[kaseydog]

The villages is now a small city(some indepentent census companies are estimating 120,000 to 150,000 current population) in season, going to rec center clubs, restaurants, tee times & have to be carefully planned to try to avoid excessive wait times. Colony plaza(one of our favorites since we moved here 3 years ago) is off limits many times of the day. When walmart & bob evans open i can't imagine the traffic.
But developer decision to accept only medicare advantage at tv health centers is an extreme insult. On lifestyle visit guides touted shiny new health centers accessible by golf cart. For 3 years we used these centers & developed great relationship with a good doctor. Current insurance way superior to med advantage 2017.(med advantage 2018 will have new rules you may not be happy with) agent at unitedhealthcare medicare store spent 3 hours with us. Final result keep current plan. So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by blicata

So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.

I understand your distress with the VHS changes, but don't you think the "several hours" is a bit of an overstatement? All my neighbors who are affected have found new doctors within the area and most are cart accessible. Gainesville and Orlando are not that far away and even Mayo in Jacksonville is manageable.

[kaseydog]

Anyone who moved to tv & tv health didn't accept your insurance were lucky. They had a chance of finding a doctor within reasonable geographic distance. Now there are about 15,000 villagers looking for doctors because their current excellent health insurance is no longer accepted at tv health. The rumor that developer was loosing money on tv health is just a rumor. Developer found a way to make more money. Don't care how much money developer has. However using tv health centers as a selling point then changing rules really defines his character. Health care is vital to retirement community.

[kaseydog]

On the issue of "build out" have heard this phrase since moving here. As long as developer can get land to build on & sell homes he will continue. Developer has no regard for quality of life in villages.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by bbbbbb

Yes, we see your point. The drinking and driving is very popular and the drinking crew really gets riled up if we mention the problem. So the scene is to ignore it, there is nothing we can do, tolerate it or move. Too bad that someone has to be killed or maimed, maybe if someone sues the place for the push on happy hours???? Those folks perched on a bar stool for hours, well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, they do not walk home, they drive, have seen it first hand. Also on the modal paths, it can get real scary at times. So be careful and be aware, the guy or gal in the car or cart may not do what you might expect from a careful driver.
bbbbbb

Just a little hint, but if you quote someone else it really helps if this...[/QUOTE]...is after the quoted persons post

That way we can see where the quoted post stops...and yours begins.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Garden guru

I've lived in The Villages for three years now, and I hope you're taking the feedback that you're getting to your inquiry with the grain of salt. This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Consequently, people stop voicing their opinions. In other words, it's important to keep in mind that this forum is not a representative sample of the overall population of The Villages by any stretch of the imagination.

Very true, everything you said. There has been a group (called "the posse") that has regularly attacked people who post their opinions that are not favorable to The Villages. If I were looking to move here, I would rent for a few months during the high season to try it out, and talk with as many people as possible - neighbors, folks you golf with, etc. to try and get a better feel for the place and whether or not it would be a good fit for you. As far as research, TOTV is a starting point, but is not the end all.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

First..............congratulations on starting a great thread.

As with any where in the world, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. A lot depends on if you are a half full, or half empty person. From 10,000 feet, something must be going good..........look at the explosive growth in TV.

One of the most amazing things about TV is the people (yes, the properties, the squares, the golf cart style living are all amazing but, ). People from every where, with amazing backgrounds all come together to enjoy the next phase of their lives. Some living 100% on Social Security, some on pensions, others living off their millions. Doesn't matter, we are enjoying the next phase.

Sure, there are some who don't like it here. Is it the place or the person, we will never know. I pray for them. Life is too short [ mostly at our old ages ;-) ] not to be happy.

I watched this place grow for 15 years before we purchased. I enjoyed the video's, but it's better than the video's. There will be some of the half fulls who attack me, but again..........all I can do is pray for them and their happiness.

Hope you come and join us, you will not be sorry.....I can tell.

Good Luck.

I agree with your comments about the people! There is such a nice variety of folks here from all walks of life. We have found it very enriching.

[Boomer]

The Villages is the world's biggest high school.

And all that entails.

Everybody is here.

You can find your people and your way.

Boomer

[Garden guru]

Originally Posted by spring_chicken

And those who frequent the forum know the agendas of those who introduce the same tired topic in every response. I hope there is a community and message board for those who believe that everyone who drinks is a criminal and danger to society. Please find a community with no alcohol and move there. The vitriol is getting very tired.

In an earlier post on this thread I wrote: "This forum has a long track record of verbally attacking anyone who says anything negative about The Villages. The standard response to negative comments is generally some version of "If you don't like it, leave". Spring_chicken's latest post is an excellent case in point. I now reiterate: Posts on this forum do NOT reflect a representative sample of all Villagers! Take them with the grain of salt.

