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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Defending Living in The Villages (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/defending-living-villages-338865/)

Michael 61 02-08-2023 09:21 AM
Defending Living in The Villages
 
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

Hardlyworking 02-08-2023 09:25 AM
I haven’t, but I’ve found that some people lead miserable lives and can’t stand to see anyone be happy.

Keefelane66 02-08-2023 09:35 AM
Yes the Villages is a nice place but not the center of the universe

ThirdOfFive 02-08-2023 09:39 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
Of course. But consider the source. Of course people whose only experience about The Villages comes from reading or watching media are going to have a negative opinion, for a very obvious reason: negativity, sensationalism and (perhaps most of all) sleaze sell publications and generate hits, both of which make money for the author and the medium involved. You will never read articles, other than an occasional local blurb, about a certain church, through "Operation Christmas Child", filling over one hundred THOUSAND shoe boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies and "fun things" that are then distributed to needy children in many third-world countries. You won't read about the regular donations many area churches make to the food shelves of the surrounding community. You won't read about neighborhoods organizing to help one another with tasks such as pet-sitting, helping with various tasks, arranging and/or offering rides to fellow community members for necessities such as shopping, medical supplies, etc. That is merely the very small tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to all the positive things that happen here on a regular basis.

So--keep on gushing the positives. I do, at every opportunity.

justjim 02-08-2023 09:41 AM
It’s still a “free country” and you can live most anywhere if you can afford it economically. That said, I have never had a number of “outside”
Individuals “bad mouth” The Villages as the OP posted. To the contrary, I hear many positive comments from
strangers regarding The villages. I’ve seen unpleasant comments on this site and other social media on as occasional basis. With a population approaching 140,000, you are always going to have some “disgruntled” people. Fore.

Aces4 02-08-2023 10:07 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
I don’t base my life on the opinions of others. If asked, tell people you live in The Villages and nothing more. If they begin to trash The Villages, I would respond quietly, I’ve heard where you live is awful too and walk away. Maybe they will realize how rude they were and if not, who would want to hang with them.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t walk around boasting how I feel The Villages is superior. That’s just as obnoxious.

Taltarzac725 02-08-2023 10:07 AM
Amazon.com

I recall going over the discussions about what is in the book Leisureville with a number of people at a local dog park. Most of the people seemed quite upset with the gross over- generalizations in much of it about the Villages.

The author did make some good points though about the governing of the Villages. Andrew D. Blechman - author of LEISUREVILLE and PIGEONS

rustyp 02-08-2023 10:24 AM
The answer is simple I've learned over the years. Answer honestly and say The Villages. After some small talk it will usually go in one of two directions. They are curiously enthusiastic in which case you can head down the bragging rights trail. If they head down the negative trail you cut them off short (do not ever defend in this case) by saying the place is not for everyone. Best to change the subject at this point.

Michael 61 02-08-2023 10:34 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 2185056)
The answer is simple I've learned over the years. Answer honestly and say The Villages. After some small talk it will usually go in one of two directions. They are curiously enthusiastic in which case you can head down the bragging rights trail. If they head down the negative trail you cut them off short (do not ever defend in this case) by saying the place is not for everyone. Best to change the subject at this point.
Good advice, as a newbie I’m probably over-enthusiastic when I talk about The Villages, I realize this place is not for everyone, and I should probably tone down my “cheerleading” when talking to someone who has a negative viewpoint of TV - not necessary to “win the argument” when talking to strangers. Thank goodness, most people here love it, and we can openly talk about how fortunate we are to be here at his place in our lives.

OrangeBlossomBaby 02-08-2023 10:35 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
I am not a fan of Florida. I lived in Florida years ago for a brief period of time and hated it then too. I've visited Florida almost yearly from the time my grandparents retired here in the 70's. I was mostly a-political (disinterested entirely) up until only the last decade or so.

My reasoning for not wanting to move to the Villages had nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with Florida.

That said, we ended up in The Villages, despite my objections to the state. Living here three years, I can say, quite objectively, that the Villages is a lovely facade. It is a beautifully painted picture. I am very happy with the idea of the Villages. I also love my particular neighborhood, and its proximity to everything I need. I love that it's a golf-cart community, and in fact I consider driving around in the golf cart to be one of the biggest highlights of the "Lifestyle." Getting out into the cart even for mundane tasks like going to a doctor's appointment always puts a smile on my face.

