Retirement community

[TOMCAT]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

[Jayhawk]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

Apparently your only child made a decision at some point to leave family for their own reasons. Wouldn't they want you to be happy with your quality of life?

No dilemma. Make your visits quality time and everyone wins. The kids and grandkids have their own lives to live.

[TOMCAT]

Yes, my son left for the service after graduating college as he did ROTC for air force. He is married now and still is in reserves.

My husband says the same thing. They have their own lives. Yes, quality time is good. They can come down to visit, and I can come up.

[Keefelane66]

We visit our kid/grandkids and family about 3x’s a year it’s only about a 2hr flight

[LAFwUs]

Mom - cut the cord already. lol
While I understand the desire to be close ( have kids of my own that are far away) you really need to live your life and perhaps more importantly, let him/them, live theirs. With all the tech avail, there are a million ways to remain connected to family and as said, its a short plane ride away and a nice, new destination for them to come visit if & when.

[Two Bills]

Just mention Disney is just down the road.
You will see grand kids quite regularly!

[ThirdOfFive]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?
It was something I thought about quite a lot prior to our move to TV a couple of years ago, living within a couple of hours of my kids and grandkids. Not so my wife: she predicted that we'd be seeing a whole lot more of our family/extended family than we did before we moved.

She was right.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Just mention Disney is just down the road.
You will see grand kids quite regularly!

Especially if you offer to foot that 1000-1500+ bill per visit, make it an annual tradition and you'll see the kids EVERY year. At least until they are 16 or so. Then you need a lakehouse, and jet skis.

[TOMCAT]

My husband complains they do not come here that often. I do not know what he means by often, but my son has to work. I can understand that.

I tell my husband we will probably see them more when he goes on vacations. Like someone mentioned, footing the bill will help if they permit me. I think my husband is more apprehensive than me.

I am getting ready. Retire completely and move.

[Papa_lecki]

We are snowbirds. EVERY time we are down, my wife and I both wish our parents would have moved to the Villages. Their quality of life, especially in their 70s/80s would be much superior.
It was nice when our kids were young.
Now, in the winter, while all of us in The Villages are dancing, golfing, etc, my mom sits the couch, on her iPad.

[frose]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?
that's why we are moving back. grandkids go figure

[Laker14]

I bought a place on a lake in NY State, figuring it would be an attractive place for kids and grandkids to come, and then, of course, we'd get to see them a lot. That has worked out nicely. Sometimes, a bit too nicely, but we love it.

When we bought our place in TV (we still snowbird to our NY lake home), we didn't think living in a 55+ community would be attractive to the kids and grandkids. We were wrong. They love TV. They love being in TV, and the proximity to Disney and the other Florida attractions doesn't hurt a bit.

So, come on down, and be prepared for company.

[Stu from NYC]

We are here 2 1/2 years and happy to be here but do miss our grandkids and kids.

That is why we drove up north and spent time with them. As they get older school does get in the way of visiting here

[EdFNJ]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

You joined the forum 13 years ago. Takes you a long time to decide! :D It's not easy at first leaving family but as kids get older they aren't as "grandma and grandpa friendly" as they were when they were under 10. Now that our grandkids are near college graduation and our kids have their own lives & friends we're lucky to see them a few times a year. We do use Facetime and the phone on a weekly basis. You'll get over it real fast. Like some folks here say, just get a dog because they prefer dogs to kids down here! :1rotfl: We'd like to have homes in both places but at least for us that's not financially possible.

[rjm1cc]

I would go for the move. But, how about staying put for another year and see how much interaction you have. Also as the grandchildren get older I think you will see the grandchildren less.

[TOMCAT]

You joined the forum 13 years ago. Takes you a long time to decide! :D It's not easy at first leaving family but as kids get older they aren't as "grandma and grandpa friendly" as they were when they were under 10. Now that our grandkids are near college graduation and our kids have their own lives & friends we're lucky to see them a few times a year. We do use Facetime and the phone on a weekly basis. You'll get over it real fast. Like some folks here say, just get a dog because they prefer dogs to kids down here! :1rotfl: We'd like to have homes in both places but at least for us that's not financially possible.
I see you noticed how long I have been on this chat site. We were going to move down there in 2018, but the house that we were going to buy was lost by another who put the offer in before us. My husband was disappointed and did not want any other house. My son was not living near us at that time but now he moved back.

[TOMCAT]

I see you noticed how long I have been on this chat site. We were going to move down there in 2018, but the house that we were going to buy was lost by another who put the offer in before us. My husband was disappointed and did not want any other house. My son was not living near us at that time but now he moved back.

