You don't even have to live the "lifestyle" here to be happy. Just take life the way you want. There is loads more to Florida than just here.
Steve

For me, I have zero interest in golf. I can't stand Florida. It is the "lifestyle" that gives me hope of being happy in the Villages. And they have that lifestyle in abundance. Sure I could live in a bigger house on bigger property in Stonecrest. But I'd be stuck maintaining that property, and keeping that house clean, and if I wanted to go anywhere I'd have to leave the community to do so. Plus hubby would get to play at exactly one golf course for the rest of his life, because we wouldn't be able to afford to pay for him to go to any others.

For $158 per month (the new amenity fee) we get ALL the golf courses, and ALL the pools, and ALL the rec centers, in addition to all the public stuff that anyone can enjoy.

I'd say that's a steal.

If the cost of golf is important and potentially a problem for your husband, make sure he understands that playing the Championship Courses in The Villages can be costly, a Resident has to pay about $60 per 18 hole round and half that to play a 9 hole round during the limited times for 9 hole play.
It's the shorter 9 hole Executive Courses that are basically available for free access (you must pay an annual Trail Fee of $145).
Most male avid golfers here feel "real" golf is played on the Championship Courses and wouldn't be caught dead on an Executive Course. If your husband feels this way, then The Villages might not be for him.
I'm a good golfer and have always played on good caliber 18 hole golf courses. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the Executive Courses here but I do. I find them to be very challenging and fun to play. However, in my experience here, I've found most male golfers don't feel the same way.

I'm in a similar situation. I REALLY don't like the idea of a deed restricted community. "Land of the free" my butt. But my wife has wanted to live in a planned community for a long time. And she likes deed restrictions because they "keep the property values up" (whatever). The big draw for me of TV is all the clubs. I have several hobbies I plan to pursue much more seriously when retired. I like that TV has 2000+ clubs with an extremely diverse set of interests. I don't play golf, but I like being outside, so we'll most likely play golf now and then. I like swimming, so all the pools will be a nice amenity.

So there are trade-offs. There are things about TV I don't like. There are things I do. I'm willing to endure the things I don't like for the things I do - and to make my wife happy.

Who knows, we may move down there and hate it - for various unforeseen reasons. We may be ecstatic.

I'm doing as much research up front (my participation in these forums is part of that) to minimize the surprises and know what we're getting into.

Fees for golf with Priority membership.

https://golfthevillages.com/images/T...Golf-Rates.pdf

Let's not forget the executive courses

"wouldn't be caught dead on executive courses"? What a crock of crap.

And you don't have to pay the yearly trail fee as stated above. You can pay it at the course every time you play.
Steve

The house across the street from us is going up for sale very shortly. We are a friendly bunch. With your background, I wouldn't mind having you for a neighbor.

Fred,
The things you have mentioned, although I have never heard of them, may have happened. You mentioned the one about too many dogs. I am not sure how many "several" dogs are but I remember correctly when we moved in there was something about grandfathering in dog that you currently own. Check with the main office. The thing that I know people do not like is people who do not clean up after their dogs. Most people carry a bag with them. Allowing the dog/s to poop on someone's yard and not cleaning it up is rude. :boom:
Your other things you like are quite okay, as is a well cared for dog. Keep in mind that you are hearing from a few folks out of 100,000 plus people.
If you decide to retire here :welcome:

Playing the executive courses is totally free if you walk. Great exercise!

Not for you - nobody drinks bud here

I once had a conversation with a friend when I was considering moving to TV:

Iconoclast: Why would anyone live in a gulag that prohibits you from painting your damned front door the color you want?

Me: People who don't care what color their damned door is?

It's certainly a choice with repercussions. Aside from the weather, family, and health considerations, anecdotal evidence indicates that a number of the folks who leave do so because they chafed at being too closed in with other neighbors, not because of any deed hindrances.

Luckily the people who enjoy restoring old cars in their driveways or keeping hens tend to know that about themselves and do not move here.

"Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above
Don't fence me in."

Not if you rattle easy, are thin skinned or impatient.....

You will not have several dogs for too long. The rule is two pets. You bring the ones you have, and as they pass on, you work your way down to two. I can't see neighbors liking a lot of cigar smoking in these close quarters. Or music outside if it's a bit loud while you're polishing your cars. I'm thinking you would be happier with more space.

:agree:

Hey Quills, its the luck of the draw just as it would be anywhere. We have been here for three years and have yet to meet any neighbor who is a real PinHead. You worked your entire life for this place, your reward, my reward also, it is a great thing to live here.

Are things exaggerated on the forums and news commentaries? I would love to hear opinions/remarks about your experiences. The answer is yes because people are paper tigers and have Bud Muscles when they are posting but when you meet the same people when you're picking up your mail, at the pool, at the square those same people want what we all want, to live the home stretch in peace. We are all on the 20-yard line in the 4th quarter going in for the score and don't want to penalize one another.

Smoke your See Gar, Wax That Car and Love Your Music and play it but just be considerate like you probably are. I think you would fit in our neighborhood just fine. I hope you like it here it really is great! Welcome.

I’m not sure if anyone can tell you if you will love it here. The newest areas seem to be at a slower pace.

In Harmswood the lots are larger, and you have much more space. There are several home offered there by TV and MLS agents.

Simple Solution
 

The simple solution to the question is to read the Deed Restrictions and if you can't live by them don't move here. If you can you will not find a better place for your retirement and being in a "God's waiting room". Have lived here going on 12 year and would not want to live anywhere else at this stage of our life.
Lived for 13 years on the beach and it was fine for a year or two but how long seeing fish and walking the beach can you stand? There are residents who like to try to beat the rules and they are the ones who are a pain in the neck. :ho:

We like it here just fine. There are some of the grumpiest old Folks here, but many more of the nicest.
There is an obvious overtone of political bias here, but if you don’t start the conversation it never comes up.
You will hear about the rising chrime here, but after living in the Wash D.C. suburbs for years I find that comical.
You will hear folks complain about having to follow the rules they signed before moving in, but that is why we came here.
You will hear about the bars serving too many alcohol beverages, but well, it’s a bar silly.

Bottom line: If you don’t find your niche, activity, etc. etc., here, good lock finding it anywhere.

Note: When our teanage granddaughter visitd last hear she said “THIS PLACE IS THE BOMB”. I thinks that is good.

Just to be clear... in almost all parts of the Villages the limit is two dogs period... there is no provision to move in with more and work down to two. You have to read the covenants you will sign to find out for sure.

Many people will say you can move in with extra dogs but that is only because you will probably get away with it if you want to play the odds. But if anyone complains to community standards, even someone from outside of your neighborhood 10 miles away, you will almost certainly be told to remove the extra dogs. Yes, unfortunately, there are people who drive around the Villages just so they can complain to community standards.

Well Fred it seems you don't like some rules we have here and making those who help enforce them sound bad doesn't sound like law enforcement left much of a mark on you. The live and let live is nice in some areas, but you would be moving into a city that has it's ordinances and some are distasteful to you(barking dogs, letting your dogs do their business anywhere, etc.). I would be one of those who complains to the authorities if you got loud outside or inside...your dogs were a problem(to me). You see I don't really mind the live and let live if it doesn't effect my quality of life(a reason I moved here), but if it does...well then I'll politely turn you in.

This is going to sound harsh.
I love dogs. I've always had a dog. It's beyond me though, why anyone would want to wrangle 2 dogs or more every day in a retirement community. Multiple leashes, and loads of poop to pick up several times a day. They need to be attended when you travel, even on a day trip. One dog, maybe $25. Two dogs, $50... three dogs, faghetaboutit. What about vacations? Yes, they are man's best friend, but in retirement they can tie you down. Vaccinations, worming, heartworm meds, etc. for one dog is expensive. For two dogs, double! Three dogs... whew! And, what about congenital problems, hip dysplasia, kidney or liver trouble? And you get to take them to the kind folks at the local animal hospitals. They are wonderful companions, but if youre moving to Florida for the Florida lifestyle, dogs can hold you back.
As for the radio in the driveway... they make earbuds for music, please consider using them (the sound is better anyway). And many folks are irritated by cigar smoke. Smoking outside might make someone else's lanai unusable while you're smoking. You may be the nicest guy in the world, but you might be happier in a larger, less controlled environment than the Villages.

Other people's music and smoke are extremely inconsiderate..No way to avoid it.

2 dog limit
 

Get a courtyard Villa and keep the music down. If your talking about cranking up the tunes you may have a complaint from a neighbor.

Get a premium lot corner courtyard villa! Smoke all the cigars and drink all the Bud you like and it won’t bother a soul!

That will only be the case if you never smoke outside.

Come on down to TV. We need a wider variety of people who have a different mind set. I welcome all kinds of people to our friendly community. If we were all the same how boring would that be! Can't wait to meetcha! Peace out, dude!

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