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View Full Version : Everybody seems to love The Villages, I would like to hear what you hate beside


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jflynn1
10-04-2008, 06:06 AM
Wherever you live there are negatives. You learn to accept them or you relocate. Here in the Villages you can accept to live in a controlled enviorment when it comes to News, ( The Daily Sun Newsletter) The radio Station, The TV Station .Politics etc, or you can choose to live outside of the controlled enviorment and still take advantage of all of the great recreational activities availble . It is diffucult to do sometimes but worth it.

SABRMnLgs
10-04-2008, 04:15 PM
This is not a negative and I have lived with it since I was a kid. This city dies at 9PM. If your internal time clock dictates you to be a night owl such as I am, you have to make do.
This might be a shock to some, but not everyone is a farmer and gets up when the rooster crows or goes to bed when the sun goes down (as I have read so many do). I have electricity in my house so I can function after dark. I go to sleep around 4am and get up between 11A and 12P. I usually read, work on my puter or watch movies on my DVR.
I do my music practice in the early evening so as not to bother anyone who is a real early bed person. Just wish there was one club someplace with music, dancing, stage shows or whatever that stayed open till 3-4 in the AM for us night owls.

Barefoot
10-04-2008, 07:05 PM
This is not a negative and I have lived with it since I was a kid. This city dies at 9PM. If your internal time clock dictates you to be a night owl such as I am, you have to make do. This might be a shock to some, but not everyone is a farmer and gets up when the rooster crows or goes to bed when the sun goes down (as I have read so many do).

I get your point. When I first lived in TV, I couldn't believe that all the exercise classes were between 6:30 AM and 9 AM in the morning. To me that is coffee and newspaper time (if I happen to be awake).

We went to a Christmas party for our Village. It started at 6 PM and was over at 9:30 PM. When they turned on the bright lights and started stacking chairs, I thought it was a joke.

However I have learned to adapt to TV. The majority of peeps do go to bed early and get up early. The sidewalks are rolled up at 9 PM, except for a few places like Katie Belles. The majority rules.

chelsea24
10-04-2008, 07:28 PM
From a fellow night owl, I too was shocked when we first moved here. I'm hoping that changes as more and more younger people and boomers move in. Sure would like a few spots to go after dinner with friends for a drink or a nice piano bar. :coolsmiley:

Donna
10-04-2008, 07:43 PM
EVERYBODY SEEMS TO LOVE THE VILLAGES, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HATE BESIDE ...

I HATE the fact we have to leave and go back to the :cold::cold:Pocono's..

The Great Fumar
10-04-2008, 09:39 PM
I have three favorite spots to go in the evenings after din din and have a Manhattan and listen to piano music , One is the hotel in lake Sumter landing (very nice) but don't want to mention the other two as I don't want them crowded...( know what I mean )...
But here is a good idea that you can write down , GO TO BELLVIEW AND JOIN THE ELKS, Great place to go and dinner is very reasonable (very reasonable) and the folks are great .....(yes you can dance)
THE VILLAGES also has a new ELKS LODGE starting up and are in a building program.....

JUST A NOTE FOR YOU ELKS OUT THERE , OCALA HAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ELKS CLUBS I HAVE SEEN THIS SIDE OF HONOLULU.....AND FIRST CLASS...........

PORCH CLIMBER FUMAR

graciegirl
10-14-2008, 08:19 AM
I don't know whether I could say I "hate" the driving, but some drivers scare the Heck out of me. I also dislike blatant breaking of rules about lawn ornaments etc.

Belle
10-15-2008, 09:24 AM
The only thing I wish is that I could find a place up north like TV, as I am a snowbird. Since you are from LI, I think you will fit in very well. If you crave a little privacy, try the courtyard villas. You'll get all the privacy you need and if you get a corner lot, you'll have more property. I don't know anyone who has a serious complaint about TV.

Belle

Russ_Boston
10-15-2008, 12:50 PM
Gracie,

Where in TV did you see the lawn ornament laws broken? I think the historic side has a waiver from those rules but the rest of TV should be ornament free I thought?

Russ

graciegirl
10-15-2008, 12:52 PM
Gracie,

Where in TV did you see the lawn ornament laws broken? I think the historic side has a waiver from those rules but the rest of TV should be ornament free I thought?

Russ

In my area, but the lawn ornament police jumped on it right away.

ejp52
10-15-2008, 04:58 PM
I hate when people sign the covenants,or deed restrictions and then expect to be able to bend or break them as they see fit.
The rules aren't just for others,they apply to all who signed them.
My 2 cents.

chelsea24
10-15-2008, 05:19 PM
I hate when people sign the covenants,or deed restrictions and then expect to be able to bend or break them as they see fit.
The rules aren't just for others,they apply to all who signed them.
My 2 cents.

Eddie, wooters. Do you have change for a dollar? :1rotfl:
:laugh: chels

The Great Fumar
10-15-2008, 05:31 PM
graciegirl.... You'll have to admit that you were pushing the envelope a little when you put a half of bathtub with a frog in it on your front lawn................com'on be reasonable,
say, where did you get that tub anyway ?????

graciegirl
10-15-2008, 07:55 PM
graciegirl.... You'll have to admit that you were pushing the envelope a little when you put a half of bathtub with a frog in it on your front lawn................com'on be reasonable,
say, where did you get that tub anyway ?????



Fumar. You ain't right.

It wasn't half a bathtub. ;)It was a whole bathtub and the frog was absolutely charming, you'll have to admit that. EVERYONE loved her little pantaloons. However, the danged Village Watch shut me down.:sad:

Now listen Mr. F. Everyone knows I am an obsessive rule follower. I am the first born.:coolsmiley:

graciegirl
10-15-2008, 07:58 PM
I hate when people sign the covenants,or deed restrictions and then expect to be able to bend or break them as they see fit.
The rules aren't just for others,they apply to all who signed them.
My 2 cents.

:agree::agree:

gnu
10-16-2008, 06:51 PM
I hate when people sign the covenants,or deed restrictions and then expect to be able to bend or break them as they see fit.
The rules aren't just for others,they apply to all who signed them.
My 2 cents.

:agree:Hear,Hear:clap2:

Lone Traveller
10-17-2008, 08:28 AM
By this thread I guess I better leave my 40 foot day-glo orange and blue yard sculpture of Cheech and Chong smoking a joint in Georgia.

Oops, I thing I just gave away too much of my past.
:icon_wink:

graciegirl
10-17-2008, 09:43 AM
:shocked:

nONIE
10-17-2008, 10:24 AM
You would not want me living in your neighborhood, be glad I am far far away!
One reason I am on the historical side, I can make my front lawn look like a Garden store. shhhh tho, dont tell Bernie, one lawn statue at a time,wish me luck! LOL

SteveFromNY
10-17-2008, 10:28 AM
By this thread I guess I better leave my 40 foot day-glo orange and blue yard sculpture of Cheech and Chong smoking a joint in Georgia.

Oops, I thing I just gave away too much of my past.
:icon_wink:

Talk to the review board.....they might be into that.
Me, I'm replacing my lawn light with a statue of Jerry Garcia holding a lamp, sort of Statue of Liberty-like. I'm going to put a black light bulb in it to make Jerry glow.
:coolsmiley:

KathieI
10-17-2008, 10:56 AM
Steve, Are you coming to the lunch today?? I'm expecting you. Replace the lamp post later, get over to Crispers!!

Nonie, I wish I lived next door to you, we'd have some fun decorating the lawn with "Tchotchkes"! :a040::a040:

nONIE
10-17-2008, 11:01 AM
Yes Kath, tchotchkes, tchotchkes and more tchotchkes! What fun we would have!:coolsmiley:

graciegirl
10-17-2008, 11:30 AM
Boy Howdy. Here is where we agree to disagree.

efrahingarcia
10-17-2008, 02:22 PM
This was our second and probably last trip to TV. We came ready to buy a Premier House (around $575,000.00) We requested a few changes: A Roman Shower (The St.Augustine Model does not have that), tiles on all the floors, no pool and a bidet in the Master Bathroom. The only thing they will agree was the tiles on all the rooms. No more changes allowed. We love the house and since they have to build it from scratch did not think it was such a big deal, it looks that the TV management is a Dictatorial litttle Empire. I will not be back. Good luck to everyone, it was nice to be part of the conversation, but I have nothing to look for anymore concerning TV, Sorry.

Halle
10-17-2008, 02:33 PM
:agree::agree:

I hate when people sign the covenants,or deed restrictions and then expect to be able to bend or break them as they see fit.
The rules aren't just for others,they apply to all who signed them.
My 2 cents.

I find it interesting that some of the same posters that agree with the above statement, think there should be exceptions made for the number of pets and length of time visitors are allowed.

:shocked::undecided:

SteveFromNY
10-17-2008, 03:51 PM
Steve, Are you coming to the lunch today?? I'm expecting you. Replace the lamp post later, get over to Crispers!!

Nonie, I wish I lived next door to you, we'd have some fun decorating the lawn with "Tchotchkes"! :a040::a040:

Kathie, I won't be at lunch. I'm up north at the moment!

rekop
10-17-2008, 05:32 PM
This was our second and probably last trip to TV. We came ready to buy a Premier House (around $575,000.00) We requested a few changes: A Roman Shower (The St.Augustine Model does not have that), tiles on all the floors, no pool and a bidet in the Master Bathroom. The only thing they will agree was the tiles on all the rooms. No more changes allowed. We love the house and since they have to build it from scratch did not think it was such a big deal, it looks that the TV management is a Dictatorial litttle Empire. I will not be back. Good luck to everyone, it was nice to be part of the conversation, but I have nothing to look for anymore concerning TV, Sorry.

Sorry to hear about the inabilty to make changes. I'm suprised they wouldn't put in a roman shower - many of the homes I've seen lately have them. That is the one thing I dislike about The Villages management - they definitely are a dictatorial little empire. What I especially ahhor, is that they dictate what we read - i.e. we only get The Villages Daily sun slant (I inquired about getting the USA Today delivered - not allowed in The Villages!); you see the movies they deem appropriate (do you really think "W" will be showing in TV?), etc. At this time, we weigh the pluses and minuses and put up with it, because there are so many pluses, but frankly, if it gets to be too much, we may "take a hike" sometime in the future. Good luck to you.

graciegirl
10-17-2008, 06:36 PM
:agree::agree:



I find it interesting that some of the same posters that agree with the above statement, think there should be exceptions made for the number of pets and length of time visitors are allowed.

:shocked::undecided:

Perhaps you might have meant me. Several months ago, I was blithely inquiring about how many pets.That was before we purchased our home there if I remember correctly. Since then two of our kitties have died of old age. One was 18 and one was 19. It took a while for me to understand the restrictions on animals because our cats have NEVER been outdoors but I never have promoted vistors staying more than the limit. I just don't want you to be annoyed at me for that reason. I am an annoying smart mouth and if you hang around I will give you other reasons to be mad at me.

diskman
10-25-2008, 02:22 PM
bump:wave::wave::wave::wave:

mulligan
10-25-2008, 03:41 PM
Is there a time limit for visitors over 19 ???

bsliny
10-25-2008, 05:51 PM
bump:wave::wave::wave::wave:
What part of Brooklyn I lived in Flatbush, East New York,Grown Heights
And now I'm a snowbird from Bay Shore L.I.

Whalen
10-25-2008, 10:22 PM
What part of Brooklyn I lived in Flatbush, East New York,Grown Heights
And now I'm a snowbird from Bay Shore L.I.

Think this thread has been hijacked!
I'm Brooklyn, Park Slope (Before it was trendy) Bay Ridge now Garden City South, The Mr. is Flatlands, Bay Ridge now Garden City South, both wannabees.
:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

Sgt Mac
10-26-2008, 01:17 AM
Ok me to,
ave J brooklyn, then da island, Kings Park, then Kingston, NY, Army 20yrs
TV everything in the Villages is Great :boxing2:

Sgt Mac :coolsmiley:

diskman
10-27-2008, 03:20 PM
Ave N E 9th Street, Ocean Pkway and O, Ocean Pkway and C:shrug:

diskman
10-27-2008, 03:22 PM
Ok me to,
ave J brooklyn, then da island, Kings Park, then Kingston, NY, Army 20yrs
TV everything in the Villages is Great :boxing2:

Sgt Mac :coolsmiley:

Do You miss Chin's Chinese restaurant !

rshoffer
10-27-2008, 08:24 PM
I dislike the CENSORSHIP in The Daily Sun

graciegirl
10-27-2008, 09:04 PM
I dislike the CENSORSHIP in The Daily Sun

I agree. I don't like censorship much at all.

Sgt Mac
10-28-2008, 04:13 AM
How Sweet it is. . . Brooklyn da USA
that was a long time ago my sister loved Chin's egg fo young but I would like to have a
good "pie" pizza or a real hot dog, Ice, a real Cheese Cake to start

Da Sgt

Number 6
10-28-2008, 04:08 PM
I have been here a few weeks, and I do not hate anything. What I am disappointed with this the playlist of WVLG. They play way too much wussie music and not enough rock and roll. When you hear more Barry Manilow than the Beatles, you know something is wrong! At least they play Herman's Hermits once in a while.

NJblue
10-28-2008, 10:26 PM
I had the same thought as I was on hold with the closing office today. The music-on-hold was very syrupy stuff.

novelchick
01-15-2009, 01:57 PM
yes most folks love tv. we do!! the only thing i can think of is we wish we had a little more room between homes. we are so close we can hear each others conversations when on lanai's. other than that, we are all happy! so when choosing your home beware of that one point to take into consideration. otherwise it's paradise!!

Russ_Boston
01-15-2009, 02:36 PM
It only took a one week rental with a backyard lanai neighbor 20 feet away to come to that same conclusion.

It is the absolute #1 with a bullet priority in our house search. Everything else is negotiable.

rshoffer
01-15-2009, 02:50 PM
It only took a one week rental with a backyard lanai neighbor 20 feet away to come to that same conclusion.

It is the absolute #1 with a bullet priority in our house search. Everything else is negotiable.you pay for privacy.

Russ_Boston
01-15-2009, 02:52 PM
Nach!

Best Mom
01-15-2009, 04:13 PM
There is only one indoor pool at the Wellness Center. As of June 1st-there will be no indoor pools for villagers!

rshoffer
01-15-2009, 04:16 PM
There is only one indoor pool at the Wellness Center. As of June 1st-there will be no indoor pools for villagers!are they closing the indoor pool at The Wellness Center June first????

Best Mom
01-15-2009, 04:32 PM
rshoffer, See the thread I just started. The Wellness Center is not a happy place right now.!! It is another one of those surprises!!! Not what the people wanted or expected.



I am leaving to meet friends now so I won't be on here but anybody who has been to the Wellness Center today can tell you about it.

