[sunny46]

When "they" arrive you can't go anywhere or do anything. I love the cooler weather coming but I dread the masses about to come. This place just isn't made for that many people at one time. When "they" are here, we go to other towns to shop and eat and avoid The Villages. We haven't been to the squares in 4 years!

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by sunny46

When "they" arrive you can't go anywhere or do anything. I love the cooler weather coming but I dread the masses about to come. This place just isn't made for that many people at one time. When "they" are here, we go to other towns to shop and eat and avoid The Villages. We haven't been to the squares in 4 years!

Not worth a comment.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by sunny46

When "they" arrive you can't go anywhere or do anything. I love the cooler weather coming but I dread the masses about to come. This place just isn't made for that many people at one time. When "they" are here, we go to other towns to shop and eat and avoid The Villages. We haven't been to the squares in 4 years!

Thanks for making room for us, Sunny!

[OurHappyHome]

I think that those who own or rent and only use the services for 4 months a year is what keeps the monthly fees under 150. I think we should realize what we get for the price we pay is because it is supplemented by snow birds. Just like the rest of Florida is. Imagine if you lived near International Dr near Orlando it's bad all year.

[Baileysmom]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I love my snowbird neighbors and really miss them when they're gone. It's so quiet next-door when they go back north. I never thought about complaining about snowbirds. Used to be one too.

I completely agree, we are anxious for our neighbors to get back. It has been lonely without them honestly. We made a permenant move here from MA at the end of January and have enjoyed every minute. I just have to remember my previous 35 mile commute into Boston and how intense and sometimes unending it seemed and laugh when someone complains about traffic. Enjoy yourself and relax, life is way too short.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by 40chevyguy

I know the responses on this post were meant to be funny. And, I realize that the OP was (probably) asking a good question. But, as a potential buyer in TV, and a potential "snowbird", I took this personally. My wife and I had a talk after reading this post, and many others putting snowbirds down. We had already scheduled a visit and had starting making arrangement for a 3 month rental. Now, we are rethinking our trip and will be cancelling everything. We don't want to spend 3 months knowing that people will be talking about us behind our back. Sorry for the rant.

I love a dry sense of humor with a twist of sarcasm, nice post .

If by chance you were serious, you have to understand the coolest people in TV are snowbirds no matter what you read here. They slip in and enjoy the awesome weather for the winter, then slip out to enjoy the awesome weather somewhere else.

There is some tongue in my cheek...so caveat reader

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

I think that those who own or rent and only use the services for 4 months a year is what keeps the monthly fees under 150. I think we should realize what we get for the price we pay is because it is supplemented by snow birds. Just like the rest of Florida is. Imagine if you lived near International Dr near Orlando it's bad all year.

Bingo!!!

I find it more accurate to consider the high season to be normal, and the rest of the year to be the bonus for being here full time. Those who consider the late spring and summer to be normal are setting themselves up for frustration.

[murray607]

Originally Posted by sunny46

When "they" arrive you can't go anywhere or do anything. I love the cooler weather coming but I dread the masses about to come. This place just isn't made for that many people at one time. When "they" are here, we go to other towns to shop and eat and avoid The Villages. We haven't been to the squares in 4 years!

Well this will be my first winter as a snowbird and there are some things I need to know before arriving.


1. How do I make myself less conspicuous, besides covering up my obvious lack of a suntan?

2. Does The Villages provide "blend-in 101 classes" for snowbirds?

3. Should I cover my out of state license plate when I park my car?

4. Is it true that alligators can spot a snowbird from at least 100 yards and target them instead of frogs?

5. Is it really true that I have to ring a bell and walk around shouting "snowbird -unclean"?

just wondering

[gomsiepop]

Originally Posted by 40chevyguy

I know the responses on this post were meant to be funny. And, I realize that the OP was (probably) asking a good question. But, as a potential buyer in TV, and a potential "snowbird", I took this personally. My wife and I had a talk after reading this post, and many others putting snowbirds down. We had already scheduled a visit and had starting making arrangement for a 3 month rental. Now, we are rethinking our trip and will be cancelling everything. We don't want to spend 3 months knowing that people will be talking about us behind our back. Sorry for the rant.

Don't let some negative posts deter you from staying in The Villages and deciding whether you should purchase a home. Living here is "heaven on earth" and as far as people talking behind your back, wherever you go in life there will always be "those" people. Water seeks its own level and you will find that most of the residents appreciate the "snowbirds" and the prosperity they bring to our wonderful community. All for one and one for all, go for it!!

[DonH57]

Being here since January I have to say I've never seen the hoards of people as claimed in the stores, on the road, or the restaurants. We don't eat dinner at 4 pm and I've never had to stand in any line anywhere for more than ten minutes. We will be happy as hell when our neighbors return as our street is so quiet I can hear a gecko fart two houses away.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Many have already returned.

All I can say is WOW! I sure hope this is a very small sampling of the folks in the Villages.

[T-325]

All I was wondering was how busy TV was going to be when I visited during a LSV. A health mix of Frogs and Snow Birds have historically been part of Florida's ecosystem. I will likely pick the Frog route myself..warts and all. My parents are snow birds..each to their own.

[LynnDeb]

Originally Posted by VT2TV

It never felt like they left this year. The number of snowbirds who come and then leave does not ever keep up with the number of brand new residents buying houses and moving in each month. We have asked numerous servers in several restaurants and 100% of them say they never saw a BIG decrease in business. Also, when some of the late snowbirds leave, the summer vacations start coming---especially with CAMP VILLAGES!!!!

I agree with you, it seemed to be busy here most of the summer

[dotti105]

If you are considering wintering in Florida, anywhere in Florida, you had better not be offended when called a "snowbird".

We grew up on the Gulf coast of Florida and as kids we knew that many people from the north wintered in Florida. They were called "snowbirds" back in the 50's or earlier.

It is a simple fact that the population increases during the winter ANYWHERE in Florida. If you are sensitive that you are singled out as a "snowbird", and you find that offensive, maybe Florida is not for you.

We are moving from Utah. Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. People flock to our resorts for skiing in the winter. The population of Park City triples each winter.. The locals know that, and deal with the increase in density. It is a fact of life. In the off season there are less wait times at the popular restaurants and less traffic in the shops and on the streets. Is that better?? Not really, just different.

The tourist, winter visitors, "snowbirds" or what ever term you use, bring a large increase in business for the locals, that is a good thing. They are helping to keep the costs lower for the locals, and they bring a vitality and enthusiasm that should be appreciated.

You will certainly find people who feel entitled because they are year round residents. They feel that TV is theirs and you are just visiting. If you let that ruin your experience you are only hurting yourself. The grouches can be found anywhere.

If you like warm, sunny winters and mild spring and fall, come and enjoy yourselves. Yo uwill be in good company. Why do you think TV is such an incredibly desirable place to live?? It's because whether you are a" snowbird", "snowflake", occasional visitor or a "frog", there is no place quite like it and with people here from all over there is an energy and friendliness that you won't find elsewhere,.

If you are a "snowbird" be thankful that you have the opportunity to spend the winters in such a fantastic place, and quit pouting! It is unbecoming!