New to TV

[KennyMo]

Wow, only moved 30 minutes away and were basically local. Still young at 54 and 51. Still work the same jobs. Thought we knew the Villages pretty well as we have family here and a lot of family locally. We were wrong, very overwhelmed. Discovered we didn't downsize near enough and have too much stuff. We are excited to be here and look forward to many years here. Just way to much to figure out now. Our trip to the Sales and Information Center wasn't very helpful. Maybe because we used outside realtor, title company etc and maybe just went at a bad time. I was able to get my ID but Laurie was on her lunch break and ran out of time after computer difficulty. Need a checklist. Still haven't been able to make it out to celebrate. But we will get there.
Ken and Laurie.

[ctmurray]

Welcome. There are groups to help you with reducing your "stuff", Bargains and Blessings is one. Ask a specific question separate from this post and people will be glad to help.

[Marathon Man]

Exploring TV is part of the fun of moving here. Take your time and don't be afraid to get lost in you golf cart. Spend some time here: Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/) Lots of great information about our community. Pick up a Recreation News at a rec center. Sit at a bar and mention that you are new. People will be happy to talk to you and answer all questions.

[Stu from NYC]

In the history of this place nobody has ever brought too little stuff with them no matter how much they got rid of.

Best of luck to you

[champion6]

Congrats and welcome ... the best is yet to come!

[2newyorkers]

Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!

[graciegirl]

Wow, only moved 30 minutes away and were basically local. Still young at 54 and 51. Still work the same jobs. Thought we knew the Villages pretty well as we have family here and a lot of family locally. We were wrong, very overwhelmed. Discovered we didn't downsize near enough and have too much stuff. We are excited to be here and look forward to many years here. Just way to much to figure out now. Our trip to the Sales and Information Center wasn't very helpful. Maybe because we used outside realtor, title company etc and maybe just went at a bad time. I was able to get my ID but Laurie was on her lunch break and ran out of time after computer difficulty. Need a checklist. Still haven't been able to make it out to celebrate. But we will get there.
Ken and Laurie.

Everyone I know that has gone to the sales center has always been greeted warmly and helped. They never ask if you live here or who sold you your home. Every one I have met as a greeter there and one I know who is one of my dearest friends works as a welcome person has been warm and genuine and helpful and not at all interested if you have bought or want to buy.

I think you need to go back and try again but first.....share with US, exactly how "they" were not helpful. I have been there many times with friends and just walking through. I have called there many times for information and they always direct my call to help.

[KennyMo]

Everyone I know that has gone to the sales center has always been greeted warmly and helped. They never ask if you live here or who sold you your home. Every one I have met as a greeter there and one I know who is one of my dearest friends works as a welcome person has been warm and genuine and helpful and not at all interested if you have bought or want to buy.

I think you need to go back and try again but first.....share with US, exactly how "they" were not helpful. I have been there many times with friends and just walking through. I have called there many times for information and they always direct my call to help.

We were on a time crunch and Laurie was on her lunch break.
The first thing we were asked when we said we closed on a house last week was did we buy it there or use an outside agency. I assume it’s because we would need additional information and assistance. The volunteer was very kind. I was there over two hours and spent about 15 minutes with the representative. The rest of the time sat alone waiting. Received the phone book. Recreation magazine and eventually gate cards. Didn’t really appear to listen to any questions asked but stuck to his agenda . He was very nice but we didn’t have an afternoon and at one point I wondered if he was ever coming back.

[KennyMo]

Thank you all.

[Two Bills]

Thank you all.

Welcome to TV.
You do not have to justify anything to anyone here on TOTV.
You had a not so satisfactory experience at TV sales office. Period
The rose tinted glasses brigade, just love turning any percieved slight, into an online kicking for the shear audacity of saying anything detrimental about The Villages.

[KennyMo]

Welcome to TV.
You do not have to justify anything to anyone here on TOTV.
You had a not so satisfactory experience at TV sales office. Period
The rose tinted glasses brigade, just love turning any percieved slight, into an online kicking for the shear audacity of saying anything detrimental about The Villages.

