Is 57 and 63 too young for TV?

[keithwand]

I am 57 and my wife is 63. We moved to Orlando (Baldwin Park) from Birmingham, MI in 2004 a few years after we both retired in 2002.

We moved here because we liked Celebration, FL and other than Disney it is the exact same concept away from WDW and 3 miles to Orlando downtown.

My parents moved to Sun City Center in the middle of know where and it seemed all their neighbors were late 70's on up. It kind of turned me off to "retirement comm. living". NO OFFENSE to anyone older than 70's as I know I will be there too; just no hurry.

Having said that anyone here in BP under 70 is still working!

We have made a lot of friends and my wife and 2 other women started a Nifty 50's group.

We knew no one here when we moved and no one in TV so that is not a problem.

Am I missing something and should open my mind?

Secondly how is the quality/ build of housing? Does anyone have a 3 car garage or more than 2 bathrooms? It does not seem so according to online real estate sites.

I look forward to any input.

Thanks in advance.

[aln]

There are many homes with more than 2 baths & 3 car garages. However most of those garages are probably filled with golf carts.
As for the quality, "you get what you pay for".
57 & 63 is certainly not too young. TV is getting younger every day.
It's the old phrase, 'try it you'll like it".

[Taj44]

We looked at Sun City before settling in The Villages, and there is no comparison. TV is a really active community, and there are many younger retirees here. I'm in my 50's and have had no trouble meeting others in my age group.

[Tom Hannon]

The Villages is not an old age farm. 57 & 63 are perfect. Especially if you move to the newer neighborhoods such as Buttonwood or Pennecamp. I'd say more than half the houses have 3 or more bedrooms and 2 baths. Check out any designer home. Go to Thevillages.com and click on homes. Like ALN says ''Try it, you're gonna love it."

[keithwand]

Thanks for all of the comments so far.

When I searched a real estate website I got 7 results for TV with 3 car garage, 2.5 baths, under 10 years, 2500sf+ with a range up to 800K. It looked to me as though they were in Lady Lake but not specifically TV.

We need a 3 car garage to house our 2 cars, would purchase a golf or GEM Car and still need to put racks from the ceiling to store our Christmas stuff.

We like walking or biking to our shops and restaurants (nothing like TV in comparison) and would like to be able to do the same. What neighborhoods can be reccommended for that; not too far out?

Friends of ours also from MI (she's 60 and he's 70) were going to rent a place after visiting friends of theirs who speak high praises. We had planned on visiting for a few nights to check it out. They couldn't find a place to rent so off they went to San Diego to try again next year.

We love where we are but know this will not be our final place. We get the itch every 5-10 years.

[Kelsie52]

We moved here 2 months ago I am 58 wife is 57 --We cant keep up with friends we have met who are anywhere fron 65 to 80 !!!!!

If you read many posts you will see more and more of the same comment
" my only regret about the Villages is that I waited too long to make the move.."

We have found here its not numerical figure of your birth ..its the feeling inside ...

Good luck :MOJE_whot:

[RichieLion]

Thanks for all of the comments so far.

When I searched a real estate website I got 7 results for TV with 3 car garage, 2.5 baths, under 10 years, 2500sf+ with a range up to 800K. It looked to me as though they were in Lady Lake but not specifically TV.

We need a 3 car garage to house our 2 cars, would purchase a golf or GEM Car and still need to put racks from the ceiling to store our Christmas stuff.

We like walking or biking to our shops and restaurants (nothing like TV in comparison) and would like to be able to do the same. What neighborhoods can be reccommended for that; not too far out?

Friends of ours also from MI (she's 60 and he's 70) were going to rent a place after visiting friends of theirs who speak high praises. We had planned on visiting for a few nights to check it out. They couldn't find a place to rent so off they went to San Diego to try again next year.

We love where we are but know this will not be our final place. We get the itch every 5-10 years.

Sign up for a preview visit (not expensive) and you'll see for yourself what a vibrant community we are. The Villages is big, so it's impossible to be close to everything. For your purposes in biking and walking, I would scout out both town squares (a third is coming in the future) and decide which one I liked better for their stores, restaurants and scenery, and then search out the villages that surround it for my home.

Good luck if you decide to come and check us out.

[natickdan]

I am 57 and my wife is 63. We moved to Orlando (Baldwin Park) from Birmingham, MI in 2004 a few years after we both retired in 2002.

We moved here because we liked Celebration, FL and other than Disney it is the exact same concept away from WDW and 3 miles to Orlando downtown.

My parents moved to Sun City Center in the middle of know where and it seemed all their neighbors were late 70's on up. It kind of turned me off to "retirement comm. living". NO OFFENSE to anyone older than 70's as I know I will be there too; just no hurry.

Having said that anyone here in BP under 70 is still working!

We have made a lot of friends and my wife and 2 other women started a Nifty 50's group.

We knew no one here when we moved and no one in TV so that is not a problem.

Am I missing something and should open my mind?

Secondly how is the quality/ build of housing? Does anyone have a 3 car garage or more than 2 bathrooms? It does not seem so according to online real estate sites.

I look forward to any input.

Thanks in advance.

If 57 & 63 are too young, then my wife and I are in trouble because we are in our mid 50's.

During our visit to TV, we never felt out of place. We met a number of people in their 50's and 60's that were there to buy property. We also met a number of couples in their 70's that were more active than most of our friends in their 50's.

As Tom suggested, you are more likely to find a younger owners in the newer villages.

Best of luck!

[mikeandnancy1112]

My husband and I are 63 and we have many friends here in their late 50's and 60's.

This is our second time living here. There is no other place like the Villages. We call it the adult Disneyland.

[OpusX1]

Hard to look at housing from just one site on the net. The Villages Real Estate does not co-op with MLS realtors and vice versa. Housing stock runs from the 70's up through a Million. Just depends on what you want. Come up and take a lifstyle visit for 4 nights, you will be amazed at the activities and the size of the place. We considered Celebration but The Villages is the place to be if you want to be active. And no offense to Sun Citiy but we had friends come for a visit after visiting Sun City and they told us that people move to Sun City to die and they move to The Villages to live. Allmost forgot. We are both 58 and I just played Pickle Ball with a fellow that is 93.

[keithwand]

That was exactly my thought about Sun City Center.

My mother passed in July 2010 and we will be selling her house on a boatable lake.
I could never find myself living there but they liked it. Too bad they didn't find the TV.

I "heard" that the FD was called out for stove fire in TV. The owner after a few years decided to use the oven and the instruction manual caught fire as it had never been removed from new. Everyone eats out? I do like the 2/1 Happy Hours.

[Freeda]

We moved to TV full time 3 years ago when I was 56 and my husband was 59, and we have friends of all ages, younger and older than us, that we have met here. The common denominator here seems to be that it attracts people who are young at heart and who want an active lifestyle, regardless of their age; age really becomes irrelevant here.

My husband plays golf almost daily with people of all ages. He's a great golfer, started playing at age 8, but has been outplayed (and not just at golf, but also at pool) by several '90-somethings' and a few '100-somethings' here.

[robbie]

after six visits to TV over the last two years and hating to say good-bye each time, hubby and i decided to move up our retirement... he turns 62 tomo and i will be 54 next month...we'll be there permanently in june.....life is toooo short!!! start living the dream as soon as you can....good luck....:pepper2:

[Pturner]

Hi Keithwand,

First, Welcome to TOTV! We're glad you've come to us for answers and hope you'll continue to join us in discussion.

You asked about age, quality of building and home sizes.

Age: Hubby and I were in our 50s when we purchased here. I still am. You would not believe how many young people of all ages (above 50) whom we have met here! TV is perfect for people who want to live life to the fullest, so age is not, um, age here.

Quality: TV has it's own building contractors. The developer therefore has a lot of control over quality construction and in my opinion, maintains good standards.

Size: There are houses that meet your specs, you just have to look and be patient to find what you are looking for. Get attic stairs so you will have storage in the attic. Remember that you need to have both a Villages agent and an MLS Realtor to see all the choices available, as they do not share listings.

Come for a Lifestyle visit. You'll see a lifestyle with a capital L. :)

[aljetmet]

Can I assume those retiring before medicare is available to them have medical insurance paid by a former employer? How do you do it? Primarily waitng to retire to TV because of health benefits:rant-rave:

[robbie]

Can I assume those retiring before medicare is available to them have medical insurance paid by a former employer? How do you do it? Primarily waitng to retire to TV because of health benefits:rant-rave:

you are absolutely correct aljetmet... when i retire in may, it will be after 27 years with the same company and WITH retiree health benefits for both my spouse and i... it won't be cheap, but worth every penny to live in TV...:a040:

[vj1213]

I just turned 53 last month and my husband is 62. I love it here. I have a Bridgeport (designer series home) it has 2 1/2 baths. My neighbors have a 3 car garage. If you are looking into the 800,000. range you can get a premiere home with even a lot more space.
As someone else suggested come on the lifestyle preview plan, you can now stay from 4 - 14 days. You will be staying in a villa with 3 bedrooms, and will have use of a golf cart and 2 bicycles. You will get id's and basically live as a Villager. You also get some golf and tennis, and a discount booklet.

[keithwand]

We won't be in that range as we have our second home in Harbor Springs, MI where we spend 4 months when it gets hot. Probably 300-500K though.

I was 48 and my wife was 54 and I took the advice of my sister and husband to stop working and enjoy life. He stopped at 50 and is now 70. 9 years has sped by FAST.

She does get SS now, no Medicare (says she can't wait for 65) and Health insurance is brutal.

We pay $637. a month for BC/BS catastrophic type with $2,500 deduct per person. Good thing we are healthy and don't smoke.

We do however like our Manhattans and Wine which does keep us healthy or so I'm told and I believe them.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Can I assume those retiring before medicare is available to them have medical insurance paid by a former employer? How do you do it? Primarily waitng to retire to TV because of health benefits:rant-rave:

I suspect you'll find a mixed bag of feedback on the paid medical insurance question. Some will have it, some won't, and with others one of the two will. Still others who have it now - or feel they will at a future retirement date - might run into a situation where the (former) employer changes the plan. It can.....and does.....happen! Best to plan for the worst case scenario and work out some type of budget that will get you to age 65........on the rash assumption that Medicare will still be around then! :)

Bill

[Mikitv]

You really should come here and to a preview life style visit. You can contact The Villages. It is a really great way to get a feel for the lifestyle here. We love it here. This is an active adult community and not really a retirement community. Saw you moved from Birmingham, Mi, and know the area well. Come see us and you will love it. Good Luck.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am 57 and my wife is 63. We moved to Orlando (Baldwin Park) from Birmingham, MI in 2004 a few years after we both retired in 2002.

We moved here because we liked Celebration, FL and other than Disney it is the exact same concept away from WDW and 3 miles to Orlando downtown.

My parents moved to Sun City Center in the middle of know where and it seemed all their neighbors were late 70's on up. It kind of turned me off to "retirement comm. living". NO OFFENSE to anyone older than 70's as I know I will be there too; just no hurry.

Having said that anyone here in BP under 70 is still working!

We have made a lot of friends and my wife and 2 other women started a Nifty 50's group.

We knew no one here when we moved and no one in TV so that is not a problem.

Am I missing something and should open my mind?

Secondly how is the quality/ build of housing? Does anyone have a 3 car garage or more than 2 bathrooms? It does not seem so according to online real estate sites.

I look forward to any input.

Thanks in advance.

Here are a few sites where you can learn more about TV.
http://www.thevillagescommercialproperty.com/index.asp
http://www.districtgov.org/
http://www.golfthevillages.com/
http://www.thevillages.com/lifestyle/shoppingdiningmap.asp
http://thevillages.com/

[aljetmet]

I suspect you'll find a mixed bag of feedback on the paid medical insurance question. Some will have it, some won't, and with others one of the two will. Still others who have it now - or feel they will at a future retirement date - might run into a situation where the (former) employer changes the plan. It can.....and does.....happen! Best to plan for the worst case scenario and work out some type of budget that will get you to age 65........on the rash assumption that Medicare will still be around then! :)

Bill

My current plan is to work until I am 63.5 and go on cobra until medicare kicks in.
That leaves me 2 years, 25 days and about 9 hours.
My wife just started medicare cause she is disabled. I also have a pre-existing condition so I think a policy would be about 20K. BTW, I am very healthy now but have to check to make sure the big C does not come back.

[keithwand]

Thanks everyone for all of the great information.

[swrinfla]

keithwand:

Just in case any of the previous posters left you with any doubts:

My street of 16 houses, 26 people, ranges in age from 56 - 84. We get together every month and always have a ball.

Age doesn't matter at all here in TV.

Those of us who are older (I'm staring at 75) are both scared and happy that so many "kids" are moving in! That is, any one under 60! :laugh:

Come join us as soon as you can!

SWR
:beer3:

[Freeda]

Can I assume those retiring before medicare is available to them have medical insurance paid by a former employer? How do you do it? Primarily waitng to retire to TV because of health benefits:rant-rave:

Ours is thru Doug's Ford retirement. Before we were married in 2009 I had an individual policy that cost about $500 per month, paid by my business income. I must say it was a nice added benefit of getting married to forego that bill! :coolsmiley: (But the rumors that I married Doug just for his health and dental insurance coverage and AT&T discount are greatly exaggerated).

Thankfully, we almost never have medical expense, so thus far we are probably jewels to the health carrier; but of course we should all have coverage.

[pooh]

Hubby and I were both 61 when we moved to TV. Been here for over 4 years and honestly, if we could have, if I had known about the community earlier, we would have retired earlier. It's a wonderful place where age actually plays almost no part of, in, whatever. I have friends in their 50's, some in their 60's, 70's and 80's. Our next door neighbor is in his early 80's and is an avid pickleball and ping pong player. He's more active than many in the neighborhood! Come on a visit, but be prepared to fall in love with the place....you will!

[eyegirl]

We are coming in 2 weeks to check out TV. We are 51 and 52, will be retiring with NO company paid benefits :22yikes: We will have to buy insurance on our own. Since we are both healthy, at this time, it is not THAT expensive to self-insure. Hopefully by the time we are 65, medicare will be avail to us.

[keithwand]

We have self insured since stopping work in 2002. Not fun but.....

We pay $637.00 a month for BC/BS, no dental or optical, both healthy and 3K deductible per person and it will only go up. We had better coverage from BC/BS in 2002 and only paid $300.00 so basically it has doubled in 8 years since I don't know what it will be in 2011

TV sounds better all the time. My wife went to Houston to take care of 2 of our grandaughters for an emergency. I told her about this site and she is anxious to read all the comments.

Because we "retired" at a young age (me at 48 and wife at 54) a lot of our friends are older (55-80) as we have more in common ie kids not at home etc.

I am glad to see a diversity in ages. That is 1 reason we came to Baldwin Park in Orlando with 20-90 year olds. We even had 300 kids at Halloween but with family in MI and TX most of friends here are locals.

Friends that just visited their friends from CA loved it. They said their friends visited a lot of comm. and found TV the best.

[Pturner]

keithwand:

Those of us who are older (I'm staring at 75) are both scared and happy that so many "kids" are moving in! That is, any one under 60! :laugh:

SWR
:beer3:

Yea! I'm a kid again. :clap2:

Oh wait. That's what all of us are in TV, isn't it? :highfive:

[PR1234]

I just turned 57 and Hubby just turned 58. We have been coming to TV for 3 winters now and love it so much!!! Stuck in MI right now for some business, but hope to be back soon. We bot a part-time place in historical section which I think is typically older folks....but we love everyone...you just can't help it:pepper2::pepper2:

[graciegirl]

You all know how I enjoy these discussions of difference of age.

I really, really, really am beginnin' to think that some people are just braggin'.

P.S. We returned late last night.

Y'all come by so I can hug you and see if you look any older. I will look forward to your hug but don't check to see if I look any older.

[ncr2482]

My husband and I were 56 when we retired to TV. We have been here for 6 fabulous years. It is hard to believe how quickly the time flies by...make the move sooner rather than later. You will not be sorry.

[Army Guy]

Heck NO!
I am 53 and the wife is 49! We LOVE IT!

Army Guy

[keithwand]

Guess my interpretation was based on my parents at Sun City Center.

We did have lunch in Spanish Springs around 10 years ago and may have to visit again.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Guess my interpretation was based on my parents at Sun City Center.

We did have lunch in Spanish Springs around 10 years ago and may have to visit again.

Yes, you DEFINITELY need to come and experience it for yourselves!!!! :)

Bill

[PR1234]

Guess my interpretation was based on my parents at Sun City Center.

We did have lunch in Spanish Springs around 10 years ago and may have to visit again.

Yes! please do come back and visit. Every year when we get back here, my hubby and I remark on how everyone is looking younger and younger...LOL
(could it be we are getting older and older:):):wave::wave:

[murfice1]

Closing on Jan 19th, wife 55 and I am 63.

[Pturner]

Closing on Jan 19th, wife 55 and I am 63.

Murfice1, Congrats and best wishes! Life begins (again) when you get here. :wine:

[Jane52]

We are 55 and 54...not retired yet. Age means nothing here in TV. We have many friends and neighbors here who we could never keep up with...they are fit, exhuberant and look for new ways to enjoy life AND "give back" by volunteering in dozens of ways.

We always enjoyed playing golf with couples older than us at our club up north, anyway. They were more secure in themselves than younger couples who are often trying to impress somebody with their new money (loan debt on a McMansion that now has them underwater by hundreds of thousands, giant SUV's that cost $150 to fill with gas, etc.).

That is what we like about TV.....there is a home for every income level, and I don't see a whole lot of envy for those who have the most expensive homes. Most people have worked like a dog and saved and lived within their means to get here.

Work ethic and morals is a great common denominator for a society and that is why TV is beautiful, clean, safe, and a healthy housing market.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

gracie - I sent you a PM.

Bill

[keithwand]

We are 55 and 54...not retired yet. Age means nothing here in TV. We have many friends and neighbors here who we could never keep up with...they are fit, exhuberant and look for new ways to enjoy life AND "give back" by volunteering in dozens of ways.

We always enjoyed playing golf with couples older than us at our club up north, anyway. They were more secure in themselves than younger couples who are often trying to impress somebody with their new money (loan debt on a McMansion that now has them underwater by hundreds of thousands, giant SUV's that cost $150 to fill with gas, etc.).

That is what we like about TV.....there is a home for every income level, and I don't see a whole lot of envy for those who have the most expensive homes. Most people have worked like a dog and saved and lived within their means to get here.

Work ethic and morals is a great common denominator for a society and that is why TV is beautiful, clean, safe, and a healthy housing market.

I agree.
Our friends are the same way and most I think get it as they age.
Here in Orlando and at our summer home in Northern Michigan no one cares what you did, what you drive or the house you have. Not everyone but most.
At least now at 57 not as many ask what I did that I could quit working at 48.
I told someone it was sales and his reply was was it weed? NO.
We consider ourselves frugal; others might not.

By the way to ANYONE. Does the Villages encompass 2 counties? Is one better ie Orange vs. Osceola?

We figured if we do move (I hate to say it because everyone we meet says they downsized) we want to go between 2500-3000sf and under 10 years old, block construction with at least 3 car or 2 plus golf car garage.

Thoughts on screened in pool if gone summer months although in years to come we will go to 1 home.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

........By the way to ANYONE. Does the Villages encompass 2 counties? Is one better ie Orange vs. Osceola?.....

Three counties: Lake, Marion, and Sumter. And they're ALL good! :)

Bill

[oceangirl]

Came home from school and started reading this post. I can hardly wait to put our house on the market. Hubby and I came to TV for our first visit last July. He said we are only going down to look. Ha Ha. Within 2 days we bought our lot and the rest is history. He hates his job and can't wait to start playing. I will say I did do alot of reasearch before coming. We loved the Lily and that is what we are buying. I am 57 and my other half is 61.
Did we think this time last year that we were going to retire and move to another state :loco: what a surprise for us.:coolsmiley:

[EXYZEE40]

We were both 60 when we moved to The Villages ten years ago.
And, here I am today replying to a 'post' by someone only '63'-- does that tell you something about how age means nothing to Villagers, friendship does!

One thing to keep in mind if and when you become a Villager -- if you happen to have a 'friendly' conversation with a stranger, always ask where they lived before The Villages. Every once in a while that stranger might say that they also lived in the same area as you did previously and you have something in common. It's amazing and it happens.

Good luck.

[ricthemic]

We looked at Sun City before settling in The Villages, and there is no comparison. TV is a really active community, and there are many younger retirees here. I'm in my 50's and have had no trouble meeting others in my age group.

I also looked into Sun City Center because of a friend who lives there.
Where do I start.. WCI the developer of Sun City Center went bankrupt.
People who bought golf course frontage homes on the North Course.... well too bad, they closed the course and now they have a high rough frontage. The new Renaissance area stopped building new houses a couple of years ago while they struggle to keep occupant prepaid club amenities open.
They wanted about ten grand initiation a few yrs ago to join this club which is now in receivership.
FYI: GOOGLE SUN CITY CENTER, to see if they have a TALK OF SUN CITY CENTER.. good luck... they have a once a month newsletter.
There is absolutely NO comparison to Sun City Center and The Villages. NONE, (except cheaper real estate.)
ie. It was a giant,huge, big deal there recently to install a golf cart bridge to Walmart... WOW, need I say more. Welcome to TV

[Army Guy]

I also looked into Sun City Center because of a friend who lives there.
Where do I start.. WCI the developer of Sun City Center went bankrupt.
People who bought golf course frontage homes on the North Course.... well too bad, they closed the course and now they have a high rough frontage. The new Renaissance area stopped building new houses a couple of years ago while they struggle to keep occupant prepaid club amenities open.
They wanted about ten grand initiation a few yrs ago to join this club which is now in receivership.
FYI: GOOGLE SUN CITY CENTER, to see if they have a TALK OF SUN CITY CENTER.. good luck... they have a once a month newsletter.
There is absolutely NO comparison to Sun City Center and The Villages. NONE, (except cheaper real estate.)
ie. It was a giant,huge, big deal there recently to install a golf cart bridge to Walmart... WOW, need I say more. Welcome to TV


Wow, did not realize that about Sun City.
Army Guy

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I also looked into Sun City Center because of a friend who lives there.
Where do I start.. WCI the developer of Sun City Center went bankrupt.
People who bought golf course frontage homes on the North Course.... well too bad, they closed the course and now they have a high rough frontage. The new Renaissance area stopped building new houses a couple of years ago while they struggle to keep occupant prepaid club amenities open.
They wanted about ten grand initiation a few yrs ago to join this club which is now in receivership.
FYI: GOOGLE SUN CITY CENTER, to see if they have a TALK OF SUN CITY CENTER.. good luck... they have a once a month newsletter.
There is absolutely NO comparison to Sun City Center and The Villages. NONE, (except cheaper real estate.)
ie. It was a giant,huge, big deal there recently to install a golf cart bridge to Walmart... WOW, need I say more. Welcome to TV

We meet our son who lives in Ft. Myers in Sun City (1/2 way from the Villages) and the first thing we noticed was golf carts crossing a 4 lane highway at a traffic light. No tunnel/bridge. With their economic problems-- sure glad we eliminated them long ago.

[spturnip]

My wife and I just put a down payment on a new home here in TV at age 51. We are both excited about an active early retirement here. I am very impressed with the build quality and the lean construction techniques (I am an engineer by training).

[graciegirl]

Welcome to you!! The list of things that you will be impressed with will grow, I can almost guarantee it.

The best part are the people who have lived on this earth long enough to gain quite a bit of wisdom, a lot of information and a few facts.

They are charming, surprising, wonderful, loveable and usually quite stubborn.

The views are nice, the games are varied and endless, the society is interesting and fun and the opportunities to enjoy yourself are everywhere.

You are gonna love it!!

[keithwand]

We are back. We took advantage of a 3 day cruise to Nassau and Coco Cay.
Great to be only 50 minutes away and back home by 9A today.

Re: Sun City (my Moms house will be listing soon @179K on a pontoon boat lake) I couldn't agree more; however depending on what you want; your finances etc. it is obviously for some but def. not for me or my wife.

When my parents moved there in 1992 there was no Walmart, HD or much of anything inc. restaurants.

If only they had moved to TV.
Visiting was like getting a tooth pulled; painful and just waiting to get it over with.

We will visit in the TV future.

[keithwand]

My wife and I just put a down payment on a new home here in TV at age 51. We are both excited about an active early retirement here. I am very impressed with the build quality and the lean construction techniques (I am an engineer by training).

Thought 1 of you had to be 55+

[spturnip]

Our Villages market rep didn't blink when we told him our age. He got us special permission without any hastle as we don't have anyone less than 50 in the house and are transitioning in to the new home over the next 2 years.

[Indydealmaker]

Here is a portion of the Housing for Ole Folks Act:

This Act may be cited as the ``Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995.

SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS.

Section 807(b)(2)(C) of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3607(b)(2)(C)) is amended to read as follows:

(C) intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older, and--

(i) at least 80 percent of the occupied units are occupied by at least one person who is 55 years of age or older

[K9-Lovers]

Mr. K9 loves it when his horseshoe team mates call him "kid" as we are both in our mid 50's.

[Schaumburger]

Especially when driving to work on Friday morning, and the temp. was -5 degrees and then getting home and stepping over ice to retrieve the mail from my mailbox.

When I visited TV this past July, I went to several open houses. I asked a couple of the TV agents how under a single buyer under 55 would be handled. I was told an under 55 buyer signs a form acknowledging the age restrictions in TV, and then it's no big deal for that person to buy either new construction or a resale as long that person doesn't have anyone under 19 living in the home on a permanent basis.

Ironically one agent told me about a couple who bought in TV a few years ago, both were over 55. Sadly their child and spouse were killed in a car accident, and the TV couple is now raising their minor grandchildren. The agent told me they had the choice of selling their home in TV or renting it out and only living in TV a few weeks a year, but they could not live in TV year round because of having to raise their grandchildren. Once all the grandchildren reach the age of 19, and if any of the grandchildren still want to live with their grandparents, then the grandparents could again live in TV year round.

[graciegirl]

Retiring in early fifties is hard for me to understand. Having income for a possible 50 more years of life is a lot to plan for. I have to be impressed with that kind of planning and ability to earn.

I have a busy active friend who lives here who is 99.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Retiring in early fifties is hard for me to understand. Having income for a possible 50 more years of life is a lot to plan for. I have to be impressed with that kind of planning and ability to earn.

I have a busy active friend who lives here who is 99.

Your post remeinded me of a conversation I had with my sister about 10 years ago She was a single teacher and put a lot of money into her retirement funds. One Thanksgiving she asked me how my "portfolio" was doing. I pointed to my 2 children and said "Ask them". Seriously-- not depending on the kids.:bowdown:

[Freeda]

Maybe some of you can help me with this. Instead of wondering about retiring too young, my younger brother, who is now 56, says he wants to work until he is "at least 70". He is in an engineering job up in South Carolina. When I asked him 'why!!??', because I am sure that financially he would not have to do that, he just said, 'what would I do if I didn't work?'. He has no hobbies; it has always been just work and family/home time for him. Maybe it's just because of my vantage point from having lived in almost total retirement, timewise, for several years, that I cannot identify with someone not even having any aspiration for retirement life, or for free time.

I'm not saying he's 'wrong' to feel however he feels, since obviously it's his life to live, however he sees it; but it just is hard for me to understand where he's coming from, in that it seems to me that there is so much more in life that is passing him by, and by the time he retires, at 70 ("or later"), he may have so much less time, or possibly health issues, for the 'more' in life. I have been urging him and my sister-in-law to come and visit us here, and hopefully they will and can see life from a different viewpoint.

