Nervous moving to the Villages

[Allen2021]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

[JohnN]

We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do.

Yes

And is it as fun as it seems.

Yes

I'm sure it'll be a huge change from Idaho mountains. Regardless, it's a great place.
Good luck in your venture and welcome.

[Toymeister]

Sure, we felt that way.

There can be a great deal of culture shock, close neighbors, friendly people and lots of activity yet quiet. Still safe/secure and orderly.

Still, it's not for everyone.

[dtennent]

It all depends on your attitude. Be out going, find some clubs that follow your interests (might take a few months since many are not doing much due to the Covid.), find some physical activities that you enjoy and join in.

If you are a golfer, pay the $8/month fee to access the reservation system. Reserve times with other people and you will eventually find folks who you will play with regularly.

There are classes on pickle ball which will help you learn the game and meet people.

Host an afternoon open house/garage party for your neighborhood to meet folks. You will break the ice and the neighborhood leaders will help you get involved in the activities.

Most of all, have fun. Welcome to The Villages!

[graciegirl]

One of the most serious psychological "stressors" is a major move, no matter if it IS a wonderful place.

[RICH1]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.
You will return to Idaho .... why did you move?

[Allen2021]

We are moving because we are sick of the long winters. it is dark here at 4pm in the winter. you work all summer to get ready for the next winter. we are 25 miles from a store 50 miles from our doctor. and we were offered a ridicule's price for our house. And no would never come back to Northern Idaho

[Fredster]

You will return to Idaho .... why did you move?

“We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life.”
Sure seems like a good reason to me!
Welcome, and I’m sure in short order you will find life in TV a lot easier!

[coffeebean]

We are moving because we are sick of the long winters. it is dark here at 4pm in the winter. you work all summer to get ready for the next winter. we are 25 miles from a store 50 miles from our doctor. and we were offered a ridicule's price for our house. And no would never come back to Northern Idaho

It is going to be a huge culture shock to your system but you are gonna LOVE it here. What's not to love? It's a whole different way of life from what you have had.

Take a look at this video of a ride in The Villages in a golf cart. The video is very long so you can jump around if you prefer but it gives you a pretty good look at this community........

Golf cart ride in The Villages Florida - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHibhTVoP0g)

[stan the man]

One of the most serious psychological "stressors" is a major move, no matter if it IS a wonderful place.

Great statement - Thanks Gracie

[PennBF]

When our Grandfather turned 100 we sat with him and interviewed him for our history. One question we asked was how he lived to be 100. He had been a Sheriff in New York at the turn of the Century and a farmer. His response to our question was. We eat too
much bread, eat food with chemicals and most of all "you worry too much"! The last was the most important. (Of course he did not drink alcohol!). Just enjoy the move and be excited how much better your life may be with the new experiences.:ho:

[Allen2021]

:coolsmiley:When our Grandfather turned 100 we sat with him and interviewed him for our history. One question we asked was how he lived to be 100. He had been a Sheriff in New York at the turn of the Century and a farmer. His response to our question was. We eat too
much bread, eat food with chemicals and most of all "you worry too much"! The last was the most important. (Of course he did not drink alcohol!). Just enjoy the move and be excited how much better your life may be with the new experiences.:ho:

[Allen2021]

I love that. Thank you.

[manaboutown]

My son and his family live in the Idaho panhandle in Sandpoint. My son is 51 and this year for the first time he commented that the short days in the winter were getting to him. He lived in Alaska for years in his twenties and I never heard a single complaint from him. I think most people seek warmth and sunshine as they age. My grandchildren love the skiing and snowboarding right outside town though. Book Your Family Ski Resort Vacation to Schweitzer Mountain - Idaho (https://www.schweitzer.com)

[I'm Popeye!]

You're coming from the mountains to here!
Expect to meet many nosey body's and some that skip their medications from time to time, other than that it's OK.

[Allen2021]

I get it we live above Sand point. and yes we too lived in alaska when we were younger. The cold is getting to us. it makes our bones hurt. Thank you .I think we will be just fine

[Allen2021]

That is funny. trust me even in the mountains people know every ones business..

[Kenswing]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

We're right there with you. We're in WA. About 50 miles from the Canadian border. These cold and dark winters are starting to make my wife's body ache. Florida makes her feel good.

We're excited too, but not in the least bit nervous. We'll be moving in about two months.