SABRMnLgs
01-16-2009, 03:51 AM
There are very few things about this area I dislike. My main bone of contention is and always will be the Villages "Bible" so many people have memorized or maybe mezmerized is a better choice of words.
They run around with this thing in their hands just looking for things to call the yard nazis about. "Got a bush out of place", "trying to add something to his house", "dog running lose", "chacki in his yard". On and on infinitum.
This planet has so many BIG problems that we really need to work on and these same people continually stick their collective noses in everyone elses business.
I lived for 60+ years without telling others what to do. Never had a problem.You don't like me or my bush or my dog or my flower pot? I really could care less. Go do something really important like fixing the economy, cure cancer, solve world problems.
And put your lousy "Bible" in the closet.
Other than this issue, I'm a person at peace. I have zero issues with no one. You wanna plant a bush, fine with me. Your dog got loose? Oops, well you'll get him eventually. Want to put up a window planter, maybe I can help. To me ...............these "problems" are really small potatoes in the grand scheme of life.

:shocked:

graciegirl
01-16-2009, 07:09 AM
I love so many things about the villages, but one of my favorites is the beauty of it all. Most homes aren't large, in fact none are gigundous, but the beautiful well kept landscaping is a treat to the eyes. I understand where Sabr is coming from, but I appreciate the restrictions, because then everywhere you look it is beautiful to see. Having lived in two neighborhoods where there were restrictions, we are used to rules. I know that some people can be enthusiastic about adding items to their yards until it is very overdone and not pleasant to look at and that can destroy the beauty of their neighbors view. I also know that those same people find their selections lovely and are confused as to why they would be limited. I wear hearing aids and if I were to play music on the lanai to a level enjoyable to me, I would and should be turned in for disturbing the peace.

I don't like the wild crazy driving in The Villages that I have seen NO WHERE else! And I miss the grocery store chain I loved back home; Krogers. There is also no Michaels nearby and no place to buy artists supplies. I don't like that you have to spray your home so bugs and termites don't come to join you, but that is all of the tropics. I don't like that you can't trade appliances in the already built homes in TV before you buy them. There is NO negotiating and it looks like I am stuck with a dumb refrigerator with a top freezer that makes my back ache when I am getting something off the bottom shelf.

Not too much to complain about and certainly not up there with the economy and world peace.

Bryan
01-16-2009, 07:57 AM
HATE - not a thing in TV. But I also don't think it is perfect, although I do like it a lot.

A few of my "dislikes" are that I sometimes feel I am "nickeled and dimed to death" with petty fees and charges for stuff. The recent (or rather, upcoming) $8 charge to use the online golf tee time system is one example.

I dislike the traffic circles. My mind will not comprehend that turning right from the left lane of a traffic circle is OK. That has caused me to exercise a major portion of my limited vocabulary of four letter words on more than one occassion.

Sometimes I feel a little unempowered over decisions that affect my quality of life. The recent decision to remove the buffalos from TV would be one example of that.

All in all, TV is a great place - not perfect but great.

Russ_Boston
01-16-2009, 08:31 AM
In fact none are gigundous

You must have a different standard of what large is. There are some 3800 sq. foot homes for sale on the used web site. Seems way too large for two people but who knows. Of course the price is large also 800K ++. Not many homes in this range but there are some.

Barefoot
01-16-2009, 09:48 AM
Sometimes I feel a little unempowered over decisions that affect my quality of life. The recent decision to remove the buffalos from TV would be one example of that.

I also miss the buffalo. I think we all do. But residents really were not entitled to be part of that decision. The buffalo were owned by the Developer and "stored" on a temporary basis in fields owned by the Developer.
But I do miss those darn buffalo. :cryin2:

Carla B
01-16-2009, 11:22 AM
Maybe if the traffic circles were one lane, they wouldn't be so scary. Nevertheless, the drivers in South Florida are much worse than they are here!

NJblue
01-16-2009, 12:05 PM
On the issue of aesthetic "nazis". This is an issue much bigger than just aesthetics; this is a pockebook issue. We currently live in an area that is essentially without rules of any sort. For the most part people maintain their property quite nicely and within a fairly "normal" range of good taste. However, there is one house in the neighborhood several streets over which is adorned with statues, trailers parked in the side yard and the street, and cars parked on the front lawn. It is an eyesore.

While it is not near my house and I only see it when I have to drive by that house on the way out of the neighborhood, I really shouldn't complain, right? Well, as it turns out the house immediately across from this house is a very similar house as ours. It recently was on the market and because of its view sold for a lot less than it should have. When we were interviewing real estate agents and asked them about that house, they immediately talked about it in terms of their views of the neighbor's house.

So, how does that impact us? Simple - when buyers for our house look up comparable homes sales, this becomes Exhibit A in terms of arguing for why our house should be priced closer to what the house with the "view" sold for. So, the net effect on us is not aesthetics but probably at least $10,000. With that in mind, I warmly welcome the aesthetics police of TV.

rshoffer
01-16-2009, 12:16 PM
There are very few things about this area I dislike. My main bone of contention is and always will be the Villages "Bible" so many people have memorized or maybe mezmerized is a better choice of words.
They run around with this thing in their hands just looking for things to call the yard nazis about. "Got a bush out of place", "trying to add something to his house", "dog running lose", "chacki in his yard". On and on infinitum.
This planet has so many BIG problems that we really need to work on and these same people continually stick their collective noses in everyone elses business.
I lived for 60+ years without telling others what to do. Never had a problem.You don't like me or my bush or my dog or my flower pot? I really could care less. Go do something really important like fixing the economy, cure cancer, solve world problems.
And put your lousy "Bible" in the closet.
Other than this issue, I'm a person at peace. I have zero issues with no one. You wanna plant a bush, fine with me. Your dog got loose? Oops, well you'll get him eventually. Want to put up a window planter, maybe I can help. To me ...............these "problems" are really small potatoes in the grand scheme of life.

:shocked: I ignore em....

ConeyIsBabe
01-16-2009, 12:51 PM
I'm a serious wannabee - don't live in TV - and I've been hanging out at TOTV for almost one year, taking notes, evaluating the good & bad.

Some references have been made to "crowded activities" so, if I may ask......

are crowds common in TV? Under what circumstances? where?

Thank you for any responses :wave:

rshoffer
01-16-2009, 12:58 PM
I'm a serious wannabee - don't live in TV - and I've been hanging out at TOTV for almost one year, taking notes, evaluating the good & bad.

Some references have been made to "crowded activities" so, if I may ask......

are crowds common in TV? Under what circumstances? where?

Thank you for any responses :wave:read the threads on the gyms and Wellness Center... yep, there can be crowds at certain times.

English Ivy
01-16-2009, 01:20 PM
Some references have been made to "crowded activities" so, if I may ask......

are crowds common in TV? Under what circumstances? where?

Thank you for any responses :wave:


At this time of year everything is crowded. From the various activities at the rec centers (get to line dancing at least 1/2 hour early) to golf, the gyms, the squares, restaurants, the grocery store, church, etc. I'm not saying you can't do anything at this time of year because of the crowds, but you have to be patient and understanding. Traffic can also be very congested in the winter. I try to get out early in the morning to do my shopping and errands.

I love living in The Villages all 12 months of the year (and we are here fulltime), but I love it even more in the spring, summer and fall.

JohnM
01-16-2009, 02:00 PM
I dislike the traffic circles. My mind will not comprehend that turning right from the left lane of a traffic circle is OK. That has caused me to exercise a major portion of my limited vocabulary of four letter words on more than one occassion.

I found "A Guide to Navigating Roundabouts in Sumter County, Florida" helpful...right turns are to be made only from the right lane...

John

SABRMnLgs
01-16-2009, 03:21 PM
A few words have been said here regarding rotarys (roundabouts if you are not from New England).
If you know nothing about football, then football is hard to figure out. If you know nothing about quantom physics, then quantom physics is understandably hard to figure out. So ........ if you know nothing of rotarys, then rotarys are hard to figure out.
As our past residences' indicate, we lived in Maine for over 14 years. Rotarys (to me at least) are very simple. Only 2 rules: #1 You never back up in a rotary, duh !!!!! #2 When you go more than two exits while in the rotary, you MUST get into the left lane. And .... while not actually a law, I think, please put your blinker on when you exit the rotary. It is just good form and a gracious thing to do for drivers behind you.

F16 1UB
01-16-2009, 03:57 PM
I found "A Guide to Navigating Roundabouts in Sumter County, Florida" helpful...right turns are to be made only from the right lane...

John


John,

I think you're wrong about right turns from the right lane. You must be. Can't be this many people living in TV that make improper turns. They always use the correct lane. I've seen many people giving them a thumbs up while sounding their horn. At least it looked like a thumb from the distance. :loco:

diskman
04-10-2009, 05:29 PM
bump

shelagh.rose
04-10-2009, 06:26 PM
Hi,

We hope to be in TV in November and we are from Vancouver, B.C.
You will probably see us walking our 2 little white Havanese dogs
(Romeo and Tinkerbelle).

Beautiful B.C.

ajdeck
04-11-2009, 06:59 AM
Am I wrong or does this thread make ya think maybe the Villages is not the best place the ad's say it is???

Barefoot
04-11-2009, 07:35 AM
Am I wrong or does this thread make ya think maybe the Villages is not the best place the ad's say it is???

I assume that you have also read the thousands of positive posts on TOTV from very happy people. Rather than basing your opinion on just one thread.

I can only tell you that I am a Canadian and thereby limited to 182 days in the USA each year. The saddest day of my year is the day I leave TV for a six-month exile. Even though we have a lovely Lake cottage in Canada. :cryin2: I just miss my TV Pals so much.

The happiest day of my year is in October, when I arrive for my six-month stay in the Bubble. :pepper2:

KathieI
04-11-2009, 07:43 AM
I assume that you have also read the thousands of positive posts on TOTV from very happy people. Rather than basing your opinion on just one thread.

I can only tell you that I am a Canadian and thereby limited to 182 days in the USA each year. The saddest day of my year is the day I leave TV for a six-month exile. Even though we have a lovely Lake cottage in Canada. :cryin2: I just miss my TV Pals so much.

The happiest day of my year is in October, when I arrive for my six-month stay in the Bubble. :pepper2:

Bare, we are sad also when you leave but we look forward to your arriving back in Oct. We miss you when your gone.

Yes, shelagh.rose, BC is the most beautiful place. My mom-in-law lived there for many years and we visited often.

katezbox
04-11-2009, 08:34 AM
Am I wrong or does this thread make ya think maybe the Villages is not the best place the ad's say it is???

First of all, why on earth would you believe an ad? Ads are clever mechanisms designed to persuade you to part with your hard-earned money! :shrug:

TV is not for everyone - and not everyone in TV is happy. You will see far more positive posts than negative ones - mostly because those of us here "talking" about TV are the happy ones. Most of the others have presumably moved on.

Like my friend Barefoot says, there are lots of posts on this. There is a recent one by a poster named senior citizen asking a similar question and requesting a reply from someone who is not a cheerleader. I would do a search on the poster and the key word to find out more.

ajdeck
04-11-2009, 12:18 PM
We were there at least four times but only one lifestyle. We were just about to say let's do it and then this thread came up.

I know you guys are right, can't believe anything now days. Just have to hope you find great friends and live life with the good buddies you make.

We did here that average income is $98,000, that is high for us but I would think we could still do most all we want with less income than that.

Thanks for all responses!

aj

Casual Carol
04-11-2009, 04:46 PM
I have been trying to find something I don't like for a year now !!!!! I really miss my family. That is the only negative for me. If I could find more, maybe my husband would agree to move back home (Syracuse, New York). Not a chance !!!

BobKat1
04-11-2009, 08:12 PM
We were there at least four times but only one lifestyle. We were just about to say let's do it and then this thread came up.

I know you guys are right, can't believe anything now days. Just have to hope you find great friends and live life with the good buddies you make.

We did here that average income is $98,000, that is high for us but I would think we could still do most all we want with less income than that.

Thanks for all responses!

aj

I put this information in another thread, but it might answer some questions for you. Sperlings Best Places To Live lists the Median Household Income in TV as $46,985. This means that 1/2 the HH's are above this level and 1/2 are below. Actual residents might be able to weigh in on this, but it does sound reasonable to me.

tony
04-12-2009, 09:07 AM
What's an HH?

ajdeck
04-12-2009, 09:22 AM
Thanks, that is interesting and good info for us!

champion6
04-12-2009, 09:30 AM
What's an HH?
I believe that is a household.

tony
04-12-2009, 09:32 AM
Why not just H? Household is one word.

Halle
04-12-2009, 09:33 AM
Tony,

You have been hanging out with the English Majors way too much!

:pepper2:

Julie
04-12-2009, 05:48 PM
If I corrected every spelling/grammer error I notice in these threads I'd be REELY busy! :1rotfl:

tony
04-12-2009, 08:10 PM
English majors? I don't hang out with any of them. I was a journalist. Those bear no resemblance to English major. Just ask an English major.

SABRMnLgs
04-18-2009, 09:37 PM
YARD NAZIs

EdV
04-19-2009, 05:32 AM
If I corrected every spelling/grammer error I notice in these threads I'd be REELY busy! :1rotfl:

Ah, that would be grammar.

Shirleevee
04-19-2009, 07:35 AM
If I corrected every spelling/grammer error I notice in these threads I'd be REELY busy! :1rotfl:

Yes Julie, your/you're right!

Sgt Mac
06-05-2009, 11:20 AM
Not hate but do not like in the area. Jay walkers, Golf carts pulling out in to traffic, People looping around Golf carts in to on coming traffic crossing double yellow lines, then there is the zig zag the round about club. Maybe some need assisted travel :oops:
Da Sgt

diskman
06-05-2009, 12:20 PM
I cannot believe this thread I started is still going strong and after these many months the thing I hate the most is our Wannabe status we want to be a "be" not a wanna, 30 months and counting :2excited::beer3::coolsmiley::blahblahblah:

Bogie Shooter
06-05-2009, 01:18 PM
I cannot believe this thread I started is still going strong and after these many months the thing I hate the most is our Wannabe status we want to be a "be" not a wanna, 30 months and counting :2excited::beer3::coolsmiley::blahblahblah:
So, what did you learn from your post??

diskman
06-05-2009, 01:47 PM
So, what did you learn from your post??

That the pluses far out weigh the negatives and so "the thing I hate the most is our Wannabe status we want to be a "be" not a wanna, 30 months and counting" :bowdown::beer3::2excited::coolsmiley:

Avista
06-05-2009, 04:49 PM
I can only think of 2 things. We were used to being 10 minutes from an international airport. That was great. Now we are 1 1/2 - 2 hours from both Orlando and Tampa.

