a major thorn in the side of the exercise world of enjoying a bicycle. We do not feel we fit in here and will proceed to make some adjustments. Let me add. There is a bike lawyer named Dotson, if you need help.
Unfortunately it is going to take a major lawsuit and or accident or death to bring this item up for action.

bbbbbb

Interesting that you think TV is not bike friendly. In my case, one of the major factors for moving here, was the miles and miles of neighborhood streets for bike riding. I feel much safer riding here than where I lived before. I love riding on the mmp, but I do stay as far to the right as possible and try to accommodate the golf carts. I find that the golf carts are much less a problem than the walkers that insist on walking two and three abreast, frequently walking WITH traffic. I never ride on the major roadways in TV unless there is a marked cart/bike lane. I get all the exercise and lung busting intensity I can handle off of these major roadways.

[Polar Bear]

[QUOTE=bbbbbb;1308455]

Interesting that you think TV is not bike friendly. In my case, one of the major factors for moving here, was the miles and miles of neighborhood streets for bike riding. I feel much safer riding here than where I lived before. I love riding on the mmp...I get all the exercise and lung busting intensity I can handle off of these major roadways.
Totally agree. I ride now much more and feel much safer than I every have previously...anywhere.

[paulascorpio]

We have lived here 2.5 years and LOVE it all, our neighborhood, the friends we've made, the choice to be active or not on a daily basis. Things to do, places to go and lots of new learning experiences. My husband did get cancer July of last year and it was terrifying to be in a new place and not know where to go for good cancer care. Boy was I surprised!! Shands and Moffitt a small drive in either directions with some of the best care in the SouthEast and fabulous doctors. I am grateful he is doing well at the blessed hands of his wonderful doctors. So really there is no need to go anywhere else.

[fb32162]

We moved here 5 yrs ago this week. We didn't know a soul when we moved here. We have made wonderful friends and are involved in many groups and activities. It took us about a year to feel like this was "home". We had several cross country moves during our careers and I can say this was by far the easiest place to meet people and make friends. No regrets!

[joldnol]

We have been here a few weeks more than two years. The first year we rode around with Villages rose colored glasses and were in awe of everything. The shine has worn off but one can't find a better place to be. No regrets.

[vikkip109]

It's better than we thought it would be.
Wish we had moved sooner.
The squares are great but there is so much more.
You will regret waiting.
We moved from VA 3 years ago

[Ray Roberts]

No
No
The Villages Management changed due to a death of the original Developer. Since that, things are changing, not for the better, in my opinion.
Bought in 2010, full time.
It's probably as good as you'll find though, you just have balance things out.
Most villagers are great, but not all, that's for sure. Certainly not perfect.

[Villagesgal]

I've lived here 15 years. I would definitely buy here again. It is an amazing place. Most unhappy people here were probably unhappy back where they came from. I would suggest you take the class offered by the Villages about how this system of govt. works as it is not a town and runs differently. You would then know what to expect and how your money is being spent. It isn't heaven on earth but no place is but if you are realistic it comes close. Snowbird season is congested. The summers are great. There arr rude people here but they are everywhere. There are wonderful people here too, seek them out and you will love it here. There's lots to do here, get out and enjoy the things you love. If one of you gets ill there are support groups to help you. The developer is in it for the money but has built an amazing place. Look for the good and you will find it and enjoy living here. Do take the govt class though it explains things here well. Hope to see you happily living here someday.

[asianthree]

Just returned from doctor's office located on 441. Receptionist put our names on a waiting list about 10 pages long with about 50 names on each page.
Developer touted the tv health centers (that took my insurance at the time of home purchase) as a selling gimmic. I have health issues & this figured into our decision on whether to buy in the villages. Were members of tv health for 3 years. Now we are forced to choose between my excellent health insurance and medicare advantage(2017 version). Medicare advantage(2018) plan is in the works but agents say they are not privy to the details.
Medicare advantage agent said it would be unwise to drop my plan & go with tv health plan. $0 copay is too good to be true when you analise all the delails of the plan. Moving at this time is not an option.