[Allen2021]

Thanks we are heading out May 25th. I am ready. snowed here last night ugh....

[Stu from NYC]

The good thing about renting is taking your time to decide if this place is right for you.

Not for everyone but certainly right for us.

[Garywt]

The great thing about the Villages is you can do as much or as little as you want and still have fun. Everyone does what they want, what brings them joy. For me it is driving the golf cart and just enjoying myself.

We still have our house in Mass but I sure hate the winters now but I am sure yours are worse. Enjoy your time renting, look at a lot of houses but when you find the one, don’t delay because they can sell fast. Good luck.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

I'm from New England and lived in a depression (not exactly a valley) between two mountain ranges. I was a bicycle ride away from both of them for most of my life. We had a proper Autumn (the Merritt Parkway is a designated National Scenic Route for this reason), and the usual expected 3 other seasons that are notable because each one is remarkably different from the other.

While I don't miss the Nor'easters or sub-freezing temperatures, I do miss New England. I miss the mountains, I miss Autumn. I miss apple picking at the orchard, I miss berry picking season. I miss my wild raspberries, I miss my huckleberry tree, I miss my 5 200+-year-old sugar maples in the back yard. I miss real actual Town Greens and the fairgrounds where we had food truck festivals and the International Irish Dance competition every year, and the agricultural fair during the last days of summer.

I miss driving down the main road in Wallingford to appreciate the Victorian Colonial homes all decked out in their finery for Christmas. And yes, I even miss snow (though not the icy winds that usually accompanied it).

I will ALWAYS be a New Englander. But I'm here, and it's very lovely here, there's plenty to do, or I can sit on the lanai and do nothing if I choose, and I have wonderful neighbors that make me feel like I'm "home." So I'm a New Englander whose home is Florida. I know I'm not alone in that - there are LOTS of New Englanders down here who share the same feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness of our own backgrounds.

That's one of the best things about the Villages, as opposed to any other retirement community. You can find lots of your "people" down here who share similar backgrounds, who might even be able to give their opinion on the same restaurants "back home" that you used to enjoy. They might even have attended the same football game you did the day your team clobbered the opponent in the last 8 seconds, and you can share with them your own version of the exact same play-by-play they give you from their perspective.

The facade of the Villages is just that. A facade. It's a pretty picture. But it's filled with people who are, for the most part, genuine. And many of them come from your neck of the woods, and you'll not feel lonely at all if you reach out, or accept their hand when they reach out.

[mgkw1]

It is an adjustment. It can be overwhelming, just remember you do not have to try everything in one month. If you buy a house live in it for a while before painting and landscaping. Relax meet your neighbors, join the facebook page of your village and just have fun

[kstew43]

Twin Falls.... Idaho...here, come on down, you'll love it.

[davem4616]

TV has a lot to offer, even for those that don't golf. Things are beginning to open up again. Renting first is the best approach, that way you'll find out if you like the lifestyle and if so where you might want to buy

good luck

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

What are you nervous about? You say that living in the mountains of Idaho is a hard life. Living in The Villages is very easy. I never felt nervous about moving here. I loved it from the moment I set foot here. I also have the philosophy that nothing has to be permanent. If I hated it here, I could always go somewhere else.

[Nucky]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

We are coming up on the 5-year mark of living in The Villages.

Both of us are originally from N.J. We miss 4 things about N.J. and that would be our Grandchildren.

The Villages is what you make of it. The thing is that there is an opportunity here to do whatever you like or to do NOTHING.

I'm betting you'll love it. :welcome:

[rjm1cc]

Renting was a very good idea. Take your time to make a final decision and look around Central Fl for comparism.

[Villagevip]

The thing is, you're not stuck here if you decide T.V. is not for you...Took me three years to get out of Mexico(selling the colonial)to get to T.V... Buying or selling homes here, move very fast...

[dhdallas]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

[Tom52]

Dhdallas, I remember an almost identical post from you a while back. If I were as miserable as you say you are I would move. Life is too short. I hope you are able to find your happiness.

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

[Kenswing]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.
Dude.. I am so sorry you're this unhappy. I know you love your wife and that's why you're here, but dang.. Is it really worth the unhappiness you're living?

