Talk of The Villages Florida
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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Is The Villages getting too big? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/villages-getting-too-big-103688/)

Bruiser1 02-04-2014 09:54 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 823587)
gomoho - What is causing you to lose your mind about that area? I have been driving up and down 27/441 between Ocala and Leesburg and the *only* area driving me nuts is that road re-construction from F.P south that is now in its *3rd year*!!!!! A project like that one would never take 3 yrs to complete in NJ - where crews cannot work all year round even!!!! The worst traffic light we have encountered is turning left from 466 onto Rolling Acres Rd or turning left from 466 onto Morse to go to LSL. So in the first example we now use Morse Blvd instead of Rolling Acres Rd and in the second example we either avoid going to LSL or we use Morse Blvd again.

I agree with you on the "construction project" on 27 . In Minnesota it would have been done in 6 months tops. We've had a twenty mile (2lane to 4 lane) completed in 3calendar years (18 months of construction) .
:crap2:

Golfingnut 02-04-2014 10:21 AM
The Villages is crowded, but far from over or too crowded to enjoy. Now that the economy is doing so much better than back in 08 when we started looking, I predict bigger and better things to come. Our home has came up in value in this short time to compensate for the loss when we sold up north before coming down. The big difference is that folks in the Villages go out to dinner, party with friends and get involved in sports at a rate ten times the rate of doing these things up north. Can you imagine your home town if everyone was out and about like we are here.

collie1228 02-04-2014 10:23 AM
This is our second winter in TV, and there is no doubt in my mind that the traffic has increased since last winter, and everything is much busier, especially restaurants. That being said, I am still able to play championship golf twice a week at a reasonable time, and we are able to play executive courses 1-2 times a week as well. I arrange a neighborhood couples scramble on executive courses north of 466 every week for 24-32 golfers, and we haven't had to miss a week yet due to lack of tee times (the villages.net tee time system is excellent). We tend to go to lunch instead of dinner over this three month period, which works for us. We went to dinner early on Friday (5:00PM) and were immediately seated at Bamboo Bistro - By 5:30 the place was full. My point is that you need to be flexible, and just get through this "difficult time". We are very happy to be full-timers, so we get 8-9 months of peace and quiet, good tee times, lots of activities, and great weather. We sometimes complain a little bit about the crowds, but we realize that without the snowbirds, the cost for us to live in TV would be a lot higher. Thanks to the snowbirds for paying for all twelve months but only using 3-4. It's a great deal for us.

Polar Bear 02-04-2014 10:36 AM
Coming from Pinellas County (St. Pete/Tampa area) I chuckle to myself when I read about the unbearable crowds and traffic in TV. It simply isn't that bad IMHO...especially for only a few months out of the year.

I think collie sums it up pretty well.

2BNTV 02-04-2014 11:49 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by collie1228 (Post 823714)
This is our second winter in TV, and there is no doubt in my mind that the traffic has increased since last winter, and everything is much busier, especially restaurants. That being said, I am still able to play championship golf twice a week at a reasonable time, and we are able to play executive courses 1-2 times a week as well. I arrange a neighborhood couples scramble on executive courses north of 466 every week for 24-32 golfers, and we haven't had to miss a week yet due to lack of tee times (the villages.net tee time system is excellent). We tend to go to lunch instead of dinner over this three month period, which works for us. We went to dinner early on Friday (5:00PM) and were immediately seated at Bamboo Bistro - By 5:30 the place was full. My point is that you need to be flexible, and just get through this "difficult time". We are very happy to be full-timers, so we get 8-9 months of peace and quiet, good tee times, lots of activities, and great weather. We sometimes complain a little bit about the crowds, but we realize that without the snowbirds, the cost for us to live in TV would be a lot higher. Thanks to the snowbirds for paying for all twelve months but only using 3-4. It's a great deal for us.
Excellent post. :bigbow:

manaboutown 02-04-2014 12:31 PM
The Villages is a high growth rate development. Having experienced this in Phoenix and another area infrastructure development typically lags population needs. I remember the children in Phoenix having to go to school in shifts because there were not enough schools for them. In The Villages the developer seems to pretty much be on top of and even ahead of growth in many ways. The streets and highways are another matter and not under the developer's control (except for the interchange being built). Similarly the retail, restaurants, service stations and other businesses probably lag growth.

On the happy side, as a community grows, normally more businesses establish themselves. I consider this a good thing. More competition brings more variety as well as perhaps lower prices. The Villages started in a rural area lacking much in the way of retail and restaurant choices. As it continues to grow more businesses will move in to service the needs of the populace. Who knows, maybe a Maserati or Lamborghini dealer may give The Villages a try!

buggyone 02-04-2014 01:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Golfingnut (Post 823713)
Our home has came up in value in this short time to compensate for the loss when we sold up north before coming down. .

