[schnauzer]

I'v seen the ads for TV for years. But, I'm not a golfer so did not think too much about it. Retired recently, and am getting tired of being stuck inside all winter, so Florida is one of my options for a new place to live.

I'm a 60 year old single male. So, my housing needs are fairly modest. Not the most outgoing guy in the world, so hoping that someplace like TV where something is always going on would make it easier to get out and meet people. Also a good time in life to try new things.

Have a few questions before deciding on making a visit.

Are non golfers shunned in TV? Would people point at me and go EEWWWWW Or would I be at least politely tolerated?

The website and DVD show lots of cycling. Is the bicycle club pretty active and friendly? What's the riding like?

How are the different clubs about letting people come in and trying out new things to see if they like it?

I saw the Ebook advertise here on the site. Any opinions on it?

Thanks in advance for any info you might give me.

[another Linda]

We are golfers, so maybe I shouldn't be the one to answer. However, the people who are renting our place do not golf and they seem to love TV given that they keep coming back. And an English couple I know have been coming for 15 years and they don't golf. Our own experience has been that everyone we meet is open and welcoming so I would think you can try things out as much or as little as you want. My advice, give it a try -- nothing to lose and LOTS to gain.

[bkcunningham1]

My husband is an avid golfer and a former country dance instructor on the side. I am a beginner golfer with two left feet. We can't wait to make our new home in TV our permanent home. My concern (facetiously) is; will I fit in since I can't line dance. But I'm sure looking forward to taking lessons of every sort. There are sooo many things on my agenda at the Lifelong Learning College, not to mention just getting to swim all I want. I just can't imagine there isn't something to suit your fancy and get you out and about in the warm Florida sunshine. B.K.

[Ohiogirl]

I golf, my SO does not. We've owned for almost for years but don't live there yet, rent it out and visit 2-3 times/year. His avocation is music, interests are sports (other than golf). He likes swimming laps in the sports pool, playing basketball and playing in some bands down there when we visit. He loves it in The Villages, also says he will try golf again. (I just want him to play an executive course with me maybe once a week before sunset - I keep telling him he is missing most of the wildlife (I may be a birder at heart).

I've met other people while playing golf (almost always by myself and have met some really interesting and friendly people, by the way) who say they never played golf before moving there, tried it and like it (at least enough to play once a week or so on the executive courses).

The friends we first visited when we heard they lived in The Villages (our first visit) don't play either, and they love the place. You cannot believe how much there is to do, singly and as a couple. Most people don't have time for everything. Can't figure out how they ever had time to work. I usually ask people if they work part-time and most of them say they meant to do that, but really don't have time to even fit in a part-time job. Don't want to give up any of their activities or even rearrange them because they're having so much fun.

Even my brother-in-law, who doesn't play any sport, or play any games, plans to move there mostly because of the Mac club (also to get out of Ohio weather). I would say he is an introvert but will be able to meet people just because it's so friendly there.

[redwitch]

I don't golf, have no desire to learn the game and can't imagine ever doing so. I'm single and plan to stay that way. The last thing I want to do is go through the dating game hassles again. I don't go out often, even with friends -- too busy working and too tired when the day is done.

That being said, I'm not shunned. Most of my friends golf and even regale me with their games (lucky me lol). I've been known to walk around the Squares by myself. I have yet to take that walk without talking to someone. Honestly, I have yet to have a day go by where something doesn't make me smile here (even in the cold, miserable weather we've been having).

Some clubs are friendlier than others. I have heard of some where newcomers are barely greeted. Most, though, go out of their way to make sure a newbie is greeted and made to feel welcome.

You can take lessons for almost anything you might want to learn here (haven't found a skydiving or paragliding group in TV itself, but it's probably there).

There are various levels of bikers here. However, even the "slowest" is beyond a beginner's level. You can usually find someone to ride with, though, even if you don't want to ride with the bike clubs.

Also, there are so many things you can do here. Volunteering is big and there's a need and an organization for almost anything. Barring political differences, people are pretty accepting. And, if you keep your mouth shut (wish I could lol) about your political views, few will ask.

I haven't noticed the eBook advert, but I have this thing that I love to hold a book and turn the page, so eBooks and audio books are not my thing.

So, come on down, drink the water and/or Kool-Aide and enjoy yourself. The only limitations will be those you put on yourself.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by schnauzer

I'v seen the ads for TV for years. But, I'm not a golfer so did not think too much about it. Retired recently, and am getting tired of being stuck inside all winter, so Florida is one of my options for a new place to live.

I'm a 60 year old single male. So, my housing needs are fairly modest. Not the most outgoing guy in the world, so hoping that someplace like TV where something is always going on would make it easier to get out and meet people. Also a good time in life to try new things.

Have a few questions before deciding on making a visit.

Are non golfers shunned in TV? Would people point at me and go EEWWWWW Or would I be at least politely tolerated?

The website and DVD show lots of cycling. Is the bicycle club pretty active and friendly? What's the riding like?

