[rshoffer]

Remember, 70,000 people live here.... Be realistic, you may bump into the occasional curmudgeon who is and will forever be miserable (no matter where they live). Rent a cart and take a drive. 90% of total strangers will pass by with a wave and a smile. Nuff said.

[Donna]

..

[ajdeck]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Dear AJDECK

Arnold Palmer is good but I like Cane Gardens better for a championship course. Pelican will give you a good couple of hours for an executive course.


I am sure you will enjoy each and all of them.

I hope you have a terrific time and find it to be as wonderful as we did.

Stop by and see us when you are here!

GG

Thanks for the help, we WILL make sure we have a good time. This will be the last time we visit and either buy or move on. Thanks again for all the info from everyone.

AJ

[scooper]

We too are from Virginia. We live in Alexandria. We were first in the Villages last week where we stayed with good friends and new TV homeowners. We had such fun and enjoyed everything. To tell you the truth, Before coming to TV I had a totally different idea of a retirement community. In May we are returning for a Lifestyle weekend. We are seriously considering buying a home. We are not in the position to retire yet...(4 adult daughters but 2 still in college...and 3 more weddings to go!) However we would like to buy a new courtyard villa or home and rent it some and take a month in the winter for ourselves. Our kids are looking at us and wondering why we want to be in a retirement community and saying that they don't think we are old why do we? We tried to tell them how nice it was to go out dancing and to just be our ages...58 and 59...and feel so at home. While this is our decision and I understand how kids can be are we alone with this reaction? Also, do many people buy in The Villages before 60 and not retired?

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by scooper

We too are from Virginia. We live in Alexandria. We were first in the Villages last week where we stayed with good friends and new TV homeowners. We had such fun and enjoyed everything. To tell you the truth, Before coming to TV I had a totally different idea of a retirement community. In May we are returning for a Lifestyle weekend. We are seriously considering buying a home. We are not in the position to retire yet...(4 adult daughters but 2 still in college...and 3 more weddings to go!) However we would like to buy a new courtyard villa or home and rent it some and take a month in the winter for ourselves. Our kids are looking at us and wondering why we want to be in a retirement community and saying that they don't think we are old why do we? We tried to tell them how nice it was to go out dancing and to just be our ages...58 and 59...and feel so at home. While this is our decision and I understand how kids can be are we alone with this reaction? Also, do many people buy in The Villages before 60 and not retired?

Hi Scooper,

Our introduction to TV was much the same as yours - through good friends from Connecticut that live in Largo. They first shared the video with us and we laughed at the corniness of it all and were sure it wasn't for us. They I visited. They my husband and I visited together. To make a long story short, we are moving to Bonita next month. Our kids think we are somewhat crazy too. But we love TV - corny video and all!!!!!

I am 54 and he is 56. I transferred with my job to our Southern region; he will look for something new when we get there. I'm not sure how many there are overall - but I know other posters on this forum are also in this situation. Others buy now and rent out like you are suggesting. Realistically, I think if you can afford to buy a place now, that the prices are not getting any cheaper. One lifestyles you will get an idea if TV is for you. If your the friends you stayed with are in a home, then I would request a villa on lifestyles - and vice-versa. Also be sure to rent a golf cart. It is the best way to really get a feel for the place. If you need the name of someone to rent from , please PM me.

Good luck

Kate

PS - the people on this forum are the best place for information - and you won't meet a friendlier bunch anywhere!

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by katezbox

He will put his "cah keys in his carkeys after driving to the peninsuler".... Translation: he puts his car keys in his khakis after driving to the peninsula..

Ayuh...he sounds like someone from my neck of the woods...

Dirigo

[JohnN]

I've found the Villagers to be exceptionally friendly

[barb1191]

I've been here for seven years and find the people to be very friendly and yet not at all imposing.

I came here single as a snowbird and three years later Mr Wonderful appeared while in TV and we were married about a year later. I didn't attend many social functions as a single gal, other than the friendly neighbors' functions and joining a bocce team.

My husband found me online, we met for lunch in Spanish Springs (before LSL was built) and the rest is history. I had been single for over thirty years and felt that I had flunked marriage and didn't dare try again until Mr Wonderful came into my life.

Bill and I are so very happy and have settled for good in TV with an occasional visit up North. Family up North are not too happy about our choice of full-time residence here in TV, however after this past winter in New England....No way; we're here in TV for good!!

Welcome newcomers and good luck...... barb1191

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by Dirigo

Ayuh...he sounds like someone from my neck of the woods...

Dirigo

Wicked true!

[senior citizen]

x

[senior citizen]

x

[nONIE]

Senior Citizen,

Altho your message was meant for Gracie perhaps your mistake was meant to be! Im sure you will get some wonderful input into your concerns.

I have been a New Englander for 36 years and was quite reserved as you described, almost to the point of being considered unfriendly by some. The Villages has drawn me out of my 36 year shell and now I am knocking on doors and saying "lets get together and have some fun" I NEVER THOUGHT THIS COULD HAPPEN TO ME !!! It is a subtle thing that just happens because of the warmth and friendliness of everyone around you. However if you want to be left alone, people do understand it and will do just that after a couple of good hard tries to get you involved in things. TV will allow you to be whoever you want to be, and that is why this is such a wonderful place to live. The choice is yours! Good luck, whatever you decide.

[senior citizen]

x

[graciegirl]

I can't imagine our Nonie was anything but friendly and outgoing. She is the sweetest person and gets along with everyone and in the time I have known her she has never said or thought a mean word. She is the dearest and most perfect soul in TV!!

Senior,

I am here to tell you that every neighborhood has two pools, one for everyone including children and one for only 30 and above. There are many homes with pools on their enclosed lanais and there are many many non golfers in every neighborhood. I have lived in golf course communities for the last 35 years and this is unlike those. Golf is NOT the center of conversation whereever you go. It is so refreshing.

I am a people person, but not aggressively so and I have found this to be a perfect place for our family. Our very special adult daughter lives with my husband Sweetie and me.

I know you will love it here. Please PM me when you are coming and stop by for a cold drink and a rest.

Kindest wishes,
GracieGirl

[nONIE]

Awwww Gracie, You are so kind, you have me redfaced. Now I will have to live up to those wonderful attributes. Believe it or not I have been painfully shy most of my life, but The Villages has certainly helped to change that!