Lou,
I don't quite understand the above part of your post. I understand selling your previous house at a loss and the increase in value of your home here - but isn't that just "on paper". You don't profit in the increased value of your Villages home until it is sold, do you - and we sure don't want you thinking about moving out. The Bud Lite sales in The Villages would plummet if that ever happened.

Golfingnut 02-04-2014 02:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by buggyone (Post 823804)
Lou,
I don't quite understand the above part of your post. I understand selling your previous house at a loss and the increase in value of your home here - but isn't that just "on paper". You don't profit in the increased value of your Villages home until it is sold, do you - and we sure don't want you thinking about moving out. The Bud Lite sales in The Villages would plummet if that ever happened.
Your right on point, and I hope I never benefit from the increase in value, but our children will certainly benefit from in increase in sale value from our 2009 purchase price. They will have no idea about our loss up north, just a warm and fussy from a half million dollar sale after we frog out in florida.

mickey100 02-04-2014 02:41 PM
It seems that those who come from tourist areas or busy metropolitan areas have less trouble adjusting to the high traffic and population in The Villages, particularly during high season, than those who might come from smaller communities or rural areas.

We came here about 10 years ago, from a rural area, and obviously TV was much less crowded back then. But even then it was an adjustment for us. We could get through it knowing that the crowds would die down and be gone by the end of April. However with the large growth and expansion, and little to no expansion of transportation conduits, traffic is becoming a problem year round. I hate going out on Route 27/441 or Route 466 in the afternoon. Its brutal. We counteract that by traveling on the busy roads at non-peak times whenever possible. We've been avoiding local restaurants and dining away from The Villages, or mostly eat at home or party at friends' houses during this busy time. I love the snowbirds, but it is really difficult to deal with the crowds and heavy traffic this time of year. When we originally bought, we had no idea it would reach the level it has.

Matzy 02-04-2014 03:34 PM
Hmmmh, yes, TV get's too big! Sorry for that to start one question in case of that.
Actually, I do not want to complain because I already knew very well it what it could happen before we decided to come to The Villages.
I was born during WWII in Germany, remembering bombing nights and days, grew up in ruins, nothing to eat, occupation by Red Army before we went west. I spent my whole life helping others, teaching and medical help,very often voluntarily, Army (NATO), and so I saw a lot of things I don't want to explain (because it is so bad and sad).
And then I found a place which is wonderful, have wonderful neighbors and a lot of very nice people around me, almost a super perfect place to live after a very busy life. Yes, this place has sometimes high seasons, sometimes are things I do not agree because it does not fit 110% that what I am expecting, but it is still a wonderful place to live.

And now, after thinking about me and this place - it is not NYC - I can't complain, just be happy every day with a smile for everybody, even I have to wait for a seat at restaurants, I am just HAPPY here. I hope you can understand me.

Matzy 02-04-2014 04:13 PM
Sorry, I forgot one more thing to ad to my last post: Thank YOU, wherever you are right now, and thank you for all I can experience right now. Also with the possible crowd, thank you all that you are so nice.

Dani Forbes 02-04-2014 04:55 PM
I agree with the crowds, and that we have to be patient My beef is people with little dogs, who push them in strollers, especially on Market Nights. Do they really have to have the dog with them? I guess they put them in strollers so they wouldn't get stepped on, but really? Bringing the strollers into Restaurants, or grocery stores just doesn't seem right to me?

Just my "pet" peeve for today!

Diane G 02-04-2014 05:04 PM
Does anyone know the percentage of Villagers who are snowbirds?

Steve & Deanna 02-04-2014 08:14 PM
I remember when we were 'on the outside looking in.' Now, with crowds, we do what we want, put up with some traffic, a little golf, a little bit of the Squares at night, get together with friends for cards, It's all good. Once more business gets into Brownwood, people aren't going to want to travel eight miles. I have to say that we got quite a chuckle watching newbies walk around in shorts, golf shirts and sandals when it's 48 degrees out. My only major gripe is Bingo. Can't get seats nearby in our neighborhood for the last few years....even showing up ahead of time.

geri317 02-05-2014 08:15 AM
Watching the building of new homes, some we expected, some we didn't know about, sometimes scares me. What if this Paradise of ours "blows" up it our faces. We bought here because of what it has to offer for retirees, but each year the crowds get worse during season and the streets, restaurants, recreation centers, pools, golf courses are overflowing with people. The Villages can't keep up with the additional snowbirds, renters, buyers. We are in overload. What will it be like in a few years?

