[Saluce]

Originally Posted by stanley

Some people will be miserable no matter where they are

100% True!!

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by KRMACK55

The villages sales staff have been less than ethical and are very aggressive in getting folks to buy here.

If this were true, which it is not, your sale should have no problem going through.

Good luck in your next unhappy place.

[Fisherman]

For me, my husband and I moved here 12 years ago as a working couple. Two years later, he died. We loved it here, built all together in a Village with a strong bond. There was little traffic and easy access to all the amenities. Getting Tee times was a breeze. The CC was a neighborhood bar like Cheers. Life changed overnight. The one and only reason I stay here is because of my life as a single widow. Many of you should think about that, because there are more and more people that retired here married and find themselves alone. I belong to four single clubs. They keep me young, active and provide the socialization that we all need. Otherwise, I would be gone, basically because of all the negative impacts of rapid growth, mostly the Villages have not proportionately built amenities to support the growth. In addition, there are not enough commercial entities to support the growth. The surrounding communities do not provide an adequate employment pool for these businesses. I also read these forums and see all the division, underlying political views, foolish negativity about living here and the nasty sarcastic attitudes by some of these people towards others feelings or views. For now, I choose to stay, the friendships with my single family are stronger than the inconveniences caused by the greed of the developers.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Kcwombat

I’m new to TV, having moved here in September. I see frequent references to the developer on these forums, and a lot of them are really negative. I’m really curious as to what the cause of the negativity might be. I don’t know much about the politics of The Villages, but would love to hear (read) what you all think. So far I’m still in my honeymoon stage here. Looking forward to your input, and now, off to golf!

You can answer that question yourself after you been here few years. Otherwise it’s just opinions.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by noslices1

Reminds me of people who leave $hithole countries and move to a place where everyone is happy and then try to change the new place into the place they moved from.

Insert states instead of countries? Then I can agree with it.

[kimmerlie]

I've been here 14 years and have loved every minute of it! The developers have made it our "heaven on earth". Why do you think it keeps growing?

[Linnberg]

Originally Posted by npwalters

I recognize that some folks dislike the developers just because they are wealthy. That is, of course, stupid.

The current generation of "the developers" - the family - have earned disrespect by ignoring the promises made by the previous generation of their family. The plan to build high density apartments at the previous Hacienda country club site is the most egregious example. There have been many comments on that subject if you are interested.

Many residents were promised by Harold Schwartz that their homes would be centered around a country club and they would live that lifestyle for the rest of their life. Granted this promise was made orally and in person but the current family HAS to know it is true. They have chosen to break this promise and have gone to great lengths to make it happen.

I cannot respect any family (or organization) that will willingly break a promise made purely to make a few extra bucks.


BTW, I am a happy resident of TV. Being content does not mean one must be blind to what is happening around them.

Stated the facts short and sweet. Love the Villages, do not like some of the changes - apartments, low impact fees for builder causing residents to have to pay for their continuing development. Originally roads paid for by developers. Major change is cheaper golf cart paths etc that will deteriorate much faster and again have to be paid by residents.
Still happy with the lifestyle.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Kcwombat

I’m new to TV, having moved here in September. I see frequent references to the developer on these forums, and a lot of them are really negative. I’m really curious as to what the cause of the negativity might be. I don’t know much about the politics of The Villages, but would love to hear (read) what you all think. So far I’m still in my honeymoon stage here. Looking forward to your input, and now, off to golf!

I have a friend who says as they get older they do not get better, they get worse.

They are everywhere. People who always have and always will criticize what others have done and are doing rather than doing anything or accomplish anything themselves.

I had nothing to do with it. I met a disabled elderly lady. Some neighbors complained that her wheelchair ramp was not properly painted. It went on for a while. Fines?
Other neighbors got together, threw a barbecue, repaired the ramp and painted it.

You chose which group you wish to belong. We, every place has/have both.

[Hank’s mom]

I love it!!

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Kcwombat

I’m new to TV, having moved here in September. I see frequent references to the developer on these forums, and a lot of them are really negative. I’m really curious as to what the cause of the negativity might be. I don’t know much about the politics of The Villages, but would love to hear (read) what you all think. So far I’m still in my honeymoon stage here. Looking forward to your input, and now, off to golf!

The complainers want the largest audience possible so they turn to social media. Makes it seem like they're in the majority which is often not the case. I for one am very impressed with the developers' amazing talent and commitment for TV to be a viable and active place to live.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by FromNY

Almost 19years. People change, place changes. Not the warm friendly community that had soothing landscape and Buffalo. People change places change. Miss the Buffalo. The younger generation of developers are pandering to younger retirement people. They were not privileged to grow up with their grandfather or great-grandfather. They did not know the Buffalo.

I suspect you miss the buffalo.🥱

[jmcica@aol.com]

Originally Posted by Dilligas

We have been here for 10 years and love it because of the vision for a different retirement community. I have never heard any of the developer’s family make any “promises”. In fact they generally don’t announce anything until it is signed sealed and in the works. No good business person would make any “promise”, because they can not control the future. Most of the so called broken promises are just good business decisions. Katie Belles and Hacienda Country Club were closed because of poor management and loss of patron business. The developer generally only owns the property and leases the business. When the property fails, attempts were made to correct, but it continued to fail. Now they are complaining because they don’t want change. Compare TV to Sun City Florida and you will see why we like the developer, hope they continue.

And that is the reason why we are looking forward to our move to TV-forward thinking business people- I don’t want to be in an environment that is stuck in the 80’s, 90’s or even 2000. Love all the new ideas the family has. And if that changes- we will move on.

[WindyCityzen]

What a hoot. You say Socialism? What about libraries, fire and police departments, parks, or your free Covid shot? Republicans love to attack “socialism,” but are total hypocrites in doing so.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by jmcica@aol.com

And that is the reason why we are looking forward to our move to TV-forward thinking business people- I don’t want to be in an environment that is stuck in the 80’s, 90’s or even 2000. Love all the new ideas the family has. And if that changes- we will move on.

[LieutenantEd]

Within our large circle of Villages friends over the past few years two couples moved away (to other retirement communities in Florida) for what they perceived as “more desirable location”. Both have moved back to The Villages!