What has changed

[PennBF]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

[Kenswing]

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.

[Toymeister]

Pedestrian paths, more green space, bigger backyards, more dog parks, larger lanais, new homes that are smart home ready...

[CFrance]

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.
:clap2::clap2::clap2:

[JSR22]

A huge improvement in the quality of restaurants.
Better entertainment at the squares.
Building The Sharon and bringing in quality entertainment.
Additional and nicer dog parks.

[dewilson58]

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.

:bigbow:

[Papa_lecki]

More golf courses
More diverse recreation activities
Less concentration of dining
More creativity in recreation/entertainment/dining
No fear to change things not working

[billethkid]

TV reaching a size that becomes attractive to an increasing number of national brand businesses....

[davem4616]

when we moved in Pine Hills was considered to be the end of the expansion....now we're just above being in the middle of TV

[DAVES]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

The only thing that is constant is change.

Amusing history. Davey Crocket left Kentucky saying it was getting too crowded. If, I recall, from reading, no I was not there, the population of the STATE of Kentucky was like 7 million. He went to Texas. He died at the Alamo.

Being happy is a choice.

[Marathon Man]

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.

Well said, Sir.

[DAVES]

when we moved in Pine Hills was considered to be the end of the expansion....now we're just above being in the middle of TV

The population of Florida is exploding. Nothing is ever or ever will be perfect. People I know, one bought a short sale in Vermont, another bought 140 acres of forest in North Carolina.

My fear is if the Morris family stops it will be the inmates running this place.

[Jayhawk]

:bigbow:

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.

[Bogie Shooter]

The population of Florida is exploding. Nothing is ever or ever will be perfect. People I know, one bought a short sale in Vermont, another bought 140 acres of forest in North Carolina.

My fear is if the Morris family stops it will be the inmates running this place.

Morris was a cat!
Sorry, just couldn’t pass this up.

[John41]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

Same as you and
Downgrading of amenities
Tacky apartments which didn’t rent well.
The number of fanboys on TOTV
Demolition of a Country club
Increasing disregard for homeowners by the family
More like a city than hometown
No more true squares

[walterray1]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

One type lists all negative changes, one type lists all positive changes and the third complains about one and two.

[Stu from NYC]

Why keep focusing on negatives, lots of positives living here.

[John41]

One type lists all negative changes, one type lists all positive changes and the third complains about one and two.

And the fourth comments on the other three.

[graciegirl]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:


I don't miss Katie Belles or the Buffalo. I thought of one as a pick up joint and the other as not cuddly or snuggly.

I don't notice the amount of bars, because I no longer drink liquor. I was never any good at it.

I don't worry about the police increasing, because we really have no problem with increased crime here at all. For now. Hopefully that won't change, but if it does, I am sure that the various agencies that protect us; Marion County Sheriff, Sumter County Sheriff, Lady Lake Police Department, Fruitland Park Police Department and Wildwood Police Department will all see to it that we will continue to be protected. (Many Thanks to them)

The increase in traffic and especially during high season happens all over the State of Florida, from the Keys to the Panhandle, all the way to Alabama. Our main industry is tourism and that is how we roll in this State.

I love the new friends who came with the new homes. I love that we have some mighty fine groups at the rec centers teaching us fun and interesting things. I like the way the lovely green places and common areas are kept and the trash barely ever seen. I love the way the public buildings are maintained. I love The Villages Health.

But most of all I love old friends here and new ones too.

[Goldwingnut]

My fear is if the Morris family stops it will be the inmates running this place.

The residents already run “this place”, all the cdds except 13 and now 14 have boards of elected residents. Within the legal limits, we have complete control of what happens to our community now, and in the future, the developer has virtually no say except for cdd13/14 and the commercial property they own.

The true fear of the developer stopping building is the loss of thousands of construction jobs that would devastate the local economy, result in high unemployment, higher crime, and the closure of many businesses. This country has 2 minor pillars in its economy-agriculture and the prisons, and 2 major pillars- construction and the wealth of the resident retirees. Damage any of them and the roof falls in.