ricklowe 02-05-2014 08:51 AM
It surprises me that no one has mentioned the new development on 301 and 466! The Villages are building 542 new homes to support the growing need for housing for people that work in the villages with family's. (Doctors,Nurses, Construction, Business owners etc,). It seams as though the new residents in that aria will attract new businesses to Buffalo ridge. that development will alleviate some of the congestion on 466a and 44 in the coming years.

graciegirl 02-05-2014 08:55 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by geri317 (Post 824132)
Watching the building of new homes, some we expected, some we didn't know about, sometimes scares me. What if this Paradise of ours "blows" up it our faces. We bought here because of what it has to offer for retirees, but each year the crowds get worse during season and the streets, restaurants, recreation centers, pools, golf courses are overflowing with people. The Villages can't keep up with the additional snowbirds, renters, buyers. We are in overload. What will it be like in a few years?


I would guess it will be about the same. At the rate that people move in, they age and grow old and die. As they age they are not as interactive in the community and do not take up as many spaces at events. And there is a lot of been there, done that even with the young vibrant crowd. The high season is the time when these questions arise and people are annoyed because we have visitors who don't own here and don't intend to own here and do not treasure this space the way we Villagers do.


The fast growth of population here is unprecedented. The restaurants and business venues will come, just as they did in the past. The bulk of the growth here has been in the past fifteen years.


I think we are all sitting on a gold mine if we own property. But I could be wrong, but it won't matter to most of us in twenty years. At all.

villagerjack 02-05-2014 09:00 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 824162)
I would guess it will be about the same. At the rate that people move in, they age and grow old and die. As they age they are not as interactive in the community and do not take up as many spaces at events. And there is a lot of been there, done that even with the young vibrant crowd. The high season is the time when these questions arise and people are annoyed because we have visitors who don't own here and don't intend to own here and do not treasure this space the way we Villagers do.


The fast growth of population here is unprecedented. The restaurants and business venues will come, just as they did in the past. The bulk of the growth here has been in the past fifteen years.


I think we are all sitting on a gold mine if we own property. But I could be wrong, but it won't matter to most of us in twenty years. At all.
I agree Gracie. BTW do a lot of stuff here and I really do not feel that it is over crowded. Depends on your perspective I guess.

JB in TV 02-05-2014 09:50 AM
Thank you all for a healthy discusssion! Many, many good points have been raised. My intial post was based on frustration from two personal experiences...and one that was recently posted here regarding Bingo tickets. (Gracie) I've never been a great writer, so I may not have expressed as clearly as I could have what I was thinking. My thoughts were more directed to the fact that perhaps the Villages is getting too big for the way events are being organized...

There have been many suggestions in how to deal with the crowds this time of year...for the few I hadn't thought of, THANKS!

My main reason for positng was to get people's thoughts on how to improve the event planning here. The only idea I have regarding the Home and Garden show (and a few other "shows" that get over crowded) is to make them a two day event...But I have no idea if that is feasible here. There are certainly other places that deal with large number of people...just two examples, Disney, and the two large Royal Caribbean ships, the Allure, and the Oasis of the Seas. Disney has a central reservation system for dinner venues, and the two ships I mentioned have a reservation system for the many shows and activities on board. The fact that the restaurants here are all individually owned creates some obstacle, but why couldn't there be a website that shows each restaurant and their seating availability..allowing folks to make a reservation..or decide to go elsewhere? This is just one idea from a person who admittedly...first, is not very creative, and second, doesn't have all the info needed to make these kinds of suggestions.

Golfingnut 02-07-2014 03:12 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 824162)
I would guess it will be about the same. At the rate that people move in, they age and grow old and die. As they age they are not as interactive in the community and do not take up as many spaces at events. And there is a lot of been there, done that even with the young vibrant crowd. The high season is the time when these questions arise and people are annoyed because we have visitors who don't own here and don't intend to own here and do not treasure this space the way we Villagers do.


The fast growth of population here is unprecedented. The restaurants and business venues will come, just as they did in the past. The bulk of the growth here has been in the past fifteen years.


I think we are all sitting on a gold mine if we own property. But I could be wrong, but it won't matter to most of us in twenty years. At all.
That's where we're at. We put in for golf a little quicker, gto to dinner a little earlier, but basically do the same things as in the summer. You can whine and complain or you can start early, slow down and enjoy. The way you feel when you go to bed at night is up to you. We never end the day without a hug and a sincere I LOVE YOU. That will help with tomorrow every time.

