When does migration start?
 

We will be down for a LSV in early November. Will the snow birds be starting to roost?

Not another "snowbird" post. Why does it matter? And what can you do about it? Enjoy this place!

Many of those who own will be coming back by then. The renters don't usually make a big impact until January. The rates on the championship golf courses are a fair barometer of the seasonal impact. They go up part way on 10/15 until Dec 31 and then all the way on Jan 1 through May 1.

It never felt like they left this year. The number of snowbirds who come and then leave does not ever keep up with the number of brand new residents buying houses and moving in each month. We have asked numerous servers in several restaurants and 100% of them say they never saw a BIG decrease in business. Also, when some of the late snowbirds leave, the summer vacations start coming---especially with CAMP VILLAGES!!!!

Totally agree with your assessment of what is happening in TV. When we first moved here the place emptied out on March 31 and was all but deserted and restaurants would be empty until the following winter season. I actually prefer to see it populated like this all year - good for everyone to get a piece of the pie.

The more, "The Merrier" It just makes for more happier people!!

There's an old postcard I recall with a picture of an alligator and the caption, "Send more snowbirds, the last ones were delicious."

Funny!

I know the responses on this post were meant to be funny. And, I realize that the OP was (probably) asking a good question. But, as a potential buyer in TV, and a potential "snowbird", I took this personally. My wife and I had a talk after reading this post, and many others putting snowbirds down. We had already scheduled a visit and had starting making arrangement for a 3 month rental. Now, we are rethinking our trip and will be cancelling everything. We don't want to spend 3 months knowing that people will be talking about us behind our back. Sorry for the rant.

I do believe it was less crowded last summer than it was when we went North for a bit in May. We noticed an uptick in traffic beginning of Sept. I think the restos are better filled in the summer because there are more yearly residents who feel freer to go out to eat because the lines are not as long. We don't eat out nearly as much during the winter season, but a lot in the off season. JMO.

Too sensitive - maybe! Remember the number of people who use this forum to voice their own, repeat THEIR OWN opinions is miniscule compared to the people who live here and have no idea that TOTV even exists. I have many friends who are seasonal residents and they have NEVER run into a problem here.

Speaking as a Seasonal Resident, (six months Nov-May), we always feel very welcome when we return to TV. You are doing yourselves a real disservice if you cancel your scheduled visit due to a few negative comments on TOTV. I believe that the vast majority of Villagers like the friendship and vitality that snowbirds bring!

I love my snowbird neighbors and really miss them when they're gone. It's so quiet next-door when they go back north. I never thought about complaining about snowbirds. Used to be one too.

Just wondering how you will know it if people are talking behind your back?:)

Try not to be so sensitive, the Villages is really the Worlds Friendliest Hometown...so c'mon down.

If it was that bad the snowbirds would not come back.

Snowbirds
 

When "they" arrive you can't go anywhere or do anything. I love the cooler weather coming but I dread the masses about to come. This place just isn't made for that many people at one time. When "they" are here, we go to other towns to shop and eat and avoid The Villages. We haven't been to the squares in 4 years!

Not worth a comment.

Thanks for making room for us, Sunny!

I think that those who own or rent and only use the services for 4 months a year is what keeps the monthly fees under 150. I think we should realize what we get for the price we pay is because it is supplemented by snow birds. Just like the rest of Florida is. Imagine if you lived near International Dr near Orlando it's bad all year.

I completely agree, we are anxious for our neighbors to get back. It has been lonely without them honestly. We made a permenant move here from MA at the end of January and have enjoyed every minute. I just have to remember my previous 35 mile commute into Boston and how intense and sometimes unending it seemed and laugh when someone complains about traffic. Enjoy yourself and relax, life is way too short.

I love a dry sense of humor with a twist of sarcasm, nice post :clap2:.

If by chance you were serious, you have to understand the coolest people in TV are snowbirds no matter what you read here. They slip in and enjoy the awesome weather for the winter, then slip out to enjoy the awesome weather somewhere else.

There is some tongue in my cheek...so caveat reader

Bingo!!! :agree:

I find it more accurate to consider the high season to be normal, and the rest of the year to be the bonus for being here full time. Those who consider the late spring and summer to be normal are setting themselves up for frustration.

Well this will be my first winter as a snowbird and there are some things I need to know before arriving.


1. How do I make myself less conspicuous, besides covering up my obvious lack of a suntan?

2. Does The Villages provide "blend-in 101 classes" for snowbirds?

3. Should I cover my out of state license plate when I park my car?

4. Is it true that alligators can spot a snowbird from at least 100 yards and target them instead of frogs?

5. Is it really true that I have to ring a bell and walk around shouting "snowbird -unclean"?

just wondering :welcome:

Don't let some negative posts deter you from staying in The Villages and deciding whether you should purchase a home. Living here is "heaven on earth" and as far as people talking behind your back, wherever you go in life there will always be "those" people. Water seeks its own level and you will find that most of the residents appreciate the "snowbirds" and the prosperity they bring to our wonderful community. All for one and one for all, go for it!!

