[Ragman]

Do you think there is a difference in attitude between part timers who rent only and owners who are only here part of the year.

Seems owners would have a bigger stake in their neighbors and the community as a whole.

[senior citizen]

...

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by Army Guy

That is interesting, it shows the difference between villas and homes. As I said in my villa community out of 60 villas, only 10 are fulltimers.

Someone asked what personal attacks against us. The attacks have been against our property, by not showing respect for it. i.e. we cam home one day after being out that morning, we come driving up the street and our neighbors who are snow-birds were getting their yard landscaped, they told the Landscaper that it was fine to dump a whole dump truck of gravel in our driveway, so we could not get in to our house.

Army Guy

I would have informed them that they are trespassing. I would not allow the landscapers on my property and would have called a third party to remove the gravel and present my neighbor with a bill, informing them that I am willing to sue to collect. If they are arrogant and uncaring enough to do that then you really never need to talk to them again. Inform THEM that THEY are not the type of neighbors that anyone wants!

[katezbox]

Haven't posted in awhile, but would like to weigh in on this...

I have lived my entire adult life in places where there was a significant number of seasonal residents/renters/tourists. It makes an interesting dynamic as there has always been a number of the full timers who resent the part timers for various reasons. The most common of these are clogged streets, long waits at restaurants, traffic volumes (it's worth a double mention), rudeness and general noise level. An additional factor in Connecticut is that most of the "summer people" are VERY well off - so a bit of jealousy adds fuel to the fire. It also has driven home prices up dramatically and made it very difficult for the "local's" kids to live in the towns where they were raised.

With the exception of the last point, here is really not all that different.

Anyone buying a home in Florida should be cognizant of a significant percent of the people here being part time. Some "snowbirds" are quite well off, but many have two very modest homes and do so to escape the heat and/or to be close to their children and grandchildren. Others, like our friend Bare, can only stay 6 months (less one day), to preserve their benefits status in their home country. I think that to generalize that the snowbirds are a rude, well-heeled group who believe they are better than the rest of us of people is just wrong.

None of us would be human without some prejudice, but I think it is fair to say that there are a number of Villagers, that are rude and self important. However, like the snowbirds, most Villagers are warm and caring. Frankly, I am happy for the part time residents as they keep our fees down....and the shops in business.

When we began our home search here, my first choice was a CYV. My hubs really wanted a house, so we compromised on a house backing up to a villa wall. One of the factors that won me over was that there were likely to be more part-time residents in the villas due to the lower maintenance. We didn't like the idea of many of the nearby homes standing empty for much of the year.

I can well imagine that the staffs in the restaurants and shops look forward to this time of year when the population drops. Then when the sales slow down and tips lessen, they are ready for the crowds again.

AG, when you first purchased your home, you and Mrs. AG came down when you could - then you were able to do so nearly every weekend. All the workers that you had getting your villa to look as amazing as it does probably inconvenienced your neighbors more than a little bit. And while I do not excuse your neighbor's contractor for dumping gravel in your driveway, I would expect he thought that it would be removed before you returned. We had a similar situation a couple of houses up here with a spa being constructed. Those neighbors are now good friends.

Lastly, the homes in TV are close together - some really close. As a person who is often too loud I know that a group of six people laughing and having a good time can be much louder than they realize.

Just my 39 cents...


k

[Barefoot]

Katezbox, nice to see you again! This subject can get very emotional for everyone involved, myself included. So I thank you for your calm and intelligent perspective.

P.S. Although I defend Snowbirds vigorously, because I yam one, I have to say that I'm enjoying having less traffic on the roads.

[cappyjon431]

Originally Posted by katezbox

Haven't posted in awhile, but would like to weigh in on this...

I have lived my entire adult life in places where there was a significant number of seasonal residents/renters/tourists. It makes an interesting dynamic as there has always been a number of the full timers who resent the part timers for various reasons. The most common of these are clogged streets, long waits at restaurants, traffic volumes (it's worth a double mention), rudeness and general noise level. An additional factor in Connecticut is that most of the "summer people" are VERY well off - so a bit of jealousy adds fuel to the fire. It also has driven home prices up dramatically and made it very difficult for the "local's" kids to live in the towns where they were raised.

With the exception of the last point, here is really not all that different.

Anyone buying a home in Florida should be cognizant of a significant percent of the people here being part time. Some "snowbirds" are quite well off, but many have two very modest homes and do so to escape the heat and/or to be close to their children and grandchildren. Others, like our friend Bare, can only stay 6 months (less one day), to preserve their benefits status in their home country. I think that to generalize that the snowbirds are a rude, well-heeled group who believe they are better than the rest of us of people is just wrong.

None of us would be human without some prejudice, but I think it is fair to say that there are a number of Villagers, that are rude and self important. However, like the snowbirds, most Villagers are warm and caring. Frankly, I am happy for the part time residents as they keep our fees down....and the shops in business.

When we began our home search here, my first choice was a CYV. My hubs really wanted a house, so we compromised on a house backing up to a villa wall. One of the factors that won me over was that there were likely to be more part-time residents in the villas due to the lower maintenance. We didn't like the idea of many of the nearby homes standing empty for much of the year.

I can well imagine that the staffs in the restaurants and shops look forward to this time of year when the population drops. Then when the sales slow down and tips lessen, they are ready for the crowds again.

AG, when you first purchased your home, you and Mrs. AG came down when you could - then you were able to do so nearly every weekend. All the workers that you had getting your villa to look as amazing as it does probably inconvenienced your neighbors more than a little bit. And while I do not excuse your neighbor's contractor for dumping gravel in your driveway, I would expect he thought that it would be removed before you returned. We had a similar situation a couple of houses up here with a spa being constructed. Those neighbors are now good friends.

Lastly, the homes in TV are close together - some really close. As a person who is often too loud I know that a group of six people laughing and having a good time can be much louder than they realize.

Just my 39 cents...


k

Well written and you offer some very well thought out points. I too have lived in seasonal areas my etire life so I can definitely identify with your post.

I think THE most important point you make is when you wrote, "I think that to generalize that the snowbirds are a rude, well-heeled group who believe they are better than the rest of us of people is just wrong."

There are rude snowbirds, but there are also some wonderful snowbirds that we have had the pleasure of meeting. Conversely, there are some rude frogs who I wish lived somewhere else, and there are some wonderful frogs who it has been a pleasure to get to know. Bottom line, generalizing about people is just wrong. Get to know your fellow Villagers--if they are good people they can be lifetime friends. If the are rude (snowbird OR frog), , don't waste your time...life is too short.

[Tiger Lady]

I've experienced exactly what Army Guy is talking about. The majority of my neighbors are snowbirds and have told me that they didn't want full timers living next to them. They also don't like the fact that I'm a lot younger than they are. I've even had some of the wives tell me that they don't appreciate it when I parade outside in my shorts and bathing suit top. I told them I'm sorry I'm young and built like a brick house and that they are shriveled up old hags, but they'll get use to it. They constantly block my drive by telling their guests they can park there. I confronted them about this and told them they should park in the overflow areas. They said they didn't want to inconvenience their guests. I say preach on Army Guy!

[jimbo2012]

I wonder if this has to be due to moving into an older established village v a newer one?

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Tiger Lady

I've experienced exactly what Army Guy is talking about. The majority of my neighbors are snowbirds and have told me that they didn't want full timers living next to them. They also don't like the fact that I'm a lot younger than they are. I've even had some of the wives tell me that they don't appreciate it when I parade outside in my shorts and bathing suit top. I told them I'm sorry I'm young and built like a brick house and that they are shriveled up old hags, but they'll get use to it. They constantly block my drive by telling their guests they can park there. I confronted them about this and told them they should park in the overflow areas. They said they didn't want to inconvenience their guests. I say preach on Army Guy!

Hmmmm, maybe.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Tiger Lady

........ I've even had some of the wives tell me that they don't appreciate it when I parade outside in my shorts and bathing suit top. I told them I'm sorry I'm young and built like a brick house and that they are shriveled up old hags, but they'll get use to it. .........

What kind of 'brick house' we talkin' here?

Bill

[jimbo2012]

We may need to wait for the next parade

On a more serious note it may be the fault of the person who allowed this to happen in the first time,

in other words they aquiested to the wrong doing.

Now that is was ok last time they'll continue to abuse the wrong doing.

If it was corrected and complained of in the first place.........

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Tiger Lady

I told them I'm sorry I'm young and built like a brick house and that they are shriveled up old hags, but they'll get use to it.

I heard the old hags are out digging a sink hole in your back yard.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I heard the old hags are out digging a sink hole in your back yard.

WHEW!!! Now that's some funny stuff right there!!!

Bill

(I'm STILL laughing out loud......)

[rubicon]

The seasonal issues makes living here difficult because just when you get comfortable it all starts over again. From a personal prospective I compare prime season here with winter up north. You know the snow is coming and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You know the snow birds are coming back and there is nothing you can do to stop it.

i gotta find a place to go from October to April.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by bluedog103

You get a break when the snowbirds head north. They pay the same fees as everyone else but leave TV for you to enjoy during the warm months. Just think how miserable you'd be if everyone was here full time.

I agree. I live in a patio villa and I would guess that at least 75% of my neighbors are snowbirds. I really like how peaceful it is now. And when I get out to the main roads I don't have to fight the traffic.