[Renegade]

I am 62 now and have lived in sort of a different situation than u. I come from south Fl. and it got quite busy and crowded over the 50 yrs. I lived here. This is the greatest place to retire. There is so many things here for all tastes. They even have a TV station dedicated to notifying you of all the events going on. The people are so friendly here that you immediately make friends. As u ride down the street everyone waves. Its a nice place and affordable for all that is offered. So go for it.....You will adapt. The thing that most impressed me is for all the people that are here it is so quiet. Even the dogs hardly ever bark. If they do and get on ur nerves u just have to let the local village security people that ride around all the time and they will approach the owner. So I hope this helps u decide. Can't beat the weather{today it was in the 80s and low in the mid 50s} We don't snow here to often .......... Good luck

[whartonjelly]

Hey there,
We are from Lawrenceburg , also in southern Indiana and cannot wait to leave the winters behind. We should be buying down there within the next 2 years. Waiting on certain things to go thru, figure out our budget and how not to gloat on how happy we are in our decision to move to TV !!!!

Yes it is very scary but we know we do not need out big house, the stairs, the driveway to shovel and the big yard to take care of.

Home to meet you down there!!!!

[redwitch]

You already know the pluses to living here. You have valid concerns about leaving where you are. So, I agree with those who suggested you rent here first -- at least one month during the high season and one month during the summer. Check out different areas, types of structures.

Change is frightening. I've moved more than most my entire life and it still frightened me to move here. I was leaving the first place I'd lived in for more than 2 years at a time. I was leaving my friends (family all deceased). I was leaving my beloved mountains to go to a state that was flat (which I still hate lol). I was too young to retire so was going to have to start all over in finding a job. It all worked out, up to and including a total career change (former legal secretary, now self-employed).

If you find you really a little more space, go for a corner lot or a courtyard villa. The historic side has much larger lots. You could buy there just for the land and then either have a larger manufactured home installed or build a new home on the site.

Your hometown is changing. A casino means crowds, noise, the whole nine yards of things you don't want in your hometown. It also means jobs, more money for the community, more things to do, an influx of new, young people in the town.

So, c'mon down again. Give it a longer try and see if you still feel the same way about how wonderful TV is (bet you will!).

[JenAjd]

I'd say what some others have already said here...don't make it permenant at first. Be a snowbird or seasonal resident here to test the water so to speak. THEN decide. Some don't find the life-style to be for them and move back north. For the life of me I can't relate to that as I HATE the cold and all that comes with it.
Keep in mind....LIFE is full of changes! You already said it in that your community is changing (the casino etc) and we can't stop it. Another change is that we're aging and there is something about being here that seems to help with that process. We are out and about more due to the weather. Anyway...this thread could become a very long one. ONLY YOU can make the decision!

[rjm1cc]

You mentioned not wanting to worry about taking care of the property. You might look arround for some communities that take care of the yard etc. Then compare.

The first step is do you want to move to an over 55 community. Next, do you want to do it close to your home or someplace else. Then what life style do you want.

[K9-Lovers]

We shared those fears. We lived on several acres, as did our only neighbors. We couldn't really even see our neighbors except in winter when the trees were bare. Behind us was a lake, in front was an unihabited mountain. We had a very large home.

We were ready to retire and tired of maintaining the home and property. When we visited The Villages, we bought a courtyard villa before going home. A courtyard villa (CYV) helps with privacy. We found one open on two sides to a nature preserve so we have a long view from every window, which makes you feel out in the country.

Look for a CYV on a corner that abutts a preserve, is our advice.

We've been here 6 months and haven't had a minute's regret. You give up some things to gain other things. And the things you are giving up you quickly will no longer be able to do -- or want to do.

Don't wait too long . . . aging catches up with you quickly sometimes.

[JUREK]

Merled:

Don't worry just leave your problems behind. I'm from Northern Indiana and we live on 7 acres with an acre pond. What I thought I'd miss is having a large pole barn with 5 cars and a tractor. I enjoy the Villages now with one car and two golf carts. I especially enjoy not having excessive tools or worrying about mowing the yard. Come on down you will enjoy it.
You will forget about having real close neighbors in no time at all.