What’s To Love?

[VickiF]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

[JMintzer]

The year round golf, the activities, the year round golf, the weather, the year round golf, the hopefully soon living here full time...

Did I mention the year round golf?

[graciegirl]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

I hope you move close to us because that is what we love. Sometimes I have to pinch myself after almost fifteen years.

Let us be the first to Welcome you HOME.

[Toymeister]

Here you are not marginalized because of your age.

[npwalters]

The easy access to many activities. We play pickleball, golf, softball, and ride bikes. Several softball leagues available. Many miles of paved multimodal (including bike) paths. 350 plus pickleball courts and plenty of golf.

Pretty much any kind of club you can imagine but many of them will be full with a long wait list.

[ThirdOfFive]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:
Welcome, Vicki!

Your post pretty much says it all; my list a year ago before our move was pretty similar to yours today. One thing I'd add is convenience. We're never more than a 15-minute golf car ride at most to just about anything we'd ever want or need, and with gas costing as much as it is, that is pretty important.

[villagetinker]

Be sure to look at all areas of the villages, there are some differences North and south of 44, we love the Brownwood area, this is actually close to the physical center of the villages.

[Michael G.]

I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages?

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay

[DylanTodd]

Add to the list

things we love:
1. the courtesy of our neighbors, the polite waves and good mornings of everyone we pass by
2. the overall pristine care of the neighborhoods
3. its so peaceful and so quiet compared to a big city

things we don't love
1. the sound of landscapers every single morning - its actually quite comical, thank goodness we naturally get up at 6am or 645 everyday
2. the houses are a touch too close together - but hey what are you going to do, its not that big of a drawback

[Laker14]

I really appreciate how easy it is to "do" things. For example, if I want to play pickleball tomorrow morning, I don't have to make a date with 3 other people, I just find the courts nearest to me that have the skill level I'm looking for, and at the appropriate time I can hop into the cart, and in a few minutes I'm there. After pickle, in the afternoon if I'm bored I can hop back into the cart and in less than 2 minutes I can be at a pool, in less than 5 minutes I can be at Cane CC to work on my putting and chipping. In 10 minutes, Sarasota to hit golf balls.
Feel like dancing tonight? Well we know all about that, right?
It's just so easy and convenient to stay busy and active.
Even shopping, I have a Publix, a Winn Dixie, and a Lowes all within 5 minutes by automobile.

[Decadeofdave]

As with everything in life, it is what you make it. All the things you describe are here, and more.

[Escape Artist]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

What a nice post! I hope you will be happy here. I am. :)

[RICH1]

Sunset Golf cart Rides, one of my favorites

[Deb1093]

I enjoy walking every morning at 7:15, before the sun is too hot. I love going to water aerobics and cardio drumming. I love taking a drive in the golf cart in the evenings, and relaxing on our lanai. I love reading on our lanai. I enjoy going to the pool, chatting with neighbors and meeting new ones. We have only been here a couple of months, only one with our household goods! So, we are really just beginning to live the lifestyle. We plan to have BBQs and have game nights with neighbors and friends. We love it here and have no regrets on our decision to move here! I hope you feel the same.

[thevillagernie]

things to do !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ele201]

Your point on the landscapers brought a smile. Actually I’m not an early bird, and the roar of lawn mowers on an early weekend isn’t great. But you adapt. Yes the houses are close BUT people respect each other’s privacy, and the developers landscaped homes to maximize privacy. Add to the list

things we love:
1. the courtesy of our neighbors, the polite waves and good mornings of everyone we pass by
2. the overall pristine care of the neighborhoods
3. its so peaceful and so quiet compared to a big city

things we don't love
1. the sound of landscapers every single morning - its actually quite comical, thank goodness we naturally get up at 6am or 645 everyday
2. the houses are a touch too close together - but hey what are you going to do, its not that big of a drawback

[nn0wheremann]

Moving to TV is like going to college. Most folks are within a few years of your age, and are here to have a good time and enjoy life.

