Our new home

[ReliableSource]

Hello fellow Villagers ! We’ll be moving here full time in a few months and wanted to introduce myself knowing what a warm welcome I can expect. For starters, is there anything we should know first going in ?
Thanks all !

[Cobh521]

Do not hire any landscapers and/or contractors without checking with Seniors vs Crime. There are companies that take your money and do not perform the work

[retiredguy123]

Don't pay for any services in advance, especially anything related to landscaping. Don't hire Service Smart for anything. Don't buy a water softener or filter system until you fully explore your options and decide that you really need it. You probably don't need it. If you have a new house, you probably don't need to sign any service contracts at all for awhile, except for maybe pest control, grass cutting, and fertilizing. But, again, there is no need to pay in advance or to sign an annual contract for any of these services. Pay as you go.

[retiredguy123]

Do not hire any landscapers and/or contractors without checking with Seniors vs Crime. There are companies that take your money and do not perform the work
Regardless of what Seniors vs Crimes says about any company, do not pay anybody in advance. You can get work done before you pay for it. Then, you won't get ripped off, like hundreds of people who complain on this web site.

[jnieman]

Don't pay a year in advance for any service especially landscaping. Don't pay the contractor up front for the work they plan to do. If they need money for materials they can deliver them to your house and then pay them for them after they give you a receipt. Don't hire a company that you have to pay in increments. All of the work we have had done we do an inspection of the work then they get paid.

[champion6]

Just know this ... the best is yet to come! Congratulations

[2BNTV]

Don't answer your phone unless you recognize the phone number as many vendors will be calling.

Nomorobo is a company that blocks telemarketing calls to your phone.

I would purchase the Nova Water Filtration system. Probably, a little more than $500.

I would ask your neighbors who does their lawn service and pest control.

Maybe you get a reduced rate for lawn cutting if you all use the same person.

[Jayhawk]

Ignore anyone who complains about every topic. There are only about 20 serial complainers but you will figure out soon who they are.

Otherwise, just love it. The place is awesome.

[eweissenbach]

Welcome and enjoy! There is probably nothing that you NEED to do right away. Talk to neighbors and friends and get ideas for what to do and who you can trust. Search this forum for recommendations for any services as you can probably rely on a consensus of opinions from TOTVers. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood activities and get to know people. Try the various activities and clubs that interest you and determine those things that will make you happy long term. There is no reason not to be happy here if you have a good attitude and surround yourself with good and happy people. You have a great adventure ahead!

[Taltarzac725]

Hello fellow Villagers ! We’ll be moving here full time in a few months and wanted to introduce myself knowing what a warm welcome I can expect. For starters, is there anything we should know first going in ?
Thanks all !

This web-site has many links about living in the Villages--

VIRGINIA TRACE, THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA (http://virginiatrace.com/) :024:

[jojo]

A warm welcome. Choosing to live in The Villages was the best decision we ever made. After ten years, I still love that I can drive the golf cart everywhere, the beauty of the place, the incredible options for fitness, sports, arts, town squares etc. You cannot help but love it here. Enjoy.

[DeanFL]

Ignore anyone who complains about every topic. There are only about 20 serial complainers but you will figure out soon who they are. .


I guess I'm one of the 20 Jayhawk. I never liked Count Chocula, Fruity Pebbles, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Oh, I also need new reading glasses.

[skip0358]

Don't rush into anything. Meet your neighbors, look around, explore. Listen to what others have said regarding the contractors NO MONEY UPFRONT. As for the Restaurants & other hangouts try them yourself & decide. Don't listen to the food critics. If there are places close to your home for frequent hang outs check them out. Don't rush into anything, go to your neighborhood pool, great place to meet people.
Welcome & enjoy

[ColdNoMore]

Hello fellow Villagers ! We’ll be moving here full time in a few months and wanted to introduce myself knowing what a warm welcome I can expect. For starters, is there anything we should know first going in ?
Thanks all !

It might take a while, but I suggest you read all of the posts in this thread...which gives a plethora of 'opinions' for new Villagers. :thumbup:


Opinions/Observations/Suggestions For New Villagers (Click Here) (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/helpful-advice-warnings-brand-new-villagers-72476/)


While some may be a bit dated, I think it still covers a lot of the questions that you may have.


And welcome to...da neighborhood(s). :ho:

[ColdNoMore]

I guess I'm one of the 20 Jayhawk. I never liked Count Chocula, Fruity Pebbles, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Oh, I also need new reading glasses.

And whatever one does, definitely stay away from these:


CDC - Do Not Eat This Cereal (Poke Here) (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-warning-on-kelloggs-honey-smacks-do-not-eat-this-cereal/)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a popular Kellogg's cereal has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has infected 100 people in 33 states. The CDC tweeted Thursday that customers should avoid Honey Smacks. "Do not eat this cereal," the warning read.

...

[ladygolfer123]

Join Nextdoor.com online when you get settled. Lot of Villagers belong and get and give good recommendations for almost any topic you can think of!!

[EPutnam1863]

We know there is no place that is perfect. As long as we don't have unrealitisically high expectations, we wont' fall so hard but will come back up more easily.

[HoosierPa]

A couple of vendors who did work for us and get rave reviews on here and by me are ...Nova Water Filtration, Tim Miller (Tim the Tool Man) for garage epoxy floor coatings and pull down garage stairs. Always check references here before hiring anyone. As a general rule, don’t hire anyone who knocks on your door. Welcome and good luck !

[villagetinker]

Beware of the welcome wagon and the water testing people, both are selling water treatment systems, some are quite expensive. Send me a PM and I will be glad to talk at length over the phone.

[joansullivan]

Welcome! You will love it. There is so much to do. Winters much gentler than NH.
Part of my problem was not joining everything I thought would be interesting or relevant the first day. There are almost 3.000 clubs/activities. They have something for everyone. Enjoy!!