Are the southern portions congested and overcrowded during snowbird season?

We all have a choice. Do what you want. Many like The Villages. Some don't.

I used to think that San Diego was Utopia. Just got back from San Diego visit this June. Too expensive (taxes, gas ), too cold 65F. Too weird.

Too hot here? Travel when hot. Don't like driving here, try NY, CAL, Bos.

The Villages has many many people who move here and love it. Others move here and leave within a couple of years. Good for most, not for everyone. Know one family that moved back hone to enjoy grandchildren again. Come to the Villages with an open mind and ready to embrace the lifestyle and see what happens for you.
As for me I would rather be near my family so the Villages is just okay.

South Carolina Weather
 

My daughter lived in Bluffton, SC and therefore I am familiar with the area. It was surprisingly hot and humid in the summer as is FL, but it's winters were cooler than FL. That is why the vast majority of people who want great outdoor weather go to FL for the winter. The Villages really does have the advantage when it comes to weather.

We moved here going on seven years and have not regretted one day. We know quite a few people who moved back to their original home town for various reasons such as, illness, loss of a spouse, and some to be with their kids and grandkids. We have no intentions of doing that. Our kids and grandkids have been here and understand why we are here and they have enjoyed their visits as well. This is our happy place and we hope to enjoy it for many years to come. I have to admit however, moving was stressful, and we don't intend to ever do it again. They say the average Villager may move three times. We did our homework and bought the home we love, in the place we love, and we couldn't ask for better friends and neighbors. I wish you the same.

Cut the crap. It's all about Jan Feb March. Nowhere else on the east coast is it warm for those three months. 25% of the year TV is utopia. You can justify the rest of the year to your heart's desire. 110 heat index sucks. That's the forecast for tomorrow folks.

Most of the replies seem to center around weather. So, Ive experienced various cities in Upstate NY and have shoveled enough snow for many peoples lifetimes. Got tired of dark skies from Labor to Memorial Day. Then fast paced Hotlanta. 7 lanes of traffic either going 75-80 MPH or deadstopped. Sampled humidity down here last summer and concluded its actually more comfortable here wiht a more constant breeze. Florida sure does know how to throw a good thunderstorm though. But enough about the weather. For the most part, people are friendly, cost of living (and especially eating out) is low, non existent taxes, rec centers, activities. Yes, kids are further away, and they have their own lives to live.. and you can drag your butt on a plane any time and visit for a weekend.. or a week or a month .. either at their house or a motel .. Are you still a helicopter parent at 65 or 75 ? Or did you raise them to be independent ? Whether you stayed put or moved, things will never be the way they once were .. for better or worse. Enjoy those final years. They are yours and your alone

Certainly not all but most of the people I have met in TV were weather refugees from “up north”. Others came from other communities in Florida. A few moved from places like Southern California which has great weather because Florida was far less costly.

Yes, been here 19 years. If I was younger and had the money I would move back to cape Cod.

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Reminds me of an old song

If you're fond of sand dunes and salty air
Quaint little villages here and there
(You're sure)You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod.

If you like the taste of a lobster stew
Served by a window with an ocean view
(You're sure)You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod

Cape Cod has changed dramatically in the last 20 yrs. Traffic congestion, no parking. Lots of snow.

Don't forget the thousands of seals which cover the beach with seal crap when the tides come in, bring in great white sharks so you risk your life swimming, and eat all the striped bass and blue fish so the fishing is fruitless. We have been going to the Cape every summer our whole lives, but it just is not the same any more. However, we have no regrets about the Villages. Every time we visit our Villiages home, the trip goes by way to fast and we don't want to leave. Every time we go back north all we do is talk about how much we wish we were back at our Villages home. If we could only dump all of those pesky responsibilities up north so we could become frogs. Someday?

I must admit that we are in the process of moving out of TV, but not out of dissatisfaction, regret, or homesickness. We really enjoy boating and fishing, and decided that we wanted to live where we have easier access to the Harris chain of lakes. We've found a beautiful place here in Cent. FL where we will have our own boat slip; and right on a golf course for much less than it would cost here! The Villages is beautiful and convenient, just not exactly a fit for us. I'm sure we will miss it - there's no Starbucks near the new place!

That makes sense.

It sounds like you've found a perfect location for your interests...good luck. :thumbup:

Still have northern homes so no reason to be unhappy no matter where we stay