life for non drinking new resident

[Jima64]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

[paulat585]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.
LOL. I've never had more than a sip of champagne in five years living in various parts of TV. No interference with my social life. It's live-and-let-live here. Come on down!

[CWGUY]

:what:

[Polar Bear]

...Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try...
The "problems" you speak of are no more prevalent in TV than anywhere else on the planet. Possibly even less so imho.

ToTV...and all forums for that matter...thrive on blowing "problems" far out of proportion. Nature of the beast (forums). If you move here and live your life the way you want to, you will not be bothered by the issues you mentioned.

[Two Bills]

90% of crime in the area is from outside the bubble.
In the 20 years we have wintered here, we have never been troubled by 'a drunk.'
Sure there is the usual number of DUI's that any large populated area will always have.
But too imagine that the squares, and streets are full of rolling drunks, swigging from brown paper bags is pure fantasy.
The main problem is finding a space on the squares when a good group is playing!

[Marathon Man]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

Please please please set aside your pre-conceived thoughts of TV. On line sites tend show the dark side, just like anywhere else.

Come on down and see for your self.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

You're reading the wrong websites, if that's your take-away of life in the Villages.

On any given non-holiday-celebration night, there might be a few hundred people in the Square. Of those few hundred, a few dozen will be drinking. Of those few dozen, a handful or two will be drunk enough that their judgment is impaired. Of that handful or two, two or three will be bad enough that they really shouldn't drive. It is unlikely that those who should -not- drive as a result of being too impaired by alcohol, will drive anyway.

This is no different from any other venue where alcohol is served, but not the focus (meaning, it isn't a bar, but it has one) on a non-holiday-celebration night.

Other than marijuana (which is illegal recreationaly and legal medically) and rare random "oh shoot I already took one muscle relaxer for my back strain, and I just took another one by mistake too soon!" situation, there isn't much of a drug problem in the Villages at all. Are there people who abuse? Of course. That is true in every community that isn't a designated rehab facility.

But by and large, social drinking is nothing more than that: most people will have A drink, socially. An aperitif with their appetizer, a glass of wine with their chicken dinner, or a mug of beer with their wings.

In every community in this country that isn't "dry" you'll find people who congregate around the bar, sucking down beer after beer. They are the minority, there and here.

I enjoy a pina colada from time to time, but I've found that they are all made with "mix" in the Villages, so when I want one I make it at home. And I will generally just refrain from alcohol completely when I'm out. Not because I'm "sober" but because I'm not going to pay $7-10 for an inferior drink when I can make an awesome one at home for less than $2.

I also like Sangria, but the same thing. Mine's better. And every time I try to get Kahlua and milk, they use 1% or 2%, or the milk is sour. Blech. So I do without.

I never feel uncomfortable refraining from alcohol socially. No one ever tries to encourage me to drink alcohol, no one questions me when I say "no thanks I'd rather have water with lemon." I'm not even much of a soda drinker. I LIKE water with lemon. So that's what I usually drink when I'm out and to hell with anyone who has a problem with it :)

[TomOB]

There are many people in The Villages that don't drink or can't drink because of illness or medications. They still go out and have fun.

[Nucky]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

There are always a couple of Clowns disbursed at various locations throughout The Villages. Many people worked many years with the Smoking Jacket and The After Dinner Drink in Mind. They want it they earned it they deserve it they should have it as long as they aren't driving after they lifted a few.

I am one of the Squad of People who do not drink. Not today anyway and the others people drinking hasn't affected us negatively as of today. I think you can feel good about joining us. It's a great move. Welcome! :pray:

Del Webb Sun City AZ Promo The Beginning Part I - YouTube (https://youtu.be/PxZH_WTRVNU)

Del Webb Sun City AZ Promo - The Beginning Part 2.wmv - YouTube (https://youtu.be/ki5-aDvC2kw)

Enjoy! :bigbow:

[karostay]

Don't forget were the STD capital

[GJohn]

Don't forget were the STD capital

Aw...good times!

[Graspher]

The Villages is a golfing community with an alcohol problem. 🤗

I don’t drink or golf and am having a blast living in the Bubble.

[dewilson58]

:what:






totally

[manaboutown]

I know Villagers who lead wonderful social lives without imbibing in alcoholic beverages. One can engage in activities of all sorts without drinking or toking for that matter.

Now all that being said alcoholism among the elderly remains hush-hush and not widely recognized and treated. Some became alcoholics long before they retired; others became so over the years after they stopped working and had plenty of leisure time to drink on their hands. The Villages obviously provides ample opportunities to indulge in alcohol at many venues. Drinks are unbelievably cheap at bars and restaurants in TV and happy hours start earlier than anywhere I have ever lived before. In all fairness my guess is one would find a lot of drinking at any retirement community be it TV, a Sun City or otherwise.

Alcoholism in the Elderly - American Family Physician (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0315/p1710.html)

[Chatbrat]

Alcohol consumption, is a personal preference--we limit ourselves to two cocktails, when we are dining out !!!!--way too much exposure if something goes wrong--The Admirals niece used to be a bartender, she doesn't touch alcohol at all, limits her drinks to Rose's lime juice & soda--in TV, there are stupid drunks who make the headlines when they screw up--but thankfully they are in the minority

[Jima64]

I want to thank everyone for the friendly advice and encouragement to move amongst you. I know the area is a small city with the common problems and look at it like that. Rather than try one of the gated communities I feel that the Villages has more to offer overall and look forward to a future move.

[JerryLBell]

I'm a lifelong teetotaler and my wife rarely drinks any alcohol. We live in The Villages and love it and that includes going to the squares for dining, movies and music. Are there people here that abuse alcohol or other substances? You bet! And they are here at just about exactly the same proportions as everywhere else in the country. So come stay at The Villages for a week or a month or a winter and see if the place is right for you. If it's not, there are plenty of other retirement communities scattered all over Florida and in the rest of the country and lots more non-retirement communities everywhere as well. One of them is bound to tickle your fancy as much as The Villages does for us.

[J1ceasar]

No more than most places . but yo7 can have a lot more to do in the villages or any nearby community of seniors . DON'T forget. There are ten other senior communities also in central lake and sumter . cheaper than here by $100,000

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Lived here now for 21 months, go to the squares once per week minimum, NEVER have had any issues that involved alcohol or drugs, most of us are retired and enjoying what life we have left, I never had any problems with anyone, I do not drink (my choice) a lot of people do but all are responsible and cordial!!!!! Come on down you will enjoy it

[ladybugsmom]

My husband & I don’t drink AT ALL and we have had the very best experience and fun loving here. Life is what you make it, not what others do.

[Bay Kid]

Drinking is only a problem if you have a drinking problem.

[dimaxim]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.
I don't drink alcohol at all but still have a great time at all events in The Villages. The "drunk" problem is overblown and gets a lot of attention, but all in all I find most people to be responsible drinkers if they drink at all.

[gb1944]

My wife does not drink and has a very good time at the squares and neighborhood socials. No one ever tries to force you to drink nor are you looked down on if you prefer not to drink.

[EnglishJW]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

I have never had a drink. We've been in TV for 5 years and it has been wonderful. The place you describe is not this place. Of course, there may be some issues since over 125,000 people live here!

[bmit16]

If that is what you think The Villages is like, you will be very disappointed. I am not sure where the drug abuse and domestic assault perception is coming from. As far as alcohol, it is like your sex life. We don't care what you do. There is plenty for you to do here no matter your life style.

[Pat#79Luv]

We are very casual drinkers. We enjoy going to the square and just listening to the bands and don’t have to drink. Pop is also served and you can bring 1 of your own if you like. We live in the north - the village of Chatham - and love it. Lots of great neighbors. No one will force you to drink just because you live in The Villages. Yes, there are plenty of places that serve alcohol, but it doesn’t mean you have to imbibe because others might be. You are your own boss!

[Curtisbwp]

Sir, your vision of the villages is distorted. I would tell you that the villages is NOT afflicted with a magic veil that causes seniors to drink. The people that drink in the villages were drinking long before they moved to the villages. The ratio of drinkers to non drinkers is the same as any other community in the nation. People do NOT developed habits when they move to the villages, they bring that habit with them. The villages is a wounderful place to live and offers numerous opportunities for residents, YOU decide which is good for you.

[Koapaka]

I can understand where OP got the "concerns"...we too are planning our move there, and I read this forum as well as have subscribed to The Villages Newspaper, and several YouTube video channels where I am getting a lot of information to help us with plans. Lets face it, the TV News seems to HIGHLIGHT the DUI's/arrests/thefts/brawls...almost makes it sound like the Wild, Wild West! What we need to keep in perspective, is this stuff occurs EVERYWHERE people live, but where most of us live now, it is not the BIG enough to make the 10pm news or our local newspaper. I read these reports and we keep saying to ourselves "If this is what makes the front page news, it is a PERFECT place to be! No shootings, stabbings, murders. Sign me up Coach! ;)

[Barefoot]

There are many people in The Villages that don't drink, or can't drink because of illness or medications. They still go out and have fun.:agree:

:welcome: To The Villages.

[Number 10 GI]

Warning, warning, danger Will Robinson! If you are a teetotaler you don't want to live in TV. I've never seen so many alcohol and drug abusers in my life, including my 21 years in the Army. I don't know how many times I've found my neighbor sleeping off a drunk on my lania and had to wake him and walk him home. The drunken parties in our neighborhood are getting out of hand, people drinking outdoors until the wee hours of the morning. There are people passed out in the yards and sometimes the neighborhood watch patrol had to get them off the road so they don't get runover by the drunk driver coming home from another drunken party. I don't have enough fingers to count the number of golf carts I've seen in the retention ponds by the golf courses, obviously driven there by impaired drivers. Never seen a body though, so I guess the alligators do serve a purpose. The wanton sex that happens in TV makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like Sesame Street and some of these people look like the Sesame Street inhabitants, not a pretty sight. If you go to some of the urgent care facilities you will see these same people lined up at the door to get their penicillin shots. As far a spouse abuse, hey if I don't beat my wife at least once a month she gets too uppity and forgets her place. I love it here, all the drinking and sex going on is fantastic. You'll not find another place like it. The only problem here in the lower 44 is the federal prison inmates that try to crash our parties. That's not acceptable because they never bring their own booze. It's kinda hard to sleep off a drunk though with the blasting the quarry does at all hours of the night and day. The drug houses tend to attract the lower class people from outside the bubble and now and then there is a shoot out right outside your lanai. Just get your concealed weapon permit and shoot back, great fun when you're drunk or stoned out of your mind. As I said before, it's a great and fun place to live.

[Barefoot]

Warning, warning, danger Will Robinson! If you are a teetotaler you don't want to live in TV. I've never seen so many alcohol and drug abusers in my life, including my 21 years in the Army. I don't know how many times I've found my neighbor sleeping off a drunk on my lania and had to wake him and walk him home. The drunken parties in our neighborhood are getting out of hand, people drinking outdoors until the wee hours of the morning. There are people passed out in the yards and sometimes the neighborhood watch patrol had to get them off the road so they don't get runover by the drunk driver coming home from another drunken party. I don't have enough fingers to count the number of golf carts I've seen in the retention ponds by the golf courses, obviously driven there by impaired drivers. Never seen a body though, so I guess the alligators do serve a purpose. The wanton sex that happens in TV makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like Sesame Street and some of these people look like the Sesame Street inhabitants, not a pretty sight. If you go to some of the urgent care facilities you will see these same people lined up at the door to get their penicillin shots. As far a spouse abuse, hey if I don't beat my wife at least once a month she gets too uppity and forgets her place. I love it here, all the drinking and sex going on is fantastic. You'll not find another place like it. The only problem here in the lower 44 is the federal prison inmates that try to crash our parties. That's not acceptable because they never bring their own booze. It's kinda hard to sleep off a drunk though with the blasting the quarry does at all hours of the night and day. The drug houses tend to attract the lower class people from outside the bubble and now and then there is a shoot out right outside your lanai. Just get your concealed weapon permit and shoot back, great fun when you're drunk or stoned out of your mind. As I said before, it's a great and fun place to live.:D:a20:

[Taltarzac725]

Never been much of a drinker and you can bring something else to block parties and the like. I usually take a Diet Coca-Cola or something like that. We have been here in the Villages since June of 2005.

Our neighborhood has few drinkers and even fewer swingers. They are around in the Villages but rare. I can only think of getting acquainted with five or so swingers over that 15 year period. Stuff happens at the dog parks. One of the male swinger dog owners got so bored with the night life here that he moved to the Clearwater, FL area. One of the women with a wandering eye also moved out of the Villages' area. I will admit I tried very hard to catch those eyes' attention.

I do buy wine and vodka every ten days or so but this is for my parents who drink just before and after dinner and stay in the house at that time.

[billethkid]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

Wow! Amazing conclusion to buy a home in TV "...Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving..."

Sounds an awful lot like bait....to me.

[Villagesgal]

Loved your post and so true. I've lived here 19 years, have never been drunk, never used other than prescription drugs when prescribed by a physician and love living here and have lots of fun with friends.

[kcrazorbackfan]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

Mrs. KC and I have been here 5+ years and I don't drink (Mrs. KC may have an occasional Vodka Tonic) OR DO DRUGS, having arrested HUNDREDS of DUI's/DWI's during my career, and we're having the time of our lives here. We love going to the squares, eating out, playing golf; we just don't waste our precious time together being around people who drink too much.

[JackRussell]

After years of reading the forums I finally convinced myself to seriously consider buying a home in the Villages. Despite all the alcohol related problems with domestic abuse and drunk driving I'm ready to give the Villages a try. To those that stay sober do you really get to enjoy the village squares, restaraunts(sp) and other amenities without a social life of alcohol and social drug use. Do you find neighborhoods up north or the middle more established and peaceful? Thanks for any replies.

Its just like anywhere else.

Just say 'no'

- Nancy Reagan

[Topspinmo]

LOL. I've never had more than a sip of champagne in five years living in various parts of TV. No interference with my social life. It's live-and-let-live here. Come on down!

Agree, I don’t drink and never did, absolutely no interference with my lifestyle.

[Topspinmo]

Warning, warning, danger Will Robinson! If you are a teetotaler you don't want to live in TV. I've never seen so many alcohol and drug abusers in my life, including my 21 years in the Army. I don't know how many times I've found my neighbor sleeping off a drunk on my lania and had to wake him and walk him home. The drunken parties in our neighborhood are getting out of hand, people drinking outdoors until the wee hours of the morning. There are people passed out in the yards and sometimes the neighborhood watch patrol had to get them off the road so they don't get runover by the drunk driver coming home from another drunken party. I don't have enough fingers to count the number of golf carts I've seen in the retention ponds by the golf courses, obviously driven there by impaired drivers. Never seen a body though, so I guess the alligators do serve a purpose. The wanton sex that happens in TV makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like Sesame Street and some of these people look like the Sesame Street inhabitants, not a pretty sight. If you go to some of the urgent care facilities you will see these same people lined up at the door to get their penicillin shots. As far a spouse abuse, hey if I don't beat my wife at least once a month she gets too uppity and forgets her place. I love it here, all the drinking and sex going on is fantastic. You'll not find another place like it. The only problem here in the lower 44 is the federal prison inmates that try to crash our parties. That's not acceptable because they never bring their own booze. It's kinda hard to sleep off a drunk though with the blasting the quarry does at all hours of the night and day. The drug houses tend to attract the lower class people from outside the bubble and now and then there is a shoot out right outside your lanai. Just get your concealed weapon permit and shoot back, great fun when you're drunk or stoned out of your mind. As I said before, it's a great and fun place to live.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[JimJohnson]

Drinking is, has been and always will be part of the american experience. The vast majority of all Americans do not drink and beat their spouse, do not get DUI,s. Statistics show that only 14.9 % of Americans above the age of 12 say they have never even tried alcohol. A much smaller % of adults that never Drink alcohol. So, since the “never drink” group is truly a minority, I would recommend that you treat us partakers with common respect and you will enjoy The Villages just fine.

[Chi-Town]

Warning, warning, danger Will Robinson! If you are a teetotaler you don't want to live in TV. I've never seen so many alcohol and drug abusers in my life, including my 21 years in the Army. I don't know how many times I've found my neighbor sleeping off a drunk on my lania and had to wake him and walk him home. The drunken parties in our neighborhood are getting out of hand, people drinking outdoors until the wee hours of the morning. There are people passed out in the yards and sometimes the neighborhood watch patrol had to get them off the road so they don't get runover by the drunk driver coming home from another drunken party. I don't have enough fingers to count the number of golf carts I've seen in the retention ponds by the golf courses, obviously driven there by impaired drivers. Never seen a body though, so I guess the alligators do serve a purpose. The wanton sex that happens in TV makes Sodom and Gomorrah look like Sesame Street and some of these people look like the Sesame Street inhabitants, not a pretty sight. If you go to some of the urgent care facilities you will see these same people lined up at the door to get their penicillin shots. As far a spouse abuse, hey if I don't beat my wife at least once a month she gets too uppity and forgets her place. I love it here, all the drinking and sex going on is fantastic. You'll not find another place like it. The only problem here in the lower 44 is the federal prison inmates that try to crash our parties. That's not acceptable because they never bring their own booze. It's kinda hard to sleep off a drunk though with the blasting the quarry does at all hours of the night and day. The drug houses tend to attract the lower class people from outside the bubble and now and then there is a shoot out right outside your lanai. Just get your concealed weapon permit and shoot back, great fun when you're drunk or stoned out of your mind. As I said before, it's a great and fun place to live.

Fun post. And "lower 44" is much more catchy than south of 44.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[CFrance]

Drinking is, has been and always will be part of the american experience. The vast majority of all Americans do not drink and beat their spouse, do not get DUI,s. Statistics show that only 14.9 % of Americans above the age of 12 say they have never even tried alcohol. A much smaller % of adults that never Drink alcohol. So, since the “never drink” group is truly a minority, I would recommend that you treat us partakers with common respect and you will enjoy The Villages just fine.
Yes, exactly. My SIL quit drinking 40+ years ago, and she never tires of announcing that she doesn't drink. But I tire of it...