I finally retired in 2017 and was moving in 2018.

[patfla06]

I would stay where you are. Visiting just isn’t the same as being there.

One thing about Florida is it’s very transient. People come and go all the time, even at our age. And at our age our health can cause us to move back close to family.

I have lived in Florida for 25 years so obviously like living here.

But Florida is not for everyone.

Leaving family and lifelong friends isn’t easy.
In addition, all the numerous activities here are great when in good health but eventually you may not be able to participate as you age.

Many factors will enter into your decision. Your age, health, motivation,
age of grands, etc. Will you like the heat of the Summers?
Just take the time to decide what is best for you.

[Laker14]

that's why we are moving back. grandkids go figure

I thought you were moving back because you hated it here with the shoddy construction, the unreasonable deed restrictions, and untrimmed palm trees.

[Laker14]

You joined the forum 13 years ago. Takes you a long time to decide! :D It's not easy at first leaving family but as kids get older they aren't as "grandma and grandpa friendly" as they were when they were under 10. Now that our grandkids are near college graduation and our kids have their own lives & friends we're lucky to see them a few times a year. We do use Facetime and the phone on a weekly basis. You'll get over it real fast. Like some folks here say, just get a dog because they prefer dogs to kids down here! :1rotfl: We'd like to have homes in both places but at least for us that's not financially possible.

I see you noticed how long I have been on this chat site. We were going to move down there in 2018, but the house that we were going to buy was lost by another who put the offer in before us. My husband was disappointed and did not want any other house. My son was not living near us at that time but now he moved back.

I joined the site in 2008, bought my first TV home in 2021. It didn't take ME long to decide. Convincing DW took 13 years.

[Worldseries27]

Villagers by definition have cut the cord. The only question is to what degree. Maybe you can snowbird for a while to see how you feel.

[Ele201]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?
I know at least two couples who are going through this right now! You are by no means alone in this dilemma. I’m from New York too, btw. One is a friend from college, so we go way back. Her situation involves a sick father in law, however, not a son or daughter, but it’s the same idea. She’s not comfortable moving to The Villages because of this. Ironically, her husband is the one who’s anxious to move.

The other couple involves my cousin. He wants to move, but his wife doesn’t because she has children close by her in NJ. Anyway, just wanted to give you some support, as this is a common problem. Personally I’d say make the move, and enjoy the visits with your family!

[Worldseries27]

I know of an extended 10 family members household where a 17 year grandchild told the grandfather she was to busy to pick him up a coffee on the way to the home where they all lived.
At the family dinner grandpa looked across the table and announced to all there" grandchildren, overrated"

[rherb55]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

Not at all….. The kids have no problem moving away for a better job or life, so why should we stay put??

[banjobob]

Nope !!!!!

[TOMCAT]

Thank you all for your suggestions. My husband and I are looking at 55+ communities here in Long Island, but nothing here compares to The Villages. The Villages is beautiful. It is kept clean, and I like the idea of driving a golf cart and can have a little detached home. There are many clubs to join, and the squares to me are a plus. I cannot find that here.

Enjoy your lives there, and maybe one day I will be there.

[Gunny2403]

Absolutely. Remained in Pittsburgh until youngest Grandchild hit 13. Then my wife agreed to move here. In my opinion, ten years to late.

[bilcon]

We move here 14 years ago and our 7 grandkids were all under the age of 11 yrs. I was retired and was watching one of the younger ones several times a week. While I love my grandkids, I did not retire to be a babysitter, but never shared that with my daughter or son. My wife was still working. The grandkids all lived within 15 min of us. It was very difficult for my wife to retire and to leave the grandkids. Over the years, they came down several time a year, and we would go back for Christmas. In the long run, it was the best decision for all. Three of the grandchildren are in college in Florida and we see them oftern. My daughter will be moving here in another year. There has never been resentment on our children's part for leaving. Life is very short and once in a while you have to do what is best for you. If we stayed where we grew up, out life style would never have been as great as we enjoyed the last 14 years. Your choice.

"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong". Thank you Charles Schulz

[rjn5656]

Our grandkids come down twice a year without the parents giving us a chance to spend quality time with them. When they were smaller, we flew up and brought them back. Now that they are teenagers, they fly down alone and we pick up at airport. They love the villages. And we do go up twice a year to see the whole family.