2BNTV 02-07-2014 03:50 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Golfingnut (Post 825422)
That's where we're at. We put in for golf a little quicker, to dinner a little earlier, but basically do the same things as in the summer. You can whine and complain or you can start early, slow down and enjoy. The way you feel when you go to bed at night is up to you. We never end the day without a hug and a sincere I LOVE YOU. That will help with tomorrow every time.
Nice post Lou.

People are about as happy, as they make up their minds, to be. A. Lincoln

peteg 02-07-2014 09:41 AM
Sorry if you have to wait over 1 hour at your fav eaterie. However this problem is a lack of facilities not just TV getting too large. Balance this with the summer situation when there is a lack of patrons - this is a "problem" the world over at peak times - just relax and enjoy !!
If there is a lack of parking spaces at events could car parks (or some of them) be only open to carts which doubles the number of vehicles that can park

cquick 02-07-2014 10:44 AM
said it before,will say it again:

:a040::a040:I LOVE THE SNOWBIRDS! THE VILLAGES WOULDN'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT THEM! KEEP 'EM COMING! :a040::a040:

Carpe Diem 02-08-2014 12:18 PM
Snowbirds? Go down to Disneyland. I think it's their slow time.

shcisamax 02-08-2014 01:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by pbeinetti (Post 823531)
I empathize with OP. We are full timers as of 2 years ago, and rented 2 years before. The change over those 4 years is incredible. If all the building were to stop right now, and the infrastructure were to stay the same, I wouldn't be concerned. Yes, there are times when I would like to get into a restaurant, and can't. And, get a tee time, but can't. But, not a big deal -- I can deal with that. My concern is the future. Experiencing the growth over the past 4 years, and then projecting into the future -- yes, I DO believe there is a problem just over the horizon. Janet Tutt said recently that the stop light at Colony Cottage may not be sufficient in the future. But, that they (I assume the developer) want to see what it will be like when the traffic has 'settled', after the 8000+/- people south of Hillsborough, and Fruitland Park Villages move in, and future commercialization is done. I don't know what she is referring to about 'future commercialization'. Maybe there is something on the drawing boards that none of us know about. I do know that the 8000+/- people will be here within 2 years which will add incredible strain to the existing amenities and infrastructure. I wrote Janet Tutt an email after I read about her 'commercialization' comment, and she wrote me back that it's not her department -- she would forward my email to the right person, who I never heard from. Will TV get it right over the next few years? I don't know. The Colony Plaza, and surrounding area, design is a mess. For those of us who use Micro Racetrack road, to Rolling Acres, to Home Depot, etc., it has already become a nightmare. Imagine when 4000 more people are in the Fruitland Park Villages, and south of Hillsborough is built out. IF there are not places for these people to shop, Microracetrack/Rolling Acres will be chaos. I have spoken with the person who is in charge of future road planning in the Sumter and Lake County area. I asked him what the plans are for north/south roads. His answer was that they are studying a new north/south corridor. When I asked his opinion on when this might be built, his answer was in about 20 years -- no joke.

Are we too crowded now? I don't think so. But, I do believe the handwriting is on the wall.

I have to say I have recently been thinking the same thing. We haven't even been here a full two years yet but watching and experiencing the change from last year to this and thinking about how it will be after the "imaginary" buildout is concerning.

rubicon 02-08-2014 03:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by gomoho (Post 823393)
I believe the OPs original intent was to see if anyone had suggestions to make the situation better. Lots of people going on about it's in season, this is like a tourist destination, not as bad as where I can from. But is that any reason to accept the status quo??? I ventured out to Kohl's, Sams, and BofA at Rolling Acres and 441/27 and thought I was going to lose my mind. I hope someone is looking at this situation because it really will be like this and worse once build out occurs. Then you will really see property values drop cause people will only take so much.
gomoho: I made that same observation on this forum a few years back. I thought I was buying into a retirement community and instead it was being developed as a tourist destination. I understand homeowners legal rights to the use of their property but it was one of the reasons I did not embrace renting agreements. but that is Florida ..the good...the bad.. the I need to get away from the snow and cold of it

rubicon 02-08-2014 04:04 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by buggyone (Post 823086)
Oh come on now, folks.

I drove my golf cart to the Chili Cook Off on Saturday, got there at noon, parked in back of City Fire, went with the flow of people around to the chili stations, visited lots of exhibitors, sat in a chair a while on the square - and had a wonderful time.

