[LoriAnn]

Originally Posted by Becca9800

I honestly don't get it, why are TV snowbirds so despised? Can you explain it to us and help us understand what the divide is all about? Thank you.

Sure, there are people who hate snow birds and there are snow birds who hate full-timers. There are people who will hate you for starting this thread. There are people who hate others for the color of their skin. There are people who will work very hard at finding a reason to hate. Some people just have a need to hate. You'll be happier if you ignore it because you can't fix stupid. I gosh darn guarantee it.

[john1006]

Most of the negative comments regarding snowbirds come from year round residents that are spoiled during the summer when things are less congested, restaurants less busy and tee times a little easier to obtain. My wife and I are in TV for about 9 months each year. We consider ourselves "seasonal residents" because we continue to pay our utilities and amenity fees during our 90 day trips north. To us the term snowbird applies primarily to folks that rent for 3 - 4 months during the winter. Either way there is a fixed number of "homes" and they are occupied at a higher rate during the cold seasons. That's pretty much why we are all here. The missus and I adjust by going to dinner earlier, scheduling shopping excursions during less busy times, leaving a little earlier and being patient. There is room here for everyone, try looking at the great lifestyle we enjoy even during busy times. It's a hoot and we are all blessed to be enjoying it.

[Dennys37Packard]

To us, they are NOT despised, after all, most of us were at one time snowbirds or renters. For us it’s more of a fun saying my wife and I use when we see a gate knocked down, half hour wait for dinner, town square parking filled, etc. it could be June or July and we will smile and say “Damn Snowbirds”. It’s sort of our way to make fun of the few real aholes that put them down. We also do it when people jump on the great developers and family of this wonderful place we call home. They bitch about something and call them “Greedy Developers” so we turn it around when we see a new rec center or restaurant opening an smile and say “Greedy Developers”. When something new is tried, the snakes come out and blame the Family,
Stop and think, if it were not for the family trying new things, then seeing what works and what doesn’t , we would all still be living in another Florida Trailer Park. So next time you hear the term Snowbird, smile and be thankful for them, many of them will be future Villagers and keep this place growing and vibrant. Yes, there will always be “Negative Nellies” but don’t give them the power to take your joy and fun away. Most are just lonely, miserable people who see the glass as half empty. We all knew kids like that back in school. Some never grow up unfortunately. Smile everyone, in five months, a new wave of Snowbirds will be here, some perpetual, some new, and some last timers. And in 4 short months, they are gone, then who will the negative souls blame for their unhappy lives?
Enjoy life, it is short lived at this stage of our lives, why not make the best of it? We are proud to call this place home, and love “Living the Lifestyle “. 😀😎😇👍

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by DARFAP

OP, are you referring to "rental" snowbirds, or homeowners (residents) who snowbird in the winter? The 3- or 4-month renters may be the ones who bring the wrath of non-snowbirds for whatever reason...

Before today's enlightenment, no one had ever discerned between renter and owner. It's always just a generalization of snowbirds.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by thelegges

I’m hoping you’re holding up with sarcasm sign, because if this is still bothering you from 2012, I would think you would’ve lightened up by now.

Dear Leslegges. I am almost always going for "funny". Life's too short to hold a grudge.

[KYtoTV2021]

Well said!

[KYtoTV2021]