[TOMCAT]

My four grandkids range from 1 to 16. Our grandson will be turning one in a couple of days. We wanted to wait until the little ones get to know us better. The younger granddaughter will be 3 next month, and the other is 9. My son and daughter-in-law were talking about going to Disney World, and I was thinking if only we were living there, they could have stayed with us.

[MrFlorida]

We call it " me time " we raised our kids, they have their own lives. Enjoy what you have left !

[nn0wheremann]

Apparently your only child made a decision at some point to leave family for their own reasons. Wouldn't they want you to be happy with your quality of life?

No dilemma. Make your visits quality time and everyone wins. The kids and grandkids have their own lives to live.
Proximity to, or distance from, adult children and grand children is a factor within the scope of “quality of life”: do what you like, and consider that you will acquire limitations with age.

[jimkerr]

Make the move. Your kids will love visiting you and your grandkids will always be excited to come!

I was not happy when my parents moved here 20 years ago. When I visited the first time I understood why they moved here. Now I live here too!

[MX rider]

We just bought a home there. We're going to retire at the end of the year. We plan on keeping our home here in SW Indiana and snow bird until the grandkids get older. My wife isn't ready to move to TV fulltime yet. Which is fine with me. 6 months a year we love it in Indiana, but for 6 months I hate the weather. So snowbirding works for me for now. That said, owning 2 homes is not something we plan on doing longterm.

Everybody's situation is different. Really depends on what makes you happy. I know a number of people who would never move away from their grandkids and family, which is ok. But that's not us. We consider our retirement our time. Our kids all know where they can find us. lol

[Two Bills]

We have moved several times, never leaving a forwarding address.
Kids still track us down!:icon_wink:

[Berwin]

It has been my experience that once you get older and your health deteriorates, you want to be close to family. My in-laws moved to a retirement community in Phoenix where my FIL played golf every day. Several years later, they decided to move back east to be close to my wife (an only child). One of the things that made it easier to decide to move down here is that our daughter lives in south Georgia only three hours away and one of our sons is in N. Carolina.

[msilagy]

I am a snowbird 6.5 months in Fl and the rest in Illinois. I am fortunate that my 5 grandkids ranging from 8-22 all have birthdays during the summer when I am here as well as my 2 children. I have been doing this for 12 years since I retired. I have owned 3 homes in TV. The last one I bought is the last one. I will however move back to be with family in the next few years. Why? It's too. much of a fairyland in TV and I enjoy the real world with all ages surrounding me. Poor health care in TV (absolutely) where I am at we have 5 teaching hospitals, much better care, better food in restaurants and most importantly my family. I am not a full time villager and never will be. Sitting around the table during holidays with others in the TV pales compared to sitting with family and extended family. My final years will be spent in Il with a trip somewhere Jan - Mar health permitting.

[Luggage]

most find after a few grandchildren are born, that once or twice a year visits are all they need.. with computers/zoom etc .. you can see and hear them daily.

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

[ElDiabloJoe]

Lol, the more of you that move back to NY / NJ / CT the better :a20: Just don't become half-backs, got enough of those around our lake house.

[clwahlstrom]

We left our two kids and six grandkids in California four years ago. Spend the summers back there, they each visit once a year, and we are back a couple other times in the year. And that is an all day flight. You can make it work.

[joelfmi]

They do not have community travel which is a big negative when buying there if you don't Drive. They won't tell you that.

[joelfmi]

The village is a lot of smoke and mirror's.

[JSR22]

They do not have community travel which is a big negative when buying there if you don't Drive. They won't tell you that.

They have never advertised there is community travel. If it is such a big negative, why are thereover 150,00 residents?

[Stu from NYC]

They do not have community travel which is a big negative when buying there if you don't Drive. They won't tell you that.

If you do not drive this is not the place for you. We knew that before buying.

[Laker14]

They do not have community travel which is a big negative when buying there if you don't Drive. They won't tell you that.

Thanks! Good thing you are here and always willing to share this information with us, reminding us of the bad decision we've all made buying in this hell hole.

The village is a lot of smoke and mirror's.

Smoke and mirrors, you say? So I've been imagining the recreation centers, golf courses, pickleball courts, and the 100,000+ people out and about, enjoying their lives here. It's all just pixie dust. Thanks again for enlightening us.

[Nana2Teddy]

We left our two kids and six grandkids in California four years ago. Spend the summers back there, they each visit once a year, and we are back a couple other times in the year. And that is an all day flight. You can make it work.

So you kept your California home? We have our 3 kids and only grandbaby here in California, which is our biggest obstacle to making the move. We can’t keep our home and buy there too. It’s one or the other. Lucky you that you can come back for the summers. I think having that option would make the decision easier for me, but we’d definitely have to be full time in TV.

[Bellavita]

no not for one minute


My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

[quietpine]

I sense a lot of guilt in these answers so I’ll be honest. We moved and are on the outside of family. Sure we get an occasional visit but it’s expensive for the kids and others and obviously inconvenient. They have jobs and lives back there, something we fostered and encouraged, a sense of place connected to a sense of family. Extended family is the same, in fact we were told “it was your choice to move” by an in-law. We visit, they visit but it’s not the same as being there for grandkids birthdays, sharing wisdom and perspective with your kids and grandkids and enjoying the benefits of extended family time when it’s not a major holiday, wedding or funeral. The kids don’t need us to go to Disney and that in my mind is a really weak trade off. So, we should have downsized in our own area before moving here. Living in TV is like going to Disney, living with family is like going home and home and home. Just one grandparent’s perspective.

[TOMCAT]

I joined the site in 2008, bought my first TV home in 2021. It didn't take ME long to decide. Convincing DW took 13 years.

We lost the house we wanted to buy in 2018 to another buyer. If we had bought our second choice, which I wanted to do but my husband did not, we would have been there already.

[TOMCAT]

I sense a lot of guilt in these answers so I’ll be honest. We moved and are on the outside of family. Sure we get an occasional visit but it’s expensive for the kids and others and obviously inconvenient. They have jobs and lives back there, something we fostered and encouraged, a sense of place connected to a sense of family. Extended family is the same, in fact we were told “it was your choice to move” by an in-law. We visit, they visit but it’s not the same as being there for grandkids birthdays, sharing wisdom and perspective with your kids and grandkids and enjoying the benefits of extended family time when it’s not a major holiday, wedding or funeral. The kids don’t need us to go to Disney and that in my mind is a really weak trade off. So, we should have downsized in our own area before moving here. Living in TV is like going to Disney, living with family is like going home and home and home. Just one grandparent’s perspective.
My husband feels the same way you do. Our children can move away too as what happened to my son, but then he moved back. There will be birthdays but we try to see each other as much as we can. It is a big decision to move to another state and leave family. Perhaps if my son was living in Florida, which he was at one time, we would be there already.

[Viperguy]

Just mention Disney is just down the road.
You will see grand kids quite regularly!

Not my kids.....never

[BlueStarAirlines]

I think this is one of those topics that only you can answer. I'm one of four kids and we all moved away from where our parents lived. We all came home at different intervals and made a point to be home at Christmas. At one point they moved south of Tampa and always helped out our visits financially.

Now that we have moved to TV, we realize nothing has really changed with our kids. They work and we still work, so its calls or texts during the week. They fly down to see us and we go up to each of their area every year just for a change of scenery. They have a few hours free during the week and the weekends, so we're cognizant that they have friends and things they want and need to do during that time.

We don't want to be like the parents on the tv show Raymond! I think having some space is healthy!

[PugMom]

My husband complains they do not come here that often. I do not know what he means by often, but my son has to work. I can understand that.

I tell my husband we will probably see them more when he goes on vacations. Like someone mentioned, footing the bill will help if they permit me. I think my husband is more apprehensive than me.

I am getting ready. Retire completely and move.

when you throw that Disney card out @ the kids, & they know you are waiting for them, that will be enough. the KIDS will do all the work @ getting them to visit, i guarantee you that :laugh:

[Driller703]

Perfect

[Aces4]

I sense a lot of guilt in these answers so I’ll be honest. We moved and are on the outside of family. Sure we get an occasional visit but it’s expensive for the kids and others and obviously inconvenient. They have jobs and lives back there, something we fostered and encouraged, a sense of place connected to a sense of family. Extended family is the same, in fact we were told “it was your choice to move” by an in-law. We visit, they visit but it’s not the same as being there for grandkids birthdays, sharing wisdom and perspective with your kids and grandkids and enjoying the benefits of extended family time when it’s not a major holiday, wedding or funeral. The kids don’t need us to go to Disney and that in my mind is a really weak trade off. So, we should have downsized in our own area before moving here. Living in TV is like going to Disney, living with family is like going home and home and home. Just one grandparent’s perspective.

This is a great example of how only you and your husband can make this decision. The decision really isn’t based on your son alone, although you may feel that way. The choice also depends on your quality of life where you currently reside, friendships, healthcare, hobbies, cost of living and full spectrum of ages vs living with the elderly day after day, as an example. If you are Frank and Marie, as someone suggested… I don’t think The Villages wants you either.