2nd thing is the radio stations. Except when in the car, we can only get reception from 640. That was a big disappointment. We got XM radio, but have to pay for that.

diskman
06-06-2009, 09:20 PM
bump

salpal
06-08-2009, 04:27 PM
I am glad you asked this question. Hubby and I were wondering same thing. We are not moving to TV for a few more years, but just purchased a place to rent to snowbirds in meantime. My biggest fear about moving to TV is that it is like Disneyland for adults, manufactured and plastic. My biggest excitement about moving to TV is that it trulys seems to be the friendliest place I have ever been with wonderful amentities and loads of things to do. I am counting that the new friends to be made and activities will make me forget about the Disney factor.

Bogie Shooter
06-08-2009, 04:45 PM
I am glad you asked this question. Hubby and I were wondering same thing. We are not moving to TV for a few more years, but just purchased a place to rent to snowbirds in meantime. My biggest fear about moving to TV is that it is like Disneyland for adults, manufactured and plastic. My biggest excitement about moving to TV is that it trulys seems to be the friendliest place I have ever been with wonderful amentities and loads of things to do. I am counting that the new friends to be made and activities will make me forget about the Disney factor.

Disneyland for adults is an urban legend! Very far from the truth.

njgranny
06-09-2009, 03:12 PM
"Disneyland for Adults" isn't negative. I thought it just referred to the beautiful grounds and homes and people being happy. It's like having fun every day.

The Bronx Girl
06-10-2009, 07:04 AM
Hello Everyone,

We don't post much but I read what's going on everyday. I guess you can call us "Summer Birds" because again for the 5th year we are arriving in the Villages for July and August:2excited:. We truly love it in TV but my family obligations ,(elderly parents who won't move with us, grandkids, etc.) keep us in NY. My husband would move tomorrow if I said ,'lets go now!'.:pepper2:

We have made many good friends and look forward to seeing them and hopefully come to one of your get togethers. We belong to the Bronx Club, so if there are any members out there, we would love to meet you.

My husband has been retired for 5 years and hopefully, I will retire next year and maybe we can be both "SummerBirds" and "Snowbirds". We have never been to TV in the wintertime, but the summer months are not so bad because it is hot.

Well, take care eveyone and see you in July (God willing!!)

Mary*The Bronx Girl

The Bronx Girl
06-10-2009, 07:05 AM
Hello Everyone,

We don't post much but I read what's going on everyday. I guess you can call us "Summer Birds" because again for the 5th year we are arriving in the Villages for July and August:2excited:. We truly love it in TV but my family obligations ,(elderly parents who won't move with us, grandkids, etc.) keep us in NY. My husband would move tomorrow if I said ,'lets go now!'.:pepper2:

We have made many good friends and look forward to seeing them and hopefully come to one of your get togethers. We belong to the Bronx Club, so if there are any members out there, we would love to meet you.

My husband has been retired for 5 years and hopefully, I will retire next year and maybe we can be both "SummerBirds" and "Snowbirds". We have never been to TV in the wintertime, but the summer months are not so bad because it is hot.

Well, take care eveyone and see you in July (God willing!!)

Mary*The Bronx Girl

Russ_Boston
06-10-2009, 07:24 AM
I can only think of 2 things. We were used to being 10 minutes from an international airport. That was great. Now we are 1 1/2 - 2 hours from both Orlando and Tampa.

2nd thing is the radio stations. Except when in the car, we can only get reception from 640. That was a big disappointment. We got XM radio, but have to pay for that.


I made the trip many times last month from TV (southern part) to MCO (Orlando airport) in about 1 hour and 10 min going at or near the speed limit. With parking etc. I guess it would be closer to 1 1/2 hours as mentioned.

I also had no issue with radio reception while in Sunset Pointe. Simple indoor whip antenna. I guess where you live in TV might make a difference.

florlrl
08-26-2009, 05:37 PM
OK, I'm a bit bitter because I bought during the worst time when The Villages developer, real estate agents and Citizens Bank assessors were in cohoots to force buyers to make decisions on home purchases with no input within 3 hrs all in the name of greed. I used to think it was a friendly village, but now recognize greed. It caused a lot of stress for a lot of people and left me personally feeling duped. That being said, I am disappointed that the quality of the food in the recreation centers and some restaurants in the Villages confines have really declined since 2002, when we initially were positive about The Villages. I also have concerns that the continual development undermines existing property values. Also, I notice that various golf cart paths and facilities in the older sections are not getting the attention that they warrant. I would love to see more updated recreation centers with clean, carpet free, wallpaper free, chandelier free designs. I see a lot of future renovations because they are being built with the past, not future in mind. My new motto...rent, rent, rent!!! That way you can enjoy and make a great decision whether to purchase or where to purchase.

graciegirl
08-26-2009, 06:08 PM
You have to realize I just came from the thread talking about liking to hang out with younger people, so I am a little grumpy.

I personally love the rec centers with all of their overwhelming and to me, delightful, decor.

I think the more people who live here, the better it is.

The food is fine and it is cheap too.

BUT I do have one gripe. I am not likin' that this is the lightning capital of the U.S.

But I am not blaming the Morses!

chelsea24
08-26-2009, 06:14 PM
OK, I'm a bit bitter because I bought during the worst time when The Villages developer, real estate agents and Citizens Bank assessors were in cohoots to force buyers to make decisions on home purchases with no input within 3 hrs all in the name of greed. I used to think it was a friendly village, but now recognize greed. It caused a lot of stress for a lot of people and left me personally feeling duped. That being said, I am disappointed that the quality of the food in the recreation centers and some restaurants in the Villages confines have really declined since 2002, when we initially were positive about The Villages. I also have concerns that the continual development undermines existing property values. Also, I notice that various golf cart paths and facilities in the older sections are not getting the attention that they warrant. I would love to see more updated recreation centers with clean, carpet free, wallpaper free, chandelier free designs. I see a lot of future renovations because they are being built with the past, not future in mind. My new motto...rent, rent, rent!!! That way you can enjoy and make a great decision whether to purchase or where to purchase.

OK, I have to defend my hometown now. We've lived here two years, so I guess I've earned the right to call it my hometown.

First, you can't be duped by The Villages, the real estate agents, Citizen's Bank or anyone else... unless you allow yourself to be. Maybe you didn't ask enough questions, or the right questions. I will agree with you that Citizen's Bank was pushy and quite frankly didn't offer the best deal, so we got our mortgage somewhere else. But, in my opinion, The Villages offers a lot of bang for the buck!

And... I disagree with almost everything else you've said. The Villages is not perfect. But, it's pretty darn close. The food at most all of the Country Clubs is excellent and most of the other restaurants around TV also. I'm not saying "all" but I am saying "most."

When you think of the extent, the vastness of The Villages, it always amazes me on how well kept up it is. I still drive through and am in awe of it's beauty. As far as the decor for the Rec centers, it appears you are a minimalist and maybe it wouldn't hurt to have one of those. But, I do think most people do not like a sterile atmosphere. My decorator friend from Chicago walked around with her mouth open, amazed at how beautifully most Rec Centers are decorated. So much attention to detail.

All of that said, I'm not even mentioning the literally thousands of clubs and activities. I just said to a friend, that originally bought in Arizona, then sold to come here after a visit, "I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to retire here." And our experience with the people, neighbors, club members, couldn't be more joyful. I've always had a firm belief that you get out of life what you put into it.

Well, perhaps you should "rent" elsewhere and see how that works out. I simply can't imagine any other retirement community offering more.

And as our friend Fumar says "The bridge goes both ways." ;)

duffysmom
08-26-2009, 07:48 PM
florlrl, we too were in the market to buy during the time you mentioned but we do not like to make quick decisions so we declined and kept coming back for visits and finally we rented. When we did buy the market was entirely different. No one forced you to buy, you were not a victim but a willing participant in the process. It is sad that you are bitter and resentful about living here but you are in the minority and hopefully you will have an attitude adjustment so that you can at least enjoy the beauty that surounds you. Negativity is not good for the immune system.

The Great Fumar
08-26-2009, 08:53 PM
OK, I'm a bit bitter because I bought during the worst time when The Villages developer, real estate agents and Citizens Bank assessors were in cohoots to force buyers to make decisions on home purchases with no input within 3 hrs all in the name of greed. I used to think it was a friendly village, but now recognize greed. It caused a lot of stress for a lot of people and left me personally feeling duped. That being said, I am disappointed that the quality of the food in the recreation centers and some restaurants in the Villages confines have really declined since 2002, when we initially were positive about The Villages. I also have concerns that the continual development undermines existing property values. Also, I notice that various golf cart paths and facilities in the older sections are not getting the attention that they warrant. I would love to see more updated recreation centers with clean, carpet free, wallpaper free, chandelier free designs. I see a lot of future renovations because they are being built with the past, not future in mind. My new motto...rent, rent, rent!!! That way you can enjoy and make a great decision whether to purchase or where to purchase.

OK , I'm not buying this, I am not convinced that you even live in the Villages .....I started to smell a mouse when you complained about the food in the Rec centers when we all know there is no food in the Rec centers...I can't agree with one thing you have suggested here ...
However, If you did live here I can suggest one activity that you would dearly love< Its the civic players who put on plays several times a year. Rumor has it that they are thinking of doing THE WIZARD OF OZ this year. If in fact they do it , you would be a shoe in for the MARGARET HAMILTON part ...You would have to ride a bicycle but I think you would love it ...and it would change your perception of THE VILLAGES ....We really do have fun here and its a wonderful place to live..........

John Barrymore fumar

The Great Fumar
08-26-2009, 08:58 PM
I have read some disparaging remarks about the noise of the trains in the north end of the villages...........I want to take issue with this...... Some villagers have led a few people to believe that this is the case......I for one would like to state that there is no truth to this nasty rumor ....I have lived here five years and the sound of the trains have never been a problem.......
The DOGS drown out the sound of the TRAINS..........

FU GOODNESS SAKES

Shirleevee
08-26-2009, 10:31 PM
OK, I have to defend my hometown now. We've lived here two years, so I guess I've earned the right to call it my hometown.

First, you can't be duped by The Villages, the real estate agents, Citizen's Bank or anyone else... unless you allow yourself to be. Maybe you didn't ask enough questions, or the right questions. I will agree with you that Citizen's Bank was pushy and quite frankly didn't offer the best deal, so we got our mortgage somewhere else. But, in my opinion, The Villages offers a lot of bang for the buck!

And... I disagree with almost everything else you've said. The Villages is not perfect. But, it's pretty darn close. The food at most all of the Country Clubs is excellent and most of the other restaurants around TV also. I'm not saying "all" but I am saying "most."

When you think of the extent, the vastness of The Villages, it always amazes me on how well kept up it is. I still drive through and am in awe of it's beauty. As far as the decor for the Rec centers, it appears you be a minimalist and maybe it wouldn't hurt to have one of those. But, I do think most people do not like a sterile atmosphere. My decorator friend from Chicago walked around with her mouth open, amazed at how beautifully most Rec Centers are decorated. So much attention to detail.

All of that said, I'm not even mentioning the literally thousands of clubs and activities. I just said to a friend, that originally bought in Arizona, then sold to come here after a visit, "I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to retire here." And our experience with the people, neighbors, club members, couldn't be more joyful. I've always had a firm belief that you get out of life what you put into it.

Well, perhaps you should "rent" elsewhere and see how that works out. I simply can't imagine any other retirement community offering more.

And as our friend Fumar says "The bridge goes both ways." ;)

Well said Chelsea........I agree with all you said!

Army Guy
08-27-2009, 07:30 AM
I also agree totally Chelsea, even though we didn't by during the peek period. We bought in the slow market when double digit discounts and extras within the villa where being tossed about.
Ok, thing I didn't like about Citizens was when we were looking at maybe getting aloan fo r part of the money, that they didn't offer VA loans.

Great Fumar, I agree totally about maybe being a troll, or as you put it a mouse. Even though we have owned here for just several months I was like, "What food in the Rec Centers??" And you made me spit my coffee across my desk, "The dogs drown out the trains!" Though you were in my neighborhood in Alabama!!!

Army Guy

alandc1937
08-27-2009, 07:34 AM
We keep hearing from the village lovers(people who are happy with their choice. Other than Jan and the people dealing with the train noise (Chatham) Are there any other villages we should stay away from and why? :dontknow:
Larry & Bev!

If you've ever driven down El Camino Real when the Treatment Plant behind Alhambra Village is emitting is rather pungent and odoriferous smell you would probably decide to avoid that area.

snitzel
08-27-2009, 02:32 PM
If florlrl is a village resident, then he is the first resident that I have found who is unhappy with his decision. Before we purchased our house in August, we ask a lot of village residents if they were happy with their decision. We could not find one person to say that they would not purchase in the villages if they had to do over again.

After we closed we then spent a week in the villages enjoying our new home. It was the most fun week we have spent in years and that includes all-inclusive vacations in the Caribbean. I really can't find anything I don't like. We can't wait to come back in December. I still have a year before I retire and we can move permanently. It's going to be a long year. I'm sure that once we move here permanently I will find something that displeases me, but for now I couldn't be happier with our decision.

George

Laura
08-27-2009, 07:37 PM
When we first arrived at The Villages at 3AM after driving straight through from Connecticut, we just crashed on the bed. First thing I heard was the train, and said, Oh my goodness, what did we do? Now, I love the sound of the train, very soothing, and whenever I hear one elsewhere, it reminds me of the wonderful place in which I live!!!

soonfl
08-27-2009, 10:27 PM
Please tell me you dont hear a train all nite near St Charles

Xavier
08-28-2009, 09:14 AM
The train follows Rt. 301. We live near the northwest corner of the villages and the train isn't a problem. You can hear that lonesome whistle blow in the distance, but I hear louder car horns from people three block away who hit the panic button on their remote!

golf2140
08-28-2009, 03:53 PM
What I dislike about TV. I can't think of anything. Maybe all the restaurants with happy hours. We never eat at home. That's not a bad thing if you had the better half's cooking. It's just a great place.:pepper2:

jflynn1
08-28-2009, 04:21 PM
The good things far outweigh the neagtives.
Some of the negatives would include a tightly controlled enviorment.
Remember you are buying into a created lifestyle.
If you are used to expressing your thoughts and ideas and being listened to, this is not the place for you.

carmen
09-07-2009, 05:32 PM
I agree with most of the posts about living in TV, but I have had 2 on going issues since moving here in 2006.

First,
We are ballroom dancers and have to leave TV to hear a live band. The music available at TV ballroom dances is a slight cut above karaoke. The couple that organizes the dances says that live bands are too expensive. What? The location we have found is in a "manufactured home" park(we've also seen this same couple at this location.) TV claims to have so much class. Why can't TV pay a live band for ballroom dances on campus?

Second,
As naive home buyers, we neglected to request a survey of our property. We have a major drainage problem. None of the run off in the backyard or side swales, flows to the street. TV confirms that it is a problem (our yard is a mud puddle at times). Yes, they recognized the problem and sent 3 landscapers here with $850-$3800 estimates that are our responsibility.):

Carmen

Ceafolks
09-07-2009, 06:50 PM
As longtime ballroom dancers who are used to live bands we were also disapointed with the recorded music. But it's not so bad...Let us know where you found the live band and we will join you on occasion.

