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Love My Couch Potato But ... Please help!
Hello,
Last month while getting my nails done here in beautiful Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, I met an old friend who, when I told her DH (Dear Husband) and I want to retire in 3 years, suggested I check out something called The Villages in Florida. In the past month I have googled, took several golfcar tours on youtube and joined TOTV.com. I almost feel as if I know the place and have mentally already moved here. DH is such a couch potato now – I don’t think it’s going to improve when he retires – so I am very attracted to an environment whereby I can get to where I want to go and to have plenty of social interaction, hobbies and various other pursuits, without him. The Villages seems perfect. DH was not too enthused until I said – ok reality time – what are you going to do if I die first? I want to make sure you are in a supportive community where it will be easy to find someone to replace me (well, if not to replace me to replace my services as in house cleaning, laundry, paying the bills and being the primary (actually solitary) financial guru.) That seemed to clinch it for him – I can tell because he said “Oh, yeah” as if it were an AHA moment! LOL So I just suggested we take a vacation this year to check it out. My DH has a hundred reasons why this is not a good year for him to go (I won’t bore you with the details although some are quite hilarious) however he thinks it would be wonderful for me to forge ahead – spend a week and checkout the TV landscape. So I am planning to come down for about 5-7 days within the next three months. I have a couple of questions that I was hoping you might have some responses to. 1. I am thinking of foregoing the LSV and just renting something (with a golfcar and bicycle of course) and spending the week on my own exploring. I guess I feel that since I am alone and that I might just be a little intimidated by meeting with sales people before I’ve really decided this is the community for us. There seem to be many rentals available and my needs would be minimal – 1 person probably no cooking, etc, so I think I can easily find something reasonable. Do you think this is a good plan? Or do you feel strongly that I should do the official tour through the TV sales office. 2. Besides checking out the community as a whole, I would love to narrow down a couple of neighborhoods so that when I return from my trip I can limit my internet research – viewing homes, etc. to a handful of areas within TV. Does that make sense to you or is the neighborhood less important than focusing on the kind of home I would want in terms of size, price and layout (btw – layout is of extreme importance to me since DH likes to sleep early in a quiet bedroom and I like to stay up late on the couch with a noisy television (viva la difference). So again, my question - is narrowing neighborhoods down important and, if so, what are the questions I should be asking about the different areas. 3. Restaurants – while this is not the most important consideration since we are both avid cooks – I felt a little concern that those neighborhood-type restaurants that we are so use to are virtually non-existant in TV. It seems like most of the restaurants are chains or franchises. Reminds me of the Riverwalk in San Antonio – tons of restaurants but none of those home style types. Also, what about immediately outside of the TV community – are there restaurant in the surrounding areas or does one need to go to Ocala or Orlando? 4. As I stated we are both avid cooks – we will be able to continue finding a large cross section of produce, spices and other ethnic food ingredients? How about bakeries? I assume every type of service is available in the community. Again, not a major consideration (TG for the Internet) but just curious. Thank you for any help you may provide Barbara Kent |
If you can possibly get him to come with you, that would be the best. I can almost guarantee if you come here alone you are going to go back home and beg him to come back with you. Once people visit here they usually fall in love with the place. If you could get him on a trolley tour so he could see how beautiful it is here that would be great. To me that is a large part of the draw to come here is the beauty. I too love to cook and love to eat at out of the way places. I've never had trouble finding an ingredient for one of my recipes. We have a Fresh Market that offers plenty of choices, plus there is always Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. There are plenty of restaurants that are not chains around here and we have our favorites. It's fun exploring some of the little towns around the Villages.
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We pretty much have it all. Having a visit with a TV sales person is NOT what you might think. NO pressure. They are lined up behind you to buy. You will get two hours max and they will never call you again if you don't tell them too. Take the trolley ride and go to Katiebelles. I think you will enjoy everything here. The biggest question is do you want new or resale and the model series is important too. There is something for almost everyone and hundreds and hundreds of choices. You won't ever have the ethnic food choices that you leave behind in New York, but we have a lot of other things you don't have in New York. Welcome to the forum. |
Definitely do the LSV because it is a good deal, includes a cart, and you are in the center of things As Gracie said you won't be pressured, but would have the luxury of asking questions of a sales agent if you so desired. You might want to call the sales office and see if you can purchase a map to start familiarizing yourself with TV because it is huge and chanllenging the first few times you are going around. Tell DH he can sit on the couch here if he wants to, but I'll guarantee you he'll want to see the sights once he gets here.
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Barbara - we have neighborhood restaurants here - just a bit different than a ny neighborhood - here we call them the country club restaurants! ;)
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You will love it here if you want to be active. My hubby plays some golf but is not a "joiner". So I am very comfortable going and doing things on my own. There are so many things to do you'll find your niche and he can "couch potato" in the sunny enviornmemt!
