Are TV too crowded ?
 

When we move here 5 years ago, the population was 80K now its approaching 120K.

And, its not even peak season. Looks like we will be @ max density after Jan.

Time for another town sq and some new country clubs.

Mr. Brat.

ALL of Florida is crowded starting at THIS time of the year. Many people are here visiting mom n 'em right now. It is Thanksgiving time.

It'll be alright. Be careful of all the fools driving. Most of our friends and relatives are dangerous behind a wheel it appears.

Are TV too crowded ?

as compared to WHAT????

Compared to 5 years ago

If you come from a place like New York City or Los Angeles you probably would not be dismayed by the traffic and numbers of people here. If you are a long time resident or even have been here just four or five years, the population has grown exponentially and it obviously is of concern.. The infrastructure really doesn't support the numbers of people here. Looking at the traffic on 466 for example and rolling acres Road, there are traffic tie ups at certain times of the day that are just way beyond what we have experienced in the past and like you said, it is not even the high season yet. I've talked to a number of people that are seriously considering moving. There are retirement communities that offer most of the activities that the villages has yet these communities have say 10 to 20,000 people as opposed to 100,000 people and that makes a huge difference in terms of traffic and access. I would advise anyone thinking of purchasing in the villages to think long and hard and to definitely spend some time here during January through April to make sure you could deal with the huge amounts of people and traffic, reduced access to classes and activities, less teetimes, difficulties getting into restaurants, and so on. It may or may not be a good fit for you.

From what I understand, the population is now over 130,000.

They did build another town square and several executive golf courses within the past five years.

I don't that it would be a wise business decision to build according to peak season. Half of the businesses would go under after a few summers.

We have to accept the fact that we live in a seasonal area and we are going to have slow times and busy times. There are a lot of places in the world like this. Cape Cod is a virtual ghost town in the winter. What is a fifteen minute drive up route 6A in the winter may take hours in the summer.

I think that we also have to realize that our population density, even in the peak season, is not a great as some other places of 130,000 people. We have approximately the same population density as Cedar Rapids Iowa, Gainesville and Memphis.

I think that what happens is that we get used to the way things are in the summer and the winter seems much worse than it actually is.

I love TV, busy or quiet.

Got it right
 

One responder got it right. It is not that TV's are over crowded but rather that the infrastructure has not kept up with the growth. Example: Some cell phones do not work in some areas, (was the south end). The problem with planning is building the infrastructure for 100% of the population when only 70-75% is in residence at some points in the year. One thing we have noticed is the increase in crime in the last 10-12 years. We have become a target for the scams, thefts, etc. The Seniors vs Crime is a direct result of the increase which includes the contractors who view us as cherries on the tree of crime to be picked:ho:.

Too crowded to enjoy ??????
 

bbbbbb Comment
You are so right. But be aware how you express yourself here. Whatever you do, do not complain about the people in line who are really loaded with coming to their third happy hour, that is a no no. If they rudely bump into you in line, just grin and bear it.
Or on the road, as they rush into an area to get the last drink before they get cut off. Because, some bartenders are now getting smart and sending them away.
We have heard the complaining while they are in line. So, when they go whizzing past in their car or cart, be sure to get way over, they deserve more of the road.
Have fun and enjoy your retirement. Be happy.
bbbbbb
:welcome:

"Time for another town sq"? Seriously? Do you ever visit Brownwood. Most days it's like a ghost town.

Its all relative. Compared to NJ, NY and PA this is great. Try getting around in nearby Gainesville or Ocala and you will see a lot of more traffic compared to TV.
Personally I like the economies of scale, energy, activity and benefits that come with a community of this size. Even though TV keeps growing it still drills down to the village and neighborhood that you live in.

The population of The Villages is greater than Ocala (59,000) and Leesburg (23,000) combined.

It's a matter of perception. Those who move from towns that are smaller will automatically think TV has gotten too big.

Those from bigger cities think the population is ok and the growth factor, is within an acceptable number.

I for one, would never want to deny someone moving to this paradise and I don't agree the amenities infrastructure has not been kept up to, an acceptable level.