Bogie Shooter
09-07-2009, 07:15 PM
I agree with most of the posts about living in TV, but I have had 2 on going issues since moving here in 2006.

First,
We are ballroom dancers and have to leave TV to hear a live band. The music available at TV ballroom dances is a slight cut above karaoke. The couple that organizes the dances says that live bands are too expensive. What? The location we have found is in a "manufactured home" park(we've also seen this same couple at this location.) TV claims to have so much class. Why can't TV pay a live band for ballroom dances on campus?

Second,
As naive home buyers, we neglected to request a survey of our property. We have a major drainage problem. None of the run off in the backyard or side swales, flows to the street. TV confirms that it is a problem (our yard is a mud puddle at times). Yes, they recognized the problem and sent 3 landscapers here with $850-$3800 estimates that are our responsibility.):

Carmen
Who pays for the band at the trailer park?

chelsea24
09-07-2009, 08:43 PM
I agree with most of the posts about living in TV, but I have had 2 on going issues since moving here in 2006.

First,
We are ballroom dancers and have to leave TV to hear a live band. The music available at TV ballroom dances is a slight cut above karaoke. The couple that organizes the dances says that live bands are too expensive. What? The location we have found is in a "manufactured home" park(we've also seen this same couple at this location.) TV claims to have so much class. Why can't TV pay a live band for ballroom dances on campus?

Second,
As naive home buyers, we neglected to request a survey of our property. We have a major drainage problem. None of the run off in the backyard or side swales, flows to the street. TV confirms that it is a problem (our yard is a mud puddle at times). Yes, they recognized the problem and sent 3 landscapers here with $850-$3800 estimates that are our responsibility.):

Carmen

First, let me say, I'm so madly in love with The Villages and have had such a perfect day, that I am hard pressed to find anything at all lacking. But I will say this about the Ballroom Dancing. No, I don't know how to do it and I probably never will, but I sure do enjoy the sheer beauty and elegance of it.

When we lived in Illinois, we spent many a long weekends at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI. It doesn't get much better than that. Here's a link in case anyone is interested... it's where the movie "Somewhere in Time" was filmed and you do feel as if you're stepping back in time. No cars allowed on the Island, so you always hear the wonderful clopping of the horse drawn carriages. Simply enchanting.

http://www.grandhotel.com/

But, my point is they would sometimes have "theme weekends" and one of them was always Ballroom Dancing. Couples would literally come from all over the world. Beautiful gowns flowing, tuxedos, etc. Just stunning. We could not dance like this (although we did take some lessons) however, just to watch was enough. We never missed it. BTW, I think they still do have that 3-day event.

Anyway, I completely agree that The Villages can well afford to have Ballroom Dancing as an option somewhere. After living here for two years, Rocky and the Rollers and some of the same bands over and over again, gets old! Even if they occasionally had a Ballroom Dancing event at The Savannah Center. Possibly every other month. Yes, I'm all for that. I'm all for this casual lifestyle, but every so often, wouldn't it be wonderful to dress to the nine's and go out stepping with your favorite guy or gal -- or just watch! Everyone loves "Dancing with The Stars". I would think this could be fabulous addition to TV.

Does anyone know who would be contacted to inquire about something like this???

carmen
09-08-2009, 08:06 AM
As longtime ballroom dancers who are used to live bands we were also disapointed with the recorded music. But it's not so bad...Let us know where you found the live band and we will join you on occasion.

We found the live band at Hawthorn in Leesburg. They have dances Friday and Saturday nights. We go to the Saturday night one. They have different bands. We hear good things about Visions. We can't go this Saturday. The best band we have heard there is D&D. They will be playing once a month. We won't miss it.

Carmen

surfangel
09-08-2009, 11:38 AM
<<sure there are grumps and grouches that move into TV. But they don't last long >>

This is my biggest complaint, that you are called a grouch if you want the Villages to make improvements, and this take it or leave it attitude makes the developer very rich.
The pools are small and there is no shade over them. The Villages maybe a wonderful place but it could be better. I would love them to start actually building villages not suburbs called Villages. The one area that could be called a Village is in Sumpter Landing but a little house there costs close to a million. Just don't expect to live in a Village, what you get is a cookie cutter home in suburbia.

anyexit
09-08-2009, 12:19 PM
<<sure there are grumps and grouches that move into TV. But they don't last long >>

This is my biggest complaint, that you are called a grouch if you want the Villages to make improvements, and this take it or leave it attitude makes the developer very rich.
The pools are small and there is no shade over them. The Villages maybe a wonderful place but it could be better. I would love them to start actually building villages not suburbs called Villages. The one area that could be called a Village is in Sumpter Landing but a little house there costs close to a million. Just don't expect to live in a Village, what you get is a cookie cutter home in suburbia.

I've read all of your five posts in TOTV and guess what? "Unhappy person" comes to mind. I'm sorry that you are so unhappy. Is there anything that any of us can do to help?

graciegirl
09-08-2009, 12:39 PM
I've read all of your five posts in TOTV and guess what? "Unhappy person" comes to mind. I'm sorry that you are so unhappy. Is there anything that any of us can do to help?

You know, I live in a much bigger house in Ohio in the summer but it is NOT nearly as much fun as The Villages. I guess that all of the homes are very similar....and the sales do make the developer richer, but who cares, this is the life I have left and I know where I want to spend it.

I know that Kate says this so much better in the following post.

I hope you find a place and you are as happy as I am.

katezbox
09-08-2009, 12:46 PM
<<sure there are grumps and grouches that move into TV. But they don't last long >>

This is my biggest complaint, that you are called a grouch if you want the Villages to make improvements, and this take it or leave it attitude makes the developer very rich.
The pools are small and there is no shade over them. The Villages maybe a wonderful place but it could be better. I would love them to start actually building villages not suburbs called Villages. The one area that could be called a Village is in Sumpter Landing but a little house there costs close to a million. Just don't expect to live in a Village, what you get is a cookie cutter home in suburbia.

Angel,

I'm not sure I understand your post. First of all, I don't think that providing comments to the developer at the time you are buying a home is being a grump/grouch. I do agree that if there are things lacking here that are available elsewhere, and if those things are important to a great many consumers, that people will begin to buy elsewhere. At this point, simple economics dictates that the developer makes some changes. He only gets rich if people buy the products he sells. I also think the suggestions on how to improve (such as the recent one on ballroom dancing) are helpful in keeping the offerings here strong.

I think the therm 'village" as used by the developer here, is not meant to be a re-creation of a self-contained small town, with shops, offices, restaurants, etc. I do think it is a clever marketing approach in that a community of 100000+ people is overwhelming - but by breaking that down into discrete "villages" with a village pool (and all the ones I have visited have shade for my Irish skin) and mail area, buyers feel there is more of a neighborhood feel.

If you feel the only "true villages" are the home towns (and I would add SS as well as LSL - there are villas in SS), then there will eventually be more reasonable homes in the Creekside Cabana area.

I think to call the villages "suburbia" is a stretch. Yes the homes are cookie cutter - not many of us can afford architecturally unique designs for our retirement. We do buy here for the lifestyle - and that is access to lots of activities and entertainment a short cart ride away.

The original poster asked what VILLAGERS disliked about TV. It seems from your posts that you are not a villager. As a non-villager, if this isn't your kind of place, then your best choice is elsewhere. If you think about it, TV will only appeal to a small number of the millions of eligible potential residents. There are about 60 million Americans 55 and over - most won't end up here.

graciegirl
09-08-2009, 01:32 PM
Angel,

I'm not sure I understand your post. First of all, I don't think that providing comments to the developer at the time you are buying a home is being a grump/grouch. I do agree that if there are things lacking here that are available elsewhere, and if those things are important to a great many consumers, that people will begin to buy elsewhere. At this point, simple economics dictates that the developer makes some changes. He only gets rich if people buy the products he sells. I also think the suggestions on how to improve (such as the recent one on ballroom dancing) are helpful in keeping the offerings here strong.

I think the therm 'village" as used by the developer here, is not meant to be a re-creation of a self-contained small town, with shops, offices, restaurants, etc. I do think it is a clever marketing approach in that a community of 100000+ people is overwhelming - but by breaking that down into discrete "villages" with a village pool (and all the ones I have visited have shade for my Irish skin) and mail area, buyers feel there is more of a neighborhood feel.

If you feel the only "true villages" are the home towns (and I would add SS as well as LSL - there are villas in SS), then there will eventually be more reasonable homes in the Creekside Cabana area.

I think to call the villages "suburbia" is a stretch. Yes the homes are cookie cutter - not many of us can afford architecturally unique designs for our retirement. We do buy here for the lifestyle - and that is access to lots of activities and entertainment a short cart ride away.

The original poster asked what VILLAGERS disliked about TV. It seems from your posts that you are not a villager. As a non-villager, if this isn't your kind of place, then your best choice is elsewhere. If you think about it, TV will only appeal to a small number of the millions of eligible potential residents. There are about 60 million Americans 55 and over - most won't end up here.

Well said.

dillywho
09-08-2009, 02:08 PM
Well said. TV is not for everyone and nobody is required to live here. We have all done so by choice. This is our choice and we made it freely. Is it perfect? No, just darn close. Why would anyone trash the developer all the time for making money? Are he/they expected to do it all for nothing, yet take all the risk? I wouldn't. They have found something that works and we are all free to partake or leave. We're staying.

elevatorman
09-08-2009, 02:27 PM
The one thing I hate, hate, hate is that there are only 24 hours in a day. I would think the developer could figure a way to extend each day a few hours.:agree:

Taj44
09-08-2009, 02:44 PM
<<sure there are grumps and grouches that move into TV. But they don't last long >>

This is my biggest complaint, that you are called a grouch if you want the Villages to make improvements, and this take it or leave it attitude makes the developer very rich.

I guess they proved you right.

katezbox
09-08-2009, 05:11 PM
I guess they proved you right.

I disagree.... you see, in order to fit that description, one has to move into The Villages first...

Taj44
09-08-2009, 06:07 PM
I disagree.... you see, in order to fit that description, one has to move into The Villages first...

Actaully, reading back to the first post on this thread: "Everybody seems to love The Villages, I would like to hear what you hate beside

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We keep hearing from the village lovers(people who are happy with their choice...."


Doesn't say Village residents. The original poster was looking for honest feedback on people's experiences in The Villages. Those experiences could have come from renting or visiting. And the minute Surfangel made a remark about his/her dislike of one particular aspect of the Villages and commented negatively on the developer, the person was immediately castigated as an "unhappy person" and told more or less "love it or leave it". Personally I've never liked that attitude. Nothing in life is perfect. If enough people see the need for improvement and they band together they can make a great thing even better.

anyexit
09-08-2009, 06:24 PM
Actaully, reading back to the first post on this thread: "Everybody seems to love The Villages, I would like to hear what you hate beside

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We keep hearing from the village lovers(people who are happy with their choice...."


Doesn't say Village residents. The original poster was looking for honest feedback on people's experiences in The Villages. Those experiences could have come from renting or visiting. And the minute Surfangel made a remark about his/her dislike of one particular aspect of the Villages and commented negatively on the developer, the person was immediately castigated as an "unhappy person" and told more or less "love it or leave it". Personally I've never liked that attitude. Nothing in life is perfect. If enough people see the need for improvement and they band together they can make a great thing even better.

Beg to differ my friend. If you go to Surfangel's information you will find out several things. Surfangel lives in Duval in a villa. Surfangel has posted 5 times. Each post was quite negative in nature. That's okay - never said that it wasn't. I did say that Surfangel seemed unhappy and even inquired as to what we might do to help change that.

As you say, "Nothing in life is perfect." Perhaps you jumped to a conclusion that wasn't quite perfect.

dillywho
09-08-2009, 07:14 PM
I cannot see how constantly bashing the developer is a better attitude than if you don't like what you see, don't come; if you came and don't like, then you are free to leave. Can there be improvements? Always. As I said before, nothing is perfect and if perfection is what one expects, then that person is up for disappointment. Because I choose to disagree does not make me a grouch.

You ask what I like....I love the lifestyle, the new people (for the most part)and new friends we have made. My husband is handicapped and he enjoys a freedom here that would not be possible where we were. Life here is so laid back and I don't understand why some want to make it otherwise. I love going to the squares, the golf, the ability to go most everywhere by golf cart even when not golfing. I love being able to go to any country club without having to buy in, pay dues, pay a monthly fee for the restaurant whether you eat there or not, and pay assessments. I know of nowhere you can have access to as many as we do even on that basis. There is access to every club imaginable just for the signing, pools in most every neighborhood of some type, fitness centers, polo, softball, and the list goes on. We are free to partake of whatever suits our fancy or not at all. And the list goes on. Most of us have spent the majority of our adult lives looking forward to a less hectic life for our remaining days and for us, this is it.

As for the developer and what he makes, try some of the other places around and you will actually realize what a bargain most of this really is. Before we heard about TV, we had purchased land to build in another retirement community for when we got to retire. It was also before he became handicapped. There was one (1) exclusive country club you had to join and pay dues to belong and you had to be a member to play golf there, very few other courses which you also had to pay to play even though you paid an ammenity fee which back then was more than what we pay here now, and nothing was golf cart accessible....not even the courses. You had to either store your cart at one course and play that one when you could get on or haul your cart on your own personal trailer to another, or rent from them. This was in Hot Springs Village, AR. As property owners, we got to go there whenever we wanted, pay to stay since we hadn't developed our land, pay to play, and pay the monthly fees. We only played the country club when we were checking the place out. Never once we were allowed off the cart path on any of the holes at the courses the whole time we owned there. There was no entertainment and absolutely nothing was "free". It was, however, a truly gated community.

I don't like that people moving here now (and for a while) cannot create their own "wish list" and decorate their homes the way they would like. We moved here just prior to that change, thank goodness, and did get to do ours. I don't think it's fair that those with drainage issues are having to remedy those issues out of their own pockets. I don't like that we had no say in the grass that was planted (St. Augustine) and then we are told that we cannot water as much as St. Augustine requires. I don't like that the gates are just an inconvenience rather than a deterrent to crime. I don't like that we no longer have pool monitors, etc. I don't like that because of someone's stupidity, we no longer have the buffalo to enjoy. I don't like that many people use TV as a yearly vacation rental spot.

I guess what it boils down to is that there is more that I do like than what I don't. If it gets to be the other way around, then I can make another choice. Right now, I don't see that happening, but anything is always possible.

Kind of a long post, but you asked.

English Ivy
09-08-2009, 07:26 PM
Great post Dilly!

I especially agree with this statement: "I don't like that many people use TV as a yearly vacation rental spot".

Whalen
09-08-2009, 07:27 PM
Well said, Dilly, Well said!:eclipsee_gold_cup:

diskman
09-09-2009, 12:54 AM
Actaully, reading back to the first post on this thread: "Everybody seems to love The Villages, I would like to hear what you hate beside

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We keep hearing from the village lovers(people who are happy with their choice...."


Doesn't say Village residents. The original poster was looking for honest feedback on people's experiences in The Villages. Those experiences could have come from renting or visiting. And the minute Surfangel made a remark about his/her dislike of one particular aspect of the Villages and commented negatively on the developer, the person was immediately castigated as an "unhappy person" and told more or less "love it or leave it". Personally I've never liked that attitude. Nothing in life is perfect. If enough people see the need for improvement and they band together they can make a great thing even better.

Well we are the original poster of this thread 35,812 views strong wow. The main reason I asked this question is that during our visit we could not find anything that was disliked other than the Tornado the week before we got there. I think from the answers we got, we know this is the place 27 months and counting:bowdown::2excited:

Taj44
09-09-2009, 05:11 AM
Well we are the original poster of this thread 35,812 views strong wow. The main reason I asked this question is that during our visit we could not find anything that was disliked other than the Tornado the week before we got there. I think from the answers we got, we know this is the place 27 months and counting:bowdown::2excited:

That's exactly the point. People are looking for information prior to purchasing. And if you look thru the posts, all 38 pages of them, you'll find many things people like, and also the things they think need improvement. And a number of people bashed the developer, not just Angel. Everyone is entitled to post their opinion without being told to love it or leave it.

I love it here in the Villages but do I think the developer is some benevolent do gooder just here to make our lives better? I see him as a business person who is being investigated by the IRS for dubious business practices.

Bogie Shooter
09-09-2009, 05:56 AM
That's exactly the point. People are looking for information prior to purchasing. And if you look thru the posts, all 38 pages of them, you'll find many things people like, and also the things they think need improvement. And a number of people bashed the developer, not just Angel. Everyone is entitled to post their opinion without being told to love it or leave it.

I love it here in the Villages but do I think the developer is some benevolent do gooder just here to make our lives better? I see him as a business person who is being investigated by the IRS for dubious business practices.
Is that your parting shot?

ajdeck
09-09-2009, 06:03 AM
Well we are the original poster of this thread 35,812 views strong wow. The main reason I asked this question is that during our visit we could not find anything that was disliked other than the Tornado the week before we got there. I think from the answers we got, we know this is the place 27 months and counting:bowdown::2excited:

Diskman,

Good for you, don't take the neg's on this site too much. It all ends up with you, are you happy with what is at TV. Many say what they don't like, but it's what you like and yes the world is not purfect even in TV. But as life gets closer to the end let's enjoy the things that are good and avoid the things that bring us down. Life is too short to waste time worrying about what others bitch about. They are most likely people who don't try to just enjoy the days the good Lord has left for them.

Happy TV hunting, I'm sure you will be very happy.

Have a good time moving,

aj

carmen
09-09-2009, 07:01 AM
The dancers pay $5.00 a piece at the door. If that doesn't cover it the Entertainment Committee (Hawthorne) makes up the difference. If they make more then the money is put into the next dance.

Carmen

Army Guy
09-09-2009, 07:22 AM
Great posts all! You all really nail it, on for the most part what we like and don't like. And as stated, no one puts a gun to your head to buy here, it is our OWN choice!!
But, since we all have our own opins. I have to disagree on one point and TOTALLY agree on another.
I agree totally about TV being used as a "resort" by many for their vacations, family gatherings etc. That is why I believe LSV should be capped at 3, one to visit and be "wowed!", the next to look to buy, and the last to buy. Although we have only owned for 3 months now, we have seen and heard this being done.
I disagree that you can't make a home like you want. Maybe something really different on the outside can't, but within reason can be done. As I said we have just owned for 3 months, but within that 3 months we have just about gutted our CYV, which was new, but you have to buy spec CYVs, and have been making it the way we have always dreamed. We bought totally on location knowing we would srtip it and rip it and make it the way we would have built it. We have also redone the front door, and are getting ready in a few months after the furniture to do the outside which is larger then most since we are on a dead-end corner. We have floowed the rules and submitted our plans to the ARC and have had no problems. Before we bought we asked about all the changes we wanted to make and see if it was any problems, and were told as long as they were within reason, no problem.

Army Guy

katezbox
09-09-2009, 08:03 AM
If my perception that surfangel is not a resident is incorrect, then I withdraw my statement - but I don't see where it says he/she lives in Duval in a villa - maybe on an earlier post?

I still stand by my opinion that it does a potential villager no good to hear from those who do not or have not lived here. TV is not for everyone. If you are someone who wants to live in the mountains, this is not the place for you. So your opinion - as someone who would never even potentially like it here - is irrelevant.

For those of us who do love it here, we are much like Dilly and love it warts and all. I do think that many of us only say the positive, and that is as biased as some news programs. The original poster has a great questions, and no, he didn't limit his respondents to residents. But why would he want the opinion of an anonymous poster who never have even set foot in the place? Or someone who did LS and thought it wasn't for them?

I have never made the developer out to be either a benevolent dictator or a Machiavellian one. In fact I have frequently decried those who seem to be looking for him to take care of them as a father figure. He is a business person. He has made an extraordinary amount of money because he has "built a better mousetrap." For all of us who believe in capitalism, TV is (for the most part) an example of why the system works.

As for the IRS, he is innocent until proven guilty. At the time this is resolved, we may fairly accuse him of shoddy business practices until then ...

PS - Dilly - we do get to choose our colors (at least in designers) these days...

golf2140
09-09-2009, 09:16 AM
Katz,

Great post. Were heading to Bonita in 4 weeks six days. Who's counting!!! Hope to meet you.

katezbox
09-09-2009, 09:58 AM
Katz,

Great post. Were heading to Bonita in 4 weeks six days. Who's counting!!! Hope to meet you.

Hope to meet you too. Safe travels....

captgeo
09-09-2009, 10:05 AM
We sold our home in PA last month and drove down to TV, We found a new Begonia designer we like and called our Sales Rep with a credit card Deposit in able to hold for 24 hours and came down and bought it. We move in the 25th of Sept. We are on Glade Run in Bonita. Life is good.:beer3::2excited:

Army Guy
09-09-2009, 10:56 AM
captgeo, you are right down the street from us. We are in the Anitia Villas.

Army Guy

graciegirl
09-09-2009, 11:07 AM
If my perception that surfangel is not a resident is incorrect, then I withdraw my statement - but I don't see where it says he/she lives in Duval in a villa - maybe on an earlier post?

I still stand by my opinion that it does a potential villager no good to hear from those who do not or have not lived here. TV is not for everyone. If you are someone who wants to live in the mountains, this is not the place for you. So your opinion - as someone who would never even potentially like it here - is irrelevant.

For those of us who do love it here, we are much like Dilly and love it warts and all. I do think that many of us only say the positive, and that is as biased as some news programs. The original poster has a great questions, and no, he didn't limit his respondents to residents. But why would he want the opinion of an anonymous poster who never have even set foot in the place? Or someone who did LS and thought it wasn't for them?

I have never made the developer out to be either a benevolent dictator or a Machiavellian one. In fact I have frequently decried those who seem to be looking for him to take care of them as a father figure. He is a business person. He has made an extraordinary amount of money because he has "built a better mousetrap." For all of us who believe in capitalism, TV is (for the most part) an example of why the system works.

As for the IRS, he is innocent until proven guilty. At the time this is resolved, we may fairly accuse him of shoddy business practices until then ...

PS - Dilly - we do get to choose our colors (at least in designers) these days...

Yup. That Kate. She knows just what to say. :agree:

Opulence
09-09-2009, 11:38 AM
We sold our home in PA last month and drove down to TV, We found a new Begonia designer we like and called our Sales Rep with a credit card Deposit in able to hold for 24 hours and came down and bought it. We move in the 25th of Sept. We are on Glade Run in Bonita. Life is good.:beer3::2excited:

W O W - good for you! Very decisive, I like that! Congrats and Best Wishes in your new home. I saw a designer in Bonita that I loved too, but it was the first one I saw and I didn't act. It was on Heath Springs Dr. Now it's gone, so I applaud you!

Betty

chelsea24
09-09-2009, 11:59 AM
I don't know why, but I really resent the term "cookie cutter" homes. I have at least 4 friends with the same style as ours and honestly, they do not look alike to me at all!

We came to TV on 2 Lifestyle Previews and bought on the 2nd. For me, The Villages was love at first site. But we had to go back and sell a home. While we were here and online, I fell in love with 3 different homes. When we finally bought, it was a spec home (no choices back two years ago as far as decorating packages.) It did not have some of the things I loved in the previous 3 homes, so.... like a previous poster, we have now incorporated everything I liked from the previous homes, into this one. Now, we feel we have our perfect home. Even better because we chose an upgraded view.

I simply cannot say enough good things about The Villages and the people that live here. As for the developer, I'm always singing his praises. He deserves every penny he gets.

Dubious business practices??? Who knows? Who cares? We're living our dream! :eclipsee_gold_cup:

Congrats to all the new buyers! You've just made the best decision of your lives!

katezbox
09-09-2009, 12:31 PM
captgeo, you are right down the street from us. We are in the Anitia Villas.

Army Guy

You are right near Bob and Judy S as well - we are across Canal on Heath Springs...

Taj44
09-09-2009, 12:35 PM
Is that your parting shot?

What is your problem?

captgeo
09-09-2009, 12:54 PM
In answer to Opulunce, once we decided on the model, it was a matter of time and a lot of looking in the web. We watched as a lot of homes we were interested in , disappear as you are well aware. We then watched as the prices started to rise. Once we found one with the sun in the morning and shade in the lanai in the afternoon and evening, it was full speed ahead. We should be down on the 26th and our furniture arrives the 28th or 29th.

Army guy, I was a Sgt. of Marines and look forward to meeting with you. I spent time in 23 different countries while in. I was ANGLICO (Air, Naval Gunfire, Liason Company) our main job was to blow things up. What a blast!
Semper Fi!:2excited::beer3:

Army Guy
09-09-2009, 01:12 PM
cptgeo, look forward to meeting you. Although I now in my present assignment work in a HQ, my speciality is also blowing things up, but in a very big way!

Army Guy

katezbox
09-09-2009, 01:48 PM
cptgeo, look forward to meeting you. Although I now in my present assignment work in a HQ, my speciality is also blowing things up, but in a very big way!

Army Guy

...and we all pray that you never are deployed...:crap2:

Army Guy
09-11-2009, 06:46 AM
AAwwww Kate! You take away all the fun!!!!, just kidding!

Army Guy

graciegirl
09-11-2009, 07:02 AM
We are waiting to come over for your Fourth of July party Army Guy!

Army Guy
09-11-2009, 07:28 AM
Gracie, believe me you will able to see it from every point in TV!! You just don't want to be too close!

Army Guy

djplong
10-26-2009, 11:13 AM
This has been an extremely informative thread. If nothing else, it certainly has given a lot of ideas for things to keep in mind when scoping things out.

If Southwest Airlines would cooperate and offer a "Ding!" fare to Orlando or Tampa in the middle of December, my fiancee and I are ready to come down for the LSL - though we could only spare a weekender.

After all this, there seems to be a lot of common sense here - even in the responses to what seemed to be trolls. I know if I had extreme negative opinions, I could find more polite ways to put them.

There were a couple of things I didn't expect though.

I think I'd have to find a bit more relaxed village for my fiancee who likes a few small yard decorations.

And the way-uptopic discussion about people who don't care where their dogs go - clashing with the idea that I wouldn't be able to put up a fence. Not even a classic Americana white picket one? :)

I honestly think that, at least for me, the big decision will be the "yard nazi" factor. How bad is it - and I'm sure it varies by village - and what the specific restrictions are. I'm still in a bit of shock over the fact that I'm even considering this for the future - because there's SO much on the positive side...

Army Guy
10-26-2009, 11:45 AM
dj, nope, no fences unless in a CYV which come with them and the few Ranch homes on Nash Loop that were the experiment.
People here are really good, not many will turn you in without tlaking nice to you first, but there are a few. But all in all not a real problem, at least from what I have seen.

Army Guy

djplong
10-26-2009, 01:37 PM
There's an old saying that is especially applicable where I live - good fences make good neighbors.

It was just the juxtaposition of not being able to have a fence and being nearly powerless to stop a dog owner from letting their pet use my yard as a 'dumping ground'.

Johncancook
10-26-2009, 02:07 PM
I HATE that I won't be down there to live until Sunday! I have to wait six more days!

KathieI
10-26-2009, 02:14 PM
I HATE that I won't be down there to live until Sunday! I have to wait six more days!

John, rest up before you get here because once you're here, you won't have a minute to yourself. Its exhausting living here. See you soon.

Tweety Bird
10-26-2009, 04:05 PM
There's an old saying that is especially applicable where I live - good fences make good neighbors.

It was just the juxtaposition of not being able to have a fence and being nearly powerless to stop a dog owner from letting their pet use my yard as a 'dumping ground'.

Aren't there leash laws in TV?

djplong
10-26-2009, 04:30 PM
Uptopic I'd read that a careless owner would walk his dog and, even on a leash, wouldn't stop the dog from relieving itself on another poster's property. I grant you, that's a problem with a person, not a rule - but there was also discussion on how hard it was to enforce.

katezbox
10-26-2009, 05:54 PM
99% of pet owners are considerate of others. But in a community of about 50,000 homes or so, even 1% is 500 people. And no my numbers are not statistically validated....

graciegirl
10-26-2009, 06:39 PM
I hate that we are snowbirds and that we go away and come back and see all of the events and fun things and even sad things that have happened and that we have missed. We are kind of like...visitors to Paradise.

But I wouldn't trade that for anything and maybe someday we can stay.

diskman
11-24-2009, 05:28 PM
bump:thumbup:

mhorsman
01-27-2010, 09:57 AM
We live in Summerhill, by the new Walmart north of 466 and love, love, love it. It seems to be so centrally located and having all the stores, restaurants, college, library, gas stations, and banks are all pluses,but ...... I find that you need to see why your friends like living where they live and then you have to make a decision. Busy street verses street off the beaten path, siding or stucco, 1 1/2 car garage or bigger, 2,3,4 bedroom, how much is the bond? Lots to consider but where ever you end up it probably will be your first house in the Villages not your last.

graciegirl
01-27-2010, 10:04 AM
I hate that we are snowbirds and that we go away and come back and see all of the events and fun things and even sad things that have happened and that we have missed. We are kind of like...visitors to Paradise.

But I wouldn't trade that for anything and maybe someday we can stay.

My feelings are the same almost a year later.

18togo
01-27-2010, 10:57 AM
My feelings are the same almost a year later.

