Is TV all you thought it would be?
 

I posed this question to a new friend of mine. She gave me a very honest and insightful answer. She suggested that I ask this question on TOTV.

So...here goes: Is The Villages all you thought it would be? Please tell us how long you've been in TV....if you're a Frog or Snowbird/Snowflake. Maybe share with us if your feelings/thoughts about TV has changed with time?

We've only been here six months, but so far the transition has been better than expected. Overall we are very happy here. I was a little disappointed with the overall increase in crowds and with the apparent (my perception) increase in rudeness asociated with the seasonal population explosion, but at least it prepared me for next season.

In another thread - Armyguy said about the same thing.

Why don't you explain that?

Since we intend to be there as birds I want to make sure nobody thinks where rude automatically because of how many months we may live there.

I'll be happy to:

In general terms, usually when you have a higher population with a limited amount of space/resources there is an increased competition for space/resources. This is seen in the animal kingdom and well as in human populations. Most would agree that as a general rule the people in rural areas are less rude than those in major metropolitan areas (and I understand this is a generalization, but INMHO it has been my experience, of course there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule).

Now let's look specifically at TV. During peak season the population of TV swells considerably, but space/resources stay the same. There are more people in the stores, more people in the restaurants, more people on the roads, more people playing golf, more people at the rec centers, and more people at the pools (the list goes on an on). But there are not more stores, restaurants, roads, golf courses, rec centers , pools, etc.

I have found that people just seem to have a "shorter fuse" and exhibit more rude behavior. I see it standing in line at the grocery store, waiting for tables at restaurants, on the roads (this is the one I see most often), at the gym, etc. Speaking with store clerks, servers, business people and other residents (both frogs and snowbirds), they seem to confirm my perception.

How many months someone lives here has no bearing on how rude they are--all I am saying is when the population swells, tempers start to get shorter and rudeness increases.There are rude frogs and rude snowbirds, but there are many more friendly frogs and snowbirds. Bad behavior just seems to spike when the population increases.

That being said, and back to the OP's question, TV is all I thought it would be, and then some. TV is like paradise, but I call it paradise with warts. I love it, warts and all.

Hi, my name is Alan.. and I AM a seasonal resident.....

I agree with this post completely. I can say that I noticed a large uptick in population this year as compared to years past. In fact I am shocked to see the number of cars/carts still here in April.

We have spend 8+ months a year here since 2007 and this winter was the busiest I have ever seen it. With that increase in population also came quite an increase in 'road rudeness'. IMO, the reason is articulated very will in the post above.

I think Cappy makes several valid points. I think too that we are starting instant friendships with strangers thinking that age will negate a lot of other differences. That isn't true.

I think that our geographic origins and the way we were taught to expect or do certain things in certain situations plays a big role.

We easily begin new friendships here or expect friendly behavior from those we've just met and are "put off" by their "strange" responses. One new neighbor on the golf course said I was "fresh". (I had a dickens of a time finding out what "fresh" meant. It isn't a term used in Ohio. Someone bristled over my "Boy Howdy" which simply means "well, I'll be darned" to me and I thought everybody spoke Ohioese.

Midwesterners expect certain things that cause those from the coasts to think we are a little strange. People from certain area's use silence as soft disapproval where other areas HAVE TO HAVE the last word.

On top of this are the internet bullies, the newly affluent, the sick, the tired, the fiesty, the arrogant and the truly kind....all who have been that way for awhile or are trying out new personas.

There are a lot of "fresh starts" here and some invent their pasts to present to others.

In other words, we are older Americans most of us and we are thrown together in a new experience that really is making history on this planet.

I like that about this place and I hate that about this place. Sometimes I long for the way people acted pretty much the same back home.

But considering all that do I love it? You bet your sweet bippy I do.

TV is more
 

MUCH MOREWe are frogs, have been here 6 years....Life is Good!

Been here full time for 5 1/2 years and still wake up in awe at what a beautiful place and wonderful lifestyle we have here. It is more than I expected and improvements continue.

No, it's not perfect, but pretty darn close.

At this stage of life, enjoy every happy, healthy day you have and don't sweat the small stuff.

