What is your favorite time of year in TV?

[eweissenbach]

As a snowbird I have only been in TV in February, March, and April. I have not found TV to be as crowded or frenetic as some seem to describe it in the high season, but on the other hand, I have nothing to compare it to. My perspective is that in Feb - April there are obviously lots of people there, but I have not experienced much difficulty in getting a table at most restaurants, getting tee times (early in the morning), getting around in traffic (nothing like Kansas City in rush hour), at the pools and rec centers, or in any other meaningful way. You who are here year-round, or most of the year; what is your favorite season or month and why?

[Halibut]

There are for sure more people during certain months, but I don't find the traffic or crowds at all onerous or bothersome. It's still a comparatively calm and easy pace here, IMO.

Overall, I think November and December are beautiful, weather-wise. But I enjoy the "colder" months, too. Also like all the rain in the summer.

Guess I'm just content and easy to please. :laugh:

[2newyorkers]

October thru November. Beautiful weather and clear blue skies.
March and April. Beautiful weather, clear blue skies and the trees and shrubs are blooming.

[geri317]

I love it here all year but do find the winter months over crowded everywhere. Too many people in grocery stores, rec centers, movies, roads. So I guess the summer months are my favorite.

[graciegirl]

I love the calmness of summer with no crowds. I love the storms.

[zcaveman]

The last two weeks of May thru the first two weeks of September.

No crowds. No traffic.

Z

[getdul981]

I like the time between the Lovebugs in April and September. Less traffic and shorter wait times at restaurants.

[rn1tv]

Don't mean to be cruel, but I love the Villages when the snowbirds have gone north...no one running me over or cursing me on the road, I can shop without rudeness, and life is just better.

[eweissenbach]

Don't mean to be cruel, but I love the Villages when the snowbirds have gone north...no one running me over or cursing me on the road, I can shop without rudeness, and life is just better.

Hmmm, so only snowbirds run people over, cursing them, and shop with rudeness? Interesting.

[tainsley]

I am so happy to be here all year round. I love the summer months...floating in my pool. I seem to read more in the summer! The Rec centers aren't as crowded. The days are longer. I enjoy working in my garden and love all the flowers! Fall and spring...perfect weather! I also enjoy the winter months. The Villages becomes energized when all the snowbirds and a lot of my friends return! Any time of year is a good time to be in The Villages.

[eweissenbach]

As a snowbird I think it is my responsibility to TRY not to run anybody over, cursing them, and to stop shopping with rudeness. Someone has to set the example for these renegades!

[Phanatic Luvr]

I think what rn1tv was trying to say is The Villages, during January thru April, population increases dramatically, by about 40,000 or so. Our roadways are a little tricky if you don't take the time to understand the correct way to navigate your way through them. It is obvious to those of us who live here year round, who are just visiting for short periods, as we see so many potential dangers, especially on the roads.
Our supermarkets are twice as crowded and full timers know not to shop on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd of January, February and March.
In as far as rudeness, I believe you have that at any time of the year, just depends on who you come in contact with. Some people are less tolerant of situations and it doesn't matter if they are here for a month or 12 months. Maybe, those vacationing feel they need to jam all their activities into a few months and therefore are a little more demanding.
As a full time resident, I stay home more often during those months, and eat out when our restaurants are more quiet.
Doctors are harder to get an appt. with during the winter months and our hospital has ungodly long wait times.
There is definitely a difference during the winter months vs the summer months. We can all live together happily if we all have respect for each other. Unfortunately though, there are those that will never know the meaning of respect.

[OCsun]

::As a snowbird I think it is my responsibility to TRY not to run anybody over, cursing them, and to stop shopping with rudeness. Someone has to set the example for these renegades!
:wave:

I personally like the excitement in the air when the snowbirds come back! I get to see all of the friends I have made since my move here. Driving can be a little more tricky, but I have come to expect that kind of thing when living in what feels like a fun resort town. Life is good!

[LI SNOWBIRD]

October thru November. Beautiful weather and clear blue skies.
March and April. Beautiful weather, clear blue skies and the trees and shrubs are blooming.

You beat me to the punch hon!

[coconutmama]

The months that the birds migrate through are fun. In Buttonwood we had hundreds of Robins one evening on our street.