[walterray1]

And the fourth comments on the other three.

Apparently in category one.

[Garywt]

I have not seen any negative things that effect me. Know nothing of a dance hall, no nothing about buffaloes and not sure how that would change a lifestyle. I like the expansions as it gives us more places to drive to. New restaurants and bars are a good thing. I have never seen any traffic in The Villages, I know people complain about it but it does not exist. So all in all things are great and I look forward to every minute I get to send here.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't... I thought...

I don't...I no longer... I was never...

I don't worry...I am sure [and some stuff that has nothing to do with the Villages at all]

I love... I love... I like... I love... I love ...

But most of all I love ...

Your opinion of the OP's post is duly noted. What is your answer to the OP's question?

Here's my answer - and as a reminder, here's the question:

What has changed since you moved in?


The angrier people seem to have been given permission to express their anger more, usually by way of bumper stickers, torn upside down flags, signs on their windows and golf carts, threats of violence, actual violence, people yelling at each other, and so on. In short - the "friendliest" hometown doesn't seem any friendlier than the town I moved from, which was more of a "neutral" not friendly, but not unfriendly either.

The oldest folks who've died, have passed their homes to their kids, who seem disinterested in caring for the properties they've inherited. Or they've moved in, even though they're not old enough to qualify as 55+. So the 55+ are being replaced by 54- - and they can, because they inherited the property and didn't have to buy it.

A country club has been torn down. There seem to be more people overall who visit Sumter Landing town square area, and LOTS more traffic even during the off-season. Great for business, not so great for people who want to avoid car accidents, according to police reports. I'm sure the hospital, urgent care centers, auto collision and body-shop centers, and various doctors in the area are enjoying the added revenue.

A restaurant that didn't thrill me was replaced by another high-end restaurant, which seems to be superior quality. Another restaurant opened in Spanish Springs that focuses on fresh southern farm-to-table foods (Farmshed Diner). Neither of these are "chain" restaurants, and that's awesome!

Supermarkets have implemented routine sanitizing procedures that I hope they'll continue, because a clean store is good for business, even when there is no pandemic.

A couple of roads received much-needed repaving; mostly courtesy of the three counties our community resides in. Our road, sadly, has not received the repaving and some of it is starting to show obvious crumbling in spots.

Our trash pick-up no longer requires recycling, since we're on a waste-to-energy system now. I consider that a huge bonus to our community even though this isn't a Villages decision, it's a Lake County decision.

Another change - the Villages development changed their mind again and chose to build south of 44.

Also, there are a few new golf cart bridges. The one going into Chitty-Chatty is really neat, and walkable.

A hopeful change: they started painting the facade of the Rialto Theatre in Spanish Springs in the past month or so. That means maybe they're going to finally finish the renovations and take down that horrible exterior construction wall that's been there since the year -before- the Pandemic.

[RMHisle]

The only thing that is constant is change.

Amusing history. Davey Crocket left Kentucky saying it was getting too crowded. If, I recall, from reading, no I was not there, the population of the STATE of Kentucky was like 7 million. He went to Texas. He died at the Alamo.

Being happy is a choice.
Davey Crockett was a TENNESSEAN.
Kentucky has NEVER had 7 million residents.

[thevillages2013]

Your opinion of the OP's post is duly noted. What is your answer to the OP's question?

Here's my answer - and as a reminder, here's the question:

What has changed since you moved in?


The angrier people seem to have been given permission to express their anger more, usually by way of bumper stickers, torn upside down flags, signs on their windows and golf carts, threats of violence, actual violence, people yelling at each other, and so on. In short - the "friendliest" hometown doesn't seem any friendlier than the town I moved from, which was more of a "neutral" not friendly, but not unfriendly either.

The oldest folks who've died, have passed their homes to their kids, who seem disinterested in caring for the properties they've inherited. Or they've moved in, even though they're not old enough to qualify as 55+. So the 55+ are being replaced by 54- - and they can, because they inherited the property and didn't have to buy it.