GG,

I've thought about being a snowbird when I retire. I like where I live now, but don't like January through April. Would you move to TV full time if you could? Is it that you have so much to do and miss all of the activities that you are involved in? I spoke with someone who had a father who lived in TV. When he came to visit, all he could talk about was going back.

ceejay
01-28-2010, 09:11 PM
that I still have to work and leave the "bubble" that is The Villages!
When I think of all the recreation, entertainment and activities that we are entitled to, I thank God every day that we were given the opportunity to reside in such a wonderful and beautiful place...it is a decision that we will never regret and I look forward to the day when I can finally retire and fully enjoy the life that is The Villages!

LargoLynne
02-18-2010, 05:49 PM
Talk to almost anyone - it is the carpet. Looks pretty initially - then soils, matts; stay away from the Friese - a short shag; I understand it is polyester. By the way, Largo is lovely - hilly, and our neighbors are the best!

jebartle
04-03-2010, 03:36 PM
great FREE doggy park over the bridge on the pre-historic side....I'll be the one with the adorable dachshund...giggle..

jebartle
04-03-2010, 03:41 PM
Love love love this place, we think we have died and gone to golf heaven....WONDERFUL neighbors in LaZamora...I play the executives as a single while the ole boy plays the championship and I must say, I have enjoyed playing with all my golf partners....This really is a GREAT place

Pturner
04-03-2010, 09:28 PM
great FREE doggy park over the bridge on the pre-historic side....I'll be the one with the adorable dachshund...giggle..

The pre-historic side?! :1rotfl:

No wait, I live there. :rant-rave:

Whatever... see you at the dog park. :doggie:

Ancient Pturner

SABRMnLgs
04-03-2010, 10:04 PM
The "ARC", the antiquated Savannah Center, the "ARC" and lastly, the "ARC".

2BNTV
04-05-2010, 03:00 PM
IMHO - The best response is "I hate the Villages because I'm not there yet!

One of my goals in life is to buy a house from the neighborhood grouch/whiner and become the hometown hero!!! LOL

Wannabe Future TV'er

You can't take life seriously, your not going to get out of it alive.

debzaranti
04-05-2010, 05:01 PM
Moving to a new area is an important decision and one not to be taken lightly...but really....just move here and everything will work out! <grin> So many people move to a neighborhood they've not researched and it works out fine. If it doesn't, move to a different one once you're living here and can do hands-on neighborhood research. Many, many people also do that.

For the vast majority of us, once you've lived here and experienced the life-style on a day-to-day basis...you're hooked! I know my husband and I will never leave to go back north...this is our HOME now.

If there is one tiny little thing I can say I'm not crazy about here in TV (and believe me...I'M definitely the minority) it is that this is a VERY Republican/conservative community. I lean a bit more to the left, but I've found most of my more right-leaning neighbors are pretty tolerant of me! LOL!

Good luck with your move!

Jeff Bieberfeld
04-11-2010, 08:11 AM
i love it here, although it certainly is not paradise...

crowded roads, and speeds not enforced.
rude golf cart drivers who think that no traffic lawas or common courtesies apply to them.........when was the last time a golf cart made a left turn from the right lane and cut right in front of you...
dog urine burn marks on your lawn, and you do not have a dog

i would love to see some bicycle or jogging paths that cut through the various villages, or connect some villages, and just do not parallel the main streets, and are golf-cart restricted. and how about opening up the golf cart paths within the golf courses......just once in awhile so we don't get beaned on the head......i would love to ride my bicycle through them once in awhile.
we have no nature trails near 466A....

and it is so great to be here...

:wave:

graciegirl
04-11-2010, 08:21 AM
i love it here, although it certainly is not paradise...

crowded roads, and speeds not enforced.
rude golf cart drivers who think that no traffic lawas or common courtesies apply to them.........when was the last time a golf cart made a left turn from the right lane and cut right in front of you...
dog urine burn marks on your lawn, and you do not have a dog

i would love to see some bicycle or jogging paths that cut through the various villages, or connect some villages, and just do not parallel the main streets, and are golf-cart restricted. and how about opening up the golf cart paths within the golf courses......just once in awhile so we don't get beaned on the head......i would love to ride my bicycle through them once in awhile.
we have no nature trails near 466A....

and it is so great to be here...

:wave:

Now Now Jeff.

I don't want them to open the golf courses to bicycle traffic and I know that sounds mean. I have enough trouble without a biker whizzing by in my back swing. And to appear kind, you must realize that getting hit by a golf ball is a serious matter. If you don't dream of cycling on the courses, I won't dream of hitting practice shots near the multimodal paths.

Also....you must avoid the short curly shag carpeting if at all possible. It doesn't hold up...and any carpet here needs to be cleaned professionally twice a year. The sand and dirt just flies in somehow.

Other than the small carpet issue, I'm good.

Jeff Bieberfeld
04-11-2010, 08:33 AM
Now Now Jeff.

I don't want them to open the golf courses to bicycle traffic and I know that sounds mean. I have enough trouble without a biker whizzing by in my back swing. And to appear kind, you must realize that getting hit by a golf ball is a serious matter. If you don't dream of cycling on the courses, I won't dream of hitting practice shots near the multimodal paths.

Also....you must avoid the short curly shag carpeting if at all possible. It doesn't hold up...and any carpet here needs to be cleaned professionally twice a year. The sand and dirt just flies in somehow.

Other than the small carpet issue, I'm good.

just once in awhile to ride thru the golf course.....i love to explore and the winding and up and down paths look so inviting........i wear a helmet....
oh please....

our carpet is over a year old, and resolve takes out any marks immediately...
our cat cannot seem to throw up anywhere that there is tile...go figure...

diskman
04-13-2010, 04:04 PM
bump

48,486 as of 4/16 views, I picked one heck of a topic didn't I.:thumbup::highfive::pepper2:;)

macro
04-13-2010, 11:43 PM
:clap2:You sure did Diskman. After reading all 400+ replies, can't wait to be immersed in TV lifestyle. So much to do, so little time left to do it all in b4 we're 'all in'. Should be closing on ours the 29th & hope to get settled in shortly thereafter. On the subject of dislikes, one thing most people seem to agree on are the roundabouts or as New Englanders say, rotarys. I ran into them in NJ back in the 60's and thought they were a terrible idea.:shocked: Most places that had them finally agreed and got rid of them. Now, like bad ideas in congress, they are popping up all over the country. The idea hasn't gotten any better. If you could count on common sense and courtesy, the would probably work very well. Unfortunately sense does not seem too common anymore and courtesy is rapidly disappearing.:cry: My other dislike is that there seems to be only one way to get from the Historic side to the Squares via cart. I.E. the "Bridge". Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone. My understanding of cart rules is that we can't cross 27/441 at controlled intersections with a cart.:sigh: Oh well, nothing is perfect but TV comes darned close on this earth.

jflynn1
04-14-2010, 11:02 AM
The Villages is a great place to live. We have come to accept that the positives currently outweigh the negatives.

Topics you need to keep in mind. It is a very controlled enviorment.

If you are policially ultra conservative you will feel very comfortable living in The Villages.

Once you accept there is one unelected authority making the deciions that impact your life style The Villages is a great pace to live.

If you Ignore having only one political opinion expressed and highly promoted through the press (The Daily Sun ) and all political activities in The Villages you will enjoy living in The Villages.

Many residents find the above issues difficult to accept. If you are one of these people then you will not be happy here and will loose alot of money if you purchase a home and later decide that the negatives outweigh the positives.

Before you make your decision access as much information that you can about the villages, Google The Villages, Talk to people.

If you decisde to come. welcome and have a great experience. :read::read::welcome::welcome:

Russ_Boston
04-14-2010, 12:05 PM
If you are one of these people then you will not be happy here and will loose alot of money if you purchase a home and later decide that the negatives outweigh the positives.

With home prices depressed (even here in TV) I doubt if you'd lose a LOT of money. Inconvienence? Sure. But I really doubt if one's political stance would cause them to leave a place like TV with all the rest it has to offer.

diskman
06-02-2010, 01:12 PM
BUMP:coolsmiley:

another Linda
06-02-2010, 02:22 PM
... I really doubt if one's political stance would cause them to leave a place like TV with all the rest it has to offer.

I agree! I'm an old lefty from way back and we love TV. We don't discuss politics, but we love TV. The thing I hate most is that I'm not sure when when we can get back again.

graciegirl
06-02-2010, 02:52 PM
I agree! I'm an old lefty from way back and we love TV. We don't discuss politics, but we love TV. The thing I hate most is that I'm not sure when when we can get back again.

:1rotfl:I am a moderate Linda.I doubt if anyone would agree with me. I don't bring it up. I hope I can distract them with my smile.:22yikes:

another Linda
06-02-2010, 08:44 PM
:1rotfl:I am a moderate Linda.I doubt if anyone would agree with me. I don't bring it up. I hope I can distract them with my smile.:22yikes:

Love your smile GG! And it is funny how I used to consider myself a moderate but somehow the world has changed around me. But lets not go there. I love TV.

linandvin
06-06-2010, 11:40 AM
Could you tell us how many homes have listed TV as their PRIMARY home or do most just snowbird there? Thanks!

jebartle
06-06-2010, 01:07 PM
Dog issue is an OWNER issue, regarding yard ornaments, if you want to see what excessive yard ornaments look like, drive down Del Mar and you will know why that rule became popular....There is ALWAYS one individual that is responsible for NEW rules....ALMOST all Villagers are responsible and considerate neighbors....It is hard for me to find something that I hate in TV.....This is our HOME, they will be carrying me away in a box, urn or Hefty bag but I'll go kicking and screaming all the way.....giggle

RVRoadie
06-06-2010, 01:15 PM
Could you tell us how many homes have listed TV as their PRIMARY home or do most just snowbird there? Thanks!
On our street in Hemingway, a relatively new village, about a third of the residents are snowbirds gone for the summer.

Barefoot
06-07-2010, 12:48 AM
Could you tell us how many homes have listed TV as their PRIMARY home or do most just snowbird there? Thanks!

I read somewhere that 40% of Villagers are Seasonal Residents. :confused:

It would be interesting to know how many residents have claimed TV as their Primary Home.

Ohiogirl
06-07-2010, 07:10 AM
It's my understanding you can be a "seasonal resident" and also claim Florida as your state of residency as long as you reside in Florida over 6 mos per year. That's what we plan to do.

royr
06-11-2010, 08:47 AM
We have owned a home in The Villages for over 6 years. We bought a resale which was 10 yrs old at the time. One thing we discovered is that most people bought in our village at about age 65. That means most are about 80 now. We were 54 & 58 when we bought. We are 60 and 64 now. We don't relate very well with our neighbors because they don't want to socialize as much as younger people do. They did all that 10 yrs ago. We started thinking we were too young to be here. The upside is we picked our house for the location and the bond was paid.
We have learned that the unique thing about TV is that there is so much to do that with a little effort you can find plenty of people your own age and you can find activities that you enjoy. Its easy to get in a rut by hanging out with the same people, at the same places, doing ths same things, week in and week out. If all you do is sit around, eat, and drink, you might as well live somewhere else. You can be bored if you are too lazy to look for interesting things to do.
We love TV because of the lifestyle. However, it does not find you. You have to go out and find it. The difference in TV and other senior communities is the choices. There is so much going on that you should never be bored. Just go to a club meeting that is new to you. Take a class. You don't have to hang out with the same people all the time just because they are your neighbors or because they are the only people you know. Speak to strangers! (It's a southern thing). You might just find a new best friend.
One final thought, don't ask people how they are doing. They will tell you about all their ailments. Just say hello. :icon_wink:

Taj44
06-12-2010, 06:34 AM
Good points, Royr. We found the same - on our street the people are on average about 10-12 years older, and we've found we have little in common. We have made friends through our other activities, and although we are on good terms with our neighbors, we rarely see them other than to wave hello. Some of the newer communities seem to be much younger, and much more active. I notice that Hemingway has neighborhood groups for just about everything - men's and women's golf, playing cards, and other social things. But, like you said, I prefer our location as being more central, and our bond was less. We have a very active social life, and we're quite busy.

Vinny
06-22-2010, 07:22 PM
The only thing I hate about the Villages is that I miss it when I have to visit people who live outside of it. I swear, just last week I was in Belleview visiting my in-laws and when we left it was raining hard. As soon as we turned into TV the rain stopped and the sun was shining. Coincidence?

macro
06-22-2010, 07:33 PM
The only thing I hate about the Villages is that I miss it when I have to visit people who live outside of it. I swear, just last week I was in Belleview visiting my in-laws and when we left it was raining hard. As soon as we turned into TV the rain stopped and the sun was shining. Coincidence?

The 'bubble ' protects us. What do you think irrigation systems are for? :loco: :jester:

graciegirl
06-22-2010, 08:18 PM
The 'bubble ' protects us. What do you think irrigation systems are for? :loco: :jester:

If you guys keep it up, people are gonna say you're as bad as I am.

I love The Villages!:loco:

kentucky blue
06-22-2010, 11:01 PM
I love the people that live in TV, you are a unique group, but alot of you live with your heads in the clouds. When a serious subject is posted about TV and it's future, you would rather move on to a more "comfortable" thread, than confront the problems around the corner.I live in the moment, always have, and have few regrets,anybody that tells you they have no regrets is a liar. TV is not a fantasy land, or there would be people standing in line waiting to get in.Just take a reality check and realize you need to get your heads out of the clouds and back on the ground. If i hear one more sales agent tell me the real estate recession has not affected TV, i,m going to.....................barf

Lou Card
06-23-2010, 02:23 AM
This thread has a grip on eternity. We have lived in so many places to include overseas, and have chose THE VILLAGES as our Retirement Home based on what it has to offer herewhen compared to everywhere else we have been. For that reason I have held off commenting on this silly post, but here I go.

I DISLIKE ANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE VILLAGES.

I DISLIKE THE WORD H*TE IN ANY CONTEXT.

Taj44
06-23-2010, 06:27 AM
I love the people that live in TV, you are a unique group, but alot of you live with your heads in the clouds. When a serious subject is posted about TV and it's future, you would rather move on to a more "comfortable" thread, than confront the problems around the corner.I live in the moment, always have, and have few regrets,anybody that tells you they have no regrets is a liar. TV is not a fantasy land, or there would be people standing in line waiting to get in.Just take a reality check and realize you need to get your heads out of the clouds and back on the ground. If i hear one more sales agent tell me the real estate recession has not affected TV, i,m going to.....................barf

Well said Kentucky Blue. I am enjoying living in The Villages, but it is not perfect, and it is not for everyone. I think there are a certain number of people that feel the need to justify their decision to buy here, and really feel personally offended if anyone finds fault with anything in the Villages. Like you said, sometimes we need to take a reality check. Of course the real estate recession has affected TV, that's a no-brainer. If someone criticizes things here, I don't take it personally. I bought here for my own reasons, and I don't need to justify that to other people. However I realize certain things in TV need improvement, and I'm not shy about voicing my concerns, and working with the right people to try to get things straightened around. You can call it being a good citizen, or just protecting my investment.

