We had a similar experience. I spent much of 2013 researching retirement communities in anticipation of retiring in 2015. By the fall of 2013, TV was at the top of a short list, but we wanted to visit prior to committing, so we planned a LSP in Feb 2014, but by then all homes were spec. I remember telling my wife we were here to look and in no way to buy. On the second day I told her this is the place

We knew what we wanted, and looked at almost 70 new homes. We found our forever home with no regrets, and 2 days later we were officially Villagers.

It is a good idea to call the organizer just to get a heads up. There are some clubs that are at capacity and have a waiting list. I can think of a few.

Ok, now I am very jealous that my village does not have a website! The Virginia Trace site is very impressive!

...

Agree with Frau...definitely call The Villages sales office and ask about taking the trolley tour. Go to one of the Squares - Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing or Brownwood -- free music and dancing 5 to 9 every night. Talk to as many people as you can, ask questions--most Villagers are happy to tell you what their experiences are with living in The Villages. Have fun, but don't get overwhelmed as The Villages is a pretty big place.

We've been here 2 1/2 years. We knew we wanted Florida, just not where. We rented a villa for the month of January, and used it as a home base to scope out our options.

No question you can get a more expansive home for less money in other developments. But look at the streets.

There is no one out. No one is tending their yard, riding a bike, chatting with neighbors - nobody.

It was tough, but we decided we didn't want to live in a house ~ we wanted to live in a community. No regrets at all.

Regarding clubs, I have only been to one that wasn't welcoming. A small knitting and crocheting group that looked at me like I was from Mars. Shake it off and move on!

Check the club list, there may be a club for people from Mars .:wave:

There is an Astronomy Club. I actually went to a viewing they had last March behind Lake Miona Rec Center. What was neat, they had something like yard signs of the planets set up in the correct distance from the Sun and from each other showing their relationship. It was spread out over about 50 yards. We got to look though a few telescopes and we didn't have to join the club. Just look in the Daily Sun or at the club's website when they have a viewing and show up.

http://vlgastroclub.org/

A large number of posts were removed.

Members, new and old, are reminded to abide by the site guidelines where comments are not to be directed at other members. Discuss the topic and not the person posting.

Please stay on topic.... snowbirds joining clubs.

Thank you,

Moderator

We have been here a year and have not joined a club. We enjoy our home an afternoon golf cart ride with our dog and the access to all the restaurants.

The 1st year I joined a club. Since then I just enjoy the beauty, neighbors and golf. I feel like I am in the suburbs in the 60's!

Different protocol for different activities i.e.: workout & exercise activities get pretty crowded in winter & you need to go early & some will give out a ticket or a number. The clubs such as glass fusion, pottery, & other crafts have waiting lists. Check with the individual club leaders for specifics. I don't know first hand about activities such as mah Jong, bunco, cards etc, but have heard that there can be people who are not so welcoming to newbies. They seem to have their own established groups. Best to go to a new neighborhood where new groups are forming. Good luck!

During the high season, everything is more crowded, just as it is everywhere in Florida during January, February and March. For some of the most sought after activities at rec centers it is wise to arrive early. This I found for Walk off the Pounds and for an Art Group at Colony. Maybe that has changed. We have never experienced any crowding at Laurel Manor for any activities and maybe that is because it is in the center of the Villages where people are not brand new and so excited about trying new activities.

The only activity that I have found it is difficult to get in is Claying, because they want you to have a course on procedures first. Activities and clubs are two different things, generally. For instance The Cincinnati Club is open to all but geared to people who have lived in Cincinnati. It was initially so popular that it filled the room and the president removed it from advertising, hoping to not disappoint new people.

Sometimes when people have a good idea, it is hard to find an opening to use the rec centers because a lot of people have good ideas for groups and clubs.

I think when that happens, that a person can just wait, or choose another activity and act like the adults we all are. I think it is wonderful that a problem exists here in a retirement community that at times there are so many clubs and activities there isn't space for all of them.

If one kind of exercise is unavailable or filled up, there is always another. Ditto with craft and art activities.

I can see that with over 700 posts you are doing your homework about this place. I hope you join us. It is the greatest place we have ever lived.

Leathercrafting Club, Wednesdays 1-4pm Colony Cottage Rec Center. Small group, no previous experience needed, Red Carpet !!!