Simple question. At what age did you start you adventures Living in TV?

[Craig Vernon]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.

[dewilson58]

We were sub-55.
Jumped right in with no issues.
You will be called "a kid" for a few years, but I've been called worse.


At the neighborhood get-togethers, there are all ages.......it's great.
Friendships??..........you pick the age.


All fun, no stress.

[runkcrun]

hubby 69, wife 66, wish it had been sooner, but....

[dewilson58]

Is it jus me or does Craig look like a young John Quinones ???


:shocked:

[bilcon]

Never regretted waiting until I was 62 to retire. We have traveled all over the world, lived in TV for 12 years and am very happy I did not retire earlier. My wife did not retire until 70 and still misses teaching. It's a personal thing. If you don't like working get out as soon as you can. We did not wait until retirement to travel, which is the thing we love. We were both educators so we had free time to enjoy ourselves. If you have a job with 2 or 3 weeks off a year, you might want to retire earlier. Good Luck!

[600th Photo Sq]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.

Like almost everything else. I don't remember. :shocked:

[tophcfa]

Not early enough! We never get bored in the Villages (pre-Covid). Soooo many fun things to do. And the younger you can get yourself there, the better. The younger you are, the more energy you have, with less aches and pains, allowing you take advantage off all the fun stuff for as long as possible. Our health and ability to stay active is finite. And to answer your question, 56 for me and 55 for my wife. That seemed like forever ago after just a few years.

[hoopsterdad]

54 and wife was 53, bought when were 51 and 50.

[skip0358]

I was 60 wife 57. I took an early out option at 53 stayed out of work 1 1/2 yrs surgery & new Grand Daughter went to work with a contractor started looking at retirement property came to several in Florida chose this one after a few visits & lifestyle signed the papers 2009 closed in Sept. 09 and have no regrets period.

[Stu from NYC]

71 for me 70 for wife
Liked work to much to retire early so still doing it here.
Liked the life here a lot more before the virus and cant wait for things to get back to normal

[ureout]

we retired and moved in 18 yrs ago.. just shy of 50.. and I've never had a day where I regretted it

[Craig Vernon]

Is it jus me or does Craig look like a young John Quinones ???


:shocked:

Thanks...

[Craig Vernon]

Wow, some great responses and nothing negative. Thanks to everyone for being in the spirit of the post!

[eremite06]

I was 56 and wife 50.

[Ooper]

Wife and I were both 49 when we bought and moved in a year later.

[davem4616]

69...we had originally retired to a home that we had had on a canal in Ft Lauderdale for years

we were living the life there...but the traffic finally got to us

[travelinfool]

53 my wife 47, we close next month:a040::a040::a040::a040:

[John_W]

I retired at 53, moved to TV in 2011 at 61 and will be 70 in July. I first heard of TV when I was 53 and called and got a VHS video and packet at that time.

My parents retired in 1983 in Spring Hill at a 55+ community called Timber Pines, which I visited many times. At the time I first heard of TV I was considering Pensacola, where I once lived for six years, St. Petersburg where I grew up, or Heritage Pines near Spring Hill. After a 7 day LSV, I went with the TV and it's 12 championship golf courses instead of one golf course and 15 minutes from the Gulf at Spring Hill.

[HIgolfers]

The younger the better! I was 59 when I retired and moved to TV.

[golfing eagles]

54, been here a little over 6 years.

[queasy27]

I moved here 10 years ago at 58 but was still working remotely. Easy commute of 30 steps to my office, plus a private lavatory.

Retired at 64 when the company I worked for was sold. I enjoyed my job and wouldn't have minded working longer, but I remain very content.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We bought in March 2019 (last year). When we finally moved in, this past November, hubby was 60 and I was 58. He turned 61 in April and I turned 59 two weeks ago.

Side note: I'm seeing quite a lot of you moved in before you or your significant other were 55. It doesn't surprise me that people would do that, just at how many of you, given that this is a 55+ community.

[rustyp]

I retired at 53 and started renting here for high season. I rented for quite a few years and finally purchased in Jan 2012 at the bottom of TV market. This is my primary residence but I do have a seasonal home up north. I like it here but could never do this as my only residence - I don't know what's next if I had to make that decision.

[Craig Vernon]

53 my wife 47, we close next month:a040::a040::a040::a040:

Yes I am jealous, but very happy for you.

[dewilson58]

Yes I am jealous, but very happy for you.


