Entitlement question
 

I've been following this forum for about 6 months now. My wife and I are considering the Villages as an option for a place to live out our lives. But reading the different posts I'm getting a feeling that the residents there have a sense of entitlement that I'm not sure I like.

It's OK for the Morse family to dictate many aspects of daily life but.....

Don't mess with my right to have my dog in a crowded square or anywhere else I want.

Kids are evil. even a young child temporarily staying with grandparents who lost a parent and other parent is serving in Iraq. And yet the Villages has a school district.

The police are just after my money. If I want to drink in my golfcart I can. Or traffic laws don't apply to golfcarts.

And many similar posts

Is this the general outlook of the Villages? (I'm old so I do what I want) or am I just seeing a small cross section of the populations outlook?

We're coming down for a quick visit in Sept. and really want to like the place but attitude plays as much of a factor as the physical aspect in deciding if it will be for us

There's a few in every crowd whereever you go....but more in some places than others. Go figure.

We have lived in the Villages for over 5 years now and our excitement, enjoyment and novelty of the lifestyle has not worn off. Our neighbors and friends are the greatest we have ever had. I believe you will find the general outlook of Villagers overwhelmingly positive. Bear in mind there are 80,000 residents enjoying life here. With that statistic in mind, even in the harmonious paradise "Shangri-la" of James Hilton's Lost Horizon, you will find a small percentage of those who take exception because it's who they are. Your "small cross section of the population's outlook" nails it. I would qualify it further by adding "a very small section".

Life is good in the Villages.

dont think the few regulars that post on here are representative of the entire population.

TV
 

Lived here since 09 and having looked a several areas and states before here I can say this. WOW ! This place is truely fantastic. Everyday is better then the last. You meet new people everywhere you go. Yea there are afew things not everyone likes my self included but I don't think you'll find a better place. I think one of the reason Tony started this site is to give people a safe place to ask questions, seek information and to sound off from time to time. When your out and about VERY rarely do you meet a disgruntaled person. Come down, meet the people and enjoy. As for the children they love it more then we do.After all we're all kids at heart just a little older. See ya soon.

yes. that is pretty much it.:wave:We all think we are better than anyone and can do what we want. Except for PTurner and Barefoot and Pooh and a couple of others. They're nice.

Seems you just can't get away from them, people that just have to complain. Give them a free steak dinner and they're unhappy it didn't come with desert.

Even at Disneyworld (the happiest place on earth) the most commonly heard sounds are crying kids. :cryin2:

But I will agree that there does seem to be a little uptick of grumpy people on TOTV here recently which prompts me to ask the question, "Is it the heat or the humidity?"

I'm pretty sure I love this place, my spouse and I will hopefully move there in 2012.
1. As far as the Morse family dictation....it's about the whole and how to make the majority happy like a condo association. (if you can't get along...pass)
2. I'm not sure of the dog in the crowded square but there are dog parks/runs. It is dog friendly.
3. There is a School in the Villages but my understanding it is for the employees children. I think it is good for our interests in that it keeps employees more interested in staying and doing good jobs knowing their kids are getting a great education. They are not kid hating as you imply. There are programs that are geared to children and their grandparents. This is a community of retired folks. Many of us have done it, been there and well, frankly, don't want to be in that position again full time.
4. You can say that about police anywhere. For me I like having their protection and if something isn't right or I feel wronged I will look into and get answers.
You sound like you're the 'glass is half empty' type and well, from what I've picked up from the threads, articles, television blurbs etc the majority that live in TV are more of the half full mentality. I like that.

Good luck in your visit and try to enjoy yourself :)

Grumps wil be grumps. Nice will be nice. I've always felt there are two ways to go through life, positive attitude or negative. I choose positive as the majority of villagers do.

Come on down you'll love it!

Ditto

BooBear just pointed out that I should make myself more clear. My point is there are unhappy people everywhere and the Villages may not be the answer for everyone but for us, it IS paradise on earth. That's why we have a hold on a lot in the Village of St. James.

I think it will be the best place you have ever seen. :)

Thanks all,

I was really hoping to hear the positive remarks. We really are assuming that our first impression will be a good one. I have met many "grumps" over the years and will chuckle and walk away smiling but would rather not have to do it on a daily basis.

Harry, see what you think of TV after your visit. You're seeing a VERY small sliver of the TV population here on TOTV as well as info from non-fulltime people (such as Sandy and I) and others. I think you'll be delighted with what you find when you see and experience it all for yourselves!

Bill :)

You will not have to.

Harry. I apologize. I thought that you were a "troll", a person who comes into a site and posts something to kind of cause some negative response.

So, I was being a smart aleck back. It seems you are a real person...and real and kind people make up the overwhelming majority of our population here.

As you will see when you come to visit.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

When we spent our first week on a lifestyle visit in April, we did not experience any of the issues/negatives that are occasionally discussed on the forum, e.g. Dogs in Squares.

Our experience was all of the positive behaviors that are described including the regular assistance from passing carts when we would be pulled over and looking at a map. Any mention of being on a LSV always brought out an engaged conversation where the other person(s) offered advice and information.

In a large community setting the experience was encouraging, relaxed and informative. Many people in line for restaurants often in a working CT environ attributes tension among those waiting with no interaction. Quite the opposite was our experience during the entire week.

