Multiple home owners

[nitehawk]

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word
but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.
I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?
Yes maybe NYC is a lot more unfriendly then other areas and large cities no matter where, could be added to that theory. One thing I thought was maybe the multiple home ownership could be a reason for TV becoming more unfriendly. When I first came here TV discouraged multiple ownership but I think forbid it. As they did not want TV to become and invest property community. I really think they were right in there rules as most of the other rules.
The reason I believe this is if anyone has worked in an area like Bedfort Stuyvesant (Bedfort Sty) in Brooklyn NY, or Harlem in NYC. Well I have and IMO one of reasons they became ghettos is the apartment house and private home were owned by slum lords - the renters only rented and did not own. When the city helped people buy there own home the turn around began. Now to compare there and here. When you live on a block with two or three rental homes the neighborhood is not the same as when everyone owns there own home and works on it and keeps it looking nice. Maybe I have said enough as many posters to TOTV have multiple home and will defend there position - yes this America and everyone has a right to make money and succeed even at the expense of others and yes I know this is not NYC --- I need another drink of Kool-Aid. As you can see I am not and english major forgive my writing that rambles on and my punctuation

[renrod]

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word
but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.
I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?
Yes maybe NYC is a lot more unfriendly then other areas and large cities no matter where, could be added to that theory. One thing I thought was maybe the multiple home ownership could be a reason for TV becoming more unfriendly. When I first came here TV discouraged multiple ownership but I think forbid it. As they did not want TV to become and invest property community. I really think they were right in there rules as most of the other rules.
The reason I believe this is if anyone has worked in an area like Bedfort Stuyvesant (Bedfort Sty) in Brooklyn NY, or Harlem in NYC. Well I have and IMO one of reasons they became ghettos is the apartment house and private home were owned by slum lords - the renters only rented and did not own. When the city helped people buy there own home the turn around began. Now to compare there and here. When you live on a block with two or three rental homes the neighborhood is not the same as when everyone owns there own home and works on it and keeps it looking nice. Maybe I have said enough as many posters to TOTV have multiple home and will defend there position - yes this America and everyone has a right to make money and succeed even at the expense of others and yes I know this is not NYC --- I need another drink of Kool-Aid. As you can see I am not and english major forgive my writing that rambles on and my punctuation

:wave::wave:

[shcisamax]

Nitehawk: I am about to move to TV and, I have to say, everyone seems pretty friendly to me. I get your point that investment properties bring in people who are not vested in the culture per se but I think with the exponential growth, there are enough people moving to TV and making it their principal residence that it will keep the friendliness coming. I sure hope so :)

[Uptown Girl]

I think it was Will Rogers who said, "You're just about as happy as you make up your mind to be."

Some don't resonate to "happy' or "friendly'..... for whatever reason. Oh Well.

In fairness, one person's perception of 'friendly' may seem way out of line to another.... and that can be in any number of ways, real or imagined.

The Villages is a great place, but individuals decide how they want to behave, whether they live here or not.

[Happinow]

I'm coming from New York State and the people here aren't very friendly. I think it's because a lot of them are stressed. The people in TV aren't so stressed. After all, what's to be stressed about, their next golf game, their pickle ball game, their next luncheon? Folks who aren't living the life as in TV, have a lot to be stressed about. Work, providing for their family, do they even have a job? Kids in school, school activities, not enough family time and the list goes on and on. In TV, for the most part, we are all retired and the next thing we have to do is most likely fun! Not much stress. Our kids are grown, we know what we want out of life now and life is much less stressful and more calm. I'm not sure if I'm making sense but I think that's why people who move to TV may not be so friendly, but if you give them time, they will see that being grumpy gets you nowhere and friendly is the way to go. Did that make any sense??