I love dancing in the square. I love that overall atmosphere, of healthy active older adults just getting together and having a wonderful time.

Sometimes the less attractive aspects of the Villages demographics is hard to get past. Sometimes - it is ugly. And actually there is an undercurrent of ugliness all the time. But most of the time it's easy to overlook and not be reminded forcefully that it exists.

As long as we can do that - overlook the thin film of ugliness that pervades beneath the surface - it's easy to really love living here. When that underside breaks through and becomes pervasive, I find it difficult to enjoy living here. Thankfully that doesn't happen often.

I even like the rain during rainy season. I hate hate hate the hotter humid summer temperatures which can last several months (as opposed to heat waves up north that might last a few weeks).

Laker14 02-08-2023 10:50 AM
to the OP's question: Yes, I have, and the usual myths about STD's.
I have friends and family members who I am quite certain would not like it here.
Those who have visited have all been impressed positively, for the most part. They might not want to live here, but they see the attraction it holds.

Similarly, a fair number of people I've met in TV wrinkle their noses in distaste when I tell them I am from New York and return there eagerly for the summer months. What they think they know about NY comes from political shows, movies, and NY City crime dramas.
Just like those who have negative opinions of TV, their opinions of NY are often devoid of any understanding of how large and diverse NY State is, geographically and politically.

There is no shortage of opinions based upon ignorance and misinformation, or at the very least, incomplete information. That ain't gonna change. You are free to engage or nor, depending upon your mood, and whether you think it's worth the effort.

Aces4 02-08-2023 10:59 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2185063)
I am not a fan of Florida. I lived in Florida years ago for a brief period of time and hated it then too. I've visited Florida almost yearly from the time my grandparents retired here in the 70's. I was mostly a-political (disinterested entirely) up until only the last decade or so.

My reasoning for not wanting to move to the Villages had nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with Florida.

That said, we ended up in The Villages, despite my objections to the state. Living here three years, I can say, quite objectively, that the Villages is a lovely facade. It is a beautifully painted picture. I am very happy with the idea of the Villages. I also love my particular neighborhood, and its proximity to everything I need. I love that it's a golf-cart community, and in fact I consider driving around in the golf cart to be one of the biggest highlights of the "Lifestyle." Getting out into the cart even for mundane tasks like going to a doctor's appointment always puts a smile on my face.

I love dancing in the square. I love that overall atmosphere, of healthy active older adults just getting together and having a wonderful time.

“Sometimes the less attractive aspects of the Villages demographics is hard to get past. Sometimes - it is ugly. And actually there is an undercurrent of ugliness all the time. But most of the time it's easy to overlook and not be reminded forcefully that it exists.

As long as we can do that - overlook the thin film of ugliness that pervades beneath the surface - it's easy to really love living here. When that underside breaks through and becomes pervasive, I find it difficult to enjoy living here. Thankfully that doesn't happen often.”

I even like the rain during rainy season. I hate hate hate the hotter humid summer temperatures which can last several months (as opposed to heat waves up north that might last a few weeks).
I hate to break it to you but that pervasiveness exists everywhere, it’s part of life.:wave:

Retiring 02-08-2023 10:59 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
I have encountered the identical situation. Mostly family members. As soon as I say The Villages, they quickly walk me into a corner of the room and tell me all about TV. How this is the STD capital of the universe and there are orgies going on everywhere and people having sex in the square. I did a ton of homework on TV before I built here. I was in my early 50s and knew I had some time till I can live here. I’ve now been here one year. In my search I found the citation about STDs, turns out it was a joke that got out of hand. It ended up in a newspaper/internet and still lives today. The orgy thing came from a book written about TV. The author interviewed bartenders from the squares, these bartenders are often hired for private parties, which were actually orgies. As for sex in the square, it’s true, and the couple was arrested. I remind my cousins or aunts or uncles, TV is a small city with all the goes with the title of city. Yes, there is crime, I don’t recall the village but I remember the neighbor that shot 30 rounds through the neighbor’s front door. Yes, I’m sure there are orgies but no different than any other city. I bought here for the positives which far outnumber the negatives. When someone starts in on how horrible The Villages is. I ask where they got their information, it’s always the internet, then I give a sarcastic grin and say, then it must be true. I too no longer say I live in TV. I tell people I’m just south of Ocala or about 90 mins north of Orlando. If they press, I’ll say The Villages.

