think and pray about it. A neighbor loves it here but his wife wants to move back because she is homesick. Do what's best for you and not others.

Deciding to retire is huge but trust me, you will NEVER look back. I'll tell you what my father told me - you won't spend as much money as you did when you were working so get out and enjoy it! He was right. I've been retired 15 years now and realize I spent much more when I was working. Giving up that security blanket is hard but once you're gone, you wonder why you ever doubted it. If you were told tomorrow that you had a serious health problem, what would you do? You're wasting precious time working. I don't know anyone who said "I wish I had worked another day." :BigApplause:

Our Financial Advisor says we are in beautiful shape and money is not an issue. We live in Maryland and can't wait to get out of this too liberal state. Have lived here all my 68 years and have family here and in NJ. Close knit Italian-Irish-German family who think you are a traitor if you leave the fold. No children but lots of nieces and nephews. Change is very difficult for me as I'm sure it is for many. I feel like I'm making my first sky dive, I'm at the door of the plane and can't jump! Its nice to hear so many say that they felt the same way I do right now and it seems to have worked out for so many of you. We are going to rent a furnished house for a year so I'm coming down in May to find a place. God willing, the answers will come. I thank ALL of you for being so gracious with your time and thoughts. It has helped immensely.

I remember my mom telling me about her life in Jersey City when she was a girl. That would be 80 years ago. Our Italian-Irish family all lived in the same neighborhood. Every now and then someone would try and move out to another neighborhood in Jersey City. There would be a bon voyage party and lot's of tears. She said everyone only lasted a couple of months before they got homesick and moved back into the old neighborhood.

Now we take planes like they took buses. How far away is Maryland by plane?

I own a quarter share villa in Hilton Head that I no longer use, and only rent. I often wondered how the quarter share concept would work for villagers investing in their hometown. Each owner has 1 week in January and then 2 weeks in the house and 6 weeks are for the other owners, all year round. If four couples co-owned a condo and leased a car than every 6 weeks you could fly home and visit family, friends and doctors. It wouldn't cost too much if you bought a studio or one bedroom. Maybe the car would be kept at the airport or nearby. Maybe you contact other villagers from your neck of the woods and if they want in, you could rent when it is vacant or get put on a waiting list to buy when someone wants out. All personal items would be kept in a family members house. It would be treated like a timeshare unit. Maybe you pack towels and sheets if there is a W/D to keep it simple.

It's always great to make a decision that will let you sleep at night. It sounds like you have.

After the year, consider this thought, "what is it worth to you, to get on, with the rest of your life".

If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you all ready got!
GO FOR IT

It was hard moving here...leaving friends & family..selling only home children knew and moving to a place where we knew no one. The first few months were difficult and filled with stress....and then it kicked in...we started to make friends and get involved in activities that interested us. Family & friends have been down to visit and love our new home as much as we do. We now are proud to call The Villages home and love our busy life style. It was the right move for us. Good Luck!

Believe us when we say this.... Friends and family WILL come to see you! Even the ones you don't like😜. It's a great place, I was NEVER going to move to Florida......well....I changed my mind and very happy that I did! We both love it here.

The difference between a rut and a grave is just depth. One you can crawl out of, the other is more difficult.

The difference between a rut and a grave is just depth. You can crawl out of one, the other is more difficult.

I think you need to evaluate why some think it is a bad idea to move. Will they miss you? Are they children that will miss having a babysitter and someone to help with errands? Are their reasons selfish or true concern for you? Only you can decide.

Maybe u could try renting first to take the pressure off yourself