[Debfrommaine]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

Any change has its challenges. We moved from Maine, very different here on about every level. The only thing that really didn't change were the people. In Maine we had great people and grumpy people, same here or any where you live. We never looked back after our move, have made the most of it and it suits our lifestyle. Just remember, if you try and it isn't working, move! No reason to be unhappy - no risk no gain. Have fun and life is short, enjoy it.

[JSR22]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

I would never insist that my husband move to a place where he would not be happy. My husband would never insist I move to a place where I would not be happy. We agree on major decisions.

[John_W]

...

[ohiosbestus]

It may take you a year or so to adapt to the summer heat. People are friendly here for the most part. Golf cart travel is a gem. Lots of nature to look at. Just follow the rules here and you will enjoy it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

My opinion of the Villages is somewhat less hostile than yours, but I totally get what you're saying. HOWEVER - I found that by looking in the northern section of the Villages, we were able to find a home that even I would be willing to live in. We don't have "kissing lanais" up here. The homes are absolutely NOT cookie cutter up here. There are even a couple of neighbors with those gall-durn tacky pink flamingoes on their lawns, and I LIKE it. That's right, I LIKE knowing that my neighbors can enjoy a snicker of whimsy. And so can I. For me it's gargoyles. Some have ducks. One neighbor's yard has all kinds of "craft fair" kitch on the lawn. And some are meticulous and tasteful with nothing more risque than a potted fern.

We are a close neighborhood, but we also enjoy our privacy. There is rarely any golf cart noise, because we're on a loop that only connects to "civilization" on one end of it. And yet we're close enough to the postal station to walk (3/4 mile 1-way) and mix with civilization if we want to.

We're tucked away from the rest of the Villages here on the "Historic" side of 441, but close enough to party at the squares when the mood strikes.

[Cupcake57]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

Don't be nervous! People are very friendly; everyone was new here, once. A friend of mine who moved from New Mexico to the midwest was a little disoriented by no longer having the mountains as a reference point, and it's very flat here. But beautiful in its own way. All the main roads go by numbers instead of names, and that's a little confusing. But you'll soon learn 466 from 466a and why they are miles apart. Enjoy!

[Allen2021]

thank you

[cypress]

This is the price some of us have to pay for the many years of love and freedom to do our own things. Now it's her turn.

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

[Topspinmo]

We are moving because we are sick of the long winters. it is dark here at 4pm in the winter. you work all summer to get ready for the next winter. we are 25 miles from a store 50 miles from our doctor. and we were offered a ridicule's price for our house. And no would never come back to Northern Idaho


Time flies down here. I agree, comes time when you’re too old to put up with northern winter. IMO it will take some use to close housing and people everywhere? One thing plenty to down here. Indoors or out. Villages is Hugh 20 miles long and few miles wide. You can live in one part and never know the others exist, or you can run form one end to the other in golf cart or bicycle. Electric bike are become popular.

[chrisinva]

You are moving for the right reasons - no snow here, balmy, albeit sometimes chilly, breezes here Nov -- Feb, nothing to shovel, great idea to rent for awhile. This is a new phase of your life, embrace it. Lots of great stuff here, a few not so great things but that's part of life anywhere. Whole lotta fun here!! :a040: Enjoy & welcome. :welcome:

[John41]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach,...

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.


Good point and the giant beings name begins with M.

[Gpsma]

Well said DHdallas!
OP.........you should be nervous. Leaving a rural environment for this crowded urban area will shock you.

[Northwoods]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

Love it here!!! I will tell you... it's HOT in the summer. You'll have to get used to that. But the activities and people are great.

[CFrance]

One of the most serious psychological "stressors" is a major move, no matter if it IS a wonderful place.
This is so true. And almost everyone I know who has made a lifetime move from the north to the south, no matter where in the south, has spent the first month or so asking themselves, What have I done.


Don't trust your first instincts. It's like going off to college and getting homesick the first month or so. Then you're having so much fun you never want to leave.

[M2inOR]

We moved here after 44 years living in Oregon in the Portland Metro area.

Wish that we had moved to The Villages sooner!

Only missing the mountains of Oregon, until we realized it was less expensive to visit Oregon than to live there.

So many things to keep us busy here, and so many places to discover in Florida. A great place to be for our sunset years, thanks to the many new friends we've made here.

PS Moving was the most stressful thing we experienced, but that feeling disappeared quickly once we got here.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This is so true. And almost everyone I know who has made a lifetime move from the north to the south, no matter where in the south, has spent the first month or so asking themselves, What have I done.