Never be jealous. There will always be others who are younger, older, smarter, dumber, richer, poorer, taller, shorter, faster, slower.


:duck:

[manaboutown]

39 and holding

[Two Bills]

I retired at 16 when I found out how hard work was!

[juscause]

I was 54 and decided to move when playing HAVANA and one of my playing partners called me a "young buck." Since I played with guys back home that were all 20 years younger than me, those words made me feel great. Also, I am named Craig, so fate dictates that you move right now before you turn 55!

[Craig Vernon]

I retired at 16 when I found out how hard work was!

:bigbow:I am not worthy.

[Craig Vernon]

I was 54 and decided to move when playing HAVANA and one of my playing partners called me a "young buck." Since I played with guys back home that were all 20 years younger than me, those words made me feel great. Also, I am named Craig, so fate dictates that you move right now before you turn 55!

Obviously the stars are in line...Great Name by the way.

[Bethwill]

One month after 60th birthday. Will be 6 years in September.

[J1ceasar]

45! And wife was 50. Remember only 80% must be over 55! But I stayed working over the internet .
And also remember there are 10+ senior communities near the villages all 30% cheaper . not everyone needs 18 golf courses or huge bonds . much more relaxing .

[Rich42]

And you need to know this because.........

[Professor]

I was 55 and my wife was 54 when we bought out house in TV. We vacationed here the first three years. Three years later we moved here full-time but both of us began working remotely so the change was for the lifestyle and the weather, not because we actually retired. Still working today actually at 66...and loving the lifestyle we have.

[travelinfool]

Never be jealous. There will always be others who are younger, older, smarter, dumber, richer, poorer, taller, shorter, faster, slower.


:duck:

I am all of these:clap2:

[raney3099]

Bought we were 52 and 56 and moved down full time 2 yrs later. We are both still working full time but love it down here.

[bhferri85]

56.

[Sunflower1]

We retired and moved here in Oct. 2018 at 56. No regrets. 😀

[duffersue]

68 or 69. Single, had to work and save money first.

[Chatbrat]

Retired to St Pete in 95 when I was 52, then bought a boat in 99' cruised till 2005, then New Bern ,NC-2009. Cary,NC, ( 2009 to 2010), Palm Coast 2010 6 months), TV 2010 to present--New Bern & Palm Coast were controlled by POA & condo commando's--no HOA or POA's ever again

[ts12755]

60... But had to work 4 more years to retire and have free health insurance. Luckily my job was only 18 miles away. Wish I could have retired at 55 with plenty of money and health insurance. Much more fun when you're young and healthy.

[amdubuc]

58 & 56. Strongly suggest you consider new areas. Many first time buyers. New to the Vilages. Seeking friends, activities, new adventures and good times.
ALL of the Villages are great.
However if you buy in a neighborhood establishment 12 years ago, like ours, most current residents are 12 years older and settled in their routines. Just one mans opinion.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I was 60. In my eight years I've met a lot of people here of all ages and have never had any kind of issue related to a difference in age. Everyone gets together and accepts everyone else.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.

Initially retired in Virginia at age 63, moved to Boynton Beach Florida in 2013, got tired of the asphalt and concrete with no trees, moved here in March of 2018, been loving it wish I would have found it sooner, this area has got everything going for happy retirement!!!!!!!
:MOJE_whot: :MOJE_whot: :MOJE_whot:

[Kahiland]

49. Very happy we did it. There are a couple of clubs for younger villages. TV has a "stay and play" program where you can try the lifestyle.

[meridian5850]

I was 2 weeks shy of 59 and my wife a month past her 62nd birthday. Moved here in Nov. 2017 after having spent 4 years planning for the move.

[theruizs]

We were 57, semi-retired. Fully retired 2 years later. If we hadn’t moved here I might still be working. So I guess that be could be good or it could be bad depending on your personal goals and what you do for a living. I found it more difficult than I thought to keep working from here, but that may not be true for others. Fortunately, we were in a position where it didn’t matter. There is plenty to do here to keep you busy if you are retiring early.

[La lamy]

55. It's kind of weird feeling like I'm in an 'old age home' at such a young age, but I love all the activities and peaceful feeling I get in TV. Worked my whole life in Canada with the idea that I was going to save up enough to not have to freeze during the winters one day. Hopefully the border reopens soon so I can continue to make my dream come true!