[Bettiboop]

I've wondered if maybe it has something to do with the fact that it has grown so much. I'm not saying people aren't still friendly - I haven't noticed that so much - but it does seem to have lost a bit of the small town feel that is/was what attracted so many to begin with. Just my observation of course :angel:

[kentucky blue]

Nitehawk: I am about to move to TV and, I have to say, everyone seems pretty friendly to me. I get your point that investment properties bring in people who are not vested in the culture per se but I think with the exponential growth, there are enough people moving to TV and making it their principal residence that it will keep the friendliness coming. I sure hope so :)

Before i purchased my home in TV,i walked my entire neighborhood and found no rentals,the pride of homeownership was a key for me. With the current economy i don't believe many are still buying homes as investments. All the cost incurred in owning rental homes in TV,and with little or no appreciation in home values,it just doesn't make financial sense.So i think you will be seeing fewer houses for rent in the future,with the villas as the main source of rental properties for the visitors.The current trend seems to be buying a principal residence with the pride of homeownership as the only objective, thus,there will be no rental property community in TV future.

[Bogie Shooter]

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word
but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.
I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?
Yes maybe NYC is a lot more unfriendly then other areas and large cities no matter where, could be added to that theory. One thing I thought was maybe the multiple home ownership could be a reason for TV becoming more unfriendly. When I first came here TV discouraged multiple ownership but I think forbid it. As they did not want TV to become and invest property community. I really think they were right in there rules as most of the other rules.
The reason I believe this is if anyone has worked in an area like Bedfort Stuyvesant (Bedfort Sty) in Brooklyn NY, or Harlem in NYC. Well I have and IMO one of reasons they became ghettos is the apartment house and private home were owned by slum lords - the renters only rented and did not own. When the city helped people buy there own home the turn around began. Now to compare there and here. When you live on a block with two or three rental homes the neighborhood is not the same as when everyone owns there own home and works on it and keeps it looking nice. Maybe I have said enough as many posters to TOTV have multiple home and will defend there position - yes this America and everyone has a right to make money and succeed even at the expense of others and yes I know this is not NYC --- I need another drink of Kool-Aid. As you can see I am not and english major forgive my writing that rambles on and my punctuation

Maybe its the higher humidity.................:wave:

[Barefoot]

Before i purchased my home in TV,i walked my entire neighborhood and found no rentals..

I'm curious ... How could you tell there were no rentals by walking the neighborhood? Most rental homes are identical to other homes, and many have long-term renters. Anyone that I know who owns rental properties maintains them meticulously.

[TrudyM]

I keep my spirits up with the dream of retirement and spending more time with hubby and my mind goes to the last time we spent a week in TV in May.

I am wondering if as many of you have stated that now that it has grown so big that in the winter months it is more crowded and stressful maybe that is making it less friendly seeming.

What I was surprised about was that a lot of developments in resort areas have a minimum rental time some are three some are six month leases only allowed. As I said we have come for a week at a time as my husband is still working. I was happy to be able to come but was surprised that with all the other rules that this was not one TV had.

Still wishing I was in TV.
Trudy

[Graytop]

I'm coming from New York State and the people here aren't very friendly. I think it's because a lot of them are stressed. The people in TV aren't so stressed. After all, what's to be stressed about, their next golf game, their pickle ball game, their next luncheon? Folks who aren't living the life as in TV, have a lot to be stressed about. Work, providing for their family, do they even have a job? Kids in school, school activities, not enough family time and the list goes on and on. In TV, for the most part, we are all retired and the next thing we have to do is most likely fun! Not much stress. Our kids are grown, we know what we want out of life now and life is much less stressful and more calm. I'm not sure if I'm making sense but I think that's why people who move to TV may not be so friendly, but if you give them time, they will see that being grumpy gets you nowhere and friendly is the way to go. Did that make any sense??

After you live here a while some of The Villages Kool Aid will wear off. Don't get me wrong, this is a GREAT place to live, ....and most of the people you meet here are vey nice. It just that some folks can't be happy no matter where they are living and feel the necessity to take it out on others. I've come to the conclusion that some of them just don't feel well physically and that makes them grumpy.....you'll have that anywhere but maybe a little more with an older than average population. Don't misunderstand what I'm saying here,...I'm not saying that older folks are grumpy,...I just don't think that a lot of them feel well and it affects their outlook. :smiley:

[nitehawk]

No response from our multiple home owner on TOTV ?????

[CSilvestrucci]

I own a home and live here full time. I also have a rental property CYV that I rent to my 23 yr old son who attends college part time. It is maintained just as well as my own home. He is friendly to his neighbors but for the most part he is quiet and stays to himself.

[Xavier]

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word
but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.
I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?
Yes maybe NYC is a lot more unfriendly then other areas and large cities no matter where, could be added to that theory. One thing I thought was maybe the multiple home ownership could be a reason for TV becoming more unfriendly. When I first came here TV discouraged multiple ownership but I think forbid it. As they did not want TV to become and invest property community. I really think they were right in there rules as most of the other rules.
The reason I believe this is if anyone has worked in an area like Bedfort Stuyvesant (Bedfort Sty) in Brooklyn NY, or Harlem in NYC. Well I have and IMO one of reasons they became ghettos is the apartment house and private home were owned by slum lords - the renters only rented and did not own. When the city helped people buy there own home the turn around began. Now to compare there and here. When you live on a block with two or three rental homes the neighborhood is not the same as when everyone owns there own home and works on it and keeps it looking nice. Maybe I have said enough as many posters to TOTV have multiple home and will defend there position - yes this America and everyone has a right to make money and succeed even at the expense of others and yes I know this is not NYC --- I need another drink of Kool-Aid. As you can see I am not and english major forgive my writing that rambles on and my punctuation

Huh? I mean, really, huh? You can't expect anyone to take this seriously, can you? Huh?

Xavier

[MelZ]

Are you saying there are "no rude homeowners"? Sure pride of ownership is important but why do we still need deed restrictions?

Who are the majority of the rude people at the rec centers and restaurants? Who are the drivers who can't navigate a rotary? Who are the people who reserve spots at the squares many hours before an event?

If the answer to all the above is renters what do you purpose should be done about them? If not who are they?

[graciegirl]

I can only think of one person who posts regularly on TOTV who has three homes. He has them rented most of the time and maintains one of them primarily for when his family is here with them. He is meticulous about all of them. Meticulous about everything and has excellent common sense and wonderful business sense.

Most of the people who rent here, do not rent here for the long haul but to see what they like about the area and where they want to buy....or have bought and are waiting for their home to be built or come from England or Canada and are snowbirds.

We had such a situation on our street in Hadley. The renters became owners and the owners became owner occupiers. The property was maintained perfectly.

But the friendliness? That is complex. If you are kind and friendly to others, they usually are the same back to you. People become increasingly absorbed in activities they like and may leave their intial friendships to spend time with the folks who are doin' what they are doin'. I am having a bit of a problem right now juggling the things I am invited to do and want to do. Sometimes I take the day off for a nap and revival.

And Graytop. It is true, as you age you get a few more of the aches or pains, but it makes some of us grumpy and some of not so grumpy and you better watch it, kid about general statements like that! ;)

And...Nitehawk. This isn't really Paradise. We still have to work at our relationships and familiarity breeds contempt...sometimes. It is hard not to be happy and friendly in this beautiful place with all of the activities.

I think we all have bad days...and we are allowed.

[Graytop]

I can only think of one person who posts regularly on TOTV who has three homes. He has them rented most of the time and maintains one of them primarily for when his family is here with them. He is meticulous about all of them. Meticulous about everything and has excellent common sense and wonderful business sense.

Most of the people who rent here, do not rent here for the long haul but to see what they like about the area and where they want to buy....or have bought and are waiting for their home to be built or come from England or Canada and are snowbirds.

We had such a situation on our street in Hadley. The renters became owners and the owners became owner occupiers. The property was maintained perfectly.

But the friendliness? That is complex. If you are kind and friendly to others, they usually are the same back to you. People become increasingly absorbed in activities they like and may leave their intial friendships to spend time with the folks who are doin' what they are doin'. I am having a bit of a problem right now juggling the things I am invited to do and want to do. Sometimes I take the day off for a nap and revival.

And Graytop. It is true, as you age you get a few more of the aches or pains, but it makes some of us grumpy and some of not so grumpy and you better watch it, kid about general statements like that! ;)

And...Nitehawk. This isn't really Paradise. We still have to work at our relationships and familiarity breeds contempt...sometimes. It is hard not to be happy and friendly in this beautiful place with all of the activities.

I think we all have bad days...and we are allowed.

Yes Gracie,...no disrespect intended....

[graciegirl]

Yes Gracie,...no disrespect intended....

I couldn't help funning you a bit.

[kentucky blue]

I'm curious ... How could you tell there were no rentals by walking the neighborhood? Most rental homes are identical to other homes, and many have long-term renters. Anyone that I know who owns rental properties maintains them meticulously.

Talking to the neighbors,and knocking on doors.Been in real estate business for over 30 years,not shy about getting answers to all my questions.Agree that most rental properties are well maintained, but not meticulously.I just don't see how you can generate any real cash flow after all your expenses.Buying a second property for friends and family to use is a nice luxury to have,but to own it strictly to generate positive cash flow in this market, is not an investment i would consider.

[keithwand]

We have visited twice and will be building soon and have only met friendly people so far.
There are "grumps" everywhere not just TV.
Now then when I'm 95 years old +; you youngins jst moving in can get the H... out of my way because I'm grumpy and I have seniority!
If you are 95+ right now congrats and no offense meant; seriously.

[The Village Girl]

We have visited twice and will be building soon and have only met friendly people so far.
There are "grumps" everywhere not just TV.
Now then when I'm 95 years old +; you youngins jst moving in can get the H... out of my way because I'm grumpy and I have seniority!
If you are 95+ right now congrats and no offense meant; seriously.


No kidding!!! I can't wait to me a grumpy old lady!

Oh wait... Too late!!!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff129/Angiefox10/Old-lady-smoking-cigar.gif

[skyc6]

All I have to do is remember where I came from. I had wonderful friends and I loved my job...however---there was snow and lots of it. There was wind, ice, and tons of leaves to rake. The news at night spoke of gang drive-bys, etc. The unemployment was higher and people were worried and grumpy!
I feel so blessed to have landed here. Smile and count your blessings, people! :) :sing:

[skyc6]

Love the picture of the grumpy lady!! A fashion statement if I ever saw one!

[angiefox10]

All I have to do is remember where I came from. I had wonderful friends and I loved my job...however---there was snow and lots of it. There was wind, ice, and tons of leaves to rake. The news at night spoke of gang drive-bys, etc. The unemployment was higher and people were worried and grumpy!
I feel so blessed to have landed here. Smile and count your blessings, people! :) :sing:

THIS JUST IN...........Six to eight inches coming in tonight through Friday! :cold:

The good news is.... It's too cold for the gang drive-bys... They like to stay in when it's cold!

[2BNTV]

No kidding!!! I can't wait to me a grumpy old lady!

Oh wait... Too late!!!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff129/Angiefox10/Old-lady-smoking-cigar.gif

Great Pic. Funny stuff. :1rotfl:

"If you want a friend, be a friend".

People are as happy as they make up their minds to be". A Lincoln.

I'm sure there will be some people who will be grumpy due to medical problems but overall, one can chose to be with people that are happy people.

As Gracie said, we all have bad days and we are allowed.

[Posh 08]

No kidding!!! I can't wait to me a grumpy old lady!

Oh wait... Too late!!!

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff129/Angiefox10/Old-lady-smoking-cigar.gif

Looks like you were really letting your hair down.

[kentucky blue]

Looks like you were really letting your hair down.

Sometimes i wake up grumpy,................other times i just let her sleep.Remember never go to bed grumpy, always stay awake and plot your revenge.

[nitehawk]

Huh? I mean, really, huh? You can't expect anyone to take this seriously, can you? Huh?

Xavier

Yes i do THANK YOU

[daca55]

Lots of people buy a home in TV but are not quite ready to use it because they aren't retired yet or they have another comitment that prevents them from using it so they decide to rent it until they can use it. I live in a fairly new neighborhood and there are renters there for the reasons I mentioned. Eventually these homes that are rented won't be. I have met some very nice people who are renters and some were from NY and they were very friendly.:wave:

[jgbama]

Having rented seven times, for a week at a time, we've hardly ever seen neighbors outside to meet them. You don't' get more friendly or outgoing than me and even my golfing buddy who comes with us commented about never seeing people outside or on their "screen porch", ugh sorry, I meant lanai! :smiley:

We are so happy when we are there, we can't do anything but smile, wave and enjoy talking with everyone about TV! We are hoping to be frogs this year, so get ready for two jubilent, friendly and excited additions to the "family"!

