[cindyfeh]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I need a reminder what the difference is between a snowflake and a snowbird.

We spend mid-May through mid-October in the Finger Lakes of NY State, and the rest of the year in TV. We realize we are very fortunate to be able to do that, but also realize we won't always be able to do that. I'll be 70 in September, and face it, the clock is ticking.

The question that looms large is what will we choose when we can no longer go back and forth, and realistically, unless things become unlivable in TV (which I don't see happening at all, despite the pessimism that abounds in TOTV), our lake home is a converted fish camp, which means stairs, docks, uneven ground, and plenty of opportunities for old people to get hurt.

Our home in TV was well designed for old people. One story, large bathrooms, and a variety of activities that are easily accessed. These activities come in a wide variety of degrees of physical requirements, so that as we age we can seamlessly transition from things like pickleball and golf, to water aerobics, billiards, cards etc.

If we die soon, it's not a problem, but if we live a long time we will unfortunately face the sadness of losing spouses and dear friends. Up north the resources for moving forward from those life changing events are much more limited, and much harder to access then they are in TV. Not a fun conversation to have, but DW and I have had it and we've both come to the conclusion that a place like TV is more suited to that stage of life than our lake home.

It it what it is, it isn't perfect, it isn't "paradise", but it's a darn good place to age out.

It is “paradise” to us! So many churches, activities, pools, clubs! It’s a vibrant lifestyle here! An active lifestyle is important for quality of life as we age. In the summer, we do outside activities in the morning and late afternoon as we always have. Well, maybe not this week, but that’s okay.

[Ltwise3500]

I am thinking of North or South Carolina. Florida is getting too pricey.

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

I looked at the weather map last month. There was no place to go.
Sometimes I regret not trying out Colorado, but then winter comes, and that doubt is put to rest.
Visiting this week in Illinois that’s afforded temperatures in the 80s with dew points in the middle 60s, which were comfortable and pleasant, except for the locals grousing about the humidity.
However, the looks on their faces when I tell them I golf nine holes three times a week, and get to the pool three times a week, we’ll makes the Florida heat and humidity bearable.

[MrFlorida]

We will never leave Florida for any other state.

[JWGifford]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

We're from the Upper Midwest as well. There are some elements I miss but not enough to move back. Change has happened up there too. Heat, rain-storms---the one yesterday produced large hail. On their social media---people complain the same as here. Towns growing, folks don't drive the round-abouts correctly. People speed through town and neighborhood streets. The list goes on. When we moved here 14 yrs ago we both said, "we're not moving back!!!" Winter got tiresome---oh, winter is another thing....it's lasting longer and longer, it seems. I know folks who have moved back to where they're "from" and say---"everything changed! Friends moved on and it's hard to re-establish with them. Cost of living was higher too---taxes, groceries etc. Remember, I said we were from the Upper Midwest---not the East or West Coasts!! Our memories always paint a picture that's not factual.

Excellent observation. We tried to “move home” once and found it disappointing. It was difficult to reestablish friends and family connections. Not any fault of their own, but people move on and change. Also, the places and experiences one has are dated and may not reflect current reality. I think subconsciously people also sort of resent you for “leaving” and are reluctant to let you back in. Tough decisions.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

I’m a frog. I didn’t move to Florida. I moved to The Villages because of all the things to do here, especially the music jams. If The Villages happened to be somewhere else, that would be fine, too. I don’t really mind winter weather. That said, I like it here, but I stay inside in my 73° home nearly all the time, except when I am buying groceries or going to play at some Rec center.

[PLedoux]

Have already done it. For all of the reasons mentioned, but primarily to be closer to family as we age. We are in Michigan and love everything about it. Spring, summer and fall are beautiful compared to Florida weather. Christmas feels “normal “ with cold and sometimes snow. And we are too old to shovel, but we pay a service to do just like we did to get the lawn in Florida. We have just purchased a trailer in Recreation Plantation to spend some time in the winter with our friends. The best of both worlds without the high investment of The Villages.

[tophcfa]

Never say never. The Village’s is a wonderful place with lots of great things, but quality health care isn’t one of them. An unforeseen serious health condition might necessitate an unexpected need to relocate. I love the Village’s because of the active lifestyle. If my health wouldn’t allow me to enjoy that lifestyle, I would feel like a kid in a candy store who wasn’t allowed to eat anything. That wouldn’t be fun for me.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

As long as they continue to serve the cool aid we will be here. Seriously though we really enjoy it here. Pass me another cup of wine.

[BAT777]

Yes Traffic is ridiculous in the winter months. 6 years ago it was ok now it is getting to be too much… sad but The Villages has changed changed

Originally Posted by Bitsee

Great Post !

We are Snowbirds from Wisconsin going on 15 years now.
Wisconsin to us...is absolutely perfect.
We sit in 70+ warm sunny temperatures, beautiful lakes all around , hiking and biking trails, beautiful flowers and lush green grass, homegrown produce, fresh fish and beef , Mom and Pop diners everywhere, family owned Supper Clubs, Friday night Wisconsin fish frys at the local bars, Packerland tailgaters, and all the fresh cheese curds and real churned ice cream you could eat !
True Wisconsinite's in every way.

The Villages is also wonderful for us in the winter months, no doubt.
However, we are also going to move back to Wisconsin full-time as well eventually if we can afford a home on a big lake up here.

Florida has become more expensive to own a home there, the massive building, way too crowded, the interstates are packed continuously, the food and services there are mediocre to say the least, the crime and daily scams are over the top, and quite frankly the continuously dangerous rising heat index there is
quite alarming ~ IMO.

We are retired so Wisconsin snow shoveling is no longer a winter drama for us. I never did get used to 80* Christmas Holiday's in Florida, and falling snow outside beats 105* blasting hot sun any day in my book.

Just a personal preference for us.

[jimkerr]

No way!

[GATORBILL66]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

People in TV move to Florida full time from the north for many reasons, family here, mild winters, cheaper taxation, entertainment, etc.

Now reading all the gloom and doom about Florida's summers will only getting hotter, insurance companies leaving the state with raising home and auto rates,

I need to ask:
If given another chance, would you move out of Florida maybe back up north?

Cheers!

Been in Florida now for 50 years and loving it! Especially the hot summers. Would never move north again.

[mrf0151]

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann

I looked at the weather map last month. There was no place to go.
Sometimes I regret not trying out Colorado, but then winter comes, and that doubt is put to rest.
Visiting this week in Illinois that’s afforded temperatures in the 80s with dew points in the middle 60s, which were comfortable and pleasant, except for the locals grousing about the humidity.
However, the looks on their faces when I tell them I golf nine holes three times a week, and get to the pool three times a week, we’ll makes the Florida heat and humidity bearable.

Denver area winters are milder when comparing to most of the Northern States.
We have golfed Jan-Feb many times when living there. I understand your regret.

[wmcgowan]

im cold all the time now and hate the winter weather and snow - rather be in a warm climate

[BAT777]

We are from NH and wish we could live there in the summers and fall-not winters. However if it keeps growing here in the villages and gets as hot as it has been, really can't enjoy the outside. NH you can bundle up and
walk not feel like you may have a heart attack from the heat!!
Golfing is miserable even with the mini fans blasting..town Squares are too hot to dance..If you enjoy sitting in the house all day and night then I guess The Villages is OK.

Originally Posted by brianherlihy

we are going to sell our house and go back home to nh. we will list with the villages and hope for the best. and if you know for pople looking to buy and save mones .emaile kernann@co0mcast.net we are below 44 in a big home