Would you recommend The Villages for me?

[Quills]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

[Taltarzac725]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia


It really depends on the neighbors in question and how well they get along. We have a few neighbors who bicker often and avoid one another in social settings. I try not to take sides and to remain neutral.

I would try to get an idea of what the neighbors are really like once you have a location in mind. It is location, location, location IMHO especially in the Villages.

I see you live in Northern VA. Brother used to live in Burke, VA and sister-in-law (his wife) grew up in that area and went to a high school in Alexandria.

Some of my friends here in the Villages have moved numerous times around different parts of the Villages looking for just the right fit. We lucked out and found a nice spot in June of 2005 but you do have to make an effort to get along with the people in your area.

[Bogie Shooter]

Go with what you have experienced, don't worry about the slim minority of naysayers.
BTW are there no bad neighbors in Virginia?

[Quills]

Thanks, good advice, location, location
Yea, we lived in Fairfax County for many years then moved to the country in Fauquier County.
We've sold our home here and we're moving south in 2 weeks!

[charmed59]

I don’t feel these forums accurately portray the friendly atmosphere I find in the Villages. If you’ve stayed a few times you have probably noticed that most people have the live and let live attitude. Online forums tend to attract those with definite opinions and the desire to share them.

Dogs and retired folks go together. There are studies that show older folks with dogs tend to live longer, as they have someone to exercise with and keep them company. So you wouldn’t be in the minority there. And there are more than a few car clubs with like minded people who apparently take pride in their vehicles like you do.

Given your background I think you would fit in well here.

[Quills]

Oh yeah, bad neighbors can be anywhere. We have been very lucky for the past 17 years in Fauquier County. 6 1/2 wooded acres made for easy going times with the few neighbors we had.
Thanks

[Taltarzac725]

Oh yeah, bad neighbors can be anywhere. We have been very lucky for the past 17 years in Fauquier County. 6 1/2 wooded acres made for easy going times with the few neighbors we had.
Thanks

I would try to get in contact with the retired law enforcement groups here in the Villages. They can probably give you a lot of pointers and the like. There might be one for just VA. THE VILLAGES RETIRED POLICE & FIRE CLUB - Home (https://www.policeandfireretireesclubus.com/)

I have met a lot of retired cops and firemen here in the Villages and almost every other man here has been in the military. And the ones I met usually had a dog or two or three with them.

[thetruth]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

In reply to your post. Cigars, working on cars with friends while playing the radio.

TRUTH-I hope you will not be moving in. This place is sort of like apartment living. People close together. Realize, your playing a radio while ?????? the sound does not stop at your property line.

From your post, you realize that you will have issues with your neighbors and I expect you know better than people reading your inquiry.

[rjm1cc]

Read the rules for the community and if they fit into your live and let live and you will be complying with them all is ok. If you do not like the rules then move on.

[DonH57]

Oh yeah, bad neighbors can be anywhere. We have been very lucky for the past 17 years in Fauquier County. 6 1/2 wooded acres made for easy going times with the few neighbors we had.
Thanks

My grandfather had a diary farm in Fauquier county near Warrenton many years ago.

[John_W]

...

[anothersteve]

In reply to your post. Cigars, working on cars with friends while playing the radio.


From your post, you realize that you will have issues with your neighbors and I expect you know better than people reading your inquiry.

Well.... at least one neighbor..(not me).. anyway.
Steve

[John_W]

...

[anothersteve]

I always play my radio in the garage, have two speakers mounted in the ceiling, when I'm in the driveway working on my car. Most of the time when I'm out there, other neighbors stop by to talk and I don't get any work done.

Just to clarify, I wasn't talking about me
Steve

[valuemkt]

In reply to your post. Cigars, working on cars with friends while playing the radio.

TRUTH-I hope you will not be moving in. This place is sort of like apartment living. People close together. Realize, your playing a radio while ?????? the sound does not stop at your property line.

From your post, you realize that you will have issues with your neighbors and I expect you know better than people reading your inquiry.