Must be the largest waiting room ever, 500 people in one day....must be going for worlds record

[spofford]

The complaints I have heard many times over 8 years being a snowflake, gone in the summer, here the rest of the time, is too many people. Roundabouts, golf paths, Publix at Colony Cottage, squares for popular groups, going out to dinner with friends are all crowded Jan to March. Tee times you want are harder to get January to March on executive courses, and if not a priority member on championship, also fees to play are higher. If you like the big city life, not here.
For me, I work around all these issues and enjoy being retired, with softball, golf, riding bike, friendly people, except during national elections.
We do tell friend to rent and experience the Villages before buying a house. Enjoy

[daca55]

I have owned for over 5 years now. I bought here because of all the amenities, the cleanliness, the rules that each village has and the safety. My only complaint is the over building. To me enough is enough but the Villages just keeps getting bigger and bigger. High season there are lots of people presently but if they continue to keep expanding it is going to even busier than it is now. Just hope the owners at some point will say enough is enough. Good luck!:gc:

[banjobob]

Have been here 4 years and love every minute of it, the occasional gripes and whines are normal for a large community like this my gripe is the constant expansion and lack of supporting amenities, Pickle ball courts and golf courses population growth seems to be outpacing the ability of the developer to manage the amenities and causing overload in the winter on existing facilities

[Irishgirl0317]

I love living here BUT ...becoming overcrowded...questioning if the good out ways the bad traffic when the seasonal renters arrive.

[injunlee]

Moved to the Villages 10 years ago. This place is an adult Disneyland. So much to do and at reasonable prices. I know for sure Ive added years to my life and much healthier than I would be retired back up North. If you can't find something to do you like, there's something wrong with you.....it's all here. Gets pretty congested when all the snow birds are back (restaurants and golf courses) but I wouldn't give it up for any other alternative!!!

[Daylight]

Been here 2 1/2 years. It's like any other place we have ever lived. Some things you like, some you don't. We came from small town midwest and in the short time we have lived here the number of residents and guests migrating here has been amazing. And it's not stopping. So if you get the message that build-out is forthcoming (like we did), forget it, it ain't gonna happen. The summers are brutally hot and while the winter weather is wonderful the sheer number of people restricts access to restaurants and other services. The good thing is, if you wish to leave you shouldn't have much trouble selling a property. All in all, we do not regret giving TV a try but we are considering options to leave. It's not for everyone.

[OhioBuckeye]

We found the Villages about 26 yrs ago, couldn't believe all the smiley people, had to be a catch!
Spent 10 yrs coming & going looking for it then gave in & bought in Santiago in 1999 when that was "the end of the earth" Lived there for 11 yrs with wonderful friends & neighbours with whom I am still closely in touch .
Moved South to Tamarind 5 yrs ago to find yet another lovely community & friends.
When we first bought, there were generally only the restaurants around the squares + country clubs that were golf cart accessible, & at that time you could not use your golf cart at night so had bikes or used taxis. Also not much in the way of stores & nearest hardware stores were Ocala or Leesburg,
Yes, things have changed ( in 1999 I could go to square & know most peoples faces) however much change in the way of Cinemas, shopping, entertainment, & recreational opportunities but each Village (wherever you choose to live) has retained it's own community within the greater Villages with everything you could wish for for a wonderful retirement.
Of course you will always find the occasional dissatisfied person, but I notice that though they may complain they seldom leave.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Just wish I could be an American!!!
We are Snowbirds from across the Pond who have been well accepted by everyone & grateful for it & the chance to spend 6 months in our home in the sun

You know I don't want to knock the Villages but I agree with most of what BITSEE said. We've lived here as permanent residents for 5 yrs. south of 466A & the Village we live in is really great & the people in our village are the best. We have 1 gentleman in our village that pretty much plans everything in our village, wish I could tell you his name but I didn't get his permission & maybe he wouldn't like it. But I found out that whatever you can buy here it's cheaper outside the Villages, the water is expensive & not that good, buying houses,well that's got some pro's & con's, but the really good thing here is, where else can you play golf for FREE, other than Championship courses. Since we've lived here I've been in some other retirement communities that are just like The Villages & as nice & maybe just a little better but that just depends on who's evaluating it. For instance we liked Robson Ranch in Argyle, TX, but they have some pro's & con's too. Anyway I don't think we'll be living here for probably more than 6 to 7 yrs. more. It's getting to big & I'm afraid when the building stops & the money is cut things will go up. Now that's just my opinion & I know there's some people that will think I'm right & they'll be some that think I don't know what I'm talking about.

[GypsyBuddy]

We moved here to be full time residents more than 4 years ago and I would say it's the best move I've ever made. I can strike up a conversation and make a friend even waiting in line for my prescription. Everywhere we go, we engage in conversation with other Villagers. We love dancing at the squares, love our dance class with Lola and Bob Miller, love golf, love being close to a gym, and just appreciate having activities and people to do them with at all hours of the day. The weather gets chilly now and then, thank goodness because it gives us time to rest, but there are nice days every month of the year for being outdoors. It's the ease of getting around and the friendly people plus activities that make this place so wonderful.

[LianneMigiano]

YES! And a million times YES! We bought 6+ years ago and wish we had made the move way before that! We're not golfers - but love the camaraderie of neighborhoods and all of the activities that are available within easy commuting distance by golf cart everywhere. As far as we're concerned this truly is like a Disneyland for seniors.

[caitzach]

Been a full time resident for 12 years. Depending what you want it is all here in the Villages unless you want to be near water. I really believe part time residents and full time approach their time here differently. Seasonal are constantly busy and often approach as a resort. Full time live here and settle into a routine and the WOW factor wears off. One cannot criticize what the Villages has to offer. It all depends what you want.

[john2]

yes yes yes We love living in TV and wouldn't live anywhere else. I did move from Glenbrook to the historic side because I love it over here. I would just advise that the neighborhood is more important that the house you want. Plus look for a property you can expand. There are no basements here and if you are going to be a frog you need storage.

[OhioBuckeye]

Have been here 4 years and love every minute of it, the occasional gripes and whines are normal for a large community like this my gripe is the constant expansion and lack of supporting amenities, Pickle ball courts and golf courses population growth seems to be outpacing the ability of the developer to manage the amenities and causing overload in the winter on existing facilities

I agree! As the Villages is growing very fast it seems like our amenities are going up very slowly or will be going up very slowly. If whoever want the Villages to keep growing & they're the ones making lots & lots of money they ought to be not raising the amenities to keep making them rich because one of these days as things keep getting older & older some one is going to have to be shelling out more money to keep everything in tip top shape & just like every other community around the country that have these housing developments that lure people into there communities, eventually they back out of the community & pass the maintenance onto the owners or they get some slum lord to buy it. Right now the bigger it gets the closer I'm getting not to want to live here. But right now it's like someone said it's like Disneyland here for retirees & a lot of fun, but like the old saying, "Everything come to an end sooner or later".

[navair4me]

I agreed to visit The Villages just over 5 years ago for one reason only....to make my husband stop begging to see it. I was not a golfer, he loved golf and had seen the commercials on the Golf Network and wanted to be able to golf year round (or nearly year round) once he retired.

Some friends had recently moved down so I reluctantly agreed to "go check it out" with the condition that if I said no, there would be no further discussion. Clearly we did not intend to buy a house during our first visit....however I failed miserably in the "just say no" department! We came for a 5 day "lifestyle visit" and late afternoon on Day 4 we found a house which we knew we'd never be able to find again at that price and location if we decided to buy later. So on the last day of our visit we stopped by the Lake Sumter office to sign the paperwork before we headed for the airport. Returned a month later to close on the house and went back and forth (not at the typical snowbird times) for 3 years before we fully retired, sold the home in IL and moved here full time. We have now been full time residents for 2 plus years and have yet to regret the decision. For social reasons, I even took up golfing (my friends still find that hilarious) and we still really enjoy being in The Villages full time. Neighbors are friendly, lots to do even if you don't golf and you sure can't beat the weather. The only question most people have is, "why did we wait so long?"

