i think we should adopt it as we have 'boy howdy' ;)

RATTY CLCKY ooooh
We decided to build in TV (no longer an option, but nice new homes are available). We looked at several and decided that new was for us (and I have always built in the past anyway).

As far as clickish ... wow. Not that we have experienced. We have made a few lengthy visits to TV and have never found any cliques. Quite the opposite. Almost every time we go to a town center in the evening or a resturant we meet someone. We have had invitations, met new friends in their homes; we just love this place.

Maybe you heard "clique ish" from some unfriendly or isolationist dudes. Our advice, buy what you like and don't worry about it. For the most part, we have found this to be very frienly and the freinds we have known here, and who live here, say the same thing - over and over and over. (But, there is always that 2%-5% who complian no matter where they are.)

Be yourself, live your life, be happy - what you give is what you get!

Buy now, the prices are onlygoing up Up UP!!!

how we choose where to live...go to a village take the golf cart to where you will need to spend time at...go to another village take golf cart to where you need to spend time at....see how far you want to be from the important things in your life

There are always new people buying Pre-owned homes and moving into older neighborhoods. So you won't be the new kid on the block for long. We bought two preowned homes, and we think you get way more for your money. Especially if you're seeking a view lot. And both times, we've had wonderful neighbors.

I bought a pre-owned home. I haven't experienced any clicky neighbors. I love the neighborhood and the friendliness of my neighbors. However, I do have to admit we are all kind of ratty.

You will be happy no matter where you finally roost. New neighborhood: you are all new and everyone will have adjustment issues. Having a lot in common, and it seems mostly the same age group. After 5 years here our neighborhood is established, several homes have sold several times over, and the age group is all over the place now. The trees and shrubs have grown in nicely, and the area looks less like a former cow field.

with a preowned you don't have to deal with dirt from building

Don't buy a house based on neighbors. Neighbors may not share same interests you do. My husband golfs, plays softball and no one on or street does. I do gym and dance and no one on our street does. You will meet friends through activities you enjoy !! Neighbors also change over quickly in a over 55 community.

TAKE Into consideration location. Do you want to be near squares SS and sumter?? do you want to be central to villages rather than more toward Brownwood? also taxes, bonds, bills very important. What is bond on new home vs resale? Don't let a resale scare you. You can always fix up the way you want just with new home. People put upgrades in new homes also. Landscaping gets expensive. Do you want to put in 8.000 for landscaping or maybe find a home that is done decently already. Take your time. You can find some lovely resales. If the ONLY reason you would consider new is the neighborhood , that may be a bad decision.

Good luck and enjoy the process. It's fun either way. Just weigh it all out and then decide.

Thanks everyone!!

Only a few more days and we will be there to make our decision!!

I guess I'm the only person who has no particular interest in socialzing with my neighbors? If I meet them, fine. If I don't, fine. I'd rather make new friends with shared interests through clubs and other activites, to be honest.

The new build neighborhoods sound like a nightmare to me, with all the forced pot-lucking and block-partying. YMMV. :laugh:

The wonderful thing about TV is that you can live that way and be just as happy as those who prefer to socialize within their neighborhood.

You're not alone at all Halibut. I have friends who prefer not to socialize much at all in their neighborhoods, perhaps once a month at a street party. We're friendly with neighbors, but most of our socializing is with friends who live in other Villages and we're good with that.

I have other friends who are polar opposites. They live in very social neighborhoods where the neighbors are all in and out of each other's houses many times a day. They all seem to be extroverts and they love the constant interaction.

Each to his own. :ho:

I would prefer friends to have a little distance. I always like the privacy of home. Planned visits!

I feel like a kid the night before Christmas. Sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight to Orlando. I'll be in The Villages first thing in the morning. :)

Welcome...wherever you are....you will love it!