One thing people enjoy about us "rednecks" is our "hold my beer and watch this" spirit. I promise those years are behind me now, so no need to worry about another "Evil Knievel" on the cart paths! :loco::wave:

[ssmith]

Seems to me that there is probably a combination of many factors contributing to the feeling the OP had suggested. Size, getting older and not feeling well etc. Also I had thought about the young ones who have bought early and still have jobs in another location so rent out the place. Another thought is that us young uns are, to my regret, of the ''me' generation....you know, where I am the center of the universse and everything evolves around me and my happiness and you better not get in my way. I sure hope TV will be a great cure for the 'me-ism' disease of us young whipper-snappers ;).


I personally have thought the place to be very friendly and hope it stays that way.

[Barefoot]

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.

I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?

I've wondered if maybe it has something to do with the fact that it has grown so much. I'm not saying people aren't still friendly - I haven't noticed that so much - but it does seem to have lost a bit of the small town feel that is/was what attracted so many to begin with.

After you live here a while some of The Villages Kool Aid will wear off. Don't get me wrong, this is a GREAT place to live, ....and most of the people you meet here are vey nice.

Are you saying there are "no rude homeowners"? Sure pride of ownership is important but why do we still need deed restrictions?


I've noticed whenever a "seasoned" poster dares to suggest that The Villages is less than perfect, someone usually steps in to suggest they are grumpy or depressed or need meds of some sort. Usually it is a Newbie, setting the record straight! Or GG, and we all treasure her sunny outlook. Most of the Oldies that used to be members of TOTV have left. We have a few seasoned posters, but this site is overwhelmingly for Newbies who are blown away by the beauty and cleanliness and lifestyle opportunities. And that's the way it should be.

I think that living in The Villages is much like falling in love. In the first stage, the loved one is perfect and the answer to a prayer. In this stage there is perpetual activity, decorating, dancing at town squares, and enrolling in so many clubs and activities that usually you have to take a time out because of exhaustion.

In the second stage, perhaps a year later, flaws are beginning to surface, but the loved one is still almost perfect. Line-ups at restaurants and for popular classes can be annoying. Driving a golf cart everywhere is a little less fun, and people drive their cars more often, especially if they're going to the opposite side of TV. The tendency is to visit the Squares less, and perhaps spend more time at neighbourhood parties and enjoying the pleasures of home. Perhaps even start cooking and having dinner parties, rather than lining up at restaurants.

In stage three, when the flaws are glaringly evident, the loved one is still valued and loved, warts and all. The Town Squares are pridefully shown off to company, and visted occasionally. Parades and crowds are more likely to be avoided than to be desired. People move to larger or smaller houses, or trade a house with a kissing lanai for a house with a view lot. Or move from an old section to a new one. Or from a new Village to more relaxed Historical. In stage three, some people decide TV is not for them. Not because they are grumpy or ill or depressed or need meds. I've know a lot of people who moved out of TV, although of course, they're not posting on TOTV so you won't hear their stories. They are people who wanted to be near the ocean, or live in more privacy with fences and less restrictions. Some people feel that TV is a "cookie cutter" or "Stepford wife" environment. There are people who are sorry they left their family up north and want to be near them again. They are people who were told that "TV is paradise and you should live here". So they moved to TV because they thought it would solve all their problems in life, but of course it didn't, so they moved on.

After five seasons here, I love TV and wouldn't leave it. I'm certainly not trying to badmouth TV, it is an unique community like no other. The only point I'm trying to make, gentle readers, is that TV isn't perfect for everyone. And when people find fault with TV, it isn't because they have an attitude problem. :duck:

[Graytop]

I've noticed whenever a "seasoned" poster dares to suggest that The Villages is less than perfect, someone usually steps in to suggest they are grumpy or depressed or need meds of some sort. Usually it is a Newbie, setting the record straight! Or GG, and we all treasure her sunny outlook. Most of the Oldies that used to be members of TOTV have left. We have a few seasoned posters, but this site is overwhelmingly for Newbies who are blown away by the beauty and cleanliness and lifestyle opportunities. And that's the way it should be.