[Villagesgal]

I was 45 and hubby was 50. Been here 19 years and still loving it. Don't put it off, we are not guaranteed even today let alone tomorrow. Enjoy life, do it for yourself. If your finances allow it, do it. See you here soon.

[justjim]

I was 58 and wife 55 when we retired to Florida. We lived in another retirement community near The Villages until 2006. Never regretted retiring early and it has all been good.

[GKell35]

I'm 50, just retired 5 months ago and pulled the trigger to buy a home in TV. Moving in June 18, 2020. Can't wait.

[Dlbonivich]

51 and 56. We are the kids. We love it here. Love the lifestyle. I still work as a realtor, my choice. My husband has embraced it fully. We are so busy and I feel like I’m so much more active than I have ever been. Andrea Bonivich, Sellstate Superior Realty

[jonathanb]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.
10 years ago. I was 53 and my wife 57. It has been an awesome 10 years.

[harleyrider2]

[QUOTE=Craig Vernon;1767626]I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.
I retired at 54. Moved to TV when I was 59 and my wife was 47. Wish I would of discovered the Villages sooner.

[PugMom]

we only moved here about 2 years ago, so still 'newbies' enjoying the lifestyle. i was 54 when we moved in, hubby was 61. we love the idea of town squares: you can meet just about anybody there. some don't agree with me, but this IS the friendliest hometown. in our whole time we have met only 1 'mean' person, lol. ...and you NEED to see The Hooligan's when squares open up again. welcome, & we look forward to meeting new neighbors like yourselves!!

[dbcolli]

We came from Calif in 2004 at age 61 and that was when The Villages picked us up at Orlando airport in a stretch Limo free of charge ! Those were the days.
Still loving it.

[Tom359]

We bought at the end of last year when I was 53, wife 55. We plan on moving to TV full time at the end of next year when I will be 55 to get my health benefits. Would do it right now if we could! Everyone we have talked to when asked about when they moved have told us "we just wish we did it earlier!"

[JimJohnson]

Live in The Villages from age 55 though 75. After 75, The Villages would be to fast and furious for most.

[BRK1939]

Wow, what did we do wrong to not be able to retire at 50/55 as so many have stated ? We had been retired for about one year and were 65 and 63 when we moved to TV in 2004.The first ten years were fantastic as we could, and did, participate in everything ! Now at 80 and with some aches and pains beginning to show we find that we have had to slow down somewhat and compelling reasons for living in TV have changed from active to somewhat passive. How we envy you folks who can still partake !

[Ruggiero56]

59 and happy I did it. Fortunate to on a great Cul de sac with wonderful neighbors. When you get here, host a Neighborhood party and you’ll make friends from the start b

[NavyVet]

We were 47 and 51, childfree, both former military. TV was happy to sell us a new home. Moved in full time a week after closing. This was back in 2003 when you could pick out every detail. We couldn't wait to get out of South Florida, was tired of the horrible traffic and working in a foreign country. Spouse was already set up in home office by boss, so retired from job at 55. We are in our third home here. Started with ranch/cottage, upgraded to new block Designer home w/2.5 garage, then upgraded again to preowned pool home. Helpful hint: If swimming is important to you, get a house with a pool or swim spa. Don't count on finding lap lane availability; restricted times at sport pools and if you try to 'swim' at neighborhood pools, you will get dirty looks. Also, courtyard villas are great for privacy and pets, unless you need more garage space. Many different home styles, sizes, neighborhoods to pick from. Good luck in your search!

[Gsmello]

Me and my wife were 45 and 47 when we purchased our home. Best move we could of made!

[Ross]

We were 54 and 55. Residents since 1996. There was 15k people here. Still living the dream.

[deputydoc]

My wife and I both moved here at 50. We both feel it was a good move. One of us still had to have a job that offered good health insurance as we are still too young to qualify for govt medical

[Curtisbwp]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.

I was 53 and my wife was 48. I am retired military. We had cash and children were grown and gone. If you have a pockett full of cash and no children you are welcome.

[carolfry44]

I was 53.

[Craig Vernon]

And you need to know this because.........

I don't but thanks anyway..lol

[Craig Vernon]

We were 47 and 51, childfree, both former military. TV was happy to sell us a new home. Moved in full time a week after closing. This was back in 2003 when you could pick out every detail. We couldn't wait to get out of South Florida, was tired of the horrible traffic and working in a foreign country. Spouse was already set up in home office by boss, so retired from job at 55. We are in our third home here. Started with ranch/cottage, upgraded to new block Designer home w/2.5 garage, then upgraded again to preowned pool home. Helpful hint: If swimming is important to you, get a house with a pool or swim spa. Don't count on finding lap lane availability; restricted times at sport pools and if you try to 'swim' at neighborhood pools, you will get dirty looks. Also, courtyard villas are great for privacy and pets, unless you need more garage space. Many different home styles, sizes, neighborhoods to pick from. Good luck in your search!

I am also a Navy Vet but only four years. The respect for veterans in TV is also a big factor for me. Take care and thanks to both of you for your service.

[Craig Vernon]

I'm 50, just retired 5 months ago and pulled the trigger to buy a home in TV. Moving in June 18, 2020. Can't wait.

Very happy for you.."Fair winds and following seas."

[Craig Vernon]

We bought at the end of last year when I was 53, wife 55. We plan on moving to TV full time at the end of next year when I will be 55 to get my health benefits. Would do it right now if we could! Everyone we have talked to when asked about when they moved have told us "we just wish we did it earlier!"

Similar situation here no retiree medical until age 55. Most tell me the same thing they wish they would've come sooner. Smart people in TV. Enjoy!

[Craig Vernon]

Great stuff everyone Thanks so much. Keep them coming I love to read them all...

[transplanted]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.
One of us was 61 and the other turned 55 the month after we closed in 2018. Also, just fyi, there is a club called 'South of 60' to get you connected with the younger crowd, if that's your concern.
One bit of advice I would give for your consideration... maybe rent for a bit, or at least visit a few times. We bought our first time down here and were fantastically lucky to have picked a good neighborhood. By "good" I mean friendly and supportive. I thought that's how all of TV was, but after having played mahjongg with random people on many occasions, belonging to a quilting group and genealogy groups and listening to others talk, that is not the case; some say their neighbors don't even know each other, they don't get together, and don't seem interested in doing so.
In mine (as well as many others, but apparently not all) we get together once a month for a pot luck or a catered event and play games/socialize. The women go to lunch each month to celebrate the birthday of all those with a birthday that month. The guys have Executive and Championship golf groups, etc. When COVID-19 came about, a gentleman put together a straw plan for support for our neighborhood and emailed it out to all via our neighborhood mail group so we could offer additions/deletions. Then 3 retired nurses divided up the neighborhood with them being the points of contact to check on us if we hadn't been seen about, or we could contact them. Someone else picked up the vials of life from the sheriff's dept for the whole neighborhood. And during the lockdown, one of the guys played bagpipes for us at the end of his driveway every Wed and Sun evenings. We all pulled up in our golf carts, listened, and socialized just a little from our carts. I know that if we needed something, I could call any of them for assistance and it would happen. Just giving you an example of what it can be like if that's what you're looking for. I know we are much happier than we would be in an isolated neighborhood. Just some food for thought!
And I canNOT tell you how happy I was to move to a place that CLEARLY cares for their country - the flags will line the yards this coming weekend - no doubt!

We look forward to your arrival Shipmate!
(retired Navy)

[Barborv]

Have been coming back and forth to TV when off from school for the last 8 years when we bought our house . I was 54 and my husband was 53. Will make the final move in 2 years at 63 and my husband at 62. I say the sooner one can, the better. And if you have the opportunity to work your job down there in the area, even better!

[raynan]

I was 59 and husband 63 and we've been here 10 years

[llmcdaniel]

I retired from teaching at 59 and moved to Florida from Oregon two days after my retirement party. We’ve been here ten years next month, and we have enjoyed so many physical activities while we were young. As we age, The Villages offers literally hundreds of clubs which will not require a great deal of physical energy. A win-win situation.💕

[big guy]

My husband was 60, I was 59.

[kpd3062]

I will soon be turning 54 with the possibility of retiring at 55. I am ready to start living the lifestyle. How old were you when you started living in TV? Advice from the wise is always welcomed.



We are both 56, We discovered TV four years ago visiting my uncle. Since then we have done a lifestyle visit and rented two houses. I retire at the end of the month and we will hopefully purchasing a home in the next few months. Probably south of 44 (new areas). I was happily surprised at all the responses by how young some of them retired. I sometimes get snide comments when people hear I’m retiring. TV here we come. Good luck Craig, see you in TV.