A country club has been torn down. There seem to be more people overall who visit Sumter Landing town square area, and LOTS more traffic even during the off-season. Great for business, not so great for people who want to avoid car accidents, according to police reports. I'm sure the hospital, urgent care centers, auto collision and body-shop centers, and various doctors in the area are enjoying the added revenue.

A restaurant that didn't thrill me was replaced by another high-end restaurant, which seems to be superior quality. Another restaurant opened in Spanish Springs that focuses on fresh southern farm-to-table foods (Farmshed Diner). Neither of these are "chain" restaurants, and that's awesome!

Supermarkets have implemented routine sanitizing procedures that I hope they'll continue, because a clean store is good for business, even when there is no pandemic.

A couple of roads received much-needed repaving; mostly courtesy of the three counties our community resides in. Our road, sadly, has not received the repaving and some of it is starting to show obvious crumbling in spots.

Our trash pick-up no longer requires recycling, since we're on a waste-to-energy system now. I consider that a huge bonus to our community even though this isn't a Villages decision, it's a Lake County decision.

Another change - the Villages development changed their mind again and chose to build south of 44.

Also, there are a few new golf cart bridges. The one going into Chitty-Chatty is really neat, and walkable.

A hopeful change: they started painting the facade of the Rialto Theatre in Spanish Springs in the past month or so. That means maybe they're going to finally finish the renovations and take down that horrible exterior construction wall that's been there since the year -before- the Pandemic.

There is no 55 age requirement to buy a pre-owned home in TV. I bought my first at age 40

[Shellshack]

The best change I have experienced is me, we are here. We used to live in a community where taxes were much higher, crime much higher, roads and property maintenance much worse, far fewer activities to do, and most of the time friendlier people here-although we old farts do complain a bit. The new bridges and expansion gives us more choices. I do miss all the clubs listed in the weekly recreation magazine but completely understand and can go online. I miss our Canadian friends and hope they return soon and safely. I do like the energy the new people in the new areas are bringing. One change is that our favorite performers are showing their age and slipping a bit, just like me. Garfunkel just couldn't hit the high notes like he used to. But it was good to see him.

[HoosierPa]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

Changes for the better south of 44:

More nature trails for walkers and bicycles

All CY villas have inside laundry

Most CYV now have 2 car garages and no curved driveways

Outdoor fitness equipment at most all Rec centers

45 new holes of championship golf being built or coming very soon

2-3 Pitch & Putt courses

2 Putt & Play courses

Cart accessible shopping and restaurants now.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the area north of 44 too and there are advantages there too. You can’t go wrong anywhere in TV. It’s the best place in the world to retire if you want to stay active. Believe me, we have looked around !

[frank1975]

Change happens. That’s life!! I adjust to it and move on.

[frank1975]

Totally agree!!!! Like this post about changes.

[l2ridehd]

When I moved here I bought a home in the South part. Haven’t moved and am now in the North. :pray::confused::confused::confused::bigbow::shock ed::shocked:

[frank1975]

Don’t understand why people post this crap. If you’re complaining then maybe it’s time to move on.

[Billy1]

"the times they are a changing"

[Looking for next wife]

One of biggest changes I have seen is the number of threads started by trolls just to get some attention and a reaction out of people.

Totally unreal that it is completely obvious that you have no mirror in your possession. lol

[Luggage]

Oh the inhumanity! No dance halls! More cars! Apartment dwellers! More type AAA Personalities with big egos!!!!

[jimkerr]

The residents already run “this place”, all the cdds except 13 and now 14 have boards of elected residents. Within the legal limits, we have complete control of what happens to our community now, and in the future, the developer has virtually no say except for cdd13/14 and the commercial property they own.

The true fear of the developer stopping building is the loss of thousands of construction jobs that would devastate the local economy, result in high unemployment, higher crime, and the closure of many businesses. This country has 2 minor pillars in its economy-agriculture and the prisons, and 2 major pillars- construction and the wealth of the resident retirees. Damage any of them and the roof falls in.

Amen to that! People need to remember that without the developers, none of us would have this amazing place to enjoy.

