Are you happy you made The Villages your retirement home?

[Michael 61]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

[Kenswing]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
We're very happy to be here. Initially it was simply for the weather, but now it's a whole lot more. We love exploring in the golf cart. We love all the entertainment and social options. We love the opportunities to volunteer with the organizations we support. I love not mowing five acres anymore. Although moving onto a postage stamp sized lot was an adjustment. We love our neighbors and the true sense of friendship and community we enjoy with them.

But like you say, nowhere's perfect. Defensive driving is absolutely required like no place I have ever seen. The traffic and the crowds up around the 6's keeps getting worse.

I think people are only as happy as they want to be. I believe if you can't be happy here you pretty much won't be happy anywhere.

[Normal]

Love, love, love it. This is certainly our forever home. How could anyone not be happy here. There is so much to do. Let all the grumps move back to where they came from. The rest of us will keep working to make this place better and better. Great post Michael.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I love The Villages. I hate Florida. I am also not pleased with the Developers and their decisions to expand, and their choices in sub-par infrastructure, and their refusal to accept financial responsibility for failures as a result of the sub-par infrastructure.

I wish The Villages was in a different state. But it's here, and the community itself is terrific, there's tons of things to do, the development is aesthetically pleasing, and the monthly amenity fee is incredibly reasonable.

So am I happy to be in The Villages? Mostly, yes.

[walterray1]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

What he said.

[fdpaq0580]

I love The Villages. I hate Florida. I am also not pleased with the Developers and their decisions to expand, and their choices in sub-par infrastructure, and their refusal to accept financial responsibility for failures as a result of the sub-par infrastructure.

I wish The Villages was in a different state. But it's here, and the community itself is terrific, there's tons of things to do, the development is aesthetically pleasing, and the monthly amenity fee is incredibly reasonable.

So am I happy to be in The Villages? Mostly, yes.

Pretty much everything you said, except "hate Florida". Florida, as a geographical area, is not my favorite place on Earth. But, it will do for the time I have left. 🫠

[Gpsma]

People still drink the kool-aid.

Its fine here..lots to do. Place is clean and safe.

But its a Steford wives community…growing in leaps and bounds

Its becoming nothing more than a suburb of a big city

[Packer Fan]

I love The Villages. I hate Florida. I am also not pleased with the Developers and their decisions to expand, and their choices in sub-par infrastructure, and their refusal to accept financial responsibility for failures as a result of the sub-par infrastructure.

I wish The Villages was in a different state. But it's here, and the community itself is terrific, there's tons of things to do, the development is aesthetically pleasing, and the monthly amenity fee is incredibly reasonable.

So am I happy to be in The Villages? Mostly, yes.

What about Florida don't you like? No income taxes? Low property taxes? The weather? Seriously the only thing I can think of is Hurricanes and the distance to drive to the rest of the country? I am missing something here. Can you expand on that?

As far as infrastructure, seems a LOT better to me than most places, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey (the only states I have lived in). Roads are smooth and wide, The water for irrigation is reclaimed, all electric and cable is underground and bulletproof, Energy is cheap, The place is always clean, and the drainage is so good we can get 15" of rain in 24 hours and nobody gets flooded (except the historic section). I am really missing something....
Ed

[manaboutown]

What about Florida don't you like? No income taxes? Low property taxes? The weather? Seriously the only thing I can think of is Hurricanes and the distance to drive to the rest of the country? I am missing something here. Can you expand on that?

As far as infrastructure, seems a LOT better to me than most places, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey (the only states I have lived in). Roads are smooth and wide, The water for irrigation is reclaimed, all electric and cable is underground and bulletproof, Energy is cheap, The place is always clean, and the drainage is so good we can get 15" of rain in 24 hours and nobody gets flooded (except the historic section). I am really missing something....
Ed

I love the fact The Villages is located in Florida for the reasons enumerated hereinabove as well as for many other reasons, the many relatively nearby beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and it being a very well run state without onerous confiscatory taxation which is rampant in so many other states. I lived in New Mexico most of my life and still operate a business there. NM is horribly run as is the city of Albuquerque. NM has the second highest poverty rate in the country. The crime in Albuquerque is terrible, the streets are overrun with homeless, parks and playgrounds are littered with needles from hard drug users, child welfare in the state is the worst in the country, K-12 is among the worst in the country, healthcare is awful. I am happy to be here in The Villages, Florida! Actually, what is not to like other than the humidity?

[frayedends]

I’m not full time yet. But I am ecstatic that I found, visited, and bought in the Villages before I found this forum. I would likely have not even looked at visiting if I had read all the negativity here first. It’s totally different going there.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

What about Florida don't you like? No income taxes? Low property taxes? The weather? Seriously the only thing I can think of is Hurricanes and the distance to drive to the rest of the country? I am missing something here. Can you expand on that?

As far as infrastructure, seems a LOT better to me than most places, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey (the only states I have lived in). Roads are smooth and wide, The water for irrigation is reclaimed, all electric and cable is underground and bulletproof, Energy is cheap, The place is always clean, and the drainage is so good we can get 15" of rain in 24 hours and nobody gets flooded (except the historic section). I am really missing something....
Ed

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

[LeRoySmith]

Are you happy you made The Villages your retirement home?

Yes

[Stu from NYC]

We are here just over 4 years and love this place. Never had as active a social life as we have here.

Is it perfect? Of course not but the good greatly outweighs the bad

[billethkid]

Yes.
20 years and counting.
Would do it over again tomorrow.
Love the state of FL for all the positives that attract people here.

I was here when TV was 25,000 people. Without the growth there is a lot in TV that would not be here.

I enjoyed my life before we came to FL.......I enjoy FL and do not compare yesterday to today or where I came from.....

We have friends who constantly berate TV, FL, the developer, the growth, the heat, et al.......but never a comment on why they are still here.

To each his own.

[JerryLBell]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.
I agree with some points, disagree with others. I won't argue or agree on politics as we don't do that in this forum. But we definitely do have "Florida Man" stories where no other state seems to have the equivalent.

I don't know what a "Town Green" is or how it campares with out squares, so I can't comment on that. Just the name sounds nice though.

Everybody from out of state has a pizza they miss. I miss Jets Pizza, a Michigan-based company that I didn't discover until I'd moved to North Carolina. I can get them here, but I wish they were closer to The Villages than Altamonte.

I'm not big into whole-belly clams, but the best clam strips I've ever had are at either of two restaurants up in Cedar Key, a couple of hours from The Villages. I believe the do have whole-belly as well as one having clam chowder that is pretty famous. It's a pleasant little town to visit and may be what you're looking for for clams.

I grew up in a tiny town where the ethnic diversity amounted to one family where the father was Latino and the mother was African-American. We thought we had a "twofer" in regards diversity. I then moved to the Detroit area and started living near and working with a huge variety of people of various races, ethnicities, religions and more. Moving to North Carolina exposed me to folks from around the world. I really like talking with folks whose background is vastly different than my own. When I moved to The Villages, I looked around and saw that it looks like a Ku Klux Klan Konclave most of the time. I've learned that there are small numbers of every kind of minority you can think of here, but they are too invisible and I'm not about to run up to people and ask, "Will you be my [insert group here] friend?" But I've talked to a lot of my old friends and realized two things. First, it was easier when I grew up for white folks, especially guys, to get into college and get decent jobs and so it was easier to have careers that allowed us to save up enough to be able to afford a retirement like this. Is that proper? Of course not. But it's the way it was and at least it's slowly getting better. Second, the whole concept of moving away from your family and friends to an active retirement community seems to be kind of a white thing. It's catching on with other folks, but most of my non-white friends (and the majority of my white friends as well) seem to view the idea as kind of crazy. When I need my fix of different world views, I just go back to Detroit or North Carolina and visit my old work friends. In a pinch, I can run down to the IHOP on 44 the other side of I-75 and listen to the Indian accents (which I find delightful) of the workers there.

My mother came from a huge family, most older than her, so I grew up going to funerals and burials in cemetaries that rarely got visited. I swore I'd never have either. I long thought I'd be buried in a cardboard box and have an apple tree planted on me so I could fee what for so many years fed me. Now I believe that the tree would probably get bulldozed down to make room for more of us retirees, so that is out. After having a few friends here die and get cremated by Baldwin Brothers and have "celebration of life" services in the rec centers, my wife and I have decided that that is the route for us.

I don't miss basements as I've had too many of them flood. I lost a very nice record album collection to a flood and still am not over it. I grew up in Michigan, where everyone had a basement or at least a crawlspace. I moved to North Carolina, where the leche clay soil is so hard you can't begin to dig a basement. Then I moved here where you can't dig a basement because the water table is so close to the surface that you'll hit it if you dig deep enough in your pockets. So I've gotten used to "no basements".

As far as 20-year-old houses being "old", I hear you. But given that nobody builds great houses like they did 100 years ago (at least, for those that could afford it), even expensive houses of today age far more quickly than they should. We are in a throw-away world, sadly. And the garages-out-front look is definitely weird. I would certainly never put a picture of the houses here (or any any other planned community) on a Christmas card. But houses are packed so closely together that side garages can't be made. My mother-in-law had a rear garage accessed from an alley in her house in Sun City West. That made her house look nicer though much smaller. And it was kind of awkward to go down to the end of the block and back to get at the garage when coming back from town. Everything has an advantage and a disadvantage.

Is this place perfect? Of course not. No place is. Is it horrible? Not by a long stretch. We've been here 7 years and I'm still tickled pink to wake up here every day. But that's just me. Your mileage may vary.

[asianthree]

Our first stay was 2007, when LSL was a fledgling and the hot spot was SS, and every year, we were amazed at the new growth. One a fan of the Florida weather, me not so much. I love change of seasons, the first snow, enjoy the sparkling white stuff till it turns muddy brown. So we continue to travel to our northern home. We considered living on a sailboat for retirement, but it couldn’t work.

We have gone with the new growth every few years, buying farther south each time, escaping the 6’s, to accommodate our life style. Now south of 44, doesn’t mean it’s our forever home, life choices make new beginnings

[justjim]

OBB: You “hate” thirteen times in your well written piece about The Villages. Hate is a rather harsh word IMHO. However, your passionate opinion is welcome here. Packer fan mentioned the Historical Side infrastructure. Does that concern you? Florida is quite different from where I grew up too. With the advent of affordable air conditioning in the late 60’s and early 70’s, Florida’s popularity has exceeded most expectations. How many of us would call The Villages home without air conditioning? We still travel north for a couple of months to visit and get away from the humidity and heat. Other residents vacation and visit in the summer too.
The major concerns I hear from Village residents is too much quick growth and the growth has created significant medical shortages in The Villages. I believe the Developer is aware of the problem and has been working hard to address it. By the way, this issue of medical care goes well beyond the borders of The Villages.
Not everyone is on board with growth or change. I happen to like the “new” rather than the status quo. The Villages has much to offer now and the future is exciting and bright. Fore!

[golfing eagles]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric ......


Well, speaking for myself, income taxes in NY were killing me, I love the weather, I love the politics, and I especially love the phrase "Florida is where woke comes to die"

I wonder what the results of a poll along those lines would yield.

But I do wholeheartedly agree with you about the pizza.

[Marathon Man]

Decries 'hatred' that is manifest in people who live in Florida.
Uses "I hate" a dozen times.

Yea. If I had three "I hate...", I would be looking to relocate.

[Michael G.]

As far as infrastructure, seems a LOT better to me than most places, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey (the only states I have lived in).

Infrastructure maybe but I was born and raised in Wisconsin for 75 years and there's nothing like the Midwest in spring, summer, and fall.

Just to bad the good Lord made 6 months of spring, summer, and fall up there
and 6 months of winter. :swear:

In my younger days in Wisconsin I own 6 boats, fished Lake Michigan, wolf and Fox rivers.
Iced fished, hiked and camped the state parks, cross country skied, rode my Goldwing everywhere, raised our adopted son, made a good living, attended many Packer games and now it is a change of scenery in my old age, no more snow to drive in, walk in, or drive in.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=104204&stc=1&d=1716321907

[VApeople]

Decries 'hatred' that is manifest in people who live in Florida.
Uses "I hate" a dozen times.

That is a great and very funny comment!!

[tophcfa]

We are very happy with our decision and would most definitely do it again. We probably would not have gotten a home in Florida if the Villages didn’t exist. Traveling throughout the state, we haven’t seen anyplace besides the Villages that called out to us. The lifestyle in the bubble is very unique and suites our needs and desires well. My two biggest wishes would be that there was significantly better health care available in the area and that we could spend more time there. Dam those pesky responsibilities : (

[margaretmattson]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.I applaud your honesty. Not liking CERTAIN things in your community does not make you an unhappy person. Apparently, you have lived and experienced different lifestyles. The Villages does not match up PERFECTLY or BETTER than your experiences. It is okay to grumble. Maybe, hidden under your dislikes is a solution to make the Villages better. We all live, learn, and try to expand our horizons.. This doesn't make any of us MISERABLE human beings.

You can tell by my last paragraph, I do not understand those who believe the Villages is HEAVEN. Your choice. But, don't call out others for not seeing things the way you do. Every community has room for improvement. Those who discuss wanted improvements are ONLY GIVING THEIR OPINION. There is no need to rake anyone under the coals. Last time I checked, this is an open forum. If you desire to read only what you want to hear, I suggest writing notes to yourself. This way, you will not be disappointed by others who do not see the world or the Villages the same as you.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I applaud your honesty. Not liking CERTAIN things in your community does not make you an unhappy person. Apparently, you have lived and experienced different lifestyles. The Villages does not match up PERFECTLY or BETTER than your experiences. It is okay to grumble. Maybe, hidden under your dislikes is a solution to make the Villages better. We all live, learn, and try to expand our horizons.. This doesn't make any of us MISERABLE human beings.

You can tell by my last paragraph, I do not understand those who believe the Villages is HEAVEN. Your choice. But, don't call out others for not seeing things the way you do. Every community has room for improvement. Those who discuss wanted improvements are ONLY GIVING THEIR OPINION. There is no need to rake anyone under the coals. Last time I checked, this is an open forum. If you desire to read only what you want to hear, I suggest writing notes to yourself. This way, you will not be disappointed by others who do not see the world or the Villages the same as you.

I think the Villages would be improved if it was somewhere other than Florida. I imagine a Villages in Albuquerque would be amazing. Or nestled on a low plateau of the Smoky Mountains at the SC/TN border somewhere.

As for all my hates, I posted it because someone asked me directly in this thread, after I said that I enjoyed The Villages, but hated Florida. They asked what about Florida did I hate. So I answered. Perhaps people who don't like hearing answers to questions, shouldn't read publicly accessible forums on the internet. Hurts them in their feelings place, apparently.

Thanks Margaret for your understanding. It's a rare gift around these parts.

[MX rider]

I think the Villages would be improved if it was somewhere other than Florida. I imagine a Villages in Albuquerque would be amazing. Or nestled on a low plateau of the Smoky Mountains at the SC/TN border somewhere.

As for all my hates, I posted it because someone asked me directly in this thread, after I said that I enjoyed The Villages, but hated Florida. They asked what about Florida did I hate. So I answered. Perhaps people who don't like hearing answers to questions, shouldn't read publicly accessible forums on the internet. Hurts them in their feelings place, apparently.

Thanks Margaret for your understanding. It's a rare gift around these parts.

I don't agree with 95% of what you said, but you feel how you feel and that's cool with me. TV and Florida is not a good fit for everybody. Just like Indiana is not for everybody. But there's a happy place for everyone, you just have to find it.

We love TV and Florida for many of the reasons already mentioned here. The politcs in Florida are fine with us, but I understand for some it's not their cup of tea.

The great thing about this beautiful country we call home, is having the freedom to choose where we want to retire and what is the best fit. No place is perfect.

[ElLegal]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
Not really, but my wife is happy. We have two grandkids in Orlando, so that helps.plus we enjoy golf. I would rather be on the river.

[PugMom]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

i knew you wouldn't like the politics, but the weather is great for arthritis/aches & pains. our old house in we ha needed so much works, it was a fortune to care for. i missed the basement @ 1st, but adapted within a year or so.

[PugMom]

yes, i love the Villages & feel lucky to have found it. i will stay here for sure, & do not miss NewEngland-- it was once a beautiful place, but things have changed.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you ever had a sump pump back up and spent weeks drying it out, or pay to run a dehumidifier in a room pack with junk you might need/want someday you don't miss
a basement.

Our house had a sump pump in the basement and it never switched on. The house was built in 1957, a ranch on 1/2 acre corner lot. There were a few true sumac trees (not poison sumac plants) and five sugar maples in the back yard including the "mama maple", which was over 250 years old. She was the "mother" of all the maples in the neighborhood, which was originally a farm. The houses across the street from us were all cape cods on concrete slabs. Our side of the street was mostly ranch homes, plus the original farmhouse next door to us, made of brick and timber. The farmhouse was built in 1912. Down the street from us was a vintage home that had originally been an inn and carriage house. It was listed on the historic homes registry, because Paul Revere was somehow affiliated with it. Maybe he stayed there at some point, or the guy who made his coffin brought wood up from somewhere and stayed there. I don't remember the exact history.

During one winter, our neighborhood got over 6 feet of snow in total within just a couple of weeks. Plows broke, one guy parked his car on the side of the road the day before the storms hit, didn't move it back to his driveway, and the plows didn't realize there was a car there since it was completely obscured by the drifts. His car ended up halfway onto his front lawn, crushed. A few days after the last of the snow that week, everything started to melt. Ice dams on roofs caused massive damage and in some homes, complete roof collapses. There was a lot of basement flooding and foundation cracks in the neighborhood. We got a little water damage to our kitchen floor and some minor damage to the guest bedroom wall. Our basement stayed dry.

One downside to our house was we had no central air conditioning, and the layout was such that we would need an A/C window unit in every room to keep the whole house cool. It was too impractical and noisy and expensive and it'd mean loss of daylight in two of the rooms, since they only had one window each. So we mostly suffered in the summer.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Absolutely, yes! Tonight we took the golf down to Brownwood, listened to some music, ate some tacos at the Mexican place, and my husband struck a conversation with this guy and ended up exchanging phone numbers - seems he is as into bikes as my husband. What more could a person ask for?

[Shipping up to Boston]

I think the Villages would be improved if it was somewhere other than Florida. I imagine a Villages in Albuquerque would be amazing. Or nestled on a low plateau of the Smoky Mountains at the SC/TN border somewhere.

As for all my hates, I posted it because someone asked me directly in this thread, after I said that I enjoyed The Villages, but hated Florida. They asked what about Florida did I hate. So I answered. Perhaps people who don't like hearing answers to questions, shouldn't read publicly accessible forums on the internet. Hurts them in their feelings place, apparently.

Thanks Margaret for your understanding. It's a rare gift around these parts.

OBB....keep being you. There are many notable posters on this thread topic....when challenged, rebuffed or defeated on a point or topic....protest to the ToTV hierarchy. The Villages is a better place....having honest, transparent and thoughtful residents, like yourself, among us. Keep punching kid!

[Susan1717]

I love everything about Florida except the hurricanes. I would never consider living in any other state. My only negative on the Villages is that it is land locked so I must split my time between a beach/intercoastal community to get my water and boating fix. I hope FL never changes a thing as it’s perfect for me. I don’t even mind humidity; I’ll take it any day over a dry area like AZ.

[jimmy o]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
We’re here from Chicago area. Now we’re in heaven. We find it humorous when folks here complain about crime or traffic.Tooling around in my golf cart is sooo much fun. Sure there are bad drivers here, but way worse ones in Chicago. We’re livin the dream.

[Laker14]

People still drink the kool-aid.

Its fine here..lots to do. Place is clean and safe.

But its a Steford wives community…growing in leaps and bounds

Its becoming nothing more than a suburb of a big city

Short answer to OP: Yes, very much. Wife was uncertain at first but she loves it as much as I do now, maybe more.

Short response to those who "hate" Florida and certain aspects of Florida life, frankly, if I were King of The World (applied, but sadly was not hired for that position) there are some tweaks I'd apply, but since I'm just a lowly pawn, I accept the things I cannot change and try to keep the emotion of hatred out of my soul. A few deep breaths in the early morning air seems to help a lot in that regard.

In response to what I've enlarged in type, in above quote, I think we are becoming the city around which suburbs develop. I'm OK with that.

EDIT. last line in quote did not enlarge...but hopefully it is obvious what I was referring to...

[rjn5656]

Love it. Would never be this active if we stayed up north.

[La lamy]

Ssshhhhh it's supposed to be our secret! You know everybody outside of the bubble thinks we all have STDs?! Amazing how rumours start and stick. I for one have never had one, and like you, LOVE TV!!!

[pendi99]

Yes!

[MikeN]

Add the lack of proper medical services and you have nailed it!

[GizmoWhiskers]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.
As a kid I grew up in CT. Spent a couple years in the PI. Moved to FL. Been here since 1987. It's fair to say now that I'm from FL. I struggle with that. I both love and hate FL.

Everything you said makes total sense to me. I get you. Your cemetery comment, right... To each their own on final resting places but for sure it baffled me not to see them back in 1987 and here in T V not to have them yeah, really a remarkable thing. Your comments chime for me.

Rolling hills, windy roads, tall trees, soft grass, no red ants so you can sit in said soft grass. Big rocks, cold cold water out of the tap. The list goes on and on but...

I know what life outside of the bubble is like. While snowbird season results in much higher need for DEFENSIVE three eyes in your head driving, I still would not want to live outside of the bubble anymore. Politically, I thank God I get to live in FL.

Socially, the fun golf carting, the endless things to do here. It is as (or sadly, with so much ridiculous growth potentially was) close to perfect as I've ever seen living in FL.

I do think that T V is getting too big and it doesn't make sense to me as a Central FL dweller all these years. 15 more years of growth... really?? $$$ in the developers generational wealth machine which is sad to me. Eventually it will result in T V just being a sprawl. You can already see the skimping on charm which is unfortunate.

[Causey]

The Villages is a unique and special place. Florida is too, love them both. The growth makes this place better, as far as I am concerned. My mother lived here when Brownwood was just starting to be built, I remember liking LSL then.
I moved here, I suppose, for most of the reasons the original poster "hates".
I was always a New England guy, biased by its beauty and history. I don't miss a thing about New England now, its changed for the worse in my opinion, and continuing in the wrong direction. Florida is still a "free state" and I hope it remains so as long as I live. New England is no longer as free as it was in my youth, IMHO.
There is great development here for sure, but drive west or north and find the rural Florida that is the "real Florida".
Not sure what you mean about traffic, been here 3 years and haven't seen any traffic, compared with a real city.
I have found great pizza here in Florida, not going to say where.
I don't look back, only looking forward, love it here.

[Ducatigator]

TV is heaven. Florida may not perfect, but no other state is. We are still working and LOVE it here. The lifestyle is very therapeutic. TV does not have traffic. It is not over crowded. It may not be the TV of 15 years ago but it still is super chill and relaxing here. Golf carting from Dabney to Spanish Springs and you see the beauty of TV and what we are truly blessed with. Just drive 45 minutes south to Orlando, 60 minutes west to Tampa or worse 3 hours to South Florida and you will see what traffic really means. You will appreciate the "niceness " of people here. Standard of living here is amazing.

For those feeling land locked. We joined the Adventure Boat Club on Lake Harris. It really is a game changer. All the lakes are beautiful. We go out once per weekend and love it. You don't even realize you are land locked. It also helps with some of the "heat" issues. Best of all, once we are done boating, drive right back to this amazing "Bubble", hop in our golf cart, ride down beautiful paths to one of the squares, have a drink and listen to some music. Seriously?? How people complain here is mind boggling to me. There is a saying I use for keeping things in perspective. "There is an a** for every seat." This may just not be the seat for some people. Good thing, this is a free country. I would move back to where you came from or try somewhere new. Life is too short to be miserable. Enjoy every day you have on this earth! That is why we chose to move here while still working. Every morning I wake up and give my thanks for the blessings we have been provided.

Hope everyone has a magical day.
Thanks
Serge

[BOWRUNNER]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is. Like you most of us moved here when we were young, as the years go by, and we can't do all the things we once did are prospective changes.

[opinionist]

I could have used a basement when I got a tornado alert that said, "Get to your basement now." Otherwise, I would say the basement would store junk that I no longer need. The diverse activities available in the Villages are something unique in my experience. My only complaint is the hostile treatment of tournament poker. Tournament play with a fixed entry fee and cash prizes is not "illegal gambling" and describes virtually every game in the Villages including golf.

[LeRoySmith]

Owning, and having to take care of, multiple homes is starting to get to be a real pain in the a$$.

We've decided to become full time rather than flakes with plans to rent a few of the hot months in various northern places. We'll see how that plays out.

[LeRoySmith]

Love it. Would never be this active if we stayed up north.

this is the biggest bonus for us, unplanned healthy lifestyle boost beats all the other great things here

[Fredster]

I’m very happy here! It’s been easy to make new friends here.
A well maintained nice clean place to be retired.
You can be as active as you’d like.

“Happiness is an inside job!”

[Cobullymom]

I love The Villages. I hate Florida. I am also not pleased with the Developers and their decisions to expand, and their choices in sub-par infrastructure, and their refusal to accept financial responsibility for failures as a result of the sub-par infrastructure.

I wish The Villages was in a different state. But it's here, and the community itself is terrific, there's tons of things to do, the development is aesthetically pleasing, and the monthly amenity fee is incredibly reasonable.

So am I happy to be in The Villages? Mostly, yes.
Sub par infrastructure, hardly. Haha..

[sharonl7340]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

Really hate the politics. Hate the entitlement. Hate that many of these "mature" people (and I use that word lightly) feel they can act any way they want (I actually had a guy cuss me out and kick my tires the other day in the parking lot of a store and I had no idea what I did). Hate that the restaurants are overpriced and has mediocre food. Hate that I have to drive through congested areas to just get to shopping areas. Hate that renting is so prevalent in the neighborhoods (no real neighbors to connect with). Hate the prices of everything (all the merchants just assume I came with a $1 million dollar portfolio--NOT). Hate the monopolization of the restaurants, healthcare, and other things. Hate the attitude of "if you don't like it, leave!" It just isn't as simple as that.

Love that it is beautiful; Love our little house and yard; Love that there are walking areas (although I wish there were more that are shaded). Love that the snowbirds leave. Discovered I love golf (didn't play until we moved here). Love that we have a lanai where the cats can sit and watch the wildlife. Love the diverse wildlife- I never get tired of the Sand Hill Cranes. Love the biodiversity.

So don't tell me to just leave!

[MandoMan]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

Four years here. 100% happy.

[Marathon Man]

Really hate the politics. Hate the entitlement. Hate that many of these "mature" people (and I use that word lightly) feel they can act any way they want (I actually had a guy cuss me out and kick my tires the other day in the parking lot of a store and I had no idea what I did). Hate that the restaurants are overpriced and has mediocre food. Hate that I have to drive through congested areas to just get to shopping areas. Hate that renting is so prevalent in the neighborhoods (no real neighbors to connect with). Hate the prices of everything (all the merchants just assume I came with a $1 million dollar portfolio--NOT). Hate the monopolization of the restaurants, healthcare, and other things. Hate the attitude of "if you don't like it, leave!" It just isn't as simple as that.

Love that it is beautiful; Love our little house and yard; Love that there are walking areas (although I wish there were more that are shaded). Love that the snowbirds leave. Discovered I love golf (didn't play until we moved here). Love that we have a lanai where the cats can sit and watch the wildlife. Love the diverse wildlife- I never get tired of the Sand Hill Cranes. Love the biodiversity.

So don't tell me to just leave!

Actually, it is just that simple. In fact, it is easier than when you came here. You can easily research other communities in Florida because they are just a car drive away.

[Gsorace]

We're very happy to be here. Initially it was simply for the weather, but now it's a whole lot more. We love exploring in the golf cart. We love all the entertainment and social options. We love the opportunities to volunteer with the organizations we support. I love not mowing five acres anymore. Although moving onto a postage stamp sized lot was an adjustment. We love our neighbors and the true sense of friendship and community we enjoy with them.

But like you say, nowhere's perfect. Defensive driving is absolutely required like no place I have ever seen. The traffic and the crowds up around the 6's keeps getting worse.

I think people are only as happy as they want to be. I believe if you can't be happy here you pretty much won't be happy anywhere.

Couldn't say it any better! Other than enjoying cutting my own "postage-sized" lawn, I feel exactly the same way.

[Villagesgal]

Been here 23 years, retired early and so happy we did. Love it here now that it's grown and everything you'd ever need is here. All our friends here love it here too. Florida us a beautiful state, get out and explore it. Every place has it's good, bad and it's ugly. TV and FL have an abundance of good. Look for it, enjoy it and have a great retirement.

[birdawg]

Middle class Paradise

[Packer Fan]

I think the Villages would be improved if it was somewhere other than Florida. I imagine a Villages in Albuquerque would be amazing. Or nestled on a low plateau of the Smoky Mountains at the SC/TN border somewhere.

As for all my hates, I posted it because someone asked me directly in this thread, after I said that I enjoyed The Villages, but hated Florida. They asked what about Florida did I hate. So I answered. Perhaps people who don't like hearing answers to questions, shouldn't read publicly accessible forums on the internet. Hurts them in their feelings place, apparently.

Thanks Margaret for your understanding. It's a rare gift around these parts.

I agree. I did ask. I don’t agree with most of it, but I will defend your right to say it to the death (I am a veteran). The one thing I will comment on is the diversity baloney. Since I was born in 1963 and am multiethnic myself, I noticed racism before it was popular too. There is less in TV than anywhere. Nobody cares about skin color and I sure don’t. I love going to Mexico (my mother’s homeland) and no diversity there. Love going to Italy. None there. Heck, just as much diversity in TV as in most places on earth. Lots of diversity in LA and NY and they are a mess. I like clean, crime free, good weather, low taxes, lots to do, and pleasant people who don’t judge you. That’s the villages to a tee and why I love it.
You sound unhappy here. Curious why you don’t move back up North? Many do for various reasons. You should live where it makes you happy in retirement especially
Thanks for sharing.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

As a kid I grew up in CT. Spent a couple years in the PI. Moved to FL. Been here since 1987. It"s fair to say now that I'm from FL. I struggle with that. I both love and hate FL.

Everything you said makes total sense to me. I get you. Your cemetery comment, right... To each their own on final resting places but for sure it baffled me not to see them back in 1987 and here in T V not to have them yeah, really a remarkable thing. Your comments chime for me.

Rolling hills, windy roads, tall trees, soft grass, no red ants so you can sit in said soft grass. Big rocks, cold cold water out of the tap. The list goes on and on but...

I know what life outside of the bubble is like. While snowbird season results in much higher need for DEFENSIVE three eyes in your head driving, I still would not want to live outside of the bubble anymore. Politically, I thank God I get to live in FL.

Socially, the fun golf carting, the endless things to do here. It is as (or sadly, with so much ridiculous growth potentially was) close to perfect as I've ever seen living in FL.

I do think that T V is getting too big and it doesn't make sense to me as a Central FL dweller all these years. 15 more years of growth... really?? $$$ in the developers generational wealth machine which is sad to me. Eventually it will result in T V just being a sprawl. You can already see the skimping on charm which is unfortunate.

Thanks for your understanding. And yes rolling hills and grass you can actually sit in with the grass blades carving up your skin so the ants don't have to dig so much for their snack...totally miss blue fescue and rye grass.

Politics though - without getting deep - you express disappointment in the Developers' choices to turn TV into sprawl. And yet you vote for officials who promote that sprawl and support the Developers' choices. That perplexes me. Not just with you, but with everyone who lives here and is disappointed with those choices being made. The citizens can enact change and tell the Developers "no, you won't be expanding to Disneyworld, and that's that." All they have to do is vote for people who will put their zoning feet down and tell them no, and stick with it.

It might cost a few bucks more every year going forward, if the Developer doesn't get his increasingly enormous piece of the pie and the towns don't expand at the rate of 1000 new homes every 6 months. But isn't this supposed to be a senior Heaven on Earth? Isn't that worth a few bucks more every year? If not, then they really shouldn't be complaining.

[Packer Fan]

Decries 'hatred' that is manifest in people who live in Florida.
Uses "I hate" a dozen times.

Please be nice to OBB. She responded to my question about what she did not like. Open and honest communication is a good thing and she stated her opinion and really did not attack anyone just why she did not like certain things. We should applaud that not condemn it.

[airstreamingypsy]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

I swear I think we were separated at birth...... I agree with everything you wrote.

[Packer Fan]

Infrastructure maybe but I was born and raised in Wisconsin for 75 years and there's nothing like the Midwest in spring, summer, and fall.

Just to bad the good Lord made 6 months of spring, summer, and fall up there
and 6 months of winter. :swear:

In my younger days in Wisconsin I own 6 boats, fished Lake Michigan, wolf and Fox rivers.
Iced fished, hiked and camped the state parks, cross country skied, rode my Goldwing everywhere, raised our adopted son, made a good living, attended many Packer games and now it is a change of scenery in my old age, no more snow to drive in, walk in, or drive in.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/104204d1716321907-you-happy-you-made-villages-your-retirement-home-avatar17979_3-gif

Not sure we are talking about the same place. Spring is Nice? Really? We have had snow in May. Even this year which was relatively nice most days are in the 50s and rainy. You have to take a jacket to the 4th of July fireworks. It is nice most of June through September. But then October back to Jackets. Overall it is my home state, but I like Florida way better.

I do not understand the love for basements. Everyone I know who has one has had flooding in it. One thing I like about TV is no basement

[Nellmack]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

I appreciate your detailed honesty. I found myself agreeing with many of your comments (garage in the front of the house - yuck) even though I don't live in TV (possibly in the future). I would very much like to read what you DO like about TV (using that same honesty :)

[Professor]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
My wife And I moved here full-time in 2012 after using it as vacation property from 2009-2012. We loved it when we moved here and always enjoyed the music, the friendly people, and the abundance of activities. She passed away last September and while it has been an adjustment for me as a single, I still do love it here. I don't know where else I would move to that I would not be bored after getting spoiled by all the activities here.

I do get tired of the complainers and the traffic, but there are grumpy people and busy traffic lots of places so you get mostly good here, and put up with the little stuff you don't care for. You can choose to be happy or you can choose to be unhappy...why be unhappy?

[Miboater]

We bought here 2 1/2 years ago and go back and forth to our Michigan home throughout the year. The Villages checked most of the boxes of what we wanted our retirement to look like and now we are in the process of selling our Michigan home to be here full time. Do we love everything here? No, but we are loving the life we are enjoying and try to avoid the things we don't.

It reminds me when my Dad had to sell his house and move into a assisted living retirement place. He loved his independence and would not move in with me or my brothers as we tried. It was a very nice place and when I would visit him he was happy but there were plenty of people there who were just miserable. I told him then that people get grumpy when they get old. I'll always remember that he told me that these were the same people that were miserable when they were younger and now just have more time to focus on how miserable they are. He lived a long and happy life focusing on the positive when he had every opportunity to dwell on the negatives like losing his wife, my Mom, when she was 59. I try to be enjoy my life wherever I am and hopefully will enjoy the remaining time just like he did.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I agree. I did ask. I don’t agree with most of it, but I will defend your right to say it to the death (I am a veteran). Woke is the opposite btw as they don’t want free speech. The one thing I will comment on is the diversity baloney. Since I was born in 1963 and am multiethnic myself, I noticed racism before it was popular too. There is less in TV than anywhere. Nobody cares about skin color and I sure don’t. I love going to Mexico (my mother’s homeland) and no diversity there. Love going to Italy. None there. Heck, just as much diversity in TV as in most places on earth. Lots of diversity in LA and NY and they are a mess. I like clean, crime free, good weather, low taxes, lots to do, and pleasant people who don’t judge you. That’s the villages to a tee and why I love it.
You sound unhappy here. Curious why you don’t move back up North? Many do for various reasons. You should live where it makes you happy in retirement especially
Thanks for sharing.

By diversity I mean - I like seeing variety. I don't like my flowerbed to be all pink, or all white. I don't like my food to be all steak and potatoes. I don't like my neighbors houses to all look the same. A color-blind person can't really appreciate the color red, if the color blue looks brown to them. I need that variety - that DIVERSITY of sensory input, from places, foods, smells, people, colors, even religions and philosophies - I like my world to be three-dimensional and not a 2-D carbon-copy of my personal ideals.

It has to do with sensory stimulation, not emotional attachment to specific people or types or propaganda.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I appreciate your detailed honesty. I found myself agreeing with many of your comments (garage in the front of the house - yuck) even though I don't live in TV (possibly in the future). I would very much like to read what you DO like about TV (using that same honesty :)

The landscaping is gorgeous and well-maintained. The amenities are plentiful, truly there is something for everyone and if you're bored, it's because you choose to be bored here. The areas of the "squares" and immediate perimeter are laid out to make you feel as though you're in an entirely different part of the country - a la Epcot Center without the rides. The people, for the most part, are (at least publicly) very lovely and if you're lucky you'll find a neighborhood where the neighbors are truly neighborly.

Driveway parties - what an awesome concept! Not unique to The Villages, but there are a lot of them here.

Being able to take the golf cart EVERYWHERE - that's one of my great pleasures in The Villages. I had it figured out last year, WHY it was so awesome. When you're in a car, you observe your surroundings, you observe the world on the other side of your car door. In a golf cart, you are an active participant of that world. It's thrilling, because you're RIGHT THERE. You're not just watching it. Even for something as mundane as going to the dentist's office - the process of getting there is FUN when you're in a golf cart. That can affect your entire mood, and I truly think it's one very important reason why so many people are happy here in The Villages.

[graciegirl]

By diversity I mean - I like seeing variety. I don't like my flowerbed to be all pink, or all white. I don't like my food to be all steak and potatoes. I don't like my neighbors houses to all look the same. A color-blind person can't really appreciate the color red, if the color blue looks brown to them. I need that variety - that DIVERSITY of sensory input, from places, foods, smells, people, colors, even religions and philosophies - I like my world to be three-dimensional and not a 2-D carbon-copy of my personal ideals.

It has to do with sensory stimulation, not emotional attachment to specific people or types or propaganda.

Perhaps a lot of your views may be colored by the overwhelming voter majority. I rather like that part, myself.

[MrFlorida]

Love the Florida weather, so glad The Villages are here. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

[Switter]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

I am 58 and not retired (remote worker). I moved here August 2023. I initially wasn't going to buy here, just staying in an Airbnb. After one week my mind was changed and I bought a place.

I don't go to the town Squares for the entertainment or anything like that, it's not my thing. What I like best about the villages are the sports pools for swimming laps, the endless multimodal paths for riding bike, and the beautifully manicured and well maintained grounds. Most of the people I've met here are nice, although quite a bit older than me. I don't really "hang around" people here but I do have coffee with a couple neighbors once a week. I don't participate in any of the clubs yet because I work full-time and most of them are during the day. I really like that the options are there though.

Summers are my favorite because there is less traffic and less people (thank you snowbirds!)

It's not for everyone though. My brother wasn't big on it, but he is the kind of person that wants acreage and a lot more privacy.

My biggest hurdle is storage, lol. The garages in the price range I was looking at are really small here.

All-in-all, for me The villages is awesome and I am very glad I purchased here. I just hope that the future costs involved in maintaining all this infrastructure doesn't get too expensive.

[roadrnnr]

Love it. Would never be this active if we stayed up north.

We are escaping from VT in 2 weeks and I'll never forget what a guy said to me on our first Lifestyle Visit when I told him where I was visiting from, " You'll die a slow death in VT"

He was so right

[maistocars]

We wouldn't be anywhere else!

[Regorp]

Pretty much everything you said, except "hate Florida". Florida, as a geographical area, is not my favorite place on Earth. But, it will do for the time I have left. 🫠

Everything about TV is awesome and so is Florida. Always enjoyed vacationing here, but now I can visit all those places I never had time in a week. Much better than our old state-Connecticut!! And we prefer heat to snow any day!!

[Birdrm]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

Sorry, I can't really answer your question, I moved her a little over 2 years ago but still work full time so I only have the weekends to enjoy everything TV has to offer. But, I will say I am looking forward to that day I retire and want to do that right here in TV!

[Sandabern]

I moved here late last summer from the Midwest. I'm reasonably young (mid 50s), and I have friends who lived here and kept trying to get me to "try it". I was planning to move to Tampa and just happened to mention it to them. I told them I wasn't ready to move to "God's waiting room with a bunch of sexed up overaged weirdos".

I finally "tried it" and found out all the hype is mostly bad and doesn't come close to represent what a fantastic place this is. The people are the best part. Most everyone here is just great to be around. I have no regrets moving here whatsoever and Orlando is an hour away. So much to do to have fun in the sun. And the hype is nowhere near reality. Unless it's good hype and that's usually correct.

The only thing I'd change is that SOME of the sports are kind of "cliquish", but I'm reasonably young and athletic, so it hasn't been a problem for me to be "accepted" easily into the sports I've tried. But I've a few of the "experienced Villagers" make it a little (but not too) difficult on some of the new people who don't catch on right away and I don't think that's right. I've spoken up about it a few times, but it's the only thing I would change.

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

[cahvillage]

I have lived in The Villages for 20 years and would not want to live anywhere else....

[Shipping up to Boston]

Please be nice to OBB. She responded to my question about what she did not like. Open and honest communication is a good thing and she stated her opinion and really did not attack anyone just why she did not like certain things. We should applaud that not condemn it.

Totally agree
It’s one of the reasons I joined this forum. You have Villagers that tow the company brochure and pose in front of the happy banner at its entrance.....then you have those that bring their institutional knowledge, experiences and observations to the masses....good, bad or indifferent. Those are the residents I want to have a beer with. :beer3:

[Velvet]

I love my Villages community. Have been visiting my relatives in TV since 1992 I have never felt different. I felt fortunate when my husband (who had lived in many many places) let us give TV a try, and then when he lived here, called it, “Living the dream”. I feel safe here, I don’t know if the lack of diversity, of age, of ethnicity, of religion etc contributes to the peace, whatever, the sum total of what makes up this place, is just right for me. Ok, so Publix is too expensive, we could have more sidewalks and so on, it is not heaven. But, I am proud of Florida, and the people who live here. Maybe there are better places, but it is here that I am truly happy.

[ckcapaul]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

Yes we enjoy being here, found a great neighborhood. Winters in Mn don't let us do the activities we can do here. Plus as we get older worry about falling on the ice. We do go back for a few months in the summer.

[juddfl]

I moved to The Villages in 2001 and I still love it here. That's 23 years and I've seen a lot of changes. Some people don't adapt will to change, but you need it. We have a lot now that we did not have in 2001. No more driving to Leesburg or Ocala for basic needs like a hardware store, a doctor, a hospital, etc. It was great back then, but it is a lot better now. I will stay here until the end of my life if I have anything to say about it.

[Beats]

With the small exception of being over crowed during snow bird season I love living in the Villages. But the BIG exception is the absolute joke and false sense of security that you get from the gates and the gate keepers, all one has to do is push that red button and they are in. I have heard and actually know and see squatters that the home owners are having an issue getting out, and if those gates were enforced I would think that the squatter mess would drop at least in half. Solicitors come and knock on your door at will and do we really know anything about theses people, maybe Massey or some of the more reputable companies are fine but what about the countless lawn guys and such with no back round checks have absolute freedom to stake out our homes to see if we live here full time or not. If you are a snow bird and not living here full time you are at risk of having your home being squatted in.

This situation is going to come to a head someday if it hasn't already happened in your Village.

[Karmanng]

We're very happy to be here. Initially it was simply for the weather, but now it's a whole lot more. We love exploring in the golf cart. We love all the entertainment and social options. We love the opportunities to volunteer with the organizations we support. I love not mowing five acres anymore. Although moving onto a postage stamp sized lot was an adjustment. We love our neighbors and the true sense of friendship and community we enjoy with them.

But like you say, nowhere's perfect. Defensive driving is absolutely required like no place I have ever seen. The traffic and the crowds up around the 6's keeps getting worse.

I think people are only as happy as they want to be. I believe if you can't be happy here you pretty much won't be happy anywhere.

I think it is funny you mention the traffic and the driving..........I have been here in Feb march and now moved here and I have to say the driving is great compared to arizona and all the red light runners and people who think side streets are race tracks this aint NOTHIN

[Byte1]

I liked it when I moved here and they said that they were not going to increase it's size. Since then, it has doubled in size and just about everywhere you go it is always crowded and there are long wait lines. Otherwise, it's a excellent place for seniors. AND, it ought to be just for seniors and not for airB&Bs, summer vacation resort for young adults and also an excuse for businesses to price gouge seniors. I enjoy Florida's weather and I like how quiet the neighborhoods are in the Villages. It would be even better IF The Villages was a true gated community, but at least we have the facade of having security.
That said, YES I am glad we decided to move here.

[BlueStarAirlines]

I think it is funny you mention the traffic and the driving..........I have been here in Feb march and now moved here and I have to say the driving is great compared to arizona and all the red light runners and people who think side streets are race tracks this aint NOTHIN

Totally agree! Having moved here from DC, traffic (even in the winter) is wonderful!

[roscoguy]

I agree with some points, disagree with others. I won't argue or agree on politics as we don't do that in this forum. But we definitely do have "Florida Man" stories where no other state seems to have the equivalent.

Everybody from out of state has a pizza they miss. I miss Jets Pizza, a Michigan-based company that I didn't discover until I'd moved to North Carolina. I can get them here, but I wish they were closer to The Villages than Altamonte.

Is this place perfect? Of course not. No place is. Is it horrible? Not by a long stretch. We've been here 7 years and I'm still tickled pink to wake up here every day. But that's just me. Your mileage may vary.

I agree with, or can at least identify with, almost everything in your reply, as well the points made by OBB. It's great to hear from other folks that don't have blinders on!

I know it doesn't really help with Jets withdrawal but we were in Lakeland a couple weeks ago & made sure to order Jets pizza before we left the area. The good news is that was damn near as good as it used to be when we would get pizzas from the original location in Madison Heights! :thumbup: Hopefully someone will open a franchise near here soon!! :icon_hungry:

[Packer Fan]

By diversity I mean - I like seeing variety. I don't like my flowerbed to be all pink, or all white. I don't like my food to be all steak and potatoes. I don't like my neighbors houses to all look the same. A color-blind person can't really appreciate the color red, if the color blue looks brown to them. I need that variety - that DIVERSITY of sensory input, from places, foods, smells, people, colors, even religions and philosophies - I like my world to be three-dimensional and not a 2-D carbon-copy of my personal ideals.

It has to do with sensory stimulation, not emotional attachment to specific people or types or propaganda.
Very interesting comment. I get where you are coming from and not as important to me, but we get a lot of that through Travel, which my wife and I love to do.

[richdell]

We moved down here about 3 1/2 years ago. No regrets. My big fear up north was slipping on the ice in the winter and breaking something. No worries about that here, although I guess I could always trip over an alligator. :icon_wink:

[Shipping up to Boston]

The theme here historically (ToTV specific)....is if you don’t agree with somebody else’ opinions about life in TV vs somewhere else....is that you’re ‘unhappy’ and should ‘go back home’. Probably the same people that yelled ‘get off the lawn’ or called the cops when juveniles walk down your street at night......’back home’! Very narrow....and shallow way of thinking or living life. So I will resurrect my favorite line in that spirit....Geriatrics always comes back to Pediatrics! And clearly not just diapers!

[Moderator]

We've removed many of the hateful and off topic posts. You may not agree with someone else's viewpoint but please do so in a respectful manner. Please.. No more of the "If you don't like it here, leave" posts. Also please stay on topic.

Thank you.
Moderator

[CFrance]

Very interesting comment. I get where you are coming from and not as important to me, but we get a lot of that through Travel, which my wife and I love to do.

We do too, but it does point out the sameness of TV, which makes me a little sad. But I'm happy with our life here. I hope we'll be able to travel for years to come.

[Stu from NYC]

We do too, but it does point out the sameness of TV, which makes me a little sad. But I'm happy with our life here. I hope we'll be able to travel for years to come.

Nothing is perfect but TV is pretty darn close

[retiredguy123]

Overall, I'm happy.

Pros:
My cost of living decreased by 75 percent.
Warm weather
No children

Cons:
Inadequate transportation
Mediocre restaurants

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

With the small exception of being over crowed during snow bird season I love living in the Villages. But the BIG exception is the absolute joke and false sense of security that you get from the gates and the gate keepers, all one has to do is push that red button and they are in. I have heard and actually know and see squatters that the home owners are having an issue getting out, and if those gates were enforced I would think that the squatter mess would drop at least in half. Solicitors come and knock on your door at will and do we really know anything about theses people, maybe Massey or some of the more reputable companies are fine but what about the countless lawn guys and such with no back round checks have absolute freedom to stake out our homes to see if we live here full time or not. If you are a snow bird and not living here full time you are at risk of having your home being squatted in.

This situation is going to come to a head someday if it hasn't already happened in your Village.

The Villages isn't a gated community. Most of the roads are PUBLIC roads, not private. The gates are for traffic control, and as a "psychological deterrent" to crime rather than actual prevention. Just like - if someone wants to break into cars, they're more likely to open the door of someone who didn't lock it, rather than break the window. But they're still gonna get into your car if that's what they want to do.

Criminals will find a way to commit crime, wherever they feel is easiest to commit it. The gates make them think "well there's that other community right down the street, they don't have any gates or cameras at all. I'll get easier pickin's there" and go somewhere else.

Just like "guns don't kill people, people kill people." A lack of security doesn't cause crime. Criminals cause crime.

[asianthree]

With the small exception of being over crowed during snow bird season I love living in the Villages. But the BIG exception is the absolute joke and false sense of security that you get from the gates and the gate keepers, all one has to do is push that red button and they are in. I have heard and actually know and see squatters that the home owners are having an issue getting out, and if those gates were enforced I would think that the squatter mess would drop at least in half. Solicitors come and knock on your door at will and do we really know anything about theses people, maybe Massey or some of the more reputable companies are fine but what about the countless lawn guys and such with no back round checks have absolute freedom to stake out our homes to see if we live here full time or not. If you are a snow bird and not living here full time you are at risk of having your home being squatted in.

This situation is going to come to a head someday if it hasn't already happened in your Village.

New villages have more door knocking that 2yo homes. Since 2007, and 5 different villages is rare to see more than 1-2 year.

We have been snowbirds, snowflakes, part time, and full time taking summers away. Have never had issues with the risks you post about.

Then again my home watch is retired LEO that stills carries, so no worries on that part

[Lea N]

Our house had a sump pump in the basement and it never switched on. The house was built in 1957, a ranch on 1/2 acre corner lot. There were a few true sumac trees (not poison sumac plants) and five sugar maples in the back yard including the "mama maple", which was over 250 years old. She was the "mother" of all the maples in the neighborhood, which was originally a farm. The houses across the street from us were all cape cods on concrete slabs. Our side of the street was mostly ranch homes, plus the original farmhouse next door to us, made of brick and timber. The farmhouse was built in 1912. Down the street from us was a vintage home that had originally been an inn and carriage house. It was listed on the historic homes registry, because Paul Revere was somehow affiliated with it. Maybe he stayed there at some point, or the guy who made his coffin brought wood up from somewhere and stayed there. I don't remember the exact history.

During one winter, our neighborhood got over 6 feet of snow in total within just a couple of weeks. Plows broke, one guy parked his car on the side of the road the day before the storms hit, didn't move it back to his driveway, and the plows didn't realize there was a car there since it was completely obscured by the drifts. His car ended up halfway onto his front lawn, crushed. A few days after the last of the snow that week, everything started to melt. Ice dams on roofs caused massive damage and in some homes, complete roof collapses. There was a lot of basement flooding and foundation cracks in the neighborhood. We got a little water damage to our kitchen floor and some minor damage to the guest bedroom wall. Our basement stayed dry.

One downside to our house was we had no central air conditioning, and the layout was such that we would need an A/C window unit in every room to keep the whole house cool. It was too impractical and noisy and expensive and it'd mean loss of daylight in two of the rooms, since they only had one window each. So we mostly suffered in the summer.

Interesting history, especially the Paul Revere connection.

The house I grew up in was built in 1924. My grandfather bought it in 1927 after my grandparents were married. It was the only house on the street at the time. My father told me when he was a kid (he was born in 31') that he went across the street and picked wild strawberries.

It was a pretty, old colonial home on an acre of property. My grandfather grew veggies in the summer and beautiful flowers for my grandmother. He put in paths so my grandmother could walk and look at the flowers he planted for her.

The house originally did not have a basement. My grandfather built it himself, I believe with the help of some relatives.

When our neighbors bought there home down the street their kids discovered an extra room. One of the kids discovered an opening of some kind in a closet. When they opened it there was another BIG room. When they purchased the home they had no idea it was there. If those old homes could talk the stories they could tell.

[Stu from NYC]

Overall, I'm happy.

Pros:
My cost of living decreased by 75 percent.
Warm weather
No children

Cons:
Inadequate transportation
Mediocre restaurants

Agree about the restaurants. More and more we go out side the bubble either north or south

[Glowing Horizon]

Infrastructure maybe but I was born and raised in Wisconsin for 75 years and there's nothing like the Midwest in spring, summer, and fall.

Just to bad the good Lord made 6 months of spring, summer, and fall up there
and 6 months of winter. :swear:

In my younger days in Wisconsin I own 6 boats, fished Lake Michigan, wolf and Fox rivers.
Iced fished, hiked and camped the state parks, cross country skied, rode my Goldwing everywhere, raised our adopted son, made a good living, attended many Packer games and now it is a change of scenery in my old age, no more snow to drive in, walk in, or drive in.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/104204d1716321907-you-happy-you-made-villages-your-retirement-home-avatar17979_3-gif

I love to LOOK at snow but stress out about having to drive on slick roads so the only way for me to enjoy winter is to hibernate. I love sunny Florida’s heat & don't mind the humidity with afternoon a/c breaks. Beach time is unparalleled. Very grateful to have my health & enough wealth to cover all my needs & some wants too. Seriously never dreamt I’d have both! Would love to have my kids nearby but that's not for me to choose. TV is a fantastic blend. It’s as if they took all the very best of midwest suburban living & made it just for older folks like me! Other age-restricted communities are kinda creepy IMO. I’m glad for the nearby areas for families since too much sameness can foster contempt.

[Glowing Horizon]

Agree about the restaurants. More and more we go out side the bubble either north or south
100% agree about the restaurants in TV. They make bland uninviting food. Its weird how the same ingredients can be used to make a delicious dish in the hands of a skilled cook/chef!

If you ever want a fantastic steak (hard to find in FL?) we found an oldy but a goody: Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa. You’ll need reservations. Their extra tours are awesome! Who knew there could be a cavern full of wine there? Took us years to find out about it. Love love love their mushrooms too!

[Snakster66]

Please be nice to OBB. She responded to my question about what she did not like. Open and honest communication is a good thing and she stated her opinion and really did not attack anyone just why she did not like certain things. We should applaud that not condemn it.
I don't think I was being 'not nice'. I just point out irony when I see it. It amuses me. I harbor no animosity toward OBB or anyone else.

[graciegirl]

The restaurants aren't as good as when the country club ones were started and run by the Morses directly. That is very true. The cost to eat out is really high now and that and the not wonderful food has made us continue to cook at home that we started during the pandemic. It is a common problem not to be able to employ help for the kitchen or as servers. (EVERYWHERE...in every state and nook and cranny.)....... I have my view as to the cause of that too.

I have found that Villagers are generally careful with their money, no matter how much they have, and that may be the reason they have it. After the pandemic we went to Arnold Palmers to get one of their delicious grilled over the open fire cheeseburgers with brie. They now cost twenty five bucks, are not cooked over the open fire, no brie and an hour wait.

We eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and lower fat and we can control our portions better if we eat at home and fifty years of cooking has made us pretty good cooks and savvy shoppers.

[tophcfa]

We eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and lower fat and we can control our portions better if we eat at home.

Totally agree, and it’s also very hard to avoid unhealthy carbs at most restaurants. However we very much enjoy occasionally eating out at Costal Del Mar, getting take out sushi from Sakura, or getting an Island Fin Polk Bowl if we’re in Brownwood.

[ThirdOfFive]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
Best for me to list pros and cons. So...

PROS

NO STATE INCOME TAX. Minnesota, where I hail from, has the 5th highest income tax in the nation, plus they are one of the few states that tax SS and pension benefits. Florida remains blessedly free of such things.

THE WEATHER. Growing up as a kid, I remember many sub -40 mornings. Didn't mind 'em then. Can't even conceive of 'em now. Plus, I love heat so summer here in TV is by far my favorite time of year. Storms? Well, thunderstorms here are kinda wimpy compared to what they're like up in prairie country.

HELPFULNESS. I do a lot of walking. On hot days I can be assured of at least three folks offering me A. a ride; B. water; or C) both. How many of us can remember times back home, since about 1980 anyway, when we either offered or accepted a ride from a total stranger? Here, it is strange when it DOESN'T happen.

LAW ENFORCEMENT. Saw an article recently of the cops here tracking down and arresting two guys for shoplifting about $450 worth of stuff from a local Wal-mart. Again, thinking of back home, what are the odds of that happening? I can guarantee that if it happened in Minneapolis the only thing a call to the police to report such a thing would get you is a belly laugh. Lots of similar reports here on an almost daily basis. I carried routinely back in Minnesota. Here, in four years--not even once. Just don't feel the need.

MANICURED DITCHES. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I was impressed by that my first visit here. No less so today.

CONS

THE DRIVERS. Don't get me wrong. Minnesota had a lot of road cowboys too. But for different reasons. I have little problem with folks who bend laws if they're fully capable of handling their vehicle and have sufficient reflexes and skills to handle situations. But it is different here; lots of folks out there driving (cars, golf carts, whatevers) in traffic who because of age and diminished abilities, should not be. Signal lights mean nada here, and a lot of the folks herding their vehicles down the road obviously don't even see other traffic. I had my motorcycle shipped here when we first moved here, rode it for a month and sold it. I had more close calls in that month than I had in the previous 10 years in Minnesota.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON PALM TREES. That is just wrong!

BIASED "NEWS" SOURCES. The two main sources seem to be The Daily Sun and V!llages-News: the former being nothing but rainbows and unicorns, while the latter is all sleaze, all the time. Anything between those two polar opposites seem occasional and haphazard. Yeah, I know it is that way most other places too. It just gets tiresome.

PEASANT BLOUSES ON OCTOGENARIANS. C'mon!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Best for me to list pros and cons. So...

PROS

NO STATE INCOME TAX. Minnesota, where I hail from, has the 5th highest income tax in the nation, plus they are one of the few states that tax SS and pension benefits. Florida remains blessedly free of such things.

THE WEATHER. Growing up as a kid, I remember many sub -40 mornings. Didn't mind 'em then. Can't even conceive of 'em now. Plus, I love heat so summer here in TV is by far my favorite time of year. Storms? Well, thunderstorms here are kinda wimpy compared to what they're like up in prairie country.

HELPFULNESS. I do a lot of walking. On hot days I can be assured of at least three folks offering me A. a ride; B. water; or C) both. How many of us can remember times back home, since about 1980 anyway, when we either offered or accepted a ride from a total stranger? Here, it is strange when it DOESN'T happen.

LAW ENFORCEMENT. Saw an article recently of the cops here tracking down and arresting two guys for shoplifting about $450 worth of stuff from a local Wal-mart. Again, thinking of back home, what are the odds of that happening? I can guarantee that if it happened in Minneapolis the only thing a call to the police to report such a thing would get you is a belly laugh. Lots of similar reports here on an almost daily basis. I carried routinely back in Minnesota. Here, in four years--not even once. Just don't feel the need.

MANICURED DITCHES. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I was impressed by that my first visit here. No less so today.

CONS

THE DRIVERS. Don't get me wrong. Minnesota had a lot of road cowboys too. But for different reasons. I have little problem with folks who bend laws if they're fully capable of handling their vehicle and have sufficient reflexes and skills to handle situations. But it is different here; lots of folks out there driving (cars, golf carts, whatevers) in traffic who because of age and diminished abilities, should not be. Signal lights mean nada here, and a lot of the folks herding their vehicles down the road obviously don't even see other traffic. I had my motorcycle shipped here when we first moved here, rode it for a month and sold it. I had more close calls in that month than I had in the previous 10 years in Minnesota.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON PALM TREES. That is just wrong!

BIASED "NEWS" SOURCES. The two main sources seem to be The Daily Sun and V!llages-News: the former being nothing but rainbows and unicorns, while the latter is all sleaze, all the time. Anything between those two polar opposites seem occasional and haphazard. Yeah, I know it is that way most other places too. It just gets tiresome.

PEASANT BLOUSES ON OCTOGENARIANS. C'mon!

The peasant blouses hide the sagging boobs, flabby bellies, stretch marks, and back fat. Be grateful for those peasant blouses. We're doing you a huge service.

[ThirdOfFive]

"We're doing you a huge service."

:BigApplause:

[Stu from NYC]

Totally agree, and it’s also very hard to avoid unhealthy carbs at most restaurants. However we very much enjoy occasionally eating out at Costal Del Mar, getting take out sushi from Sakura, or getting an Island Fin Polk Bowl if we’re in Brownwood.

Restaurants seem to compete in how unhealthy can we make the food we serve

[Velvet]

Best for me to list pros and cons. So...

PROS

NO STATE INCOME TAX. Minnesota, where I hail from, has the 5th highest income tax in the nation, plus they are one of the few states that tax SS and pension benefits. Florida remains blessedly free of such things.

THE WEATHER. Growing up as a kid, I remember many sub -40 mornings. Didn't mind 'em then. Can't even conceive of 'em now. Plus, I love heat so summer here in TV is by far my favorite time of year. Storms? Well, thunderstorms here are kinda wimpy compared to what they're like up in prairie country.

HELPFULNESS. I do a lot of walking. On hot days I can be assured of at least three folks offering me A. a ride; B. water; or C) both. How many of us can remember times back home, since about 1980 anyway, when we either offered or accepted a ride from a total stranger? Here, it is strange when it DOESN'T happen.

LAW ENFORCEMENT. Saw an article recently of the cops here tracking down and arresting two guys for shoplifting about $450 worth of stuff from a local Wal-mart. Again, thinking of back home, what are the odds of that happening? I can guarantee that if it happened in Minneapolis the only thing a call to the police to report such a thing would get you is a belly laugh. Lots of similar reports here on an almost daily basis. I carried routinely back in Minnesota. Here, in four years--not even once. Just don't feel the need.

MANICURED DITCHES. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I was impressed by that my first visit here. No less so today.

CONS

THE DRIVERS. Don't get me wrong. Minnesota had a lot of road cowboys too. But for different reasons. I have little problem with folks who bend laws if they're fully capable of handling their vehicle and have sufficient reflexes and skills to handle situations. But it is different here; lots of folks out there driving (cars, golf carts, whatevers) in traffic who because of age and diminished abilities, should not be. Signal lights mean nada here, and a lot of the folks herding their vehicles down the road obviously don't even see other traffic. I had my motorcycle shipped here when we first moved here, rode it for a month and sold it. I had more close calls in that month than I had in the previous 10 years in Minnesota.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON PALM TREES. That is just wrong!

BIASED "NEWS" SOURCES. The two main sources seem to be The Daily Sun and V!llages-News: the former being nothing but rainbows and unicorns, while the latter is all sleaze, all the time. Anything between those two polar opposites seem occasional and haphazard. Yeah, I know it is that way most other places too. It just gets tiresome.

PEASANT BLOUSES ON OCTOGENARIANS. C'mon!

Wait a minute. The first Christmas took place among palm trees! It’s the other trees that see out of place (historically). The rest of the stuff I agree with.

[GoRedSox!]

My wife and I just completed our first three months here. I told her that The Villages exceeded every expectation that I had. I cannot think of one representation that was made to us that was untrue or misleading. I am not drinking any Kool-Aid, I am 63 years old and I hope that had enough hard knocks in life to not be that gullible.

In no particular order....

Our home is great, no issues, great location right next to Brownwood;
The Villages is safe, one of the safest places I think we could be and I do not worry about my wife going anywhere in the Bubble;
The weather has been great. Much better than Connecticut in February, March, and April;
The people are generally friendly, helpful, smart, and fun;
This place is a paradise for dogs and our dogs loved it;
The word I would use to describe the condition of The Villages is "pristine." Everything is mowed, trimmed, pruned, and edged. There is natural beauty everywhere, particularly in the trees. There is no litter. This place is beautiful.
The bands that play in the Squares are very good. They are not hacks, this is good music.
So much to do....so much to do....so much to do. There is something for everyone.
I am 63 years old, I am still in good health, my wife loves me and is still with me, and I still have my sense of humor. How can I not be happy?
We found St. Timothy's Church and found a community of faith that we enjoyed being part of
Traveling via golf car is lots of fun. I'm not in a hurry. Where am I going? See above about being 63 and retired. We loved to go out for rides on the golf car with nowhere in particular to go, it's relaxing.
Politics....I did not experience people talking about politics....it was not an issue at all....people are too busy having fun
Edna's is a nice place to have lunch
Golfer's paradise....I know there were complaints about some of the courses, but they looked a lot better in March than the courses in Connecticut
I have previously put up a post about all the contractors who did a great job for us....everyone was very polite, everyone arrived on time.
Beautiful places to walk and very flat almost everywhere.
I really enjoyed watching the rockets take off on my TV on YouTube and then going out on the lanai and watching them go up with the naked eye. There were so many Falcon 9 launches, some weeks there was 3-4.


The biggest concern I have is getting good medical care if and when we need it....
I have never seen any statistics on this, but things really thinned out after April 1...and every week thereafter. I don't know how many snowbirds and snowflakes there are, but I think the answer is A LOT.

I think I try to make the best of things, but this is our honest experience and my wife loved it, too.

I really hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful place. I know life can change on a dime and throw some curve balls and some folks who are not happy have difficult circumstances. But even in difficult circumstances, I think The Villages is a great place to be because there are so many folks who are willing to help.

Best to everyone and have a great summer!

[lawgolfer]

Some people are happiest when they are unhappy and do their best to make the rest of us unhappy (my mother-in-law). It's the difference of seeing the glass as being half-full or half-empty.

We could not be happier with The Villages. Both of us wish we had first retired here instead of the 11 years we spent in another retirement community.

Our only complaint has been the condition of the golf courses, both Executive and Championship for the last year. That is being addressed. We played Palmer this week and it was in the best condition of our playing it over the past 4 years. That said, my fondest wish is that the greens on at least one course be kept at 10 or above on the stimpmeter

[npwalters]

I admit that I did not sort through all the responses to this thread so this may be redundant.

I enjoy my life in TV. I can see how it could be better. It is possible to like one's current lifestyle and residence and still see how it could be better or how it is being degraded. To say "if you don't like it here...." is just foolish.

[HORNET]

Nothing like it was 14 plus years ago, back when it was friendly and people were courteous!

[coffeebean]

Income taxes don't affect me, I don't work and have no major investments.

I hate the weather, I hate the politics, I hate the overly-obnoxious "where woke goes to die" rhetoric of hatred, mistrust, misinformation, and ignorance. Yes, that ignorance exists in every state. But it isn't celebrated quite so brazenly as it is here in this state.

In Central Florida specifically, I hate that I can't find a decent pizza. I hate that fried whole belly clams are $35 and up, IF you can find a place that has them on the menu. I hate the lack of ethnic diversity. I hate that everyone gets cremated, and when you type "cemetery near me" or "graveyard near me" you get crematoriums and memorial gardens for results with the Baldwin Brothers at the top of the list. Where I come from, graveyards are chock full of American history, and are very peaceful places to just sit and reflect on life.

I hate that there aren't any town greens, which is arguably over specific, but I come from the home of the first Town Green in the country so I'm biased.

I hate that people think a 20-year-old home is "old." I hate the mentality behind that. Again - where I come from - an "old" home was built prior to 1925, and there are thousands of them in the New England area that function just fine, are well-insulated, have withstood dozens of nor'easters, and are beautiful. I hate the overdevelopment of what was once beautiful swampland. Development, I'm all for. Overdevelopment, see traffic jam #99972, Turnpike Exit Detour #49297, and sinkhole #2721.

I hate that homes sit on cement slabs, with no basements. One thing in particular, which to me is just really WEIRD: I hate that all these developments - not just The Villages - feature their garages as the most prominent visual when you are looking at houses. The garages are all out in front of the house, not behind or beside it. That is just - really really weird to me.

Regarding your dislike of our garages here in The Villages........our garages are attached to the inside of the homes. I like that. Detached garages, in the back of the home, is not convenient and what I would never want. Garages on the side of the home have a difficult entry as you must make a 90 degree turn to enter the garage. I like our garages just fine here. Easy to enter and I don't get wet when it's raining.

[coffeebean]

Our house had a sump pump in the basement and it never switched on. The house was built in 1957, a ranch on 1/2 acre corner lot. There were a few true sumac trees (not poison sumac plants) and five sugar maples in the back yard including the "mama maple", which was over 250 years old. She was the "mother" of all the maples in the neighborhood, which was originally a farm. The houses across the street from us were all cape cods on concrete slabs. Our side of the street was mostly ranch homes, plus the original farmhouse next door to us, made of brick and timber. The farmhouse was built in 1912. Down the street from us was a vintage home that had originally been an inn and carriage house. It was listed on the historic homes registry, because Paul Revere was somehow affiliated with it. Maybe he stayed there at some point, or the guy who made his coffin brought wood up from somewhere and stayed there. I don't remember the exact history.

During one winter, our neighborhood got over 6 feet of snow in total within just a couple of weeks. Plows broke, one guy parked his car on the side of the road the day before the storms hit, didn't move it back to his driveway, and the plows didn't realize there was a car there since it was completely obscured by the drifts. His car ended up halfway onto his front lawn, crushed. A few days after the last of the snow that week, everything started to melt. Ice dams on roofs caused massive damage and in some homes, complete roof collapses. There was a lot of basement flooding and foundation cracks in the neighborhood. We got a little water damage to our kitchen floor and some minor damage to the guest bedroom wall. Our basement stayed dry.

One downside to our house was we had no central air conditioning, and the layout was such that we would need an A/C window unit in every room to keep the whole house cool. It was too impractical and noisy and expensive and it'd mean loss of daylight in two of the rooms, since they only had one window each. So we mostly suffered in the summer.

And you hate Florida???

[coffeebean]

I love everything about Florida except the hurricanes. I would never consider living in any other state. My only negative on the Villages is that it is land locked so I must split my time between a beach/intercoastal community to get my water and boating fix. I hope FL never changes a thing as it’s perfect for me. I don’t even mind humidity; I’ll take it any day over a dry area like AZ.

Your comments about The Villages being "land locked" and you "hate hurricanes" is sort of an oxymoron. I'm sooooooo glad to be land locked because of hurricanes. I hate hurricanes too but do not worry about them as if we lived on the coast.

[coffeebean]

Not sure we are talking about the same place. Spring is Nice? Really? We have had snow in May. Even this year which was relatively nice most days are in the 50s and rainy. You have to take a jacket to the 4th of July fireworks. It is nice most of June through September. But then October back to Jackets. Overall it is my home state, but I like Florida way better.

I do not understand the love for basements. Everyone I know who has one has had flooding in it. One thing I like about TV is no basement
Growing up on Long Island, our basement was always damp. A dehumidifier was necessary for comfort. I'm glad we don't have a basement here. I prefer not to do stairs anyway.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Regarding your dislike of our garages here in The Villages........our garages are attached to the inside of the homes. I like that. Detached garages, in the back of the home, is not convenient and what I would never want. Garages on the side of the home have a difficult entry as you must make a 90 degree turn to enter the garage. I like our garages just fine here. Easy to enter and I don't get wet when it's raining.

Raised ranches have garages attached to the homes up north. They're in fact underneath the main level, with a lower level usually featuring a den or game room and all the other living areas on the main level. But when you're on the street, facing the house, the garage isn't the thing that stands out. It's not "in your face" like they are here.

To look at some of these houses, you'd think that the house is very tiny in comparison. And that's all you see, street after street, neighborhood after neighborhood (except the courtyard villas, where the garage is sorta-kinda off to the side).

It's like "oh look Mabel, a garage with a house attached!"

That is what I see, when I look at those houses. I see garages, with houses attached.

[coffeebean]

The landscaping is gorgeous and well-maintained. The amenities are plentiful, truly there is something for everyone and if you're bored, it's because you choose to be bored here. The areas of the "squares" and immediate perimeter are laid out to make you feel as though you're in an entirely different part of the country - a la Epcot Center without the rides. The people, for the most part, are (at least publicly) very lovely and if you're lucky you'll find a neighborhood where the neighbors are truly neighborly.

Driveway parties - what an awesome concept! Not unique to The Villages, but there are a lot of them here.

Being able to take the golf cart EVERYWHERE - that's one of my great pleasures in The Villages. I had it figured out last year, WHY it was so awesome. When you're in a car, you observe your surroundings, you observe the world on the other side of your car door. In a golf cart, you are an active participant of that world. It's thrilling, because you're RIGHT THERE. You're not just watching it. Even for something as mundane as going to the dentist's office - the process of getting there is FUN when you're in a golf cart. That can affect your entire mood, and I truly think it's one very important reason why so many people are happy here in The Villages.
I truly agree with you about the feeling I get when in my open air golf cart. I would never want one of those air conditioned/heated golf cart vehicles.

My very first trip in our brand new golf cart had me face to face and oh, so close to two sand hill cranes as I emerged from a tunnel. Oh-my-goodness. I will never forget that exhilarating feeling. What a way to travel in this absolutely gorgeous community with infrastructure for golf carting like nowhere in the world. Have I mentioned that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it here?

[coffeebean]

Love the Florida weather, so glad The Villages are here. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

Love that everywhere I go, it is air conditioned. I don't sweat the summers. Thank goodness for cold air inside.

[Stu from NYC]

Raised ranches have garages attached to the homes up north. They're in fact underneath the main level, with a lower level usually featuring a den or game room and all the other living areas on the main level. But when you're on the street, facing the house, the garage isn't the thing that stands out. It's not "in your face" like they are here.



We had a colonial in Va with garage on the lower level and access was to the side of the house. As a result needed larger driveway and house at larger footprint.

The developer would certainly not want that, wants more homes per acre not less.

[Taltarzac725]

Best for me to list pros and cons. So...

PROS

NO STATE INCOME TAX. Minnesota, where I hail from, has the 5th highest income tax in the nation, plus they are one of the few states that tax SS and pension benefits. Florida remains blessedly free of such things.

THE WEATHER. Growing up as a kid, I remember many sub -40 mornings. Didn't mind 'em then. Can't even conceive of 'em now. Plus, I love heat so summer here in TV is by far my favorite time of year. Storms? Well, thunderstorms here are kinda wimpy compared to what they're like up in prairie country.

HELPFULNESS. I do a lot of walking. On hot days I can be assured of at least three folks offering me A. a ride; B. water; or C) both. How many of us can remember times back home, since about 1980 anyway, when we either offered or accepted a ride from a total stranger? Here, it is strange when it DOESN'T happen.

LAW ENFORCEMENT. Saw an article recently of the cops here tracking down and arresting two guys for shoplifting about $450 worth of stuff from a local Wal-mart. Again, thinking of back home, what are the odds of that happening? I can guarantee that if it happened in Minneapolis the only thing a call to the police to report such a thing would get you is a belly laugh. Lots of similar reports here on an almost daily basis. I carried routinely back in Minnesota. Here, in four years--not even once. Just don't feel the need.

MANICURED DITCHES. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I was impressed by that my first visit here. No less so today.

CONS

THE DRIVERS. Don't get me wrong. Minnesota had a lot of road cowboys too. But for different reasons. I have little problem with folks who bend laws if they're fully capable of handling their vehicle and have sufficient reflexes and skills to handle situations. But it is different here; lots of folks out there driving (cars, golf carts, whatevers) in traffic who because of age and diminished abilities, should not be. Signal lights mean nada here, and a lot of the folks herding their vehicles down the road obviously don't even see other traffic. I had my motorcycle shipped here when we first moved here, rode it for a month and sold it. I had more close calls in that month than I had in the previous 10 years in Minnesota.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON PALM TREES. That is just wrong!

BIASED "NEWS" SOURCES. The two main sources seem to be The Daily Sun and V!llages-News: the former being nothing but rainbows and unicorns, while the latter is all sleaze, all the time. Anything between those two polar opposites seem occasional and haphazard. Yeah, I know it is that way most other places too. It just gets tiresome.

PEASANT BLOUSES ON OCTOGENARIANS. C'mon!

You got those right.

I have been here on-and-off since June of 2005 and always am glad to get back. The traffic, crowds, and noise are quite worse than in 2005 but probably no where near like in Palm Harbor, Florida where I lived for nine years before the move to the Villages.

Minnesota sure sounds like it has changed a great deal since I lived in the Twin Cities from late Summer of 1986 through late Autumn of 1991. I have not been back in Minnesota since then but did spent much of the Autumn of 1993 in the Chicagoland area.

[Shipping up to Boston]

We had a colonial in Va with garage on the lower level and access was to the side of the house. As a result needed larger driveway and house at larger footprint.

The developer would certainly not want that, wants more homes per acre not less.

Correct
Maximize your ROI....thats the cluster type construction MO. Don't blame them but it certainly is cookie cutter

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We had a colonial in Va with garage on the lower level and access was to the side of the house. As a result needed larger driveway and house at larger footprint.

The developer would certainly not want that, wants more homes per acre not less.

Yeah colonials are a whole nuther beast. Especially a center-hall colonial, where a garage really needs to be an add-on in the back, or you need another 1/8 acre strip beside the house just for the garage.

Raised ranches solve that problem by having the driveway lead straight into the garage, and if the house is "deep" enough toward the back, then a mudroom in the back of the garage leads to the steps to the den, and then a few more steps from there into the kitchen. Most of the neighborhood I grew up in had that layout. Ours was a split-level and we had a single-car detached garage added a few years after my parents bought the house.

The house I lived in before moving here was a ranch, with a single-car detached garage, but the driveway was off a road that was actually a right-of-way to the senior housing apartment complex behind us.

And at one point I lived in a late-1800's Victorian colonial with the stained glass window on the landing of the winding staircase, and a walk-in fireplace. I was a border, and occupied the mom's room while she was living in Greece. The property had a garage in the back that had been converted into a family friend's studio apartment.

[JimLtravels]

Growing up on Long Island, our basement was always damp. A dehumidifier was necessary for comfort. I'm glad we don't have a basement here. I prefer not to do stairs anyway.

I moved here from NYC about 5 months ago. I moved into an established neighborhood. My neighbors are wonderful and the neighborhood has been surprisingly quiet and pleasant. Though, I guess after NYC, most places would seem quiet. I moved from about 1400 to 1500 square feet, so I am one of the few with more space in the villages than I had previously. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it as I did not come down for a lifestyle visit, I bought immediately. The villages continues to exceed my expectations. I feel incredibly lucky to be here. No basement and a straight on garage both work well for me.

[coffeebean]

Raised ranches have garages attached to the homes up north. They're in fact underneath the main level, with a lower level usually featuring a den or game room and all the other living areas on the main level. But when you're on the street, facing the house, the garage isn't the thing that stands out. It's not "in your face" like they are here.

To look at some of these houses, you'd think that the house is very tiny in comparison. And that's all you see, street after street, neighborhood after neighborhood (except the courtyard villas, where the garage is sorta-kinda off to the side).

It's like "oh look Mabel, a garage with a house attached!"

That is what I see, when I look at those houses. I see garages, with houses attached.

Raised ranches with the garage underneath the main level is not what I would ever want. You have to go up a flight of stairs to get to the main level of the home from the garage. No thank you. Hubby and I, while house hunting up north, were shown a home that had a really nice floor plan. Come time to see the garage, we had to go down a flight of stairs. I vetoed that house so fast your head would spin. We walked out immediately.

[Stu from NYC]

Raised ranches with the garage underneath the main level is not what I would ever want. You have to go up a flight of stairs to get to the main level of the home from the garage. No thank you. Hubby and I, while house hunting up north, were shown a home that had a really nice floor plan. Come time to see the garage, we had to go down a flight of stairs. I vetoed that house so fast your head would spin. We walked out immediately.

That was our Va house and the bedrooms were on the upper level so we had three levels.

Great big house with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and two family rooms plus very large deck and tons of storage room in our attic which we never had much need for.

After our kids went off to college we did have way to much room and have larger 3 bedroom but do kind of miss the extra space but time had come for downsizing

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Raised ranches with the garage underneath the main level is not what I would ever want. You have to go up a flight of stairs to get to the main level of the home from the garage. No thank you. Hubby and I, while house hunting up north, were shown a home that had a really nice floor plan. Come time to see the garage, we had to go down a flight of stairs. I vetoed that house so fast your head would spin. We walked out immediately.

I don't like raised ranches either. But they're an example of a house where you can have the house on a smaller lot of land and still accommodate the garage, and not have to see "a garage with a little house attached." Which is why I mentioned them at all.

There are lots of other examples but myopic's gonna myopic.

[Taltarzac725]

I would have never thought in 1995 that in 2024 I would have been living in Florida for 29 years.

Most of the years before that were in Nevada, California, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. With first almost ten years in my native Wisconsin.

[Bwanajim]

Been here over a year .
Simple answer: if I won 50 million in the lottery I would still live here.

[Taltarzac725]

Been here over a year .
Simple answer: if I won 50 million in the lottery I would still live here.

I might too but would not tell anyone that I had won anything big.

A neighbor a number of years ago won $100,000 promptly moved out of the Villages. Not a close neighbor. They lived a few blocks over.

[mntlblok]

Or nestled on a low plateau of the Smoky Mountains at the SC/TN border somewhere.



Know exactly where you mean and love that region but my pedantry forces me to point out that SC and TN just don't quite "adjoin". :-) The drive along 64 up yonder is one of my favorites. Am told that Highlands is in what is considered to be a rain forest. Maybe NC/TN border - also wonderful. Found these "three state junctions". Might have to go make that drive. Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/South+Carolina+North+Carolina+Georgia.+State+Line, +Chattooga+Trail,+Mountain+Rest,+SC+29664/GA%2FNC%2FTN+Border+Marker,+2755+Wolfcreek+Rd,+Mur phy,+NC+28906/@34.9698613,-84.2710782,9.26z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8858e317eb045c93:0x1cb 5d24bee45354!2m2!1d-83.1086151!2d35.0006597!1m5!1m1!1s0x885fa9e580a4bb 2f:0x6a7c679626546e25!2m2!1d-84.3218208!2d34.9884079!3e0?entry=ttu)

[Laker14]

Not sure we are talking about the same place. Spring is Nice? Really? We have had snow in May. Even this year which was relatively nice most days are in the 50s and rainy. You have to take a jacket to the 4th of July fireworks. It is nice most of June through September. But then October back to Jackets. Overall it is my home state, but I like Florida way better.

I do not understand the love for basements. Everyone I know who has one has had flooding in it. One thing I like about TV is no basement

I still spend my summers in the Finger Lakes region of NY, and we have delightful Springs here. But they don't happen until mid-June. Last year, on May 18, I looked across the lake at the many vineyards, and they were lighting fires trying to mitigate crop damage due to a heavy frost. That's "Spring" in Western NY.

[sharonl7340]

Actually, it is just that simple. In fact, it is easier than when you came here. You can easily research other communities in Florida because they are just a car drive away.

No it isn't as simple as that. Have to sell and then buy at an inflated price, so you are probably in the hole. Not to mention the exorbitant closing cost. Moving is expensive. Perhaps you have money to burn, I dont.

[Marathon Man]

No it isn't as simple as that. Have to sell and then buy at an inflated price, so you are probably in the hole. Not to mention the exorbitant closing cost. Moving is expensive. Perhaps you have money to burn, I dont.

Moving costs can easily be covered by choosing a community where the properties are lower priced. There are many. I truly hope that you consider seeking happiness rather than remaining in a place that you are dis-satisfied with. Life is too short.

[Normal]

After moving to Florida:

Do you have less friends?
Have less options for going out?
Feel unsafe?
Do you drive past unkept homes?
Do you belong to less clubs and their activities?
Do you enjoy winter months less?
Do you see grey skies most of the time?

My answer is no.

Even better is the fact that we live in the center of the state. Hurricane storm surge is a zero issue and we get the warm weather.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Know exactly where you mean and love that region but my pedantry forces me to point out that SC and TN just don't quite "adjoin". :-) The drive along 64 up yonder is one of my favorites. Am told that Highlands is in what is considered to be a rain forest. Maybe NC/TN border - also wonderful. Found these "three state junctions". Might have to go make that drive. Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/South+Carolina+North+Carolina+Georgia.+State+Line, +Chattooga+Trail,+Mountain+Rest,+SC+29664/GA%2FNC%2FTN+Border+Marker,+2755+Wolfcreek+Rd,+Mur phy,+NC+28906/@34.9698613,-84.2710782,9.26z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8858e317eb045c93:0x1cb 5d24bee45354!2m2!1d-83.1086151!2d35.0006597!1m5!1m1!1s0x885fa9e580a4bb 2f:0x6a7c679626546e25!2m2!1d-84.3218208!2d34.9884079!3e0?entry=ttu)

Could you imagine? Instead of going to the lakes to enjoy some truly local fried gator, you'd go to the roadside grill for local venison stew and bison burgers. No need to stock the retention pond - there's plenty of fly-fishing on the creek behind the rec center.

Want some exercise? Take your pick of walking trails - each has its own difficulty level. And when you look outside the picture window in your back yard you don't see a row of electric towers at the far edge of the golf course, you see the rise of mountains instead.

[LeRoySmith]

Could you imagine? Instead of going to the lakes to enjoy some truly local fried gator, you'd go to the roadside grill for local venison stew and bison burgers. No need to stock the retention pond - there's plenty of fly-fishing on the creek behind the rec center.

Want some exercise? Take your pick of walking trails - each has its own difficulty level. And when you look outside the picture window in your back yard you don't see a row of electric towers at the far edge of the golf course, you see the rise of mountains instead.

I just sold the place you describe and bought in the Villages.....

[LeRoySmith]

Know exactly where you mean and love that region but my pedantry forces me to point out that SC and TN just don't quite "adjoin". :-) The drive along 64 up yonder is one of my favorites. Am told that Highlands is in what is considered to be a rain forest. Maybe NC/TN border - also wonderful. Found these "three state junctions". Might have to go make that drive. Google Maps (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/South+Carolina+North+Carolina+Georgia.+State+Line, +Chattooga+Trail,+Mountain+Rest,+SC+29664/GA%2FNC%2FTN+Border+Marker,+2755+Wolfcreek+Rd,+Mur phy,+NC+28906/@34.9698613,-84.2710782,9.26z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x8858e317eb045c93:0x1cb 5d24bee45354!2m2!1d-83.1086151!2d35.0006597!1m5!1m1!1s0x885fa9e580a4bb 2f:0x6a7c679626546e25!2m2!1d-84.3218208!2d34.9884079!3e0?entry=ttu)

I wouldn't call it a rainforest but there are times it rains with some force, nothing like we've seen here. The big difference is here the water soaks in and is spread out. Up there it doesn't soak in as much and it all runs into the valley, after you concentrate all that rain it gets ugly fast.

[LeRoySmith]

roadside grill for local venison stew and bison burgers....... look outside the picture window in your back yard

Sorry, no venison stew or bison there. Barbeque bologna is as exotic as it gets.

I'll attach a pic of my back deck view and of my driveway.

[bob47]

Sorry, no venison stew or bison there. Barbeque bologna is as exotic as it gets.

I'll attach a pic of my back deck view and of my driveway.

You are one lucky guy. Thanks for sharing.

[Stu from NYC]

Sorry, no venison stew or bison there. Barbeque bologna is as exotic as it gets.

I'll attach a pic of my back deck view and of my driveway.

Nice pictures. Do not want people to say I am full of boloney so will pass on that

[Shipping up to Boston]

Totally agree, and it’s also very hard to avoid unhealthy carbs at most restaurants. However we very much enjoy occasionally eating out at Costal Del Mar, getting take out sushi from Sakura, or getting an Island Fin Polk Bowl if we’re in Brownwood.

Ever wonder why....in a 55+ retirement community with very limited healthcare options....restaurant offerings seem to cater more to tourist tastes than healthier options in line with the residents it services. Could it be population control?! Kidding

I love to cook and control my own narrative. Eating out will always be a special occasion type of option (friends/fam etc). Between finding healthy dining and the obvious inherent risks in FL with DUI ....I’d rather host than be hosted!

[Shipping up to Boston]

Sorry, no venison stew or bison there. Barbeque bologna is as exotic as it gets.

I'll attach a pic of my back deck view and of my driveway.

Hmmmm....no medieval Disney like turkey legs in dem der woods?!

[mrsstats]

It looks like I would love it here. However, is it worth it at our age (73 and 75) We are in good health and active people. We relate easily to younger people. We will be doing a Lifestyle visit in July.

[Pairadocs]

What about Florida don't you like? No income taxes? Low property taxes? The weather? Seriously the only thing I can think of is Hurricanes and the distance to drive to the rest of the country? I am missing something here. Can you expand on that?

As far as infrastructure, seems a LOT better to me than most places, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and New Jersey (the only states I have lived in). Roads are smooth and wide, The water for irrigation is reclaimed, all electric and cable is underground and bulletproof, Energy is cheap, The place is always clean, and the drainage is so good we can get 15" of rain in 24 hours and nobody gets flooded (except the historic section). I am really missing something....
Ed

I don't think you are missing anything, my opinion is just that people have such varying preferences, and prejudices, it's the human condition. Strange as it is to MANY of us, we have relatives who love the ocean, beaches, and golf, but when retirement time came Florida was not even on their "B" list. Why ? "because it's just nothing but bugs and we are not going to live with that when we don't have to due to job location. Been there, done that." And where did they retire ? Near a major forest in Arkansas... guess there are no insects there...but we've never said a word because people have THEIR OWN preferences and they WILL makeup any excuse to support those preferences. Nothing wrong with that. What is disconcerting is the propensity of "some" folks who will not stop at that, but insist on mocking, ridiculing, disparaging the choices of others. Always makes me think; Are they unsure of their own decision, doubt themselves, when they say things like "oh, they have hurricanes there, or it's nothing but bugs I'd never live like that" , or if someone chooses Arizona, I've heard people say "oh that place is so dry, I'd never live there". It's puzzling why so many people just can't accept the decision of another by just saying, "that must be a nice place, I bet you are enjoying it". But somehow it so often seems like a "contest", to "prove" I made a "better" choice that you ! !

[LeRoySmith]

Hmmmm....no medieval Disney like turkey legs in dem der woods?!

There is a small herd (between 35 and 40) of wild turkeys that wander the mountain top looking for a snack but I've yet to eat one.

[Pairadocs]

Moving costs can easily be covered by choosing a community where the properties are lower priced. There are many. I truly hope that you consider seeking happiness rather than remaining in a place that you are dis-satisfied with. Life is too short.

I totally agree that "wasting" your last years is foolish, but I also understand that it's very difficult as you age, as you realize you must make the income you do have last, as prices rise (and fall), it is not "easy" to change locations/communities. For some, even for you, it could be. If sufficient money, and support from family or friends, but mostly if money is not a concern, then yes, of course, it is easy to just choose your desired community, have all the packing and moving done by a company you choose, make arrangements for any improvements you desire to be done in advance, and you move in an enjoy. For others, it's so daunting, and expensive, there really is no choice. I agree I too always thought "I have no choice" is just an excuse, but life and experience has taught me that sometimes people do NOT have a choice and just have to learn how to live with their decisions.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I don't think you are missing anything, my opinion is just that people have such varying preferences, and prejudices, it's the human condition. Strange as it is to MANY of us, we have relatives who love the ocean, beaches, and golf, but when retirement time came Florida was not even on their "B" list. Why ? "because it's just nothing but bugs and we are not going to live with that when we don't have to due to job location. Been there, done that." And where did they retire ? Near a major forest in Arkansas... guess there are no insects there...but we've never said a word because people have THEIR OWN preferences and they WILL makeup any excuse to support those preferences. Nothing wrong with that. What is disconcerting is the propensity of "some" folks who will not stop at that, but insist on mocking, ridiculing, disparaging the choices of others. Always makes me think; Are they unsure of their own decision, doubt themselves, when they say things like "oh, they have hurricanes there, or it's nothing but bugs I'd never live like that" , or if someone chooses Arizona, I've heard people say "oh that place is so dry, I'd never live there". It's puzzling why so many people just can't accept the decision of another by just saying, "that must be a nice place, I bet you are enjoying it". But somehow it so often seems like a "contest", to "prove" I made a "better" choice that you ! !

I had a similar post....taken down.
Many of us do both...but am glad you notice the ones that are all in here....have to use politics to justify their existence in central FL. TV truly is a bubble...you’re in it to win it...because most have already cast their stone. Listen to the way some post on here....that’s not pivoting...that’s who they are no matter where they came from. Some just (think) they do a better job at hiding their traits/slants. As they say....if you build it they will come.....except they’re bringing a lot of ‘baggage’ with them. And we ain’t got a lot of storage space!

[Davonu]

…For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.
Me also. Agree completely. :)

[Shipping up to Boston]

Sorry, no venison stew or bison there. Barbeque bologna is as exotic as it gets.

I'll attach a pic of my back deck view and of my driveway.

Love it!
Looks like roads we travel in NH, ME and VT. Let’s hope developers don’t swoop in someday and upset that landscape

[FriscoKid]

It’s possible to get the impression from certain posts on TOTV that some people are less than happy and content to be living in TV. Though no community is “perfect”, The Villages is a one-of-a-kind community beyond compare in my opinion. I feel so fortunate and blessed first of all to been able to have retired early in life, and secondly to be able to reside in such a beautiful and vibrant community, with mostly highly positive residents and neighbors. For me, it only take one trip outside “the bubble” to realize how special TV is.

I bought in the then “new” area of DeSoto ~6 years ago… I was a bit apprehensive about buying in a “retirement” community, both from my personal experience having lived for many years in S. FL and exposed to the many variants of retirement communities down there as well as having read the Andrew Biechman book “Leisureville: Adventures in a World Without Children” as part of my research/thought process. (The latter has not aged well, imo!)

Also, back of mind were the lingering images of my own mother’s aging in place back in PA and I just felt that there had to be a better answer… during covid I WFH as I finished out my career and have now made the transition to retirement and living in the villages. I love it here… I love my village, my house, my neighbors are great, my life is great. My one regret is if I could do it all again I would have bought years ago so that my Mom could have spent some time down here in her latter years!

lt

[LeRoySmith]

Love it!
Looks like roads we travel in NH, ME and VT. Let’s hope developers don’t swoop in someday and upset that landscape

I doubt if they will develop that area. I built that road up the mountain myself over the past 4 or 5 years, it runs right through the center of a 40 acre plot that's a single owner. It's not a very friendly environment for anything except black bears and 4 wheel drives. I'm fact my little Honda crv (all wheel drive) doesn't have enough engine to pull itself up the hill (too steep). The villages makes a lot more sense for old people, flat and manicured.

[IndianaJones]

Don’t care for it here at all, but the other half loves it, so here we are. Been in FL since ‘64 - this part of the state was watermelons, citrus & wild boar (plus gators & snakes) - pristine land. I know things change - development marches on. Would be nice if law enforcement set up radar on Morse/Buena Vista - they would make a fortune, people going 45-60mph. Crowds & snowbirds are part of the deal of living in FL, so is heat. We always said this part of the state was South Georgia, not FL. Not complaining, just would rather be on the water & further south. Been through 11 hurricanes and still around.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Don’t care for it here at all, but the other half loves it, so here we are. Been in FL since ‘64 - this part of the state was watermelons, citrus & wild boar (plus gators & snakes) - pristine land. I know things change - development marches on. Would be nice if law enforcement set up radar on Morse/Buena Vista - they would make a fortune, people going 45-60mph. Crowds & snowbirds are part of the deal of living in FL, so is heat. We always said this part of the state was South Georgia, not FL. Not complaining, just would rather be on the water & further south. Been through 11 hurricanes and still around.

South Georgia....love that!
Nice post

[MX rider]

I don't think you are missing anything, my opinion is just that people have such varying preferences, and prejudices, it's the human condition. Strange as it is to MANY of us, we have relatives who love the ocean, beaches, and golf, but when retirement time came Florida was not even on their "B" list. Why ? "because it's just nothing but bugs and we are not going to live with that when we don't have to due to job location. Been there, done that." And where did they retire ? Near a major forest in Arkansas... guess there are no insects there...but we've never said a word because people have THEIR OWN preferences and they WILL makeup any excuse to support those preferences. Nothing wrong with that. What is disconcerting is the propensity of "some" folks who will not stop at that, but insist on mocking, ridiculing, disparaging the choices of others. Always makes me think; Are they unsure of their own decision, doubt themselves, when they say things like "oh, they have hurricanes there, or it's nothing but bugs I'd never live like that" , or if someone chooses Arizona, I've heard people say "oh that place is so dry, I'd never live there". It's puzzling why so many people just can't accept the decision of another by just saying, "that must be a nice place, I bet you are enjoying it". But somehow it so often seems like a "contest", to "prove" I made a "better" choice that you ! !

Very well said!!!

[Dusty_Star]

It looks like I would love it here. However, is it worth it at our age (73 and 75) We are in good health and active people. We relate easily to younger people. We will be doing a Lifestyle visit in July.

I think it is definitely worth it. Enjoy your Lifestyle visit.

[Princeton]

I love Florida. The only thing I hate are the bugs and snakes. But this question was about the Villages. I lived in Florida for many many years, born and raised in New Jersey. Yes, I’m a Jersey girl. The only reason I purchased a house in the Villages was price. Even with selling my house in Palm Harbor. I wanted to purchase my home cash for my retirement. There was no other place I could have done this. With that in mind, I think it’s a great opportunity, especially for middle income, retirees and I’ve also grown to love the bubble. I still miss living on the West Coast, Florida, but I am grateful to have a beautiful new home that’s paid for. Most people don’t appreciate that because they retire millionaires, but I am not one of those people. After my husband passed, I am on a very fixed income and this place gives me a comfortable living.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I love Florida. The only thing I hate are the bugs and snakes. But this question was about the Villages. I lived in Florida for many many years, born and raised in New Jersey. Yes, I’m a Jersey girl. The only reason I purchased a house in the Villages was price. Even with selling my house in Palm Harbor. I wanted to purchase my home cash for my retirement. There was no other place I could have done this. With that in mind, I think it’s a great opportunity, especially for middle income, retirees and I’ve also grown to love the bubble. I still miss living on the West Coast, Florida, but I am grateful to have a beautiful new home that’s paid for. Most people don’t appreciate that because they retire millionaires, but I am not one of those people. After my husband passed, I am on a very fixed income and this place gives me a comfortable living.

Asbury Park?

[Princeton]

Asbury Park?
No Princeton, south Brunswick But I got the reference