We truly love it here. I will say that I have noticed some over zealous opinions by folks on Race, Religion and Politics in The Villages, but I equate that to the fact that in most places we lived prior to retirement, we barely knew our neighbors and never heard the three topics brought up in conversation. Here we talk in length to anyone standing in line at the grocery or restaurant etc etc.. Would never have done that back home. That said, We both like it even more than we anticipated prior to moving in.

Great Post
 

Wow. I think that is probably the most sincere and thought-provoking post I've read on this forum.

I can relate to the "back home" part - 'course I'm an (how does Bill say it?) Uh-hiya girl myself. I've been away for forty years now but I think that you always miss your roots.

Well, back to home improvements so I can join all of you.

P.S. Swimdawg where are you?

Where am I? I am here in Wheatfield, NY right now. And a week from Thursday, I'll be at my lovely home in the Village of St. James. I am a Snowflake....here a little, there a little. Kinda enjoying the best of both worlds at the moment. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

This is how things get started. Last night at LSL my wife, brother, who was visiting, and I were in the white plastic chairs watching the band. Two chairs in the row in front of us became vacant, before I knew it some guy comes in between my chair and the next chair cutting through our aisle rather than going down to the end. I guess he was afraid someone would get to those chairs before he would. He hits me in the shoulder as he steps through and then steps on my foot. His wife followed but somehow missed me. He never said a word or even looked at me. After he sat down he never turned around, if he had I don't know what I might have done, I know he ruined my time there because I all I thought about is whether I should get in this guys face.

To top it off, I hurt the foot he stepped on playing softball last Saturday and I was trying to rest it all week so I could play today. Since I play shortstop you need to have your feet in good shape. I believe if I had one more beer this situation would of turned out differently.

I remember going to Buffalo Bills/Sabres games in the past....and some of the conduct was not....the best. BUT....most people...yes, MOST people, are nice and well-behaved.

So John....tell me, is TV all you thought it would be?

Very well said Gracie.....

My short answer to this question of is TV all I thought it would be? is yes.
My long answer is definitely YES!

I can't speak to how things have changed since I've only been in TV for 6 months as of next Tuesday and I had never even been to TV until 1 year ago this past January.

As to the crowds over the past few months, I guess I don't get out much since I didn't think they were bad at all, other than when Rocky and the Rollers play at the square..:shocked::shocked:. But then I am from the Washington DC area where waits to get into restaurants never are under an hour and traffic is always congested with very rude drivers behind the wheel. I could go on but won't bore you. Also I have never experienced a "summer season" in TV so maybe next winter I will see the crowds as a bit more annoying. I hope not though. I hope I just continue enjoying my life in Paradise and all it offers. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close!

Suzanne

n/a

Same thing would happen at a Ravens game if you were to wear a Steelers jersey. However, at Lake Sumter Landing listening to the Dynamic Duo (who weren't very dynamic) I would expect better manners.

Golf is costing me a little more here. I use to play at about ten courses in Maryland and pay between $32 and $37, sometimes it even included lunch. Here from Oct to April to get those rates you need to pay about $700 to become a priority member or the green fees would be about $48. I have some softball mates who go off campus to play and I think next winter that is what I'll be doing. Come May 1st I can play any course but Palmer for $19 after 11am without being a member.

Actually a few other things here were more expensive. I'm paying Centurying Link about double what I paid Verizon for a phone and internet. I could go on, but for example our last electric bill here was $92, in Maryland it would of been $350, so I guess it kind of evens out.

I love it here, but I do miss the convenience I had living near Baltimore. Within a 10 minute drive I could be at about 30 different eating establishents. Here, it takes 20 minutes to just get to 466 from Tamarind Grove. Eventually when 466A get more developed it will probably be better since that is only 5 minutes away.

I did play golf all winter, where in Maryland I would of not have played from mid Dec to early March. Also I play softball every week with people my age, where in Maryland I hadn't played softball since 1981.

To watch every Ravens game I have to pay Directv $300 for NFL Sunday ticket. You get things and you lose things, it's all a trade off. I guess it a bad way to judge a place by what things cost. However, when you're on a fixed income that becomes very important.

