Now that you live in Florida, what are the things you like and don't like here?

[Talk Host]

The Villages is a wonderful place. What are the things that you wish were different here in Florida compared to where you lived before.

For me, I find the work ethic of the service providers to be different. So many of the service businesses we call are either late or don't show up at all. It's almost a surprise when somebody arrives on time.

I find the teenagers here in Florida to be much more polite than those in the north. I also see a much friendly attitude by young people toward we "older folks."

[Rob Stevens]

Having been born and raised in Florida I can tell you that being polite as a child is enforced by every adult you come near to. It doesn't matter if they are related to you or not. They will school you if you are impolite. And, since all of your peers are polite, you are too. All is well. And polite. As for the service providers you have to remember that many of them are self employed. For all of it's size TV is still in a small town atmosphere in many ways. Hmmm, how to say this? (I deleted what I typed.) Imbibe away!

[jaspal]

Having been born and raised in Florida I can tell you that being polite as a child is enforced by every adult you come near to. It doesn't matter if they are related to you or not. They will school you if you are impolite. And, since all of your peers are polite, you are too. All is well. And polite. As for the service providers you have to remember that many of them are self employed. For all of it's size TV is still in a small town atmosphere in many ways. Hmmm, how to say this? (I deleted what I typed.) Imbibe away!

The lesson:MOJE_whot:
Do on to others as you would have them do onto you.
:BigApplause:

[springfield]

We have been here for only a short time, yet we feel so much at home. We have met many lovely friendly people that have been helpful and welcoming. However, far too often negative political talk comes up. We don't say anything and keep our views to ourselves. We were raised to understand that you don't talk politics or religion and wished that more people would follow that bit of advice.

[villa2]

We have been here for only a short time, yet we feel so much at home. We have met many lovely friendly people that have been helpful and welcoming. However, far too often negative political talk comes up. We don't say anything and keep our views to ourselves. We were raised to understand that you don't talk politics or religion and wished that more people would follow that bit of advice.

Do you mean it comes up in casual conversation? When I was there a year ago for a week, I never heard anything like that.

[gary42651]

I`m not moving to Florida because I like the state, I`m moving to Florida because I love the Villages, I would have bought in the Villages no matter what state it was in. I didn`t come to the Villages to buy a house, I came to buy a great lifestyle. It reminds me of how it use to be as a kid growing up, and I`m happy to say that I`ll be living there full time in a few weeks.

[springfield]

It might be during golf, at the pool, we even get comments from people we have hired for different services. We don't say anything or change the subject.

[swrinfla]

:agree: with springfield!

If you want to avoid confrontations, NEVER discuss politics, even with your best neighbors! Inevitably, the talk deteriorates into yelling, angry looks, and claims that "You're stupid!"

As to Talk Host's original question, I haven't really found anything that I don't like here - that is, of any importance. I've never had the problem of service folks not showing up; usually, they arrive within 30 minutes of when they said! Now, when they tell you ahead of time, "Between noon and 5 o'clock" that doesn't help a h*** of a lot! :)

My biggest gripe, frankly, is the poor quality of television news. I'm sick to death of nothing but murders, rapes, fires, etc. But, I could not watch, couldn't I?

Have a Good Labor Day, all.

SWR
:beer3:

[Vinny]

Like: Living in Florida
Dislike: not moving here sooner

[Kelsie52]

I`m not moving to Florida because I like the state, I`m moving to Florida because I love the Villages, I would have bought in the Villages no matter what state it was in. I didn`t come to the Villages to buy a house, I came to buy a great lifestyle. It reminds me of how it use to be as a kid growing up, and I`m happy to say that I`ll be living there full time in a few weeks.

I agree with Gary 100% --I have really not studied Florida as a State, only the Villages as a home --for its "The way neighborhoods use to be --how we grew up " attitude . I am ashamed to say the only true item I have looked into is how Florida will treat my Retirement check. Lower real estate taxes and no State tax --I will grow to like it ---lol

47 days until we turn inot FROGs --

[golfnut]

No problems with service providers, no interaction with teenagers, it's all good...gn

[Lou Card]

Been here for three months now and it is even better than we thought it would be. We both are very satisfied.

[Walt.]

[QUOTE=Talk Host;289518]
For me, I find the work ethic of the service providers to be different. So many of the service businesses we call are either late or don't show up at all. It's almost a surprise when somebody arrives on time.
QUOTE]

Wow. Our experience has been exactly the opposite. The difference between here and Miami is amazing. Even the cable guy showed up on schedule.
With the exception of our first landscaper (who seemed ok initially) we've been pleased with everyone we've dealt with; the bank, house painter, TV repair, auto repair, dentist, I even got a decent haircut!! When our one-year house warrently was almost up we called in with 4 (very) minor items. We got a call back that day and scheduled repairs for the next morning. Four different people showed up the next day and took care of everything. Bravo.