Al2014 02-08-2023 11:08 AM
I've read many comments here on this subject over the years. Some comments came from folks who have lived in TV a year or more and determined it was not a good decision for them. I've also heard folks talk about how great it is to live in New York City. THE City would not work for me, but TV would work for me. We spend a few months in TV each year because family situations prevent a permanent move. The best advice I've seen on this forum is for those considering the move to do 3 things before making the committment. One would be to take all 3 trolley tours if/when they are available. This provides an up and close observation of TV from the north(1975-1995), the middle(1995-2015) and south(2015-present). Second, and in combination with the first, a 3 day to a week stay at Waterfront Inn. One could experience a taste of what is offered at TV without the committment of buying. Third, as many have said, rent for 6 months to a year to determine where you would want to live in TV if you moved. Where do you usually like to go outside of TV? Which Golf Course(s) do you prefer? Is it Pickleball? Is it Nature Areas?
Which amenities do you like? That could make a difference in what area you prefer. After the first 2, some may decide that TV does not fit for them. Life brings us many decisions to make. For me it is about attempting to gain the facts from the pros and the cons.

Kenswing 02-08-2023 11:14 AM
I just tell people that we live in Wildwood. Most have no clue where that is. lol

RICH1 02-08-2023 11:34 AM
many Villagers cruise and the table conversation is either about how well The Villages are planned and groomed, or about the Loofas… The Villages is not for everyone just the intelligent ones that are enjoying a fulfilling retirement.

LuvNH 02-08-2023 12:21 PM
we moved here 20 yrs ago and in those days it was THE place to retire in Florida. Over the years things have changed dramatically.

Our children visited once each and said "sorry, Mum, never again", too cold in the winter and too many old people. My grandchildren came and thought it was for old people, but loved the golf carts. Several of our friends have visited, enjoyed their stay, but would not move here. We have a home on a golf course in NH and none of our friends like TV, almost all of them come for the winter, but not to a retirement community, most of them have homes in towns near water.

The biggest complaint we hear is that it is too big, houses are too cookie cutter, too close together, too hot, too political, too many old people in short shorts - seriously we do hear that, and get this one ... too many rude old men in stores.

So I guess it is not for everyone:confused:

CoachKandSportsguy 02-08-2023 12:48 PM
OP needs to know his audience. There are all kinds of answers to the rumors. . . especially with the orgy / std comment. .

The first and only orgy I went to droopy boobies kept getting in the way. . I never had the opportunity to catch an std. .
Most guys' hands are now so small from aging that there wasn't any pleasure . .

But the after party on the street was great. .

ThirdOfFive 02-08-2023 12:49 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by LuvNH (Post 2185119)
we moved here 20 yrs ago and in those days it was THE place to retire in Florida. Over the years things have changed dramatically.

Our children visited once each and said "sorry, Mum, never again", too cold in the winter and too many old people. My grandchildren came and thought it was for old people, but loved the golf carts. Several of our friends have visited, enjoyed their stay, but would not move here. We have a home on a golf course in NH and none of our friends like TV, almost all of them come for the winter, but not to a retirement community, most of them have homes in towns near water.

The biggest complaint we hear is that it is too big, houses are too cookie cutter, too close together, too hot, too political, too many old people in short shorts - seriously we do hear that, and get this one ... too many rude old men in stores.

So I guess it is not for everyone:confused:
As Mom used to say, "you'd b!tch if you were hung with a new rope". She was probably right, but then again...

Yes, TV has changed. From when we first came here seven years ago and rented to now, there have been a lot of changes, and not all for the better. But America has changed as well, and decidedly not for the better. Ten years ago I'd have considered moving to Florida for the weather, reasonable cost of living and low taxes. That was then. What finally convinced us was the fact that crime had become so pervasive where we lived that I never left the house without carrying a pistol. Even living 50 miles away from where the George Floyd riots took place was not far enough. That sort of thing spreads, and our sleepy little town was not unique.

THAT was our primary reason. Of course the beautiful weather, reasonable standard of living and low taxes helped too. But if it hadn't been for the crime, I doubt we'd be here today.

