[yabbadu]

Originally Posted by jms33

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

Life is what YOU make of it!

[terrieb]

There are so many pros and cons in consideration when coming to the Villages and at what time of year. The Cons I will not mention except for one which is the growth of the population. By this being a con is the fact since we have been coming down here during December and then this year December and January, since 2006, we have noticed the growth mostly in construction of new homes and not necessarily the addition of many needed retail establishments around the newer Villages which means an overcrowding of already established stores. I think they do this while in their cars as well. Too many people for the amount of stores. If you are not used to being around lots and lots of people during certain times of the year, then the Villages is not for you. Over 100,000+ people at one time can be overwhelming and because of this, we have decided not to make the Villages our home. What good is the lifestyle if you are not able to participate in many of the events if you can't get to them or you have to spend a couple hours ahead of time in order to enjoy them. Being here in January for the first time has finally confirmed this, the Villages is not our cup of tea. Driving through the roundabouts at times is like going on a thrill ride at an amusement park. You really have to drive defensively not only through these areas but everywhere. I am not willing to spend the rest of my retirement for fear of getting in an accident down here. We have seen so many close calls down here. It is a remarkable establishment, that is the Villages and what the developer has done here. There is no other place that compares to what the Villages has to offer. It will definitely take quite a few visits to determine if it this place is what you want.

[manaboutown]

Over the years I have visited several coastal areas of Florida in season. The first time was back in the 70's, Longboat Key. I could not believe the traffic and the crowding. Also I remember trying to get into popular restaurants in Miami, find a parking spot at a grocery store in Boca Raton, and so on. If one is in "the place to be" in season this is the way it is.

During periods of my life I have lived in high growth areas. What I remember is the long lines of people waiting to vote because not enough places to vote were yet available. I am talking over three hours. Too, the grocery stores and restaurants were usually packed, the gas stations pricier, and the roads crowded with trucks and all that goes with construction. The Villages is and has been experiencing both, snowbird season and growth, for a good number of years the highest growth rate in the country! All in all, I see The Villages as handling it better than most places could and would.

The villages is where the (senior) action is so one has to bend a little to remain happy in paradise.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by terrieb

Over 100,000+ people at one time can be overwhelming and because of this, we have decided not to make the Villages our home. What good is the lifestyle if you are not able to participate in many of the events if you can't get to them or you have to spend a couple hours ahead of time in order to enjoy them. Being here in January for the first time has finally confirmed this, the Villages is not our cup of tea.

The Villages is a big city now. It's a busy place and definitely not for everyone. However most of the Frogs and Seasonal Residents learn to adjust to the crowds. I find that it's pretty quiet within each Village. And with careful planning and avoiding peak times, even in High Season it's quite possible to enjoy golf and restaurants and activities.

[Chi-Town]

The county I lived in had five million people. The busiest night here was a normal night there. I have had to adapt to uncrowded. No problem adapting to shorts in January though.

[graciegirl]

Find a place you love to be and bloom where you've planted yourself.

It is the old question of whether the glass is half full or half empty. I think we were born with our own answer to that and can't change it.


Some of us are given lemons and make lemonade and others just drive them and bi....I mean complain.

[ilovetv]

The o.p. said they "arrived" here Jan. 1, but it's not clear whether they bought a home or are renting. I think they're renting because of saying "I would never buy a home here", but maybe I'm wrong.

Assuming they're renting, I'd say that if you bought a home things would be a lot different for you. When moving in, you meet all the neighbors and in most neighborhoods, are asked to join the neighborhood phone/address/email list so everyone can communicate together, and you're immediately included in all invitations to neighborhood socials like year-round monthly meet & greet parties hosted by a different neighbor every month, golf scrambles, card nights at a rec center, game nights, bus trips to Tampa, Orlando etc., lots of socials.

Because of meeting the neighbors, we've had no need to vie for a spot in the rec department scheduled activities etc. That's not to say one shouldn't count on that. I'm saying when you move in as an owner, either part-time or permanent, neighbors usually welcome newbies into the neighborhood activities that are fun and you get to know the people personally.

[duffysmom]

It's a fact that people flock to Florida during the "high season". I've lived in costal Florida as well as TV and it's all the same, lots of people enjoying the beautiful weather. You learn to go with the flow and smile when you see the snow flying in other states and you're in shorts and flip flops. As I type this I'm sitting on my quiet lanai looking at the blue sky and feeling a soft breeze, I'm living the good life.

[cquick]

no flames from me. I am sorry that you had so much trouble getting to the activities you want to do. I hope things are better for you this week!

we like to go out for lunch, or if you want dinner, some places do take reservations.

[gomoho]

If you never took advantage of a club, the squares, the sport opportunities, or anything else our amenity fee covers $145 a month is pretty darn reasonable. The only amenity we use on a regular basis is golf and I believe we are getting a great bang for our buck. Have great neighbors to do things with so just don't get involved in all the rec center stuff.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by jms33

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

There are many recreation centers in TV, did you try more than one?
BTW if you delay your dinner hour to after 7PM you will find more opportunities.

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by jms33

We arrived here on January 1, full of anticipation. That anticipation has almost completely evaporated. Most activities listed in the Thursday newspaper are filled up an hour before start time. For the Trivia tonight at Bradenton at 6:30 people arrived at 5-5:20 to be accommodated. Other 6pm arrivals were turned away. Same at yoga. A pickle ball clinic requires you to sign up a week before. all sign ups were filled within the first ten minutes of the date opening up. Bunco, no room at the tables.
We were actually told "we have more tables, just not enough chairs"
Come on, really! Just order some more folding chairs.
Life long learning college course is SOLD OUT.
We haven't even attempted a dinner out yet! Have cooked home every night.

I know I will get flamed royally for this post. I would never buy a house here because of these experiences. For those of you tempted to say "good more room for someone else" I simply say look around at all the construction.
Can the villages really sustain more growth?
Would love some good, honest feedback.

As Yogi once said " No body goes there anymore, it's too crowded."

[asianthree]

at least while you were looking for something to do, for a place to eat ,you have warm weather to do it with and can meet people and make friends along the way. We had 2.5 feet of snow ...grocery stores had empty shelfs, and the lines were 45 minutes to an hour to check out. Oh and did I mention it was 23 degrees below zero. So find a different class try going earlier or later for dinner meet some people and enjoy yourself. No matter where you are you can find the bad or the good in life...you just have to make the choice which one.

[swimdawg]

Originally Posted by asianthree

at least while you were looking for something to do, for a place to eat ,you have warm weather to do it with and can meet people and make friends along the way. We had 2.5 feet of snow ...grocery stores had empty shelfs, and the lines were 45 minutes to an hour to check out. Oh and did I mention it was 23 degrees below zero. So find a different class try going earlier or later for dinner meet some people and enjoy yourself. No matter where you are you can find the bad or the good in life...you just have to make the choice which one.

I hear ya loud and clear, Asian! Two days ago when I was on my way home from the pool at Swimdawg North, it was 7 degrees. Today on my way home from the pool at Swimdawg South, it was over 80 degrees. LIFE IS GOOD!

[villagerjack]

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