[nn0wheremann]

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”?

I got some comments about salacious behaviors reported in some media over the years. I just tell them every village has its idiot, and ask about the murder stats where they are from.

[MrFlorida]

When I tell people I live in the Villages, they say , what town is it in ? Rather than explain, I just say Ocala .
I also have friends that are not outgoing, so they would not fit in here, some would rather just sit and watch the grass grow.

[bark4me]

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”?

Yes. You're best bet is to say you live in central FL btw Orlando and Ocala and leave it at that.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

When I tell people I live in the Villages, they say , what town is it in ? Rather than explain, I just say Ocala .
I also have friends that are not outgoing, so they would not fit in here, some would rather just sit and watch the grass grow.

Or they maybe introverts and enjoy more intellectual interests or don’t have to run from thing to thing or drink themselves dizzy to pretend they’re having fun.

Understand now how it’s not necessary to put other choices than your’s down? Live and let live.

[maistocars]

I'm with you. As you'll notice it is always those who lead a dull, boring, or angry life and who've never been in the Villages. Everyone I speak to at my activities just loves the Villages, so while there are these naysayers out there, I see it as a positive that they'll never come here and bring their negativity to our wonderland.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by remarks006

The reality is that there are many good things about the Villages and many bad. That’s reality. Golf cart accessible, lots to do and low assessments compared to many places in Florida.

Downside is the hyped up theatrical stuff. Grown adults trying to pretend they are belly dancers, hula dancers, twirlers, ballet dancers etc. Many just don’t realize how foolish they look but sadly they need to play all over the villages thinking they are stars. Theater productions are a little ridiculous too. Old people playing parts in West side story and grease??? Really? But if we want good theater we go to Orlando and we try to ignore the poor wannabes who need attention. It’s a small price to pay when you get so many other benefits.

Yeah, we try to ignore the pretentious who run to Orlando for “good theater”.

I mean really, why all the put downs around here. I’m not interested in those activities you mentioned but others are. So should we all drive to Orlando for “good theater” on the same night so everyone is in lockstep? Why be assessing everyone else’s actions if they don’t harm you?

[Marylee139]

8 years of it

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by maistocars

I'm with you. As you'll notice it is always those who lead a dull, boring, or angry life and who've never been in the Villages. Everyone I speak to at my activities just loves the Villages, so while there are these naysayers out there, I see it as a positive that they'll never come here and bring their negativity to our wonderland.

Hurry, to the continental American citizens, everyone move to The Villages. If not, you are nothing!

Geezzzz, what hogwash!

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by maistocars

I'm with you. As you'll notice it is always those who lead a dull, boring, or angry life and who've never been in the Villages. Everyone I speak to at my activities just loves the Villages, so while there are these naysayers out there, I see it as a positive that they'll never come here and bring their negativity to our wonderland.

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Interesting perspective, for sure.

With all the negatives about TV circulating out there, you'd think people would be avoiding the place like the plague. Instead, TV is far and away the largest retirement community not only in America but in the world, and growth continues unabated. There are retirees here from all 50 states as well as many foreign countries. There are well over 4,000 foreign nationals living here: we've met people from the UK, Ireland, France, Canada, Italy, The Philippines, Thailand, and Chile, and will probably meet many more.

So--just think of how fast this place would be growing if only the POSITIVES were included in media and word-of-mouth.

Ssshhhh, it’s big enough already. Keep it down!

[kendi]

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”?

Maybe your “gushing” had something to do with it. That would be irritating.

[Cheiro]

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”?

Hi, If you enjoy living in The Villages, that is all that matters. Other folk's opinion is just that. As with any kind of massive development of this kind, The Villages has had an equally massive impact on what was originally a rather rural area. While I do not live in The Villages, I have lived next door to it for the past 15 years and have seen the changes to the area it has created, the good, the bad & the ugly. I cannot say my view of The Villages is a positive one because of that impact. I suggest you read a book called "Leisureville," by Andrew Blechman. It was written over 10 years ago, but it does lay out the nature of what The Villages is all about. Best wishes for your retirement years.

[JudyLife]

Yes. Sadly there are too many negative, cranky people who will always try to put a bad spin on things. And yes, they’ve mostly never been here. Maybe it’s a form of jealousy? Who knows, but I don’t waste my energy on them. You enjoy your time here & have fun.

[Wondering]

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”?

You said it best at the end of your post - you live in a "Bubble". That's why people you met questioned your choice. I've lived here since 2005. I was enthusiastic about living here when I first arrived but over the last ten years, I see the Bubble downside about The Villages. Just take a look at the Daily Sun "newspaper". Most residents are on Social Security and Medicare, yet support representatives who want to cut those programs.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

My response is always “If you never tried ice cream, you would say it looks slimy, I’m not eating that! And, if there really are all these sex parties going on how come no one is inviting me? The villages is too much fun! You should come see!”

[Darield]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Good advice, as a newbie I’m probably over-enthusiastic when I talk about The Villages, I realize this place is not for everyone, and I should probably tone down my “cheerleading” when talking to someone who has a negative viewpoint of TV - not necessary to “win the argument” when talking to strangers. Thank goodness, most people here love it, and we can openly talk about how fortunate we are to be here at his place in our lives.

We've now been here 51/2 years. We came from Monument, CO although we lived in Co Springs for quite a few years. I've had both positive and negative responses. If someone comments that they are looking at the Villages to retire, my cheerleading attitude comes out. I finally borrowed the book that started all the rumors and stopped about 3/4 the way through.

There is no perfect place, but for us, it has been a great place to live. The most positive thing I can say is the hundreds of choices available to live an active and interesting life. I have pursued old hobbies, I have learned new hobbies, there are numerous places to volunteer or just donate to worthy causes. And most of all, it is a wonderful place to meet people and make new friends. Like any other place in the US, we have some crime and rude and unsavory people, but a large percentage people here watch out for each other and their neighborhoods.