Taltarzac725 02-08-2023 01:02 PM
Lately I have said "Hello" or "Good morning" to people when I was walking and only about 1/3 bother to even respond.

billethkid 02-08-2023 01:15 PM
All minority reports are duly noted.
The rest of us will continue to enjoy what we came here for .........20 years ago and still enjoying it for all the same reasons!!!!

_________________________________________________

:censored:

Velvet 02-08-2023 01:46 PM
In my opinion what you have met, OP, was JEALOUSY and IGNORANCE. I bet you most of them have not lived in TV. And it is true that this place does not suit some people. Which in some cases is justified, especially when they need to be near family, etc. I would let those people you met be, wallow in their ignorance. Remember the saying, “Don’t cast your pearls before pigs”?

Marathon Man 02-08-2023 01:49 PM
Yes, it does get tiresome.

I usually say something like, "None of that is true. People just like to spread good gossip." Then I wait for their reaction. Some get my point and walk away. Some take an interest in finding out the true story. Some continue to insist that it is true. The last group gets, "Yep, good gossip alright". Either way, I put an end the non-sense.

The other road I take is to say something like, "Yep, it's pretty much all true". That takes away their pleasure of poking a hole in my life and they don't know quite what to say. That actually works more quickly.

The important thing to keep in mind is this. There is no need to defend living here. We know what we have. If others want to live their lives believing non-sense, then that's OK with me.

coffeebean 02-08-2023 03:10 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2185135)
In my opinion what you have met, OP, was JEALOUSY and IGNORANCE. I bet you most of them have not lived in TV. And it is true that this place does not suit some people. Which in some cases is justified, especially when they need to be near family, etc. I would let those people you met be, wallow in their ignorance. Remember the saying, “Don’t cast your pearls before pigs”?
My first thought to the OP's comments is in agreement with you.......those people are JEALOUS. Unless, a person loves to live near the shore, how can anyone seriously not love it here? The Villages is a one of a kind MASTER (there's that word again) planned community IN THE WORLD. You cannot beat that.

I always tell people I live in The Villages and am very proud to say it too. I let them know this is the largest golf cart community in the world with an infrastructure for golf carts like no other. I also tell them The Villages is like being on a cruise ship on land. I can't help but gush about this place. We are an active group of seniors and how can that not be a positive?

KatieRN 02-08-2023 03:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
We just closed on our home in Richmond. We live down by Sarasota and we are hearing the same thing. Everyone we tell where we are moving to says the same thing. We hear all about the swingers and the STD statistics. Seems like people dont want others to be happy and want to rain on our parade!

Smitty2022 02-08-2023 03:33 PM
I just tell them that is the reason I came and watch the look on their face!

John Mayes 02-08-2023 03:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive (Post 2185034)
Of course. But consider the source. Of course people whose only experience about The Villages comes from reading or watching media are going to have a negative opinion, for a very obvious reason: negativity, sensationalism and (perhaps most of all) sleaze sell publications and generate hits, both of which make money for the author and the medium involved. You will never read articles, other than an occasional local blurb, about a certain church, through "Operation Christmas Child", filling over one hundred THOUSAND shoe boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies and "fun things" that are then distributed to needy children in many third-world countries. You won't read about the regular donations many area churches make to the food shelves of the surrounding community. You won't read about neighborhoods organizing to help one another with tasks such as pet-sitting, helping with various tasks, arranging and/or offering rides to fellow community members for necessities such as shopping, medical supplies, etc. That is merely the very small tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to all the positive things that happen here on a regular basis.

So--keep on gushing the positives. I do, at every opportunity.
Good reply!!!

Byte1 02-08-2023 04:49 PM
Reading this, I had to chuckle when I remembered a conversation I had with a very good friend of many years. He came to visit me (and he has been here several times since) and told me that he heard that it had so many cases of STDs and wondered if that made any difference to me. I went on the internet and showed him the CDC website where it showed that his city that he retired to had twice as many reported STDs. We both had a laugh over it and then went to Nancy Lopez for dinner.

MX rider 02-08-2023 04:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mayes (Post 2185182)
Good reply!!!
Well said. I hear what the OP describes now and then as well. Most have never been there or know anything at all about the place.

We bought last March and will be snowbirds next October when both of us will be retired. We spend as much time there as our time off allows, and we love it more each time we're there.
We love our neighborhood in Amelia and our neighbors.
TV fits our active lifestyle perfectly. But as with anything in life, it's not for everyone. My SIL lives in Dell Webb/Stonecreek in Ocala and they like it. We visited them there and thought it was very boring.
But they thought TV was too busy. lol

There's a happy place for everyone, you just have to find it. Although some people really don't want to be happy.

JMintzer 02-08-2023 05:31 PM
We have (bordering on "had") very good friends who responded that way when we told them we bought in The Villages...

The husband is a golfing buddy, who constantly brings up politics (and is immediately shut down by the other two in our foursome. I typically laugh and hold my tongue...). Basically, it's just guys busting balls...

His wife, otoh, is constantly worrying about politics. Her son is gay (something I noodled thru when he was in High School, I've known him since he was a toddler...) When she felt she had to tell us, I responded, "I know... I've known for years. Do you really think it makes a difference to me?"

She was stunned, as she actually thought I'd treat him differently once I knew...

A year or so later, we went on a trip to Iceland with them. She had to ask everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) how the gay community was treated in Iceland. You'd think that after the 10th time she got the same answer ("Nobody cares"), she'd get the hint. But no... This continued the entire trip...

She also sent me an e-mail before the trip that she was concerned that the previous election (in 2016) would cast a pall on the trip...

I'll repeat, I NEVER brought up politics with her...

Anyway, back to the topic...

Her response to our exciting news of buying in The Villages?

"Oh, I don't think I'd feel comfortable even visiting that place..."

I replied, "Your loss"...

When I told her husband, during a round of golf, he replied with the age old "STD Capital" line...

Well, I guess that one less couple on our "invite list"...

Gpsma 02-08-2023 05:35 PM
OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.

JMintzer 02-08-2023 05:37 PM
I've found that happy people can be happy most anywhere...

Just as miserable people will be miserable wherever they go...

thelegges 02-08-2023 06:00 PM
Worked in many health care systems, conversations during surgery, usually was where is your winter home. Most of the time those who knew of TV wanted to know why would I pay so much money for a house, and the expense of living in TV.

I would smile under my mask answering, I invested wisely, TV is well worth the money, on the 2 houses we own, soon to be 3. Then the conversation turns to, so the investment is doing well?

We have had many co-workers come down for a visit, only one didn't buy their own house.

Even our kids say, until you come for a visit, its hard to understand how much there is to do. And the rumors are just rumors

La lamy 02-08-2023 06:21 PM
It's amazing how people think they know a place from having watched a documentary or newspaper story. I will always defend TV the best I can, but If they're that easily swayed and adamant about their erroneous opinion, I won't waste too much of my time trying to dissuade them. All that matters is that I found my bliss here!

Papa_lecki 02-08-2023 06:52 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by thelegges (Post 2185235)
Even our kids say, until you come for a visit, its hard to understand how much there is to do. And the rumors are just rumors
You can’t explain it, you have to see it, experience it.

fishon 02-08-2023 06:58 PM
There is no reason to let the opinions of others bother you. Don't be weak.
Run your own life.

Laker14 02-08-2023 07:08 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gpsma (Post 2185225)
OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.
And then what happens?

My honeymoon ended a long time ago and I still love my wife.
Yes, some of the euphoria of the early days has worn off, but I still really like it here, and to be honest, after 5 years, when I get in my golf cart on a beautiful sunny morning on my way to golf or pickleball with my friends. I still feel a bit of that old euphoria.

So, what happened to you when the Kool-Aid wore off?

Marathon Man 02-08-2023 07:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gpsma (Post 2185225)
OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.
In my experience, only unhappy people talk about Kool-aide. I never felt "Kool-aide", and I still love living here after many years.

Nucky 02-08-2023 07:31 PM
We live a very modest life. We don't try to overthink things. Who the hell cares what someone else says about The Villages? We love it here and are coming up on the seven-year mark. I've never been so happy in my life and neither has Mrs. Nucky. This place was a miracle for us. I have yet to hear any negativity directly from anyone about The Villages.

The only concern we have is the weather. No place is perfect. If The Villages changed the nice way it is tomorrow we would be outta here. We don't really like Florida. We like HERE, NOW! I don't know where we would go but it certainly wouldn't be back up north.

Robbb 02-08-2023 08:14 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2185021)
I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?
With total respect, why on earth would you even think about what others would say or think about where you live? I would simply tell them I live there to partake in the endless drinking and sex parties.


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