[kstew43]

possibly not the first opening question, but people being curious almost always ask where do you live before the end of the conversation....
I do the same thing....

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by kstew43

possibly not the first opening question, but people being curious almost always ask where do you live before the end of the conversation....
I do the same thing....

Well I am gonna say that isn't the feeling I get at all.

Some people love to dress well, and some people love to dress casual but almost every single person I have met in The Villages smell nice and clean when I hug them.

AND there are now lots of designers that cost more than premiers and who CARES? All of our kitchens are part of our living rooms, just like a camper or a trailer....and there is NOTHING wrong with a TRAILER.

Another thing. What we used to do must have made us smart enough to choose here to live. There are quite a few people who could live in the vastly rich parts of Florida if they chose to, if they wanted to show off their money but they chose here. AND things and possessions are just things and possessions. None of us are pushing buttons to drop bombs or picking up red phones or making decisions that affect thousands or being followed by scouts for the film industry, or NFL MLB or NBA.

As I say and say again, this is as close to a classless city as any in the country, the only thing lacking is slums or mega mansions. We have neither.

We do have people who think their fannies weigh a ton, we have some from the OLYMPIC drinking team who get smarter as they imbibe, just ask them.

But most of the folks here are like the folks back home.

OH, another thing. Has anyone noticed how many older people live here????

omg the wrinkles.

[gratefulparrot]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Well I am gonna say that isn't the feeling I get at all.

Some people love to dress well, and some people love to dress casual but almost every single person I have met in The Villages smell nice and clean when I hug them.

AND there are now lots of designers that cost more than premiers and who CARES? All of our kitchens are part of our living rooms, just like a camper or a trailer....and there is NOTHING wrong with a TRAILER.

Another thing. What we used to do must have made us smart enough to choose here to live. There are quite a few people who could live in the vastly rich parts of Florida if they chose to, if they wanted to show off their money but they chose here. AND things and possessions are just things and possessions. None of us are pushing buttons to drop bombs or picking up red phones or making decisions that affect thousands or being followed by scouts for the film industry, or NFL MLB or NBA.

As I say and say again, this is as close to a classless city as any in the country, the only thing lacking is slums or mega mansions. We have neither.

We do have people who think their fannies weigh a ton, we have some from the OLYMPIC drinking team who get smarter as they imbibe, just ask them.

But most of the folks here are like the folks back home.

OH, another thing. Has anyone noticed how many older people live here????

omg the wrinkles.

Hey Gracie. Thanks for posting that. I can't wait to get there an meet you. My wife is materialistic, and I'm far from it. Could I buy nicer shirts? Heck yeah, but I prefer t-shirts and shorts. I already live in a big house and I can't stand it. I want smaller with a smaller yard. Do I shop at Aldi vs. Whole foods, heck yeah, because when I cook, you can't tell the difference. Do I drive a new car and want the finance? No, I've driven the same Jeep for 15 yrs and do all the repairs myself. Now I do spend more on my computer than everyone else, but hey, that's where my GOD's gift is...a computer geek.

[DonH57]

I think the " What village do you live in " question is usually for conversation and is normally followed by " Why did you decide that village" question. I'm sure there are people who may be like that here in TV and more than likely are small in number but I try to avoid people who think that way.

[kstew43]

not that it matters in the scheme of things.......if everyone had the same income, lived in the same home, wore the same clothes, shopped at the same place, drove the same car, ect ect.....this world would be a boring place.....

we are all different....and be it right or wrong I for one notice it.....but I don't dwell on it...

personality and integrity is much more important than finances to me....

[gratefulparrot]

Originally Posted by DonH57

I think the " What village do you live in " question is usually for conversation and is normally followed by " Why did you decide that village" question.

And that's one of the questions I don't understand. When I move there, it's going to be based on what budget I have and what can I afford. When we visited my mom's house, all the villages looked the same to us. Yeah, some had bigger houses, some bigger houses with brick, but essentially they were all the same to us. With everything being just a cart ride away, it didn't seem to matter what village you were in. I would more ask, which are the better golf courses and restaurants. Looking how things look at the moment, I'll probably be moving to country club or silver lake, as I don't want to be strapped until I gain employment and see what the budget is. But I doubt I'll look for anything else because I don't need much.

[Chi-Town]

A natural question is where are you from? I hear it all the time here. If two people are from Brooklyn it's which neighborhood. If it's Chicago it's is it North Side or South Side. If its Michigan it's what part of the state. Then it segues into which Village. But never do I feel that there is any sense of class distinction. And nobody asks what did you do for a living? Maybe who's your daddy? [emoji6]

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by gratefulparrot

And that's one of the questions I don't understand. When I move there, it's going to be based on what budget I have and what can I afford. When we visited my mom's house, all the villages looked the same to us. Yeah, some had bigger houses, some bigger houses with brick, but essentially they were all the same to us. With everything being just a cart ride away, it didn't seem to matter what village you were in. I would more ask, which are the better golf courses and restaurants. Looking how things look at the moment, I'll probably be moving to country club or silver lake, as I don't want to be strapped until I gain employment and see what the budget is. But I doubt I'll look for anything else because I don't need much.

Not to be a discouraging word here, but - I would definitely get positive leads on actual employment or get an actual job offer BEFORE moving anywhere. The job market - even in IT- is very tight and does not pay well in this immediate area. It would be worthwhile to explore other Florida cities such as Orlando or Jacksonville for jobs. Maybe work for a few years in a city with a good job market, save money, and move to an active retirement community when you do not have to work and can enjoy all your time.

Even for modest homes in Country Club or Silver Lake, you will be paying $110,000 to $150,000. If you have to have a mortgage payment, plus insurance, utilities, amenity fee, and taxes, you have to have a cushion, getting a job before moving sounds like a good idea, doesn't it?

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by kstew43

not that it matters in the scheme of things.......if everyone had the same income, lived in the same home, wore the same clothes, shopped at the same place, drove the same car, ect ect.....this world would be a boring place.....

we are all different....and be it right or wrong I for one notice it.....but I don't dwell on it...

personality and integrity is much more important than finances to me....

I knew that. You are a good person.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

A natural question is where are you from? I hear it all the time here. If two people are from Brooklyn it's which neighborhood. If it's Chicago it's is it North Side or South Side. If its Michigan it's what part of the state. Then it segues into which Village. But never do I feel that there is any sense of class distinction. And nobody asks what did you do for a living? Maybe who's your daddy? [emoji6]

I ask what did you do for a living very often. I'm always hoping someone says teacher. It's not like they are from my home town, but their is a special connection between teachers.

And I like to learn about other careers too.
I would not ask someone their religion or politics. But if I find out I'm golfing with a chef or a photographer, and trying real hard not to be too nosy, I may pick their brain.

[gratefulparrot]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

Not to be a discouraging word here, but - I would definitely get positive leads on actual employment or get an actual job offer BEFORE moving anywhere. The job market - even in IT- is very tight and does not pay well in this immediate area. It would be worthwhile to explore other Florida cities such as Orlando or Jacksonville for jobs. Maybe work for a few years in a city with a good job market, save money, and move to an active retirement community when you do not have to work and can enjoy all your time.

Even for modest homes in Country Club or Silver Lake, you will be paying $110,000 to $150,000. If you have to have a mortgage payment, plus insurance, utilities, amenity fee, and taxes, you have to have a cushion, getting a job before moving sounds like a good idea, doesn't it?

