[Velvet]

The Villages when I’m in Florida and I’m PROUD of it! Just try to tell me what’s wrong with it…

[asianthree]

Have never had the question asked where we live in any state we have traveled. But they do ask I don’t recognize the accent, is that southern with a twist?

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by HORNET

Because they are to cheap or can’t afford to live here

This is literally one of the cheapest places in all the US to live… I had to buy a brand new house here 3 years ago because old houses outside of the villages were much more expensive.

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

As an aside, Sumter County is Florida's fastest growing county.
here is a list of population growth in all counties
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fl...l_article_link

That’s the same every year with the villages. Sumter co IS the villages.

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by bilcon

The locals were not complaining when they sold their land to TV. I have no regrets moving to TV or telling people when we travel that we live in TV. If they make comments, I just respond that most of what is said about us is "BS".

The locals don’t like northerners. They don’t care about “the villages” they just don’t like people moving to their state!! I went to get a really expensive item at a villages owned place and the owner was a person I grew up with. He said, “give her the non-village price”

[Kelevision]

Originally Posted by Altavia

I say Wildwood (truth) and they ask where in is that in Texas :-)

It’s funny because growing up here, Wildwood was the bottom of the barrel. You’d stay far away from wildwood, or make fun of it as being a place you’d never want to go. I also now live in Wildwood…. I also find saying the villages when you’re looking for a place, like for example I needed PT so my doctor says, you’re in the villages, how about this place ( Lady Lake) so, in that case I’d say Wildwood or Leesburg which is much closer than Lady Lake.

[JStyles]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

It is such a wonderful place to live now as I grow quite old, just as it was when I could be dancing at the squares every night. I am so grateful for all of the people I have met here who have become treasured friends.

I am so happy and feel so lucky to live here in TV, it is a great place to live and I am also grateful for the new friends I have met. 🥰

[Cuervo]

I not sure if I understand what the issue is about what people's views are about The Villages.
If it's STDs or whatever if you enjoy living here who cares what outsiders think.
Most of the residence here are of retirement age, which as far as I'm concern have paid their dues.
Look you want to swing, drink, smoke pot, we're at the tail end of our live do whatever you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

[JerseyGurl]

The Villages. An hour north of Orlando. Central Florida.

[Angelhug52]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

I understand that is the perception of some. My own experience has been totally different.

We moved here four years ago. In that time we've gotten to know many locals. We've farm-sat for a couple with a farm near Weirsdale several times (and loved every minute of it). We've been invited to parties given by locals (we did get some curious looks when we showed up in shorts and many of them were wearing jeans and sweaters). We've attended churches some distance from The Villages. I make it a point to engage the service people (sanitation workers, mail center workers, critter control folks, etc. etc.) in conversation whenever they're around. On hot days I'll offer them a cold mineral water which is ALWAYS appreciated.

Almost to a person, I've found the locals to be friendly, polite and altogether nice: people that in all honesty are a lot more enjoyable to be around than some Villagers I know!

Agreed. After 22years .The initial advice was more based on being from the North East. I often prefer the interactions outside of TV. The down to earth people ,shopkeekers,etc are more real.

[mkjelenbaas]

Sometimes if the person is a bit aggressive- I tell them it is none of your business.

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

The locals don’t like northerners. They don’t care about “the villages” they just don’t like people moving to their state!! I went to get a really expensive item at a villages owned place and the owner was a person I grew up with. He said, “give her the non-village price”

Well that I do understand. It’s the same in many parts of Hawaii. The Kamaaina discount. Tourist simply have a lot more money. Some Villagers are well off. But my really well-off friends prefer to have homes in Palm Gardens Fl etc. However, many Villagers are on pensions and just make ends meet. Do they get the local discount?

And many of the locals lived at poverty level before the development and all the jobs resulting from TV.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

It’s funny because growing up here, Wildwood was the bottom of the barrel. You’d stay far away from wildwood, or make fun of it as being a place you’d never want to go. I also now live in Wildwood…. I also find saying the villages when you’re looking for a place, like for example I needed PT so my doctor says, you’re in the villages, how about this place ( Lady Lake) so, in that case I’d say Wildwood or Leesburg which is much closer than Lady Lake.

Wildwood is still the bottom of the barrel in my opinion. Our village has a gate on 301, but when I’m with hubby I ask him to take the longer route when we’re heading up to the northern Villages just so we can stay in the bubble.

[MrFlorida]

The Villages

[nn0wheremann]

Originally Posted by Kelevision

I was born and raised right here in Lake county which means I know how much locals don’t like Villagers. Also, how much they take advantage of them. I say I live in Leesburg if I’m local or Orlando if I’m traveling. Where do you tell people you live?

I say The Villages. They look at me funny. I say just be glad it’s not Howie In The Hills. Florida is wierd.