[DaleDivine]

WOW, everyone of the previous posts sums it up for me. Especially the golfing year round.
And the cleanliness of the place.
:coolsmiley::clap2::a040:

[Professor]

We love early morning golf cart rides. There is always something new to see. Walking along the board walk at Sumter landing, a cup of coffee from Starbucks and a pastry from Panera consumed at a table behind the ice cream shop on the board walk, sitting on our lanai with coffee and the newspaper...these are a few of our favorite things. We love music, so Edna's in the afternoon for music and a glass of wine is fun, as are early evening visits to a square to listen to a band we like before they get busy later in the evening.

[RonGee]

You have said it all.

[MrFlorida]

It's safe here, we're all about the same age, and people are friendly.

[BlkBlt6]

Welcome! There are so many activities you’ll be thrilled. We live here six months of the year and are still pinching ourselves…we’re so happy with The Villages. We are very similar to you and your likes but do like to go the the squares for music every once in awhile. There are so many wonderful wonderful people here. As a matter of fact, my neighbor in TV is like a sister to me. It couldn’t get better. Again, welcome!

[rlcooper70]

You will find people here ..... people with whom you will bond and develop friendships .... you will find your group. That's enough.

[tsmall22204]

As a retired couple, we love the fact that we can do anything we want to do. We can enjoy everything this community has to offer. Does not get better than that.

[Topgun 1776]

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay

No one twisted your arm to move here. You chose...and still choose.. to live here. You knew about any fees before you signed the contract.
If anyone doesn't like anything here, the seller's market is the best it's ever been. Take advantage and sell! We are truly blessed to live here... let's choose to be thankful for what we have!

[La lamy]

Congrats for having found this 'active senior paradise'. I love the massive choice of activities and especially the huge amount of pickleball courts. I miss that so much when I'm up north for the summer. The landscaping/flowers on the streets is also a constant sight of beauty that I don't take for granted. Welcome!!

[JanetMM]

Whether you are physically active or are on a more cerebral level, there are activities.

Want to be exercising your body- got that.
Want to be learning about exercising your body- got that too.

Want to learn a craft- check.

Want to learn about your ancestors- yes you can do that.

Participating in the theater- sure or even just going to the theater.

Want to be a homebody, can do that too.

Pretty much anyone here that is not happy living here has CHOSEN to not be happy living here.

[BlackHarley]

Drinkin' and dancin'....:a040:

[Wonderfulwendy1]

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay
You chose to pay those bonds when you chose to buy your home. No one held a gun to your head.

[nhtexasrn]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

The thing we love about The Villages, aside from all there is to do, are the friends we have made. So many fun and loving people here. There is always something going on, and you can get as involved as you want. There is a club for just about anything you could imagine. You might even find a new interest!! The weather is great and it's fun to go just about everywhere in your golf cart!! The beautiful landscaping makes you feel like you're living in a resort! Welcome to the hood!!! lol

[JimmyO3]

In our 8 months of residency in TV we have found the beautiful landscaping, both within the individual villages and on the main roads, very aesthetically enjoyable and calming. A small thing maybe but it is a constant. overlying all of the other attributes TV has to offer.
Hope you love living here as much as we do.

[Laker14]

In our 8 months of residency in TV we have found the beautiful landscaping, both within the individual villages and on the main roads, very aesthetically enjoyable and calming. A small thing maybe but it is a constant. overlying all of the other attributes TV has to offer.
Hope you love living here as much as we do.

Yes, indeed, I feel as if I live in one large garden.

[bp243]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

Looks like you’re bringing a positive attitude and frankly that’s the key to happiness anywhere. A leisurely style of living will fit your lifestyle preferences perfectly.