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what my point is here, but would be interested in your insight on this. What makes some people want to retire early; and others want to work for so many years longer than they would really have to?

[logdog]

The military made me retire young(ish) because you can't stay in past 30 years. Many have to take up a second career after military service because retirement pay isn't that great unless you get to some of the top grades. I planned, saved and invested to ensure that I wouldn't have to rely on a second career to get by.

Then one day on the golf course shortly after my retirement, I realized that if I go after a second career, I would be taking a job away from a family who really needs it to feed the kids and save for college.

That's when I knew that it was my duty as an American and a humanitarian to make the sacrifice and stay retired.

That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

[swrinfla]

Logdog:

Mighty good reasoning, so far as I'm concerned!

Freeda:

I retired without pressure in mid-2002. I say without pressure because it was a time of distress and upset, a time when many were still debating the significance of 9/11; indeed, it was 9/11 that precipitated my retirement in mid-2002.

SWR
:beer3:

[keithwand]

Logdog:

Mighty good reasoning, so far as I'm concerned!

Freeda:

I retired without pressure in mid-2002. I say without pressure because it was a time of distress and upset, a time when many were still debating the significance of 9/11; indeed, it was 9/11 that precipitated my retirement in mid-2002.

SWR
:beer3:

Similar to me.

I was traveling nationally for work and loved it including all of the perks of taking 2 vacations annually and paying for no hotel, airfare (had 500,000 miles continually banked) or rental car because of earned points.

I was home the day of 9/11 having been in N. Carolina the week before.
Then off to CA when it was annouced we attacked Afghanistan.

I was scared to death and even rented a car in CA just in case in had to drive home.

I put off flying to CA in December and quit January 1, 2002 at 48 years old.

Too young? Probably but now I am 57 and the time has flown and no regrets.

Even today I find no joy in flying and prob. only fly twice a year.

[cricket1]

My husband is a garage "freak"! We found a lot that would allow a 3 car garage and will build as soon as the house in IL sells. Ask your realtor-they should be able to tell you what lots are open that will accomodate the garage of your dreams. Only certain lots are big enough.

[marybb]

My husband is 60 and I'm 62. To young for the villages, I think not. This is a happening place! Entertainment 365 days a year, more clubs than you can imagine, golf, shopping, exercise, education, and the list goes on. I' m tired need a nap from all this excitement.

[JohnN]

I sure hope it's not too young, we're 62 and 57 and love it here!

[silvertoken]

I'm 56 and my wife the cougar is 62 and we enjoy being misfits within the community. I love the way the folks come up and start conversations with you and invite you to many of the great happenings and events they have. They have a wealth of knowledge for us grasshoppers such as, dining, repairs, places to go, medical advice, etc.. I'm new here also and as far as age is concerned, seems meaningless around here. I do have to worry about my 76 year old neighbor running around in his Elvis outfit.

[graciegirl]

I'm 56 and my wife the cougar is 62 and we enjoy being misfits within the community. I love the way the folks come up and start conversations with you and invite you to many of the great happenings and events they have. They have a wealth of knowledge for us grasshoppers such as, dining, repairs, places to go, medical advice, etc.. I'm new here also and as far as age is concerned, seems meaningless around here. I do have to worry about my 76 year old neighbor running around in his Elvis outfit.

MISFITS?
Why?

Do you look old?

I have to go put on my acne medicine. We just keep getting younger here, day by day.

Where are my birth control pills?:D

Seriously now Silvertoken and bride.

Welcome to Paradise. Hope you enjoy every second here. It is a wonderful place to be and so many new friends to meet and so many things to learn.
Kindest wishes,

Gracie. (who thinks she's funny :()

[keithwand]

Misfits?
I'm 57 and my wife is 63. She does occasionally "kiddingly" call me her boy toy.
I hope its kiddingly.

[katezbox]

You all know how I enjoy these discussions of difference of age.

I really, really, really am beginnin' to think that some people are just braggin'.

P.S. We returned late last night.

Y'all come by so I can hug you and see if you look any older. I will look forward to your hug but don't check to see if I look any older.

I'm 56 and can't keep up with the wonderous Gracie!

[robertj1954]

I am 57 retired LE and a veteran (Air Force) my wife is 54 with a great job that allows her to work from home thanks to the internet and telecom business. We have been here less than a month but have already met great neighbors and have started building new friendships. My wife has been invited to the Woman's Club by almost every lady she meets while walking our two dogs.

TV is a wonderful place to call home. We both look forward to many years of active retirement and sharing great times with new friends of all age groups and backgrounds. :ho:

[2BNTV]

Maybe some of you can help me with this. Instead of wondering about retiring too young, my younger brother, who is now 56, says he wants to work until he is "at least 70". He is in an engineering job up in South Carolina. When I asked him 'why!!??', because I am sure that financially he would not have to do that, he just said, 'what would I do if I didn't work?'. He has no hobbies; it has always been just work and family/home time for him. Maybe it's just because of my vantage point from having lived in almost total retirement, timewise, for several years, that I cannot identify with someone not even having any aspiration for retirement life, or for free time.

I'm not saying he's 'wrong' to feel however he feels, since obviously it's his life to live, however he sees it; but it just is hard for me to understand where he's coming from, in that it seems to me that there is so much more in life that is passing him by, and by the time he retires, at 70 ("or later"), he may have so much less time, or possibly health issues, for the 'more' in life. I have been urging him and my sister-in-law to come and visit us here, and hopefully they will and can see life from a different viewpoint.

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure what my point is here, but would be interested in your insight on this. What makes some people want to retire early; and others want to work for so many years longer than they would really have to?

Freeda:

I try to explain some scenarios.

My father worked until he was seventy as he owned a business. After he retired, he saw no reason to do anything if it didn't invovle making money. I tried to get him to do something he had previously enjoyed but to no avail. His health went downhill from the day he started retirement. When he retired, he retired from life and wrongly, possibly felt his life was over.

My uncle who will be ninety eight this month told me to never retire and he thinks one needs to be active to remain healthy. He worked until he was eighty five and remains active to this day. I think that one can be active doing fun things as oppossed to work assuming one does not enjoy work anymore. He never considered moving to a place like TV and that was not an optiion for him.

I can see some people working if they really enjoy what they are doing to the exclusion of anything else. Some people gain a sense of identity by what they do and they feel more important. Some people need to work because if they hang around the house, they will be a pain to their spouse.

Some people had the good fortune to have made enough money to retire early as they had their BS meter needle wrap aroung the stop and don't want to deal with it anymore. They have the keen insight to enjoy life while they can as it is wayyyyyyy too short.

I agree with you that being active is the best choice when you are doing things you enjoy. I prefer working so I will not have to look at my four walls all day as they are not many options for me as I am not in TV yet. As soon as my condo sells. I am moving to TV to live and do as I please and not do someone else's bidding. I will coming to TV to live and have fun.

Hopefully, that happens soon.

[gary42651]

My wife is 47 and I will be 60 this month, my wife told me that when we move here that she was going to get a job, she said she didn`t want to sit around all day, I asked her how the job hunting was going, and she told me that she was too busy with the golf, bowling, swimming, dancing to worry about a job. I kind of knew that was going to happen. We love it here.

[Pturner]

My wife is 47 and I will be 60 this month, my wife told me that when we move here that she was going to get a job, she said she didn`t want to sit around all day, I asked her how the job hunting was going, and she told me that she was too busy with the golf, bowling, swimming, dancing to worry about a job. I kind of knew that was going to happen. We love it here.

Gotta love it!

[Schaumburger]

Freeda:

I try to explain some scenarios.

My father worked until he was seventy as he owned a business. After he retired, he saw no reason to do anything if it didn't invovle making money. I tried to get him to do something he had previously enjoyed but to no avail. His health went downhill from the day he started retirement. When he retired, he retired from life and wrongly, possibly felt his life was over.

My uncle who will be ninety eight this month told me to never retire and he thinks one needs to be active to remain healthy. He worked until he was eighty five and remains active to this day. I think that one can be active doing fun things as oppossed to work assuming one does not enjoy work anymore. He never considered moving to a place like TV and that was not an optiion for him.

I can see some people working if they really enjoy what they are doing to the exclusion of anything else. Some people gain a sense of identity by what they do and they feel more important. Some people need to work because if they hang around the house, they will be a pain to their spouse.

Some people had the good fortune to have made enough money to retire early as they had their BS meter needle wrap aroung the stop and don't want to deal with it anymore. They have the keen insight to enjoy life while they can as it is wayyyyyyy too short.

I agree with you that being active is the best choice when you are doing things you enjoy. I prefer working so I will not have to look at my four walls all day as they are not many options for me as I am not in TV yet. As soon as my condo sells. I am moving to TV to live and do as I please and not do someone else's bidding. I will coming to TV to live and have fun.

Hopefully, that happens soon.

2BNTV,
I am in agreement with you - I would also like to move to TV to live and do as I please and not do someone else's bidding. I have been doing the bidding of someone else for 50+ hours per week for going on 30 years now. My perfect scenario of how to spend my time in TV: Maybe work a part-time job 20 hrs. per week for spending $, volunteer at a charity or charities more often than I'm able to now and have fun.

[keithwand]

We saw the play Suddenly Seniors here in Orlando last Sat. night.
When we left we looked for a Villages bus because it seemed the whole crowd knew each other.
We still plan to check out the Villages after ruling out TX or MI where the kids live.