[Chatbrat]

When we move here 5 years ago, the population was 80K now its approaching 120K.

And, its not even peak season. Looks like we will be @ max density after Jan.

Time for another town sq and some new country clubs.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

When we move here 5 years ago, the population was 80K now its approaching 120K.

And, its not even peak season. Looks like we will be @ max density after Jan.

Time for another town sq and some new country clubs.

Mr. Brat.

ALL of Florida is crowded starting at THIS time of the year. Many people are here visiting mom n 'em right now. It is Thanksgiving time.

It'll be alright. Be careful of all the fools driving. Most of our friends and relatives are dangerous behind a wheel it appears.

[golfing eagles]

Are TV too crowded ?

as compared to WHAT????

[Chatbrat]

Compared to 5 years ago

[mickey100]

If you come from a place like New York City or Los Angeles you probably would not be dismayed by the traffic and numbers of people here. If you are a long time resident or even have been here just four or five years, the population has grown exponentially and it obviously is of concern.. The infrastructure really doesn't support the numbers of people here. Looking at the traffic on 466 for example and rolling acres Road, there are traffic tie ups at certain times of the day that are just way beyond what we have experienced in the past and like you said, it is not even the high season yet. I've talked to a number of people that are seriously considering moving. There are retirement communities that offer most of the activities that the villages has yet these communities have say 10 to 20,000 people as opposed to 100,000 people and that makes a huge difference in terms of traffic and access. I would advise anyone thinking of purchasing in the villages to think long and hard and to definitely spend some time here during January through April to make sure you could deal with the huge amounts of people and traffic, reduced access to classes and activities, less teetimes, difficulties getting into restaurants, and so on. It may or may not be a good fit for you.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

From what I understand, the population is now over 130,000.

They did build another town square and several executive golf courses within the past five years.

I don't that it would be a wise business decision to build according to peak season. Half of the businesses would go under after a few summers.

We have to accept the fact that we live in a seasonal area and we are going to have slow times and busy times. There are a lot of places in the world like this. Cape Cod is a virtual ghost town in the winter. What is a fifteen minute drive up route 6A in the winter may take hours in the summer.

I think that we also have to realize that our population density, even in the peak season, is not a great as some other places of 130,000 people. We have approximately the same population density as Cedar Rapids Iowa, Gainesville and Memphis.

I think that what happens is that we get used to the way things are in the summer and the winter seems much worse than it actually is.

[Bay Kid]

I love TV, busy or quiet.

[PennBF]

One responder got it right. It is not that TV's are over crowded but rather that the infrastructure has not kept up with the growth. Example: Some cell phones do not work in some areas, (was the south end). The problem with planning is building the infrastructure for 100% of the population when only 70-75% is in residence at some points in the year. One thing we have noticed is the increase in crime in the last 10-12 years. We have become a target for the scams, thefts, etc. The Seniors vs Crime is a direct result of the increase which includes the contractors who view us as cherries on the tree of crime to be picked.

[bbbbbb]

Originally Posted by mickey100

If you come from a place like New York City or Los Angeles you probably would not be dismayed by the traffic and numbers of people here. If you are a long time resident or even have been here just four or five years, the population has grown exponentially and it obviously is of concern.. The infrastructure really doesn't support the numbers of people here. Looking at the traffic on 466 for example and rolling acres Road, there are traffic tie ups at certain times of the day that are just way beyond what we have experienced in the past and like you said, it is not even the high season yet. I've talked to a number of people that are seriously considering moving. There are retirement communities that offer most of the activities that the villages has yet these communities have say 10 to 20,000 people as opposed to 100,000 people and that makes a huge difference in terms of traffic and access. I would advise anyone thinking of purchasing in the villages to think long and hard and to definitely spend some time here during January through April to make sure you could deal with the huge amounts of people and traffic, reduced access to classes and activities, less teetimes, difficulties getting into restaurants, and so on. It may or may not be a good fit for you.

bbbbbb Comment
You are so right. But be aware how you express yourself here. Whatever you do, do not complain about the people in line who are really loaded with coming to their third happy hour, that is a no no. If they rudely bump into you in line, just grin and bear it.
Or on the road, as they rush into an area to get the last drink before they get cut off. Because, some bartenders are now getting smart and sending them away.
We have heard the complaining while they are in line. So, when they go whizzing past in their car or cart, be sure to get way over, they deserve more of the road.
Have fun and enjoy your retirement. Be happy.
bbbbbb

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

When we move here 5 years ago, the population was 80K now its approaching 120K.

And, its not even peak season. Looks like we will be @ max density after Jan.

Time for another town sq and some new country clubs.

"Time for another town sq"? Seriously? Do you ever visit Brownwood. Most days it's like a ghost town.

[Vladimir]

Its all relative. Compared to NJ, NY and PA this is great. Try getting around in nearby Gainesville or Ocala and you will see a lot of more traffic compared to TV.
Personally I like the economies of scale, energy, activity and benefits that come with a community of this size. Even though TV keeps growing it still drills down to the village and neighborhood that you live in.

[NYGUY]

The population of The Villages is greater than Ocala (59,000) and Leesburg (23,000) combined.

[2BNTV]

It's a matter of perception. Those who move from towns that are smaller will automatically think TV has gotten too big.

Those from bigger cities think the population is ok and the growth factor, is within an acceptable number.

I for one, would never want to deny someone moving to this paradise and I don't agree the amenities infrastructure has not been kept up to, an acceptable level.

I agree it has grown a lot in 5 years and even though build-out is a myth, I enjoy the people who come here whether they are snowbirds and or residents.

I know I will be blasted but all in all, the developer has done a wonderful job in creating this community. IMHO

[big guy]

Originally Posted by NYGUY

The population of The Villages is greater than Ocala (59,000) and Leesburg (23,000) combined.

Bigger than Ocala but I have to go to Ocala to Dillards, DSW, Chipotle, Harry's, Macy's, etc. Every shopping plaza in TV has the same stores. But we don't have to go far for a mattress!!

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by bbbbbb

bbbbbb Comment
You are so right. But be aware how you express yourself here. Whatever you do, do not complain about the people in line who are really loaded with coming to their third happy hour, that is a no no. If they rudely bump into you in line, just grin and bear it.
Or on the road, as they rush into an area to get the last drink before they get cut off. Because, some bartenders are now getting smart and sending them away.
We have heard the complaining while they are in line. So, when they go whizzing past in their car or cart, be sure to get way over, they deserve more of the road.
Have fun and enjoy your retirement. Be happy.
bbbbbb

Third happy hour. Most are within the same time frame. I do get some drink and drive equally as anywhere, but the lack of respect for cart merging into car lane and car trying to beat them is what scares me more.