[graciegirl]

The months that the birds migrate through are fun. In Buttonwood we had hundreds of Robins one evening on our street.

I love the birds...and THE BIRDS, most of them. Unless they umm poop on me or flip me the bird.

[AriaGrandparents2013]

Will be arriving in The Villages in early September for extended stay and reserve judgement and input till I've experiences the " lifestyle" during these periods. Have been in The Villages in March and June for short periods and thought March was much more active with people and vehicles. Overall it was totally enjoyable both times.

[Mikeod]

Hmmm, so only snowbirds run people over, cursing them, and shop with rudeness? Interesting.

I notice an increase in those things during the high season, but will not blame it all on snowbirds. For full timers, the change in population is very noticeable leading to fewer tee times available, harder to get into restaurants and rec classes, etc. I think some seasonal residents do try to squeeze as much into their time here as possible, and I really can't judge them too harshly for it. They are paying amenity fees all year while they only get to enjoy what they pay for for a few months.

But I also believe some full timers become less tolerant as they see their tranquility and access compromised, so the rudeness mentioned earlier probably comes from both camps. Those who have been here for several years have noticed the most changes during the high season.

Frankly, I consider January through March as the exception. I will probably play less golf, stay away from the town squares a bit more, eat out less often, and still enjoy the weather and the community. 'Cuz I know I'll have at least six or seven months to do those things to my heart's content.

Oh, on the subject of traffic, a lot depends on where you come from. As a former resident of SoCal, traffic never seems heavy to me. But if I came here from a rural area, it may be overwhelming. Also, aggressive driving is a fact of life in some areas, principally large cities, and it takes a while for full timers to lose that tendency. But some seasonal residents and/or visitors will bring that driving style with them for the winter. To them, it's just normal. Just means you have to be more vigilant on the roads than usual.

[Sunshine Mary]

I like Summer because love the longer days .Winter it get dark too early .
But Summer is so hot .This is my first summer here .

[Avista]

Summer months are my favorite!

[Duvalboomer]

October thru November. Beautiful weather and clear blue skies.
March and April. Beautiful weather, clear blue skies and the trees and shrubs are blooming.

Me Too these are the months I like most! But all 12 months are great!!

[asianthree]

We love September October and November...Have never had a problem getting into a resturant but we eat after 7pm and seems very few eat at that time

[eweissenbach]

I notice an increase in those things during the high season, but will not blame it all on snowbirds. For full timers, the change in population is very noticeable leading to fewer tee times available, harder to get into restaurants and rec classes, etc. I think some seasonal residents do try to squeeze as much into their time here as possible, and I really can't judge them too harshly for it. They are paying amenity fees all year while they only get to enjoy what they pay for for a few months.

But I also believe some full timers become less tolerant as they see their tranquility and access compromised, so the rudeness mentioned earlier probably comes from both camps. Those who have been here for several years have noticed the most changes during the high season.

Frankly, I consider January through March as the exception. I will probably play less golf, stay away from the town squares a bit more, eat out less often, and still enjoy the weather and the community. 'Cuz I know I'll have at least six or seven months to do those things to my heart's content.

Oh, on the subject of traffic, a lot depends on where you come from. As a former resident of SoCal, traffic never seems heavy to me. But if I came here from a rural area, it may be overwhelming. Also, aggressive driving is a fact of life in some areas, principally large cities, and it takes a while for full timers to lose that tendency. But some seasonal residents and/or visitors will bring that driving style with them for the winter. To them, it's just normal. Just means you have to be more vigilant on the roads than usual.

Well stated mike!

[CFrance]

There is something to be said for the summer. Yes it's hot, but you kind of slow down, spend more time indoors reading--or whatever it is you do indoors for relaxation--and I have gradually noticed that it is quieter. This is our first summer here. We are greatly enjoying it. I enjoyed our first fall here last year too. Oh, and then... winter's great too. Hmm.....

