[ydnar9]

We stayed there twice for a month and really liked it a lot. The reason we may not live there is that it is too expensive for us to purchase. I would not purchase a manufactured home for full time because of insurance issues when it gets older and also values will decline so that leaves stick built homes. The area where the manufactured homes are is a really nice mature area with all the trees and winding roads though. We live on SS and a small pension and can not afford what the homes cost in The Villages so we are looking elsewhere. That would be the only reason for not purchasing there.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by janmcn

If you look at the number of almost new homes for sale, fully furnished, golf cart included, quick close possible, it would seem people are taking your advice.

The homes are beautiful that are listed for resale. TV is lovely to visit.
Everything is available for a senior citizen's needs.

In my humble opinion, I think that many can't tolerate the summer heat and humidity.

Although not perhaps as intense a sun as on the beach on either coast, the sun is still very powerful. Combine that with the humidity and the heat index is out of this world. Even up north, people just cannot tolerate the heat. We've been lucky to have a cooler dryer summer up here compared to the rest of the country.

My one fear would be if there was a massive hurricane or otherwise caused POWER OUTAGE. I would hate to be in Florida (anywhere) in the summertime.......without airconditioning. I still have memories of those people standing in line for water after Hurricane Andrew hit the coast....20 or so years ago.

If an outdoor generator isn't allowed..........what would the average resident of TV do when the temps and humidity are excruciatingly high and there is no central "air".

I'm sure those who come from the southern states can tolerate the heat and humidity much more so than the New Englanders or northerners.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I met my first person last week who was so very unhappy with The Villages that she wanted to move away quickly. Turns out the reason she was unhappy was that she had always lived close to family and now she is 1500 miles away. Her husband is 100% happy here. She can't stand it here. I asked if she had visited any clubs or interest groups and she said she just stays in her house all day and all night while her husband plays golf in the day and goes out with golfing friends at night to local watering holes.

Just from a wannabee's perspective...this woman may not be giving TV a fair shot. If all she does is stay at home all day and night without trying to get involved in something -- club, class, volunteer project, golf lessons, pickleball, etc. I believe some people "choose" to be unhappy. I hope she finds some happiness here. Just my 2 cents.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

As for the lot sizes, I for one am ready for a small lot. We have had several homes with 3 to 8 acre lots, and currently have a 2/3 acre lake lot that is as much work as a small farm. Time to play more and work less.

We too have met people from both Stonecrest and Spruce Creek, and they say they are happy, and from all appearences, are. However, when you dig into their thinking they have, without exception, at least one of the couple who is extemely non-social. I don't mean that as a negative, but one or both simply don't like mixing with strangers, and don't really like a lot of outside activities. One man we met who used to live in TV, and now lives in Stonecrest was just furious about the mail situation in TV, having clustered mailboxes where everyone went at 4:30 and about ran each other over. I am not exaggerating, that is why he left the Villages and moved to Stonecrest. Everyone has different ideas about what life should be about, and most definitely not everyone is cut out for The Villages. One reason TV is so great for most that are there is because they are among like-minded, active, outgoing people. The people who are not probably don't buy there for the most part, and in most cases probably shouldn't.

During my 3 times renting in TV, I spent a fair amount of time at the pools in the different villages I rented in. I was able to observe residents coming and going from the mail stations in 3 different villages -- now this was not at high season, but I never noticed anyone running over each other at the mail stations. Wow, moving because he had to go to a mail station to get his mail. I am just happy when my mail carrier closes the lid on my mailbox so my mail doesn't get wet on a rainy day! Actually I like the idea of common mail stations as I know my mail won't get wet or taken from my mailbox.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

During my 3 times renting in TV, I spent a fair amount of time at the pools in the different villages I rented in. I was able to observe residents coming and going from the mail stations in 3 different villages -- now this was not at high season, but I never noticed anyone running over each other at the mail stations. Wow, moving because he had to go to a mail station to get his mail. I am just happy when my mail carrier closes the lid on my mailbox so my mail doesn't get wet on a rainy day! Actually I like the idea of common mail stations as I know my mail won't get wet or taken from my mailbox.

