[madmags]

Hello. We are Margit and Michael from NYC and hope to become permanent members of the Villages community when we retire in 2013 (at 55 years young) We love central Florida, specifically the Villages and surrounding communities. We vacationed in the area last June at which time we visited both The Villages and Stonecrest. While both communities had their own appeal for us, we now have to start making a decision as to where we will retire next year. We will be taking part in the Villages Lifestyle Getaway Package in April and are looking forward to getting a real feel for the Villages lifestyle. To be fair, we are also staying a few nights at Stonecrest, just to see the difference. I know that there are restaurants, rec. centers and clubs set aside for residents only. When we're on the Lifestyle package, will we be able to visit these places or are they only for permanent residents? Thank you for any other advice you can offer. I am sure we will have many questions before next April.
M&M

[2BNTV]

Margit and Michael:

The LSV should have two passes that should avail yourself to all amenities including going to Katie Belle's for dinner/entertaiment. You should take the trolley tour, (it's free) that will give you an overview of TV. Go to the squares for entertainment/dancing.

Most of all, talk to anyone and everyone as they will freely give their opinions.
I believe you will find there is no place like the TV but some people feel Stonecrest has it's advantages too, (like more house for the money). If you are outgoing, the friendlines of TV will appeal to you as it has more activities.

Enjoy your LSV and let us know what you think. :smuiley:

[hotrodgirl]

to the forum Margit and Michael!
I had my LSV in May of this year and enjoyed it very much! I also am a very young retiree and already have a place in south Florida. But I wanted somethig with a bit more activity and a better social atmosphere. So I spent a week at TV and ended up buying a lot in Gilchrist. My build began on Sept 26th and I will close on Dec 5th! In your package will be 2 passes which are good for the rec centers, golf courses, and other areas of TV. Definitely take the trolley tour and perhaps the boat ride on Lake Sumter. Go to the town squares, speak with anyone and e eryone as it truly is a friendly place where people come to have a good time in their retirement! There is entertainment at the squares and market nights. You will get a paper each morning which will list homes for sale, local activities and the entertainment. Also included will be a golf cart which you can drive around on the trails. It is a beautiful area with lots of friendly folks. Enjoy your stay and make an informed decision that is right for both of you!

[madmags]

Thank you so much for your reply. We stayed at the Comfort Suites this past June and were able to get a glimpse of what TV has to offer. We really enjoyed the entertainment in the squares and couldn't believe that this was free for all to enjoy. We also took a trolley tour and had one of the sales agents show us some houses in what I believe was the new section of TV. We are looking forward to April when we can feel like true "villagers". On a side note, our dog really enjoyed TV too; he made lots of friends (both human and 4 legged). Thanks again for the great input.

[madmags]

Thanks for the advice. I am especially looking forward to the golf carts. I hate to drive in New York. When we visited in June, we were amazed by how truly happy everyone was in TV. We never heard one negative comment. The fact that a martini cost $3.25 as compared to $12-$15 in Manhattan didn't hurt either. Thanks again and we are really excited for April. Good luck with your closing too.

[Lpierleo]

I fully agree with Hotrod Girls's response. Enjoy all there is to offer in The Villages. I am confident everyone you speak with will be friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have, we have all been in the same situation. We have just built our 2nd home in TV, the first being a ranch which we rented for 4 years during peak season and then this past July, a designer with all the features we wanted for our permanent home. We are not yet retired but plan to be sometime in 2013 and then moving there full time. Certainly TV are not for everyone but we fully enjoy the entertainment in the squares, all the various activities, clubs, movies, golf, and most of all the friends we have made. It is most certainly an active lifestyle where you can do as little or as much as you like. Best wishes on your trip and good luck in your decision.

[Schaumburger]

madmags, I second all the previous responses! I have rented in TV 4 times since 2011, and when I have asked TV residents questions, most have been very happy to answer and give information. TOTV is a great forum to get information about moving to and living in The Villages. Enjoy your Lifestyle Preview Visit in April!

[madmags]

Thanks so much We are so ready to pack our bags and come down now, but April will be here soon enough. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[shalomuall]

and when you come in April, don't forget your checkbook. We were sold on TV on our visit and now own a home even though we are too young to retire. Enjoy your stay!

[cbg150]

If you do decide to retire to TV, madmags, please look me up! We closed on our house last week, but will move in later next year. I am 55 years old young too and from Manhattan. Golf Cart driving seems so much more civilized to me also! Best wishes!
Cindy

[eweissenbach]

In addition to everything that has been stated you might want to go to a few open houses. There are dozens of preowned open houses listed daily in the Sun and on the website. There are also 20 or so new open houses each day. If you get the free golf, and are golfers, you should try to play a couple of the championship courses. Palmer and Caine or Mallory are the closest to the villas where you will be staying. Be sure and check out at least 2 or 3 of the regional rec centers, Lake Miona, Seabreeze, Colony Cottage, and Laurel Manor are our favs.

[madmags]

Thanks for the reply Cindy. I will certainly keep you posted. We are so excited to be making the move next year. We love Manhattan and always will but when we settle in TV next year, it's only a plane ride away to get our NYC fix and of course visit family. Good luck to you. Maybe we'll pass each other in our golf carts.

[madmags]

Thanks for the information eweissenbach. We'll be in TV for 5 days so will have time to attend open houses, play golf and see what happens.