Anyone considering leaving family behind has to also remember not to go crawling back to them if or when you become ill or disabled or unable to golf. I’m a little surprised how many familys are lured to visit with Disney tickets, I guess there is no accounting for interests.

[TOMCAT]

New York is experiencing some hot weather lately. Yesterday, I went to the pool to cool off. It felt great, but it sometimes takes a little effort on my part to get there. I know there are quite a few pools there in The Villages that I can go to get cooled off. That is another consideration, the heat. There are clubs that are air-conditioned to join also when it gets too hot. My husband worries about doctors. He has to get new doctors, and so do I, but my worry is not that.

[Ohiogirl]

Why would you not just rent for 3 months in the winter? We have friends here in Ohio who do just that. They sort of wish they had bought 10 or so years ago, but would have still been snowbirds (as we also are). Now, with prices so high (in Ohio too), they've decided to just rent every winter, and it seems to suit them just fine. We spend longer in TV than here in Ohio, and we were lucky to have bought a condo here in 2012, when prices took a dip for a couple of years.

Our friends are great grandparents - got their grandkids thru Covid school, and last year (and probably this year too) they will tutor one of them who needs it. Through Zoom, I think.

[Laker14]

This is a great example of how only you and your husband can make this decision. The decision really isn’t based on your son alone, although you may feel that way. The choice also depends on your quality of life where you currently reside, friendships, healthcare, hobbies, cost of living and full spectrum of ages vs living with the elderly day after day, as an example. If you are Frank and Marie, as someone suggested… I don’t think The Villages wants you either.

Anyone considering leaving family behind has to also remember not to go crawling back to them if or when you become ill or disabled or unable to golf. I’m a little surprised how many familys are lured to visit with Disney tickets, I guess there is no accounting for interests.

Disney is an attraction, but it's only one of many. I know when I was stuck up in NY in winter, and my folks were retired in the Naples area, having a place to come visit that was not freezing cold was a wonderful treat. My parents enjoyed seeing us come, and of course, seeing us go so they could get back to their real lives. There's nothing wrong with that.
I love my kids, and my grandchildren. But, I have my own life, and it does not revolve around my grandkids. I know others who are very happy being very close and involved with the grandkids' activities. They would be abjectly miserable being down here and being away from all of that.
But, that's not me.

Anyone even thinking that this might be a problem would be wise to rent for an extended winter snowbird season and see how they feel in their hearts about being away from the families they would be leaving behind. It's certainly not for everyone.

[TOMCAT]

Why would you not just rent for 3 months in the winter? We have friends here in Ohio who do just that. They sort of wish they had bought 10 or so years ago, but would have still been snowbirds (as we also are). Now, with prices so high (in Ohio too), they've decided to just rent every winter, and it seems to suit them just fine. We spend longer in TV than here in Ohio, and we were lucky to have bought a condo here in 2012, when prices took a dip for a couple of years.

Our friends are great grandparents - got their grandkids thru Covid school, and last year (and probably this year too) they will tutor one of them who needs it. Through Zoom, I think.
I have been thinking that way. I would have to sell my house and move into a condo. To leave a house in the winter when it snows might be too much. Unless, I have someone shovel for me, but I do not think I would do that. First, move into a condo where grounds get taken care of. That has been a thought to really get a feel for things.

[TOMCAT]

I have been thinking that way. I would have to sell my house and move into a condo. To leave a house in the winter when it snows might be too much. Unless, I have someone shovel for me, but I do not think I would do that. First, move into a condo where grounds get taken care of. That has been a thought to really get a feel for things.
We had the real estate here again, but we think we will wait until spring. Maybe prices such as homes and gasoline will go down.

[joelfmi]

A great deal of people have moved to villages and where disappointed A lot about it is smoke and mirrors. You need to do your due diligence before you move here and go on the Talk of the village's web site for transparency.

[Bogie Shooter]

A great deal of people have moved to villages and where disappointed A lot about it is smoke and mirrors. You need to do your due diligence before you move here and go on the Talk of the village's web site for transparency.

To those with an agenda...............
And do not live here.

[JSR22]

A great deal of people have moved to villages and where disappointed A lot about it is smoke and mirrors. You need to do your due diligence before you move here and go on the Talk of the village's web site for transparency.

You don't live here and continually post how bad it is to live in TV. You are very foolish.

[Sandy and Ed]

The village of flowers mill, Langhorne, pa 19047. Great community within a commute to LI. We just moved from there to The Villages. If you want a good over 55 community nearer to family might be worth a look-see. Or come here and provide a crash pad for the kid’s Disney/Universal trips.