Just some observations....as a lurker for about 6 months prior to the LSV we were informed for what to explore and how to be aware of the mixing of the varied and valued expectations of those that make TV their home.

BobandSandy - An excellent first post! :)

Bill :wave:

Thanks Bill. Our comments do not seem to be unique, and that fact gives us comfort as well.

Harry,

We were in TV from January of this year when we purchased our home, and remained until March when we returned back to NY State for the summer. I can honestly say that much of what comes across as grumpy here does not really manifest itself when you're face to face with people.

People are usually more friendly in person than they might be in an anonymous or semi-anonymous forum. I can also say that the positive things that people say about TV, neighbors etc. I have found to be true. There can be exceptions, but as someone else has alluded to, that can be the situation most anywhere, and even more so!

For example, just a few hours ago I received an email from one of my neighbors regarding a problem with the person who does my lawn, and the lawn of our neighbor directly across from us.. he has disappeared. The same lawn person does both our properties. Without hesitation, the neighbor who contacted me recognized that there was a problem with the lawn person and proceed to mow both our lawns that were in need of being done. Now wouldn't you agree that's neighborly? Also, I've seen the neighbor behind us mowing their next door neighbors lawn because he was ill and could not do it for himself. I think most other places a neighbor would complain when you have a lawn problem rathen than be helpful!

So when you visit, relax and enjoy what TV has to offer and I'm sure you will find out what I say and others have and will indicate are true!

Joe :wave:

I just love that dichotomy "Love it or leave it". What a great tool to marginalize legitimate complaints. I mean because someone complains they are a grump, nothing will ever satisfy them, etc. Indeed some of that is true but not all...I am one who attempts not to deal in absolutes, except perhaps death and like all of us I am trying to avoid that one too.

There are many good things about TV but then there are many serious flaws. I have lived here for 5 years and after my best efforts have not gotten comfortable with living here. I had cited some of the reasons but decided against publishing them. My only and real point here is that this place is a very individual taste.

Gracie,
No harm no foul. I've read enough of your posts to pick up on your devilish side :angel: Actually thought it was funny.

We will only have one day this trip to explore TV. The plan is to rent a golf cart and explore a little with lunch at one square and dinner at the other. It will still be another 3 years before we can make a move. We both like the idea that there are things to do besides sit home and I've wanted to learn to play ^#$(&^ (some call it golf)

Skyguy79, What a nice neighbor you have especially to mow 2 lawns in the heat of a Florida summer! I hope that is typical of TV as I will probably be getting lost several times while driving a golf cart for the first time when I visit next month! So in July if anyone see's a woman with light brown hair pulled off to the side of a golf cart trail studying a map, that may be me. And will I will gladly accept directions. :wave:

I have found when you are pulled off to the side studying your map. You will have more help than you ever dreamed about. I have had people just tell me to follow them.

The golf cart is a good example. When I moved here 18 months ago, I got lost a few times while on the golf cart. Just pull over to the side of the golf cart trail and in a matter of moments, people will stop and ask if you need help. Most would actually say, "Follow me" and lead me to my destination.

I have repaid this many times myself whenever I see a cart pulled over. It just seems the neighborly thing to do.

You cannot tell what someone is like from this forum. I have been on the Political forum and gotten into some heated discussions. I met one of the "opposition" for introduction and a couple of beers. Very personable and nice guy. Probably even going to play golf together soon.

Everyone just wants to have a good time here. Join us and see for yourself.

Just don't hang an exposed leg out the side of the golf cart to attract an approaching male driver. You just might cause him to drive off the trail! http://th411.photobucket.com/albums/...y_laughing.gif

Funny you asked
 

I WAS HAVING THAT CONVERSATION WITH MY CARDIOLOGIST THE OTHER DAY. HE SAID THAT MANY VILLAGERS FEEL ENTITLED TO "MAID LIKE" SERVICE WHEN THEY ARE IN THE HOSPITAL. THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION IS THAT ALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS HAVE MORE THAN ONE PATIENT AND THEY HAVE TO ATTEND TO ALL OF THEM.
AS THE CHAPLAIN AT THE HOSPITAL, I HEAR PEOPLE COMPLAINIG AND PEOPLE SINGING THEIR PRAISES. THERE ARE FOLKS THAT THINK THEY ARE SPECIAL EVERYWHERE NOT JUST IN THE VILLAGES. IT IS STRANGE THAT IN HYDE PARK, AN AREA OF CINCINNATI THAT HAS A LOT OF OLD MONEY, YOU RARELY RUN INTO ATTITUDE. IT IS THE NEW MONEY THAT ARE UPPITY. AND THEN THERE ARE THE FOLKS LIKE US WITH THE HOPE OF NEW MONEY. IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD BE NICE!!!! :a20:

I would put my two cents worth in here as well. It's the same people over and over on this site who seem to use it to gripe. It is NOT indicative of the general population. Many times I've wanted to respond to some of those "entitlement" comments but figure they won't change anyway from someone wanting to be a bit more positive. The Villages is a great place to live!!!

I personally think that no matter where you decide to retire, compromise will be involved. No place is perfect, including The Villages. There are a number of people I have run into here that I would never care to associate with. However, that probably goes for any community. All in all, we feel the positives outweight the negatives. But, it may not be for everyone. If it piques your curiousity, check the community out for a few months to see if it works for you.