[TOMCAT]

My husband and I have visited the Villages at least three times and we loved it. My husband is retired, but I still work. We will sell our house soon as I can retire anytime after February 2013. I can retire that month or wait even longer for a bigger pension. I would like to know how many of you opted for early retirement to live in The Villages and get away from high paying taxes in the North. Any regrets?

[MadisonandParker]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

My husband and I have visited the Villages at least three times and we loved it. My husband is retired, but I still work. We will sell our house soon as I can retire anytime after February 2013. I can retire that month or wait even longer for a bigger pension. I would like to know how many of you opted for early retirement to live in The Villages and get away from high paying taxes in the North. Any regrets?

Hey guys and girls,
We have waited 8 long years to retire and get to the Villages. My husband took an early pension and we are loving this place. Its an adult playground that has exceeded our expectations. the people we have met, the clubs the pool and golfing, Everything you can imagine to do is a golf cart drive away. We are having the time of our lives and have no regrets of our move here. We saved money by moving here. Now we are living our dream. If you are as anxious as we were, then I say GO FOR IT! But only you know what your situation is so weigh the pros and cons. Best decision we ever made!!!!

[ONels21963]

I moved here from Wis. 12 years ago, have absolutely no regrets. I work at one of the golf courses here in the Villages which gives me a chance to talk with people who have traveled the USA alot, and when it come to retirement communities, theres no better place on the planet then right here. Whatever your interests, explore and take in everything the Villages has to offer.

[TOMCAT]

Thank you for your replies. It can be a little tense when it comes to moving to another state or home. I will be starting a new life because I will not be doing the same things that I was doing for a long time, I get a little worried that I might regret my choice, but your insights have helped me.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

Thank you for your replies. It can be a little tense when it comes to moving to another state or home. I will be starting a new life because I will not be doing the same things that I was doing for a long time, I get a little worried that I might regret my choice, but your insights have helped me.

This IS a huge decision and you should take your time and think it through. Not only will you be in a different place from what you are used to, you will be surrounded by a group of seniors, who are very sure of their opinions. Most are lovely, easy to know and fun to be with but some are a little....set in their ways. It is usually the younger ones. .

You need to think about your home being smaller or bigger, and your yard being smaller and no fences and living in a place that cannot be changed by anyone's vote. A CDD form of government to me is like a benign dictatorship.

The people here are predominantly conservative politically and so is the paper and the builder.

If any of these things would make you unhappy, please don't do anything yet.

We have found it to be paradise on earth and we love it here.

Hope you decide to join us.

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

Thank you for your replies. It can be a little tense when it comes to moving to another state or home. I will be starting a new life because I will not be doing the same things that I was doing for a long time, I get a little worried that I might regret my choice, but your insights have helped me.

We are a couple of months away from bringing our 7-year wait to an end. With the information you gain from the great folks on this forum, it makes it so much easier. Where else can you make friends so quickly as TV and TOTV. If it wasn't for a member of this forum, I would have gone with a much higher homeowner insurance company. TV is truly a gathering of "people helping people", so you aren't just moving to another town, where making friends and learning your way around is the toughest part. Just make one gathering at Crispers and meet TOTV friends in person. . . what a treat. Do I feel I can contact any of them before we move or after we move. . . ABSOLUTELY! You'll never have to close your eyes and pick a doctor from the Yellow Pages. TOTV and neighbors will share who is the best lawn service, doctor, dentist, vet as well as best happy hour place!

SO, as soon as you can retire and get your house sold. . . DO IT! We live close enough we may even move before our house sells here, because we close on TV home on July 16! YEA!!

Remember, "you only go around once in life, and this is no dress rehearsal."

All the best in your choice!

[asianthree]

lots to think about

[Jhooman]

We took early retirement. The husband is so happy living here in TV, me too.

We crunched the numbers, took a hard look at our nest egg, pension and medical benefits. After serious evaluation, we took the plunge.

Good luck, you will make the proper decision.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

My husband and I have visited the Villages at least three times and we loved it. My husband is retired, but I still work. We will sell our house soon as I can retire anytime after February 2013. I can retire that month or wait even longer for a bigger pension. I would like to know how many of you opted for early retirement to live in The Villages and get away from high paying taxes in the North. Any regrets?

I am not retired and still a wannabee. It is a big decision and moving to another state adds some additional things one needs to do. It is a lot to consider but I am only a heartbeat from retirement as soon as I sell my home.

Living in TV with it's myraid things to do will keep from getting bored. I hope that it will happen for me soon as the house goes on the market shortly.

My son came for a visit when I was on a LSV and when asked what he thouught about living in TV said, :dad, it's perfect for you".

[LvmyPug2]

For over 5 yrs, I spent hours dreaming about living here. We visited once or twice a year and after each stay it was harder and harder to leave. Yet the minute we signed on the dotted line to buy our home all I could think was WHAT HAVE WE DONE? Now, 9 months later I can say with no hesitation, we LOVE it here. My buyers panic evaporated a few days after we moved in and we were enjoying an impromptu party with the neighbors on our cul de sac. I can't believe how lucky we are to be living here. No place is perfect, but the positives far outweigh any negatives. I think the fact that everyone has been "the new kid on the block" makes everyone much more outgoing and welcoming to newcomers. We bought a smaller house with fewer frills so we could retire sooner and still travel. We have no regrets.

[TOMCAT]

I cannot wait until I retire. My husband is retired but I am still working. I feel like we are not on the same page right now. It will be nice to be doing the same thing eventually. My husband does a lot of yard work, so with a smaller house, there should be lesser work to do and hopefully more money to spend. I guess it is normal to have some kind of jitters, but will weigh the pros and cons with moving. Thanks for everyone's input.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by TOMCAT

I cannot wait until I retire. My husband is retired but I am still working. I feel like we are not on the same page right now. It will be nice to be doing the same thing eventually. My husband does a lot of yard work, so with a smaller house, there should be lesser work to do and hopefully more money to spend. I guess it is normal to have some kind of jitters, but will weigh the pros and cons with moving. Thanks for everyone's input.

Just keep reading. I learned so much from this forum that helped us make our decision.