Thank you. I certainty didn't intend on offending anyone. We do love it here and knew we would. time to get anything done is limited.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Hey there! Do yourself a HUGE favor, that will save you TONS of time and frustration.
Go to the sales office in your local town square. Tell them you'd like a copy of the booklet with the cover that says:
We're Lovin' the Lifestyle
Unpack Your Boxes & Join the Fun!
Welcome Home
The Villages
Villager Guide

That has basically everything a brand new Villager needs to know. If they only give them out to people who do a lifestyle visit or buy new construction, let me know. I will scan mine, print it out, and hand-deliver it to you in full color, heavy paper :)

[KennyMo]

Hey there! Do yourself a HUGE favor, that will save you TONS of time and frustration.
Go to the sales office in your local town square. Tell them you'd like a copy of the booklet with the cover that says:
We're Lovin' the Lifestyle
Unpack Your Boxes & Join the Fun!
Welcome Home
The Villages
Villager Guide

That has basically everything a brand new Villager needs to know. If they only give them out to people who do a lifestyle visit or buy new construction, let me know. I will scan mine, print it out, and hand-deliver it to you in full color, heavy paper :)

Thank you. We definitely will it

[Debfrommaine]

Welcome! If you want a great organization to pick up items you can't use in your new house, contact the sheriff's youth ranch in Leesburg or ocala, I can't recall at the moment. I've donated to their resale store a few times, they appreciate it.

[jedalton]

Wow, only moved 30 minutes away and were basically local. Still young at 54 and 51. Still work the same jobs. Thought we knew the Villages pretty well as we have family here and a lot of family locally. We were wrong, very overwhelmed. Discovered we didn't downsize near enough and have too much stuff. We are excited to be here and look forward to many years here. Just way to much to figure out now. Our trip to the Sales and Information Center wasn't very helpful. Maybe because we used outside realtor, title company etc and maybe just went at a bad time. I was able to get my ID but Laurie was on her lunch break and ran out of time after computer difficulty. Need a checklist. Still haven't been able to make it out to celebrate. But we will get there.
Ken and Laurie.
download the paid version of villages gps, it will get you around in your golf cart or your car. good investment

[SeaCros]

Welcome.... My wife and I too will be new homeowners in TV next month. I have been out here on the forums to gather info for months leading up to looking and buying a home. There are plenty of folks out here to help.

[J1ceasar]

Actually we did, when we sold our house up North, we packed our bags shipped my mother's dining room set, my wife's piano, and one furniture piece, and left everything else for the new homeowners up north. It's very liberating. And it was a lot of fun and I have to do all that work of deciding what to take and to pack all the crap we've had over the years

[Kimbrwn@me.com]

Welcome. Rob and I moved locally here 2 weeks ago. We are 53 and 55 and are still working full time our same jobs. Downsizing has been really hard. We have decided to rent a small 5x5 storage unit, to hold our Christmas stuff because we just don’t have enough closet space. We bought from the Villages so we didn’t have the frustrating experience you have had. Although, I have quickly realized that everything seems to be setup with the thought that you are retired so we are going to have to be creative to get fully acclimated into weekend activities.

[starbaby]

Welcome, most of these comments were spot on as far as being helpful. Just ignore the nay sayers as they disagree with everyone...everyday.

[Rzepecki]

Go to Districtgov.org. This website will give you the facts about TV and email and phone numbers for the different departments. While there, sign up for the weekly newsletter to keep yourself up to date.

Another very helpful website is the vha.net. New Residents Night, Golf Cart Safety, Helping Hands, etc.

[Tunesmith]

Another very helpful website is the vha.net. New Residents Night, Golf Cart Safety, Helping Hands, etc.

Clarification: The website is thevha.net.

[stebooo]

I thought you have to be at least 5 to live in tv?

[LuvtheVillages]

I thought you have to be at least 5 to live in tv?

You mean 55? No, you don't.

Among the 135,000 people who live in TV, at least 80% of the households must have at least one person over 55.

The other person (or people) in the house can be younger.
And the other 20% of households can be younger.

The Villages monitors this through the ID card system. This is defined by federal housing regulations.

And, importantly, everyone must be 19 or older.