Neither did we Schaumburger. My husband even ordered something for our grandbaby and it was delivered to a larger box at the clustered mailbox area..........however, you are MUCH YOUNGER than us and most retirees to TV....plus, we ourselves, would prefer if our mail was delivered to our door, especially as we get older into our 80's and beyond. Walking in the heat to the clustered mailbox station or even riding in the golf cart, may not be comfy in the summertime. We like to think ahead for our own golden years.........

Heck.......even now, after having our mailbox down on our road for the past twenty years, having to walk up and down a slightly steep driveway to fetch said mail every day........is NOT as convenient as when we had the mailbox right on our front porch.........same neighborhood; they just figure this street is on the outskirts of the village and everyone got roadside mail boxes..........on a post. We put our own in obviously, but do miss the convenience of having it delivered right to the front door.

Rain, snow, sleet, ice, etc......are good reasons for up here.
Perhaps heat and humidity for down there. Or, just old age.
Even the "young at heart" and "spry" villagers of today will grow old in the future.

Our rental home was in fairly close proximity to the mailboxes...but still not the same. NO REASON TO MOVE THOUGH.......just talking convenience.

The lifestyle visit home was also very close to the mailboxes.

However, as we drove through various villages, not all the residents would be so fortunate........what if they were ill or not feeling well?
Their bills and such just would not be "at hand".......

I can understand the reasoning behind why they moved. Many folks today have major knee replacement surgeries and find it hard to walk distances.
To each his own..........

So, those developements (a realtor keeps sending me info on them) have mailboxes at their front doors????????????

[Bonny]

If I were sick or had a knee replacement, I have many friends that would be more then happy to help out & get my mail for me as I would be more than happy to do for them. Love our friends in the Villages ! They are awesome.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by janmcn

If you look at the number of almost new homes for sale, fully furnished, golf cart included, quick close possible, it would seem people are taking your advice.

I AGREE.

A possibility as to why there are so many new homes on the market is that people get used to their ways and habits back at "home" wherever that may be. They may miss the "familiar".

These may be the same "kids" that got homesick at summer camp......

Up in New England (I'm not talking cities like Boston) it takes a very very long time to fit in to a community of native New Englanders whose roots go deep for generations............we found that out when we arrived, but were accepted and slowly made wonderful friendships that lasted through the 44 years........people up here are not as gregarious as perhaps in other locales........but their hearts are in the right place.

Craftsmen, artists, writers, etc.... all solitary folks, gravitate to New England. It seems more gregarious sorts gravitate to TV.

Not everyone wants to be busy 24/7. Not everyone needs company 24/7.

It is wonderful that so many activities are AVAILABLE as we noticed in the Daily Sun each day.............but if one was not overextended back "home", they surely will not want to be overextended in TV.

The introverted types might be artists and like to paint alone on their lanai.........or write the great American novel. They also might love when their adult children and grandchildren visit.........whereas those who never had children, couldn't care less about that aspect of living in a wonderful sunny climate or treating the children to Disney World.
Too bad it's such a long drive away..........

Family oriented people will miss their family.
No doubt about it.

Those who love the town squares for the dancing and socializing will have that as their focal point...........others couldn't care less.

Different strokes for different folks. It's what makes the world go round.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

Neither did we Schaumburger. My husband even ordered something for our grandbaby and it was delivered to a larger box at the clustered mailbox area..........however, you are MUCH YOUNGER than us and most retirees to TV....plus, we ourselves, would prefer if our mail was delivered to our door, especially as we get older into our 80's and beyond. Walking in the heat to the clustered mailbox station or even riding in the golf cart, may not be comfy in the summertime. We like to think ahead for our own golden years.........