I am truly happy being here in The Villages. We are part-timers here spending 6-7 months here, all winter, then again 2 times for a month in June/July and October/November. This is a vacation for us. We have a CYV so there is minimal maintenance here so that we can enjoy other activities.

Love the golf cart rides and explorations. This year my wife and I took golf lessons and we are enjoying the game. So far so good!! No smashed windows or torn lanai screens :MOJE_whot:

We are physically active more here than back in Connecticut! We walk more for exercise and to get healthier, interact with our neighbors more, meet new friends, joined a couple of clubs and basically smile almost 100% of the time we are awake!! People in general are frendlier than any other place we have visited.

Yes, we have to put up with some of the typical irritations that previous posters stated, with lines at restaurants, increased traffic, etc. etc. etc. This is no different than in any resort community that has seasonal people come in for a period of time, Cape Cod, Block Island during the summer months to name 2 that I am familiar with.

This year, more than last year, my wife and I have noticed an increase in aggressive and rude behavior, in driving cars and golf carts, (what's the rush?? This is a retirement community!!!), people barking like dogs at others they deemed were doing something wrong. This group of people in my opinion, is a very small percent of the population. I am not suggesting that it is caused by snobirds or frogs because there are no visible or distinguishing marks or tatoos to tell them apart.

We are in the process of getting our CT home ready for sale and hope to be fulltimers here as soon as possible. Till then, we are enjoying the best of both worlds, enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather that Florida and The Villages have and also enjoying the New England summers as well.

And more!
 

We moved in the end of February... Spent the first few weeks getting unpacked and making the house a home, all the while wondering how we were going to meet people and get involved in the community. After leaving all our friends behind we honestly had our doubts.

Well..... That seems like a long time ago. We are so busy with friends and activities we don't have time for them all. We live with our calendar so we don't double schedule!

The Villages has been everything and MORE then what we expected! Swimdawg, it just gets better EVERY DAY!

We've also met some really GREAT flakes and can't wait for them to get back into town so we can see them again!!!!

Lovinthelife! :clap2:

Not one to steal a thread but - - - - - - - - -
 

I'm still waiting for the swimdawg recipe thread if you know what I mean. :MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

Don't hold your breath.....trust me! I am not familiar with that word, "recipe". Is it related to that word, "cookbook....or stove....or something like that? I do know that the one use for my oven is to store popcorn for the next time Bill'nBrillo stop over.

Now back to my question.........

We love it and it is definitely more than we expected. More friends than we ever thought possible and so many laughs and good times. I've never used a callendar so much in my life to keep activities and appointments straight.

We tend to skip lunch and eat dinner much earlier or after 7 when the birds are here. I truly think this winter was much worse than last year (our first) because of all the new building south of Pennecamp and no new amenities except Bonifay. No new executive courses built created a nightmare trying to get tee-times. Restaurants more crowded but should subside as 466A and 44 develop. Crowds create tension and bad manners and it was more evident this year especially on the roads. It's probably because the birds and renters are trying to cram in as much fun as they can in a shorter time which is understandable but not necessary. Crowds here and waits for amenities are still less than what we had to deal with back in Massachusetts and we're retired, so what's the rush.

I've been thinking about this question most of the morning. TV is all that I expected and I do love it here. There are many things that contribute to that love....first and foremost, all the wonderful friends I have made over the 6 years I've lived here. Over that time some have taken different social paths, but we still are there for each other. The beauty of the community is amazing. It always looks shiny and bright, even in the midst of our current drought. TV is massive...not what many expected or what some might be uncomfortable with, but coming from southern CA, believe me, this isn't bad at all. It's all a matter of perspective. Even with the large size of the community, as we headed down towards Brownwood today...WOW, so much being built, there is a homey feeling about the place. TV isn't where we came from, where we left, it's a place entirely different and unique with many positives...and of course a few negatives, but what place is absolutely perfect. Some complain that people are unfriendly...maybe they have come from an area where friendly interaction with strangers wasn't the norm. Smile...it does wonders ... it makes others feel more comfortable and could just be what they need to brighten their day. It will make you feel better no matter what the response received. We don't always know what burdens others are dealing with.
It is more crowded than when we moved here, but it's like that in many, many parts of the country and frankly, it's not crowded all year long and during the peak season, just make a few adjustments to your schedule and all will work out.
There's much more to do here than where I came from. Lots more golf courses, even with higher cost for championship courses during the season. I know for some, costs were less, but not where we lived. There's activities, movie theaters are closer, grocery stores are convenient, more and more shops are being attracted to the area because of TV and that helps us and those who now have jobs.

