Quote:
Originally Posted by RealtorKaren
(Post 1841950)
Hi everyone! I'm dreaming of moving to The Villages and working in the real estate field at some level (I'm a 22 year seasoned Realtor). I'm Divorced, and would love to connect with other singles. I'm coming for the "tour" for 4 nights October 22-26, 2020. I want to play pickleball and golf while I'm there. But I just wondered how I connect with other single residents? I looked, but couldn't find any organized activities or groups. Maybe I didn't look in the right place. I'm really nervous about making this HUGE move from Dallas by myself (3 dogs). I want to lease an unfurnished 2 bedroom villa for a year, to make sure I like it there. How do I find a house to lease? I saw some, but they were all furnished, which I don't want because I want a long term lease. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. I'm scared, but I'm doing this! Thank you! Karen Gearhart, 972-571-1139-karengearhartrealtor@gmail.com.
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There are MANY singles groups, all sanctioned and all listen in The Villages recreation news. You need to be careful because it depends on your goals. Some are primarily divorced people who are open to dating even though that might not be the express purpose of the group. Other groups are primarily widows and widowers who are not particularly wanting to "date" or form exclusive relationships. Other groups are "just" single people, divorced, widowed, never married. There are so many that, being new, you would have to try out as many as seem of interest to you; singles golf ? singles kayaking ? singles pickle-ball, or single WOMEN only who go out to try new restaurants once a month...there are one or more singles groups for nearly any interest.
Renting is definitely something you will want to do for SURE. There are so many villages and it does take awhile to decided which has the "feel" you want. Three dogs could be a problem, we don't have dogs but I seem to remember being given the "rules" which stated TWO dogs per household, but I'll leave that to others on here since I don't remember for sure since it didn't apply to us. Renting with three dogs, even if there is no limit, could prove difficult and you might have to contact one of the many realty agencies or one of the property management places, not hard to find ..... google of course... LOL !
Unfurnished places are not as common, that also might be a challenge, but you will find choices (again, it may take contacting a property management business, or, just search the classified on this site and try communicating directly with the owners.
It's a big move alone, but I have SO MANY friends I golf with who have done it, one as far away as California with the largest dog I've ever seen.... she LOVES it here. Singles and married don't seem to stay as segregated as they are in non retirement communities. I think people here who are married know life can change drastically at any money, so you don't see as much segregation of couples and singles, lots of both in all neighborhoods.
I will add that The Villages may be a better choice than other, very nice, very desirable, but smaller retirement communities which may not have as many groups and activities specifically for singles. You will find your comfort level and the right village for you if you just take your time and think you will be happy you had the courage to do it ! Do expect many things that are NOT the norm due to virus. That's the sad part ! People may not be as outgoing, not as many "driveway" parties and weekly neighborhood bring your own chair and drink of choice gatherings, music on the squares about to resume, but, capacity limited and who knows, it might be shut down again when you visit, don't think any one can plan right now, so keep that in mind... I'm sure nothing is completely "normal" in Texas either ! Wishing you the best.