Don't trust your first instincts. It's like going off to college and getting homesick the first month or so. Then you're having so much fun you never want to leave.

I spent the entire time our house in Connecticut was for sale, wondering "what have I done." I spent the first three months in the Villages wondering "what have I done." That feeling of abject horror and utter futility, because there is no do-over.

I still have "moments" where memories of home, memories of the back yard all the kids shared in the neighborhood growing up, memories of hiking up the Sleeping Giant Mountain, memories of keg parties and ice skating, even memories of Shakespeare class with Mr. Gerosa roleplaying a hilarious Benvolio with a secret crush on his ally, Mercutio.

And then, I realize there IS going back. I can go back any time I want, in my own memory. I can pull a memory from the DVR cloud storage of my brain and replay it any time I like.

Nothing in Florida will ever replace Autumn in New England. The pretty flowers planted by a landscaping company can't ever compare to the natural beauty of trees planted by nature. The perfect construction of plaster can't ever compare to the imperfect perfection of a log cabin. I'm raised in the suburbs, but I'm a mountain girl in my heart and nothing in Florida comes close, and never will.

The upside is, at some point in the next few years I can take a trip back home, maybe rent an RV and return to the Sleeping Giant for a few days to recharge.

[Laker14]

I first visited here in 2010. I knew it would suit my retirement winters perfectly, but DW was not so sure. We are fortunate to have close friends who bought here and have had us visit a few times, and eventually when we did retire we rented for 3 months, then 4 months, and this year 6 months and we have just recently bought a place. Now my wife likes it here a lot. She has friends, she loves pickleball. We haven't coaxed her onto a golf course yet, but we are all working on it. Renting was a great way to rule out certain things we found we didn't want in a home, and identify what we did want, and to make a big decision is small steps.
Good luck, and remember, the road goes both ways, so if you don't like it here, you don't have to stay here.
BTW, I have an uncle who lives on Lake Pend O'reille. It's beautiful there. He lives there year 'round. I couldn't do the winters myself, if I could avoid it.

[Laurawilcox]

Thank you for asking the question and thank you for the answers. We are planning to be at TV in the next couple of years. I have been terrified. Not about really leaving beautiful Colorado, but downsizing my house to half the size. It is causing me to part with things that were important to me, my fathers grand piano, for example. A premier home is not in my budget. I will buy an digital I I grand when I get there. So I am working on it now to not add more Psychological pain to the move.

[Laurawilcox]

We wouldn’t be moving to TV if we didn’t believe that it fits us better in the later years, if it was perfect here we would be staying. Just have to acknowledge the trade offs I suspect and focus on the reasons why. Anyone need classic lunchbox or Norman Rockwell figurine collection? Just kidding, know the answers and neither do we. Only another 1500 feet to get rid of. Hoping to see you soon.

[MickeyStevens]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

. To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

I echo your comments. I'd rather be up north ( not during the winter). We spent a summer here in 2020. It won't happen again, good thing we keep a home in the north. I hate the intense heat where I have to change clothes 3 times per day. It's nice here but it ain't heaven either. Seems to me that's why there are many snowbirds. Guess I didn't drink enough Kool-Aid :)

[butlerperkins@gmail.com]

2021 0312 Friday @ 11:14
re: hard way of life
Stay in touch: Shooters World, 4948 CR-44A, The Villages, FL 34785 (352) 500-4867

re: as fun as it seems
The community in which you are renting is filled with amazing people from all over the world. Mickey and Minnie live about an hour away.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m surprised this post was allowed to remain.

Dallas was simply stating facts and many of us feel this way. If one examines his statements, they are true. There are a plethora of activities to which people can run all day long in The Villages. Many of us are introverts who enjoy peace, solitude, nature involved activities and occasional get together with friends. The Villages is the antithesis to these desires. The area outside The Villages walls and local housing developments are as he described and are simply a fact.

I'm an introvert who enjoys peace, solitude, and nature-involved activities, and the opportunity to interact with other human beings without necessarily committing to deep conversations or friendships (though if a friendship forms that's great).

That's WHY I like this section of the Villages. It has all of that. No, it doesn't have mountains. And that stinks. I hate that I can't ride my bicycle to the foot of a mountain path and take a hike up for a day.

And autumn colors, of course. All the things I've already mentioned countless times.

