[Pat#79Luv]

Hi, we go back and forth between Minnesota and The Villages because of family up north. We have a ton of friends here that don’t want us to leave in the spring and look forward to our return in the fall. Don’t worry about being a snowbird at all, if that is what you choose to do. Your friends that you make here will be here waiting for your return to the sunshine state when you are ready to come back.

[toeser]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

We're working towards the "big move" but my wife (who's lived where we are her entire 60+ years and has her mother here) wants to consider doing a split between here and TV.

For those who live here year-round, do you actually make strong friendships with people who aren't around for a good part of the year? And for for snowbirds, how has your experience been trying to make friendships?

Thanks.

We do 7 months here and 5 months north. We have lots of friends who are snowbirds and lots of friends who are year 'round. Except for the people who post nasty things about snowbirds on Talk of The Villages, we have not experienced any attitude.

[Lburnettinil]

When you are lucky enough to have great neighbors and friends in your area, they will appreciate you whether you are here part time or full time. We love our neighbors and have made many friends here….ALL of us come and go for various reasons (vacations, family time, or weather related). Always great to see friends and neighbors when back together!

[La lamy]

I have found my friendships with full timers are solid, even with months apart. Makes for fun catching up conversation on one's return.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

We're working towards the "big move" but my wife (who's lived where we are her entire 60+ years and has her mother here) wants to consider doing a split between here and TV.

For those who live here year-round, do you actually make strong friendships with people who aren't around for a good part of the year? And for for snowbirds, how has your experience been trying to make friendships?

Thanks.

I always try my best to AVOID friendships.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

We are part timers, and although it’s a good problem to have, we have more people that want to do stuff with us than we have free time.

The truth is that in TV Land there are so many activities and sports that there is barely time to make friends, just a cornucopia of acquaintances. True friends take 10 years or more to make.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

We're working towards the "big move" but my wife (who's lived where we are her entire 60+ years and has her mother here) wants to consider doing a split between here and TV.

For those who live here year-round, do you actually make strong friendships with people who aren't around for a good part of the year? And for for snowbirds, how has your experience been trying to make friendships?

Thanks.

It is normally the wife that is reluctant to FULLY commit to a move to the south. Anthropologically speaking, the woman is less adventurous and tends the campfire, the children, and keeps the tribe together in one spot.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Kind of fun when our neighbors at both ends throw welcome back parties for us.

Also if you are from the north and have no experience with Florida summer heat and humidity you need to do some time here in summer before making the decision to sell up north.

Another experience (maybe unique to myself) is I do not want to stay in anybody's house but my own - alone. If you have family up north especially an elderly parent you most likely will be spending some extended stays. Consider that before selling house #1.

On the flip side does it cost more to own two homes - yes - a bucket load more. If you can't afford it it will be a nightmare.

To put it eloquently, "Florida summers suck"

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by toeser

We do 7 months here and 5 months north. We have lots of friends who are snowbirds and lots of friends who are year 'round. Except for the people who post nasty things about snowbirds on Talk of The Villages, we have not experienced any attitude.

Snowbirds are wonderful, especially the ones that own electric cars and golf carts.

[Tustin714]

Originally Posted by NewRealms

Of course we make lasting friendships with snowbirds. The problem is you guys will never know The Villages in the off season, only the hubbub of a crowded winter season.

We've actually discussed one possibility of doing 3 month stints -- fall (Sept.-Nov.) and spring (starting in March or April) in TV, and the other months back here. It does make us wonder about friendships, with so much interruption.

[Cookiebaby642]

I was brought here kicking and screaming 11 years ago. I am still not sure I want to stay!

[PersonOfInterest]

Why does one want to live in 2 places? If you have strong attachments to family, friends and other aspects of where you live now then why do you want to leave it? I believe that for most people only 1 place can be 'Home'. Which is Home to you and what is the other place?

All of my friends in TV are full time residents as am I.

[beckylou152]

Originally Posted by Tustin714

We're working towards the "big move" but my wife (who's lived where we are her entire 60+ years and has her mother here) wants to consider doing a split between here and TV.

For those who live here year-round, do you actually make strong friendships with people who aren't around for a good part of the year? And for for snowbirds, how has your experience been trying to make friendships?

Thanks.

I am just like your wife! I have my mom, and a couple grandkids up north. We kept a small cottage up north and go back in the summer. This is our third summer doing this. I just got back up north, and seeing the beautiful blooming trees, green grass, lush landscapes, rolling hills makes me happy. Plus all the family. I love both places. For friends down in TV, I keep in touch via texting and we come back in the summer for a couple weeks. We have no problem re-engaging. People are so very friendly. We also visited one couple up north that also is a snowbird. We have lots of groups (golf, etc) so easy to reconnect. I do wish I had a condo up north so I could be more of a snowflake but this works out ok. I think you’ll find you can make and keep friends!

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by PersonOfInterest

Why does one want to live in 2 places? If you have strong attachments to family, friends and other aspects of where you live now then why do you want to leave it? I believe that for most people only 1 place can be 'Home'. Which is Home to you and what is the other place?

All of my friends in TV are full time residents as am I.

Variety is the spice of life.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Snowbirds are wonderful, especially the ones that own electric cars and golf carts.

Too bad there are Frogs that don't own EVs, right?