[Dzurinko]

I am a nature lover too. If you’re a REAL outdoors person who loves quiet tranquil walks in nature, you really won’t find that here. The nature areas they have here you cannot access. You can look from a distance with a hundred other people. Their “walking trails” are typically paved and shared with 1000 other people every morning. When I want to do some quiet nature walks and take a camera for the chance of getting in some good wildlife photography, I have to drive 30-90 minutes away from The Villages. The developer has NOT set up any large enough nature areas where you have an opportunity to see real Florida wildlife without gangs of people cackling around around you. As for sitting in a quiet lanai and not going out for music, dancing and drinking, unless you spend $1M and have your lanai facing a fenced off nature area, you won’t be alone. You can literally sit there and listen to your neighbors conversation from THEIR lanai as if they were sitting with you in your lanai. I came from a quiet nature setting surrounded by woods, deer, Turkey and thousands of birds and I can tell you without a doubt, The Villages is not it. I am here for my wife who loves the social life. For me to enjoy quiet outdoors and be alone with wildlife and no crowds of people, it’s a 75 minute drive to the Ocala National Forest! It’s certainly doable with the drive, but don’t be fooled by the advertisements of nature preserves here in TV. There simply aren’t any that you can access.

[Suefromtn]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:
We are the same! We are planning our lifestyle visit now! We’re not big golfers or dancers but love birds, nature, card games and cool evenings. I also love the water. I am Sue. We are from TN.. and will be down soon to see if it is a good fit.

[billthecpa]

With your thought of simply enjoying the good things in life.....you don't need any recommendations. The good things will find you.

[Charbo8@att.net]

I love those things as well. Hopefully moving by year end. Being a recent widower, I hope I won’t feel out of place

[daveac83]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

Prices going up quickly. Spec homes in short supply. Used homes sell quickly and there are ones in the very newest villages. Check web site: thevillages.com and search homes for availability and cost.

[Villagesgal]

I love those things as well. Hopefully moving by year end. Being a recent widower, I hope I won’t feel out of place

You won't feel out of place here as a widower, there will be plenty of single women wanting your company. Be careful, choose a woman, don't let them bulldoze you into exclusivity right away. I am a widow and see this happening every day to single men here, especially the recently widowed. Enjoy your life, if you meet someone whose company you enjoy, don't rush into any long term commitment. I hear woman at the rec centers go on and on about how they dislike their guy, but love his pension and social security check. Don't become one of those "guys". That said, just enjoy the area and what it has to offer, the clubs, the pools, the sports, the squares. It is wonderful here. Hope you come and enjoy this next stage of your life. I know I am loving it here.

[Stu from NYC]

I love those things as well. Hopefully moving by year end. Being a recent widower, I hope I won’t feel out of place

Play your cards right and they will be all over you.

Lots of singles groups and remember lots more single females than males at this stage.

[manaboutown]

I love those things as well. Hopefully moving by year end. Being a recent widower, I hope I won’t feel out of place

Maybe you can become the latest Mr. Midnight. Books: Leisureville: Adventures in America’s Retirement Utopias – Mother Jones (https://www.motherjones.com/media/2008/05/books-leisureville-adventures-americas-retirement-utopias/)

[Velvet]

You won't feel out of place here as a widower, there will be plenty of single women wanting your company. Be careful, choose a woman, don't let them bulldoze you into exclusivity right away. I am a widow and see this happening every day to single men here, especially the recently widowed. Enjoy your life, if you meet someone whose company you enjoy, don't rush into any long term commitment. I hear woman at the rec centers go on and on about how they dislike their guy, but love his pension and social security check. Don't become one of those "guys". That said, just enjoy the area and what it has to offer, the clubs, the pools, the sports, the squares. It is wonderful here. Hope you come and enjoy this next stage of your life. I know I am loving it here.

I agree, some even try to go at my husband. Even though he is wearing his ring.

Lots of females here, a good sign of a nice female is she hasn’t got her mouth open all the time.