[richdell]

Welcome to the Villages. :ho:

[Spalumbos62]

Welcome to TV.
You do not have to justify anything to anyone here on TOTV.
You had a not so satisfactory experience at TV sales office. Period
The rose tinted glasses brigade, just love turning any percieved slight, into an online kicking for the shear audacity of saying anything detrimental about The Villages.

THANK YOU for what you just said. I feel the same way. Certain posters act like this is their forum and everything about the place is perfect...well its not, there are many things I am confused about, don't agree with or just wish they would stop. Here's a minor complaint...why do "a few" of the ladies at the square feel they are the captain of line dancing??...its sooo obnoxious....pointing their fingers as to which way to go and they dont smile!! Or the one at SS that gets up acting like she's giving the announcers directions...at first I thought it was funny...I thought wow...she's really drunk...but its just another person(lifer) controlling things, as it is done on this forum.
I really don't mean to complain, but we all pay our fee to be an equal part....how about they step down and let us.

[nancyre]

Welcome to the Neighborhood (Fruitland Park section) Just some info to helpful info
Nancy Re – your AVON lady Access Denied (http://www.youravon.com/nre) If you are in a different section - different vendors would apply


To protect from lightning
Leesburg Electric for Pine Ridge or your electric company – Arrestor mounts behind the meter or your Electric Company
Whole house surge protector – Private Electricians – local Grace Electric (239) 248-0000
Lightning Rods are also an option

WESH NEWS 2 App – will advise you as it gets close to your location

Natural Disasters and emergency notification systems – since we are close to the county line you might want to register for both counties. Florida counties do not have the weather sirens but do have the National Weather Service weather radios and the county phone alert system. The subscribed phone alert system is to notify residents of an immediate emergency such as severe weather, i.e., tornado warnings, damaging winds, and heavy rain that could lead to flooding. AlertLake - Emergency Notification System - AlertLake (http://alertlake.com/) [Lake County] https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614874/login [Sumter County]


Pine Ridge neighborhood social club
Pine Ridge Social Club | Community in The Villages, FL (https://www.pineridgesocialclub.com/)
Pine Ridge Public Group | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineRidgeSocialClub/)

Nextdoor is a great way to see what is happening.

We are actually in the City of Fruitland Park (zip code 34731) if you are looking for what is closest use this zip code rather than ours which maps north of us.
https://www.fruitlandpark.org/

FL Department of Motor Vehicles – Lake County & Lake County Tax office
1720 N. Citrus Blvd. Leesburg, FL 34748 352-343-9602
Visit www.laketax.com for services provided and appointment requirements.

Fruitland Park Police – handle our neighborhood
If you need non-emergency assistance from a Fruitland Park Officer please call our dispatch at: (352) 343-2101 8 am - 5 pm Select Option #4 After 5 pm Select Option #3 Administration Office Hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm
(352) 360-6655

Lake County Mosquito does drive through fogging based on capture rates, from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am, weather permitting, for a scheduled ULV adulticide spray mission April -December. To view our interactive spray map and for more mosquito information visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/mosquito.

You will find your watering & garbage schedule in your electrical or sprinkler box


Information from the Villages district offices - you might want to sign up for them https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20200813001301 This was sent today - lots of information

2 organizations for owners The VHA is more connected with the Villages Mgmt www. thevha.net The other one is the POA - more independent from my understanding https://poa4us.org/ You might want to say you do not want it dropped in the driveway

Water – The hose bib faucets outside are actually part of the house water not the irrigation system. To confirm this is your house. Turn on the faucet and then turn off the house water. If the water stops flowing then it is house water.

Fruitland Park – Pine Ridge area
https://districtgov.org/yourdistrict/front.aspx?district=11

[nancyre]

Welcome to the Neighborhood (Fruitland Park section) Just some info to helpful info
Nancy Re – your AVON lady www.youravon.com/nre If you are in a different section - different vendors would apply


To protect from lightning
Leesburg Electric for Pine Ridge or your electric company – Arrestor mounts behind the meter or your Electric Company
Whole house surge protector – Private Electricians – local Grace Electric (239) 248-0000
Lightning Rods are also an option

WESH NEWS 2 App – will advise you as it gets close to your location

Natural Disasters and emergency notification systems – since we are close to the county line you might want to register for both counties. Florida counties do not have the weather sirens but do have the National Weather Service weather radios and the county phone alert system. The subscribed phone alert system is to notify residents of an immediate emergency such as severe weather, i.e., tornado warnings, damaging winds, and heavy rain that could lead to flooding. AlertLake - Emergency Notification System - AlertLake (http://alertlake.com/) [Lake County] https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614874/login [Sumter County]


Pine Ridge neighborhood social club
Pine Ridge Social Club | Community in The Villages, FL (https://www.pineridgesocialclub.com/)
Pine Ridge Public Group | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineRidgeSocialClub/)

Nextdoor is a great way to see what is happening.