I think that living in The Villages is much like falling in love. In the first stage, the loved one is perfect and the answer to a prayer. In this stage there is perpetual activity, decorating, dancing at town squares, and enrolling in so many clubs and activities that usually you have to take a time out because of exhaustion.

In the second stage, perhaps a year later, flaws are beginning to surface, but the loved one is still almost perfect. Line-ups at restaurants and for popular classes can be annoying. Driving a golf cart everywhere is a little less fun, and people drive their cars more often, especially if they're going to the opposite side of TV. The tendency is to visit the Squares less, and perhaps spend more time at neighbourhood parties and enjoying the pleasures of home. Perhaps even start cooking and having dinner parties, rather than lining up at restaurants.

In stage three, when the flaws are glaringly evident, the loved one is still valued and loved, warts and all. The Town Squares are pridefully shown off to company, and visted occasionally. Parades and crowds are more likely to be avoided than to be desired. People move to larger or smaller houses, or trade a house with a kissing lanai for a house with a view lot. Or move from an old section to a new one. Or from a new Village to more relaxed Historical. In stage three, some people decide TV is not for them. Not because they are grumpy or ill or depressed or need meds. I've know a lot of people who moved out of TV, although of course, they're not posting on TOTV so you won't hear their stories. They are people who wanted to be near the ocean, or live in more privacy with fences and less restrictions. Some people feel that TV is a "cookie cutter" or "Stepford wife" environment. There are people who are sorry they left their family up north and want to be near them again. They are people who were told that "TV is paradise and you should live here". So they moved to TV because they thought it would solve all their problems in life, but of course it didn't, so they moved on.

After five seasons here, I love TV and wouldn't leave it. I'm certainly not trying to badmouth TV, it is an unique community like no other. The only point I'm trying to make, gentle readers, is that TV isn't perfect for everyone. And when people find fault with TV, it isn't because they have an attitude problem. :duck:

Barefoot,

I've just fallen in love with you for your thoughtful & poignant post...:smiley:

Excellent observations,...I found myself connecting with almost everything you said in there,....:doh: I guess I'm being overly sentimental here,....I was moved!:loco:

[Happinow]

Barefoot, it makes perfect sense to me. Maybe after the novelty wears off everything doesn't look so rosy. But my guess is it's the most perfect place you'll ever live and will find your nitch in what ever you choose to do or not to do. Ya the squares are fun at first then you get tired of the crowds and music, the shopping is fun but after a while how much can you shop? You have parties, friends over but then you decide you're not into that any more. So what's left? The friends you make and the beautiful house you've chosen, be it new or pre owned. Make sure you pick what's right for you because in the end it will be your sanctuary. Every place you live has it's pros and cons but TV 's pros far outweigh the cons. Enjoy your life in the closest thing to paradise.

[nitehawk]

Thank You Barefoot --- You said it perfectly

[Barefoot]

Graytop, Nitehawk & Happinow ... I appreciate your comments. Thank you! :ho:

[Bettiboop]

Well said, Bare! Perfect analogy!!

I'm not living in TV yet, but I think I have gone through stage I and II just from visiting there and following the message boards over the years. I'm a little bit jealous that I didn't get to experience all of it in person though :laugh:

I'm into stage III now and starting to see and hear about things that give me cause for concern but nothing yet to give me reason to change my mind about moving there. I don't expect perfect...no place is perfect.

I wish hubby was ready to retire now! A bit of me is afraid I will hear something that will change my mind before I even have a chance to get there. :sigh:

Maybe I should quit reading the forum...just kiddin' :angel:

Appreciate your input as always, Bare!

[kathy and al]

I've noticed whenever a "seasoned" poster dares to suggest that The Villages is less than perfect, someone usually steps in to suggest they are grumpy or depressed or need meds of some sort. Usually it is a Newbie, setting the record straight! Or GG, and we all treasure her sunny outlook. Most of the Oldies that used to be members of TOTV have left. We have a few seasoned posters, but this site is overwhelmingly for Newbies who are blown away by the beauty and cleanliness and lifestyle opportunities. And that's the way it should be.

