Where do you tell people you live?

[Kelevision]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

[Bogie Shooter]

The Villages.

When traveling, how do you know people don’t like TV?

[Bill14564]

Similar to telling someone where I grew up, I start general and then get specific if they are familiar with the area. Usually:

Central Florida - about an hour from Orlando or Tampa - near Gainesville - the Villages - north of 44 near Brownwood

[Stu from NYC]

The villages

[ThirdOfFive]

The Villages.

[kkingston57]

The Villages.

When traveling, how do you know people don’t like TV?

Travel a lot and when we say TV, see a lot raised eyebrows and the usual questions about STD's, swinger parties etc. When asked where this information came from they will respond by saying so and so told me. Now say Central Florida

[CFrance]

The Villages.

When traveling, how do you know people don’t like TV?
Because they've said so. (At least in one tiny village in SW France...)

[Mrprez]

On a Facebook group for our last cruise, I stated that we were from TV. I had a couple of people respond that they didn’t want to meet us. When I asked why all I got was crickets. I still say we are from TV.

[fdpaq0580]

In the moment!

[graciegirl]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

I did know that a few locals do not like Villagers. But I am unclear as to who is taking advantage of WHO?

I tell people I live in The Villages when I am away from this lovely place. MOST people who live here think it is a really nice retirement area and think that there may be several hundred people living here.

Locals who don't like us often bring up that we cut down "their trees" and "took" their unspoiled vistas. I secretly think that they are jealous they don't live here.......and to be fair.....about ten years ago, almost anyone could afford the price of an entry level home. Now the prices have gone up so much on our homes that it has made everyone who lives here a nice little nest egg.

I find a lot of people are jealous of those who have something they do not and do not realize that we all have the same challenges and heartaches and losses and illnesses. It just is that a lot of people do not realize early on that no matter how little money they earn, they should always try to save some of it, to protect them against terrible disasters and unthought of awfulness. Most of us are still very, very careful with money and always will be. Old habits die hard.

I say to the locals who don't like Villagers that someone else would have built here next to us and this I am sure of. Someone else would NOT have done as good a job as the Morse Family.

It is such a wonderful place to live now as I grow quite old, just as it was when I could be dancing at the squares every night. I am so grateful for all of the people I have met here who have become treasured friends.

[Topspinmo]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?


Locals only have themselves blame, they sold land, no land, no villages, and no development. But, they just couldn’t pass up $$$$$$$.

[Sensei]

I always say "Central Iowa" near Commetsberg. I am not permitted to disclose true address or I lose my protection and subsidy.

[fdpaq0580]

I always say "Central Iowa" near Commetsberg. I am not permitted to disclose true address or I lose my protection and subsidy.

The galactic consultant will be pleased to hear this, agent Iesnes. 👽

[Teed_Off]

On a Facebook group for our last cruise, I stated that we were from TV. I had a couple of people respond that they didn’t want to meet us. When I asked why all I got was crickets. I still say we are from TV.
When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

[fdpaq0580]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

Really, we need to come up with a better story. "Actually, that is a cover story so people won't discover it is actually a relocation settlement for aliens from several planets in the gamma quadrant. Some do have long arms, but they don't swing. They, I mean 'we', walk like human earthlings".
What do you think? Can we pull it off? 🫠👽👹🤖

[Mrprez]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

Oh yes, that was definitely the reason, I was hoping to get a dialogue going to try and educate these people. In the end, it was their loss not ours.

[Michael 61]

I proudly tell people here in Florida that I live in The Villages. Outside of Florida, where most people have not heard of The Villages, I just say I’m from Florida. If someone asks where in Florida, then I’ll narrow it down to Central Florida near Orlando.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am surprised at the number of people that have heard of The Villages, when outside Florida, I tell them that is where I live.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I say The Villages with immense pride. When anyone asks how I deal with the hurricanes, I tell them TV has such phenomenal water management, we have less damage than the counties surrounding us, and in other states. And by the time I get through detailing all the reasons, they want me to shut up, or they’re looking around to buy a house.

[Altavia]

I say Wildwood (truth) and they ask where in is that in Texas :-)

[PootleK]

I'm in the Lady Lake part of The Villages, so I always just say Lady Lake, and say it's about an hour North of Orlando if anyone inquires further. I never volunteer that I live in The Villages, I do think there are some bad perceptions of it.

[jimhoward]

I am new to the villages but have not seen any negative reactions toward me by locals. Quite the contrary. Since many in the area are in services or trades, I feel seen as a valuable new customer.

As to people you encounter while traveling, I find most people have heard of the villages. A few people may look down on the villages because it’s so affordable, but by and large I think the impressions are favorable. The swinger stories that captured public imagination a couple of years ago, I think most people realize are far fetched. It’s an easy and funny subject for jokes though and will live on for that reason indefinitely.

But where do I tell people I live? I still say my home state of Tennessee since we still own property there and are still splitting time. It’s hard to sever those ties.

[BoatRatKat]

After so many negative responses when we mentioned TV, we just started to respond that we live in "Central Fl." As for locals not liking us...everywhere I've ever lived, the locals didn't care for those that moved to the area and added to traffic and building.

[Nana2Teddy]

You’d think after this many years (decades), and with how HUGE the Villages has become, we’d now be considered the locals. I’m just wondering who these “locals” are who look down on us with such disdain? Personally, hubby and I say we’re retired in Central FL one hour north of Disney World (since we are Disney fans/passholders). The convo doesn’t usually go beyond that, but if it does we happily say The Villages.

[Salty Dog]

Ever think that some locals have a bad impression of TV because of how some villager treated them?

Granted a few villagers don't speak for most, but it can sometimes only take one bad experience.

[quarter man]

The Villages. It's about an hour north of Orlando.

[Two Bills]

My wife and I spent over 20 years overwintering in The Villages.
If, in our travels outside the bubble, we were asked where we were staying, we always said The Villages.
We said we chose the place, because of all the wife swapping, debauchery, swinging parties, and the preponderance of gourmet restaurants!

[Sandy and Ed]

I always say "Central Iowa" near Commetsberg. I am not permitted to disclose true address or I lose my protection and subsidy.
I just say I would violate my Witness Protection agreement and jeopardize my family if I revealed that

[golfing eagles]

Really, we need to come up with a better story. "Actually, that is a cover story so people won't discover it is actually a relocation settlement for aliens from several planets in the gamma quadrant. Some do have long arms, but they don't swing. They, I mean 'we', walk like human earthlings".
What do you think? Can we pull it off? 🫠👽👹🤖

Wasn't the gamma quadrant run by the Dominion, which would make us shape shifting liquid life forms that have to spend x number of hours in a bucket every day to regenerate???????

[Kamaaina]

If I get the STDs and swingers question I just deal with it. I tell them, "No, it's an old rumor, but I understand some porn sites are still spreading that false information. So, where did you read about that?"

[Angelhug52]

Years ago,when first moved in I was doing home visits as a nurse.I was advised when I got my tags not to put any identifier on them so people wouldn't know where I lived. I was also told if asked just side step or say Ocala area. Now the moment I uttered hello the pt and family knew I was a northern transplant.I understood the advice I was offered was becaithere was tremendous anger towards The Villages growing and usurping the beautiful farm land. I thought how silly progress is economic growth. Fast forward 20 plus years..I fully understand the disappointment and anger. So I just acknowledge I am a long time northern transplant living in a very unique part of central Florida. Many people ask The Villages?Depending where i will say yes.And it is a very interesting world!

[Marmaduke]

On a Facebook group for our last cruise, I stated that we were from TV. I had a couple of people respond that they didn’t want to meet us. When I asked why all I got was crickets. I still say we are from TV.
Their loss!
Your Gain!

[jimkerr]

The Villages.

[MX rider]

We both will say The Villages. But sometimes we'll add "we're originally from SW Indiana".

[Shelbyh]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

Central Florida is what I say which is good enough

[Lovey2]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

Don't quite follow. Who takes advantage of who?

[Laker14]

I have no hesitancy to tell people I live in The Villages. When I get a negative response I ask what they found objectionable during their visit. Of course, I've never come across anyone who has actually been here so they have to, typically with some sheepishness, admit that they'd never actually been here, so their opinions are based upon stories they'd heard or read.
I then invite them to have a serious discussion with me about the reality of TV, the good, the bad, the in-between...most people are really very interested to hear what it's really about, or at least, the opinion of one person who actually spends significant time here.

[opinionist]

I live in The Villages, and if someone does not like that, they can deprive themselves of friendships and business opportunities.

[Switter]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

Locally I say I'm from the villages. For people outside the state, I say the villages, which is about an hour north of Orlando.

I've been here about a year and a half and I have not personally experienced any hostility from the locals when I tell them where I'm from. I think a lot of that depends on how you treat them. It's usually reciprocal.

If they ask me about swingers I tell them that was based on bogus information that was picked up by the media.

[ThirdOfFive]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.
As Sir Winston Churchill once observed, "a lie can make it halfway around the world before the truth can get its pants on."

[SaucyJim]

I tell people I moved to TV for the swinger parties and have been sorely disappointed. Not one invite since becoming permanent in June. lol!!

[airstreamingypsy]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

I hadn't lived here a week, when I was approached by a swinger couple and invited to partake. I declined. It may not be rampant, but it's definitely here.

[coconutmama]

I'm in the Lady Lake part of The Villages, so I always just say Lady Lake, and say it's about an hour North of Orlando if anyone inquires further. I never volunteer that I live in The Villages, I do think there are some bad perceptions of it.

That is pretty much our experience except we usually just say Central FL, then either Leesburg or Wildwood if pressed. Seldom new meets press beyond that. If they do we end up saying TV. Get mixed reactions. Always have. It is unfortunate that the STD bit still persists. Even from people we have met in Scotland

[ThirdOfFive]

Years ago,when first moved in I was doing home visits as a nurse.I was advised when I got my tags not to put any identifier on them so people wouldn't know where I lived. I was also told if asked just side step or say Ocala area. Now the moment I uttered hello the pt and family knew I was a northern transplant.I understood the advice I was offered was becaithere was tremendous anger towards The Villages growing and usurping the beautiful farm land. I thought how silly progress is economic growth. Fast forward 20 plus years..I fully understand the disappointment and anger. So I just acknowledge I am a long time northern transplant living in a very unique part of central Florida. Many people ask The Villages?Depending where i will say yes.And it is a very interesting world!
I understand that is the perception of some. My own experience has been totally different.

We moved here four years ago. In that time we've gotten to know many locals. We've farm-sat for a couple with a farm near Weirsdale several times (and loved every minute of it). We've been invited to parties given by locals (we did get some curious looks when we showed up in shorts and many of them were wearing jeans and sweaters). We've attended churches some distance from The Villages. I make it a point to engage the service people (sanitation workers, mail center workers, critter control folks, etc. etc.) in conversation whenever they're around. On hot days I'll offer them a cold mineral water which is ALWAYS appreciated.

Almost to a person, I've found the locals to be friendly, polite and altogether nice: people that in all honesty are a lot more enjoyable to be around than some Villagers I know!

[Just jimmy]

I hadn't lived here a week, when I was approached by a swinger couple and invited to partake. I declined. It may not be rampant, but it's definitely here.

I’m sure it’s everywhere. If you look I’m sure you’ll find it no matter where you are. People are people no matter where you live.

[Singerlady]

It’s not our fault that The Villages was built and we live here.

[Margefrog]

Really, we need to come up with a better story. "Actually, that is a cover story so people won't discover it is actually a relocation settlement for aliens from several planets in the gamma quadrant. Some do have long arms, but they don't swing. They, I mean 'we', walk like human earthlings".
What do you think? Can we pull it off? 🫠👽👹🤖
Good one. Absolutely. I would add that we (confidentially) take space trips with the aliens. Just like Cocoon, only ours are temporary.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Good one. Absolutely. I would add that we (confidentially) take space trips with the aliens. Just like Cocoon, only ours are temporary.

hmm, the bubble, the cocoon. . . . aliens, all feels eerily familiar. .

[GATORBILL66]

So proud to say "THE VILLAGES"!

[mikeycereal]

Me: "Wildwood by Okahumpka Lake."

Them: "Okahumpka?"

Me: "Yeah it means 'Wild Swingers' in native American."

:duck: :duck: :duck:

[ElDiabloJoe]

I have no hesitancy to tell people I live in The Villages. When I get a negative response I ask what they found objectionable during their visit. Of course, I've never come across anyone who has actually been here so they have to, typically with some sheepishness, admit that they'd never actually been here, so their opinions are based upon stories they'd heard or read.
I then invite them to have a serious discussion with me about the reality of TV, the good, the bad, the in-between...most people are really very interested to hear what it's really about, or at least, the opinion of one person who actually spends significant time here.

Ignorance breeds hatred. You are doing a fine job of remedying that, kudos! I feel the same way about firearms. So many people "hate" guns, but those same people know very little and have never had a personal need or use for them.

On a side note, with this being a decades long pervasive negative impression of The Villages (the swingers and STD rates), I am surprised someone as vested in the success of The Villages and with the resources to combat the negatives has not spent money on a top notch P.R. firm to combat the image. Maybe selling 10 houses a day is about their max output or a comfortable growth rate and they don't feel the need to widen the market?

[Rocksnap]

Travel a lot and when we say TV, see a lot raised eyebrows and the usual questions about STD's, swinger parties etc. When asked where this information came from they will respond by saying so and so told me. Now say Central Florida
I just run with that they think and say. TV is party central!
Anyone who knows me knows I DON’T CARE what people think.

[CybrSage]

Travel a lot and when we say TV, see a lot raised eyebrows and the usual questions about STD's, swinger parties etc. When asked where this information came from they will respond by saying so and so told me. Now say Central Florida

I always say "that is not true...so disappointing. I was expecting wild sex parties. I feel misled."

Everyone always laughs.

[Jim1mack]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

I’ll say central Florida cuz no one outside of Florida knows where TV is. Golfers I end up playing with always ask. If I say Hillsborough most have no idea where that is. Just to be fair, I have only a vague idea where any village north of 466A is.

[wisbad1]

Locals only have themselves blame, they sold land, no land, no villages, and no development. But, they just couldn’t pass up $$$$$$$.
Locals would still be doing grocery shopping at Bob’s Zippy Mart

[Ruth Garza]

The original writer’s message makes me sad.

[justjim]

OP, since I was raised in Illinois and retired from there, I tell folks I’m originally from Illinois and now retired in The Villages , FL which is about 45 miles northwest of Orlando. Everyone has heard of Orlando, Florida. Conversations go from there and usually very positive remarks if they are 50-55 or older thinking ahead to retirement.

Do I think some Villagers are taken advantage of by locals? Sure sometimes. But this can happen anywhere to seniors as they age. There are just more of us in The Villages.

[airstreamingypsy]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

I hadn't lived here a week, when I was approached by a swinger couple and invited to partake. I declined. It may not be rampant, but it's definitely here.

[kendi]

I did know that a few locals do not like Villagers. But I am unclear as to who is taking advantage of WHO?

I tell people I live in The Villages when I am away from this lovely place. MOST people who live here think it is a really nice retirement area and think that there may be several hundred people living here.

Locals who don't like us often bring up that we cut down "their trees" and "took" their unspoiled vistas. I secretly think that they are jealous they don't live here.......and to be fair.....about ten years ago, almost anyone could afford the price of an entry level home. Now the prices have gone up so much on our homes that it has made everyone who lives here a nice little nest egg.

I find a lot of people are jealous of those who have something they do not and do not realize that we all have the same challenges and heartaches and losses and illnesses. It just is that a lot of people do not realize early on that no matter how little money they earn, they should always try to save some of it, to protect them against terrible disasters and unthought of awfulness. Most of us are still very, very careful with money and always will be. Old habits die hard.

I say to the locals who don't like Villagers that someone else would have built here next to us and this I am sure of. Someone else would NOT have done as good a job as the Morse Family.

It is such a wonderful place to live now as I grow quite old, just as it was when I could be dancing at the squares every night. I am so grateful for all of the people I have met here who have become treasured friends.

I don’t think it’s fair to assume jealousy. Just like long term villagers in the northern section can be frustrated with all the growth, so can the locals.
Hopefully there are more villagers that are considerate of the locals than not. It would be so much worse to also have to deal with new people moving in who are not.

[HORNET]

Because they are to cheap or can’t afford to live here

[bilcon]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

The locals were not complaining when they sold their land to TV. I have no regrets moving to TV or telling people when we travel that we live in TV. If they make comments, I just respond that most of what is said about us is "BS".

[La lamy]

I do say TV but I so often hear about STD BS. Oh well, all I can say is that it's active retirement heaven to me and that I don't have STD issues!
I do know people charge us more for being from TV. Just compare prices outside the bubble, it's a fact in my book.

[RoboVil]

As an aside, Sumter County is Florida's fastest growing county.
here is a list of population growth in all counties
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-map-reveals-counties-where-population-is-surging/ar-AA1tKMUJ?ocid=nl_article_link

[Bogie Shooter]

I am not ashamed to tell people I live in The Villages.
Why are some of posting that you are?

[kcrazorbackfan]

Arkansas

[kcrazorbackfan]

I am not ashamed to tell people I live in The Villages.
Why are some of posting that you are?

Not ashamed. Just don’t like people to assume that I’m flush with money because I live in TV.

[Villager1234]

When people ask about swinger parties I tell them that we have them after sundown
Most of us Senior citizens don’t look great naked

[DrErnie]

Recently returned from Palo Alto, CA visiting my daughter and her family. She is an RN working for Kaiser Permanente. When asked where her parents are from, her reply The Villages, FL spauns a consist response, "Oh, they must be swingers. Hear STD is quite the thing there, ha, ha." Man, that STD gig just will not go away. Even as far away as CA! Wait, it is just a thing of the past, right?

[MX rider]

I hadn't lived here a week, when I was approached by a swinger couple and invited to partake. I declined. It may not be rampant, but it's definitely here.

I agree 100%. TV is reflective of society in general. Yes, there are swingers here, but not to the extent the rumors suggest. To think there aren't any here is putting your head in the sand.

But to us it's all good here in TV, live and let live.

When we're back in Indiana, everytime we tell someone we live here the next question is about std's and swingers. I just laugh and tell them I'm insulted because I haven't been invited yet. lol

[justjim]

I hadn't lived here a week, when I was approached by a swinger couple and invited to partake. I declined. It may not be rampant, but it's definitely here.

My wife and I have lived and owned property in TV since 2006 - 18 plus years. Never approached by any couple and never known any couple that has been approached by a so called swinger couple. Maybe we should be disappointed! LOL. People do love a good story.

[MandoMan]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

I’ve met a number of people who moved here for the swingers but were badly disappointed. I know a couple dozen, but compared to 130,000 people who live here in the winter, that isn’t many—probably fewer than any other group of people that size in the country. A lot of the swingers I know are actually visitors from small-town and agricultural middle America regions.

[FloridaGuy66]

When I was on a vacation recently I said I live in The Villages, which was immediately followed up with their inquiry if there were a lot of swingers living there. They were from a small town in Indiana and that was the only information they knew about TV. It’s hard to believe that the legend remains so many years after it’s been debunked but that’s likely why you didn’t get any further contact.

Two different bartenders that I've talked to in TV told me that there are a lot of swingers here, they just don't go around advertising it. I don't really care what people choose to do in their private lives.

I never have really seen it debunked other than the whole luffa thing that was originally made up by people on social media that don't live here.

[Pairadocs]

Travel a lot and when we say TV, see a lot raised eyebrows and the usual questions about STD's, swinger parties etc. When asked where this information came from they will respond by saying so and so told me. Now say Central Florida

Hasn't it been about 20 years since that fake "Dr" was run out of town, since the state published the ACTUAL counties, towns, and cities in FL with highest rates of STD's (sorry Villages, you didn't make the list), since the infamous Katie Bell's closed and the notorious "Mr. Midnight" spilled the beans to the author who wrote that book the developer's family hoped would never be published...but it was ! And to think people still remember when all that made national TV, and even international TV.

[NavyVet]

"The Villages: a cross between Stepford and The Dome."
:laugh: :a20:

[Bonanza]

I say Wildwood (truth) and they ask where in is that in Texas :-)

Wildwood?
You could have said New Jersey!

[Velvet]

The Villages when I’m in Florida and I’m PROUD of it! Just try to tell me what’s wrong with it…

[asianthree]

Have never had the question asked where we live in any state we have traveled. But they do ask I don’t recognize the accent, is that southern with a twist?

[Kelevision]

Because they are to cheap or can’t afford to live here

This is literally one of the cheapest places in all the US to live… I had to buy a brand new house here 3 years ago because old houses outside of the villages were much more expensive.

[Kelevision]

As an aside, Sumter County is Florida's fastest growing county.
here is a list of population growth in all counties
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-map-reveals-counties-where-population-is-surging/ar-AA1tKMUJ?ocid=nl_article_link

That’s the same every year with the villages. Sumter co IS the villages.

[Kelevision]

The locals were not complaining when they sold their land to TV. I have no regrets moving to TV or telling people when we travel that we live in TV. If they make comments, I just respond that most of what is said about us is "BS".

The locals don’t like northerners. They don’t care about “the villages” they just don’t like people moving to their state!! I went to get a really expensive item at a villages owned place and the owner was a person I grew up with. He said, “give her the non-village price”

[Kelevision]

I say Wildwood (truth) and they ask where in is that in Texas :-)

It’s funny because growing up here, Wildwood was the bottom of the barrel. You’d stay far away from wildwood, or make fun of it as being a place you’d never want to go. I also now live in Wildwood…. I also find saying the villages when you’re looking for a place, like for example I needed PT so my doctor says, you’re in the villages, how about this place ( Lady Lake) so, in that case I’d say Wildwood or Leesburg which is much closer than Lady Lake.

[JStyles]

It is such a wonderful place to live now as I grow quite old, just as it was when I could be dancing at the squares every night. I am so grateful for all of the people I have met here who have become treasured friends.

I am so happy and feel so lucky to live here in TV, it is a great place to live and I am also grateful for the new friends I have met. 🥰

[Cuervo]

I not sure if I understand what the issue is about what people's views are about The Villages.
If it's STDs or whatever if you enjoy living here who cares what outsiders think.
Most of the residence here are of retirement age, which as far as I'm concern have paid their dues.
Look you want to swing, drink, smoke pot, we're at the tail end of our live do whatever you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

[JerseyGurl]

The Villages. An hour north of Orlando. Central Florida.

[Angelhug52]

I understand that is the perception of some. My own experience has been totally different.

We moved here four years ago. In that time we've gotten to know many locals. We've farm-sat for a couple with a farm near Weirsdale several times (and loved every minute of it). We've been invited to parties given by locals (we did get some curious looks when we showed up in shorts and many of them were wearing jeans and sweaters). We've attended churches some distance from The Villages. I make it a point to engage the service people (sanitation workers, mail center workers, critter control folks, etc. etc.) in conversation whenever they're around. On hot days I'll offer them a cold mineral water which is ALWAYS appreciated.

Almost to a person, I've found the locals to be friendly, polite and altogether nice: people that in all honesty are a lot more enjoyable to be around than some Villagers I know!
Agreed. After 22years .The initial advice was more based on being from the North East. I often prefer the interactions outside of TV. The down to earth people ,shopkeekers,etc are more real.

[mkjelenbaas]

Sometimes if the person is a bit aggressive- I tell them it is none of your business.

[Velvet]

The locals don’t like northerners. They don’t care about “the villages” they just don’t like people moving to their state!! I went to get a really expensive item at a villages owned place and the owner was a person I grew up with. He said, “give her the non-village price”

Well that I do understand. It’s the same in many parts of Hawaii. The Kamaaina discount. Tourist simply have a lot more money. Some Villagers are well off. But my really well-off friends prefer to have homes in Palm Gardens Fl etc. However, many Villagers are on pensions and just make ends meet. Do they get the local discount?

And many of the locals lived at poverty level before the development and all the jobs resulting from TV.

[Nana2Teddy]

It’s funny because growing up here, Wildwood was the bottom of the barrel. You’d stay far away from wildwood, or make fun of it as being a place you’d never want to go. I also now live in Wildwood…. I also find saying the villages when you’re looking for a place, like for example I needed PT so my doctor says, you’re in the villages, how about this place ( Lady Lake) so, in that case I’d say Wildwood or Leesburg which is much closer than Lady Lake.
Wildwood is still the bottom of the barrel in my opinion. Our village has a gate on 301, but when I’m with hubby I ask him to take the longer route when we’re heading up to the northern Villages just so we can stay in the bubble.

[MrFlorida]

The Villages

[nn0wheremann]

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?
I say The Villages. They look at me funny. I say just be glad it’s not Howie In The Hills. Florida is wierd.

[PugMom]

I'm 100% honest- I tell them I'm a Villager & lucky to be one. I also tell them we should've moved here years sooner :MOJE_whot:

[Bogie Shooter]

Wildwood is still the bottom of the barrel in my opinion. Our village has a gate on 301, but when I’m with hubby I ask him to take the longer route when we’re heading up to the northern Villages just so we can stay in the bubble.

What does this bottom of the barrel really mean to you? Can you define?

[4$ALE]

You’d think after this many years (decades), and with how HUGE the Villages has become, we’d now be considered the locals. I’m just wondering who these “locals” are who look down on us with such disdain? Personally, hubby and I say we’re retired in Central FL one hour north of Disney World (since we are Disney fans/passholders). The convo doesn’t usually go beyond that, but if it does we happily say The Villages.

:confused: If I were going to make a guess..... maybe the people that read that you think Wildwood is the bottom of the barrel! That is what you posted this morning.....isn't it? :rolleyes:

[Marathon Man]

:confused: If I were going to make a guess..... maybe the people that read that you think Wildwood is the bottom of the barrel! That is what you posted this morning.....isn't it? :rolleyes:

Well said.

[Topspinmo]

Wildwood is still the bottom of the barrel in my opinion. Our village has a gate on 301, but when I’m with hubby I ask him to take the longer route when we’re heading up to the northern Villages just so we can stay in the bubble.

Wildwood building downtown parking garage? I still trying figure where’s downtown is and why would need parking garage on either side of 301?

[justjim]

It’s not our fault that The Villages was built and we live here.

You win the blue ribbon hands down!