Being here since January I have to say I've never seen the hoards of people as claimed in the stores, on the road, or the restaurants. We don't eat dinner at 4 pm and I've never had to stand in any line anywhere for more than ten minutes. We will be happy as hell when our neighbors return as our street is so quiet I can hear a gecko fart two houses away.

Many have already returned.

All I can say is WOW! I sure hope this is a very small sampling of the folks in the Villages.

All I was wondering was how busy TV was going to be when I visited during a LSV. A health mix of Frogs and Snow Birds have historically been part of Florida's ecosystem. I will likely pick the Frog route myself..warts and all. My parents are snow birds..each to their own.

Snowbirds
 

I agree with you, it seemed to be busy here most of the summer

If you are considering wintering in Florida, anywhere in Florida, you had better not be offended when called a "snowbird".

We grew up on the Gulf coast of Florida and as kids we knew that many people from the north wintered in Florida. They were called "snowbirds" back in the 50's or earlier.

It is a simple fact that the population increases during the winter ANYWHERE in Florida. If you are sensitive that you are singled out as a "snowbird", and you find that offensive, maybe Florida is not for you.

We are moving from Utah. Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. People flock to our resorts for skiing in the winter. The population of Park City triples each winter.. The locals know that, and deal with the increase in density. It is a fact of life. In the off season there are less wait times at the popular restaurants and less traffic in the shops and on the streets. Is that better?? Not really, just different.

The tourist, winter visitors, "snowbirds" or what ever term you use, bring a large increase in business for the locals, that is a good thing. They are helping to keep the costs lower for the locals, and they bring a vitality and enthusiasm that should be appreciated.

You will certainly find people who feel entitled because they are year round residents. They feel that TV is theirs and you are just visiting. If you let that ruin your experience you are only hurting yourself. The grouches can be found anywhere.

If you like warm, sunny winters and mild spring and fall, come and enjoy yourselves. Yo uwill be in good company. Why do you think TV is such an incredibly desirable place to live?? It's because whether you are a" snowbird", "snowflake", occasional visitor or a "frog", there is no place quite like it and with people here from all over there is an energy and friendliness that you won't find elsewhere,.

If you are a "snowbird" be thankful that you have the opportunity to spend the winters in such a fantastic place, and quit pouting! It is unbecoming!

I don't even want to comment on that one!!!!! That's too bad you feel like that, with all the friendly people here? Must be something nice here, that keeps you here. Hope you have a change of heart!

I can remember, many years ago, buying a summer home in New Hampshire. The locals made no bones about the fact that we were a nuisance, but they loved the money we brought in. We were labeled Flat Landers. We used to rush up there from Boston every Friday evening, along with hoards of other people trying to get out of the heat of the city only to find we could not move all weekend, but we loved it. Then when we all left at Labor Day someone erected a huge bill board that read "Will the last person leaving New Hampshire, please turn out the light". We had our home for over 30 years and were always considered to be Flat Landers. :wave:

We are "seasonal residents" also. Have been for about 3 years now. When we built and moved in our second home in Sanibel we were welcomed by all, seasonal and year-rounders. Our neighbors look forward to us coming back for the winter season and have said so. We always have felt welcomed in this community. Maybe it's because it is a newer residential area where most or many of us moved in around the same time. We keep in contact with our neighbors when we are not there.
Looking forward to coming back and enjoying the winter and spring seasons.

Our neighborhood is full of snowbird residents. They are all nice people and very welcome. (Except the one with the loud motorcycle who comes and goes way too much.) They pay taxes just like us, and they liven up the joint. The traffic is a problem, but I'm sure they don't like it either. I say "Come on down!"

Don't make a decision on whether or not some people like snowbirds. You'll find some hate/resent snowbirds, others love them. I used to live in San Francisco, obviously a huge tourist town. In all honesty most residents actively disliked tourists although a lot of the money came from these tourists. The tourists had a great time, regardless. Here, I'd say it is more 70/30 for snowbirds. Whether you meet someone who dislikes snowbirds or not, you'll still have a great time and make some great friends -- folks who will anxiously await your return.

And I'm one of those who happens to love snowbirds and hate SF tourists.

Of course, there are no snowbirds in the "other towns", really?

I damn near spilled my coffee on that one!:wave:

To sum up:

Welcome home Snowbirds!

I don't think Snowbirds are pouting, just hoping for a friendly reception. As Seasonal Residents, we've always been welcomed by our friends and our Village, and we are very grateful for that.

Bogie, thanks so much for the warm welcome!

Luv Snowbirds
 

I think we all love our Snowbird neighbors but we just get a little cranky when things get more crowded.