Not discouraging. I understand the risks that are involved and have done some homework. I'm not one to rent, but I'll be able to put a bunch down, leaving my mortgage payment pretty good. I've checked the jobs in the immediate area and they're kinda of low, but very doable based on what I'll be paying for mortgage. There's a couple other factors, but that would be for a different thread. My only downfalls that I can see at this point is the cost of a golf cart and I probably won't be able to join the country clubs for a couple of years. But thanks for your advice and I'm taking all the advice I can.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Most people who live here and have a few extra bucks didn't start out that way. The people who are wealthy and want to have people know it ,live in neighborhoods with Tiger Woods and a lot of other people who hire someone who counts their money.

I think we are the most classless town in the world, and I mean that with all kindness and pride. I personally know of people here who have owned or run companies that employed thousands and thousands of people and I personally know people who have carefully managed to not go under, despite illness, and true bad luck and because of careful management and sacrifice and planning very carefully are able to retire and they chose here to do it, because it is affordable

People are people. I consider rich to be a state where you have no bills a roof over your head, and enough money to weather the storms and pitfalls for the rest of your life and not worry too much.. Wealthy is having that and good health. Mega rich is having all that and a family and friends who love you. And well money is good but it can't buy health or happiness. But money isn't bad, if you have worked to get it.

My husband is still working part time, because he wants to. We are both in our mid seventies and we will see our last grandson graduate college in June.

Sweetie works because he can do it easily, fairly easily and use the phone and the computer and occasionally the airplane, and he has done it so long it isn't stressful. And old habits die hard. At least that is what he says.

I have found very few people here that it matters at all, what you did, what you have or how many square feet is your roof.

At the square you can sit next to a billionaire and a guy who is carefully making it on his social security.



The historical section is a place where many of my treasured friends live. They also live in other villages too. There isn't a bad place here to choose.

as usual but i would like to add the following:

1, I care more about what is in a person's heart, than what's in their wallet.
2. "Nobody cares what you did for a living", in that we are all retired with little to prove our worth, to other people.
3. I suspect people who are snobs, were the same way, before they moved here.
4. I think when people ask what you did for a living or where you live are seeking to find a commonality, to talk about. Just like when we kids and ask someone what kind of music, they liked.
5. Most people should be more concerned for their health and people that enjoy another's company. Sharing their concerns and wanting to get to know one another in a meaningful way. Finding people who are genuine in their concerns and wiling to help another person, get through some challenges.
6. Bigger houses to me, mean they are harder to clean or one must spend more money to hire someone, to clean for them. How much room does one or two people really need?
7. As far as money goes, "whether you die with 10 million or 10 cents, you are just as dead". A co-worker had a sign in his cube, "those who dies with the most toys, wins"!!!! I think those who die with the most toys, have more toys that will get rusty".
8. If one wants to go out and have a good time, I'll be the first to volunteer.
Those who want to make other people miserable, do everyone a favor and stay home.

Those who have decided to be a cranky pants are to be avoided. Like the joke says, "some people think they have earned to right to be cranky when they reach the age of 65". I'm sure glad I'm not one of those.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by gratefulparrot

Not discouraging. I understand the risks that are involved and have done some homework. I'm not one to rent, but I'll be able to put a bunch down, leaving my mortgage payment pretty good. I've checked the jobs in the immediate area and they're kinda of low, but very doable based on what I'll be paying for mortgage. There's a couple other factors, but that would be for a different thread. My only downfalls that I can see at this point is the cost of a golf cart and I probably won't be able to join the country clubs for a couple of years. But thanks for your advice and I'm taking all the advice I can.

One of the beauties of this place is that by merely purchasing a home, you are automatically a member of all the country clubs.

[Sandtrap328]

Mulligan is right when he says you are automatically a country club member. This really just covers the restaurant part. Golf on the championship courses costs extra per round and use of the swimming pools are limited to those who are priority golf and pool members - which is a considerable extra cost per year.

[Topspinmo]

Plenty of used golf carts around for as little as 1700 bucks (elect). Used gas can be a little more. Some times you get lucky and one comes with the house. usually no older than 2002 or so, but you have to be able to determine if they are worthy or worn out.