Heck.......even now, after having our mailbox down on our road for the past twenty years, having to walk up and down a slightly steep driveway to fetch said mail every day........is NOT as convenient as when we had the mailbox right on our front porch.........same neighborhood; they just figure this street is on the outskirts of the village and everyone got roadside mail boxes..........on a post. We put our own in obviously, but do miss the convenience of having it delivered right to the front door.

Rain, snow, sleet, ice, etc......are good reasons for up here.
Perhaps heat and humidity for down there. Or, just old age.
Even the "young at heart" and "spry" villagers of today will grow old in the future.

Our rental home was in fairly close proximity to the mailboxes...but still not the same. NO REASON TO MOVE THOUGH.......just talking convenience.

The lifestyle visit home was also very close to the mailboxes.

However, as we drove through various villages, not all the residents would be so fortunate........what if they were ill or not feeling well?
Their bills and such just would not be "at hand".......

I can understand the reasoning behind why they moved. Many folks today have major knee replacement surgeries and find it hard to walk distances.
To each his own..........

So, those developements (a realtor keeps sending me info on them) have mailboxes at their front doors????????????

The poor old people you describe should be in a nursing home not an active lifestyle community!
We will reach that point someday. But to infer that TV has to change the mail distribution system to accomodate us as we grow old is wishful thinking. As neighbors, many of us have picked up an ailing neighbors mail........not a big deal.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

The poor old people you describe should be in a nursing home not an active lifestyle community!
We will reach that point someday. But to infer that TV has to change the mail distribution system to accomodate us as we grow old is wishful thinking. As neighbors, many of us have picked up an ailing neighbors mail........not a big deal.

That is very kind of you to pick up the ailing neighbors' mail, which any of us would also be happy to assist our elders in doing..........but I didn't realize there was an age limit for residing in TV? I know it's 55 and up.
But what is the cut off age?

It's not like Soylent Green where they turn the elders into fertilizer cubes, is it? Not everyone that's 80+ lives in a nursing home.

But I get your point..........but obviously, you're one of the youngens.
When you live a little longer........you'll see various stages of aging in place.......among your friends, family, neighbors. We've seen it all, even in those much younger...........

No one said TV should change the mail distribution system. It's a HUGE COMPLEX.......and if it works as it is, fine. Just I can understand why people would miss the convenience of having their mail at their door.

We didn't have a problem with it as we only got mail once; something that had been ordered for a grandbaby that would be visiting. In our situation, it was fairly close near the community pool........but we did drive through other villages where the mail was NOT near most of the homes...........

[hotrodgirl]

You know, I would ALWAYS offer to help a neighbor in need. Pick up mail, fix a meal, run an errand. I am certain in every small neighborhood thetre are those willing to do what humankind does, and that is aid those who need a bit of help. You (Sr Citizen) speak of aging, but my mother was working and driving until she was 90. She was a pro-am golfer, active in her community, active in church, a musician, and generally busy and happy person. Unfortunately I lost her at almost 95 to pneumonia and other complications and she was indeed in nursing care the last few months. But she had a propensity for life and sometimes I think we can control or destiny to a certain point. I intend to be a forward thinking, active and busy senior at TV and fully expect a good life barring any unforeseen medical problems that may occur. We all age, but we needn't give up our quality of life! My 2 cents....

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Ashton

Snakes, sinkholes, extreme right wing owner, and we were not thrilled with the quality of construction JMHO

I would guess of the three you are more repulsed by the Republican owner. I challenge another of your posts that also demeaned the quality of construction.

My husband and I have built seven homes in our life time and bought three new ones. The most recent one in Ohio was custom with some fine things in it like lovely open wood stairway and 20 foot ceiling in great room and it was much larger than the home we have here.

Our new home here was built as well if not better as that home in Ohio that was custom.. And that goes for the one we just sold in Hadley too.

I get real annoyed with critics who don't like the developers large contributions to the Republican party and then demean the quality of the homes here.

