[PaPaLarry]

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!

I don't even want to comment on that one!!!!! That's too bad you feel like that, with all the friendly people here? Must be something nice here, that keeps you here. Hope you have a change of heart!

[Madelaine Amee]

I can remember, many years ago, buying a summer home in New Hampshire. The locals made no bones about the fact that we were a nuisance, but they loved the money we brought in. We were labeled Flat Landers. We used to rush up there from Boston every Friday evening, along with hoards of other people trying to get out of the heat of the city only to find we could not move all weekend, but we loved it. Then when we all left at Labor Day someone erected a huge bill board that read "Will the last person leaving New Hampshire, please turn out the light". We had our home for over 30 years and were always considered to be Flat Landers.

[bonrich]

We are "seasonal residents" also. Have been for about 3 years now. When we built and moved in our second home in Sanibel we were welcomed by all, seasonal and year-rounders. Our neighbors look forward to us coming back for the winter season and have said so. We always have felt welcomed in this community. Maybe it's because it is a newer residential area where most or many of us moved in around the same time. We keep in contact with our neighbors when we are not there.
Looking forward to coming back and enjoying the winter and spring seasons.

[Parker]

Our neighborhood is full of snowbird residents. They are all nice people and very welcome. (Except the one with the loud motorcycle who comes and goes way too much.) They pay taxes just like us, and they liven up the joint. The traffic is a problem, but I'm sure they don't like it either. I say "Come on down!"

[redwitch]

Don't make a decision on whether or not some people like snowbirds. You'll find some hate/resent snowbirds, others love them. I used to live in San Francisco, obviously a huge tourist town. In all honesty most residents actively disliked tourists although a lot of the money came from these tourists. The tourists had a great time, regardless. Here, I'd say it is more 70/30 for snowbirds. Whether you meet someone who dislikes snowbirds or not, you'll still have a great time and make some great friends -- folks who will anxiously await your return.

And I'm one of those who happens to love snowbirds and hate SF tourists.

[Bogie Shooter]

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!

Of course, there are no snowbirds in the "other towns", really?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by 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.

I damn near spilled my coffee on that one!

[Bogie Shooter]

To sum up:

Welcome home Snowbirds!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by dotti105

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!

I don't think Snowbirds are pouting, just hoping for a friendly reception. As Seasonal Residents, we've always been welcomed by our friends and our Village, and we are very grateful for that.

Bogie, thanks so much for the warm welcome!

[perrjojo]

I think we all love our Snowbird neighbors but we just get a little cranky when things get more crowded.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Of course, there are no snowbirds in the "other towns", really?

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!

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes, it's something in between this one and that one. Of COURSE there are more people, and longer lines at restaurants. But there are more people EVERYWHERE in FL during the winter. One time on Anna Maria Island, it took us an hour to travel two miles in Feb. Key West was just as bad, as anywhere up the Keys. We had extensive experience with both places (8 years), and I think TV with its newer, wider roads and lack of water boundaries is one of the less hassled places to navigate in the winter.

I notice that it is more crowded, but I don't feel claustrophobic, compared to some other places--the Gulf side, esp.

[rubicon]

It had always crossed my mind every fall when I came to recognize that winter was near at hand, and with it winter snow. Now that I live in Florida it crosses my mind ever fall that winter is near and the snowbirds/renters will be flying in. There is nothing one can do about it. It isn't personal, its human nature when a person has had a reprieve be it from cold and snow or crowds to get use to the quieter moments, you know like how parents feel when their kids are away visiting grandma and you and your spouse get a little quiet time. then BOOM there back. However, most of us are adaptable and so we make whatever adjustments must be made and we continue on.

There are no good guys or bad guys here its nature way of playing with us.

[Bay Kid]

Mom and Dad are on their way this week! I'll be there in 2 weeks!!!!

[graciegirl]

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.

Dear Chevy Guy.

We were snowbirds for four years and never treated anyway differently from the year rounders. NO one knows whether you are fish or fowl out and around this place.

If you have a sweet demeanor and good manners and a bit of patience, then you will get back that kind of attitude here and everywhere, for the most part.

You cannot be too fragile here with all of seniors who really think they are right. You can think you are right too.

There are some mean and nasty folks here in The Villages and even on this forum occasionally.

Just smile and say.

"Pull your dress down.

You are showin' your fanny."

Or better still, say nothing at all.

Most of us here in TV are pretty nice folks.