[joelfmi]

What are you afraid of.

[Sandy and Ed]

You don't live here and continually post how bad it is to live in TV. You are very foolish.
Yeah, I agree. Never been here but has a lot to say.
As a former NYC guy (moved from Brooklyn to PA now here), I can say with some certainty that, while TV is not perfect, it’s a lot better than NY, to include LI. (Drop the mike)

[TOMCAT]

Yeah, I agree. Never been here but has a lot to say.
As a former NYC guy (moved from Brooklyn to PA now here), I can say with some certainty that, while TV is not perfect, it’s a lot better than NY, to include LI. (Drop the mike)
I noticed by some of your posts there is someone here that discredits The Villages and does not live there. That is too bad. It is a beautiful place and like said; it is not perfect but close. Always so clean, with no litter, and beautifully landscaped.

My husband is Brooklyn-born and would probably agree with you about Long Island.

[Dusty_Star]

As a few others have mentioned, everyone & everyone's specific situation is different. I wish you & your husband luck in making this decision.

[Laker14]

A great deal of people have moved to villages and where disappointed A lot about it is smoke and mirrors. You need to do your due diligence before you move here and go on the Talk of the village's web site for transparency.

"Here"???? You are "here"?

I've asked you before what you mean when you say "smoke and mirrors", but you've never elaborated on your use of that particular cliche, along with your other favorite cliche "transparency".

What exactly are you referring to when you say a lot of TV is "smoke and mirrors"? In what way is TV not "transparent".

You constantly grind your axe about not having public transportation, so you probably don't need to bring that up, and I don't see how the lack of that constitutes "smoke and mirrors" or lack of "transparency" since nobody associated with the developer or those who live here have ever said or hinted that we do have public transportation.

So, please, elaborate.

[Aces4]

They have never advertised there is community travel. If it is such a big negative, why are thereover 150,00 residents?

I think this may be a little like navel inspecting.

Obviously, your situation is good health and easy ability to drive anywhere you need to go so there’s no problem and good for you. We are fortunate at this point to also be in that boat. However, our hearts go out to those who need but do not have public transportation to travel around or slightly beyond The Villages borders. There are elderly living within The Villages who have been here for many years, cannot drive and have limited income for taxis, Ubers, etc. Sometimes we need to look further than our noses in “The Bubble” and consider the rest of humanity’s needs.

[JSR22]

I think this may be a little like navel inspecting.

Obviously, your situation is good health and easy ability to drive anywhere you need to go so there’s no problem and good for you. We are fortunate at this point to also be in that boat. However, our hearts go out to those who need but do not have public transportation to travel around or slightly beyond The Villages borders. There are elderly living within The Villages who have been here for many years, cannot drive and have limited income for taxis, Ubers, etc. Sometimes we need to look further than our noses in “The Bubble” and consider the rest of humanity’s needs.
When we can't drive we will move to assisted living People bought here knowing there is not transportation offered. Most communities do not offer it.

[Aces4]

When we can't drive we will move to assisted living People bought here knowing there is not transportation offered. Due diligence!

That’s your decision but I know some relatively young retirees with vision issues who are very active, easily able to care for themselves but can’t drive legally. There by the grace of God….

[JSR22]

That’s your decision but I know some relatively young retirees with vision issues who are very active, easily able to care for themselves but can’t drive legally. There by the grace of God….

They need to understand TV is not for them if they need transportation.

[Aces4]

They need to understand TV is not for them if they need transportation.

Forgive me, I didn’t realize The Villages was such a selective, elite community of over 100,000 people. Shame on those interlopers who want to enjoy life there also, there outta be a law, eh?

[JSR22]

Forgive me, I didn’t realize The Villages was such a selective, elite community of over 100,000 people. Shame on those interlopers who want to enjoy life there also, there outta be a law, eh?

They can move here understanding there is no transportation. That's their choice. Not every community is for everyone. You have to find a place that meets their needs. You cannot move to a community and expect them to make significant changes for your personal needs.

[Aces4]

They can move here understanding there is no transportation. That's their choice. Not every community is for everyone. You have to find a place that meets their needs. You cannot move to a community and expect them to make significant changes for your personal needs.


Or even better, we could make it so restrictive and unusable that we could keep the unwashed out. Now if we could only have them get rid of the lifts in the pools, handicap bathrooms and sidewalk ramps, we might be on to something.

There are some things about The Villages I really don’t like….

[Laker14]

They need to understand TV is not for them if they need transportation.

Forgive me, I didn’t realize The Villages was such a selective, elite community of over 100,000 people. Shame on those interlopers who want to enjoy life there also, there outta be a law, eh?

There are many reasons why someone who might wish to live in TV (or San Francisco, or Beverly Hills, or The Hamptons) may not be able to. All are welcome to come here if they have the means. If the problem is they can't drive, but don't have the money to avail themselves of Uber, that's a matter of not having the means to live here.
It would be nice if everyone could afford everything in life they want, but most of us can't do that. Were the amenity fees increased enough to cover free public transportation for all, then the amenity fees would be much higher, and The Villages would be out of reach financially for even more people. It would be MORE exclusive, not LESS exclusive.
I didn't come here with the expectation of free public transportation. There was no "lack of transparency", and from what I can tell, no "smoke and mirrors" suggesting that this place was anything but what it is.

[Laker14]

Or even better, we could make it so restrictive and unusable that we could keep the unwashed out. Now if we could only have them get rid of the lifts in the pools, handicap bathrooms and sidewalk ramps, we might be on to something.

There are some things about The Villages I really don’t like….

I find that unremarkable. Did you come here expecting you'd not find aspects of this place not to your liking? Did you think you'd find Nirvana?

[Aces4]

I find that unremarkable. Did you come here expecting you'd not find aspects of this place not to your liking? Did you think you'd find Nirvana?

It’s The Villages, I know better than to expect perfection or any thing close to it. What has really killed expectations is the humanity shown to others. This should be a red alert to the people considering residency in The Villages. This is the soft underbelly here showing how residents really feel about the disabled. That’s all.

[JSR22]

Or even better, we could make it so restrictive and unusable that we could keep the unwashed out. Now if we could only have them get rid of the lifts in the pools, handicap bathrooms and sidewalk ramps, we might be on to something.

There are some things about The Villages I really don’t like….

Of course we need handicapped bathrooms, ramps and pool lifts. I am probably one of the most liberal people on this board. I never posted on restricting people. All I am saying is you cannot expect the Morses to provide everything anyone needs. You find the place to live that meets your needs. My last response.

[Laker14]

It’s The Villages, I know better than to expect perfection or any thing close to it. What has really killed expectations is the humanity shown to others. This should be a red alert to the people considering residency in The Villages. This is the soft underbelly here showing how residents really feel about the disabled. That’s all.

I'm sorry you feel that way. That has not been my observation. I know many people who reach out to help others, in TV, "one-on-one", rather than relying on the community to do it.

[Aces4]

Of course we need handicapped bathrooms, ramps and pool lifts. I am probably one of the most liberal people on this board. I never posted on restricting people. All I am saying is you cannot expect the Morses to provide everything anyone needs. You find the place to live that meets your needs. My last response.

Why would that be the Morse family obligation? This should come under public transportation and we’re not talking about a community of 25,000 people and this should be provided for The Villages and the huge surrounding communities.

[JSR22]

I'm sorry you feel that way. That has not been my observation. I know many people who reach out to help others, in TV, "one-on-one", rather than relying on the community to do it.

Thank you for your sensible post. He is attacking me that I would exclude people which is not what I posted. I am very inclusive.

[Aces4]

I'm sorry you feel that way. That has not been my observation. I know many people who reach out to help others, in TV, "one-on-one", rather than relying on the community to do it.

That is like a sound bite against disabled amenities. Have you been here long enough to remember the complaints from residents when the pool lifts were installed in several pools? Yes, people are really looking out for one another in The Villages, but appear to be few and far between.

But everyday things change and who knows what side of this discussion you will be on tomorrow. I hope you’re keeping your bags packed and by the door for assisted living. Life can hit, any time, any place in our lives or our children’s lives. They could be dismissed where they live too.

[Aces4]

Thank you for your sensible post. He is attacking me that I would exclude people which is not what I posted. I am very inclusive.

You are excluding those who are unable to drive from The Villages if they don’t have the way or means to hire drivers. What do you think exclusion means?

[Laker14]

That is like a sound bite against disabled amenities. Have you been here long enough to remember the complaints from residents when the pool lifts were installed in several pools? Yes, people are really looking out for one another in The Villages, but appear to be few and far between.

But everyday things change and who knows what side of this discussion you will be on tomorrow. I hope you’re keeping your bags packed and by the door for assisted living. Life can hit, any time, any place in our lives or our children’s lives. They could be dismissed where they live too.

Well, my bags aren't packed yet, but I realize the day will come when I will no longer be able to live in TV. That's the way the world works. I'm OK with it.
Peace.