But there is a sense of natural beauty here in the old section that doesn't seem to exist anywhere else in the Villages. Even if most of it was put here by the developer, it's not manicured and perfect like so much of the other villages. On the other hand I've heard amazing things about the walking trails south of 44, and look forward to exploring those in the next few weeks.

[manaboutown]

Just a heads up for when anyone buys and moves into a home here. Be prepared for all kinds of solicitors showing up at your door trying to sell water treatment systems, landscaping and other things. Also beware of solicitors on TOTV who are trying to get you into buying their products, especially those who keep numerous hard sell posts going, posts that on the surface appear to be informative but are actually misleading.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Matthew 6:27 "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

[John_W]

...

[PugMom]

We are moving because we are sick of the long winters. it is dark here at 4pm in the winter. you work all summer to get ready for the next winter. we are 25 miles from a store 50 miles from our doctor. and we were offered a ridicule's price for our house. And no would never come back to Northern Idaho

that was 1 of the reasons we bailed from Ct., HORRIBLE long, grey winters that lasted almost all year, (no lie!) other reasons were taxes & local economy. you will LOVE it here, the culture shock doesn't hurt that much because the living down here is very easy-a wonderful lifestyle with actual friendly people! idc what some say, i only met ONE person i didn't like in the 3 years we've been here. i seriously think we should have made the move long ago. :welcome: will prob see you @ one of the town squares!

[PugMom]

I'm from New England and lived in a depression (not exactly a valley) between two mountain ranges. I was a bicycle ride away from both of them for most of my life. We had a proper Autumn (the Merritt Parkway is a designated National Scenic Route for this reason), and the usual expected 3 other seasons that are notable because each one is remarkably different from the other.

While I don't miss the Nor'easters or sub-freezing temperatures, I do miss New England. I miss the mountains, I miss Autumn. I miss apple picking at the orchard, I miss berry picking season. I miss my wild raspberries, I miss my huckleberry tree, I miss my 5 200+-year-old sugar maples in the back yard. I miss real actual Town Greens and the fairgrounds where we had food truck festivals and the International Irish Dance competition every year, and the agricultural fair during the last days of summer.

I miss driving down the main road in Wallingford to appreciate the Victorian Colonial homes all decked out in their finery for Christmas. And yes, I even miss snow (though not the icy winds that usually accompanied it).

I will ALWAYS be a New Englander. But I'm here, and it's very lovely here, there's plenty to do, or I can sit on the lanai and do nothing if I choose, and I have wonderful neighbors that make me feel like I'm "home." So I'm a New Englander whose home is Florida. I know I'm not alone in that - there are LOTS of New Englanders down here who share the same feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness of our own backgrounds.

That's one of the best things about the Villages, as opposed to any other retirement community. You can find lots of your "people" down here who share similar backgrounds, who might even be able to give their opinion on the same restaurants "back home" that you used to enjoy. They might even have attended the same football game you did the day your team clobbered the opponent in the last 8 seconds, and you can share with them your own version of the exact same play-by-play they give you from their perspective.

The facade of the Villages is just that. A facade. It's a pretty picture. But it's filled with people who are, for the most part, genuine. And many of them come from your neck of the woods, and you'll not feel lonely at all if you reach out, or accept their hand when they reach out.

wow, that is so beautifully said. i could feel the emotion in that post. :ho:

[Smalley]

Welcome to the Villages! I think there is a "Western States club" which would be a good start for you to meet some folks. We are moving to TV this fall but we will be snowbirds. During our months renting, we found so much to appreciate. It will take you a while to figure your way around. I suggest reading the Villages Sun which helps speed up the learning process.

[j_vermilya]

There are many great things about living here. However, with the new expansion which violates every promise ever made, I would hesitate. Regardless of naysayers, amenities will become crowded, the squares will be beyond packed, and it is often difficult to obtain tee times. The developers no longer consider the needs of the current residents. Those who don't like to face this reality, let me know what you think in 3-5 years....

[Joe V.]

There are many great things about living here. However, with the new expansion which violates every promise ever made, I would hesitate. Regardless of naysayers, amenities will become crowded, the squares will be beyond packed, and it is often difficult to obtain tee times. The developers no longer consider the needs of the current residents. Those who don't like to face this reality, let me know what you think in 3-5 years....