Originally Posted by Dennys37Packard

To us, they are NOT despised, after all, most of us were at one time snowbirds or renters. For us it’s more of a fun saying my wife and I use when we see a gate knocked down, half hour wait for dinner, town square parking filled, etc. it could be June or July and we will smile and say “Damn Snowbirds”. It’s sort of our way to make fun of the few real aholes that put them down. We also do it when people jump on the great developers and family of this wonderful place we call home. They bitch about something and call them “Greedy Developers” so we turn it around when we see a new rec center or restaurant opening an smile and say “Greedy Developers”. When something new is tried, the snakes come out and blame the Family,
Stop and think, if it were not for the family trying new things, then seeing what works and what doesn’t , we would all still be living in another Florida Trailer Park. So next time you hear the term Snowbird, smile and be thankful for them, many of them will be future Villagers and keep this place growing and vibrant. Yes, there will always be “Negative Nellies” but don’t give them the power to take your joy and fun away. Most are just lonely, miserable people who see the glass as half empty. We all knew kids like that back in school. Some never grow up unfortunately. Smile everyone, in five months, a new wave of Snowbirds will be here, some perpetual, some new, and some last timers. And in 4 short months, they are gone, then who will the negative souls blame for their unhappy lives?
Enjoy life, it is short lived at this stage of our lives, why not make the best of it? We are proud to call this place home, and love “Living the Lifestyle “. 😀😎😇👍

If folks pay amenity fees 12 months per year and only visit 3 months, they are underwriting the expenses for the full-timers. They should be CHEERED, not jeered.

[Becca9800]

Given the overwhelmingly positive responses, I have to believe disdain for Snowbirds is not pervasive in TV. I appreciate all the responses, including those who honestly expressed their negative feelings toward Snowbirds. You've made points that I hadn't considered. To the 3 who expressed their negative feelings toward me personally, I don't know but I think your posts say more about you. And to all of you who have no issues with Snowbirds, you made my day.Thank you!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by MaxCat

I wouldn't say despised. Fact is, snowbirds do very much to contribute to a healthy economy all over Florida, including TV, and many of my friends and family are snowbirds and I love to see them again when it's "in season" time and they are back in Florida.

On the flip side, here are a few reasons some might groan over snowbirds:

1. Definitely more crowded "in season" -- can't get a table in a restaurant when you want -- definitely can't just be an in-the-moment walk-in, the tee time you wanted is harder to come by, stand in line for a lot of things "in season" that you don't have to stand in line for when the snowbirds are back north.

2. Sometimes it's the few who spoil it for the many. Every season I always run into at least one snow bird who decides to "show off" their entitled side . . . "WE don't do it like that in NY" . . . "step aside I'm coming through" . . . "it's my first day back and I'm going to run you over in Publix buying up EVERYTHING I can get my hands on even if it means shoving past you to grab that last loaf of multi-grain on the bakery shelf" . . . "I'm cutting you off in the round-about because I am in a hurry (license plate: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, etc. . . )" . . . receive the one-finger salute for going to slow at 20 mph as I'm cut you off in my golf cart because they have GOT to get that seat in the square . . . you get the picture. DEFINITELY not everyone . . . but does happen with greater frequency "in season" . . .

3. Have a visiting guest who can't join me in my weekly yoga/aerobics/water exercise class because it's full with seasonal residents . . . sigh

4. Having my backside rammed with a cart in Fresh Market because it's busier ahead of Christmas . . . when if I tried to move myself I'd have to ram the person in front of me because it's just that busy . . . and then when I look back to see who rammed me . . . I get glared out. Hmmm.

Mainly, it's just more crowded and that makes people grouchier. Plus there are a preponderance of "old, angries" in TV . . . and they are perpetually cranky.

Snowbirds are not despised . . . but it does give those who are prone to complaining something to complain about.

But those are some of the same things I observe about some of the more obnoxious full-timers.

Being a royal ass is not the sole provenance of part-time residents. Consider they probably learned it from some of the full-timers, who've been here long enough to be pros at it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

And no, I haven't forgotten about the lobster SHE OWES ME because I CLEARLY won the bet. FIVE YEARS now and counting. And because of COVID she's been hiding out in Canada. My drawn butter is getting cold!!!

Okay this is where I side with golfing eagles. Don't be messing with lobster dinners. That's just WRONG! Buy him his damned lobster. And there'd better be a perfectly baked potato on the side for any extra butter.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Originally Posted by Becca9800

I honestly don't get it, why are TV snowbirds so despised? Can you explain it to us and help us understand what the divide is all about? Thank you.