[PennBF]

As the Villages and TOTV's grow so do the number of TOTV "Bullies" who have no constructive purpose other than to try to gain attention to their negative life. This series of responses to a simple question which is both positive and negative to express opinions is a fine example of the misuse of the TOTV's by these poor examples of wise guy contributors. I know the Managers of TOTV has their hands tied regarding identifying and restricting these non contributors but one can always hope. It is like getting poison ivy. Once one starts the ball rolling the followers just jump right in and start their process of trying to bully the question. A simple question: Is it trolling to ask people for opinions?
If not why are these people allowed to use the TOTV's as an outlet for their bullying?:ohdear:

[Red4Ever]

The residents already run “this place”, all the cdds except 13 and now 14 have boards of elected residents. Within the legal limits, we have complete control of what happens to our community now, and in the future, the developer has virtually no say except for cdd13/14 and the commercial property they own.

The true fear of the developer stopping building is the loss of thousands of construction jobs that would devastate the local economy, result in high unemployment, higher crime, and the closure of many businesses. This country has 2 minor pillars in its economy-agriculture and the prisons, and 2 major pillars- construction and the wealth of the resident retirees. Damage any of them and the roof falls in.
Spot on… the opposite of continued quality growth and development would not be a “pretty picture”. The Village developers and the CDD Boards appear to me to be doing a good job of building and maintaining a quality live, work and play environment!

[rrb48310]

When I moved here I bought a home in the South part. Haven’t moved and am now in the North. :pray::confused::confused::confused::bigbow::shock ed::shocked:

It's like my area code back home, it changed three times my address didn't.

[JanetMM]

Davey Crockett was a TENNESSEAN.
Kentucky has NEVER had 7 million residents.

I knew that! I remember singing along with the television show theme song. I think it went

🎵Born on a mountain top in Tennessee, Greenest state in the land of the free. Raised in the woods so he knew every tree. Killed him a “baar” when he was only 3! Davy, Davy Crockett. King of the wild frontier 🎶

[seetshaw]

It is the same Villages, only bigger and much more. What is different are the people and their attitudes towards others, especially others who look, think or believe differently than they do. 20 years ago we smiled, or even waved to folks as we motored by. There wasn’t the nastiness we have now.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There is no 55 age requirement to buy a pre-owned home in TV. I bought my first at age 40

There is no 55 age requirement to buy ANY home in the Villages. The law has nothing to do with ownership and everything to do with residency. An 18-year-old may buy a house for his grandparents, but he may not live in it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It is the same Villages, only bigger and much more. What is different are the people and their attitudes towards others, especially others who look, think or believe differently than they do. 20 years ago we smiled, or even waved to folks as we motored by. There wasn’t the nastiness we have now.

20 years ago the Villages looked and felt more like villages. Now it's more like a sprawling suburb. Suburbanites tend to not have the same attitude toward people living in adjacent neighborhoods that they have toward people living in their own neighborhood.

That's what happens when you divide people. They ultimately grow apart.

[Bella6368]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome:

Why is everyone so negative about snowbirds? Many of these people own homes, pay taxes, bonds, and amenity fees like everyone else. If they were there year around would that make some happier? Then you'd have all that increased traffic year around. Furthermore, many villagers profit from their rental properties that they rent to "snowbirds". So again, why so many Villagers have a negative position towards snowbirds is beyond me.

[Bellavita]

No Buffalo they said there would always be Buffaloes

[Spalumbos62]

I have not seen any negative things that effect me. Know nothing of a dance hall, no nothing about buffaloes and not sure how that would change a lifestyle. I like the expansions as it gives us more places to drive to. New restaurants and bars are a good thing. I have never seen any traffic in The Villages, I know people complain about it but it does not exist. So all in all things are great and I look forward to every minute I get to send here.


I agree...I surely don't care about buffalo, or about a bar that from the rumors people abused their welcome by staying too long and spending little.
All the new restaurants and bars are fun, the squares still seem to be going strong.
Traffic? Like you said...what traffic? The timing of traffic lights could be shortened, especially on 441.
Other than that...bring on the change...the place is growing!

[sallyg]

Lack of employee presence (checking id's) at rec centers, pools etc. Non-residents utilizing facilities is routine.

