What do you wish you did on a lifestyle visit?

[STLRAY]

I have a lifestyle visit scheduled for later this month. Planning this visit I am wondering if you kind folks could share what you are really glad you did while there and what if anything you wish you did on a lifestyle visit but did not. As always thank you for all your generous advice.

[Kenswing]

I have a lifestyle visit scheduled for later this month. Planning this visit I am wondering if you kind folks could share what you are really glad you did while there and what if anything you wish you did on a lifestyle visit but did not. As always thank you for all your generous advice.
I think it depends on what your goals are. For us we used it as an introduction to what The Villages are overall.

Our assigned sales agent offered to hold our hand and show us around but we knew we weren't going to buy on that trip and just wanted a more relaxed visit so we told him we would call him if we had any questions. One thing we did have him do for us was schedule a spot on all three trolley tours. That gave a good view of The Villages scope and provided some history. Not sure if the trollies are running with the pandemic.

If there's something specific that you want to see or do just let your sales rep know. They are very accommodating.

[charmed59]

I second the trolley tour idea. I wish we went on a trolley tour. We did play golf a few times and meet people we were paired with. We did have a pickle ball introductory lesson. Both of those we great. We went to a performance at Savannah, that is not going on right now, but tickets to a square would be good.

[manaboutown]

I, too, wish I had taken the Trolley tour. I thought it was too Mickey Mouse but it provides a nice overall look-see of The Villages.

[Art cov]

I find wherever I am, the trolley’s are informative and provide a tour that is relaxing.

[John41]

I have a lifestyle visit scheduled for later this month. Planning this visit I am wondering if you kind folks could share what you are really glad you did while there and what if anything you wish you did on a lifestyle visit but did not. As always thank you for all your generous advice.

1. checked out shopping
2. checked around the neighborhoods for problems eg train noise
3. checked out squares and amenities
4. ate out a few times
5. did not like the villages on the lifestyle visit. on the third visit found what we liked.

[vintageogauge]

When we first came down we were very impressed with Katie Belle's and it's unfortunate you are unable to see how it used to be. However, there is a heck of a lot more to do down here now than there was 18 years ago. I'm sure you will see all of the squares but add Edna's in Marsh Bend to your list, great outdoor entertainment, very relaxing atmosphere, it's a booming place.

[Paporter]

Some one told me the number of rentals (investment income) properties there are on every street. And that this is not a true retirement community, but a Vacation Club community.

[Keninches]

Some one told me the number of rentals (investment income) properties there are on every street. And that this is not a true retirement community, but a Vacation Club community.

There are a lot of rentals, as well as AIRBNB. In the older sections and newer sections. We have been here 17 years and the atmosphere has changed significantly.
Not yet retirement age buyers. Renting their properties. Good luck.

[Chi-Town]

Take long golf cart rides to really see The Villages. You can check out neighborhoods and home styles at a a close up and leisurely pace.

[zendog3]

Researchers have found the single most important factor in happiness in retirement is the quality of your personal relationships.

You know the weather is warm in the winter. Golf is the same everywhere. You have worked all your life and now you don't have work friends and your family will be far away. Sitting on the lanai in the sun and reading a book will get you about a week. Now you either find a new life with new people, or you will pack up and do back to the kids in that cold place. So, your job here is to find out who you really are.

The most important thing for you to do is stand in line. If you find you are talking to the people in front of and behind you, and smiling and laughing -- you are Village people, and you will regret you didn't come here years ago. If you just waited for that table, or coffee, or whatever... well, you are probably not going to be really happy away from "home."

[kendi]

I have a lifestyle visit scheduled for later this month. Planning this visit I am wondering if you kind folks could share what you are really glad you did while there and what if anything you wish you did on a lifestyle visit but did not. As always thank you for all your generous advice.

For us it was not about what we did but rather the location. Our lifestyle visit was in Brownwood twice. Stayed in Sumter once. Never had the desire To move here until renting in the South for a month. More laid back and relaxing. Paths for biking and walking are beautiful. Our month long stay also gave us more time to try various activities without feeling rushed.

[STLRAY]

I will strike up a conversation with a stranger just about anywhere so if your assessment is accurate I will be happy there.

[Villagesgal]

We took a trolly tour to get a better idea of what was available, rented a golf cart and then drove around and stopped to talk to people we saw out in the neighborhoods. Most people were wonderful and welcoming, some areas the people were very snobby so we knew we didn't want to buy there, other areas people were great, we bought in one of those areas and love our home. Try to pretend you already live here and visit rec centers, go to the area pools, go out to eat, visit stores, take a few classes. If you find you enjoyed it, buy here. Get out and around on your own. We've been here 19 years, came at 45 and 50, we liked it so much we decided not to wait and came down and worked for a while. Would do it all again. Have fun on your lifestyle visit. Do rent a cart for a week. There is golf cart path GPS available for your phone. Just have fun.

[NavyVet]

We've been here 19 years, came at 45 and 50, we liked it so much we decided not to wait and came down and worked for a while.

