Are the Rumours about the Villages Florida True

A recent visit to the senior community The Villages in Florida provided some eye opening sights, and enlightening moments.

[laurensweeny]

We have lived in The Villages for 14 years. We enjoy the safety it provides. I can walk around the neighborhood with no worries . We have Community Watch that drives thru on a regular schedule. Folks watch out for each other. People wave or stop to say hello as they drive their golf carts You çan drive your golf cart to stores, restaurants and medical buildings. Weather is perfect, no snow or sleet . Yes there are bad apples, that is the same everywhere you may live. We have several fire stations, a hospital and police.The fact that there are over 3, 000 clubs allows seniors to keep mind and body busy and healthy. Don’t forget the many golf courses at fantastic low fee.

[mamaburr]

We weren't born old...We worked in the fast pace city up north. Raised our children..saved our money.. Now we are retired, and we want to enjoy our life.. we like the villages..

[Nothankyou]

I live about 30 minutes away and go there occasionally to shop. It is very clean, all landscaping is neat, and I like holding doors for people and hearing, “Thank you, young man.” I am 58😀 Also, it ain’t cheap to buy a house there, so there’s that.

[drivewithdee]

We bought a house in the Villages last year- it’s wonderful. There are lower priced homes at the North end, and the neighbors are warm, friendly and helpful.
People stop on their golf carts and while walking to say hello or have a conversation.
I’ve “heard” that the farther south you go, the less friendly people are but I’m not sure if that’s true or not.
It feels very safe here- like the rest of the USA used to be before the 2000’s (in most cities).
We have NEVER EVER seen anything inappropriate here- but we also don’t go looking for it.
I’m sure with just about any place on earth, if you’re looking for something, you’ll find it eventually.
The only thing you have to be mindful of are the drivers, unfortunately. Since we’ve been here there have been a few fatal accidents involving pedestrians and golf carts.
We happened to stumble upon this place almost by accident and we never thought in a million years we would be able to buy here, but we could and did.
I honestly wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the country with the way things are going.
Lots and lots of retired military here as well- so if you’re retiring or a grown army brat like myself, you’ll LOVE IT.

[capicolaspicy]

I do believe that was by far the most evenhanded informative and enjoyable view of The Villages I have seen so far. I could never live in a place like that but I think it's fantastic that it's there for those who enjoy that lifestyle!

[utubenada]

The villages are not for everyone, just those that want that lifestyle.

[katherineganley]

I've lived in The Villages for almost a year. I love it here! I'm 61, been single a very long while, and have met so many wonderful people that have become my family. I can't say enough positive things. I live in Brownwood and it's a ball! If you're bored here in The Villages then you're a tree Stump because if you can think of it, it's here to do. The softball fields are amazing w 150 teams, polo, all manner of pool sports, court sports, archery, shooting ranges, wood shops, RC car and boat race facilities, miles and miles of walking trails, literally anything you want is here and you make life here what you want it to be. It's not inexpensive but what is nowadays? You get what you pay for.

[MrRocky]

If people live there, and are happy doing so, why does anyone care ?

[bertram]

I find it so interesting reading the comments from people on here they're also negative and judgmental you know what you can live wherever the hell you want to live.
It's not a real expensive place it's a good value I visited somebody there once to each his own go his own go live in a trailer in Fort Myers if that makes you happy

[auroranite]

Its a Great place. Just visited for a week. Beautiful grounds, activiturs, scenic walks & drives. Its 1 of a kind.

[AnnaCollinsphotographer]

Should be called: Stepford for Seniors

[johnjaco]

To each his own, I'm retired and wouldn't live there if they gave me a free house.

[richie]

Anyone of any age can BUY a home in the villages. The deed restrictions apply to who LIVES in the home. Anyone or any legal entity can own a home there and rent it out.

[patti]

You don’t have to be 55+ to buy a house. A 19 year old can buy a house. Children can only live or visit for 30 days a year.

[Lola]

Reading all the comments, well, we all have a choice where we want to live until... whether being happy paying for all the amenities, etc, or living near the beach. It all comes to one thing: just do what is going to make you happy. Btw, I don't live there, but I heard about it and was doing my research on everything that was mentioned on many comments before reading them. Stay safe!🙏

[toma]

I'm surprised. My experience dealing with parents who lived in retirement villages is that these places tend to be little snake pits of cliques, backbiting and gossip, petty jealousies and golddiggers on the prowl. All I could do is roll my eyes since I'm not the one living there. I certainly hope The Villages are immune from these terrible human failings.

[PhuongMalkin]

I rented a house in the Villages for a week and had a very good time there. People are so nice and helpful. I hope to retire there later on in life.

[grits]

The villages bought up almost all the cattle and farming land in our county and displace the native citizens. The infrastructure is not there, so the traffic is horrendous. What used to be a quick 5 minute drive to town is now 30 minutes. When the Villages began to build in Sumter County, a promise was made to the citizens of Sumter (Sum-ter), there is no "N" in Sumter, County that they would only build to a certain point in the county, but they have gone way beyond that point. In fact they started in the north end of the county and are now buying land and building in the south end of the county. They have taken over the government and silenced the voices of the people that have lived there all their lives. Everything that takes place in the county now is controlled by the Villages. The old towns are being consumed and replaced by the Villages with no concern for the people that are native to the county. Sumter County was a quite peaceful place with low crime. It was a farming and cattle area. It was a great place to raise a family. It is sad to see the destruction of so many beautiful oak trees, rolling pastures, as well as, the precious southern communities.

[paulmeunier]

We love living in The Villages!!! We are playing 18 holes tomorrow and then watching live free!!

[cripplecreekqueen]

I would go insane living in an environment such as this. My sister would love it. She is extremely social. I am a homebody and enjoy a quiet life. Just sayin depends on what is important for each individual.