I do not suppose you have any factual evidence of promises made and broken? Documents, paper trails,...?

[Rent From A Villager]

~Love the Villages, so glad we bought! No regrets!:MOJE_whot:

[John41]

There are many great things about living here. However, with the new expansion which violates every promise ever made, I would hesitate. Regardless of naysayers, amenities will become crowded, the squares will be beyond packed, and it is often difficult to obtain tee times. The developers no longer consider the needs of the current residents. Those who don't like to face this reality, let me know what you think in 3-5 years....

Crime is also increasing as it does in any city which The Villages is. Taxes are also escalating.

[2BNTV]

We live in the mountains of northern Idaho. It can be a hard way of life, Anyway we sold our home and have rented a place in the villages. We are excited but very nervous. Just wonder how many other people felt as we do. And is it as fun as it seems.

It's very normal to feel anxious when making a major move!!!

Coming from CT, I found as I got older, I couldn't take the snow, cold and sometimes icy roads the winter provided.

It will be a period of adjustment as you need to learn new roads, find doctors, etc but the best thing I could say is don't try to get everything done in your home in 2 weeks.

I find the lifestyle here very relaxing and it is very well run. I find TV is kept in immaculate condition. Be here 8 years and still love it!!!

Best wishes as you start living the dream. :smiley:

[Loudoll]

If you appreciate four seasons you will miss Idaho terribly. But The Villages is everything as promised, as advertised, and more.

[duffysmom]

Do not believe a word a landscaper tells you, call the Warranty office for names.
:boxing2:

We lived on the Ocean for years and do not regret our move to TV. Life here is what YOU make it....

Welcome!!!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It's very normal to feel anxious when making a major move!!!

Coming from CT, I found as I got older, I couldn't take the snow, cold and sometimes icy roads the winter provided.

It will be a period of adjustment as you need to learn new roads, find doctors, etc but the best thing I could say is don't try to get everything done in your home in 2 weeks.

I find the lifestyle here very relaxing and it is very well run. I find TV is kept in immaculate condition. Be here 8 years and still love it!!!

Best wishes as you start living the dream. :smiley:

I must be abnormal.

[dsnrbec]

It took me a year to get used to the flat land. Still miss my mountains though not enough to give up what I’ve found here. Give yourself time to adjust.

[kkingston57]

Noted that you are coming down here in May. I am a Florida native and have lived all over the state. The Villages is one of the hotter areas of Florida. On the east coast temps are +/- 5 degrees cooler(but still hot and sweaty). Be prepared for a hot sweaty summer. It is worth the wait. November - April are great.

[golfing eagles]

I'd rather be in your mountains or on a beach, lake, river, or any natural setting. I am only here in TV because my wife insisted. This is not her opinion; she loves every little thing about it. For me though other than the warm winter weather, it sucks.

Driving anywhere is a pain. Way too much vehicle traffic and it will continue to get worse as they are continuing nonstop developing. Homes are crammed together & you can hear everything from next door - it can be as noisy as an apartment building. Heavy golf cart traffic is ridiculous and dangerous. I ride my bike on the cart paths and it is scary. Read the local .com newspaper for all the latest drunk cart driving accidents and crimes.

I am more prejudiced than most because I don’t play golf, I don’t like games or clubs, I don’t like to socialize, I don’t swim or like pools, and would much rather be around animals than people. I’ve been here 3 months and haven’t even needed or would use a TV ID card for anything. I prefer solitary pursuits, cycling, hunting, fishing, kayaking, reading, television, sitting on a beach, etc.

TV is a marvel of cookie-cutter overpriced homes in a town that reminds me of The Twilight Zone episode where a couple woke up in this picture perfect town only to find out everything in it was fake and they were in a giant being’s terrarium. The place is just plain weird.

Get outside TV and this central part of FL is pretty darn ugly. Swamps, brush & scrubs, ugly trees, trashy homes, dumpy house trailers with plenty of crime & drugs to go around. I carry a legally concealed handgun pretty much everywhere I go.

To each his own. As for me, I am counting the days until we can return to our lakefront home in PA.

Once again, minority opinion noted:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[MickeyStevens]

Do you come from Canada? I lived in the Baltimore area for 22 years before moving here. The month of August it would hit 100 degrees about 15 days of the month.



I'm in New England a short drive from the mountains. I've spent some time in the Baltimore area during the summer, they can have it.