Russ_Boston
06-23-2010, 06:57 AM
Of course the RE environment has hurt TV. Not only in terms of # of units but the gross profit margin on each unit. But it is all relative - they are still closing a huge number of homes each week. The build out date will be closer to 2015 than the earlier predicted 2013. I have friends look at me with that weird look when I tell them what I'm paying for my new house in TV. They think everything in FLA is less than 100K now.

And of course TV is not perfect - no city is. With over 100K people in one location there are always going to be things that need to be tweaked over time. Some residents will just sit back and enjoy their days (they have the right) while others will take up a cause and work towards rectification if that's their thing.

graciegirl
06-23-2010, 07:48 AM
I love the people that live in TV, you are a unique group, but alot of you live with your heads in the clouds. When a serious subject is posted about TV and it's future, you would rather move on to a more "comfortable" thread, than confront the problems around the corner.I live in the moment, always have, and have few regrets,anybody that tells you they have no regrets is a liar. TV is not a fantasy land, or there would be people standing in line waiting to get in.Just take a reality check and realize you need to get your heads out of the clouds and back on the ground. If i hear one more sales agent tell me the real estate recession has not affected TV, i,m going to.....................barf

I think you live in Lexington, Kentucky, Kentucky Blue.

Lexington Kentucky is a great little town. It has some very nice new developments with gorgeous homes outside the circle and the plant in Georgetown is bringing in some population increase. There are the lovely horse farms outside and the very decent medical center. The persona of the town from an outsider is one of warmth and culture but it seems isolated and the elite society there is difficult to enter I have heard. It has hosted the queen of England and has great college sports.

I have visited there MANY times on business and I know quite a few folks who live there. BUT I doubt you can really know a place until or unless you live there.

I say this in kindness Kentucky Blue. I had the same questioning persona a couple of years ago when we visited The Villages a couple of times. I offended residents on this Forum when I was in my questioning and sceptical mode. It sure as heck seemed too good to be true. I used the scientific method and checked and rechecked the conclusions. Now after living there only a year out of two, we are still snowbirds, I am looking forward to moving full time to a state I never liked.

So far we have found The Villages have exceeded our expectations. The bond issue doesn't bother me. The Internal Revenue issue does bother me. I would like a level 2 medical facility closer to TV. I wish that some people would exercise more care driving. I am satisfied with the retail stores. The country club food for the most part is o.k. The greatest joy to me are the new people we have met, but there is always a pill here and there.

It is too hot in the summer. The houses are not as much as you get for the money in Cincinnati...or even outside of TV. It is NOT a democracy, The Morses are the ruling family.

But....I still say it is Paradise.

To each his own..we love it and I sincerely hope you will too.

Annabelle
06-23-2010, 09:23 PM
KB posted:

"When a serious subject is posted about TV and it's future, you would rather move on to a more "comfortable" thread, than confront the problems around the corner."

KB,
I have noticed this as well. Some threads start out interesting, then quickly get so far off track they become downright silly. I find this rather annoying.

There are members on this site (some who are residents and some not) who look at TV through rose colored glasses. Yes, TV has a great deal to offer over a lot of other retirement communities (that I have visited), but it is also a great deal larger than most retirement communities and that can be both a plus and minus for a host of reasons.

The very small lots in TV is a big concern for us, amongst a few other things. However, most retirement communities all seem to have small lots, so that is something we will have to accept IF we decide to move to TV. The jury is still out on that decision at this time.

Annabelle










Taj, also p

Annabelle
06-23-2010, 09:30 PM
Taj44 posted:

"However I realize certain things in TV need improvement, and I'm not shy about voicing my concerns, and working with the right people to try to get things straightened around."

Taj44,
Where do you live in TV......I think you would make a very good neighbor!

Annabelle

Pturner
06-23-2010, 09:37 PM
I love the people that live in TV, you are a unique group, but alot of you live with your heads in the clouds. When a serious subject is posted about TV and it's future, you would rather move on to a more "comfortable" thread, than confront the problems around the corner.I live in the moment, always have, and have few regrets,anybody that tells you they have no regrets is a liar. TV is not a fantasy land, or there would be people standing in line waiting to get in.Just take a reality check and realize you need to get your heads out of the clouds and back on the ground. If i hear one more sales agent tell me the real estate recession has not affected TV, i,m going to.....................barf

Hmmmmm, I wonder what would make anybody think I have my head in the clouds? :shocked:

Tweety Bird
06-23-2010, 09:51 PM
ok...let me give you my two cents for whatever it's worth. There is NO place that has perfection. But, TV is a place you can feel goofy and silly and have some big kid's dreams. Tooling around in golf cars and waving at people with smiles on our faces. It's just darn FUN! Music filled evenings in the town squares, two for one drinks, market nights and owning a car you've always dreamed of owning and showing it off proudly. Swimming in clean pools without owning them or having to fill them up with your own water or buying chemicals for them. Let somebody else doi it! Trying out board games that you've never tried before. TONS of them to choose from. HUNDREDS of clubs to choose from. What is the price? Just swipe your resident card and you're IN like flynn! Heh...it's a fun place. Something for everyone. Want to pick it apart? Sure..you can find things you don't like. If ya hate it so much, MOVE! Go back to the friggin' snow and fall flat on your noggin and break a hip, leg or arm. This is a disneyland for seniors. It's like "totally cool man"!!! Probably my biggest gripe is trying to figure out where to eat next. Boy...what a hassle. Perhaps..another gripe is..WAY too many decisions to make. What club shall I try next? Ah yes..another dilemma...Shall I have a Arnold Palmer hamberger or shall it be at Nancy Lopez? Ah yes..another dilemma...I'm starting to get dizzy driving in those round-abouts. :1rotfl: Life is tough around here.

The Great Fumar
06-23-2010, 10:25 PM
ok...let me give you my two cents for whatever it's worth. There is NO place that has perfection. But, TV is a place you can feel goofy and silly and have some big kid's dreams. Tooling around in golf cars and waving at people with smiles on our faces. It's just darn FUN! Music filled evenings in the town squares, two for one drinks, market nights and owning a car you've always dreamed of owning and showing it off proudly. Swimming in clean pools without owning them or having to fill them up with your own water or buying chemicals for them. Let somebody else doi it! Trying out board games that you've never tried before. TONS of them to choose from. HUNDREDS of clubs to choose from. What is the price? Just swipe your resident card and you're IN like flynn! Heh...it's a fun place. Something for everyone. Want to pick it apart? Sure..you can find things you don't like. If ya hate it so much, MOVE! Go back to the friggin' snow and fall flat on your noggin and break a hip, leg or arm. This is a disneyland for seniors. It's like "totally cool man"!!! Probably my biggest gripe is trying to figure out where to eat next. Boy...what a hassle. Perhaps..another gripe is..WAY too many decisions to make. What club shall I try next? Ah yes..another dilemma...Shall I have a Arnold Palmer hamberger or shall it be at Nancy Lopez? Ah yes..another dilemma...I'm starting to get dizzy driving in those round-abouts. :1rotfl: Life is tough around here.

Tweety ,
You hit it right on the head. This is the best explanation in the fewest words that I've heard yet.........CONGRATS....

Fumar the appreciative ....:eclipsee_gold_cup:

Boomer
06-23-2010, 10:52 PM
Well, of course, I know the emperor might show up buck-nekkid, but I also know that I can have a really good and silly time at the parade.

Boomer

Pturner
06-23-2010, 10:59 PM
Well, of course, I know the emperor might show up buck-nekkid, but I also know that I can have a really good and silly time at the parade.

Boomer

:clap2::clap2::clap2::beer3:

JimJoe
06-23-2010, 11:09 PM
ok...let me give you my two cents for whatever it's worth. There is NO place that has perfection. But, TV is a place you can feel goofy and silly and have some big kid's dreams. Tooling around in golf cars and waving at people with smiles on our faces. It's just darn FUN! Music filled evenings in the town squares, two for one drinks, market nights and owning a car you've always dreamed of owning and showing it off proudly. Swimming in clean pools without owning them or having to fill them up with your own water or buying chemicals for them. Let somebody else doi it! Trying out board games that you've never tried before. TONS of them to choose from. HUNDREDS of clubs to choose from. What is the price? Just swipe your resident card and you're IN like flynn! Heh...it's a fun place. Something for everyone. Want to pick it apart? Sure..you can find things you don't like. If ya hate it so much, MOVE! Go back to the friggin' snow and fall flat on your noggin and break a hip, leg or arm. This is a disneyland for seniors. It's like "totally cool man"!!! Probably my biggest gripe is trying to figure out where to eat next. Boy...what a hassle. Perhaps..another gripe is..WAY too many decisions to make. What club shall I try next? Ah yes..another dilemma...Shall I have a Arnold Palmer hamberger or shall it be at Nancy Lopez? Ah yes..another dilemma...I'm starting to get dizzy driving in those round-abouts. :1rotfl: Life is tough around here.

Who said they hate it? People are discussing what negatives IF ANY there are in TV.. and your immature response is:
"If ya hate it so much, MOVE! Go back to the friggin' snow and fall flat on your noggin and break a hip, leg or arm."

I think you should think about what it means to live in Florida's friendliest hometown.

kentucky blue
06-23-2010, 11:15 PM
I've FINALLY found something that last longer than this thread.That 10 hour tennis match at Wimbledon, that STILL isn't over.It's in the 5th set tied at 59 games all..................UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Stevens
06-24-2010, 05:38 AM
I hate beets and strongly dislike the phrase "Up north we..." Aside from that I like that the lovebugs were not so bad this Spring. We can all be thankful for that.

mdfrog
06-24-2010, 04:42 PM
Kentucky Blue,

It sounds to me like you would be happier some place else. I suggest you look long and hard before you make a move. TV sales are only slower than anticipated because people in other areas can't sell their properties fast enough.:boxing2:

Tweety Bird
06-24-2010, 04:56 PM
Who said they hate it? People are discussing what negatives IF ANY there are in TV.. and your immature response is:
"If ya hate it so much, MOVE! Go back to the friggin' snow and fall flat on your noggin and break a hip, leg or arm."

I think you should think about what it means to live in Florida's friendliest hometown.

ohhhhh..you are SOOOO right. :bowdown: What would I do without your correction. Sometimes when one types at night...ya get into a little mood and things get twisted. I'm twisted and immature and on a roll. I'm also very hot. (no, not for you). So...What do I dislike? The intense heat at times. So, I'll move back and slide on the ice or roll in the snow or grab my snowmobile. It's all tongue and cheek dahlink. Calm down. :laugh:

Vinny
06-25-2010, 12:09 AM
I have relocated 14 times in 38 years and this is the only time I have broken my cardinal rule to never relocate to a place that is not near an ample supply of jobs in my industry and salary range. This rule has saved my butt many times as many companies I have worked for have gone out of business.

I loved TV so much that I am now in the position that if my company goes under, I will have to move to find employment. Some may say I am crazy but I figure that it is well worth the risk. The worst that could happen is that I find a job in a major city and have to move again. After 14 moves, it is not as big a deal as it may be to some people who plant roots. I have bought homes in new cities on my first visit while driving a rented car from the airport to my hotel.

Heck, I am 11 years away from retirement and if things do not fall into place I may not even be able to afford to retire in TV. Yet whatever time I get to live here will be well worth what may or may not happen in the future.

I notice that TV attracts gypsies like me who have lived in many cities. Somehow we all end up here. For me, having experienced many cities here and abroad, I have decided that I want to live in this particular bubble. I know what is on the other side of it, seen its underbelly, paid its high taxes, shoveled its snow, and walked among its people. Been there, done that, put in my time and now it adult swim time.

The Morse family may run this place but I have seen what happens when it is left up to the home owners to make the hard decissions. They vote for "cheap" and before you know it the roads are in disrepair and the development is a mess. I have seen this happen a few times and I want no part of it. I bought into the Morse family's vision and should they step too far over the line, there are over 100,000 of us to make a mighty roar that will be heard near and far.

I am fairly new to TV (one month) but one thing that I have noticed is that those who have strong negative comments do not live in TV. As they say, walk a mile in my shoes before you speak.:shrug:

Avista
06-25-2010, 08:00 AM
Love The Villages, but hate we are so far from the airports. But on the other hand, we are near the cruise ports, so that is a plus.

JimJoe
06-25-2010, 09:19 AM
ohhhhh..you are SOOOO right. :bowdown: What would I do without your correction. Sometimes when one types at night...ya get into a little mood and things get twisted. I'm twisted and immature and on a roll. I'm also very hot. (no, not for you). So...What do I dislike? The intense heat at times. So, I'll move back and slide on the ice or roll in the snow or grab my snowmobile. It's all tongue and cheek dahlink. Calm down. :laugh:

Your wit is excellent, your sarcasm noy, but my point is simply this..
please don't be critical of discussion. Telling people if they don't like something about TV to just leave does not advance the discussion of things people may not like about TV.

TV is the best place I have ever seen for active retired persons. It may not be the best for people who do not like to socialize that much.

The heat in the summer is very hot, but as you suggest, the cold is very cold up north in winter. Sometimes you have to choose your poison or be a snowbird.

If you are comfortable with the developer making most of the decisions, this is a great place. If you want deed restrictions to protect the way of life, you will be very happy with the governance.

Finally, there are very many very friendly people in TV... but like everyplace else, there are people who are not friendly, or who are just having a bad day.

Thanks for TOTV for the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of everything. It is very interesting and very helpful. Thank you.

kentucky blue
06-25-2010, 01:12 PM
Kentucky Blue,

It sounds to me like you would be happier some place else. I suggest you look long and hard before you make a move. .:boxing2:

Now, Now.............Whatever happened to "Florida's Friendliest Hometown?"

:welcome::):welcome:

Russ_Boston
06-25-2010, 02:42 PM
Love The Villages, but hate we are so far from the airports. But on the other hand, we are near the cruise ports, so that is a plus.

Huh? Isn't TV closer to airports (Tampa, Orlando, Sanford) than it is to cruise ports (Ft. Lauderdale, Miami etc.)?

Just curious about what you meant.

Ohiogirl
06-25-2010, 03:25 PM
Russ, there are cruise ports in Cape Canaveral and in Tampa as well - only certain cruise lines and limited options, but they are there.

graciegirl
06-25-2010, 04:21 PM
Russ, there are cruise ports in Cape Canaveral and in Tampa as well - only certain cruise lines and limited options, but they are there.

