[escapequeen]

We purchased in March, 2010. We have made two visits, each for 30+ days. We went to the Southside pool and the Paradise pool, neither of which anyone was outgoing/friendly. I haven't even seen very many people overall who actually smile. Hmmmm, don't know about all that. I like interaction and happy times.
We do have really nice neighbors, at least the three that we know. Maybe it is going to just take more time. Oh well, we're not leaving, lol!

[uujudy]

Originally Posted by springfield

We have been here for only a short time, yet we feel so much at home. We have met many lovely friendly people that have been helpful and welcoming. However, far too often negative political talk comes up. We don't say anything and keep our views to ourselves. We were raised to understand that you don't talk politics or religion and wished that more people would follow that bit of advice.

Springfield, I have experienced the same thing with both politics AND religion here. It always takes me by surprise.

[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by escapequeen

We purchased in March, 2010. We have made two visits, each for 30+ days. We went to the Southside pool and the Paradise pool, neither of which anyone was outgoing/friendly. I haven't even seen very many people overall who actually smile. Hmmmm, don't know about all that. I like interaction and happy times.
We do have really nice neighbors, at least the three that we know. Maybe it is going to just take more time. Oh well, we're not leaving, lol!

Just to give you hope, we've been down twice for short stays in our new home in Pennecamp and found the neighbors to be open and welcoming. We then headed to the pool and engaged in many conversations with fellow pooler's who welcomed us with smiles and open arms. Just made us miss being there even more.
Skip 2

[bobthebuilder]

You are two of the nicest people I have ever met. It was a pleasure meeting you.

[mac9]

I love the weather here, even the summer. I never want to clear a driveway of snow ever again. I love the laid back lifestyle, the friendliness of people and even the rainy days.
I miss not knowing where to go for the best Italian rolls or best pizzas. I have come to the conclusion that there are no decent rolls or pizzas, so I just have to learn to like other things.
I look at my life and retirement here the same as when I graduated from high school or college or got married. Things change and progress and it's the way that it should be. And I'm loving most minutes of it!

[swrinfla]

escapequeen:

I try not to establish unrealistic or unreasonable guidelines, here. That said, I must observe that your apparent neighborhood (that is, the historic section, occasionally referred to as the pre-historic section) is, almost certainly, populated by older folks than many of the newer villages. That doesn't mean it's bad, only that many folks have been there for ages and ages and are less apt to welcome new residents with open arms!

My advice: hang in there! Before you know it, you'll be as much a part of The Villages whole scene as are all TOTV-ers!

SWR

[Yoda]

As of this time there are two things I don't like about the villages.

1. Obama is president.

2. People who ask what I don't like about the villages.

We who are still here, love TV. Those who do not, have moved.

Yoda

[redwitch]

escapequeen -- I agree with SWR. A lot of your problem is your neighborhood. Well-established neighborhoods do make it a bit harder to join in the fun. There are ways to get around it. Invite the neighbors into your home. They won't all come, but you'd be surprised how many will (usually out of curiosity the first time). Go to the squares and join clubs that interest you. You'll find that the more you have in common, the easier it is to make friends here. Sadly, the last suggestion is not the easiest, but the most likely to work -- go to a pool in a newer neighborhood. There, people haven't had a chance to totally establish friendships; they're usually younger and more open; they're not experiencing a lot of the pain of true old age.

Regardless of what you decide to do, time will make a difference. My next-door neighbor is 92. At first, they weren't too sure about someone under 60 living next door to them. Through little acts of kindness (putting the newspaper right by his garage, etc.), they now feel I'm the best thing that ever moved in. The wife constantly brings me food and checks on me if my cart is in the driveway too long. She makes sure I know of all neighborhood activities and makes sure I get an invite. I frequently play cards with them and their friends. It took some time, but it was well worth the wait.

Good luck and don't give up!

[Larryandlinda]

Originally Posted by Lou Card

Been here for three months now and it is even better than we thought it would be. We both are very satisfied.

what's with the 'banned' subtitle under Lou's name?

L and L

[getdul981]

I'll have to get back to you in about 3 months when we actually are living in FL.

[The Shadow]

Originally Posted by Larryandlinda

what's with the 'banned' subtitle under Lou's name?

L and L

I think you will find Lou has been banished from the island along with the posts that caused it.