[UptownBee]

I don't typically post but I really felt strongly about this topic. I'm not an overly social person in that I'm a bit shy around people I don't know (my wife is the exact opposite). I'm not the type of person that is going to be excited about going to a social mixer / party....it's just outside of my comfort zone. What I love about The Villages is the number of people I can meet through the activities. When I go to pickleball, tennis, beach tennis, table shuffleboard, softball etc. I always meet people and engage because you automatically have a common interest in the activity and you feel more comfortable.

[Velvet]

I know of one family who has so much attitude etc that the neighbors run them out, even TVers have limits. They’re still in TV just in another Village, hopefully thriving.

On the whole, compared to most places I’ve been to, TV is very friendly.

A smile makes you look approachable, as showing interest in what others are doing or saying.

[The Gerbs]

When we bought our home in Hillsborough, we knocked on the doors of our neighbors homes located on our street and the street behind us. We invited them all to our home for cocktails and appetizers. Great way to become acquainted and discover who has what in common. Also, when we went to restaurants in The Villages, we would sit at the bar where it is so easy to have conversations with the other people sitting at the bar. We are now blessed with many friendships in our beloved Villages!

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Floridagal

I am finding that Villagers are not as friendly as everyone believes. Hard to make new friends. Everyone clickish.

We have moved to new areas several times in my life. In established neighborhoods people have a history with one another. YOU have to make a effort to learn about them. In no time you will be in the click..that is, if you want to be. Not all groups are a good fit.

[Arctic Fox]

We had neighbors who wanted a bigger house and moved to a different village. They come back here to socialize as their new neighborhood isn't as friendly. Sometimes it just takes a little effort from one person/couple to get things started.

[vintageogauge]

Originally Posted by The Gerbs

When we bought our home in Hillsborough, we knocked on the doors of our neighbors homes located on our street and the street behind us. We invited them all to our home for cocktails and appetizers. Great way to become acquainted and discover who has what in common. Also, when we went to restaurants in The Villages, we would sit at the bar where it is so easy to have conversations with the other people sitting at the bar. We are now blessed with many friendships in our beloved Villages!

Cocktails always do the trick.

[villagetinker]

OP, do you like bowling, or would like to learn? The fall/winter leagues are just getting organized, and I know a few are short bowlers. You will meet new people every week for several weeks and then get to meet them again, depending on the schedule. We have made several real friends this way.

[Nonni252]

...

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, do you like bowling, or would like to learn? The fall/winter leagues are just getting organized, and I know a few are short bowlers. You will meet new people every week for several weeks and then get to meet them again, depending on the schedule. We have made several real friends this way.

VT, the way things are today...you may be up for a lawsuit. (by height-challenged people of bowling).

[Tom C]

for the OP: I found the opposite to be true! I have found friendly neighbors everywhere I go!

[Velvet]

I paint outdoors. It doesn’t matter what I put on the canvas the comments are always along the lines of; “That looks great!” unless it is a teenager, who say, “Paint me” or a five year old who says, “Can you do Spider-Man?” I have to wear headphones to get any privacy and even that doesn’t stop some people. Try sitting down on a bench and draw something and see how many people you’ll meet.

[John_W]

Take Pickleball 101 at one the rec centers that is offering the class and then show up at Colony or one of the centers that has open periods for beginners and play for two hours. Now is a good time before the snowbirds return. You'll interacting with people within minutes.

Join MVP Brownwood and take Zumba on M-W-F at 10:20 or Group Power M-W-F at 10:00. You'll have all kinds of new friends.

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Floridagal. I looked at your old posts and see you have lived here since 2012. Sometimes neighborhoods can be cliquish. Sometimes that changes over time to be more friendly, or less.

Daughter Helene who lives with us and I will be home all day today and I will be painting on the lanai. If you are interested to meet us and enjoy a chat or will be near to us on 466, please just ring the doorbell. My first name is Grace. We can have a cold drink and you can tell us of all of your interests. I see you like to play Mah-Jong and Canasta and you have your hair cut the same place I do. I am a person who always enjoys company. If you message me, I will give you my phone number and address.

Don't be lonely, there are nice people just waiting to be met. If you do not want to do this, I understand too.

Gracie, my wife would like to know where you get your hair done, thanks.

[MorTech]

About 15% of Villagers are mentally ill ninnies like in every retirement community. Some have brain damage from television, newspapers, and drugs like anti-depressants.

Keep in mind they are not the majority even though it sometimes seems that way.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

Have you introduced yourself to your immediate neighbors yet? How about the folks who live in the houses right behind yours? If you live in a courtyard villa this will obviously be harder to do, but I doubt it'd be impossible. You'd just need to give it a little more time, and make sure you spend some time out front every day so they can see you making the effort.

I had no problem meeting my neighbors the very first day I got to the house after we closed on the property. I went out on the front lanai, and the next door neighbor came right over to find out who this stranger was at the house.
Introduced ourselves, and then the neighbor insisted on introducing me to the other nearest neighbors. So now we're all on a first-name basis, and I've even been invited to be part of a neighborhood womens' luncheon group.

I've found all my neighbors are pretty terrific.

Actually in a courtyard villa neighborhood it is very easy - at least in our CYV neighborhood! The first day we moved in I was interrupted at least half a dozen times while trying to get everything out of the car for introductions and welcome talk. There are always people out walking themselves and their dogs as traffic is almost nil and only local. We know each others names and the names of their dogs. We have a monthly get together, usually with a pot luck dinner, and weekly men's and women's golf outings. We also have our own website which has all the news of the neighborhood and any coming events. Our neighborhood may be the exception, but if it is, you should take the bull by the horns to see if you can make yours as friendly as ours.