[jkomoros]

My husband and I are moving in to our new Village home at the end of this month. My husband isn't retired yet, so he has to head back to Virginia at the end of the weekend, but I am staying on for a week or two to get moved in and acquainted with life in The Villages. I'd welcome any suggestions on your favorite ideas of what you did when you first moved in, and/or what you wish you'd known at the time that might have made your initial few weeks more fun. Any suggestions for good ways to spend the first few weeks in TV?

Janet

[l2ridehd]

Still making the trek from Virginia to TV ourselves as not yet retired either. We drive down some, fly down some, but get there about once a month for a long weekend. Lots of times drive one way and fly the other and reverse it on the next trip.

Take it slow. Most people get involved in way to many things and get overwhelmed to start. Go to the squares, take a course, attend a couple club meetings that interest you and enjoy the place. Go to www.virginiatrace.com for a list of clubs and courses available.

[graciegirl]

Janet!

Welcome to you.

You will have NO problem entering into this warm and friendly place and finding your own niche. Since you say your home is new, I am guessing it is in Hemingway, Bonita or St. Charles. I know two friends who are building in that area right now!

PM me when you arrive and we will arrange a get together with some nice people from The Villages, maybe a late lunch. What do you say gang?

You have made the most positive choice of your life.

GracieGirl

[784caroline]

We bought in TV in 2006 hoping to sell the house in N VA (Montclair Va...just off Exist 152 of I-95) in 2007 and relocate in the summer of 2007. My wife had a year to retire from Fairfax County Schools and we would use the year as a transition. Well the best laid plans dont always work and we never sold up north during 2007 and finally moved here (AT LAST) in July 2008. However during the interim 20 months when we came down to TV, we focused on the immediate neighborhood and got to know the neighbors who surrounded us. That helped alot with having someone keep an eye on the house and for us to call when the tornado struck in Feb 2007....fortunately we were out of harms way during the tornado but not far away!! I only say this for things can happen while you are not in residence..so plan accordingly! Get a Golf cart and start living the life style and start to get involved during your short stays in golf, pickellball or whatever you personaly enjoy. What I started doing was driving my wife and I down but my wife would fly back after a week (go to worrk) and I would continue living the FLorida life for some extra time.
Dont rush it ..it wil happen especially if you are out-going people. If all else fails you can always post a sign at the begining of your block announcing "HAPPY HOUR at 5PM" .....guaranteed to get a crowd...and Welcome to TV!!

[Safe Home Watch Mary Edwards]

Originally Posted by jkomoros

My husband and I are moving in to our new Village home at the end of this month. My husband isn't retired yet, so he has to head back to Virginia at the end of the weekend, but I am staying on for a week or two to get moved in and acquainted with life in The Villages. I'd welcome any suggestions on your favorite ideas of what you did when you first moved in, and/or what you wish you'd known at the time that might have made your initial few weeks more fun. Any suggestions for good ways to spend the first few weeks in TV?

Janet

Welcome !!! What Village are you moving to?We are new in The Village of Hemingway. Take it slow everyone is so nice you will love this place.Mary

[jkomoros]

We bought in Amelia.

We're so excited to be in TV, and I appreciate all the suggestions!

[JohnN]

We're fairly new in Hemingway - and just part-timers for now.
We've met some people, but the part-time does hinder a bit in getting involved in clubs and such, I'll admit.

TV is great and it'll all settle in time.

[allairenjadea]

We'll be arriving at our new house in Bonita in two weeks and can hardly wait. But it will be tough when we have to leave. Dan and Nancy -- Shapleigh,Maine::

[Ohiogirl]

I'm a part-timer too (very part-time, don't expect to retire for another 4 years), rent my place out a lot and use it for vacations otherwise. Every time I come down I learn something new, mostly by talking to people.

Getting a golf cart right away is very good advice - I waited a year and wish I hadn't. It is way fun just to drive around in it. You also notice more things when you're not in a car.

Don't be afraid to do things by yourself and don't be afraid to ask a neighbor to take you along to something that interests you. Talk to people at the pool, or wherever you find yourself. I often sign up to golf an exec. course alone and have met some very nice people doing so.

If you don't golf yet and have any interest, then take a lesson (or 3 or 4). I'm just a very average golfer, which means sometimes I par a hole and sometimes I double par it, but have felt very comfortable golfing with strangers.

One woman I met on a golf course told me about her favorite (free) line dancing class at one of the rec centers and welcomed me there the next day. Like everyone says, this is the friendliest place you'll ever be!

[Cassie325]

http://www.districtgov.org/


Visit them at wedgewood avenue....they can answer a lot of your questions!

Read the paper and read all that is going on (the clubs, the events, the sports, the games)....take a big breathe and then show up at an activity that looks interesting to you...introduce yourself and join right in....hard I know....but it works.

Knock on your new neighbors doors. Introduce yourself.

A little each day....

Good Luck!! If you are really lost get back on here and yell for help! Knowing these folks they will be at your door!!

[Gshepherd]

What a wonderful Thread! I have learned so much from all of you and received such great advice. THANK YOU! We will be closing on our new home in March and will be moving into the Village of Hemmingway when our home is sold here in MA. Ohh by the way, what and where is "Crispers"? I see it mentioned often in the posts.

[Muncle]

Don't disagree with any of the above suggestions. I'd just add:

1. Attend the VHA Newcomers Social. It's a very good introduction to a wide variety of Villages functions and amenities.

2. If you are into golf at all, attend a Good Golf School when available. Among other topics, it explains how one gets tee times and how priorities are established.

3. Look on your mail center bulletin board or ask your new neighbors about the local villages social club. Try to attend one session, just to get a taste.

4. Attend a Community Development District Orientation. Sessions are held every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Sumter Landing District Office, 1894 Laurel Manor Drive. It answers a ton of questions about how TV works, financially and administratively. Learn this stuff and you'll be ahead of 90% the villagers and 80% of TOTV participants, and you'll be able to answer a lot of the redundant questions we get here.

Welcome --- you'll love it here.




`

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Gshepherd

What a wonderful Thread! I have learned so much from all of you and received such great advice. THANK YOU! We will be closing on our new home in March and will be moving into the Village of Hemmingway when our home is sold here in MA. Ohh by the way, what and where is "Crispers"? I see it mentioned often in the posts.

Good luck G, hope you sell that house real soon. We'll be looking for you in Hemingway! Crispers in on 466 in the Southern Trace shopping plaza, near the Publix. You can't miss us, on the 3rd Friday of every month you can see all of us hovering in the outdoor patio area. Come on down!!!

[jkomoros]

Originally Posted by Mary Edwards

Welcome !!! What Village are you moving to?We are new in The Village of Hemingway. Take it slow everyone is so nice you will love this place.Mary

We're moving into Amelia. We'll be down next Thursday for our first visit as owners and are SO excited.

Thanks again to all who have posted. These are great suggestions!
Janet

[Safe Home Watch Mary Edwards]

Welcome,We did the same thing bought this house in Hemingway and have another house in Punta gorda Fl. to sell. But you will love this place we do. Mary