We are actually in the City of Fruitland Park (zip code 34731) if you are looking for what is closest use this zip code rather than ours which maps north of us.
https://www.fruitlandpark.org/

FL Department of Motor Vehicles – Lake County & Lake County Tax office
1720 N. Citrus Blvd. Leesburg, FL 34748 352-343-9602
Visit www.laketax.com for services provided and appointment requirements.

Fruitland Park Police – handle our neighborhood
If you need non-emergency assistance from a Fruitland Park Officer please call our dispatch at: (352) 343-2101 8 am - 5 pm Select Option #4 After 5 pm Select Option #3 Administration Office Hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm
(352) 360-6655

Lake County Mosquito does drive through fogging based on capture rates, from 8:00 pm - 12:00 am, weather permitting, for a scheduled ULV adulticide spray mission April -December. To view our interactive spray map and for more mosquito information visit www.lakecountyfl.gov/mosquito.

You will find your watering & garbage schedule in your electrical or sprinkler box


Information from the Villages district offices - you might want to sign up for them https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20200813001301 This was sent today - lots of information

2 organizations for owners The VHA is more connected with the Villages Mgmt www. thevha.net The other one is the POA - more independent from my understanding https://poa4us.org/ You might want to say you do not want it dropped in the driveway

Water – The hose bib faucets outside are actually part of the house water not the irrigation system. To confirm this is your house. Turn on the faucet and then turn off the house water. If the water stops flowing then it is house water.

Fruitland Park – Pine Ridge area
https://districtgov.org/yourdistrict/front.aspx?district=11

[jimkerr]

Welcome! We just moved in and are in our early 50’s. We too have noticed there is a lot to learn!

[Inexes@aol.com]

Welcome to TV.
You do not have to justify anything to anyone here on TOTV.
You had a not so satisfactory experience at TV sales office. Period
The rose tinted glasses brigade, just love turning any percieved slight, into an online kicking for the shear audacity of saying anything detrimental about The Villages.

Amen...... don't ya' just love it.......

[Marty94]

THANK YOU for what you just said. I feel the same way. Certain posters act like this is their forum and everything about the place is perfect...well its not, there are many things I am confused about, don't agree with or just wish they would stop. Here's a minor complaint...why do "a few" of the ladies at the square feel they are the captain of line dancing??...its sooo obnoxious....pointing their fingers as to which way to go and they dont smile!! Or the one at SS that gets up acting like she's giving the announcers directions...at first I thought it was funny...I thought wow...she's really drunk...but its just another person(lifer) controlling things, as it is done on this forum.
I really don't mean to complain, but we all pay our fee to be an equal part....how about they step down and let us.

Some of the instructors meet their classes at the Squares. If you attend one of the intro to line dancing classes, the instructors tell you when and where they will be so you can practice what you’ve learned. Most likely, you have witnessed these ladies guiding their students. And yes, some of them seem to be directing in the Squares. I’ve taken a few classes and recognize the lady instructors. I’ve even been a little intimidated by them as you are right, they can seem aggressive. They are actually just trying to be helpful. I’m sure herding cats is a challenge.

[nicksgram51@yahoo.com]

1 month today and we are just feeling like life will be less stressful. I feel your pain, moved long distance from Illinois and we are tired, 2 Pods, and a jam packed minivan, and more stuff than we should have dragged with us, we are slowly going over different ways to organize in a smaller home with no basement. It will get better, get some rest, and in time you will feel human again😎We are so happy to be here, all the work will seem worth it.🥰 we are in DeSoto, if you need a kind word.

[newgirl]

What area did you move to? Welcome! Be sure to check out south of sixty group!

