[Byte1]

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.

[JanetMM]

Originally Posted by Ashley from UK

Think yourself LUCKY. One of us bought a LOT, completed design in March returned to the UK and a week later President Trump closed the borders. Our house is built, we closed remotely in June. We can't wait to see it but won't be until at least January 2021... or 2022, or whenever Covid is over and the US borders re-open... Our dream is shattered and our house is now up for rent.

Oh and if that isn't depressing enough how about the fact that due to Covid the GBP:USD FX crashed in the period our house was built and we had to find an extra load of unbudgeted cash, all the cash for the furniture.... If we sold and walked today - now the FX has reversed we would be looking at a $ 50,000 LOSS {excluding sales costs!!!!)... not bad for 2 months of owning a home you can't see or use....

So don't moan, at least you are there, you have your health (I hope), You have fantastic walks, the golf courses are open, the pools are open, you are able to use the facilities covered by the amenity fees you are paying for (and the electric, and the taxes).... How much worse would you feel if you HAD bought, are writing out cheques but only able to see what your paying for when a friend emails you a photo... because that's where we are at the moment....

On a positive note, we are young, alive and healthy. Life will go on and one day the borders will re-open and we will be able to come out and live our dream............. ........................That's the point.....

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.

[Lindsyburnsy]

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

Originally Posted by ficoguy

Well its sure better here than in NJ - I can go to the gym ( off property, Not The Norm Crossfit ) and I don't have to share a table with the pigeons and seagulls while paying full price for cold food and a styrofoam dish....

[Mary Windsor]

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.

[Ruggiero56]

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.

[Ashley from UK]

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.

[Ashley from UK]

Originally Posted by CarrieOn

Even where u sold and moved here from ..things are cancelled,..I started my house finding journey in TV Jan.2...bought a home on 2/14 ..FLEW in TO TV Friday the 13th, (closing 3/20) when Covid hit..Everything shut down the day I got here..we showed up decked in green for the st Patty’s Parade ..and it was cancelled..all schools were closed..stay home order invoked..
I backed out of my closing.because I was in freaked out mode..not knowing what the future held..I still had a home to sell..and the Covid future looked bleak..so I lost my $10,000.ernest $$..because I was one week too early for the now Covid clause in the contract..I have since bought a home just last Thursday,even knowing all that I enjoyed in the Town Squares prior to Covid is still not available..in my eyes..TV is the beautiful place I want to Live..and will patiently wait for the environment to be safe for all again..I’ll have the rest of my Life to soak up All TV has to offer..I have no problem amusing myself..here..I move in 9/28.. happy to be a villager!!

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.

[Rosebud1949]

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 !!!

Originally Posted by jimbomaybe

Visited the Villages two years ago on a "life style weekend" enjoyed myself and decided to move here. After planing ,prepping and selling my home I did so,,, enter COVID19,, now I am here and all the things that attracted me no longer are available, if this is the new normal I am glad I haven't purchased a new residence,, whats the point?

[joseppe]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

I will answer that one.

We were attracted by all the entertainment via clubs and all the concerts we could go to.

Happy to be here but greatly miss what we just started to take advantage when we moved here in Feb.

Planned to try my hand at pickleball and water polo but will wait until social distancing is done with.

Do find other things to occupy ourselves but do miss the above.

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.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by LoisR

Wrong again. My NY insurance on my home and cars are far cheaper than in Florida. I pay the same taxes in Fl. as I do in NY. Florida schools are horrendous compared to any northern state. Medical care in Florida? Try it for yourself and see.

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

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Ashley from UK

Think yourself LUCKY. One of us bought a LOT, completed design in March returned to the UK and a week later President Trump closed the borders. Our house is built, we closed remotely in June. We can't wait to see it but won't be until at least January 2021... or 2022, or whenever Covid is over and the US borders re-open... Our dream is shattered and our house is now up for rent.

Oh and if that isn't depressing enough how about the fact that due to Covid the GBP:USD FX crashed in the period our house was built and we had to find an extra load of unbudgeted cash, all the cash for the furniture.... If we sold and walked today - now the FX has reversed we would be looking at a $ 50,000 LOSS {excluding sales costs!!!!)... not bad for 2 months of owning a home you can't see or use....

So don't moan, at least you are there, you have your health (I hope), You have fantastic walks, the golf courses are open, the pools are open, you are able to use the facilities covered by the amenity fees you are paying for (and the electric, and the taxes).... How much worse would you feel if you HAD bought, are writing out cheques but only able to see what your paying for when a friend emails you a photo... because that's where we are at the moment....

On a positive note, we are young, alive and healthy. Life will go on and one day the borders will re-open and we will be able to come out and live our dream............. ........................That's the point.....

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