[Aces4]

Well, my bags aren't packed yet, but I realize the day will come when I will no longer be able to live in TV. That's the way the world works. I'm OK with it.
Peace.

And peace to you and all the disabled who aren’t old and decrepit but are still discriminated against everyday.

[JSR22]

You are excluding those who are unable to drive from The Villages if they don’t have the way or means to hire drivers. What do you think exclusion means?

They need to move to a place that has local transportation.

[Aces4]

They need to move to a place that has local transportation.

Downtown New York City… ? And everyone over the age 50 should be housed in the Mohave Desert and leave the prime areas of the country for the young and vigorous people so those areas are used to their full beauty and potential.

[Bogie Shooter]

Downtown New York City… ? And everyone over the age 50 should be housed in the Mohave Desert and leave the prime areas of the country for the young and vigorous people so those areas are used to their full beauty and potential.

There comes a time when one should stop digging…….you are there.

[Aces4]

There comes a time when one should stop digging…….you are there.

The paint is on the canvas and I’ll let people judge you and the other’s picture. I wasn’t the one doing the digging, that came from the anti-disability posters. Walk a mile in the disabled shoes….

Peace out!

[TOMCAT]

There seems to be getting a discussion about the disabled on my thread. I am sorry that all of you that gave me advice had to get upset.

Yes, I agree there should be a bus for disabled people to get around. They can make an appointment, or there is some schedule for them to take this bus or van. After all, it is a retirement community. It should not come out of the amenity fees.

Like I wrote before, The Villages is a beautiful area with many positive attributes. Maybe one day there can be a van that a disabled person can call to be taken shopping or to go down to the squares. That would be the finishing touches on the icing of the cake. To me, The Villages is a great place to live. It looks very peaceful and safe for everyone.

[Laker14]

There seems to be getting a discussion about the disabled on my thread. I am sorry that all of you that gave me advice had to get upset.

Yes, I agree there should be a bus for disabled people to get around. They can make an appointment, or there is some schedule for them to take this bus or van. After all, it is a retirement community. It should not come out of the amenity fees.

Like I wrote before, The Villages is a beautiful area with many positive attributes. Maybe one day there can be a van that a disabled person can call to be taken shopping or to go down to the squares. That would be the finishing touches on the icing of the cake. To me, The Villages is a great place to live. It looks very peaceful and safe for everyone.

AS often happens here, the discussion jumps the rails. I apologize for taking the bait of a troll and engaging him, and asking specific questions about his post. He never responds to those questions, he just repeatedly, on many threads, says the same things, using the same cliches, but refuses to elaborate when asked.
I fed the troll, and it started a contentious exchange which had nothing to do with the discussion you originally intended. The troll wins. That is always the troll's intention. I should know better than to get sucked into that.

[TOMCAT]

AS often happens here, the discussion jumps the rails. I apologize for taking the bait of a troll and engaging him, and asking specific questions about his post. He never responds to those questions, he just repeatedly, on many threads, says the same things, using the same cliches, but refuses to elaborate when asked.
I fed the troll, and it started a contentious exchange which had nothing to do with the discussion you originally intended. The troll wins. That is always the troll's intention. I should know better than to get sucked into that.

No worries. It looked like a dispute about transportation for the disabled. In New York, there is a transportation for disabled called Access-A-Ride. I do not know if that is available in Florida.

One day, I hope to be living in The Villages. Thank you again for taking the time to answer me. It was much appreciated.

[TOMCAT]

Today is my grandson’s 1st birthday party, and my husband is complaining about being ignored by the “younger people.” LOL. My son has a lot of friends, and sometimes we feel like we do not fit in. Living in The Villages will maybe give us good quality time with grandkids, except I will not be able to babysit.

[beckylou152]

My husband and I want to downsize and live in a smaller home with little maintenance. We have been to The Villages a couple of times and almost moved there.

To make a long story short, our only child moved back to our state and now lives about 10 minutes away from us with our grandkids. I have been looking at 55+ communities here in New York, but nothing as nice as The Villages is here. Did anyone have this dilemma of leaving family for a better quality of life?

It is certainly a hard decision. In the long run, if you get to spend tons of time with your family now, and you are an integral part of the grandkids lives, you might miss them here. We are snowbirds and spend half our time here and half near the kids. I miss the kids when we are here but I love living here. At some point we will live here more - maybe 9 months instead of 6 months per year. But I do miss the kids. Not an easy decision. My kids have not come to visit because they own their own business and can’t take off work.