[psych2002]

I am struggling trying to figure out this site! With that said I am posting here because replying is the only way I know how to do it. I am looking for someone With a truck and a strong back to help me pick up a dining room set from an estate sale and bring it to my home in the villages. Does anyone know of someone? Thanks for your help

[jedalton]

call Tom Tisdell +1 407-456-4290 • Main
228 Skyline Dr, Lady Lake, FL 32159, USA of Tisdell moving. Have used number of times and very reasonable and very good.

[bpascani]

I say get your closet, bathroom and kitchen in order, then just slow down with the unpacking...it will get done. Also, as you come to things you don't need/want anymore, there is a way that you can post pictures on this sight, (or somewhere) to sell. We rented here before we bought, kept our rental a month after closing, so were able to have an estate sale at our rental after we moved everything to our new house that we wanted/needed. STILL had too much stuff, and we had downsized twice before we even moved into our rental here!!! It just isn't easy!!! WELCOME!!, slow down the packing just a little bit, and get out to the squares, play a sport or two (or more), look at the classes and clubs that you may be interested in! You are going to LOVE IT HERE!!

[Rzepecki]

Clarification: The website is thevha.net.

Thank you - I didn’t catch the space the computer inserted.

[Tripngirl]

Were doing that now....close here in MA June 25th and only a few things are coming with us.....:)

[KennyMo]

Hey there! Do yourself a HUGE favor, that will save you TONS of time and frustration.
Go to the sales office in your local town square. Tell them you'd like a copy of the booklet with the cover that says:
We're Lovin' the Lifestyle
Unpack Your Boxes & Join the Fun!
Welcome Home
The Villages
Villager Guide

That has basically everything a brand new Villager needs to know. If they only give them out to people who do a lifestyle visit or buy new construction, let me know. I will scan mine, print it out, and hand-deliver it to you in full color, heavy paper :)


I went by and picked up the book. Thank you. Has a lot of good information.

[KennyMo]

Welcome. Rob and I moved locally here 2 weeks ago. We are 53 and 55 and are still working full time our same jobs. Downsizing has been really hard. We have decided to rent a small 5x5 storage unit, to hold our Christmas stuff because we just don’t have enough closet space. We bought from the Villages so we didn’t have the frustrating experience you have had. Although, I have quickly realized that everything seems to be setup with the thought that you are retired so we are going to have to be creative to get fully acclimated into weekend activities.

I thought we could fit a lot in the storage space above the garage. I was wrong. Didn't even hold Christmas stuff. I told Laurie when it comes down, it's not all going back up. The kids can have what they want. Including the tree. Too big, need a smaller one.

[KennyMo]

I thought you have to be at least 5 to live in tv?

Nobody checked my ID.

[KennyMo]

What area did you move to? Welcome! Be sure to check out south of sixty group!

Duval. I discovered that club. Believe had a Poker Run but Laurie had to go help her family in Texas. We will attend a social.

[KennyMo]

I say get your closet, bathroom and kitchen in order, then just slow down with the unpacking...it will get done. Also, as you come to things you don't need/want anymore, there is a way that you can post pictures on this sight, (or somewhere) to sell. We rented here before we bought, kept our rental a month after closing, so were able to have an estate sale at our rental after we moved everything to our new house that we wanted/needed. STILL had too much stuff, and we had downsized twice before we even moved into our rental here!!! It just isn't easy!!! WELCOME!!, slow down the packing just a little bit, and get out to the squares, play a sport or two (or more), look at the classes and clubs that you may be interested in! You are going to LOVE IT HERE!!

Thank you, You really don't realize how much you have until you have to move it. Unreal. We had a huge moving sale a month before and thought we had it covered. Our bedroom set was an oversized queen with big, deep drawers and sent that with son in law last week. Got a smaller set and now half our clothes don't fit. It really feels like we will never get there. Eventually we will but can't see it anytime soon. I think we need a dumpster.

[Tmarkwald]

Nobody checked my ID.

It's actually in the title documents.

There is a section imaginatively titled " Housing for older people " along with the 55+ document from the State of Florida.

[mskaggs]

What area did you move to? Welcome! Be sure to check out south of sixty group!

Where is the South of Sixty group?