[VickiF]

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?

[JMintzer]

The year round golf, the activities, the year round golf, the weather, the year round golf, the hopefully soon living here full time...

Did I mention the year round golf?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by VickiF

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?

I hope you move close to us because that is what we love. Sometimes I have to pinch myself after almost fifteen years.

Let us be the first to Welcome you HOME.

[Toymeister]

Here you are not marginalized because of your age.

[npwalters]

The easy access to many activities. We play pickleball, golf, softball, and ride bikes. Several softball leagues available. Many miles of paved multimodal (including bike) paths. 350 plus pickleball courts and plenty of golf.

Pretty much any kind of club you can imagine but many of them will be full with a long wait list.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by VickiF

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?

Welcome, Vicki!

Your post pretty much says it all; my list a year ago before our move was pretty similar to yours today. One thing I'd add is convenience. We're never more than a 15-minute golf car ride at most to just about anything we'd ever want or need, and with gas costing as much as it is, that is pretty important.

[villagetinker]

Be sure to look at all areas of the villages, there are some differences North and south of 44, we love the Brownwood area, this is actually close to the physical center of the villages.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by VickiF

I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages?

I love those &(>/&^$$%^&* Bonds we have to pay

[DylanTodd]

Add to the list

things we love:
1. the courtesy of our neighbors, the polite waves and good mornings of everyone we pass by
2. the overall pristine care of the neighborhoods
3. its so peaceful and so quiet compared to a big city

things we don't love
1. the sound of landscapers every single morning - its actually quite comical, thank goodness we naturally get up at 6am or 645 everyday
2. the houses are a touch too close together - but hey what are you going to do, its not that big of a drawback

[Laker14]

I really appreciate how easy it is to "do" things. For example, if I want to play pickleball tomorrow morning, I don't have to make a date with 3 other people, I just find the courts nearest to me that have the skill level I'm looking for, and at the appropriate time I can hop into the cart, and in a few minutes I'm there. After pickle, in the afternoon if I'm bored I can hop back into the cart and in less than 2 minutes I can be at a pool, in less than 5 minutes I can be at Cane CC to work on my putting and chipping. In 10 minutes, Sarasota to hit golf balls.
Feel like dancing tonight? Well we know all about that, right?
It's just so easy and convenient to stay busy and active.
Even shopping, I have a Publix, a Winn Dixie, and a Lowes all within 5 minutes by automobile.

[Decadeofdave]

As with everything in life, it is what you make it. All the things you describe are here, and more.

[Escape Artist]

Originally Posted by VickiF

I joined here a few weeks ago as we began the preparation for our move. We are hoping to buy a spec home in October/early November. I’ve seen lots of good information, advice, and even negative thoughts but since we’ll be full time residents I’m wondering what do you love about the Villages? What are your favorite things? I’ll start by saying what I anticipate I will love. I love sunshine and hot temps so I believe I’ll love the weather. I love to be outside, to see nature, watch birds and take bike rides so I believe I’ll love the trails and preserves. My husband and I love to play games, cards, board games etc. so I believe I’ll love the clubs. We’re not “night life” people so the bands, drinking and dancing aren’t our thing but I believe I’ll love quiet evenings on our lanai with cool drinks and conversations about our day. We’re not looking for much. Just to be closer to one of our children and enjoy our golden years in such a lovely setting. How about you?

What a nice post! I hope you will be happy here. I am.

[RICH1]

Sunset Golf cart Rides, one of my favorites

[Deb1093]

I enjoy walking every morning at 7:15, before the sun is too hot. I love going to water aerobics and cardio drumming. I love taking a drive in the golf cart in the evenings, and relaxing on our lanai. I love reading on our lanai. I enjoy going to the pool, chatting with neighbors and meeting new ones. We have only been here a couple of months, only one with our household goods! So, we are really just beginning to live the lifestyle. We plan to have BBQs and have game nights with neighbors and friends. We love it here and have no regrets on our decision to move here! I hope you feel the same.

[thevillagernie]

things to do !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!