What's the saying? Home is where the heart is, or something like that.

You were threatened ?

Moi?:girlneener:

We chose The Villages because of the vast diversity in all areas of life. We worked all over the world and when it was time for retirement, we found places with the majority of the residents that had similar interests quite boring. The Villages residents are from every corner of the world with a vast amount of opinions on religion, politics etc. God has blessed The Villages with diversity and we embrace it. Except for one difference between people I don't care to mention. We love it here.

Look at the movie Pleasantville. How horrible would that be?

You will never know how much you missed here. As people become older, their beliefs become more entrenched. They look at things a certain way, probably because of all of their life experiences, but more often than not they view things as most of the folks did where they lived all of their lives.

I grew up in a suburb right smack dab in the middle of Ohio farm country. You grew up in the Bronx. You may think I talk funny. I may think you talk funny. You spoke about planting a fig tree. I have never seen a fig tree, but I am familiar with acres and acres and acres of soy beans. As we grow older and closer to leaving this life, what is important is sharing and listening to others and enjoying the differences and commonalities we have.

What I love about The Villages is that almost everyone has worked hard and planned to live here, and whether they live in a big ole house or a tiny one, they are living independently and have pride in their homes and yards and enjoy all of the time to try new things and meet new people. We have very little time to feel bad, sad or angry. Or worry much about the other guy's politics.

I will defend my views vehemently, but I have found many views to moderate as I listen to others, and other views to be more entrenched. You can't be me. I can't be you. That's o.k. Enjoy your life and be happy.

not just here
 

[QUOTE=tonyafd;906784]We've all made our decisions. The Villages is a beautiful place. I don't debate that. If you are happy there, good for you.

Here is my experience while I was deciding:
While I was riding back to Orlando on a lifestyle trial I had to endure an hour long negative tirade about Obama from another passenger. I was as tactful as possible. Rupert Murdock's FOX radio plays on the streets in Sumter Landing. There are articles about how Romney window signs were tolerated and how Obama window signs were ordered down.

Back in Pinellas county campaign signs were taken down as well--for both sides. I will admit that I was originally worried about the political leanings here but I have to say I've not run into any uncomfortable situations. Most people don't want dissent and strife and don't venture into those discussions, preferring instead to discuss their golf or pickleball games.

Sarasota is beautiful. However, having lived close to the Gulf, I do not miss the threat of hurricanes or the inability to get home insurance at a reasonable price. My amenity fee is about equivalent to what I save every year on home owners insurance. As a single, this place is ideal. There is no way I would be as active as I am now, living anywhere else. The problem with being a couple is when you are no longer a couple. social opportunities change or dwindle and one can become isolated.

I would greatly be interested to know where utopia was found.

I made my decision with what I experienced and what I researched. While I agree that one shouldn't pass judgement without living there perhaps you might agree that I shouldn't spend a large sum of money by ignoring what I have seen and read.

I have a question for you. Do you have an speakers booked in the for seen future that are not affiliated with the Tea Party?

I guess there is a pot for every lid.
 

We are die hard liberals. Yeah, some of the conservative talk from friends gets to be a bit tiresome. Also, we have had friends visit that did not like how big it is. However, life for us here is very good. We have a beach condo south of Sarasota, and loved spending our winters there until we found TV. We are so busy here and constantly meet delightful people. After 4 years here, we still pat ourselves for moving here.
Hopefully, we all find a place that gives us peace and contentment. Best of luck to you with your choice.

Another liberal Democrat seconds your post!:wave:

Thanks for your post; it's good to hear other viewpoints. I'm sure thousands of people have come on lifestyle visits and decided TV wasn't for them, for any number of reasons. I'm a liberal and have lived in college town where the prevailing winds blow left and, without different opinions, it can become something of a closed circuit that does nothing but pass along and reinforce existing beliefs.

While I appreciate the variety of political views here, I will say I've found it best to avoid discussion of religion and politics with casual acquaintances. (And isn't that what Emily Post would tell us, anyway?) But I do wish medical offices would play something other than Fox News in their waiting rooms. :)

Yep, personal choices. We all make them for one reason or anther. Some we make are good and some bad. Hopefully we learn from the bad ones. I did not buy in the Villages. Not because I did not think the villages was a nice place to live but because I wanted a house on a golf course in a gated community. I could not afford it in the villages so I purchased in Stonecrest. I personally like smaller then larger. I did not buy on the coast because when the big wind comes I did not want to have to abandon my property. I like Central Florida. You are with in a day trip to many places.

You'll spend to much time on politics.
TV is heaven on earth.
You over 1000 things to do every day.
GO PLAY.
When I fish if the guy next to me would start the crap he is going to get wet.

As a matter of fact, Members of the Villages Democratic Club presented House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer at Colony Rec Center on Saturday.

You could go to the Democrats TV club to find out about other speakers.

Maybe it's just me, but it saddens me that some people don't have a life. :(
To come on here starting out with negative comments about the Villages and they don't even live here amazes me. :blahblahblah:
Surely there must be better things for someone to do. :confused:
Like I said, maybe it's just me or I really missed something !! :shrug: