The Villages is not for everyone. I can live anywhere and have lived all over the world. I moved here for my wife, so she could enjoy her retirement with folks her age. I make the most of where ever I happen to live. Those that come on here complaining about living here, apparently do not know that even though this is a bubble, there are no fences to keep you in. If they tell you that there are other places that are better, ask them why they do not live there instead of here.
Like I said, I moved here so my wife could get out of the woods and socialize. She loves being around people and I can take them or leave them. Makes no difference. But, do not let them tell you that folks are not friendly here. I notice that when I first came here. Every stranger was ready to volunteer their experience and suggestions to me. Seems like they could tell that I was new right from the beginning. I have never seen so many helpful and charitable people in one location. Neighbors watch out for each other here. Not necessarily busybodies but caring and giving folks. You would think that they all go to the same church or something.
Rarely do you see an unkempt home/yard. If it is overgrown then it is either a rental that is late in being maintained or a deserted home where someone recently dies and no one has taken responsibility for it. Rarely.
Things are already starting to get better after the pandemic's original threat. It won't be long before we all get back to normal. Buying now is probably a good deal, as there is probably slim pickings when it comes to new buyers seeking a home. Not my bailiwick so I don't know.
There are very few folks that are not happy here. Those that are not happy here have probably never been happy anywhere.

So sorry for all of the horrible experiences you have had. But I do think you will enjoy living here when you do get here. Stay safe and healthy.

At least NJ has a diverse and wonderful choice in restaurants that serve the most delicious food. There’s that.

The weather must be better than being north, and we have lovely walks and bicycle paths.
We’re also fairly new here, so we’re using this time to explore different areas of the state, and enjoying lazy days with picnics in quiet coves.
This situation won’t last forever, so enjoy the slower pace of life while it lasts.

While the amenities, etc. attract people to TV (me too), it’s really about making new friends. The Villages is primarily about the people and neighbors. Amenities will be back; in the meantime, meet your neighbors and make new friends, while wearing a mask and practicing social distancing, of course. Best wishes - and welcome.

Thanks Janet and our thoughts exactly. I set up a closed Facebook page for Chitty Chatty residents where my home is located and through that met so many wonderful people which has just heightened our desire to come on out. This will end, things will open and we will be able to come out and enjoy the dream.

As they say 'the best things come to those that wait'.

Stay positive, happy and healthy and enjoy life, set backs are merely oart of the journey and learning experience that make the end destination so much more enjoyable.

With hindsight perhaps we should have done the same as we completed our design meeting on 3/6 returning to the UK on 3/8, and the borders closing on 3/18. We would at least have saved $ 40,000 on the FX, plus another $12k +++ paying the taxes, amenity fees, electric, water, lawn care etc. on a home that we are not allowed to visit as we are not allowed to enter the US, if we had put off our purchase until Covid was over.... So those that complain about not wanting to go to TV from up north should count themselves lucky - at least they have the choice whether to go or not. We WANT to come to TV, but are not allowed to.

And for those that say Covid is a problem in every state.. look to the rest of the world. It is not just a US problem its a world problem. The UK is in a total mess. People book holidays to Europe, only to then be told while they are away that the borders are closing and that they must self quarantine for 14 days... I mentioned the UK is a mess... our Government opened pandora's box, let and released the genie from the bottle in an attempt to save the economy... but has wrecked it in the process.... We face a nuclear winter of tax rises to repay the monumental debt the UK government has run up, this may have serious impact on when we can retire if we now have to pay more taxes - which are already way above what you guys and girls are paying. Office workers have found that they don't need to waste time commuting, Starbucks is moaning they no longer sell as many coffees! But we are going through an industrial revolution, commuting and homeworking is the next area to be hit (retail as we know is replaced by Amazon, cinemas by TV, Cable by Netflix).... And I would be in TV now working from home if I had the choice and not in London.... My 800 hours a year of commuting time that I wasted could be better spent on the golf course, in the pools or running the many lovely well kept paths.

TV has so much to offer, and when this is over I for one plan on making the very most of it.

We are safer.. that is the point..
 

We are older, and some are wiser, so we are, or should be safer folk, and in a "bubble" We can go out (with safe distancing), to play Pickleball and Tennis, go for a swim, a walk, or a cart or bike ride. We can walk, see wildlife, get a take away, shop, get groceries. Yes there are restrictions on the night life and town square gatherings, and bars. But we dont have riots, shootings, lootings, demonstrations peaceful or otherwise. We can sit in our yard and talk to neighbors and friends. That is better than nothing for us. We have not had our homes burned by fires, or washed away by floods and storms. I think we have a good deal.... why dont you !!!

The point is that you can't do any of those things elsewhere either. IF things return to normal you'll be able to do those things here. If this IS the new normal it probably still beats the availability of activities of anywhere else. BUT you have to decide whether you've found somewhere Better than The Villages.

How many Villagers have children in elementary, middle or high school since no one under the age of 19 can live in The Villages?

the definition of "the future is uncertain, and sometimes more uncertain than others"
 

That friends is the definition of "the future is uncertain, and sometimes more uncertain than other times"

Ashley,

WE Love the UK and both wife and my ancestors arrived here in the 1630s or so from Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. At work I have colleagues waiting to relocate here as well. I do believe that the vaccine will not be the reason that borders open, but pandemics have a life expectancy of 2-3 years, but with modern medicine and knowledge, maybe 18 more months. . . please know there are "revolutionary expats" hoping for your trip to be sooner than later!

Coachk and sportsguy