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Welcome Barbara and Couch Potato !
I am from Brooklyn, also. (Park Slope) You will love it here. Try to get your couch potato to come with you. Here's a list of all the clubs. Maybe he'll find something of interest. http://districtgov.org/images/ClubsListing.pdf My husband is not a joiner either, but I love the fact that I can enjoy so many activities. Be sure to consider resales when you look. You can find some really great deals. But compared to NY, prices here will be unbelievable. I would recommend the LSV. Sales people have a wealth of info and NO pressure. Also, agree that getting a Villages map ahead of time is very helpful to determine the neighborhoods that you may prefer to live in. |
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We found a different rep in April, had no pressure and built a new home. But every time you post about 'no pressure' I cringe. :) |
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I have read many posts and talked to a lot of folks that have told me they weren't pressured. I don't know what the official stance is but I am really surprised to hear what you said. And I am just guessing that the powers that be would be surprised too. Pressuring someone to buy a house in The Villages isn't necessary, just as advertising The Villages on Television isn't necessary any more or giving away a lot of freebies on the life style visit. They are selling houses here like hot cakes. AND...I don't work for The Villages, know the Morses etc.etc.etc. BUT, I can see why people are falling over themselves to buy here. |
My advice is.....move here with DH! Even if he only putters around in the yard or garden or goes out to dinner with you once in a while, fine!
There are SO many activities you can do with a group here! Men and women, or only women. Due to certain circumstances, my husband and I often do things on our own.....and you might be surprised and how much your DH will start to do here. :read::thumbup::posting::gc::popcorn::D |
There are plenty of restaurants: check out: The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site
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Things you should consider from another wannabee:
1. i would stronlgy recommend you came with DH, as I have read too many posts where one spouse was dead set against moving to TV and after seeing TV exclaimed, "this is where I want to move to". DH may surprise you when you get to TV. He may want to be active when he sees what's available to him. 2. Coming alone and getting excited about TV will have you talking to a wall of resistance, as he will tune you out. It's a guy thing. 3,What if, "he dies first". Then, what will you do? 4. The restaurants will never be the same as in New York but there will be enough that you will enjoy. Beside the fact you probably don't have too many restaurants that can equal the quality of what you make at home. Same with the bakeries, but I look at it like, it helps me to stay slimmer. 5. I would suggest the LSV as TV is hugh and it will help to meet with a sales rep get to get a feel of what's out there, (new vs pre-owned). I have been on two LSV and they don't put pressurwe on you. If fact, you may have to call them if you want to see houses. TV sells itself. Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of TV and it's people. Take the trolley tour, got the squares and talk to everone you come in contact with. BTW - Bring your checkbook. :smiley: |
I would plan on staying about two weeks if you can. Renting is ok. You defiantly want a golf cart and a good map. One reason for two weeks is that you should look at some of the other communities so you have something to compare. I think moving is a good idea as DH will probably not change if you stay put.
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Surely you hubby has some hobby or interest. Billiards, Darts, Softball, Basketball, woodworking, cards, tennis, pickleball, golf, boccoball, shuffleboard, bowling, archery, fishing??? just few off top of my head. I think you really got to Bring him along on the LSV you will only get that once, then you can always come back rent Cabanna and stay longer as you retirement gets closer. Need to spark his interest, Click on Recreation Activities see if anything interests him??? I was amazed how popular Pickleball was! Even if he just fines one activity it may spark some interest????
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I highly recomend the LSV. My wife and I did it twice and on the second visit we purchased a new home. The place is so nice and clean, not to mention how nice the people are. Being from New Englang, at first I would hold onto my wallet because the people were so nice and friendly it scared me. Come on down, you will not be sorry.:clap2:
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I have gone to a few over 55 communities. I would recommend that you make an appointment with a salesperson. Tell him you want to see the community first then look at a house or two so you have a general of what is being offered. My experience is that you will not get a lot of pressure from the salesperson. You also will not be able to get into the various building without a salesperson.
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if you are coming alone and only staying a week i would not do the LSV..save it for when you are both here....I have come down to our home without my husband many times and stayed a week or so got things done on my own time...i narrowed down three house plans and when we came back together we found a new house in a day.
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Some thoughts...
...my husband has couch potato tendencies too. He is different when he is in TV. I don't know what it is but I am sure that just riding in the golf cart everywhere puts a smile on his face. He loves people watching at the squares and at Starbucks on the square or even just reading the paper there. I really do think there is something for everyone. Fortunately for me he also loves golfing, pickleball and some oher activities.
I agree with the person that said try to force him to come with you...cause you can't understand the place until you go...use all your persuasive powers. My input on the neighborhood is to check them all out but really knowing what you want in a house may be just as important ie new or used, cost type of lot etc. Now you might want to keep in mind that we a re just wannabes that spend as much time as we can there. |
Coming from Queens, I understand what you mean about bakeries, neighborhood restaurants, ethnic ingredients, etc. We miss decent neighborhood eateries, and are sick of the chains, frankly. I guess it's too much $$$ to open a "family" restaurant here, and the chains have deeper pocketbooks. There are exceptions, of course, but not many.
There's an excellent European bakery in Yalaha (or is it Yahala?) - not close, but excellent. Every supermarket has a bakery, but you will not find what you have in Brooklyn...or Queens, for that matter. There is nothing like a good water roll, crusty Italian or French bread to be found in the supermarkets...it's either the water or the baking method, but everything is soft crust. I would LOVE an Italian bakery, but it ain't hapening! Pizza generally is awful. My neighbor and I are still looking for scunguilli in a can. You can generally find fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, etc., with little or no problem. No butchers, except in the supermarkets. You can adjust...we certainly have, but there are some things you simply will not find here, IMHO. What you will find are great people, wonderful weather, and lots of things to do - or not do - as you wish. You can park with ease in your driveway and no schlepping to a laundromat (if you're an apartment dweller). Come down, live the lifestyle and see for yourself. Perhaps your idea of renting first will make a difference. I know that when my husband and I did the LSV, we were so overwhelmed looking at properties that we never had a chance to do what people who live here do. We would not change a thing, however. Absolutely no regrets. If you wish, please PM me to discuss this further. Quote:
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Hi Connie,
Thanks so much for your input -- I am working on DH. |
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Hi All,
Thank you so much for all the responses and valuable information. I am still unsure about how to post and reply to you on this site -- need to understand it a little better. I want to respond to each of you and thank you individually - as soon as I figure out Quote Post, Multiquote Off and Quick Reply. I just sent two (Gracie and Connie) but I'm not sure that I did it right. Couldn't figure out how to post my thanks so I am just adding to this one. Also several private messages as well with telephone numbers and invitations to call - especially from people formerly from around NY. Now that would never happen here. LOL. I called TV and they are sending a packet. I also ordered a map from a wonderful woman named Kim at the Lake Sumter Banner's Mercantile. My last several days have included showing DH various youtube videos of TV -- trying to get him psyched. I am trying to come up the the perfect slogan for him: "Why not watch TV in TV?" or "TV or not TV, that is the question" or "There's no time for TV in TV" What do you think? LOL. I already feel like I have a new group of friends. Thank you all so much. |
"There's no time for TV in TV"
I vote for this one. I hope you can convince to get off it and on with it. :D He will never be the same person after he has seen TV. Bring you checkbook. :smiley: |
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Talk of The Villages - FAQ: Board FAQ |
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Second, if DH is not going to change, I wouldn't use the No time for TV in TV! He might be put off. My husband is not a joiner either. He was put off by others' descriptions of their full-time, on-the-go activities. Then we visited, and he was taken with the surroundings--the beauty, the temps. In the end, he came for the weather and the screened-in porch. He has found a comfortable level of activities--pickleball, model trains, volunteering for SBA--and just enjoys being here for the rest of the time. I agree with whoever said if your husband is not going to change, you will have al sorts of things to do, and he will have great surroundings and weather in which to veg. Good luck! |
Come on down!!!
I agree with folks on here. Get your DH to come with you as you will never be able to explain what TV is all about. It's something like you've never experienced before. I'll just bet, if you move here, your DH will become involved on something. The people just draw you into having fun. You will meet a variety of people here....some you will want to get to know better and some you will not. No different than anywhere else. But by far, it one of the most beautiful areas I've seen and in general people reach out to you and make you feel welcome. Find a great sales rep (look in the search category on this forum and type in sales representative and you will find many recommendations). My DH was never involved in any sport as an adult and now he is an avid pickleball player and golf player. Sometimes we do things together and sometime we don't. We are having a ball here and love every minute of our life. Best of luck to you and come down and join the fun and the lifestyle.
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Barbara,
Here is a video I took during one of my quieter afternoons. Keep in mind that it shows only one small part of The Villages. When you visit, you'll see much more. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pmEi_jz9-w]The Villages - January 15, 2013 - YouTube[/ame] |
No problem
Just motorize his chair and put him on a cart path.
He will be a speedy potato. |
Me too
Nothing I like better than doing nothing so I though.I got sick last Dec. and could not work or anything else for a week It made me FREAKING CRAZY or crazier. I still am a couch kinda guy but after I retire I wont be
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Hi Barbara,
There is no other place like TV. You can't tell a person what it is like...you have to see TV for yourself so hopefully your husband will join you. You don't even have to leave TV for anything. There are stores, banks, restaurants of every kind of cuisine, over 50 villages with a pool and rec center in each village, a huge selection of golf courses, etc., and everything is golf cart accessible. |
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