Live here

[DDoug]

I am amazed the number of people that blog here that dont live in the villages

[LivingLarge]

I am amazed the number of people that blog here that dont live in the villages

Amazed? I just started but from reading back posts I can see that many 'wannabes' turned into Villagers. I'm sure the info they gathered help make their decision.

[Xavier]

I am amazed the number of people that blog here that dont live in the villages

I find it refreshing that so many non-residents are checking The Villages out before they take the leap. What an intelligent move. Hopefully they'll be able to see through a very small number of purposefully inaccurate and misleading posts, especially from a handful of (usually) outside agitators. I lurked for quite some time before I bought. I know we have really benefited from the information given here before and after we bought. TOTV is truly a wonderful resource.

Xavier

[villages07]

I wish there had been a TOTV when I was looking. It would have made my research much easier and better. 5 years of living here and I still learn a lot from this site. I still enjoy reading the stories of folks going from wannabe to HERE!!!

I think the site is a valuable resource for both prospective residents and actual residents.:BigApplause:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I find it refreshing that so many non-residents are checking The Villages out before they take the leap. What an intelligent move. Hopefully they'll be able to see through a very small number of purposefully inaccurate and misleading posts, especially from a handful of (usually) outside agitators. I lurked for quite some time before I bought. I know we have really benefited from the information given here before and after we bought. TOTV is truly a wonderful resource.

Xavier


Ditto!

Bill :)

[runnermi]

Reading and posting here is what is keeping my dream alive while I wait for my time to be able to move. :thumbup:

[gmcneill]

Amazed...kind of yes.

The number of non-TV residents who are TOTV members speaks volumes about the draw of TV in general and to the positive, familial environ of this forum in particular.

I think it was trishcrocker who recently posted that she needed an intervention as a result of being "addicted" to this site. There is just a je ne sais quoi about this site and its members that attracts people to it.

Granted, TOTV members who are not yet TV residents can't speak to specific TV matters
but how cool is it that of those folks share their life's knowledge, experiences, and insights for the benefit of all?

TOTV serves many functions for thousands of people: an e-classroom, a safe connection to the outside world, a "prospectus" for a lifestyle retirement destination, and for folks who will may never be able to move to TV, a virtual escape to a place where they would love to be.

[Bettiboop]

I think the site is a valuable resource for both prospective residents and actual residents.:BigApplause:

Exactly!:thumbup:
I've spent the last few years reading this board and any other site about TV that I could find in my research. I've gathered all sorts of good info and "food for thought" that will help in our decision making. Still not living in TV yet - but I see it in the crystal ball LOL :MOJE_whot:

[swimdawg]

I find it refreshing that so many non-residents are checking The Villages out before they take the leap. What an intelligent move. Hopefully they'll be able to see through a very small number of purposefully inaccurate and misleading posts, especially from a handful of (usually) outside agitators. I lurked for quite some time before I bought. I know we have really benefited from the information given here before and after we bought. TOTV is truly a wonderful resource.

Xavier

Give me 5! :highfive: I was a lurker for awhile before I "took the plunge" and joined on New Year's Day! I think this is a great site for info.

As a soon-to-be owner, I have gained so much from this site....from great information to true-blue forever friends...I hope.

I just want to give kudos to the new admin, Kenneth. This site has truly become a lot more positive and informative since change of ownership....IMHO.

I know....I know...nothing like kissing up to the boss!:bigbow:

[2BNTV]

I find it refreshing that so many non-residents are checking The Villages out before they take the leap. What an intelligent move. Hopefully they'll be able to see through a very small number of purposefully inaccurate and misleading posts, especially from a handful of (usually) outside agitators. I lurked for quite some time before I bought. I know we have really benefited from the information given here before and after we bought. TOTV is truly a wonderful resource.

Xavier

Double ditto.

When I first visited TV, this site was not in existence or I did not know about it. If I had, I might have asked for and been given advice that would have possibly made a move to TV a reality. :cryin2:

It is very entertaining and addictive. It helps me to feel like I am in TV and preserves my sanity until I get there.

Why do I hear voices in my head? :1rotfl:

[tainsley]

Double ditto.

When I first visited TV, this site was not in existence or I did not know about it. If I had, I might have asked for and been given advice that would have possibly made a move to TV a reality. :cryin2:

It is very entertaining and addictive. It helps me to feel like I am in TV and preserves my sanity until I get there.

Why do I hear voices in my head? :1rotfl:

I feel the same way...makes me feel connected to my new home. Can't wait to get back... :smiley:

[Larry Wilson]

Agree with everything being said. I also think the new Admin is doing a great job and some great info can be found on this board.

Agree that many people post that do not live here. I'm always surprised that big events happening here that never get posted.

I think one reason for this is once you get involved in living in here, you get so busy having fun, you don't get on the computer much. That was me. That's why I will probably have periods of not posting, especially when all the clubs start up again in the fall.

Agree with 07 that I wish this board had been around before we bought. Its great for newbies as buying in here can be complicated. Big thanks to the oldies that help out the newbies. There is so much to explain that I never feel I have the time. Search is a great tool.

[Posh 08]

Agree with everything being said. I also think the new Admin is doing a great job and some great info can be found on this board.

Agree that many people post that do not live here. I'm always surprised that big events happening here that never get posted.

I think one reason for this is once you get involved in living in here, you get so busy having fun, you don't get on the computer much. That was me. That's why I will probably have periods of not posting, especially when all the clubs start up again in the fall.

Agree with 07 that I wish this board had been around before we bought. Its great for newbies as buying in here can be complicated. Big thanks to the oldies that help out the newbies. There is so much to explain that I never feel I have the time. Search is a great tool.

:BigApplause: Yep I figured the TVers were all out having fun. I do check in here every day. Lots of great info.

[Yorio]

Even as a snowbird, TOTV gives me a feel of my being there though I am hundreds of miles away. As I open TOTV, I can picture my street, LSL, palm trees, Spanish Springs. Of course there are lots of useful information I am writing down for future reference. Glad to hear there are lots of wannabes browsing. Since faster the lots below 466a sell, there will be more amenities for us to enjoy especially the new Brownwood Center. Hope developers are planning something unique different from the current two centers. Salute to TOTV and to those participating.:smiley::BigApplause:

[Barefoot]

TOTV is also a great way for those of us who are Seasonal Residents to stay in touch! We purchased in 2007 so I'm already familiar with a lot of newby stuff. But there are tons of new things happening each summer during the six months I'm in Canada. By reading TOTV, I still feel connected to The Bubble. I also enjoy the Political Forum because I find it very informative.

[angiefox10]

What??? I don't live in The Villages? But I know you all!! You feel like my neighbors. :thumbup:

TOTV keeps me connected to TV until I can get there. I don't care what the subject is... I just love to read what you are reading, who had a good meal (and sometimes bad) at what restaurant. What homes you all chose to buy and why and what villages you each live in and all about your lives there.... Even if I don't post... I am ALWAYS reading!!!

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

[jgbama]

Double ditto.

When I first visited TV, this site was not in existence or I did not know about it. If I had, I might have asked for and been given advice that would have possibly made a move to TV a reality. :cryin2:

It is very entertaining and addictive. It helps me to feel like I am in TV and preserves my sanity until I get there.

Why do I hear voices in my head? :1rotfl:

Voices?? I have the same affliction! :D TOTV is my "fix" until we can make the plunge too.

What a great wealth of information we've gained from this site. Not to mention the almost mystical way you seem to make friends with folks you haven't even met yet. We can't wait until we can make one of the luncheons at Crispers to actually meet many of you!!

To the creators of this forum and the hundreds and hundreds of posts that have helped so many of us, we give "KUDOS" and :BigApplause:

Changed my signature quote. Couldn't resist after getting it on an email!! :D

[faithfulfrank]

Glad this has turned out to be a positive thread, and that "wannabes", "lurkers", and other "non-Villagers" are welcome.

It is one of the biggest decisions in your life.....if TOTV is helpful in that regard, terrific!

I can attest that it is a blessing to read and post here when one is still up here in NY trying to get through another Buffalo sub zero winter.....

What an amazing time we live in....that we can be thousands of miles away and still be "online neighbors"......

Frank

[jgbama]

What an amazing time we live in....that we can be thousands of miles away and still be "online neighbors"......

Frank

What a perfect term "online neighbors"!! That describes it to a "T"! :thumbup:

[Schaumburger]

Reading and posting here is what is keeping my dream alive while I wait for my time to be able to move. :thumbup:

:agree: You and me both Gail. I will probably set a wannabee record since I doubt I will be buying before TV is built out, but I think I want a resale anyway. Wait, I think Angiefox said she and her husband waited 8 yrs. to buy.

[Schaumburger]

And to Bettiboop and 2BNTV -- I agree with you also. I have learned so much about TV from reading and asking questions. Never knew what a bond is (no such thing here in Illinois when you are purchasing a home), issues about home maintenance in Florida that don't apply in Illinois, golf cart information (never drove a golf cart until last month when I was in TV), etc. When you are contemplating a long distance move, especially as a singleton, the more information you can have about your potential new home is a very good thing.

[Posh 08]

And to Bettiboop and 2BNTV -- I agree with you also. I have learned so much about TV from reading and asking questions. Never knew what a bond is (no such thing here in Illinois when you are purchasing a home), issues about home maintenance in Florida that don't apply in Illinois, golf cart information (never drove a golf cart until last month when I was in TV), etc. When you are contemplating a long distance move, especially as a singleton, the more information you can have about your potential new home is a very good thing.

and don't forget the roof rat education. Priceless.

[Schaumburger]

and don't forget the roof rat education. Priceless.

:). Posh08 -- Was the photo for your avatar taken in Key West, FL? I never knew that Key West was cruise ship port until I was in Key West last year for the first time.

[Posh 08]

:). Posh08 -- Was the photo for your avatar taken in Key West, FL? I never knew that Key West was cruise ship port until I was in Key West last year for the first time.

that one was Grand Turk. KW is a favorite port stop for us.

[graciegirl]

Give me 5! :highfive: I was a lurker for awhile before I "took the plunge" and joined on New Year's Day! I think this is a great site for info.

As a soon-to-be owner, I have gained so much from this site....from great information to true-blue forever friends...I hope.
I just want to give kudos to the new admin, Kenneth. This site has truly become a lot more positive and informative since change of ownership....IMHO.

I know....I know...nothing like kissing up to the boss!:bigbow:

Your true blue forever friend here is an absolute for sure and not a hope. Mz. Swimdawg.

[ewstanley]

We got a lot of information from this forum to help us make our decision to move. We aren't full time yet. But we will be soon enough. I thank everyone who helped us with their honest posts about TV. We got so much information from TOTV that we felt very comfortable with our purchase. My husband called me one morning while I was on my way to work and said that he saw a villa that he really liked. By noon we had our realtor and offer in. We are still getting great information from landscaping to vets for our dog. There are people that are so kind and caring. God bless you all. I don't post much but I do read a lot. LOL
:D

[ssmith]

Well, one thing I wanted to learn was how 'the real people' who live there felt about the place. It is easy to be swayed by the advertising hype but I wanted to see the real Oz behind the curtain and you know what.....it seems to be better than imagined! The best amenity seems to be the wonderful peeps!!!!

[swimdawg]

Your true blue forever friend here is an absolute for sure and not a hope. Mz. Swimdawg.

Well, Mz. Gracie, perhaps we can drink to that.....with a Kool refreshing drink.

TOTV....wonderful resource for information...about what is soon to be my new home....

....and gaining online friends who are now forever friends. YES!!!

[hedoman]

We got a lot of information from this forum to help us make our decision to move. We aren't full time yet. But we will be soon enough. I thank everyone who helped us with their honest posts about TV. We got so much information from TOTV that we felt very comfortable with our purchase. My husband called me one morning while I was on my way to work and said that he saw a villa that he really liked. By noon we had our realtor and offer in. We are still getting great information from landscaping to vets for our dog. There are people that are so kind and caring. God bless you all. I don't post much but I do read a lot. LOL
:D

Couldn't have said it better. 41 days and a wake up and we are FROGS. Thanks to TOTV for immense help and education.

:BigApplause:

[ariel]

We got a lot of information from this forum to help us make our decision to move. We aren't full time yet. But we will be soon enough. I thank everyone who helped us with their honest posts about TV. We got so much information from TOTV that we felt very comfortable with our purchase. My husband called me one morning while I was on my way to work and said that he saw a villa that he really liked. By noon we had our realtor and offer in. We are still getting great information from landscaping to vets for our dog. There are people that are so kind and caring. God bless you all. I don't post much but I do read a lot. LOL
:D
Stories so similar to mine. I have a little notebook that I write down notes/numbers from the things I've learned "lurking". I've moved a few times over the years and have always been blessed with great neighbors, but TOTV has made me feel I really know the place. Cheers to my "unseen" neighbors!

[Trish Crocker]

I have found not only lots and lots of valuable information, I have also gotten a feel of what the people are like, the sense of humor, the helpfulness. When you are thinking about leaving everything that is familiar and going to a place that is unknown, it's so nice to feel that you already have friends there. If all of you on TOTV were a bunch of cranks...hey, I'd stay here :)....instead, every day I'm making plans to get there!! Thank you to everyone that takes the time to post and answer (I'm sure repetitive) questions from us soon to be's and hope to be's.

Trish

[Jim Straz]

I have found not only lots and lots of valuable information, I have also gotten a feel of what the people are like, the sense of humor, the helpfulness. When you are thinking about leaving everything that is familiar and going to a place that is unknown, it's so nice to feel that you already have friends there. If all of you on TOTV were a bunch of cranks...hey, I'd stay here :)....instead, every day I'm making plans to get there!! Thank you to everyone that takes the time to post and answer (I'm sure repetitive) questions from us soon to be's and hope to be's.

Trish
Very well said, thank you. I'm a 'hope to be', and will love living near couples like you two.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

What??? I don't live in The Villages? But I know you all!! You feel like my neighbors. :thumbup:

TOTV keeps me connected to TV until I can get there. I don't care what the subject is... I just love to read what you are reading, who had a good meal (and sometimes bad) at what restaurant. What homes you all chose to buy and why and what villages you each live in and all about your lives there.... Even if I don't post... I am ALWAYS reading!!!

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

I agree--I've learned so much and made very real on-line friends.
"Even if I don't post... I am ALWAYS reading!!! "-- me too.
:pepper2::pepper2::bigbow:

[tainsley]

I have found not only lots and lots of valuable information, I have also gotten a feel of what the people are like, the sense of humor, the helpfulness. When you are thinking about leaving everything that is familiar and going to a place that is unknown, it's so nice to feel that you already have friends there. If all of you on TOTV were a bunch of cranks...hey, I'd stay here :)....instead, every day I'm making plans to get there!! Thank you to everyone that takes the time to post and answer (I'm sure repetitive) questions from us soon to be's and hope to be's.

Trish

Nicely said Trish. I was apprehensive about coming to check out TV (hubby wouldn't let up) because I did not want to leave the familiarity of my life (ho-hum). So glad I found TOTV. I have never felt to sure about a move as I am about TV. Hope to meet up with all of you soon! :smiley:

[aljetmet]

I can't believe how valuable TOTV is to wanabees and TVers as well. It's truly amazing. When I get some info I want, I copy it and e-mail it to myself placing "villages - whatever" in the subject. Will have my own nuts and bolts info at my fingertips!

Just wanted to add that we were kind of sold on TV before we ever arrived and really had very little info. We came for three days Feb 2010 just to look at new houses. We were sold but now we've changed our mind on the house we want to bulid. Otherwise it's gonna be an excruciating wait till we can come...