Why do you think that is? I arrived in TV in late 2022, and the Starbucks at LSL is always very busy year round. Why was that not the same in SS I wonder?

Walmart has them on sale, just got mine.

Or an apron for $150

1. At that time, average home price was apprx $75,000 for a designer home. Schwartz wanted everyone to live like a millionaire. It was his marketing strategy. Most who bought into that dream were not wealthy.

2. During construction, LSL attracted wealthier buyers from other states, primarily New York. The homes were selling like hotcakes similar to post covid and home prices soared. Nearly 2.5 - 3 times the cost of homes prior. A business like Starbucks needs to be located in a wealthier area. When they saw an opportunity, they hopped on it.

3. I believe another poster explained there are several coffee shops within a mile or two from Spanish Springs. At that time, the cost of their coffee remained relatively cheap. At sit down restaurants, coffee was free with a meal. Starbucks $4 -$5 for a cup of coffee was absurd to most.

4. Every decade of retirees are different than those before. The early 2000 retirees were not yuppies. Most worked in factories, steel mills, etc. They had no interest in expensive items.

5. Much much smaller population than now. The Villages was similar to Mayberry- one small police station, one gas station, one grocery store etc. Folks primarily stayed home at night. Some only went to the square when they had guests.

I think you have the gist. The Villages was a much different place than today. This is the reason some complain about the housing explosion. They miss the simple times.