The developers build fine houses at all levels of price and the lifestyle is unequaled if you are a golfer.

[jgbama]

I think it has been said several times, maybe not on this thread, but we all should have done our "homework" before deciding to move to TV. We close next Monday, after 9 visits over 7 years, talking to owners and visitors alike, and endless hours looking at homes, reading TOTV threads, and even attended an CDD orientation about 5 years ago.

To move to TV, thinking the crowds, speeders, grandkids will go away is foolish. Will I complain about crowds, speeders, grandkids, etc. after we move? Probably. . . because TV will go from a great place to visit to being MY HOMETOWN!!. I'll want to preserve the things we fell in love with at TV. We chose TV for it's beauty, the friendly and caring people, the activities, the diversity, safety, quick response by the paramedics, closeness to Orlando, etc. etc. Oh yeah, keeping my clubs on MY golf cart!

Regardless of where you live in TV, old section or new section, you will be quickly accepted if you reach out that hand of friendship. I've heard that said about Silver Lakes, Orange Blossom, Santiago, and our soon to be new neighborhood of Rio Grande! Being neighborly, considerate, courteous and friendly has no age. You may have to get out of your "comfort zone" briefly, but wow, you won't have to wait twenty years to establish yourself as a "local", which you will experience most everywhere else.

So, the only downside is - WE AREN'T THERE YET, BUT WILL BE IN ABOUT A MONTH!

[cgalloway6]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

Neither did we Schaumburger. My husband even ordered something for our grandbaby and it was delivered to a larger box at the clustered mailbox area..........however, you are MUCH YOUNGER than us and most retirees to TV....plus, we ourselves, would prefer if our mail was delivered to our door, especially as we get older into our 80's and beyond. Walking in the heat to the clustered mailbox station or even riding in the golf cart, may not be comfy in the summertime. We like to think ahead for our own golden years.........

Heck.......even now, after having our mailbox down on our road for the past twenty years, having to walk up and down a slightly steep driveway to fetch said mail every day........is NOT as convenient as when we had the mailbox right on our front porch.........same neighborhood; they just figure this street is on the outskirts of the village and everyone got roadside mail boxes..........on a post. We put our own in obviously, but do miss the convenience of having it delivered right to the front door.

Rain, snow, sleet, ice, etc......are good reasons for up here.
Perhaps heat and humidity for down there. Or, just old age.
Even the "young at heart" and "spry" villagers of today will grow old in the future.

Our rental home was in fairly close proximity to the mailboxes...but still not the same. NO REASON TO MOVE THOUGH.......just talking convenience.

The lifestyle visit home was also very close to the mailboxes.

However, as we drove through various villages, not all the residents would be so fortunate........what if they were ill or not feeling well?
Their bills and such just would not be "at hand".......

I can understand the reasoning behind why they moved. Many folks today have major knee replacement surgeries and find it hard to walk distances.
To each his own..........

So, those developements (a realtor keeps sending me info on them) have mailboxes at their front doors????????????

The only things we get in the mail anymore are flyers, ads and requests for money(donations not bills). Everything is online. Even magazines have digital editions which take up much less room on a Kindle or Nook than piling up on a table, waiting to be recycled or just tossed.

[billethkid]

and for some going to get the mail may be their only reason left to get out of the house for some fresh air, sun light and moving of the old body parts.

btk

[jgbama]

Originally Posted by Floridagal

I enjoy living here, except for one reason. I hear of blocks that are very close and people go out for lunch, dinner or just sit in someone's house and spend a nice evening. The block I live on is not all that friendly. We say hello and that is about as far as it does. No body seems to want to get together as a group. So I have found friends in other villages and they are very friendly and you can always count on them and we do alot of things together.

That very well could be one of the reasons people move within TV (i.e. "the average Villager moves 3 times"), to be closer to friendlier, more active neighborhoods or people they have made good friends with.