[KRMACK55]

The population of Florida is exploding. Nothing is ever or ever will be perfect. People I know, one bought a short sale in Vermont, another bought 140 acres of forest in North Carolina.

My fear is if the Morris family stops it will be the inmates running this place.
The Morse family uses the revenue to create more houses. Other people run everything else. That’s why they hand off management to others as a CDD.

[LianneMigiano]

Just heard that we ALL NEED TO BE WARY OF SLOW MOVING pickups (with closed beds), vehicles hauling closed-in box type equipment, and vans in our neighborhoods..... It appears that there are several areas in TV that can be accessed without going through a gate with a camera!!!!

[frostola]

I love all the new bike/walking trails they are building down south, the paths are so quiet and peaceful with great views.

[Ramone]

Yes, much has changed since In-Laws moved here in 1988. Loss of Silver Lake Club, Loss of Hacienda Club, Loss of Spanish Springs Movie Theater, 6 months to refurbish Orange Blossom Pool few years back, Katie Bells in Spanish Springs, dah,dah,dah.
Yup, soon similar to hit Lake Sumter area.

[ThirdOfFive]

As the Villages and TOTV's grow so do the number of TOTV "Bullies" who have no constructive purpose other than to try to gain attention to their negative life. This series of responses to a simple question which is both positive and negative to express opinions is a fine example of the misuse of the TOTV's by these poor examples of wise guy contributors. I know the Managers of TOTV has their hands tied regarding identifying and restricting these non contributors but one can always hope. It is like getting poison ivy. Once one starts the ball rolling the followers just jump right in and start their process of trying to bully the question. A simple question: Is it trolling to ask people for opinions?
If not why are these people allowed to use the TOTV's as an outlet for their bullying?:ohdear:
Bullies exist. There always will be those who are not satisfied until everyone is as lonely and bitter as they are.

[JKELLYNY]

👍🏻 Stop complaining 🤬 MOVE if you don’t like it here. Have a wonderful day🇺🇸🙏😊🇺🇸

[Stu from NYC]

No Buffalo they said there would always be Buffaloes

Tasted great!

[walterray1]

Just heard that we ALL NEED TO BE WARY OF SLOW MOVING pickups (with closed beds), vehicles hauling closed-in box type equipment, and vans in our neighborhoods..... It appears that there are several areas in TV that can be accessed without going through a gate with a camera!!!!

Guess it must be just me but I don't have a clue about what you are talking about.

[JMintzer]

I agree...I surely don't care about buffalo

He cares...

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Henry_Gibson_1969_%28cropped_version%29.JPG

[GPGuar]

the population of florida is exploding. Nothing is ever or ever will be perfect. People i know, one bought a short sale in vermont, another bought 140 acres of forest in north carolina.

My fear is if the morris family stops it will be the inmates running this place.morse!

[joelfmi]

Because there are a number of things that have changed since you moved to The Villages! What have you seen that has changed? Some are:
The closing of the dance hall and restaurant at Spanish Springs
The taking of the Buffalo's from Lake Sumter
The increase in bars
The large growth of homes
The lack of growth of police to meet the Villages expansions.
The increase in traffic including when Snow Birds return in the fall
The ability for more outside communities/condo's etc. use the Villages
What have you seen?:welcome: I am sure home buyer can find better homes in other 55+ community's for a lot less

[thevillages2013]

There is no 55 age requirement to buy ANY home in the Villages. The law has nothing to do with ownership and everything to do with residency. An 18-year-old may buy a house for his grandparents, but he may not live in it.

He can live in it at 19

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Just heard that we ALL NEED TO BE WARY OF SLOW MOVING pickups (with closed beds), vehicles hauling closed-in box type equipment, and vans in our neighborhoods..... It appears that there are several areas in TV that can be accessed without going through a gate with a camera!!!!

Most areas can be accessed by pressing the red button. There are very few gates in the Villages that don't have one.

[coffeebean]

TV reaching a size that becomes attractive to an increasing number of national brand businesses....

But........still no Costco. :(