[Phantomf8]

It was my ex-wife for whom the Beach Boys wrote that song back in 1964 while they were staying in Cape Cod that summer. Fortunately, we had a "friendly" divorce and still talk about this episode. Your response enliven my thoughts about this . . .

[Catfishjeff]

Originally Posted by Krittermom

I believe the issue of “more crowds and traffic” really depends upon where you are from. Sure, it does get busier here when the seasonal residents return, however this is nothing compared to the daily traffic we encountered up in the Boston area. Or even the Holiday traffic anywhere near any of our Malls.

We moved her from SoCal so we just laugh about the traffic complaints, even in the winter. We are living and loving the good life here and we escaped the socialist state of California.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by cgilcreast

Not the friendly home town it used to be.

Friendly people always find friendly people. Maybe something to think about.

[Larchap49]

Moved here in June from the Clearwater FL area. Friendliest place ever. We were welcomed by almost every person on our street in the first week. We had more interaction in the first month than in 27 years in our last home. Constantly have small safe gatherings, so much fun here. More crowds in the winter is the norm everywhere in FL. so I am used to that.

[La lamy]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Friendly people always find friendly people. Maybe something to think about.

[paulajr]

Have you BEEN to Brownwood lately? Not many “open storefronts” anymore...as a matter of fact, there are many new buildings to house new businesses.

Originally Posted by Windguy

Oh, they most definitely will change. All the inconveniences you mentioned not having will become very real when the snowbirds return. Last winter, many of our tee-time requests were denied. Unless we wanted to wait an hour or more, we had to eat dinnner at 4:30 or 8:00. Streets and stores were crowded. Long lines were everywhere.

The government can’t afford to build roads to handle the peak traffic. If we had enough businesses to handle the peak, many would not survive the summer drought. So, things are only adequate to meet the summer needs.

This would be a better place if it weren’t so seasonal. I’m not complaining about the maximum population. I would love it if the snowbirds stayed full time. If they did, there wouldn’t be so many empty storefronts in Brownwood and we’d have a much better variety of stores and restaurants. Want to see a COSTCO, Trader Joe’s, etc.? Stay year round.

We are already seeing an uptick and it’s only October.

[ldivens]

If it wasn't for Covid you wouldn't be able to get into restaurants as easily. Also, the snowbirds are not back yet so just wait. However, as far as golf even in the busy times of the years still able to golf as much as I want.

[JSR22]

Originally Posted by ldivens

If it wasn't for Covid you wouldn't be able to get into restaurants as easily. Also, the snowbirds are not back yet so just wait. However, as far as golf even in the busy times of the years still able to golf as much as I want.

We only go to restaurants that take a reservation. We never have a problem year round.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

20 years, 5 new homes ,in Fenney now , I’m 81 and I still love this place and the growth . I’ve lived all over fl snowbird season is the same everywhere, I’m sure all of us took summer vacations , wasn’t everything crowded . I eat out usually at 7 even in season, so you might have to wait 15/20 minutes you sit at the bar , chat with new people , relax , as for the traffic if your in a hurry leave a few minutes earlier , put some jazz on and at least here the traffic moves

[krdieter@aol.com]

I have a few shirt that says.....If you don't like where you live.....move, you are not a tree.😁

[dadoiron]

Originally Posted by Neils

Are u as friendly as before?

Also depends who you run into or are near.

North to South people who wave hello usually get a return response.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Northwoods

I agree. I think a lot of the negativity is the fear of what might/could happen (for example, turning all the squares into apartments). I think most people are pretty happy here.

It has been the warmest summer in US history and also the last 5 years have been excessively hot. In the Villages, you can notice the additional heat and humidity in the summer. To have an ideal life, The Villiages residents would need to form a co-op to buy property along one of the Great Lakes or smaller lakes, like the finger lake region of NY Then have the winter TV Land people (that wanted to) rent inexpensive apartments there or buy simple, small homes for the summer - then, enjoy same lifestyle, activities, and entertainment as here. It would be possible because of large group purchasing power.

Sorry, I just started dreaming out loud. But, it would be nice to leave heat and humidity each summer and still take TV land with you.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Rwirish

And golf, unless they start building new executive and championship courses you can forget it.

In the Southern area, there are already 5 exec courses and a great pitch-n-putt course. In the village of St. Catherine, a new 18-hole course is now under construction.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Northwoods, I agree. Have been here 23 yrs. Still love it. Nothing south of 466A affects me. All my activities and friends are in my cirlce. That's were I volunteer, socialize with friends, shop, doctors etc. and all accessible by golf cart. My favorite form of transportation. People looking for a brand new built homes have no choice but to go south. They obviously have not considered resale homes that have all the markings of being done so far as landscaping, etc. But to each his own.

[Laker14]

I have some issues/concerns going forward, for TV, but "friendliness" or lack thereof is not one of them. I can't say I've never run into a jerk, but they are few and far between.