Where we came from in the DC burbs, we would have to drive in heavy traffic at lrast 40 minutes to go to a restaurant AND wait for a table ANY time of year. The Villages is paradise all year long. Do a little personal adjusting in high season and ENJOY yourselves.
buggyone: If I am not mistaken on the day of the chili cook off it was cold. Now I enjoy chili on a cold day but prefer to have mine indoors. The cold weather could have explained how you managed to go with the flow . heck i'll be there was plenty of room to dance at any of the squares that day:cold:

Personal Best Regards:

perrjojo 02-08-2014 05:49 PM
Too big? It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? Some think NYC is too big. Others love NYC. I loved TV when it only had Spanish Springs and I love it now. Is it different? You bet, but it's still a great place to live.

billethkid 02-08-2014 07:17 PM
well consolation the number of homes remaining till build out are a lot less than have been built in the last 3 or 4 years.

Another consideration is when the dreaded build out does occur there won't be any more growth will there.

So for those wearing out their worry beads.....and using a similar tone......the growth you are experiencing is about as bad as it is going to get right now.....

so....RELAX!!! (meant to be humorous)

sista 02-11-2014 10:02 AM
From Jan through March we live in a shaken hornets nest.

Bruiser1 02-11-2014 10:39 AM
Its so busy
EVEN THE Church are filled!

LoriAnn 02-11-2014 11:21 AM
Let them pack in here like sardines! There will never be too many people to use all the sunshine up. As long I'm warm and have the sun on my face I'm happy in my own backyard!

patty24 02-11-2014 11:28 AM
Yes! Yes!

dewilson58 02-11-2014 11:33 AM
Nope.


:beer3:
:beer3:
:beer3:
:beer3:

buggyone 02-11-2014 11:58 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 826267)
buggyone: If I am not mistaken on the day of the chili cook off it was cold. Now I enjoy chili on a cold day but prefer to have mine indoors. The cold weather could have explained how you managed to go with the flow . heck i'll be there was plenty of room to dance at any of the squares that day:cold:

Personal Best Regards:
Yes, you are mistaken. The day of the Chili Cook-Off was very warm and sunny. It was crowded but not overly so. Lots of people, lots of chili, and alot of fun.

Actually, it was a somewhat more crowded as it was also the day when February renters checked in at the Sales Office.

rubicon 02-11-2014 12:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by buggyone (Post 827580)
Yes, you are mistaken. The day of the Chili Cook-Off was very warm and sunny. It was crowded but not overly so. Lots of people, lots of chili, and alot of fun.

Actually, it was a somewhat more crowded as it was also the day when February renters checked in at the Sales Office.
Define warm and sunny. My recollection was that it was below 50

billethkid 02-11-2014 01:05 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 827606)
Define warm and sunny. My recollection was that it was below 50
According yo my FL adjusted system:

72 - 90 = warm and sunny

62 - 72 = cool

52 - 62 = cold

42-52 = freezing cold

32 - 42 = start looking for a home further South!:D

Paradynamics 02-11-2014 01:31 PM
I know a lot of the folks in the villages have concerns about "the intruders" that come here for the winter months as they get away from the northern cold regions, but they pay their way also. The people here that own a few rentals have no problem taking their 3-4,000 a month rent. I bought down here to get away from the cold weather also but we don't live here full time. We have 3 other homes that we go to and enjoy and those communities don't mind the extra revenue that comes into these areas. Remember folks without these intruders you would not have the lifestyle that you have at TV. IMHO without the extra revenue from these people most of you would not be able to afford to live here because the expenses would be forwarded to the owners

maine04578 02-11-2014 01:37 PM
For several reasons--the size of TV and the cost of housing ($200K for a 2/2 CYV with laundry in the garage? No way, Jose) we're looking around elsewhere. We may end up in TV, but we're giving it serious second thoughts. TV may become a victim of its own success when it's built out--time will tell. (And I already know you guys will chime in and blast me for criticizing any aspect of "paradise," so save it.)

billethkid 02-11-2014 01:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paradynamics (Post 827620)
I know a lot of the folks in the villages have concerns about "the intruders" that come here for the winter months as they get away from the northern cold regions, but they pay their way also. The people here that own a few rentals have no problem taking their 3-4,000 a month rent. I bought down here to get away from the cold weather also but we don't live here full time. We have 3 other homes that we go to and enjoy and those communities don't mind the extra revenue that comes into these areas. Remember folks without these intruders you would not have the lifestyle that you have at TV. IMHO without the extra revenue from these people most of you would not be able to afford to live here because the expenses would be forwarded to the owners
I am a relatively frequent participant of TOTV and I have never seen the word "intruder" used to describe non full time residents.

Of course you may find some remarks by a few relative to what ever ails them and relative to "snow birds".

The message sent is as though it represents the majority here in TV....which it most certainly does not. Sounds like a bit of sour grapes as well.


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