[outlaw]

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I bought here about two years ago when the "build out" was a few months away. I enjoy being able to go to the town squares and have two-fers. On many occasions, we are treated to live entertainment in the form of a street fight exhibition. I have learned many self defense techniques from these exhibitions (free, of course). Then I can drive my golf cart home without worrying about a nuisance DUI like with an automobile. I also like standing in line for 45 minutes to play water volleyball. I have met many nice people standing in lines waiting for my free activity that only costs $150 per month whether or not I use the activities. I do enjoy the free golf, although the 2 hour rounds on a 9 hole executive course are a little long. Fortunately, I can sit in my golf cart on each tee for 5 minutes watching the "beginners" hit their third shot from the bunkers and walk out the other side, stepping over the rake. I pay another $150 per year so I can use my golf cart on these "free" courses that are also maintained with my $150 per month amenity fees. I have lost 10 pounds since I moved here, primarily from skipping dinners when arriving at a restaurant only to be told there is a 45 minute wait to be seated. But it was fun to drive my golf cart to the restaurant after having a few drinks to take the edge off of my 2 hour 9 hole golf round earlier that day. As for doctors, there are many. Just not too many from US medical schools, but if you enjoy other perspectives and alternative medicine, this is the place for you. I am still looking for a primary care physician that takes medicare and is a graduate from a top 50% US medical school. I have found recommended doctors who graduated from medical schools in Peru, Poland, Nigeria, Mexico, England (this school was under investigation as a diploma mill), South Florida (at least it's in the US), Spain, Philippines, China, etc. The good news is that I can drive to all these doctors in my golf cart! How cool is that? And anyway, if you get really sick, you can always go back north to your previous doctors. So come on down. If you are from a big crowded city, and are used to waiting in lines, you will love it here. If you live in a high cost area, you will think it is very cheap to live here.

I enjoyed that.

[Ohiogirl]

Originally Posted by blicata

The villages is now a small city(some indepentent census companies are estimating 120,000 to 150,000 current population) in season, going to rec center clubs, restaurants, tee times & have to be carefully planned to try to avoid excessive wait times. Colony plaza(one of our favorites since we moved here 3 years ago) is off limits many times of the day. When walmart & bob evans open i can't imagine the traffic.
But developer decision to accept only medicare advantage at tv health centers is an extreme insult. On lifestyle visit guides touted shiny new health centers accessible by golf cart. For 3 years we used these centers & developed great relationship with a good doctor. Current insurance way superior to med advantage 2017.(med advantage 2018 will have new rules you may not be happy with) agent at unitedhealthcare medicare store spent 3 hours with us. Final result keep current plan. So much for golf cart accessible health care. Now may have to travel several hours to find doctor. Please no "when are you moving" comments.

I guess this is getting offtrack, but how do you know that United Healthcare of the Villages Medicare Advantage Plan will have new rules? Of course, all plans can change provisions every year, and the 2017 policies are out, but what and where did you hear about 2018 - is this just rumor?

[Nucky]

I hope you don't mind but we didn't make your 2 to 5 years designation. We landed here in June 2016 and are thrilled fully. There is no Hocus Pocus with anything, the thing is we live with other people in a community and may be interrupted in our travels slightly and travel to a doctor may not be the perfection that was envisioned. I believe it's the way we all handle these ground shaking horrific challenges. It is better than we imagined before we arrived. Our expectations have been exceeded. You'll be fine in The Villages, the sky is not falling.

[pgc4340]

Originally Posted by Cmgregory

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

Thanks for your comments!

I suggest to go elsewhere for negative opinions about The Villages, because this forum does not want to hear them. Be aware that The Daily Sun is owned by The Villages, so their news is biased. Be aware that very little in life is free, most especially in The Villages. Be AWARE.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Cmgregory

For those of you who have been residents of TV for at least 2 to 5 years:

Been here for over 3 years.

Is it as good as you thought it would be?

Better

If you had it to do all over again, would you still buy in TV?

Without hesitation.

We would like to hear both the positives and negatives of living in TV.

Positives:
1. You don't have to shovel sunshine.
2. You tend to stay in better shape if you are physically and mentally active.
3. TV is kept immaculate. Hardly ever see a piece of trash on the ground.
4. Over 2,000 clubs.
5. Meet new friends that become like family.
6. A $150 amenity fee that allows you to use all of the facilities.
7. You can as much as you want or as little as you want.

Negatives?
1. Snowbird season, (Jan thru Mar), will swell the population by 35% causing traffic and restaurant waiting times.
2. Last summer was hot so you need to adjust your schedule, to do things first thing in the morning or later at night.

We have visited TV several times and walked around the squares but have never stayed there. We have heard nothing but good comments but wonder if it as good as everyone says it is.

118,000 people moved here! Could everybody be wrong?


Thanks for your comments!

Let me close by saying this thread has almost gone off the rails about one's driving safety and medical concerns. No matter where you live, no one can guarantee you won't be in an accident or have medical coverage to fit their own personal desires. Medical coverage changes from year to year. One must look at the realities of their own situation and then act accordingly.

TV isn't perfect, but darn close. IMHO

BTW - Rent a home for a month or two. Only you can decide!!!