[Tennisnut]

Coming from California where we have a lot of diversity, I was wondering what the ethnic diversity is in The Villages. It appears that it is a lot less than the National average and far less than in California. I know it makes life life a lot more interesting to experience different cultures and to have those exchanges. After all, that diversity has helped America be who it is today. Hopefully, that old saying will be true, " If we build it, they will come." Do you think the Villages will become more ethnically diverse in the future?

[Bizdoc]

In some ways, we may be more diverse than the average American city of the same size given the number of international residents.

As to the exact percentages, I don't bother counting. Ethnic background just isn't all that important to me... Of course, I do see some folks with college stickers and flags on their golf carts which are pretty suspect places that I was told many many years ago to avoid. <smile>

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

In some ways, we may be more diverse than the average American city of the same size given the number of international residents.

As to the exact percentages, I don't bother counting. Ethnic background just isn't all that important to me... Of course, I do see some folks with college stickers and flags on their golf carts which are pretty suspect places that I was told many many years ago to avoid. <smile>

I believe you are correct about international residents, however, the majority of those residents are from Canada and England which does not diversify the ethnicity of The Villages. I did a check at the US Commerce census which shows that the Villages for 2010 was 96.9% white alone (not mixed)
and Asians, blacks and Hispanics or mixed the balance. California is 39.4% white alone not mixed, a significant difference! Personally, I know several blacks, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanics, and Iranians in California which allow me the opportunity to experience cultural diversity. That currently doesn't exist here in the Villages. I guess we have two different bubbles, one in The Villages and another in California!

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

I believe you are correct about international residents, however, the majority of those residents are from Canada and England which does not diversify the ethnicity of The Villages. I did a check at the US Commerce census which shows that the Villages for 2010 was 96.9% white alone (not mixed)
and Asians, blacks and Hispanics or mixed the balance. California is 39.4% white alone not mixed, a significant difference! Personally, I know several blacks, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanics, and Iranians in California which allow me the opportunity to experience cultural diversity. That currently doesn't exist here in the Villages. I guess we have two different bubbles, one in The Villages and another in California!

It's true that there is not much ethnic diversity here but there is certainly a lot of cultural diversity. We have residents from all backgrounds and all parts of the country. We all have different customs and ways of thinking. I have no idea why there is not more ethnic diversity because they would be welcomed here. Maybe it's because golf is our major draw and golf seems to be more of an Anglo sport. Certainly others play but not in the same numbers

[Bogie Shooter]

It doesn't make any difference, all are welcome.

[SantaClaus]

I hate to generalize, but I believe that other cultures tend to put a greater emphasis on multi-generational family units. WASPs tend to place a premium on independence. So, there's little wonder that an independent living senior community might have a high concentration of WASPs.

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by SantaClaus

I hate to generalize, but I believe that other cultures tend to put a greater emphasis on multi-generational family units. WASPs tend to place a premium on independence. So, there's little wonder that an independent living senior community might have a high concentration of WASPs.

I think you are mis-generalizing. None of ethnic minorities that I know live in multi-generational housing. However, several of my WASP friends have 20 and 30 somethings living at home. One could deduce from that these ethnic minorities instill a greater drive to succeed than their WASP neighbors. Or possibly they still have that immigrant desire to build a better life for them and their children that Europeans had when they all first immigrated to the USA. Of course, that all could be a generalization.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by SantaClaus

I hate to generalize, but I believe that other cultures tend to put a greater emphasis on multi-generational family units. WASPs tend to place a premium on independence. So, there's little wonder that an independent living senior community might have a high concentration of WASPs.

Yes, it is a generalization, but I think you are onto something. I was thinking the same. Maybe not living together but keeping the unit close.

[SantaClaus]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

I think you are mis-generalizing. None of ethnic minorities that I know live in multi-generational housing. However, several of my WASP friends have 20 and 30 somethings living at home.

That's the problem with experience, it's a very narrow window. I know quite a few black and Asian families that have grandma and grandpa living with them instead of going to a "home". I get the sense that the same is true in Hispanic society, though I don't have any first hand knowledge. That's the view through my porthole, at least. I don't claim that it's widely applicable.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

Coming from California where we have a lot of diversity, I was wondering what the ethnic diversity is in The Villages. It appears that it is a lot less than the National average and far less than in California. I know it makes life life a lot more interesting to experience different cultures and to have those exchanges. After all, that diversity has helped America be who it is today. Hopefully, that old saying will be true, " If we build it, they will come." Do you think the Villages will become more ethnically diverse in the future?

I find your post interesting but it gives me a lot of questions. Do you live in TV? Are you considering living in TV? Have you lived in other areas than California? We are originally from Texas and have lived in Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. We have traveled the USA and world extensively due to my husbands work. My husbands family moved to Orange County, CA in 1962. We have visited there at least 2 times a year for 52 years. I find the diversity in TV amazing. People from all parts of the USA and other countries live here. People from other regions have many diverse backgrounds. I find our cultural differences interesting. People from different geographic origins, religions, etc have many cultural differences. Heck, we can't even understand each other's accents sometimes. Do you feel it necessary to have TV be like California? If so, you will be disappointed. New York is not Florida just as Florida is not California. Florida is not Texas but I love all of the places I have lived including Paris, London and Brussells. No, we don't have a lot of Hispanics (btw, my daughter in law is Hispanic) blacks, Asians or Muslims but that does not mean they would not be welcomed here. Would you be happy here? I don't know how adaptable anyone is. Will TV change over time? Of course it will but will it ever be California? I doubt it very much. We don't have state income tax, high property tax, over crowded freeways, and 1200 sq feet homes priced at $600,000. Oh, and we don't have smog!

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

Coming from California where we have a lot of diversity, I was wondering what the ethnic diversity is in The Villages. It appears that it is a lot less than the National average and far less than in California. I know it makes life life a lot more interesting to experience different cultures and to have those exchanges. After all, that diversity has helped America be who it is today. Hopefully, that old saying will be true, " If we build it, they will come." Do you think the Villages will become more ethnically diverse in the future?

I find your post interesting but it gives me a lot of questions. Do you live in TV? Are you considering living in TV? Have you lived in other areas than California? We are originally from Texas and have lived in Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. We have traveled the USA and world extensively due to my husbands work. My husbands family moved to Orange County, CA in 1962. We have visited there at least 2 times a years for 52 years. I find the diversity in TV amazing. People from all parts of the USA and other countries live here. People from other regions have many diverse backgrounds. I find our cultural differences interesting. People from different geographic origins, religions, etc have many cultural differences. Heck, we can't even understand each other's accents sometimes. Do you feel it necessary to have TV be like California? If so, you will be disappointed. New York is not Florida just as Florida is not California. Florida is not Texas but I love all of the places I have lived including Paris, London and Brussells. No, we don't have a lot of Hispanics (btw, my daughter in law is Hispanic) blacks, Asians or Muslims but that does not mean they would not be welcomed here. Would you be happy here? I don't know how adaptable anyone is. Will TV change over time? Of course it will but will it ever be California? I doubt it very much. We don't have state income tax, high property tax, over crowded freeways, and 1200 sq feet homes priced at $600,000. Oh, we don't have smog either.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

I find your post interesting but it gives me a lot of questions. Do you live in TV? Are you considering living in TV? Have you lived in other areas than California? We are originally from Texas and have lived in Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. We have traveled the USA and world extensively due to my husbands work. My husbands family moved to Orange County, CA in 1962. We have visited there at least 2 times a years for 52 years. I find the diversity in TV amazing. People from all parts of the USA and other countries live here. People from other regions have many diverse backgrounds. I find our cultural differences interesting. People from different geographic origins, religions, etc have many cultural differences. Heck, we can't even understand each other's accents sometimes. Do you feel it necessary to have TV be like California? If so, you will be disappointed. New York is not Florida just as Florida is not California. Florida is not Texas but I love all of the places I have lived including Paris, London and Brussells. No, we don't have a lot of Hispanics (btw, my daughter in law is Hispanic) blacks, Asians or Muslims but that does not mean they would not be welcomed here. Would you be happy here? I don't know how adaptable anyone is. Will TV change over time? Of course it will but will it ever be California? I doubt it very much. We don't have state income tax, high property tax, over crowded freeways, and 1200 sq feet homes priced at $600,000. Oh, we don't have smog either.

Well said!