I agree it has grown a lot in 5 years and even though build-out is a myth, I enjoy the people who come here whether they are snowbirds and or residents.

I know I will be blasted but all in all, the developer has done a wonderful job in creating this community. IMHO

Bigger than Ocala but I have to go to Ocala to Dillards, DSW, Chipotle, Harry's, Macy's, etc. Every shopping plaza in TV has the same stores. But we don't have to go far for a mattress!!

Third happy hour. Most are within the same time frame. I do get some drink and drive equally as anywhere, but the lack of respect for cart merging into car lane and car trying to beat them is what scares me more.

Do you really think Harry's will open here?

I think that you can toss in Fruitlad Park, Summerfield and Bellevue as well. It makes me wonder why more businesses are not relocating from those areas closer to us.

Are (Is) TV Too Big?
 

Some say it is all relative. Some say it is a matter of perception. Some say if you moved from New York or another big city adaptability is much easier. Some say they are grateful the Developer built this wonderful place for them. Some say this is a paradise. Some say this is Florida so expect the expansion to continue.

In my world view all that matters to me is where I live and where I live is all I compare. Where I live determines my quality of life. Where I live wasn't developed for me personally. It was developed to demand above the market value for a mythical lifestyle. Public Squares are a novelty at first but primarily for tourists. Where I live once had no more than 50,000 people and in the off seasons months you could breathe a little sign of relief. No more no longer. Where I live now is always crowded and will get even more so from September to December and then in January until May appears to double in size of that population from September to December. Where I live is referred to as paradise but my definition of paradise doesn't include 1 to 1.5 hours to get a table at a restaurant or traffic/cart back ups, or stores or restaurants that run out of inventory.... Where I live was suppose to be a retirement community for 55+ and not a vacation destination for people to utilize the amenities supported by my monthly amenities. Some would say if you don't like it move but picking up and moving is not like making a dime impulse purchase at the store.... beside which I am not one to mix emotion with finance

There is always option "A".

Too crowded is a relative term as others have said. It certainly is way more crowded than when we bought 8 years ago. While the infrastructure that is directly linked to neighborhood growth- village pools and neighborhood rec centers has kept up with the growth to some extent, the number of executive golf courses and regional rec centers has not. While getting tee times for a group on the executive courses 8 years ago during peak season was never an issue, it now is a major issue. To get a lane in the sports pool for walking or swimming was easy back then, it is now significantly more difficult. However, on the bright side, if your interests are in shopping, the more people that move here, the more stores open to accept their money.

It's still a great place ... just not as good as it was 8 years ago in my opinion, but probably better than it will be 8 years from now if the growth continues. Of course, for the 7-8 quiet months, it will likely continue to be great.

I think it depends on where you live will effect your perception of how crowded it is here in TV. I live north of 466 and I think it is more crowded than it was 2 years ago when we became year round residents. However we do not experience the traffic and waiting that those further south experience. Colony Plaza has to be the busiest place in TV. Maybe with the retail development further south will allievate some of the traffic at Colony. As with most of the things here in TV, being overcrowded is much in the eye and experiences of the beholder.

We moved here long before they built the Savannah Center, when 466 was just a rutted two lane road, when the only dance floor was in a giant tent. Coffee was fifty cents and life was good.

The population then?...uh...maybe 15,000. We thought, "What a cute little town. Let's move here."

16 years later -- crowded? Oh my, yes. At least that.

Could y'all please leave? Thank you.

Do you think that rents which are too high plus royalties on the store's receipts have something to do with the lack of businesses moving here?

There are empty stores in Brownwood that have been vacant for/ just about four years. What does that tell you???

I don't think Brown wood was well thought out at. It is nothing compared with the other two.

Yes, it's too crowded during peak season.

No, I'm not one of those with the attitude of... "I got mine, you go somewhere else."

Everyone should be able to live wherever they choose...good or bad.

Nothing more than an outdoor mall. Not very interesting.

Moving to TV is still a possibility although this year we're going to try Green Valley, AZ. My wife loves TV but for me the reasonable housing is WAY too close together. bing, bing bing..