Because the Villages is now a huge city and we have a LOT of messed up people living here. Just my opinion of course

[TNKYGAL]

Through our original lifestyle visit, and a one month rental the next year, we were welcomed and treated very friendly by everyone we encountered. Definitely the most often shared advice was to rent first to determine which area(s) would be best for us.
We are now homeowners in TV, and after reading all the posts on this thread, I thought it fitting to point out that MOST "full timers" we have met have at one time been a renter, and/or seasonal owner. After months of reading TOTV for information, I understand why the OP and others asked/commented about this topic. I haven't seen a thread devoted to it before, but it winds its way through many discussions. But I have yet to feel hostility from any live person. And we hit the jackpot on our neighborhood of welcoming & friendly neighbors. I have now experienced TV in both the peak season and summer. I enjoyed both. I enjoyed the more relaxed feel in the summer, and not having to show up to the square early for a good seat or dinner. But I also enjoyed the energy of the square when it's packed. We learned to just park in a parking lot behind the businesses and enjoy what we came for - that eliminates the hassle, and fortunately, we are blessed to still be very mobile so the extra walking is good for us. The traffic, of course, is heavier, but we try to follow the speed limit, the proper roundabout pattern (with a defensive eye always), and leave early enough to avoid feeling rushed.

So my summation is, TV is a GREAT and friendly place. I thank all Villagers for their warm welcome and hospitality, whether you are a snowbird, a snowflake, a frog, OR a grouch!

[debb3c]

I have no I’ll feelings for the snowbirds. Some of my good friends are snowbirds

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by TNKYGAL

Through our original lifestyle visit, and a one month rental the next year, we were welcomed and treated very friendly by everyone we encountered. Definitely the most often shared advice was to rent first to determine which area(s) would be best for us.
We are now homeowners in TV, and after reading all the posts on this thread, I thought it fitting to point out that MOST "full timers" we have met have at one time been a renter, and/or seasonal owner. After months of reading TOTV for information, I understand why the OP and others asked/commented about this topic. I haven't seen a thread devoted to it before, but it winds its way through many discussions. But I have yet to feel hostility from any live person. And we hit the jackpot on our neighborhood of welcoming & friendly neighbors. I have now experienced TV in both the peak season and summer. I enjoyed both. I enjoyed the more relaxed feel in the summer, and not having to show up to the square early for a good seat or dinner. But I also enjoyed the energy of the square when it's packed. We learned to just park in a parking lot behind the businesses and enjoy what we came for - that eliminates the hassle, and fortunately, we are blessed to still be very mobile so the extra walking is good for us. The traffic, of course, is heavier, but we try to follow the speed limit, the proper roundabout pattern (with a defensive eye always), and leave early enough to avoid feeling rushed.

So my summation is, TV is a GREAT and friendly place. I thank all Villagers for their warm welcome and hospitality, whether you are a snowbird, a snowflake, a frog, OR a grouch!

We never did a lifestyle visit, but we visited friends in TV, for a week, over Thanksgiving , 18 months ago...

Then, we rented for two months, from Christmas thru the end of February. During that time, we purchased a home.

No one, and I mean absolutely no one, we met, was anything less than kind to us during either visit.

We've been back twice since then, once moving in a bunch of furniture, having the house painted, etc, and again last week for a quick vacation...

Each time we came back, we would take nightly walks and introduce ourselves to our new neighbors...

Our new neighbors were quick with a "Welcome back! How long are you staying? Let's do dinner!"

My wife and I have already found respective golf groups (still looking for a championship group), and She's joined some clubs and exercise groups...

Put out good vibes and they'll come back in spades...

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Okay this is where I side with golfing eagles. Don't be messing with lobster dinners. That's just WRONG! Buy him his damned lobster. And there'd better be a perfectly baked potato on the side for any extra butter.

And I hope the lady from Canada shows up here on this thread.