I think that living in The Villages is much like falling in love. In the first stage, the loved one is perfect and the answer to a prayer. In this stage there is perpetual activity, decorating, dancing at town squares, and enrolling in so many clubs and activities that usually you have to take a time out because of exhaustion.

In the second stage, perhaps a year later, flaws are beginning to surface, but the loved one is still almost perfect. Line-ups at restaurants and for popular classes can be annoying. Driving a golf cart everywhere is a little less fun, and people drive their cars more often, especially if they're going to the opposite side of TV. The tendency is to visit the Squares less, and perhaps spend more time at neighbourhood parties and enjoying the pleasures of home. Perhaps even start cooking and having dinner parties, rather than lining up at restaurants.

In stage three, when the flaws are glaringly evident, the loved one is still valued and loved, warts and all. The Town Squares are pridefully shown off to company, and visted occasionally. Parades and crowds are more likely to be avoided than to be desired. People move to larger or smaller houses, or trade a house with a kissing lanai for a house with a view lot. Or move from an old section to a new one. Or from a new Village to more relaxed Historical. In stage three, some people decide TV is not for them. Not because they are grumpy or ill or depressed or need meds. I've know a lot of people who moved out of TV, although of course, they're not posting on TOTV so you won't hear their stories. They are people who wanted to be near the ocean, or live in more privacy with fences and less restrictions. Some people feel that TV is a "cookie cutter" or "Stepford wife" environment. There are people who are sorry they left their family up north and want to be near them again. They are people who were told that "TV is paradise and you should live here". So they moved to TV because they thought it would solve all their problems in life, but of course it didn't, so they moved on.

After five seasons here, I love TV and wouldn't leave it. I'm certainly not trying to badmouth TV, it is an unique community like no other. The only point I'm trying to make, gentle readers, is that TV isn't perfect for everyone. And when people find fault with TV, it isn't because they have an attitude problem. :duck:
If you have not written or published books professionaly in the past, I suggest you consider doing so. Very well written, clear, concise, etc. etc., etc. Thanks for your input.

[Barefoot]

If you have not written or published books professionaly in the past, I suggest you consider doing so. Very well written, clear, concise, etc. etc., etc. Thanks for your input.

Thank you all for your kind posts, and for taking my comments in the spirit in which they were written. I was very hesitant to post my comments, hoping that they wouldn't be thought to be negative. I was preparing myself for a barrage of rotten tomatoes. So I very much appreciate your positive and very kind feedback. :mademyday:

[jackz]

Thank you all for your kind posts, and for taking my comments in the spirit in which they were written. I was very hesitant to post my comments, hoping that they wouldn't be thought to be negative. I was preparing myself for a barrage of rotten tomatoes. So I very much appreciate your positive and very kind feedback. :mademyday:

Bare keep on publishing. Your thoughts and analogy were right on....

[l2ridehd]

Perfect Bare. Very well done, very accurate and when we think about our own Villages journey it really flows true. Friends are always the long term goal we should have, and to enjoy those friends as much as possible. That's why I am so glad I finally met you. :wave:

[ewstanley]

I also agree with Barefoot on this subject. Bare has been around a long time and knows what she is talking about. I always find her posts very enlightening.
:ho:

[lightworker888]

You put it all in perspective and hit the nails on the head, as you usually do. Look forward to seeing you in March.

BTW You missed the snowstorm of the season this week end in our part of Ontario! Don't know if it made it up to your part. We made a trip to Newmarket today and my son-in-law hit some black ice on a county road and we swerved over to the other side of the road, and then back again twice before stopping at the edge of the ditch on our side. Fortunately an oncoming car moved to the middle of the road and stopped so that we had an open space to spin around in. Don't know if I could have handled it as well as he did, and we had 6 in the car including the 2 little ones. So I am really anxious to get out of this part of the world and down to the warmth and sun. Didn't mean to highjack the thread. Guess it was scarier than I thought or I would have forgotten about it.


LW888