I hope this was made in jest .. Else .. Get thee to a nunnery .. It is a free country after all, and if you want to wash your car and listen to some music, have at it. If the wind is blowing the wrong way and your cigar exhaust wafts toward the complainer, too bad .. I don;t smoke, never had, but be happy to have a "Bud" with you at one of the very many friendly bars around town.

[427dave]

I have had old hotrod cars and motorcycles. I have always worked, cleaned, and messed around with them in the driveway and garage with a radio going. I have never had a problem with neighbors complaining. We have lived in two different areas of The Villages. The biggest problem has always been neighbors coming over to watch and talk so you have a hard time getting anything done :) I would not worry.

[John_W]

...

[Quills]

It's still a beautiful place, we have dairy farms across the street.

Thanks

[Quills]

Thanks to everyone, great responses, we have always enjoyed our times there.

The responses have been reassuring.

Thanks,
Fred

[Aw Man]

Oh yeah, bad neighbors can be anywhere. We have been very lucky for the past 17 years in Fauquier County. 6 1/2 wooded acres made for easy going times with the few neighbors we had.
Thanks

If you truly enjoyed living on 6.5 wooded acres with very few neighbors then I'd bet The Villages is not for you. If you want a property here that offers some semblance of privacy from your neighbors, be prepared to spend above $650,000, or more preferably, above $1,000,000 for your new home. Perhaps this is not a problem for you.
Otherwise the rest of the homes here are packed together like sardines with very little privacy. TOTV Realtors say Villagers move 2-1/2 to 3 times within the Villages while they live here. After almost 5 years here, I'm guessing 50% of those moves are for a larger or smaller homes and 50% are because of privacy issues or neighbor problems. No matter where you live here, my guess is your stated preference on driveway activities will be acceptable to some of your neighbors but will be detested by most of them.
You don't mention whether you and you wife like to golf. If you do, and you don't mind playing mostly 9 hole executive courses, then I can recommend this place as Heaven on Earth. If you don't like to golf, then I see no reason to live in The Villages. There are several 55+ communities nearby where you can get better lots and more house for the same money. Also, I'd suggest you get a good local Realtor because I've seen a lot of reasonably priced and really nice homes on 1-1/2 to 2 acres in semi-wooded settings in nearby locations.
Good luck to you with your move to Florida.

[baustgen]

Suggest a villa or designer with a fenced in back yard. Dogs can be outside without a leash. That will solve half hour problems.

[Aw Man]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

You own "several" dogs?
You should do a search of previous threads on this forum about the acceptable number of pets in each household in The Villages.
You might be limited to having 2 pets per household.

[Brandigirl]

If you are in a Patio Villa or Courtyard Villa, the cigar smell may gravitate towards your neighbors yards. I personally hate the smell of cigars and it would bother me to smell it if I were sitting on a lanai but I understand that is what you like to do. Polishing cars and listening to music would be difficult in Patio or Courtyard Villa. The driveways are very small and the homes are joined together with a common fence. Unless you can find a corner lot, that may work. You can work with a realtor and let them know what you like to do and hopefully they can steer you towards some homes that may fit your lifestyle. Good Luck and thank you for your service!

[graciegirl]

I think you are experiencing the...".What is being hidden from me" syndrome which is akin to buyer remorse, but happens before the purchase. I remember thinking, WHAT AM I MISSING? This place cannot be as it appears. What's the hitch? Where's the scam?

Eleven years later, I am still thinking how lucky we were to find this place.

Hope your healthy skepticism is allayed.

(There is a house on our street for sale. I think it is far enough down, we wouldn't get any of your cigar smoke.) ;)

[rustyp]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

Come on down. You will love the donut shops.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Some of the deed restrictions say you can only have one dog. Some say you can have up to two dogs. You would not be allowed to have "several" dogs.

[JSR22]

Some of the deed restrictions say you can only have one dog. Some say you can have up to two dogs. You would not be allowed to have "several" dogs.

We moved here with 3 dogs. We were told extra animals were allowed, but when you lost them they could not be replaced if you still had animals. We lost one the year after we moved here and had the max of 2.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We moved here with 3 dogs. We were told extra animals were allowed, but when you lost them they could not be replaced if you still had animals. We lost one the year after we moved here and had the max of 2.

What you were told, and what's in writing, are different things. You might have been given permission - an exception. But the rule is - no more than 1 dog (in certain areas of the Villages) and no more than 2 dogs (in certain other parts of the Villages). There's even one deed restriction I saw that specified dogs, and didn't include the option for a bird, cat, or fish. And there was another one that did include those other animals, but only restricted the number of dogs you could have - not how many of the other pets you could have.

As I've said before. These rules are old, and should probably be re-negotiated by the homeowners associations or by specific villages covered by the different restrictions.

[JSR22]

I know many people who moved here with multiple pets and were told the same thing. I have lived here for 6 1/2 years and people are still told to bring their pets but as they lose them they need to have a max of 2.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Again - what they are TOLD and what is in WRITING are two different things. If you don't get an exception, and one of your three dogs starts acting out, barking at all hours, jumping the wall (for instance if you put a table up against the wall and they climb the table and hop over into the neighbor's yard) - etc. etc. And the neighbor complains, and the Community folks see that you have three dogs - they would be within their rights to tell you to get rid of that dog and not replace it because you're already over the limit.

All's fair til someone complains.

[billethkid]

Yes by all means move to TV. Your personal experience to date is more accurate than the minority negative play here on TOTV.

Keep in mind there are 90,000 members on TOTV (I saw that number some place).

How many active participants on TOTV? Somewhere between 100-200 (maybe). For that percentage you need to go to the third decimal point to get a number!!!!!!!!

Then let's be generous and allow that 2-4% are negative....across 90,000!?!?!?!?!

As can quickly be determined the negative representation here is barely measurable when weighed against the totality of either TOTV or TV total population.

C'mon down and join the rest of us in the 98% who enjoy every single waking moment here.....of course mine are limited only to the last 16 year here......:)

[JSR22]

Again - what they are TOLD and what is in WRITING are two different things. If you don't get an exception, and one of your three dogs starts acting out, barking at all hours, jumping the wall (for instance if you put a table up against the wall and they climb the table and hop over into the neighbor's yard) - etc. etc. And the neighbor complains, and the Community folks see that you have three dogs - they would be within their rights to tell you to get rid of that dog and not replace it because you're already over the limit.

All's fair til someone complains.

Dogs jumping walls? No owner with any sense would live with a dog that barked constantly. Community watch waved to me when I walked the 3 dogs. They do not do any deed non-compliance reporting and they absolutely could not tell me to dispose of a pet. That is not their job.

[rustyp]

Headline from the other newspaper just hit "Villages District Office issues notice to pet owners in The Villages". If you want to do the anonymous complaint this would appear to be a good time to test the system. Wonder how many have their grandfather clauses in writing !

[graciegirl]

Some of the deed restrictions say you can only have one dog. Some say you can have up to two dogs. You would not be allowed to have "several" dogs.

You may have the dogs you own when you move in. When they cross the rainbow bridge and you are left with two, you can have two.

In response to another misconception. The Villages Watch...…..they watch. They don't report anything unless it is a danger or a crime or an accident. If they see your garage door up in the middle of the night they will call you. If they see an accident or a break in they will call law enforcement. They drive up and down the streets checking to see that all is good and will call the right person if a street light is out or a dog is loose. They do not report deed restrictions.. They are helpful ladies and gentlemen. I see them on some sleepless nights as they drive up my street.

[Brawnwy123]

[QUOTE=Quills;1623629]We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the

RESPONSE:

Have been here 3 years, want to move soon. You cannot judge a book by its cover?

:bigbow: :MOJE_whot:

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=Quills;1623629]We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the

RESPONSE:

Have been here 3 years, want to move soon. You cannot judge a book by its cover?

:bigbow: :MOJE_whot:

It is good that you will have no trouble selling your house at a profit. Please come back on after you move and tell us about your new area.

[Two Bills]

My wife and I have stayed at about six over 55 communties in Florida, from the expensive to the reasonable, and The Villages had more to offer than any of the others.
It isn't perfect, nowhere is, but has a whole lot more plusses than the others we tried.
Also when you talk about restrictions and moaners, try one of the really up market places. They even tell you how many breaths you can have a day!
Go for for it.

[Fraugoofy]

If you truly enjoyed living on 6.5 wooded acres with very few neighbors then I'd bet The Villages is not for you. If you want a property here that offers some semblance of privacy from your neighbors, be prepared to spend above $650,000, or more preferably, above $1,000,000 for your new home. Perhaps this is not a problem for you.

Otherwise the rest of the homes here are packed together like sardines with very little privacy. TOTV Realtors say Villagers move 2-1/2 to 3 times within the Villages while they live here. After almost 5 years here, I'm guessing 50% of those moves are for a larger or smaller homes and 50% are because of privacy issues or neighbor problems. No matter where you live here, my guess is your stated preference on driveway activities will be acceptable to some of your neighbors but will be detested by most of them.

You don't mention whether you and you wife like to golf. If you do, and you don't mind playing mostly 9 hole executive courses, then I can recommend this place as Heaven on Earth. If you don't like to golf, then I see no reason to live in The Villages. There are several 55+ communities nearby where you can get better lots and more house for the same money. Also, I'd suggest you get a good local Realtor because I've seen a lot of reasonably priced and really nice homes on 1-1/2 to 2 acres in semi-wooded settings in nearby locations.

Good luck to you with your move to Florida.So with your logic only golfers move to The Villages? Hhhmmmm

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[Aw Man]

So with your logic only golfers move to The Villages? Hhhmmmm

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

When I was looking at all the retirement communities in this area of central Florida, it became clear to me that the only reason for me to spend more money for less house in order to live in The Villages was the abundance easily accessible and very nice executive golf courses that you can play as often as you want for very little money on an annual basis.
If I wasn't a golfer who is willing to play mostly 9 hole executive courses, I'd be living in Stonecrest right now in a larger, nicer home, on a bigger lot, with an original purchase price that was a lot less than I paid in The Villages.
I could still come to the Village Squares, I could still go to concerts at Savannah and Sharon Morse Centers. I could still park at a Rec Center and then ride my bike or go jogging. As a Stonecrest resident I could enjoy all The Villages had to offer except the Rec Center activities, the swimming pools, and the golf courses. Also I couldn't drive my golf cart in to, around, and out of The Villages. (But why anyone our age actually enjoys riding around in a golf cart mystifies me).
Based on the lifestyle the OP described, if he and she don't golf, I think they'd do well to check out the other retirement communities in the area.

[Fraugoofy]

When I was looking at all the retirement communities in this area of central Florida, it became clear to me that the only reason for me to spend more money for less house in order to live in The Villages was the abundance easily accessible and very nice executive golf courses that you can play as often as you want for very little money on an annual basis.

If I wasn't a golfer who is willing to play mostly 9 hole executive courses, I'd be living in Stonecrest right now in a larger, nicer home, on a bigger lot, with an original purchase price that was a lot less than I paid in The Villages.

I could still come to the Village Squares, I could still go to concerts at Savannah and Sharon Morse Centers. I could still park at a Rec Center and then ride my bike or go jogging. As a Stonecrest resident I could enjoy all The Villages had to offer except the Rec Center activities, the swimming pools, and the golf courses. Also I couldn't drive my golf cart in to, around, and out of The Villages. (But why anyone our age actually enjoys riding around in a golf cart mystifies me).

Based on the lifestyle the OP described, if he and she don't golf, I think they'd do well to check out the other retirement communities in the area.Well you couldn't join The Villages band or theatre, play cribbage or samba or bridge or mah jong or Zumba, play water volleyball or beach volleyball, or do over the 2000 other things in The Villages besides golf without your Villages ID. I think TV has MUCH MUCH more to offer than golf and sometimes this gets overlooked ( not really). There is even a Big Green Egg club here!
When people say "you are buying the lifestyle" they ain't jokin!

P.S. I am probably not your age..

