What do you wish you did on a lifestyle visit?
 

I have a lifestyle visit scheduled for later this month. Planning this visit I am wondering if you kind folks could share what you are really glad you did while there and what if anything you wish you did on a lifestyle visit but did not. As always thank you for all your generous advice.

I think it depends on what your goals are. For us we used it as an introduction to what The Villages are overall.

Our assigned sales agent offered to hold our hand and show us around but we knew we weren't going to buy on that trip and just wanted a more relaxed visit so we told him we would call him if we had any questions. One thing we did have him do for us was schedule a spot on all three trolley tours. That gave a good view of The Villages scope and provided some history. Not sure if the trollies are running with the pandemic.

If there's something specific that you want to see or do just let your sales rep know. They are very accommodating.

I second the trolley tour idea. I wish we went on a trolley tour. We did play golf a few times and meet people we were paired with. We did have a pickle ball introductory lesson. Both of those we great. We went to a performance at Savannah, that is not going on right now, but tickets to a square would be good.

I, too, wish I had taken the Trolley tour. I thought it was too Mickey Mouse but it provides a nice overall look-see of The Villages.

I find wherever I am, the trolley’s are informative and provide a tour that is relaxing.

1. checked out shopping
2. checked around the neighborhoods for problems eg train noise
3. checked out squares and amenities
4. ate out a few times
5. did not like the villages on the lifestyle visit. on the third visit found what we liked.

When we first came down we were very impressed with Katie Belle's and it's unfortunate you are unable to see how it used to be. However, there is a heck of a lot more to do down here now than there was 18 years ago. I'm sure you will see all of the squares but add Edna's in Marsh Bend to your list, great outdoor entertainment, very relaxing atmosphere, it's a booming place.

Some one told me the number of rentals (investment income) properties there are on every street. And that this is not a true retirement community, but a Vacation Club community.

Rentals
 

There are a lot of rentals, as well as AIRBNB. In the older sections and newer sections. We have been here 17 years and the atmosphere has changed significantly.
Not yet retirement age buyers. Renting their properties. Good luck.

Take long golf cart rides to really see The Villages. You can check out neighborhoods and home styles at a a close up and leisurely pace.

Meet people
 

Researchers have found the single most important factor in happiness in retirement is the quality of your personal relationships.

You know the weather is warm in the winter. Golf is the same everywhere. You have worked all your life and now you don't have work friends and your family will be far away. Sitting on the lanai in the sun and reading a book will get you about a week. Now you either find a new life with new people, or you will pack up and do back to the kids in that cold place. So, your job here is to find out who you really are.

The most important thing for you to do is stand in line. If you find you are talking to the people in front of and behind you, and smiling and laughing -- you are Village people, and you will regret you didn't come here years ago. If you just waited for that table, or coffee, or whatever... well, you are probably not going to be really happy away from "home."

For us it was not about what we did but rather the location. Our lifestyle visit was in Brownwood twice. Stayed in Sumter once. Never had the desire To move here until renting in the South for a month. More laid back and relaxing. Paths for biking and walking are beautiful. Our month long stay also gave us more time to try various activities without feeling rushed.

I will strike up a conversation with a stranger just about anywhere so if your assessment is accurate I will be happy there.

We took a trolly tour to get a better idea of what was available, rented a golf cart and then drove around and stopped to talk to people we saw out in the neighborhoods. Most people were wonderful and welcoming, some areas the people were very snobby so we knew we didn't want to buy there, other areas people were great, we bought in one of those areas and love our home. Try to pretend you already live here and visit rec centers, go to the area pools, go out to eat, visit stores, take a few classes. If you find you enjoyed it, buy here. Get out and around on your own. We've been here 19 years, came at 45 and 50, we liked it so much we decided not to wait and came down and worked for a while. Would do it all again. Have fun on your lifestyle visit. Do rent a cart for a week. There is golf cart path GPS available for your phone. Just have fun.

Wow, cool. So similar to our story. 17 years for us, we were 47 and 51. We bought new through TV and had no problem. Did the Lifestyle Preview and trolley tour. Showed up with our checkbook and they were very willing to sell us a home. Hubby worked from home until age 55. The first 10 years here were wonderful.