I think I heard that the Morse's are seeing if they can get the cruise lines to dock at Lake Sumter. We have that lighthouse going to waste.:icon_wink:

Tweety Bird
06-28-2010, 08:00 AM
I think I heard that the Morse's are seeing if they can get the cruise lines to dock at Lake Sumter. We have that lighthouse going to waste.:icon_wink:

Now that would be superb!!! :1rotfl:

Avista
06-28-2010, 11:51 AM
Huh? Isn't TV closer to airports (Tampa, Orlando, Sanford) than it is to cruise ports (Ft. Lauderdale, Miami etc.)?

Just curious about what you meant.

True, but guess I expect to drive to a port when I cruise and feel lucky I don't have to fly to my cruiseline.
We have usually lived near an airport. When my husband traveled with his work, he would call me after the plane landed and I was there by the time he had his luggage.

graciegirl
06-28-2010, 04:29 PM
True, but guess I expect to drive to a port when I cruise and feel lucky I don't have to fly to my cruiseline.
We have usually lived near an airport. When my husband traveled with his work, he would call me after the plane landed and I was there by the time he had his luggage.

The airport in Orlando is almost as far as the airports we use here in Cincinnati. It is 45 minutes for us to get to Greater Cincinnati Airport and 45 minutes to get to Dayton's airport.

diskman
06-29-2010, 09:56 PM
bump:22yikes:

brostholder
06-30-2010, 04:56 AM
When my wife and I started looking for a home in tv, we asked anyone and everyone we saw if they liked living here. At first, we were suprised because it sounded like everyone had drank "the kool-aid". Everyone said that they loved it and moving to tv was the best thing they had ever done. Now that we live here (part time for the present) I know what they meant. Sometimes I catch myself walking around with a silly grin on my face because I am so happy we moved here. Now, that being said, here are the things that I am still "adjusting" to:
1. My courtyard villa is very close to all my neighbors, and the courtyard fence does not give total privacy due to the difference in elevation from house to house. But since my neighbors are all wonderful, this is also turning out to be a big plus!
2. well.....there really is no #2. I have sipped the kool-aid!
Barry
Long Island, NY/ Evansville, IN/Boca Raton, Fl/Pembroke Pines, Fl/Toledo, OH/The Villages!!!

diskman
09-10-2010, 04:06 PM
bump. :boom::thumbup::BigApplause:

Bogie Shooter
09-10-2010, 06:14 PM
bump. :boom::thumbup::BigApplause:

Why?:shrug:

kentucky blue
09-11-2010, 11:17 AM
Why?:shrug:

I hate that you can "bump" a thread that's 3 years old.It has more than served it's purpose.PLEASE............... let it die in peace.Speaking of dying in peace, i want to die like my father, peacefully in his sleep, not screaming and terrified like all his passengers. Finally ,if you die in an elevator be sure to push the up button.Now if this post doesn't put the final nail in the coffin for this thread, i give up. But that does remind me of the woman who wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered over Bloomingdales.................To be sure her daughter visited her twice a week. You all had enough!!!!?????

graciegirl
09-11-2010, 11:22 AM
I hate that you can "bump" a thread that's 3 years old.It has more than served it's purpose.PLEASE............... let it die in peace.Speaking of dying in peace, i want to die like my father, peacefully in his sleep, not screaming and terrified like all his passengers. Finally ,if you die in an elevator be sure to push the up button.Now if this post doesn't put the final nail in the coffin for this thread, i give up. But that does remind me of the woman who wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered over Bloomingdales.................To be sure her daughter visited her twice a week. You all had enough!!!!?????

Groan.
VERY bad jokes, but I love 'em.

Tell us about your new house! When do you close and when are you moving in?

Caribbean Soul
09-12-2010, 11:51 AM
We keep hearing from the village lovers(people who are happy with their choice. Other than Jan and the people dealing with the train noise (Chatham) Are there any other villages we should stay away from and why? :dontknow:
Larry & Bev!

It really is a great place and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever run into. There's something for everybody and if you can't find things to do that you enjoy then something is wrong with you.

But, with that said, I've also come across some of the rudest, most obnoxious, inconsiderate people I've ever seen. Whether they're driving their cars, their golf carts or golf balls, doesn't matter you just better get out of their way. The feeling of entitlement and selfishness that some have is overwhelming to say the least. To add to that, I've lived in SoFLA and the Jersey shore so I'm used to "snow birds" but the ones that live here are the pits.

But, overall, it's a special place to live and I'm not going anywhere.

graciegirl
09-12-2010, 12:16 PM
It really is a great place and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever run into. There's something for everybody and if you can't find things to do that you enjoy then something is wrong with you.

But, with that said, I've also come across some of the rudest, most obnoxious, inconsiderate people I've ever seen. Whether they're driving their cars, their golf carts or golf balls, doesn't matter you just better get out of their way. The feeling of entitlement and selfishness that some have is overwhelming to say the least. To add to that, I've lived in SoFLA and the Jersey shore so I'm used to "snow birds" but the ones that live here are the pits.

But, overall, it's a special place to live and I'm not going anywhere.

Sigh. It's me and Sweetie that are being obnoxious. Me really. I just don't know my own strength when I am driving a golf ball.

chelsea24
09-12-2010, 12:55 PM
It really is a great place and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever run into. There's something for everybody and if you can't find things to do that you enjoy then something is wrong with you.

But, with that said, I've also come across some of the rudest, most obnoxious, inconsiderate people I've ever seen. Whether they're driving their cars, their golf carts or golf balls, doesn't matter you just better get out of their way. The feeling of entitlement and selfishness that some have is overwhelming to say the least. To add to that, I've lived in SoFLA and the Jersey shore so I'm used to "snow birds" but the ones that live here are the pits.

But, overall, it's a special place to live and I'm not going anywhere.

I loveeeeeeeeeee the snowbirds here! Some of my favorite people and best friends are snowbirds. chilout You know some people CAN'T live here all the time and some love just love the summers up north. But, I think when they fly back here for the winter, they liven up The Villages. There's a new electricity in the air.

Pardon me for saying this, but you sound as if you feel a sense of entitlement. The majority of these snowbirds own property here and have every right that you have.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! Snowbirds! They're on their way! :pepper2::2excited:

Caribbean Soul
09-12-2010, 03:33 PM
I loveeeeeeeeeee the snowbirds here! Some of my favorite people and best friends are snowbirds. chilout You know some people CAN'T live here all the time and some love just love the summers up north. But, I think when they fly back here for the winter, they liven up The Villages. There's a new electricity in the air.

Pardon me for saying this, but you sound as if you feel a sense of entitlement. The majority of these snowbirds own property here and have every right that you have.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! Snowbirds! They're on their way! :pepper2::2excited:


No, Chelsea, I don't have a sense of entitlement. I try to be considerate of others. I also try to respect others opinions.

otherbruddaDarrell
09-12-2010, 03:39 PM
:swear:I loveeeeeeeeeee the snowbirds here! Some of my favorite people and best friends are snowbirds. chilout You know some people CAN'T live here all the time and some love just love the summers up north. But, I think when they fly back here for the winter, they liven up The Villages. There's a new electricity in the air.

Pardon me for saying this, but you sound as if you feel a sense of entitlement. The majority of these snowbirds own property here and have every right that you have.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! Snowbirds! They're on their way! :pepper2::2excited:

I diasagree with your feeling that he has a sense of entitlement. Most people here are great, but I also have noticed that there are more then a few that have moved here and think that their :swear:does'nt stink.
Ask anyone that works around here what they really have to say about some of the people.
The vast majority are great, but I know first hand that there are some that are a royal pain in the...!

Bogie Shooter
09-12-2010, 03:41 PM
It really is a great place and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever run into. There's something for everybody and if you can't find things to do that you enjoy then something is wrong with you.

But, with that said, I've also come across some of the rudest, most obnoxious, inconsiderate people I've ever seen. Whether they're driving their cars, their golf carts or golf balls, doesn't matter you just better get out of their way. The feeling of entitlement and selfishness that some have is overwhelming to say the least. To add to that, I've lived in SoFLA and the Jersey shore so I'm used to "snow birds" but the ones that live here are the pits.
But, overall, it's a special place to live and I'm not going anywhere.

Example why this thread should end.

zcaveman
09-12-2010, 03:47 PM
I have said before that any thread that is a certain age should be turned into a read only thread.

If someone wants to continue the theme start a new one.

JimJoe
09-12-2010, 04:01 PM
Example why this thread should end.

Why?

Caribbean Soul
09-12-2010, 05:03 PM
Example why this thread should end.

Of course. God forbid someone should express an opinion that you don't agree with.

chelsea24
09-12-2010, 05:47 PM
No, Chelsea, I don't have a sense of entitlement. I try to be considerate of others. I also try to respect others opinions.

I respect others opinions! Or, let's say I respect their right to their own opinion. That doesn't mean, that at times, I don't think their opinions are condescending and bizarre!

Anyway, get some sleep! The Snowbirds are on their way! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!:MOJE_whot:

Bogie Shooter
09-12-2010, 06:04 PM
I have said before that any thread that is a certain age should be turned into a read only thread.

If someone wants to continue the theme start a new one.

I agree.
I have disliked this thread from the beginning....asking for what someone hates....seems harsh to me.

springfield
09-12-2010, 06:47 PM
We just moved from Springfield, IL and heard horror stories about how hot it is. For us it hasn't been any worse than the "dog days" in IL.Perhaps the difference is that we don't get a break from the hot stuff. We still do our outdoor activities, perhaps more because there is so much to do.

Back in IL, we would be starting to wind down and get ready for fall..(oh the leaves!!) and winter by starting to put our outdoor stuff away in late Oct. Not this year,We'll be enjoying our time on the lanai and thinking how happy we are that we sold our snow shovels.

jmitchell
09-13-2010, 07:42 AM
It really is a great place and I've met some of the nicest people I've ever run into. There's something for everybody and if you can't find things to do that you enjoy then something is wrong with you.

But, with that said, I've also come across some of the rudest, most obnoxious, inconsiderate people I've ever seen. Whether they're driving their cars, their golf carts or golf balls, doesn't matter you just better get out of their way. The feeling of entitlement and selfishness that some have is overwhelming to say the least. To add to that, I've lived in SoFLA and the Jersey shore so I'm used to "snow birds" but the ones that live here are the pits.

But, overall, it's a special place to live and I'm not going anywhere.

My husband and I will be full-timers next month. We were there in January and most recently in August. We definitely noticed a difference but I am not sure it's the snowbirds. It may just be the fact that TV is more crowded and when a place gets more crowded it seems that people in general lose their patience more easily. I currently live a couple miles outside of DC and boy do people honk their horns a lot! :duck: Maybe we just all need to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be/live here and slow down and "smell the roses and wave :welcome: to our fellow TVers!

diskman
09-14-2010, 06:41 PM
I agree, I am the original poster, this should become read only :wave::Screen_of_Death::agree:
,but look at how many views this got, host's should give me an award lol:BigApplause:
I definetely got the answers I needed!

graciegirl
09-14-2010, 06:45 PM
It was a very good idea diskman. I enjoyed reading it over this very long time!

jblum8156
09-14-2010, 06:57 PM
I hate this thread. I wish it would end.

kentucky blue
09-14-2010, 10:15 PM
I agree, I am the original poster, this should become read only
I definetely got the answers I needed!
I know i'm going to p*ss off alot of you wannabe's, but after 3,4,5 years, what the hell are you waiting for.You are afraid of what??????Turn off your fears and make the move.People are sooooooooooooooooooo afraid to take risk in life, they want to stay in their comfort zone."Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down."If your life is under complete control, your not going fast enough.Most of you wannabe's will never move to TV, you'll stay right where you are and have a list of reasons(excuses) why you didn't make the move. I'll be there the end of September, and can't wait to meet all of you and having the time of my life.

laurie91423
09-14-2010, 10:31 PM
There is also no Michaels nearby and no place to buy artists supplies.

The new Michael's opened this past weekend! :2excited:

graciegirl
09-15-2010, 09:12 AM
The new Michael's opened this past weekend! :2excited:

TEEErific!

I can't wait to return. Three more weeks.....

KCinBAMA
09-15-2010, 09:31 AM
Having read this thread for the past two years, I must say that I found it extremely informative - it provides some balance to the "too good to be true" feeling.

Perhaps this thread could be marked 'read only' as previously suggested and made as a 'sticky' for other newbies looking for some balance?

champion6
09-15-2010, 12:06 PM
KCinBAMA, I respect your view of this thread... it has been very informative.

But to the Admins, not more stickies in this section of TOTV. There are already 10 at the top of this section which has always ticked me off. We have to scroll down half a page to see the first new post.

Just my two cents.

BobKat1
09-15-2010, 12:38 PM
Having read this thread for the past two years, I must say that I found it extremely informative - it provides some balance to the "too good to be true" feeling.

Perhaps this thread could be marked 'read only' as previously suggested and made as a 'sticky' for other newbies looking for some balance?

I agree that this thread is informative and the balance is good...

diskman
09-15-2010, 04:04 PM
The new Michael's opened this past weekend! :2excited:

:loco::Screen_of_Death:

diskman
09-15-2010, 04:06 PM
I know i'm going to p*ss off alot of you wannabe's, but after 3,4,5 years, what the hell are you waiting for.You are afraid of what??????Turn off your fears and make the move.People are sooooooooooooooooooo afraid to take risk in life, they want to stay in their comfort zone."Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down."If your life is under complete control, your not going fast enough.Most of you wannabe's will never move to TV, you'll stay right where you are and have a list of reasons(excuses) why you didn't make the move. I'll be there the end of September, and can't wait to meet all of you and having the time of my life.

about 13 more months:bowdown:

bkcunningham1
09-15-2010, 04:08 PM
diskman, if you look at laurie91423's post, she quoted what Gracie didn't like about TV, which was, "There is also no Michaels nearby and no place to buy artists supplies."

laurie91423 was responding to Gracie's quote and was letting her know there is now a Michaels.

ssmith
09-15-2010, 08:57 PM
Originally Posted by kentucky blue
I know i'm going to p*ss off alot of you wannabe's, but after 3,4,5 years, what the hell are you waiting for.You are afraid of what??????Turn off your fears and make the move.People are sooooooooooooooooooo afraid to take risk in life, they want to stay in their comfort zone."Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down."If your life is under complete control, your not going fast enough.Most of you wannabe's will never move to TV, you'll stay right where you are and have a list of reasons(excuses) why you didn't make the move. I'll be there the end of September, and can't wait to meet all of you and having the time of my life.

Unfortunately we still have to work...so have to wait on the Good Lord and hopefully the crick won't rise. So in the mean time I learn all I can and love the humor!!!!

diskman
09-16-2010, 01:42 PM
diskman, if you look at laurie91423's post, she quoted what Gracie didn't like about TV, which was, "There is also no Michaels nearby and no place to buy artists supplies."

laurie91423 was responding to Gracie's quote and was letting her know there is now a Michaels.

Oh! Duh! mia culpa