Thinking about the Villages

[HeideHo]

My name is Heide. My husband and I are a couple of Southerners from North Carolina. We just discovered "The Villages" a few months ago, and are already day dreaming about moving there one day. We watched the DVD, and that really did not tell us what we wanted to know. I'm glad I found this forum. Are there many couples there who do not play golf? It seems to be the main activity. Any advice for a newbie about getting started? Would you rent first, or do the life style preview? We look forward to visiting there.

[graciegirl]

Welcome to you Heide. YES. There are many people who do not play golf. It does not keep them off the course. (Just kidding)

There are so many things to do here that it is hard to believe. I think you should come first for the LifeStyle visit.

There are over a thousand clubs. There are over two dozen rec centers with all kinds of game players inside and out. Bocce, Tennis, Pickleball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, swimming, wading, sunbathing TALKING(.outside) Bridge, Mahjong, Euchre, Hearts, Bingo, Bunko, TALKING (inside)

Now someone else is going to help me describe this unbelievable place...........

[chuckinca]

Also, rent for a few months to figure out what area and model is best for you.


.

[mulligan]

Lets not forget nightly dancing and cheap adult beverages. They're right up there with golf.

[Ohiogirl]

Gracie's got it right, IMO.

Lifestyle Preview for the whole 6 days, if you have the time. Talk to as many people as you can. Somewhere in the middle I'd meet with a Villages realtor, who can show you models and some resales in what you think is your price range. You would still have time to slip in some open houses on your own (they have they every day here, advertised in The Villages Daily Sun).

Then rent for a couple of months. Might be hard to rent for the 2011 season this late, but can be done. If not, rent in Nov-Dec. If you plan to be here year-round, you might want to also rent for a month in the summer. In summer you should have your pick of locations and home styles. Be sure to get a place with a golf cart or check on reserving one - they often run out during the seasonal months (Jan-March).

There are several places to get a golf lesson package for newbies - the Villages itself has a program, I think at Arnold Palmer golf course, and so do all the driving ranges just outside the Villages. Do that at the beginning of your rental period. Lots to do even if you don't play golf - many don't.

Good luck and welcome!

[Pturner]

:wave: Heide,

In addition to the activities mentioned, TV has two bowling alleys, two movie theatres, a performing arts theatre, every type of arts and crafts groups you can imagine and a community college.

First step: 6-day Lifestyle Tour, I agree. Unless it has changed, it's only $75 a night, includes a (slow) golf cart and two bicycles, free meals at a variety of restaurants in TV and (I know you don't play, but) two free rounds of golf at any of the championship courses. Why would you need a golf cart, you might ask? It's a favorite mode of transportation here for getting around in TV.

You won't believe how much fun it is here. You won't believe how friendly and welcoming people are, how easy it is to make friends, how many things there are to do.

Please come!

--PTurner

[swrinfla]

There are at least some folks who don't chase the little white ball! I've heard the number is as high as 30% - that'd be something like 23,400! But we're not sitting around wondering what to do!

Latest count is 1,600 clubs and such. That may be exaggerated, because I think those that have multiple get-togethers in a month may be counted each time. But, if you're ever bored here, you belong elsewhere! :pepper2:

I've been preparing some notes to take with me when I go back north for my first visit in 5 years, to tell people whom I haven't already button-holed all about TV. So far I'm at 6 pages and counting! :a040:

Oh, I agree that you should/must start with the longest Lifestyle Preview you can handle. When here, do everything you want to, and then do some more!

SWR
:beer3:

[HeideHo]

Thank you so much for the fabulous advice! I can't imagine myself wanting to live any place else. :D

Heide from N.C.

[jebartle]

Hi fellow-tarheel?

My husband and I moved to TV three years ago from Morganton and absolutely LOVE this place....If not golfing, which almost everyone will give it "A GO", there are a bizillion clubs...Famous quote in TV, if you can't find something to do, you better look in the mirror....Our fellow tarheels did everything to discourage us from moving here, "they have bugs, and heat, you will hate it", what they forgot in NC, it gets really HOT there also, granted the bug trophy goes to FL, but we are no stranger to FL, lived here 27 years ago and the kids and grandchildren live in Orlando, so a no brainer for us....I have never lived anywhere that I've enjoyed more, great neighbors, great friends, and wonderful lifestyle....We were constantly talking about this place and finally our NC friends said, "Enough about the Villages"....giggle...The DVD doesn't even come close to telling a buyer how GREAT TV is! Love love love TV

[Ohiogirl]

I had friends who did the Lifestyle Preview a couple of years ago - in June, so it was hot. They golf but are usually fine with 9 holes and they really didn't want to play 18 long holes in hot weather after doing it once, so they were able to use one of their golf coupons to play an executive course - am not sure if they had a choice of all or just certain ones.

I think the LSV policy on executive golf courses changes from time to time. As a resident, I don't really want to see them used by the LSV people, but perhaps in summer when the tee times are not totally booked it is possible.

They did have to use an 18 hole coupon for a 9 hole course, but for them that was preferable. Also, you could just play 9 holes of the championship course, but would have to use a whole coupon to do so as well, and if you are a beginning golfer, maybe you'd prefer the shorter exec. courses.

Hope this makes sense.

[Shimpy]

Don't worry if you don't play golf, I don't play either because it looks too easy. I guess I'll hear alot about that comment, but made it only because it gets the golfers riled up. Seriously you don't need golf to keep busy but the courses help make the area beautiful. Been here only 3 weeks but have to check my calendar before I plan anything. I figured if I moved somewhere else, what would I do? Here its what do I have time to fit into my schedule.

[SALYBOW]

I agree that the lifestyle visit is a great idea. It is $125. per night but you get coupons for food, recreation and a whole lot more with it. They will put you up in a nice villa near Lake Sumpter Landing. It is equipped with a golf cart, two bicycles and helmets. You can eat out every meal or cook at the villa. There is a sweet Bay store really nearby. You will probably be assigned to a Village rep randomly unless you ask for someone in Particular. I highly recogmend Bobby Gulati. He listens to what you want and does not try to show you other things. This is great. he also found us a lot and a home in which we could afford everything we wanted for a reasonable price. He is great. If you want him specify that when you register. You will ove just being here. :a040:

[2BNTV]

I would start with the Lifestyle Preview. It's a great vaction and very inexpensive when you consider what your accomodations will be and the coupons you are given.

IMHO - You might want to consider getting your home ready for sale because during or after your visit you will be looking for a home in paradise.

No amount of words can decribe how you will feel after being in TV for several days. The saying is true in that "you have to see this place to believe it". You will fall in love with it.

TOTV have given you great advice so enjoy yourselves and have a good time with your visit.

Best of luck.

[Ohiogirl]

I think the price changes depending on the season - less for summer, but a quick call to the number on thevillages.com page will answer that for sure - and really, we mean it, there is NO PRESSURE - don't feel if you call and they capture your phone number that you will be a captive sales target.

[graciegirl]

I think the price changes depending on the season - less for summer, but a quick call to the number on thevillages.com page will answer that for sure - and really, we mean it, there is NO PRESSURE - don't feel if you call and they capture your phone number that you will be a captive sales target.

I completely agree with that. They do not have to sell you anything. This place and these wonderful people sell it for them.

Hope you have a wonderful time. The first time here, I was searching for how I felt. I think the closest thing to describe it is being a child again.

[kentucky blue]

Have you all ever considered that the high prices of homes in TV,............... are because the homes are built so well, locations are incredible,or the middle of Florida is some kind of paradise, because none of these are true.The reason is, because of the people that live in TV.You are paying a premium price because of YOU !!!!Everybody that takes the Lifestyle trips talks about the people they meet and how they want to be a part of that life in their retirement.Who wouldn't want a Gracie, Chris,Russ, etc, etc as a neighbor. I live in a great city in a terrific neighborhood, but to get what TV gets per square foot for a home is simply...................Outrageous.Just a thought.:censored:

[graciegirl]

Have you all ever considered that the high prices of homes in TV,............... are because the homes are built so well, locations are incredible,or the middle of Florida is some kind of paradise, because none of these are true.The reason is, because of the people that live in TV.You are paying a premium price because of YOU !!!!Everybody that takes the Lifestyle trips talks about the people they meet and how they want to be a part of that life in their retirement.Who wouldn't want a Gracie, Chris,Russ, etc, etc as a neighbor. I live in a great city in a terrific neighborhood, but to get what TV gets per square foot for a home is simply...................Outrageous.Just a thought.:censored:

You are right. AND thank you for including me in the people you like. The houses are very nice in TV but most of us are leaving homes that we have put a lot of personal planning into.We are preparing a 4500 square foot home for sale here in Cincinnati. I will never again have wood windows and 20 foot ceilings and other dandy things and what we get for it will buy us a much smaller home without double ovens etc. etc. That sounded like bragging and I didn't mean to. I really am not a THING person but a house is so personal. I know that we will not be in it as much and I do love our Camellia in Hadley and hope to find a little bigger house for the three of us to live in for a lONG time. But we can get a lot more house for our money in Ohio. Unfortunately that is not where The Villages is.

It is all about what happens outside of your house. Here I spend a lot more time INSIDE my house than I like and my block has much younger people who are working and raising children. I admit to being a bit lonely for peers.

[swrinfla]

Gracie:

I suspect I know what you feel like there in Cincinnati. (BTW, do you allow folks to call it Cincy? We former St. Louisans hate when people call it St. Looey!)

I lived for some 43 years in the same house on a "double" private, gated street. My father-in-law was instrumental in setting up such privacy, back in the late 1930s.

When I left the street in 2005, I was third in length of time on the block, and about sixth in age. At the last block party (there were only two a year) I went to there were hordes of ankle-biters, and I had no clue as to who their parents were! That's when I began to feel "out of it!"

Here in TV, my "private but not gated" street just had our monthly get-together and celebrated one couple's 55th anniversary, plus two others. We have no ankle-biters around, and even visiting grandchildren are, mostly, adults!

I do think TV is the best thing "since sliced bread!" :a040:

SWR
:beer3: