[Gpsma]

OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.

[JMintzer]

I've found that happy people can be happy most anywhere...

Just as miserable people will be miserable wherever they go...

[thelegges]

Worked in many health care systems, conversations during surgery, usually was where is your winter home. Most of the time those who knew of TV wanted to know why would I pay so much money for a house, and the expense of living in TV.

I would smile under my mask answering, I invested wisely, TV is well worth the money, on the 2 houses we own, soon to be 3. Then the conversation turns to, so the investment is doing well?

We have had many co-workers come down for a visit, only one didn't buy their own house.

Even our kids say, until you come for a visit, its hard to understand how much there is to do. And the rumors are just rumors

[La lamy]

It's amazing how people think they know a place from having watched a documentary or newspaper story. I will always defend TV the best I can, but If they're that easily swayed and adamant about their erroneous opinion, I won't waste too much of my time trying to dissuade them. All that matters is that I found my bliss here!

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by thelegges

Even our kids say, until you come for a visit, its hard to understand how much there is to do. And the rumors are just rumors

You can’t explain it, you have to see it, experience it.

[fishon]

There is no reason to let the opinions of others bother you. Don't be weak.
Run your own life.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.

And then what happens?

My honeymoon ended a long time ago and I still love my wife.
Yes, some of the euphoria of the early days has worn off, but I still really like it here, and to be honest, after 5 years, when I get in my golf cart on a beautiful sunny morning on my way to golf or pickleball with my friends. I still feel a bit of that old euphoria.

So, what happened to you when the Kool-Aid wore off?

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.

In my experience, only unhappy people talk about Kool-aide. I never felt "Kool-aide", and I still love living here after many years.

[Nucky]

We live a very modest life. We don't try to overthink things. Who the hell cares what someone else says about The Villages? We love it here and are coming up on the seven-year mark. I've never been so happy in my life and neither has Mrs. Nucky. This place was a miracle for us. I have yet to hear any negativity directly from anyone about The Villages.

The only concern we have is the weather. No place is perfect. If The Villages changed the nice way it is tomorrow we would be outta here. We don't really like Florida. We like HERE, NOW! I don't know where we would go but it certainly wouldn't be back up north.

[Robbb]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

With total respect, why on earth would you even think about what others would say or think about where you live? I would simply tell them I live there to partake in the endless drinking and sex parties.

[Gpsma]

Originally Posted by Laker14

And then what happens?

My honeymoon ended a long time ago and I still love my wife.
Yes, some of the euphoria of the early days has worn off, but I still really like it here, and to be honest, after 5 years, when I get in my golf cart on a beautiful sunny morning on my way to golf or pickleball with my friends. I still feel a bit of that old euphoria.

So, what happened to you when the Kool-Aid wore off?

Never drank it. Came down here with open eyes...not just open ears listening to the real estate agent. Also didnt come here from the Town of Bumscrew with nothing to do but watch grass grow and cows drop patties.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

Never drank it. Came down here with open eyes...not just open ears listening to the real estate agent. Also didnt come here from the Town of Bumscrew with nothing to do but watch grass grow and cows drop patties.

Well, you certainly do sound happy.

[Kenswing]

Originally Posted by Laker14

Well, you certainly do sound happy.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

OP...you are still in the Kool-Aid high. Just moved i to the Villages and its like Paradise..making new friends, have a new house, cant wait to get involved in all the activities. Probably going to the Squares for all the entertainment and dining.

Give it a few years...the Kool-Aid wears off.

And that’s when the real charm starts to kick in… I always knew my neighborhood was generally a good one. But it was only when I faced REAL difficulty when I learned just how kind and helpful my neighbors are. Up north I could have died in front of one and they’d pass me by. I’m the same person in both places.

[Indy-Guy]

I have been here 17 years and things have gone like that many times over the years when I say I live in The villages.

When a negative coment is made my response is you have not been there have you. If no yes or no answer I respond you are refering to the most succesful realestate development built in the country. They always respond with what makes you think that. My response is tell me about any other development that has over 65,000 homes built by a single developer and is currently building 300 homes a month and selling them as quick as they build them and the same developer owns all of the comerical property in a town of 140,000 people. Ends conversation or they are curious and ask questions.

When asked about the STD'S My response is are you familiar with fake news.