[The Chipster]

I am going to try to walk a fine line here, and not exhibit any partisan politics. SInce living in the Villages for 3 years, and now live in NC, I have also been exposed to many, many negative comments about The Villages, mostly from people that have not been there. I have been personally criticized for having lived in an artificial environment which has a super-majority of inhabitants who have a strong proclivity for one particular party and overpower the other minority, to the point of painting The Villages as a bit of a cult, with a "developer" who behaves like a benevolent dictator. Please don't throw rocks at me, I am only reporting what I am witnessing and hearing from others who have no idea how great all the other parts on The Villagers are.

[Samfl]

Love your post. All the clubs we belong to have an area charity we support. Good news never travels as quickly as bad. Such a shame 😞

[Dantes]

I love the politics

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by Wondering

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.

There are loads of other options to get the news from and I consider the Daily Sun to be more of an activity listing. Could you please show some facts about your last statement ?

[Warcats]

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”?

Wow opinions without experiencing seems to be a southern custom. I get the same thing.

[LarryD]

I think people that have not been to the villages for a visit often read or see one of the hit pieces floating around that depicts the villages in not a good light and believe the nonsense. It is not perfect but it has exceeded our expectations and we have not seen any community we like better so far.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Psacc0

S.T.D. ? Yep, stands for “Stuff To Do’….. yes, there’s lots of that!!!

Good one!

[coleprice]

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”?

Since moving to The Villages 2 years ago, my wife and I have visited two resorts for 4 to 5 day stays. We didn't meet anyone that had anything negative to say about The Villages. However, we found that the lovely resorts that we visited weren't nearly as nice as the resort in which we live - The Villages. I suspect that the people that you met that had negative opinions of The Villages saw the ridiculous documentary released a couple of years ago that featured people that were far from the typical Villages that we are acquainted with. The documentary's producers were so desperate to negatively depict The Villages that they even featured a homeless guy living in his van looking for a rich woman to take care of her.

[coffeebean]

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.

What you consider a "downside" is an upside for me. I don't do any of that stuff you mentioned but it certainly is wonderful for those who do partake in that "theatrical stuff". Think about it. Those folks who you feel look silly are moving and not sitting stagnant like so many seniors wind up doing when that "theatrical stuff" is not an option for them.

Yes, it is sort of weird to see a senior Danny and Sandy but what the heck? It gets people out of the house and enjoying something other than watching TV. Believe me, I know what great theater is. Hubby and I lived in the NY area many years and we went to many Broadway theater productions, mostly musicals. I still enjoy the pro am productions here in The Villages. That is what is so wonderful about this place, if you don't want to partake.......you don't have to.

[coffeebean]

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.

Of course they would fit in here. Why shouldn't they enjoy the beauty of the manicured landscaping and the fun golf cart lifestyle? They don't have to hob nob with anyone if they don't want to but why can't they enjoy the beauty of it all?

[bp243]

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”?

Love your positive attitude and solution to the negativity around you!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

Yes the Villages is a nice place but not the center of the universe

IMO there is only ONE MAIN reason to NOT like the Villages and it is NOT even the Village's Fault. The problem has to do with Scientists' predictions for the continuous warming of Fl. , the US, and the whole globe for the next 30 years. I won't beat up this subject more than it has already been beaten up in the recent past. But, personally, I have difficulty being outdoors and doing any activity (except maybe swimming) in the afternoon SUMMER sun. Some other people say that they love the HEAT and HUMIDITY. So, for me, that is about 6 months out of the year and about 8 hours of EACH summer day that I am RELAGATED to the indoors.
......Apparently, people that are snowbirds or full-year residents that LOVE heat and humidity - tend to disagree with me?

[Samfl]

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”?

We’ve been here 5 years and have had similar reactions from people who likewise have never been to the Villages. Just the same they were just as opinionated. It only matters what you moved here for and your lifestyle here. We love it. Best retirement destination in the country.

[miharris]

I've pretty much given up trying to describe the villages. I just invite them to visit via the lifestyle visit. I have run across several people who have negative pre-conceived notions. I don't bother arguing, I just try to correct any false information and leave it at that.

[manaboutown]

"From Sun Cities to The Villages" by Judith Ann Trolander is an interesting read as the author who was tracing the history of active adult communities and visiting them admitted she was so impressed by TV she almost bought a house here!