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[anothersteve]

You don't even have to live the "lifestyle" here to be happy. Just take life the way you want. There is loads more to Florida than just here.
Steve

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For me, I have zero interest in golf. I can't stand Florida. It is the "lifestyle" that gives me hope of being happy in the Villages. And they have that lifestyle in abundance. Sure I could live in a bigger house on bigger property in Stonecrest. But I'd be stuck maintaining that property, and keeping that house clean, and if I wanted to go anywhere I'd have to leave the community to do so. Plus hubby would get to play at exactly one golf course for the rest of his life, because we wouldn't be able to afford to pay for him to go to any others.

For $158 per month (the new amenity fee) we get ALL the golf courses, and ALL the pools, and ALL the rec centers, in addition to all the public stuff that anyone can enjoy.

I'd say that's a steal.

[Aw Man]

For me, I have zero interest in golf. I can't stand Florida. It is the "lifestyle" that gives me hope of being happy in the Villages. And they have that lifestyle in abundance. Sure I could live in a bigger house on bigger property in Stonecrest. But I'd be stuck maintaining that property, and keeping that house clean, and if I wanted to go anywhere I'd have to leave the community to do so. Plus hubby would get to play at exactly one golf course for the rest of his life, because we wouldn't be able to afford to pay for him to go to any others.
For $158 per month (the new amenity fee) we get ALL the golf courses, and ALL the pools, and ALL the rec centers, in addition to all the public stuff that anyone can enjoy.
I'd say that's a steal.

If the cost of golf is important and potentially a problem for your husband, make sure he understands that playing the Championship Courses in The Villages can be costly, a Resident has to pay about $60 per 18 hole round and half that to play a 9 hole round during the limited times for 9 hole play.
It's the shorter 9 hole Executive Courses that are basically available for free access (you must pay an annual Trail Fee of $145).
Most male avid golfers here feel "real" golf is played on the Championship Courses and wouldn't be caught dead on an Executive Course. If your husband feels this way, then The Villages might not be for him.
I'm a good golfer and have always played on good caliber 18 hole golf courses. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the Executive Courses here but I do. I find them to be very challenging and fun to play. However, in my experience here, I've found most male golfers don't feel the same way.

[NatureBoy]

For me, I have zero interest in golf. I can't stand Florida. It is the "lifestyle" that gives me hope of being happy in the Villages. And they have that lifestyle in abundance. Sure I could live in a bigger house on bigger property in Stonecrest. But I'd be stuck maintaining that property, and keeping that house clean, and if I wanted to go anywhere I'd have to leave the community to do so. Plus hubby would get to play at exactly one golf course for the rest of his life, because we wouldn't be able to afford to pay for him to go to any others.

For $158 per month (the new amenity fee) we get ALL the golf courses, and ALL the pools, and ALL the rec centers, in addition to all the public stuff that anyone can enjoy.

I'd say that's a steal.

I'm in a similar situation. I REALLY don't like the idea of a deed restricted community. "Land of the free" my butt. But my wife has wanted to live in a planned community for a long time. And she likes deed restrictions because they "keep the property values up" (whatever). The big draw for me of TV is all the clubs. I have several hobbies I plan to pursue much more seriously when retired. I like that TV has 2000+ clubs with an extremely diverse set of interests. I don't play golf, but I like being outside, so we'll most likely play golf now and then. I like swimming, so all the pools will be a nice amenity.

So there are trade-offs. There are things about TV I don't like. There are things I do. I'm willing to endure the things I don't like for the things I do - and to make my wife happy.

Who knows, we may move down there and hate it - for various unforeseen reasons. We may be ecstatic.

I'm doing as much research up front (my participation in these forums is part of that) to minimize the surprises and know what we're getting into.

[graciegirl]

Fees for golf with Priority membership.

https://golfthevillages.com/images/The-Villages-2019-Country-Club-Golf-Rates.pdf

[anothersteve]

Let's not forget the executive courses

"wouldn't be caught dead on executive courses"? What a crock of crap.

And you don't have to pay the yearly trail fee as stated above. You can pay it at the course every time you play.
Steve

[Terri8352]

The house across the street from us is going up for sale very shortly. We are a friendly bunch. With your background, I wouldn't mind having you for a neighbor.

[sallybowron]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

Fred,
The things you have mentioned, although I have never heard of them, may have happened. You mentioned the one about too many dogs. I am not sure how many "several" dogs are but I remember correctly when we moved in there was something about grandfathering in dog that you currently own. Check with the main office. The thing that I know people do not like is people who do not clean up after their dogs. Most people carry a bag with them. Allowing the dog/s to poop on someone's yard and not cleaning it up is rude. :boom:
Your other things you like are quite okay, as is a well cared for dog. Keep in mind that you are hearing from a few folks out of 100,000 plus people.
If you decide to retire here :welcome:

[Ron_Ski]

Let's not forget the executive courses

"wouldn't be caught dead on executive courses"? What a crock of crap.

And you don't have to pay the yearly trail fee as stated above. You can pay it at the course every time you play.
Steve

Playing the executive courses is totally free if you walk. Great exercise!

[rustyp]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

Not for you - nobody drinks bud here

[queasy27]

I REALLY don't like the idea of a deed restricted community. "Land of the free" my butt. But my wife has wanted to live in a planned community for a long time. And she likes deed restrictions because they "keep the property values up" (whatever).

I once had a conversation with a friend when I was considering moving to TV:

Iconoclast: Why would anyone live in a gulag that prohibits you from painting your damned front door the color you want?

Me: People who don't care what color their damned door is?

It's certainly a choice with repercussions. Aside from the weather, family, and health considerations, anecdotal evidence indicates that a number of the folks who leave do so because they chafed at being too closed in with other neighbors, not because of any deed hindrances.

Luckily the people who enjoy restoring old cars in their driveways or keeping hens tend to know that about themselves and do not move here.

"Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above
Don't fence me in."

[kcrazorbackfan]

Not if you rattle easy, are thin skinned or impatient.....

[CFrance]

You will not have several dogs for too long. The rule is two pets. You bring the ones you have, and as they pass on, you work your way down to two. I can't see neighbors liking a lot of cigar smoking in these close quarters. Or music outside if it's a bit loud while you're polishing your cars. I'm thinking you would be happier with more space.

[JoMar]

You will not have several dogs for too long. The rule is two pets. You bring the ones you have, and as they pass on, you work your way down to two. I can't see neighbors liking a lot of cigar smoking in these close quarters. Or music outside if it's a bit loud while you're polishing your cars. I'm thinking you would be happier with more space.

:agree:

[Nucky]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.
Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.
I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.
I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.
Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Fred & Sonia

Hey Quills, its the luck of the draw just as it would be anywhere. We have been here for three years and have yet to meet any neighbor who is a real PinHead. You worked your entire life for this place, your reward, my reward also, it is a great thing to live here.

Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences. The answer is yes because people are paper tigers and have Bud Muscles when they are posting but when you meet the same people when you're picking up your mail, at the pool, at the square those same people want what we all want, to live the home stretch in peace. We are all on the 20-yard line in the 4th quarter going in for the score and don't want to penalize one another.

Smoke your See Gar, Wax That Car and Love Your Music and play it but just be considerate like you probably are. I think you would fit in our neighborhood just fine. I hope you like it here it really is great! Welcome.

[asianthree]

I’m not sure if anyone can tell you if you will love it here. The newest areas seem to be at a slower pace.

In Harmswood the lots are larger, and you have much more space. There are several home offered there by TV and MLS agents.

[PennBF]

The simple solution to the question is to read the Deed Restrictions and if you can't live by them don't move here. If you can you will not find a better place for your retirement and being in a "God's waiting room". Have lived here going on 12 year and would not want to live anywhere else at this stage of our life.
Lived for 13 years on the beach and it was fine for a year or two but how long seeing fish and walking the beach can you stand? There are residents who like to try to beat the rules and they are the ones who are a pain in the neck. :ho:

[JimJohnson]

We like it here just fine. There are some of the grumpiest old Folks here, but many more of the nicest.
There is an obvious overtone of political bias here, but if you don’t start the conversation it never comes up.
You will hear about the rising chrime here, but after living in the Wash D.C. suburbs for years I find that comical.
You will hear folks complain about having to follow the rules they signed before moving in, but that is why we came here.
You will hear about the bars serving too many alcohol beverages, but well, it’s a bar silly.