It's a thriving, bustling and beautiful community, it's TV, not any place else....it's my new home and home for many. Remember we all made the decision to move here from where we lived previously....no one forced us to make that move, we did so willingly. If it's not what one likes, one can move,....I know that's not always easy, but one needs to live where they're happy so if TV isn't what you expected or like, it's decision time.

No, more beers or not you did the right thing. Nothing would change if you "got in his face". His future behavior will not be any different and you would have become even more upset.
Besides in this great state of Florida, going after somebody can be dangerous. They can shoot you and walk away because of the "stand your ground" law passed by the folks up in Tallahasse.

I think anytime you re-live a situation as to what you should have done you can bet you were wrong holding back.

Not saying get in his face that i bit much, but you could have said something like hey do you know you stepped on my foot what's up with that?

We've been in TV for almost 4 years and like Villages07 we are amazed and grateful for the opportunity to live in paradise. In the past we've been privileged to live directly on the ocean and when up north we overlooked the Hudson River so we were hesitant to make the change. We thank God on a daily basis that we followed our hearts and moved here.

The reasons for loving TV have been mentioned by others over and over but I feel that the essence of our happiness here is intangible. People mention how crowded and rude people are but having lived in Florida for many years I can tell you that the Winters all over Florida are crowded with people from northern climates and you get all kinds of attitudes. When we lived in a beach community we would have to plan our afternoons out because of the traffic and frequently we refused to have dinner out because of the crowds. Everyone wants a piece of our perfect climate in the Winter.

For me the most important thing you can bring to TV is gratitude for having the opportunity to live another day in near perfect weather with some of the finest people we've ever met. Take what you want and leave the rest.

Is TV all you thought it would be? I suspect that every person who visited, rented or bought whether as seasonal residents or fulltime has had the same opinion of TV (i want some of that and this and that). And therein is the answer. After six years of full time living here my perception is that there has been a consistent correlation between increasing population and quality.

Another aspect that factors into this is the design of traffic flow which two years ago was well antiquated failing to respond to the increasing population. Perhaps the build out will solve this problem? Perhaps not? However TV is a big attraction and outliers are utilizing TV without any skin in the game and TV can't do a darn thing about it because this is not a gated community.

This overcrowding predictably raises tensions on the roads, cartpaths, in restaurants and on the squares. So does the continual turnover of people owing to renters, vistors and locals.

In Ohio THAT is called getting in one's face. ;)

Least said, soonest mended. If he doesn't have manners by now, He ain't gonna learn 'em from you.

Having the last word can lead to escalation...just like Bogie says.



OOOOPS I JUST had the last word, Gracie. Gracie. Shame on you.

We should have moved here years ago. We love everyday here even in the winter. I like the energy the newcomers and winter people bring, but yes, we do have to adjust our schedules just a bit and take a more tolerable approach to things. We have to go back up to Massachusetts for a graduation next month....we love seeing everyone but are always anxious to get back here to our bubble. We're full time residents who have lived in Florida for almost 20 years, no other place compares to TV !
Oh, also wanted to mention that I do see new things, changes, etc...that little park near the Haciendas at Mission Hills is a wonderful addition and closing SS square for repairs, etc... is actually a good thing.

Is TV all we thought it would be? Yup, without question, especially given our snowflake status. Sandy and I only make it down there for a few weeks at a time off and on during the year and yet we've managed to meet and connect with many great people............and hope to continue to do so. We always cram a lot into our schedule when we're there - seems like we always run out of time for all the things we want to do!

I'm sure it's definitely different being a frog - a broader set of experiences being in TV full-time. But we're happy with our lifestyle at this point and for us, TV is a perfect fit.

Bill :)

Gracie Gracie It's a mans thing

In NY that's called don't step on my foot :highfive:

Wow, that's such an interesting perspective. I like it a lot and kinda wish I could relate to it more. Atlanta has long been a melting pot. In my suburban neighborhood, I can count on one hand the number of adults even from the south. (The number from Atlanta is zero). In this sense, TV feels much like home to me. That aspect of TV though is better than in Atlanta, because nearly all of families in TV chose to live there. In Atlanta, many were transferred here or came due to a job offer.

Is TV all I expected? Youbetcha. In the 2 1/2 years we have been snowflakes in TV, I continue to be amazed and delighted for the wonderful friendships, the beauty, the fullness of our social and activity calendar when we are there, how much we use and enjoy the amenities, the golf cart rides and the delight in seeing all the carts tooling around the community.

Although we weren't there for snowbird season, it makes all the sense in the world that this year's was the most crowded. With LSL area virtually built out for the first year, Brownwood-area amenities and Town Square not yet in place and several Brownwood Villages developed and spilling into LSL without yet a corresponding migration down to Brownwood area amenities, of course it was more crowded than ever.

When 446a, 44 and Brownwood amenities catch up, things may even back out to some extent. But TV is always going to experience Florida's annual snowbird season-- for which I'm grateful.

We closed on our new home Jan. 3, 2012. We love it here! We have met some wonderful human beings, many from this forum.

The traffic issues seem tame to me, I'm from southern California where congestion is the norm. People have been so polite and gracious here in The Villages.

The cost of living, including golf is so cheap, remember we are from southern California.

The Villages rock. We love this place.:MOJE_whot:

Well said Gracie
 

I learned a hard lesson taught quick here. Was sucked in on TOTV used and once this person moved here was spit out like car exhaust. Or for you Car Guys Suck Squeeze Bang Blow! Lesson learned.

I do feel fortunate to have meet You and Henry. Some day you gotta explain the Boy Howdie thing. I missed something there. It's a good thing right? :read:

Herv

Is TV all you thought it would be?
 

Carguys, I'm a little confused about your post. Could you "splain" a little more?

I did a search on Boy Howdy and this came from Gracie:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Urban Dictionary
boy howdy88 up, 13 downSouthern slang. An interjection. Often used as an expression of surprise for large quantities of something, or severity of something. See yessum.
"Boy howdy! Them pumpkins sure are big! How're we gonna carry 'em all, Ms. McGregor?"
buy boy howdy mugs & shirts
by Fugerko.?Dec 23, 2003share thisadd a video
2.boy howdy112 up, 20 downAn exclamation of enthusiastic agreement which can be used in both a genuine or sarcastic tone. In addition can used to add emphasis to a statement ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now....because I'm from Western New York....and we are the home of Buffalo Bob from the Howdy Doody Show....I have my very own WNY slang...of kinda saying, "Wow!"... "You have got to be kidding me?!"... "Yikes!" or "Give me a break!". I say, "Boy Howdy Doody!". But............to get back to the original question.....

...Is TV all you thought it would be?

For my husband it is all he thought and more. For me not so much. I miss my gym thats open 24/7 and the 210 fitness classes that i can take for free. And what some wish for has an indoor pool and swim lanes. This is miss at 3am or whenever i choose to swim

It's much more than we imagined. Having bought a place last year, it is different from visiting and staying with our friends or experiencing the Lifestyle Package. Before we were introduced to our friends' friends and we participated in their activities. Now we are making our own friends amongst our neighbors and other club activities. It is luck of the draw but the most appealing aspect is to have good neighbors which we have and to enjoy the commradie together. Though in recent I brought a good ex-military friend here and he said he can't live here because it reminded him of military compounds he'd been all around the world. ???

I love all of the friendly people I meet in real life.

I am not quite understanding carguy. We just think the world of you. Did I say something insensitive? If so I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelers or anyones. Please hurry home.

I hope you meant someone else. Sometimes I am not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Make that OFTEN.

Boy Howdy means......... Well, I'll be darned. Or...Gee Whiz, or I am at a loss for words.............

What?

You will certainly be up for the finals in today's "Swimdawg Post of the Day Award"! :icon_wink: