[BigSteph]

Originally Posted by Switter

I've been here a year and eight months. The main things I like about Florida are the weather, the beaches, the abundance of lakes in this area for fishing, and that there's no income tax. I also am more suited to the political climate here.

The rest of it is meh. The topography of the interior part of the state is pretty much the same everywhere you go. Aside from the beaches and ocean I don't consider Florida a beautiful state. It kinda has a disheveled look to it.

As for the villages, the development itself is beautiful, unlike any place else I've been. I also really like having access to the swimming pools and multi modal paths (for biking). I have zero interest in the town squares and entertainment.

The one downside for me personally is the lack of a diverse age demographic. Yeah, I know. Duh, you live in a retirement community, lol. I didn't really consider that when I moved here though. I don't know why but I really miss seeing young families and kids. I guess sometimes you don't miss something until it's gone. I have nothing against baby boomers or even Gen Xers (which I am) but when that's all I encounter everywhere I go, it has begun to wear on me.

As for the people here, most I have met seem friendly. I think the problem for me is that I still work and they are on perpetual vacation. Those are two completely different mindsets. And to be honest, I don't know if I will ever have the mindset of being on perpetual vacation. So in the end, I just have a hard time relating with people here.

I have contemplated selling my place in the next couple years and maybe moving over to Inverness. It seems like a nice town. Or possibly to Deland. Clermont looks really nice too but there's too much traffic and it looks too expensive.

The search continues…

I agree with most of what you wrote. I also work and I think that it is why it resonates with me.

I work outside the home in Leesburg and I probably have an opportunity to continue working there after retiring - as a part-time contributor. I will probably do that.

When people outside The Villages ask me about TV, I often say "I live in their neighborhood, but not in their world."

It isn't meant to be negative or positive, just explaining that I "live" there, but like most people who work full-time, I don't have any extra bandwidth to give to a lot of the really "cool" stuff that is available inside The Villages.

On Saturdays, I cut the grass and catch up on other home duties I share with my wife.

I played golf for 20 years in Virginia, but I haven't played once here. That is more to do with me and nothing to do with The Villages.

My wife and I spend a discussion or two every month talking about where we might move when we retire. We end every discussion with not thinking of a place better than here. We don't want Cold, but we also loathe the Heat and Humidity here. We don't like the cost of insurance here but, is that enough to move to another state. We like that there is no State Income Tax, yet, the state finds ways to charge fees that tend to balance its coffers.

We went to Hilton Head recently as it has always been our Mecca for retirement. When we visited from Virginia, it was magical. Now that we have lived in TV, the Palms and Live Oaks are meh, we see that every day. The resort properties are no better than TV. The ocean and bays and intercoastal waterways are still magical, so that is compelling. The rough areas of greater Hilton Head are not much better than Wildwood or Leesburg, with less shopping and health care.

Long post, short.... Still not finding somewhere better to move for retirement.

[maistocars]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’ve been here a little over two years now as a full time homeowner. I still can’t wait to wake up early each morning, and see what new adventure will come my way, through activities, meeting new people, and enjoying all The Villages has to offer.

When I leave “the bubble”, even for a great road trip or cruise, I find myself missing The Villages, and I look forward to getting back home. Even when I leave the bubble for a few hours to shop or dine in Ocala, Orlando or Tampa, there is something so comforting when I return and see “The Villages” welcome sign. It’s like I feel safe and secure again.

Does anyone else feel the same? When you start to take The Villages for granted, do you realize how special this place truly is when you leave it for a short period of time?

We are all truly blessed to be residents in this special, one-of-a-kind community.

I'm with you Michael. Nothing like this place and I've been here 4+ years. I don't miss anything about the Northern states.......

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Switter

I've been here a year and eight months. The main things I like about Florida are the weather, the beaches, the abundance of lakes in this area for fishing, and that there's no income tax. I also am more suited to the political climate here.

The rest of it is meh. The topography of the interior part of the state is pretty much the same everywhere you go. Aside from the beaches and ocean I don't consider Florida a beautiful state. It kinda has a disheveled look to it.

As for the villages, the development itself is beautiful, unlike any place else I've been. I also really like having access to the swimming pools and multi modal paths (for biking). I have zero interest in the town squares and entertainment.

The one downside for me personally is the lack of a diverse age demographic. Yeah, I know. Duh, you live in a retirement community, lol. I didn't really consider that when I moved here though. I don't know why but I really miss seeing young families and kids. I guess sometimes you don't miss something until it's gone. I have nothing against baby boomers or even Gen Xers (which I am) but when that's all I encounter everywhere I go, it has begun to wear on me.

As for the people here, most I have met seem friendly. I think the problem for me is that I still work and they are on perpetual vacation. Those are two completely different mindsets. And to be honest, I don't know if I will ever have the mindset of being on perpetual vacation. So in the end, I just have a hard time relating with people here.

I have contemplated selling my place in the next couple years and maybe moving over to Inverness. It seems like a nice town. Or possibly to Deland. Clermont looks really nice too but there's too much traffic and it looks too expensive.

The search continues…

If you want diversity in age just go hang out at Magnolia Plaza at anytime of the day or evening because it’s full of Middleton families. I miss the days when it was a nice, quiet, mostly seniors shopping center (2 years ago). Yes, I’m a cranky baby boomer. 😜😂

[FFlank]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’ve been here a little over two years now as a full time homeowner. I still can’t wait to wake up early each morning, and see what new adventure will come my way, through activities, meeting new people, and enjoying all The Villages has to offer.

When I leave “the bubble”, even for a great road trip or cruise, I find myself missing The Villages, and I look forward to getting back home. Even when I leave the bubble for a few hours to shop or dine in Ocala, Orlando or Tampa, there is something so comforting when I return and see “The Villages” welcome sign. It’s like I feel safe and secure again.

Does anyone else feel the same? When you start to take The Villages for granted, do you realize how special this place truly is when you leave it for a short period of time?

We are all truly blessed to be residents in this special, one-of-a-kind community.

I’m with Michael on this one. I’m a couple years behind him, but when I visited TV for a month in 2023, he graciously met me for lunch one afternoon and was a terrific ambassador for The Villages. In two days, I will be driving across the country to move in to my new place near Eastport, and I look forward to the day I can post a similar sentiment. Change is constant, and we can all reflect on days when things were “better” in some way, but enjoying the present moment in a place like TV is what life is all about. My thanks to Michael for his positivity and good nature and here’s to the good times to come for all of us.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by BigSteph

We went to Hilton Head recently as it has always been our Mecca for retirement.

My niece and her husband have a very good home in Blufton. They are selling it and moving to The Villages.

We visited in Hilton Head for a few days and it gave us the creeps - too many pine trees and we thought it was claustrophobic.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

If you want diversity in age just go hang out at Magnolia Plaza at anytime of the day or evening because it’s full of Middleton families. I miss the days when it was a nice, quiet, mostly seniors shopping center (2 years ago). Yes, I’m a cranky baby boomer. 😜😂

With Publix planned for Eastport, and another grocery store for Middleton, I think you’ll see the crowds decrease somewhat at Magnolia Plaza in the next year or so.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by FFlank

I’m with Michael on this one. I’m a couple years behind him, but when I visited TV for a month in 2023, he graciously met me for lunch one afternoon and was a terrific ambassador for The Villages. In two days, I will be driving across the country to move in to my new place near Eastport, and I look forward to the day I can post a similar sentiment. Change is constant, and we can all reflect on days when things were “better” in some way, but enjoying the present moment in a place like TV is what life is all about. My thanks to Michael for his positivity and good nature and here’s to the good times to come for all of us.

Thank You - and congratulations on becoming a Villager! I’m so excited for you, and looking forward to your move here.

[ElDiabloJoe]

This thread is awesome-awesome. Over 35 replies and, thankfully, not one person has lamented about the loss of Katie Belle's.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

This thread is awesome-awesome. Over 35 replies and, thankfully, not one person has lamented about the loss of Katie Belle's.

Until now………..

[Marmaduke]

... and compared the many Great States that are now at the bottom of the Garbage Heap, it is INDEED Paradise!

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

With Publix planned for Eastport, and another grocery store for Middleton, I think you’ll see the crowds decrease somewhat at Magnolia Plaza in the next year or so.

Hoping you’re right, but honestly my comment was mostly in jest, lol. I don’t mind the young folks at all, just the very crowded parking lot and market with the stock very low a lot of the time. 😊

[SaucyJim]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’ve been here a little over two years now as a full time homeowner. I still can’t wait to wake up early each morning, and see what new adventure will come my way, through activities, meeting new people, and enjoying all The Villages has to offer.

