[BadgerSTL]

Hello everyone. I was happy to find TOTV. Allot of people call me JB, so feel free to use that handle, BadgerSTL (or just Badger) is a screen name that I use on many other forums. I answer to both.
All the advice I have seen is great for those that have moved to the The Villages. I am (and a buddy of mine) considering future options.
What would you advise someone doing a little pre-retirement exploring? Myself and friend are going to vacation in the area in Sept.

I have some relatives that are already living in The Villiages and basically the information I get is pretty much a reguritation of a brochure. I get that there activities, groups galore and getting to connect with people.
But I have a few questions..
What is the night life like? Or does everything close up at 10PM?

Is it more of a couples oriented kind of social scene? Being in the St Louis area...well, its a couples kind of town. Some of you may know what that can be like.

Thank you ahead of time for any advice or information.

[Doro22]

Yep...you pretty much got the picture. From my limited experience many people are up & at em early in the morning - golfing, swimming, paddle ball, excercise at rec centers, walking, biking etc. Then resting late afternoon & heading out to happy hour, the squares & dinner.

[Villager Joyce]

There are enough opportunities to do whatever you want and be whoever you are.

[dewilson58]

Welcome to the forum.

I watched TV for 15 years prior to purchasing.........so as far as I'm concerned, you can't start exploring too early. We did four Life Style stays (but don't tell anyone). We purchased before we turned 55.

My wife is from STL. Her sister purchased here as well and still has a home in St. Charles.

Lots of things to do as a couple, but there are plenty of activities to do solo...................as well as a singles group.

You can send me a private message and I can share what I know.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by BadgerSTL

What is the night life like? Or does everything close up at 10PM?
Is it more of a couples oriented kind of social scene? Being in the St Louis area...well, its a couples kind of town. Some of you may know what that can be like.

I wouldn't recommend The Villages to anyone who is looking for a vibrant night life.

[redwitch]

Some of the bars and restaurants are open after ten, but not many. So, the nightlife is somewhat limited. However, there are a few single clubs and you really can be as busy as you choose, day or night.

[vette]

You mentioned how you and your buddy were looking for retirement options and you seem concerned about a nightlife or lack there of and about a couples oriented lifestyle, "Is it more of a couples oriented kind of social scene? Being in the St Louis area...well, its a couples kind of town. Some of you may know what that can be like."

My suggestion is this. Because everyone's preferences are unique, note I didn't say different, I suggest you and your buddy rent a place and spend some time in TV to see if it's right for you. Regarding your concerns, "basically the information I get is pretty much a reguritation of a brochure". Life in TV can be hard to explain and unless a person has seen or experienced it, often cannot grasp anyone's explanation of it.

While life in TV may not be for everyone, most of us living here are very pleased with our choice.

[2BNTV]

Since you are 51, according to your profile, almost everything closes at 9 PM except for a few bars that may be open to 12 or 1 AM. Most people are up early and are busy during the day so when 9 PM rolls around, they are finished for the day. If you want to party hardy, there are some options open to you but not a vibrant nightlife. Average age of Sumter County is 65, but there are many people who have retired early mid 50's. Some people in their 50's have trouble keeping up with people, in their early 70's.

Basically, it is a couple's type of town but there are many singles functions one can join, or attend. The lifestyle is incredible for active people.

TV is a place that needs to be seen, as there are not enough words to fully explain how wonderful, it is.

Renting for a month would be the way to go, as a short visit will go by in a blink of an eye. You will have to decide for yourself if the nightlife is vibrant enough for you and your buddy. IMHO

BTW - Most of us have a vibrant lifestyle all day long. It's always 5 o'clock somewhere, for a happy hour!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

Since you are 51, according to your profile, almost everything closes at 9 PM except for a few bars that may be open to 12 or 1 AM. Most people are up early and are busy during the day so when 9 PM rolls around, they are finished for the day. If you want to party hardy, there are some options open to you but not a vibrant nightlife. Average age of Sumter County is 65, but there are many people who have retired early mid 50's. Some people in their 50's have trouble keeping up with people, in their early 70's.

Basically, it is a couple's type of town but there are many singles functions one can join, or attend. The lifestyle is incredible for active people.

TV is a place that needs to be seen, as there are not enough words to fully explain how wonderful, it is.

Renting for a month would be the way to go, as a short visit will go by in a blink of an eye. You will have to decide for yourself if the nightlife is vibrant enough for you and your buddy. IMHO

BTW - Most of us have a vibrant lifestyle all day long. It's always 5 o'clock somewhere, for a happy hour!

To the OP. Read this post from 2BNTV. Then read it again. Then read it a third time.


He is a smart man who is living the dream.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

To the OP. Read this post from 2BNTV. Then read it again. Then read it a third time.


He is a smart man who is living the dream.

What she said.

[tomwed]

When my brother came to visit we walked to Brownwood. We drank some unusual beers at The Wold of Beers, vent to Tapas and had the octopus and other less popular dishes. We sat outside on the lanai furniture they have. We stopped at scooples for ice cream cones for the walk home.
Does that sound vibrant?

[Jima64]

Originally Posted by tomwed

When my brother came to visit we walked to Brownwood. We drank some unusual beers at The Wold of Beers, vent to Tapas and had the octopus and other less popular dishes. We sat outside on the lanai furniture they have. We stopped at scooples for ice cream cones for the walk home.
Does that sound vibrant?

Sounds to me like you had a relaxing day and quality time with your brother. Just what I also like.

[joldnol]

yep sidewalks roll up at 8 pm

[Packer Fan]

Ok, here is the real deal. I am 51. I am not single, but Donna and I like to Dance, hangout, etc. We like Nightlife. We own a house in the Villages (we rent it out but visit).

Here is the truth - There is no real nightlife in the villages... sorry. by 10 it is a ghost town.

However, there is a LOT going on from 6 AM until 9 PM, and plenty of stuff for singles etc. They just do things during the day and early evening. When you start partying every night at 5 PM, even young people don't last late. When we were young we went OUT at 10 and were done at 2 or 3 AM - here it all just starts earlier...

Believe me - there are plenty of singles and plenty to do - if you get bored it is your own fault - single or married.

Ed

[Villager Joyce]

Originally Posted by BadgerSTL

Hello everyone. I was happy to find TOTV. Allot of people call me JB, so feel free to use that handle, BadgerSTL (or just Badger) is a screen name that I use on many other forums. I answer to both.
All the advice I have seen is great for those that have moved to the The Villages. I am (and a buddy of mine) considering future options.
What would you advise someone doing a little pre-retirement exploring? Myself and friend are going to vacation in the area in Sept.

I have some relatives that are already living in The Villiages and basically the information I get is pretty much a reguritation of a brochure. I get that there activities, groups galore and getting to connect with people.
But I have a few questions..
What is the night life like? Or does everything close up at 10PM?

Is it more of a couples oriented kind of social scene? Being in the St Louis area...well, its a couples kind of town. Some of you may know what that can be like.

Thank you ahead of time for any advice or information.

Did your relatives who are already here explain these are our homes and our lives. We aren't on vacation--well maybe we are because we are retired with an active lifestyle. This isn't a timeshare. This isn't a resort like Disney or the beaches. Sometimes I get the impression that our marketing department forget this is a retirement community.