[rubicon]

Originally Posted by pookieroo

I'm not sure that this is such an honor.

I agree. Also I wonder what we won?

[Incoblack1]

Originally Posted by outlaw

How does one feel proud or honored that they happen to live in the fastest growing area in the country? This has been going on for all of Florida for my whole life, yet most native Floridians would not feel honored or proud. More like sad.

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by harry black

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

Yeah stop growing just after we get to move in! First in line rite behind me! Oh Boy!

[peteal48]

I agree! When is enough enough! Now another village is going to be built,south of Rte 44. They keep adding more homes,but not more Championship golf cources or Town Squares!

[Hansa]

Originally Posted by Allegiance

The increased population does not really effect the people in the far north prehistoric section. No traffic, 3-5 minutes to town square and tons of shopping / resturants on 441 that keeps on getting better. A bigger villages just means more and better choices.

What did you mean by calling it "Prehistoric"? That has such a negative connotation. This area is the birthplace of The Villages that we are all so proud of. It is commonly referred to as the "Historic" section or "The Village Center" on the district maps. Perhaps this is what you meant to call it.

[Allegiance]

I personally, lovingly call it the prehistoric side. I always thought it was funny, coming from up North that homes 30 or 40 years old are called historic. I think the HISTORIC side is wonderful.

[Hansa]

Originally Posted by Allegiance

I personally, lovingly call it the prehistoric side. I always thought it was funny, coming from up North that homes 30 or 40 years old are called historic. I think the HISTORIC side is wonderful.

I couldn't agree with you more.

[dotti105]

Originally Posted by harry black

More people squashed together using the same stores, rec centers etc makes for more traffic, tension and crowds. Stop growing already!

Wow! Maybe The Villages isn't the place for you! We look at The Villages and see an amazing variety of opportunities to enjoy our retirement. No where else can you find so many pools, rec centers, golf courses, with in a 5 minute golf cart ride.

Glass half full? I think mine is overflowing!

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I was raised to embrace differing viewpoints, not try to silence them. I feel sorry for all of the spouses and children of the folks who are always finding fault with others' posts.

I agree, but it's always the same few who put down those who might find something about The Villages less than perfect. We know who they are and we've learned to ignore them.

Many people I've spoken to have said the same thing about the growth. It is a two sided coin. There is an increase in the number of doctors we have now, a few more grocery stores, a few more restaurants although nothing outstanding, the performing art center, but this all comes at the expense of increased traffic congestion, more people using the facilities which haven't kept pace with the growth, poor golf course conditions related to high useage, etc. When we first moved here, The Villages had a small town villages feel to it. Now we have become a city of larger proportions, and that small town feel is rapidly disappearing. That isn't necessarily bad, but it is different, and not what everyone signed on for. In our case, we've decided the positives outweigh the negatives for now, but we keep our eyes open in case we see other retirement communities that might be more appealing. Retirement communities are popping up all over the country in response to the baby boomers retiring, and there are some interesting concepts being played out.

[rjn5656]

I am glad to be here. No regrets.