Now I am recruiting friends to come join us....and we are making good progress! navair4me

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

[bbbbbb]

Ah yes, the bicyclers! Obey the rules of the road and all will be fine. However, a group of 15 or 20 bicyclers will come to a stop sign and just blow right through like the sign was not even a suggestion to stop. They will ride 4 abreast taking up the entire MM path. All are equal on the roads and MM paths - but bicyclers are a little more equal?

Responding to Sandtrap. By bbbbbb
Yes, there are some bike persons, some cart persons, some car persons and some motorcycle persons who are way out of line. We wish it was not that way. According to the Florida Bike Laws, a bike rider is required to obey all road requirements and riding two abreast is OK but not more than two. An auto or cart is supposed to be three feet away, clearance from a bike. Some carts do and some do not. Some persons really take offense of bicycles. On a milti-modal path if I see a cart coming from behind, I pull over, slow down and give all the clearance that is possible at that time. We also park our bikes in the most unobtrusive area possible.
So now Sir, what about this?: 1. I am as far over on the path as I can get, I see a cart coming from behind, I am coasting, not pedaling and the cart comes by at incredible speed, the passenger leans over and swats my rear view mirror with his hand, really hard, he disfigures it for sure.
2. I have parked my bike out of the way, a man sort of staggers up and every few words start with "Mother,,,,,,,,,,, Bike riders". He then says he is going to stomp the spokes out of my bike. Well sir, lucky for him it was only nasty words spoken by him.
3. We have friends who we invited here to see this wonderful place, we did a lot of bragging. They were going to be here a month and find a house. They rented bikes. At two weeks, they left early with this comment: No biking for us in this zoo.
Sorry wish it were not so. Yes, we know about the suggestion, we should move. It takes time.

[dmgrillo]

I have lived here for 10 years and still love it. Even though it is getting very crowded, I still would choose to live here.

[siralex2]

Try looking into the Lifestyle program to get a good feel for what the Villages has to offer. We rented for over 4 years, different homes, different areas, and finally bought last November. We are tickled pink!

[CindyNah1]

I have only been here 12 months, lived thru the "hottest summer" and a hurricane. WOULD not change my decision. LOVE It here, Is it perfect , of course not, but the best there is YES

[John_W]

I agree! As the Villages is growing very fast it seems like our amenities are going up very slowly or will be going up very slowly. If whoever want the Villages to keep growing & they're the ones making lots & lots of money they ought to be not raising the amenities to keep making them rich because one of these days as things keep getting older & older some one is going to have to be shelling out more money to keep everything in tip top shape & just like every other community around the country that have these housing developments that lure people into there communities, eventually they back out of the community & pass the maintenance onto the owners or they get some slum lord to buy it. Right now the bigger it gets the closer I'm getting not to want to live here. But right now it's like someone said it's like Disneyland here for retirees & a lot of fun, but like the old saying, "Everything come to an end sooner or later".

My amenties fee when I moved here in 2011 was $135 and on the same house my current amount is $144. I don't think that's a big jump to worry about in 5-1/2 years. As far as keeping amenties in tip-top shape, I think they are being kept in tip-top shape. If you read the newspaper, the CDC's are always remodeling, rebuilding or refurbishing a Rec Center, a swimming pool, cart paths, something everyday when I look around. You also pay a maintence fee on your yearly tax and bond bill. That's going to the landscaping and all the other upkeep and my maintenance share hasn't changed from the original amount of $450 a year. I don't think the developer is getting rich off of that. He's getting his money from the homes we buy, and the amenties he sells to the CDC's and the fees we pay for golf, teetime reservations, the rents from the retailers, etc.

[Arubagirl33]

What a difference 6 years has made as far as age. South of 466A is not aging us and I wouldn't call it a bunch of old people. I'm 54
my next door neighbor is 54, another friend is 48 and three couples in there 50's came to stay with us and All purchased homes here.
So.... Depends on what section you're looking to move into. Loving "Baby Boomer Brownwood"

[CathyBoring]

We absolutely love it. We've been visiting for over 10 years and became year-round residences in 2010. We've made a lot of very good friends and there's always something going on. We love live music and can find that everywhere. I just started playing golf when we moved here, but my husband has played his whole life, so we're enjoying that. We seem to eat out more than we probably should and have many favorite restaurants. We have a priority golf and pool membership and love lounging at either Hacienda or Orange Blossom pool. I still work three days a week and can't wait until I can fully retire and take advantage of some of the other clubs and activities. We've never had a second thought about moving here. My husband calls it an adult Disneyland.

[larry kratz]

=Cmgregory;1307156]For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments![/QUOTE]
We have been here six years and although it's a beautiful place we don't golf or do many things. I thought I was ready to live in a very confining area however if it wasn't for the wife having nice friends I would move away yesterday.

[John_W]

We have been here six years and although it's a beautiful place we don't golf or do many things. I thought I was ready to live in a very confining area however if it wasn't for the wife having nice friends I would move away yesterday.

Since I grew up in Florida and lived about 30 years here and on the Gulf coast in St. Pete and Pensacola, I didn't look all that much. My parents retired in Spring Hill at a place called Timber Pines. Where would you move if you had the chance to move?

We've been here 5-1/2 years and I have since looked at other areas such as Stonecrest and Summerglen, right up the street from TV, and around Leesburg and Clermont and none of these seem to be very appealing because they are inland like us, but have less to look at and see. I enjoy having a movie theater that is predominately villagers in the audience. I enjoy going to the square and listening to live music that appeals to me. Recently that would be Johnny D and the Starlights.

I have recently visited Spring Hill, that's in Hernando County about an hour's drive south of here along the coast. Not Timber Pines where my parents retired, which is built out, but Heritage Pines, it's another gated community and seemed really nice and a little newer than Timber Pines. They are also built out but more recently and is well maintained and very strict about who can enter. You're 30 to 45 minutes to Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Tampa and an hour to St. Petersburg. That's nice to have the ability to do, and the home prices are unreal, as in much cheaper.

Just here in our area, a builder is advertising new masonry homes on Hwy 42 across from Mulberry Rec Center. It's family housing, but for $189K you get 3BR 2BA, 2Car garage, granite, stainless steel, wood floors, the works. For a working person at the VA or in TV it appears to be ideal. I guess I'm always looking, that's hobby in itself.

Heritage Pines - Home Page (http://www.heritagepines.net/home.asp)

[villagegourmet]

I'm born and raised in Manhattan. For me, it is the Best City on this planet, but it's too cold! The next best city is The Villages! Walking around the squares, going to a show/ movie, dinner, shopping, sports, etc is like a little Manhattan with no snow! Plus it's a great investment.

[angiefox10]

We moved here 5 years ago. Wow.. the time has gone by so fast! I still get excited when I think back to our moving here!

We still feel like we are on vacation and feel so lucky to live here.

I love that it's BIG!!! So much more to do and so many more clubs and activities!

We have the greatest neighbors!!!! I feel like I've known them for 30 years! So much fun and you can count on them if you need something. 120,000 people with a home town feel.

I get happy every time i stop to think.... I LIVE HERE!!!!

I'm sure its' not for everyone... but it sure is for us!!!!

[tomwed]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!It is.

[loweglor]

It's better!!!!

[jensul619]

=Cmgregory;1307156]For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!
We have been here six years and although it's a beautiful place we don't golf or do many things. I thought I was ready to live in a very confining area however if it wasn't for the wife having nice friends I would move away yesterday.[/QUOTE]
We have lived here for 12 years. Were in Village Health Care with Medicare and Supplement. VHC dropped us effective 12/31/16 unless we signed up for Villages Medicare Advantage. This plan is good if you are healthy and have no health issues. Now I need to thank the Villages for dropping us. Rather than waiting until the end of the year, we found a new primary care doctor outside of the villages right away, so we were and will be able to keep our medicare and supplement. Thank God we did. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in mid-October and needed a mastectomy. I went to a general surgeon here in the Villages who I was not at all impressed with but who was recommended by my Villages Specialty Care gynecologist (who I can still see and be covered with my insurance). My mastectomy was performed in early November at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. The staff at Moffitt is unbelievably compassionate, as well as their surgeons being the tops in the US. Now, if I was a Villages Health Medicare Advantage patient, since Moffitt is NOT in their network of hospitals nor is the surgeon also operated on me, I would be in really big trouble, because Moffitt and the doctors there would be considered "out of network" and not covered. So in choosing your health care insurance for 2017 and beyond, be very very careful. I had no serious health issues whatsoever. When I see all the expensive advertising flyers we receive almost daily, I want to scream and warn everyone that the Medicare Advantage plans do not work for anyone who has any kind of serious health issues. I hope this helps others make the right decision.

[RickeyD]

You're fortunate and smart.

[dbussone]

I agree 100%, Tom.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Villages Kahuna]

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!Yes...Yes....and Yes...really can't think of any negatives, except high season traffic. But that's true anywhere in Florida.

[bbbbbb]

[QUOTE=Cmgregory;1307156]For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

From bbbbbb
Keeping it short,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, NOPE absolutely, NOPE.
:pepper2::pepper2:

[spofford]

good to place if you want to be active, softball, pickleball, golf, clubs, gym, etc. If you are looking for big city life, 24/7 not the place for you.

[Matzy]

Back to the main question.
Depends what are you looking for: 1. Is it good......? no answer because I don't know your personal standards. For me: VERY good !
2. Yes, I would buy again! It is not just worth to buy here, it is a wonderful investment, too.

[PennBF]

We have been here going on 10 years and can't think of anything better. Spent about 10 years living on the beach in Florida long time in New York so have a good feel for different locations. New York is to earn income to live in sun, beach is fun but can be boring after a year or so and The Villages are great year around. Best move we ever made and would do it again in a heart beat! If your bored or unhappy you have serious problems and may want to consider therapy.:ho:

[Two Bills]

Without a doubt the best time to be here is in the summer. when all the snowbirds have departed, and tranquility reigns.
During the summer months, there is no crime, never any drunks on the squares or driving golf carts, seat saving never happens, there is no bad driving, litter being dropped, the roundabouts work like clockwork, and of course, all vehicles observe the speed limit, and golf carts never exceed 20mph.
All problems here are caused by the snowbirds, and I still think it was one of them that shot JFK.

[Loudoll]

We found The Villages to be all that was promised, and then some. It's a wonderful, magical place but I didn't want to stay. Do you remember the childhood story about the little girl who wished that every day was her birthday? Well, that's kind of the way it was for me, one continuing party in a beautifully decorated venue. Personally, I began to feel "off" being mostly around those of the geriatiric set enjoying it all but feeling a little like Soylent Green in seeing the future. Kind of creepy for me. I prefer being around the action that includes all generations, if possible.I belong to a gym that has two pools with plenty of my age group participating.
Felt a little too much like God's waiting room for me. I like the changes of the seasons, and yes. Snow. lol But that's just me, and to each his own.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

We bought here in 2011 and moved in full time 3 years ago. Do I love absolutely everything about living here? Of course not, but I don't think I loved everything about anywhere I've lived. What I can say is I am so glad I live here and I love most of what there is about living here. This is probably the best place I've ever lived. I don't think most of the people are anything but friendly and wonderful and that includes a few cranky ones although I don't think I can remember the last time I've encountered an unfriendly person. Yes, the roads are getting crowded but we just came back from visiting Savannah where the roads are crowded all the time no matter what time of day and I loved that city but hated the traffic. Is it hot in summer? Yep, but so what? When it's hot up north we stay in a/c and we do that here. Same thing and I have lovely winters without bad weather. And it's hot everywhere in summer anyway. I do have to drive farther to shop but I shop more online and I don't need as much now because my home is smaller and my lifestyle more simple. I miss some things but I get by without them. I really love the friends I've made, the people I meet that fill my days when I want to be social and the activities I can engage in when it suits me. I don't like the local restaurants much but that's just my opinion and we can always go to Orlando if I want a more exciting meal or better shopping- it's only an hour away. Overall, the only thing that really bothers me here is that I miss having a large pack of dogs in my life. Most people won't have that problem but when I had 7 huge dogs to greet me when I came home that made me happy and for the OP I'm sure that's not a consideration. At least this isn't one of those communities that has a 20 lb dog limit!

[Miles42]

For medical care of any serious nature I think it has been a nightmare so far. Great place if you are healthy though. There is no where else like it.