[debntom90]

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay

The further North you go, the lower the bond with bonds being paid off on many home

[JerryLBell]

Not sure where you're moving from or if you've birded Florida before but it can be awesome here, particularly over the winter months when all the migrants are passing through or spending the winter. The two main birdwatching clubs are The Villages Birders (Village Birders | The Village Birders (https://www.villagebirders.org/)) and The Brownwood Birders (search for "Brownwood Birders" on FaceBook). The former has monthly meetings with great speakers and does a lot of walks outside The Villages and a few inside. The downside is that they don't meet during the summer months. The latter has no meetings but does walks, mostly inside The Villages. They have weekly walks during the main season and monthly walks during the slower summer season. Both groups are full of helpful, friendly birdwatchers. There are also hiking clubs if you like to walk further and faster than us slowpoke birders.

There are multiple bicycling clubs that do what I think of as "longer" rides (20+ miles) outside The Villages. Of course, you can also bike on any of the bike & walking paths, the multi-modal paths and the roads in The Villages (though NOT on the nicely paved paths in the Championship courses, to the dismay of some bikers).

There are clubs for just about any games you can imagine but if you like a game that doesn't have a club for it, find 10 or 15 people who like it and the rec center folks will help you create a new club for it. After all, it's 3,000+ social clubs and counting.

My wife and I aren't really nightlife people either but many of the bands (which play from 5-9 nightly in the squares) are surprisingly good and worth giving a listen to. Having a seat on a balmy night watching folks dance (particularly the line dancers) to a good band is more fun than you might think.

There are any number of social clubs dedicated to singles. You can make friends here if you try though of course you can be lonely here if you don't get out there. Social clubs are a great way to meet people, as are sports. I suppose you can meet folks hanging out at the bars and there are plenty of folks here who do that.

There is a ton here to do and it can be overwhelming. Just remember - you don't have to do it all! Just because your neighbor has become addicted to something (pickle ball and water volleyball come to mind) doesn't mean you have to as well. Try some new things but remember that you're here to relax, have fun and enjoy this stage of your lives.

Good luck finding the right home for you. Despite it's huge size and vast amount of construction, there has been quite a shortage of houses for sale of late. People are buying like crazy and driving the prices up. Of course, that's been happening pretty much everywhere and you might benefit from it when you sell your house.

[cj1040]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?:wave:

Dont get a Western lanai exposure or it will be very hot and sunny all afternoon - be careful ! We came north for the summer and I really miss my new home in TV and all of my activities - mah jongg, line dancing class, cardio drumming class, zumba, water exercise and even tap dancing ! Wonderful bike trails - we took many after dinner rides and also went with the bike club a few times. Just getting into a ladies golf group and pickleball. And quilt groups ! So much to do and I cannot wait to get back .

[VickiF]

Thank you for letting me know

[VickiF]

So much good information, thank you!

[VickiF]

Thank you ❤️

[Rlheinz19@yahoo.com]

We haven't been here long but I love eating outdoors nearly year around, the lack of trash everywhere, no nightly shootings. We rarely drink but we enjoy the squares. Don't think you have to be big partiers to enjoy the music. The bands typically break every 45 minutes so it's fun to hang around for a set or two then go on to whatever you want to do.

[ronda]

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay

Hey, seen a few replies to MG's post, that are critical. I agree with all of you, including MG. He is right to point this out. The builder was a really shrewd guy. Up north builders pay for all improvements and get the money back when they sell the houses. The cost of the improvements are built into the selling price. Here in TV, the builder took out bonds for the improvements and he passed those bonds on to the people who bought the houses. And by the way, the TV bank made the loans on the bonds.

I think of the bond as additional purchase price cost. I purchased a pre-existing house with a low bond, in part because of this.

So, it is what it is. TV is nice, and it cost money to make it that way, so the residents have to pay. IMHO, TV real estate is expensive for the house you get, but a good value to me because of the environment and proximity to activities. That's worth alot. Just ask people who by $2M for a small apartment in NYC.