[TOMCAT]

TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE PUT FLORIDA DOWN,FROM LOVEBUGS TO THE HEAT! I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME GREAT WORDS ABOUT FLORIDA AND THE VILLAGES. CONSIDERING MOVING THERE. WHEN I WAS THERE, I LOVED IT!

[DougB]

[gomoho]

The most beautiful flora and fauna in the country and it absolutely abundant here. You can sit on your lanai, enjoying a glass of wine and listening to the palm fronds rustle in the wind. You never know what bird may fly over your home - from a honking sandhill crane, to a white pelican, to an eagle. Turtles bigger than life and gators sunning themselves on the golf course. Thousands of us in our retirement years actually enjoying life and all that we have worked for. Love bugs are only here a short time and they don't bite and the heat is a fact of life - you learn to live with it. Don't believe a worry about other bugs, they aren't allowed in The Villages!

[TOMCAT]

Got a laugh out of me! What does that mean, DougB, are you waiting for the replies with the popcorn?

[cquick]

we are only human! But we LOVE FLORIDA! We have all chosen to move here....heat doesn't keep us inside the house! Lovebugs don't keep us inside the house!

We love to go outside and talk with our neighbors without our coats on!

[TOMCAT]

I do not know why others have to make opinions when they know you like something. I think people can just be mean sometimes because they are not happy with their own lives. Sounds very encouraging, gomoho, I wouldn't mind just sitting on the lanai,sipping some wine and being just mellow

[tainsley]

Tomcat, love everything about TV. It gets hot everywhere. Love bugs are here for two weeks! I have never bed happier. Don't even miss the kids anymore...one of them is always visiting!

[Happinow]

We all have our pet peeve about the villages but when it comes down to it this is a beautiful place to live. I'm sitting on my lanai looking at my pool watching the sun in all of its glory. I love my home, I love where I live and when i go away I can't wait to come back. There is everything here for us but it is a bit expensive. You will love it here. Come join the rest of the happy villagers!!

[redwitch]

Okay, I hate Florida. I'm a mountain person, so this flatness is loathsome. I can handle heat but I'm not good about humidity. After seven years, I think I've finally learned to tolerate the humidity but there are days I seriously whine about it. I'm terrified of thunderstorms but I'm living in the lightning capital of the world. I used to hide in my bedroom when I first moved here when it stormed. Now, I sit on the lanai and enjoy the show. Bugs, snakes, etc. don't bother me, so they're a non-issue to me.

I love my bubble! If I can't be in California, I'm so glad I'm here. There isn't a day that doesn't go by where I don't smile about something -- whether it is a sandhill crane strutting its stuff in my backyard, a neighbor walking their dog, a dog hanging its head out of the golf cart or someone driving a golf cart in a clown suit. It all works for me.

No place is perfect. People are quick to put other parts of the world/country down. It's not their home. They want their friends to stay close to them but can't seem to say that out loud, so they mention every negative thing they can about a location. Remind them you're just an airplane ride away and they're always welcome to visit. Ignore their negativity. It's not Florida they're objecting to, it's the idea that you're thinking of leaving them and coming here.

[DianeM]

Tell the naysayers to mind their business. Yes, Florida is hot in July and August but it's not snowing in January/February. I personally fan better than I shovel.

[kittygilchrist]

Ok, Tomcat, I'm a native Floridian. Lovebugs are relatively new here, but must be dealt with. It's really bad. they come out in 2 seasons a year for a couple of weeks. the really terrible thing is you have to wash your car cuz little paired up cutiepie bugs smaller than your pinky nail can erode the paint. That is just awful. I'd think twice about moving if I were you.

[gomoho]

REDWITCH - you are so right. I find something that makes me smile everyday as well. Actually I probably walk around like a smiling fool 'cause there is always something to enjoy or admire in your surroundings. I love Florida - would I love it as much if I lived in another part of the state - probably not 'cause everything here is beautiful and clean.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by gomoho

REDWITCH - you are so right. I find something that makes me smile everyday as well. Actually I probably walk around like a smiling fool 'cause there is always something to enjoy or admire in your surroundings. I love Florida - would I love it as much if I lived in another part of the state - probably not 'cause everything here is beautiful and clean.

Pretty much what she said...and if you doubt it, just read several thousand of my prior posts.

[Billyworld]

I have been in Florida 23 years. Moved here from California and Ohio. The weather is great. The hotter it gets, the more Cody's Beer to drink. Riding motorcycles is great and Florida is biker friendly. Fishing is fantastic. We have Salt and Fresh water. We have no State Income tax. Homeowners insurance is cheap along with kind of inexpensive car insurance. Vehicle registration is cheap and cars don't rust out. The roads are smooth and don't have chuck holes like up North. We wear shorts 12 months a year and ride around with the top down 12 months also. I could go on and on but this State is Great! .........The Villages makes it just that much better!

[Geewiz]

Up north I spent 3 months indoors due to cold and ice....OK - for a few months you move from air conditioner to pool and back to air conditioner, What you might miss is culture...big cities offer everyday high culture...here you have to look for it (this includes fine dining). Also, big cities with teaching hospitals, provide surgical options that you have to drive to around here (St. Pete, Gainesville, and Mayo in Jacksonville). But folks here are very friendly and generous and hell - you are an hour from the mouse....be a kid again. Also, MCO has cheap flights all over the US, the islands and Europe (as they all come to Orlando due to the mouse). Also - no state income tax - no small deal when retired. Come on down - everyday housing prices are going up...catch the wave before it makes swimming impossible.