[Freehiker]

I’m not 55 yet and have tried twice in the last month to get a Lifestyles Preview and been told both times no.

Apparently the Lifestyles Preview is so overwhelmed with people wanting to do it that they are limiting it to “immediate buyers only” which, to them, means no people under 55.

😑

[Troopie]

I started coming down to TV about 18 years ago (when I was 39). We bought a rental property here in 2013, and stayed in it periodically. Then, we built our "forever home" here in 2016. I finally moved here last year at age 56 (exactly one day after I was eligible to retire). Love this place!

[Craig Vernon]

So many incredible responses, experiences and a wide range of ages. Thank you to all who have commented. More please keep em coming...Great stuff!!!

[tvbound]

When we buy, I'll be 58 and the boss will be 33, so I guess I'll have to co-sign for her?

[blue72]

I was 60. If I could have, I would have moved here 5 years earlier.

[Cookie Princess]

FreeHiker: Neither my husband nor I are 55 yet, and had a Lifestyle Preview scheduled for April. We had to cancel due to the COVID-19 virus, but plan to reschedule for November (hopefully).

[Craig Vernon]

FreeHiker: Neither my husband nor I are 55 yet, and had a Lifestyle Preview scheduled for April. We had to cancel due to the COVID-19 virus, but plan to reschedule for November (hopefully).

My wife and I have made three trips and plan one for this year if things become at least somewhat normal. Enjoy your visit. TV is worth the wait!

[Freehiker]

FreeHiker: Neither my husband nor I are 55 yet, and had a Lifestyle Preview scheduled for April. We had to cancel due to the COVID-19 virus, but plan to reschedule for November (hopefully).

Would love to know if they allow you to reschedule. I tried twice with two different representatives and was told no.

[Cookie Princess]

Would love to know if they allow you to reschedule. I tried twice with two different representatives and was told no.


I will let you know once I reschedule. They were extremely nice when I called to cancel and told me to call back when I am ready to reschedule. We have a 3 year retirement timeframe, and I was very honest with them about that.

[Craig Vernon]

Would love to know if they allow you to reschedule. I tried twice with two different representatives and was told no.

Check out the Villagershomes4rent.com and rent from an owner. This is the best way to visit and depending on the season may be just as reasonable as a lifestyle visit. Make sure the golf cart is included and is a late model gas if possible. The owners are the best and their homes are amazing all types and sizes. Good Luck.

[Craig Vernon]

I will let you know once I reschedule. They were extremely nice when I called to cancel and told me to call back when I am ready to reschedule. We have a 3 year retirement timeframe, and I was very honest with them about that.

Check out Thevillagershomes4rent.com for private rentals. I have never done the lifestyle visit but I have done this three times. The owners are responsive and depending on the time of year as reasonable as a lifestyle visit. Advice make sure it comes with a later model gas golf cart. All sizes and styles your choice, some have private pools and hot tubs. Good Luck!

[Laurawilcox]

I saw the comment #46 from the Ruizs that work was hard to find. What type of work r you looking for? We feel like we would like some part time work or less pressured full time pretty much open to type but don’t know the availability is the Villages. Thinking w need to step out k the rat race.

[theruizs]

I saw the comment #46 from the Ruizs that work was hard to find. What type of work r you looking for? We feel like we would like some part time work or less pressured full time pretty much open to type but don’t know the availability is the Villages. Thinking w need to step out k the rat race.

Sorry, what I meant was that I was working from home for the same company I had been with, but found it hard to do. All I really did at that point was consult over the phone for the person who was really doing my job because I didn’t want to travel any more for work. So I fully retired after about 2 years of that. I haven’t looked for work since then so I don’t know what’s available.

[TraceyMooreRN]

We invested when I was 33 and hubby 43! Moved here full time when I was 38 and hubby 48! We both still work full time! We miss out on some of the things since we are too young! No league tournaments (except softball) if you are younger than 50! Besides that we have made lifelong friendships and have loved every minute of our time here! We have since moved down my mother-in-law, one sister and another sister will come in approximately 5 years!

[Aloha1]

Sold our planned retirement home in the People's Republic Of Hawai'i in 2015. Made our first visit to TV in 2/16 and fell in love with the place. Bought a lot and built. Age 67, wife, 66.

True story: As we were roaming around TV learning what's here, my wife says, "There are a lot of old people here". I said, "Look in a mirror". Took a couple weeks for the lump to go down. (just kidding)