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I think what rn1tv was trying to say is The Villages, during January thru April, population increases dramatically, by about 40,000 or so. Our roadways are a little tricky if you don't take the time to understand the correct way to navigate your way through them. It is obvious to those of us who live here year round, who are just visiting for short periods, as we see so many potential dangers, especially on the roads.
Our supermarkets are twice as crowded and full timers know not to shop on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd of January, February and March.
In as far as rudeness, I believe you have that at any time of the year, just depends on who you come in contact with. Some people are less tolerant of situations and it doesn't matter if they are here for a month or 12 months. Maybe, those vacationing feel they need to jam all their activities into a few months and therefore are a little more demanding.
As a full time resident, I stay home more often during those months, and eat out when our restaurants are more quiet.
Doctors are harder to get an appt. with during the winter months and our hospital has ungodly long wait times.
There is definitely a difference during the winter months vs the summer months. We can all live together happily if we all have respect for each other. Unfortunately though, there are those that will never know the meaning of respect.

I lived in Sarasota for five years and I can tell you that what you say here is pretty much the same all over Florida.
I love the Villages the most the period beginning January 1 and ending Dec 31.

[fb32162]

I love the weather here October til May. I like the "atmosphere" April to Dec. Don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate having snowbirds since we would not have half the stores and restauarants we have year round if we didn't have a "busy season". I lived in a tourist area and know the importance of a "high season" to keep a local economy going.

I guess you could say I have the same reaction to snowbirds as I do my grandchildren....I love to have them come visit and I love to have them go home :laugh:

[ConnecticutYankee]

I love October and November when you don't need AC and can have the windows open and enjoy the fresh air. April and May for the same reasons. We are far enough north to enjoy a slight change in seasons. But I love it here all year....hot, humid, rainy, T storms, frost, sinkholes, snowbirds/flakes....there's no place in the world that can compare to the beauty and peacefulness of life here! Wouldn't live anywhere else! It amazes me, even with a population of 100,000+, I feel like I live in a small town!

[blueeagle65]

May - Oct.

[Suzi]

I'll try to live by a "strict snowbird code of rules". I will drive safe - probably slower than most - so please full--timers feel free to pass me (without nasty language). I will not litter -EVER. I will patiently wait in lines and be kind to waitresses, salespersons etc. I will make as many friends as possible and try to keep in touch during the off-season. I will be good to my neighbors and help anyone in need. My dog will have good manners just as I do.

I certainly do not want to be one of the many snowbirds spoken about on TOTV. I love people and I am an excellent rule follower. Not that I'm boring - quite the opposite, but I understand why the rules are in place. TV will be the largest place I have lived in 33 years. I truly look forward to the friendships and comrade-re of a larger town. I have lived rurally for so long that I am so excited to have unlimited people to be friends with. People watching must be fantastic. Sitting at Starbucks watching the dogs with their "owners" will be a blast. This first year, I will be in TV from September to ? June. With a few trips home for the holidays. Don't know what that qualifies me as exactly. Maybe slightly more than a snowbird. I know I will be spending alot of time without my hubby who still is partially employed. I'll be spending this time without him making "our nest" and enjoying myself. Hope everyone will accept me, and if I have a Faux-pax or a senior moment, please excuse me because it will take some time to fully understand the written and unwritten TV laws.

[davecz1]

Give me the summer season, May thru November. Nice, quiet and able to do what I want when I want.

[CFrance]

I'll try to live by a "strict snowbird code of rules". I will drive safe - probably slower than most - so please full--timers feel free to pass me (without nasty language). I will not litter -EVER. I will patiently wait in lines and be kind to waitresses, salespersons etc. I will make as many friends as possible and try to keep in touch during the off-season. I will be good to my neighbors and help anyone in need. My dog will have good manners just as I do.

I certainly do not want to be one of the many snowbirds spoken about on TOTV. I love people and I am an excellent rule follower. Not that I'm boring - quite the opposite, but I understand why the rules are in place. TV will be the largest place I have lived in 33 years. I truly look forward to the friendships and comrade-re of a larger town. I have lived rurally for so long that I am so excited to have unlimited people to be friends with. People watching must be fantastic. Sitting at Starbucks watching the dogs with their "owners" will be a blast. This first year, I will be in TV from September to ? June. With a few trips home for the holidays. Don't know what that qualifies me as exactly. Maybe slightly more than a snowbird. I know I will be spending alot of time without my hubby who still is partially employed. I'll be spending this time without him making "our nest" and enjoying myself. Hope everyone will accept me, and if I have a Faux-pax or a senior moment, please excuse me because it will take some time to fully understand the written and unwritten TV laws.

