I think that is great Martha. In fact that is what 'surround' cities/towns need. I would think the rent or lease is much smaller in Wildwood for a new business and if they can capitalize on the 100K people in TV then they might be able to make a go of it.

My husband and I often remark how pretty the surrounding area is and how you can be "in the country" within just a couple miles of TV. We find Wildwood and the other small towns an interesting change from the vista of roofs in TV.

If we ever move our retail business to the area, we would go on the WW side, probably in the 301 corridor.
Because the property can be owned and because there is no overrage (percentage of your gross) that TV gets from the 'on campus' sites, it makes sense for the business people, and for those of us that would pass some of the savings to the customers, it makes sense for shoppers too.

We did purchase a parcel and home in WW and might very well live there when we make the longer-term move, keeping our places in TV too for the 'belonging' and amenities.

These areas have character.

We took a slow guided bike tour last Saturday night sponsored by a Leesburg shop that took us by some wonderful decorations on homes and Venetian Gardens. The guides included the Police and fire personnel and some great local folk full of knowledge.

While the historic district of Leesburg is trying to actively revamp the downtown, we also appreciate the character of neighborhoods in the not-so-upscale areas.

L&L

We bought our home in The Villages three years ago. I am currently teaching 6th Grade Math and Reading in Ohio. I would like to teach in Wildwood after retiring from Ohio Schools instead of The Villages schools.

"Avoid Wildwood", why?

I don't know why
 

one would avoid Wildwood, only that I've heard same from others,. That's why I asked the question. From the comments posted, it sounds like an interesting place that has some businesses that I will patronize.

I do not get the impression from the above posts that Wildwood should be avoided.

Always the voice of reason.:agree:

The Right Kind of People
 

Reading this thread brings back memories of a once favorite poem I had nearly forgotten. It's by Edwin Markham.

The Right Kind of People

Gone is the city, gone the day,
Yet still the story and the meaning stay:
Once where a prophet in the palm shade basked
A traveler chanced at noon to rest his mules.
"What sort of people may they be," he asked,
"In this proud city on the plains o'erspread?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the packman scowled; "why, knaves and fools."
"You'll find the people here the same," the wise man said.

Another stranger in the dusk drew near,
And pausing, cried, "What sort of people here
In your bright city where yon towers arise?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the pilgrim smiled with lifted head;
"Good, true, and wise."
"You'll find the people here the same,"
The wise man said.

Ahhhh lovely.

And very wise.

Methinks another English Major.

But certainly someone with a kind heart!:)

Wildwood is a great small town. It has lots of things that I use. So funvillagecpl take a hike and try some of them. Cotillion Café has the best lunch around. The Ace Hardware is much better then the one on 466 and easier access then to us folks in the South. The antique mall on main street has some neat stuff. Traditions Café has some decent Italian dinners. The deli by the train tracks on main street has the best sandwiches around. I like Wildwood and will continue to go there. Nice change of pace from the sterile environment around here.

Well said.

teaching
 

good luck trying to find a teaching job in florida.

Wildwood is a little jewel of a town!
 

Don't just drive through Wildwood, check out some great little stores and restaurants, e.g.,

The Red Door,
Cotillion Restaurant,
Our Mother's Attic (and the following are on the next block),
Decades (consignment great furniture,etc. not run of the mill),
A new consignment store and the other corner near Cotillion,
A store next to Our Mother's Attic that takes clothing for battered women)
Fresh produce market on Saturdays at the government building.

And there's Polly's Tea Room down the street.

I live in The Villages, but love scouting new little places and especially
restaurants.

Wildwood has several businesses that I love.
Veranda is a lovely furniture store. They also have an annex where you can buy and sell used furniture.
Cotillion is a wonderful restaurant with atmosphere of the Old South.
The strip mall on 301 just south of 466A has the sheriff's office for drivers license and registration, an Ace Hardware store. a Radio Shack, a post office and a good Dollar Store.
On Saturdays, there is a small but local farmers market on the square in front of City Hall on 301.
I truly believe that the TV expansion in that direction (Brownwood) will revitalize this old and historic town.

We've been told that the tri-county area has been some of the MOST depressed in the state. Thus you will see proverty and all that comes with it in the surrounding communities. Also were told that when TV came it was a boon to the area and has provided SO MUCH for the surrounding area with jobs and stability that that brings to the economy. I can only think that Wildwood would see MUCH improvement as TV grows in that direction.

We are NO better or worse than those folks that live there!! We've all been created equally. Some of us have just been more blessed.