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

I find your post interesting but it gives me a lot of questions. Do you live in TV? Are you considering living in TV? Have you lived in other areas than California? We are originally from Texas and have lived in Georgia, Oklahoma and Florida. We have traveled the USA and world extensively due to my husbands work. My husbands family moved to Orange County, CA in 1962. We have visited there at least 2 times a years for 52 years. I find the diversity in TV amazing. People from all parts of the USA and other countries live here. People from other regions have many diverse backgrounds. I find our cultural differences interesting. People from different geographic origins, religions, etc have many cultural differences. Heck, we can't even understand each other's accents sometimes. Do you feel it necessary to have TV be like California? If so, you will be disappointed. New York is not Florida just as Florida is not California. Florida is not Texas but I love all of the places I have lived including Paris, London and Brussells. No, we don't have a lot of Hispanics (btw, my daughter in law is Hispanic) blacks, Asians or Muslims but that does not mean they would not be welcomed here. Would you be happy here? I don't know how adaptable anyone is. Will TV change over time? Of course it will but will it ever be California? I doubt it very much. We don't have state income tax, high property tax, over crowded freeways, and 1200 sq feet homes priced at $600,000. Oh, we don't have smog either.

You asked a lot of questions so I hope this will answer them. It is apparent you have prejudged me. I have lived in the Villages for 4 years and still have a home in California and find it amazing the differences in between the two. I have spent time in almost every state in the Union as well as 50 foreign counties traveling independently in Europe, Central and South America, Asia and the Middle East. I appreciate the cultural diversity of the world as well as the diversity in the USA. In fact, some parts of the US, I have often wondered why I did not need a passport to enter that region! I think I am very adaptable. You are right about Florida not having a state income tax, however, the property tax rate is higher for a similarly priced home. Also, in certain parts of Florida as well as California, it is possible to find over priced homes. How about 2 BR condos in Orlando for $600k or multi-million dollar homes in Miami (as well as the Villages). Actually, the cost of living in The Villages is very comparable to where I live outside of Sacramento. I have also experienced the overcrowded freeways of the bay area, meaning Tampa-St Pete as well as San Francisco-Oakland. I spent the last week in the Redwoods and North Coast along Highway 1 having a glass of Russian River Pinot Noir and fresh caught wild king salmon with no air pollution in site. It sounds like you have not experienced California to the extent I have. My intention not question whether you and I welcomed people of different ethnicity in the Villages nor whether California and Florida will ever be similar. I enjoy California as well as the Villages and wondered why others of different ethnicity do not find The Villages an attractive place to live.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

You asked a lot of questions so I hope this will answer them. It is apparent you have prejudged me. I have lived in the Villages for 4 years and still have a home in California and find it amazing the differences in between the two. I have spent time in almost every state in the Union as well as 50 foreign counties traveling independently in Europe, Central and South America, Asia and the Middle East. I appreciate the cultural diversity of the world as well as the diversity in the USA. In fact, some parts of the US, I have often wondered why I did not need a passport to enter that region! I think I am very adaptable. You are right about Florida not having a state income tax, however, the property tax rate is higher for a similarly priced home. Also, in certain parts of Florida as well as California, it is possible to find over priced homes. How about 2 BR condos in Orlando for $600k or multi-million dollar homes in Miami (as well as the Villages). Actually, the cost of living in The Villages is very comparable to where I live outside of Sacramento. I have also experienced the overcrowded freeways of the bay area, meaning Tampa-St Pete as well as San Francisco-Oakland. I spent the last week in the Redwoods and North Coast along Highway 1 having a glass of Russian River Pinot Noir and fresh caught wild king salmon with no air pollution in site. It sounds like you have not experienced California to the extent I have. My intention not question whether you and I welcomed people of different ethnicity in the Villages nor whether California and Florida will ever be similar. I enjoy California as well as the Villages and wondered why others of different ethnicity do not find The Villages an attractive place to live.

I am sorry if it seemed I judged you. It was not my intent. Your original post left me with a lot of questions. I suppose it is correct that there are many places in Florida that have problems similar to California but we were talking about TV, not all of a Florida. As to why others of different ethnicity do not find TV attractive, I go back to my original post. The major attraction for most here is golf. That is not as major an attraction to the other ethnic grups you mentioned.
What do YOU think?

[ilovetv]

Maybe they've been told things about TV that are not true!