Wow, cool. So similar to our story. 17 years for us, we were 47 and 51. We bought new through TV and had no problem. Did the Lifestyle Preview and trolley tour. Showed up with our checkbook and they were very willing to sell us a home. Hubby worked from home until age 55. The first 10 years here were wonderful.

[Garywt]

We never did a lifestyle visit. We visited friends and put miles and miles on the golf cart, that is what sold me. We went to the squares, stopped for food etc. we dated and bought a house. Someone said they looked for a place without noise but we have a train nearby. Love the sound of trains so it is perfect for us.

[Andyhope]

Wished I had left my checkbook home.....just kidding. Very happy here

[charmed59]

For us it was not about what we did but rather the location. Our lifestyle visit was in Brownwood twice. Stayed in Sumter once. Never had the desire To move here until renting in the South for a month. More laid back and relaxing. Paths for biking and walking are beautiful. Our month long stay also gave us more time to try various activities without feeling rushed.

I wish they would add some lifestyle visit accommodations in the south. There are many folks like yourselves that would prefer that lifestyle. It would make it easier for those looking for brand new homes to see if they like that area of the villages.

[condomom22]

The three trolley tours were excellent and provide different information on The Villages: The Past leaves from Spanish Springs; The Present from Lake Sumter; The Future from Brownwood. As a Villages resident now for 1 1/2 yrs, I still take the trolley tours with our friends when they visit. Unfortunately, I don't believe the trolley tours are back up and running yet due to covid. I would check with the Sales Office; perhaps they are providing an alternative. Visit the town squares with their shops and restaurants, while listening to the music in the late afternoon/evenings. You may also want to drive along Hwy 441 to see all the stores available on that strip.

[eweissenbach]

We took the lifestyle preview a little over ten years ago. The first day we took the trolley tour (only one back then) which instantly gave us a great feel for the community and the layout. As for what we wished we had done, I can’t think of anything. We were housed at Creekside Villas, right by Lake Sumter Landing. We got a map and headed out in the golf cart, back then you could cover the whole development in an afternoon. We golfed twice, went to open houses, went to new homes with our real estate salesperson, went to the squares for nightly entertainment, went to a movie, ate at many local eateries, and were in the CYV that was provided basically only to sleep. I came prepared to be impressed, and was overwhelmed, my wife expected to be unimpressed and came away ready to buy. We went on to rent for several winters before finally buying three years ago. The Villages is not perfect, but it comes closer than anything I have yet seen.

[Smalley]

[QUOTE=John41;1855180]1. checked out shopping
2. checked around the neighborhoods for problems eg train noise
3. checked out squares and amenities
4. ate out a few times
5. did not like the villages on the lifestyle visit. on the third visit found what we liked.[/QUOTE
Did you find a part of the Villages that you liked or did you move elsewhere?

[JFPLYMOUTH]

Best answer ever!!😎👍👍

[RealtorKaren]

I returned from my Lifestyle visit last week. I wish I had remembered to turn the lights off on my golf cart when I came home from partying the first night! I'm used to my headlights turning off by themselves! I'm just sayin'! Other than that, I wanted to meet some single guys and that didn't happen. Oh well, maybe next time! LOL

[RealtorKaren]

The trolley service is not operating currently. I was so sorry to hear that! Maybe next time.....if the virus goes away.

[RealtorKaren]

There are no trolley tours these days, FYI.

[Barborv]

Unfortunately, You won't get the full effect of the Villages. Many clubs, shows , activities , etc. are not running now. (Darn this pandemic)Try to see what is, and go and see and talk to people. Definitely the 3 trolley tours. Use the golf cart and take rides on Buena vista and Morse Blvd. Visit the recreation buildings. Visit the North and south, top to bottom and see what areas appeal to you. I promise you, once things are back to normal(fingers crossed) the atmosphere in the town squares in the evening are great! Especially when it's Market night. Go for ice cream at Kilwins in Spanish Springs. Toasted coconut , yum! Also, not sure if Mystic ice cream(1217 West Miller Street in Fruitland Park) is doing their thing. Also take a drive to Eaton Beach Bar and Grill(15790 SE 134th Ave., Weirsdale) and enjoy a nice dinner looking out to the beach. We were immediatley drawn and in ore of the Villages when we visited 9 years ago. We researched prior to that for 2 years and in the summer time (was off from work) we drove down from NY and visited 55 communities on the east coast , in between and west coast. Nothing really excited me. I would tell the realtors, show me the life style first and then the homes. I must of visited about 25-30 communities. When we arrived in TV , and was shown the life style , that was it. We were also looking at that time also to rent out a property, because we weren't retiring yet. We bought the next day after realizing we can rent it out with no problem. So true. Had a tenant before we even closed on the house. We will be finally retiring in 2 years and decided to keep the first house as a rental and we just bought our home we plan to live in. Over the years, I would come down almost every chance I could when school was not in session . I've been to so many clubs to see what I liked. There is a great bingo game(if you're into Bingo) at Paradise on Friday nights. I'm sure also not running now. I wonder if you could find out if TV has any copies of what the recreation paper looked like before Covid. That would give you a GREAT idea of all the asome clubs and support groups there are.
Enjoy your visit.