[Pturner]

Not frogs yet, but can't wait. I haven't found anything I don't like about Florida. As a southerner, I'm quite use to the heat.

I too have had nothing but good experience with service people in TV, so far.

[Pturner]

Oh, I just thought of something I won't like about Fl. Lovebugs!!

[escapequeen]

We purchased in March, 2010. We have made two visits, each for 30+ days. We went to the Southside pool and the Paradise pool, neither of which anyone was outgoing/friendly. I haven't even seen very many people overall who actually smile. Hmmmm, don't know about all that. I like interaction and happy times.
We do have really nice neighbors, at least the three that we know. Maybe it is going to just take more time. Oh well, we're not leaving, lol! :highfive:

[uujudy]

We have been here for only a short time, yet we feel so much at home. We have met many lovely friendly people that have been helpful and welcoming. However, far too often negative political talk comes up. We don't say anything and keep our views to ourselves. We were raised to understand that you don't talk politics or religion and wished that more people would follow that bit of advice.

Springfield, I have experienced the same thing with both politics AND religion here. It always takes me by surprise. :22yikes:

[Skip2MySue]

We purchased in March, 2010. We have made two visits, each for 30+ days. We went to the Southside pool and the Paradise pool, neither of which anyone was outgoing/friendly. I haven't even seen very many people overall who actually smile. Hmmmm, don't know about all that. I like interaction and happy times.
We do have really nice neighbors, at least the three that we know. Maybe it is going to just take more time. Oh well, we're not leaving, lol! :highfive:

Just to give you hope, we've been down twice for short stays in our new home in Pennecamp and found the neighbors to be open and welcoming. We then headed to the pool and engaged in many conversations with fellow pooler's who welcomed us with smiles and open arms. Just made us miss being there even more.:thumbup:
Skip 2

[bobthebuilder]

You are two of the nicest people I have ever met. It was a pleasure meeting you.

[mac9]

I love the weather here, even the summer. I never want to clear a driveway of snow ever again. I love the laid back lifestyle, the friendliness of people and even the rainy days.
I miss not knowing where to go for the best Italian rolls or best pizzas. I have come to the conclusion that there are no decent rolls or pizzas, so I just have to learn to like other things.
I look at my life and retirement here the same as when I graduated from high school or college or got married. Things change and progress and it's the way that it should be. And I'm loving most minutes of it!

[swrinfla]

escapequeen:

I try not to establish unrealistic or unreasonable guidelines, here. That said, I must observe that your apparent neighborhood (that is, the historic section, occasionally referred to as the pre-historic section) is, almost certainly, populated by older folks than many of the newer villages. That doesn't mean it's bad, only that many folks have been there for ages and ages and are less apt to welcome new residents with open arms!

My advice: hang in there! Before you know it, you'll be as much a part of The Villages whole scene as are all TOTV-ers!

SWR
:beer3:

[Yoda]

As of this time there are two things I don't like about the villages.

1. Obama is president.

2. People who ask what I don't like about the villages.

We who are still here, love TV. Those who do not, have moved.

Yoda

[redwitch]

escapequeen -- I agree with SWR. A lot of your problem is your neighborhood. Well-established neighborhoods do make it a bit harder to join in the fun. There are ways to get around it. Invite the neighbors into your home. They won't all come, but you'd be surprised how many will (usually out of curiosity the first time). Go to the squares and join clubs that interest you. You'll find that the more you have in common, the easier it is to make friends here. Sadly, the last suggestion is not the easiest, but the most likely to work -- go to a pool in a newer neighborhood. There, people haven't had a chance to totally establish friendships; they're usually younger and more open; they're not experiencing a lot of the pain of true old age.

Regardless of what you decide to do, time will make a difference. My next-door neighbor is 92. At first, they weren't too sure about someone under 60 living next door to them. Through little acts of kindness (putting the newspaper right by his garage, etc.), they now feel I'm the best thing that ever moved in. The wife constantly brings me food and checks on me if my cart is in the driveway too long. She makes sure I know of all neighborhood activities and makes sure I get an invite. I frequently play cards with them and their friends. It took some time, but it was well worth the wait.

Good luck and don't give up!

[Larryandlinda]

Been here for three months now and it is even better than we thought it would be. We both are very satisfied.

what's with the 'banned' subtitle under Lou's name?

L and L

[getdul981]

I'll have to get back to you in about 3 months when we actually are living in FL.

[The Shadow]

what's with the 'banned' subtitle under Lou's name?

L and L
I think you will find Lou has been banished from the island along with the posts that caused it.