Suzi, I think there should be another distinction--more than snowbird, less than frog. It's for those of us who stay longer than the typical three winter months. It sounds like you'll make friends easily. And if you have any trouble, PM me! I'll come out and play.

[eweissenbach]

Suzi, I think there should be another distinction--more than snowbird, less than frog. It's for those of us who stay longer than the typical three winter months. It sounds like you'll make friends easily. And if you have any trouble, PM me! I'll come out and play.

I believe "snowflake" is the preferred nomenclature.

[CFrance]

I believe "snowflake" is the preferred nomenclature.

Oh, okay. I thought a snowflake was someone who rented for three months or less, and didn't own.

I thought a snowbird was someone who came down for more time than the snowflake, whether renting or not.

But we're frogs now. And I'm getting lightheaded trying to sort this out. Time to move on to another subject :crap2:

[Golfingnut]

I love spring after the SB,s leave and fall before they arrive. Lol

[Villages PL]

Every season has something special about it so I can't pick a favorite.

Turn! Turn!Turn! (to Everything There Is a Season) by The Byrds

To everything....
There is a season....
And a time for every purpose....

A time to be born....
A time to plant....
A time to heal....
A time to laugh....

[Susan G]

You who are here year-round, or most of the year; what is your favorite season or month and why?

October and November as the nights are cooler and I can sleep with my windows and lanai slider open....ahhh, can't wait for the fresh air!

[BigB46]

As a visitor so far, I see that rent is much cheaper during the Summer. Is this because of the Summer heat or something else? I will be renting in January with my wife and we will be looking to purchase our own place. Having lived in Miami in the past, I know the Summer months can be hot, but not unbearable. It does rain a lot then, but this seemed to cool things off for a while. Plus, with A/C, extreme heat can be tempered, right? We will keep our minds open to the possibility of loving all the seasons in TV.

Do you have any particular tips on how to shop? In other words, are there Villages where there are more seasonal activities than other Villages?

[travelguy]

Summer is the best time here. It is not so crowded, and most neighborhoods are quiet, because of vacations and seasonal residents go north. There seem to be fewer Lifestyle visitors, and except for too many children (the town squares are no fun with kids around) most neighborhood pools are nearly deserted. There are also fewer renters here (who seem to think that TV is some sort of resort, and therefore abuse life under the dome). I hope that this does not sound like I am some sort of grouch, but I just like it when it is quiet here. So peaceful!

[Pturner]

Ten months of the year, specifically the ten when the lovebugs aren't around. Snowbirds and snowflakes are quite alright by me!

BTW, to me snowflakes are non-full-time owners who come down whenever they can get here, not necessarily in the winter months. I was a snowflake before I became a frog.

RIBBIT

[Ohiogirl]

We are Florida residents (here more than 6 mos) so I feel like we are different than the Snowbirds (Jan-March or April) and also different than the Flakes (here off and on whenever). But, we do leave from mid-May thru mid-Sept. This year didn't come back in summer at all (dreading cutting back all my plants), but might come back for a couple of weeks next summer, who knows?

Back to the OP - our favorite times are November (usually - one year it was humid and thunderstormy part of the time) and April.

[DougB]

5:00 pm

[Barefoot]

Oh, okay. I thought a snowflake was someone who rented for three months or less, and didn't own.

I thought a snowbird was someone who came down for more time than the snowflake, whether renting or not.

But we're frogs now. And I'm getting lightheaded trying to sort this out.

Everyone has their own terminology, so there's no definitive answer. Here's mine ....

A seasonal resident owns a home in TV and another home someplace cooler. And spends time every year in both homes. Estimated to be around 40% of the population.

A snowbird spends winters in Florida.

And a snowflake swirls around, not sure where they will hang their hat next.

[Skybo]

I enjoy the "slow season" for all of the reasons previously mentioned...but I also look forward to "high season" because I'm so happy to see my returning friends. Weather-wise, Spring is my favorite.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Our favorite time of year in TV? It's whenever we're there. :pepper2:

Bill :wave:

[Barefoot]

Our favorite time of year in TV? It's whenever we're there. :pepper2:
Bill :wave:

Exactly .. Our favorite time is the Fall, whenever we pull in the driveway and know we have 182 days ahead to enjoy The Bubble Bliss!