When I leave “the bubble”, even for a great road trip or cruise, I find myself missing The Villages, and I look forward to getting back home. Even when I leave the bubble for a few hours to shop or dine in Ocala, Orlando or Tampa, there is something so comforting when I return and see “The Villages” welcome sign. It’s like I feel safe and secure again.

Does anyone else feel the same? When you start to take The Villages for granted, do you realize how special this place truly is when you leave it for a short period of time?

We are all truly blessed to be residents in this special, one-of-a-kind community.

I apologize to you for the negativity in the responses you are receiving on your post. I've only been here for about a year, so the "newness" has not worn off for me - yet. But there is this little thing. I tiny thing, really. It probably won't help anyone. It's called GRATITUDE.

We all make choices every waking moment of our lives. For example, I have (obviously) noticed the increased traffic as the weather's "sweet spot" is upon us. This is true even in a golf cart, which I choose over my car whenever possible. When I find myself behind a slower golf cart or a bicycle that is not traveling as fast as my golf cart will go (using this example to make a point - I seldom go as fast as my golf cart will go), I have a CHOICE.

(1) Complain and feel frustrated that the universe does not bow to my every desire -- like a child.
(2) Slow down even more and take in the fresh air, sunshine, and beauty. See the people on the golf courses enjoying their lives. Listen to the music. Remember that I am blessed beyond measure and that, like most people, I live a lifestyle that even kings and queens could not enjoy a couple of centuries ago.

Here's another example. When I come to TOTV and read the posts, I always comment, "And here we go!" to my wife before reading the content. I do this because I have a CHOICE.

(1) Join in on the complaining, moaning, and whining about how poopy the world is and fear for the future of humanity.
(2) Laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, using it as a form of entertainment. Then, post something that will help me to be the change I want to see in the world.

In conclusion, when I see someone else's dog's poop while walking my dogs, I pick it up. Complaining is a lesson in futility.

And in answer to the questions asked in this post: "Does anyone else feel the same? When you start to take The Villages for granted, do you realize how special this place truly is when you leave it for a short period of time?"

Yes.

[gorillarick]

"This thread is awesome-awesome. Over 35 replies and, thankfully, not one person has lamented about the loss of Katie Belle's."

Really don't understand why Katie Belle's disappeared. Best food and fun in TV.
FMK - aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgha

[Bay Kid]

Originally Posted by BigSteph

I agree with most of what you wrote. I also work and I think that it is why it resonates with me.

I work outside the home in Leesburg and I probably have an opportunity to continue working there after retiring - as a part-time contributor. I will probably do that.

When people outside The Villages ask me about TV, I often say "I live in their neighborhood, but not in their world."

It isn't meant to be negative or positive, just explaining that I "live" there, but like most people who work full-time, I don't have any extra bandwidth to give to a lot of the really "cool" stuff that is available inside The Villages.

On Saturdays, I cut the grass and catch up on other home duties I share with my wife.

I played golf for 20 years in Virginia, but I haven't played once here. That is more to do with me and nothing to do with The Villages.

My wife and I spend a discussion or two every month talking about where we might move when we retire. We end every discussion with not thinking of a place better than here. We don't want Cold, but we also loathe the Heat and Humidity here. We don't like the cost of insurance here but, is that enough to move to another state. We like that there is no State Income Tax, yet, the state finds ways to charge fees that tend to balance its coffers.

We went to Hilton Head recently as it has always been our Mecca for retirement. When we visited from Virginia, it was magical. Now that we have lived in TV, the Palms and Live Oaks are meh, we see that every day. The resort properties are no better than TV. The ocean and bays and intercoastal waterways are still magical, so that is compelling. The rough areas of greater Hilton Head are not much better than Wildwood or Leesburg, with less shopping and health care.

Long post, short.... Still not finding somewhere better to move for retirement.

In Virginia you should visit the Northern Neck. Surrounded by miles of water on the Chesapeake Bay, creeks and rivers. Beautiful and rural area. The Villages is my other favorite place to be. I'm a lucky guy!

[Jim1mack]

Moved here in ‘14. Live near Brownwood. Perfect location. Everything is a golf cart ride away - except medical. Love it.