Bottom line: If you don’t find your niche, activity, etc. etc., here, good lock finding it anywhere.

Note: When our teanage granddaughter visitd last hear she said “THIS PLACE IS THE BOMB”. I thinks that is good.

[Dan9871]

Just to be clear... in almost all parts of the Villages the limit is two dogs period... there is no provision to move in with more and work down to two. You have to read the covenants you will sign to find out for sure.

Many people will say you can move in with extra dogs but that is only because you will probably get away with it if you want to play the odds. But if anyone complains to community standards, even someone from outside of your neighborhood 10 miles away, you will almost certainly be told to remove the extra dogs. Yes, unfortunately, there are people who drive around the Villages just so they can complain to community standards.

[Mortal1]

Well Fred it seems you don't like some rules we have here and making those who help enforce them sound bad doesn't sound like law enforcement left much of a mark on you. The live and let live is nice in some areas, but you would be moving into a city that has it's ordinances and some are distasteful to you(barking dogs, letting your dogs do their business anywhere, etc.). I would be one of those who complains to the authorities if you got loud outside or inside...your dogs were a problem(to me). You see I don't really mind the live and let live if it doesn't effect my quality of life(a reason I moved here), but if it does...well then I'll politely turn you in.

[sunburn]

This is going to sound harsh.
I love dogs. I've always had a dog. It's beyond me though, why anyone would want to wrangle 2 dogs or more every day in a retirement community. Multiple leashes, and loads of poop to pick up several times a day. They need to be attended when you travel, even on a day trip. One dog, maybe $25. Two dogs, $50... three dogs, faghetaboutit. What about vacations? Yes, they are man's best friend, but in retirement they can tie you down. Vaccinations, worming, heartworm meds, etc. for one dog is expensive. For two dogs, double! Three dogs... whew! And, what about congenital problems, hip dysplasia, kidney or liver trouble? And you get to take them to the kind folks at the local animal hospitals. They are wonderful companions, but if youre moving to Florida for the Florida lifestyle, dogs can hold you back.
As for the radio in the driveway... they make earbuds for music, please consider using them (the sound is better anyway). And many folks are irritated by cigar smoke. Smoking outside might make someone else's lanai unusable while you're smoking. You may be the nicest guy in the world, but you might be happier in a larger, less controlled environment than the Villages.

[Martha C]

Other people's music and smoke are extremely inconsiderate..No way to avoid it.

[Kerry Azz]

Get a courtyard Villa and keep the music down. If your talking about cranking up the tunes you may have a complaint from a neighbor.

[SouthJerseyGirl]

Get a premium lot corner courtyard villa! Smoke all the cigars and drink all the Bud you like and it won’t bother a soul!

[CFrance]

Get a premium lot corner courtyard villa! Smoke all the cigars and drink all the Bud you like and it won’t bother a soul!
That will only be the case if you never smoke outside.

[Fraugoofy]

We are considering moving to Florida very soon. We have visited there for many years. The Village's was at the top of our list for our retirement location. We have stayed there 3 times over the last 2 years.

Among many things, I enjoy washing/polishing my cars while listening to music, smoking cigars in the yard with a few buds and I have several dogs. I believe in live and let live.

I've been following forums, news and comments sections about The Villages. I notice quite often people complaining about their neighbors. Unapproved pavers behind fences, not visible to the street so someone had to look over a fence line. Stickers on mailboxes, gnomes on yards, 2 many dogs, etc.

I have a military and police background so I respect rules and laws. However, it seems to me, you must conform to The Villages or you will be hounded by anonymous neighbors, it sounds scary.

Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Fred & SoniaCome on down to TV. We need a wider variety of people who have a different mind set. I welcome all kinds of people to our friendly community. If we were all the same how boring would that be! Can't wait to meetcha! Peace out, dude!

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