[Schaumburger]

Summer is the best time here. It is not so crowded, and most neighborhoods are quiet, because of vacations and seasonal residents go north. There seem to be fewer Lifestyle visitors, and except for too many children (the town squares are no fun with kids around) most neighborhood pools are nearly deserted. There are also fewer renters here (who seem to think that TV is some sort of resort, and therefore abuse life under the dome). I hope that this does not sound like I am some sort of grouch, but I just like it when it is quiet here. So peaceful!

I am betting that TV residents who have their grandchildren and younger relatives visiting for a couple of weeks in the summer appreciate being able to bond with their family members. The summer visits may be the only time during the year when some TV residents see their grandchildren. And as far as renters abusing life under the dome, I have rented several times in The Villages since 2011, and this renter has not abused anything in The Villages. And I have no plans to abuse anything in TV when I return to TV in October. Why would I want to abuse a place where I hope to eventually live full time at some point in the future?

And so far my favorite months to visit TV have been May and October. But I have loved all the times I have been lucky enough to rent in The Villages.

[Golfingnut]

Both spring and fall are wonderful. Summer and Winter are only "better than anywhere else".

[rubicon]

I notice an increase in those things during the high season, but will not blame it all on snowbirds. For full timers, the change in population is very noticeable leading to fewer tee times available, harder to get into restaurants and rec classes, etc. I think some seasonal residents do try to squeeze as much into their time here as possible, and I really can't judge them too harshly for it. They are paying amenity fees all year while they only get to enjoy what they pay for for a few months.

But I also believe some full timers become less tolerant as they see their tranquility and access compromised, so the rudeness mentioned earlier probably comes from both camps. Those who have been here for several years have noticed the most changes during the high season.

Frankly, I consider January through March as the exception. I will probably play less golf, stay away from the town squares a bit more, eat out less often, and still enjoy the weather and the community. 'Cuz I know I'll have at least six or seven months to do those things to my heart's content.

Oh, on the subject of traffic, a lot depends on where you come from. As a former resident of SoCal, traffic never seems heavy to me. But if I came here from a rural area, it may be overwhelming. Also, aggressive driving is a fact of life in some areas, principally large cities, and it takes a while for full timers to lose that tendency. But some seasonal residents and/or visitors will bring that driving style with them for the winter. To them, it's just normal. Just means you have to be more vigilant on the roads than usual.

mike well stated and I agree. It is what it is and so the best course of action is simply to adjust. The simple fact is that baby boomers are retiring a record pace and many will gravitate to places where there is plenty of sunshine lower taxes, etc

[rubicon]

I like Summer because love the longer days .Winter it get dark too early .
But Summer is so hot .This is my first summer here .

me too Mary 2012-2013 hottest highest humidity experience for me since I arrived 2006. However it is easier to drive in heat than snow

[bluedog103]

Don't mean to be cruel, but I love the Villages when the snowbirds have gone north...no one running me over or cursing me on the road, I can shop without rudeness, and life is just better.

I like October when we usually return to TV. Look forward to running over and cursing the fulltimers. Nothing like being really rude when shopping. :cus::loco::jester:1rotfl:

[eweissenbach]

As a visitor so far, I see that rent is much cheaper during the Summer. Is this because of the Summer heat or something else?

The rent is the result of supply and demand. The demand is extremely high in Jan - March, and thus the rent is high. The spring and fall demand is moderate and thus the rent is more reasonable. In the summer the demand is low and the rents are low. I think the heat in the summer is part of the story, but it is as nice or nicer throughout the country in the summer so less of a draw for northerners. I know many Villagers who go to their homes in Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, Mass...........and on, in the summer. I would like the summers in TV because of the cheap and easy to book golf. I play in Missouri in the summers in 100 degree + weather, so the Florida summer would not slow me down.

[CFrance]

This is our first summer in TV. I loooooooooooooooooooove the afternoon storms. Right after saying that, a crack of lightning and KABOOM of thunder just scared the **** out of me and knocked the bird off my shoulder. I am so glad our dog is not afraid of thunder.