How are the different clubs about letting people come in and trying out new things to see if they like it?

I saw the Ebook advertise here on the site. Any opinions on it?

Thanks in advance for any info you might give me.

Oh my dear new friend.

You are going to love it here. Most of the golfers do have other interests, my husband excluded. (JUST kidding!) You will find a very nice bunch of single people who will take you right in. There are SO many activities going on all the time. I go out to water my flowers in the backyard and the bocce people are yelling out, "Hey, when are you going to join us??" (We live right next to the courts, obviously.)

There are over 1000 clubs and every kind of game and activity that you can imagine. They range from Bible study to Nudist groups. NO KIDDING!

I have discovered a previously unknown ability to draw and sketch and there are 60 or so people in every art studio meeting at Colony, all so friendly and all so much more talented than me.

If you are a wee bit shy, there is no need to even talk. There are a good many people who can chat TO you for hours. You can go a WATCH a polo match or see the high school team play and watch the kid cheerleaders cheer with the Village Cheerleaders who are a little longer in the tooth, but still cute.

You will love it here. No sense wasting your life being alone and bored and stuck inside looking at snow. Come on down here and be chilly. It's not TOO warm here at the moment.

We'll leave the light on for ya.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Oh my dear new friend.

You are going to love it here. Most of the golfers do have other interests, my husband excluded. (JUST kidding!) You will find a very nice bunch of single people who will take you right in. There are SO many activities going on all the time. I go out to water my flowers in the backyard and the bocce people are yelling out, "Hey, when are you going to join us??" (We live right next to the courts, obviously.)

There are over 1000 clubs and every kind of game and activity that you can imagine. They range from Bible study to Nudist groups. NO KIDDING!

I have discovered a previously unknown ability to draw and sketch and there are 60 or so people in every art studio meeting at Colony, all so friendly and all so much more talented than me.

If you are a wee bit shy, there is no need to even talk. There are a good many people who can chat TO you for hours. You can go a WATCH a polo match or see the high school team play and watch the kid cheerleaders cheer with the Village Cheerleaders who are a little longer in the tooth, but still cute.

You will love it here. No sense wasting your life being alone and bored and stuck inside looking at snow. Come on down here and be chilly. It's not TOO warm here at the moment.

We'll leave the light on for ya.

Hi Schnauzer,


I've met several TVers who don't golf. (So far, I haven't met any who don't own a golf cart though. It's the best way to get around in TV.) You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy the TV Kool-aide. You wouldn't believe how many flavors they serve!

You mentioned that you are "not the most outgoing guy in the world, so hoping (it's easier) to get out and meet people."

I truly cannot imagine a place where it is easier to get out and meet people than in TV. You'll get here and have questions. Ask. You'll see. Tool around TV in a golf cart. You're bound to get lost at first, lol. When you do, you won't even have to bother to ask! You'll see.

So much to do. So many happy, welcoming people. The ads don't do that part justice! You'll see.

[schnauzer]

Thanks everyone for your replies. That is what I was hoping to hear. I guess I will be getting ready to visit soon. If it is as good as you all say, then will start planning for a move down.

Thanks again.

[JohnN]

Hi, I don't golf, never noticed any discrimination. I know lots of non-golfers.
The bikers are everywhere.. EVERYWHERE.
There's over 1,000 clubs, something to suit you.
Folks seem pretty friendly.
C'mon down.

[grandma-annie]

Is it possible to buy the Ebook, Don't Even Think About Moving to The Villages Until You Have Read This B ook., in hard copy.?..

[tpop1]

Originally Posted by schnauzer

Have a few questions before deciding on making a visit.

Are non golfers shunned in TV? Would people point at me and go EEWWWWW Or would I be at least politely tolerated?

The website and DVD show lots of cycling. Is the bicycle club pretty active and friendly? What's the riding like?

How are the different clubs about letting people come in and trying out new things to see if they like it?

9 winters in Sarasota all I did was golf; wife didn't have too much to do. Sold there & bought in TV and she has plenty to do here.

Surprise is that I am not golfing very much here....so much else to do....
...found Pickleball, which is a short court paddle game that provides this heavy old guy some much needed good exercise, plus other activiites and clubs that take my time up.

There has to be a club or sport or two here for you. Everyone is very open to letting new members in...just a few clubs to large for more members.

Here is a link to the list of villages clubs, all 81 pages, 20-25 clubs per page:
http://www.districtgov.org/images/ClubsListing.pdf

Come'on down....you'll have a great time here.

[2BNTV]

grandma-annie Ebook about the Villages

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it possible to buy the Ebook, Don't Even Think About Moving to The Villages Until You Have Read This B ook., in hard copy.?..

grandma-Annie

You should be able to print-out a hard copy of the e-book after downloading the file on your computer.

[rjm1cc]

I think I would do a life style visit for a week or more and if you like it then rent for a few months. You might want to look in the manufactured home area to minimize expenses while you look. Take a look at this site http://villages4rent.com/