[Michael 61]

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

[Hardlyworking]

I haven’t, but I’ve found that some people lead miserable lives and can’t stand to see anyone be happy.

[Keefelane66]

Yes the Villages is a nice place but not the center of the universe

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

Of course. But consider the source. Of course people whose only experience about The Villages comes from reading or watching media are going to have a negative opinion, for a very obvious reason: negativity, sensationalism and (perhaps most of all) sleaze sell publications and generate hits, both of which make money for the author and the medium involved. You will never read articles, other than an occasional local blurb, about a certain church, through "Operation Christmas Child", filling over one hundred THOUSAND shoe boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies and "fun things" that are then distributed to needy children in many third-world countries. You won't read about the regular donations many area churches make to the food shelves of the surrounding community. You won't read about neighborhoods organizing to help one another with tasks such as pet-sitting, helping with various tasks, arranging and/or offering rides to fellow community members for necessities such as shopping, medical supplies, etc. That is merely the very small tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to all the positive things that happen here on a regular basis.

So--keep on gushing the positives. I do, at every opportunity.

[justjim]

It’s still a “free country” and you can live most anywhere if you can afford it economically. That said, I have never had a number of “outside”
Individuals “bad mouth” The Villages as the OP posted. To the contrary, I hear many positive comments from
strangers regarding The villages. I’ve seen unpleasant comments on this site and other social media on as occasional basis. With a population approaching 140,000, you are always going to have some “disgruntled” people. Fore.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

I don’t base my life on the opinions of others. If asked, tell people you live in The Villages and nothing more. If they begin to trash The Villages, I would respond quietly, I’ve heard where you live is awful too and walk away. Maybe they will realize how rude they were and if not, who would want to hang with them.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t walk around boasting how I feel The Villages is superior. That’s just as obnoxious.

[Taltarzac725]

Amazon.com

I recall going over the discussions about what is in the book Leisureville with a number of people at a local dog park. Most of the people seemed quite upset with the gross over- generalizations in much of it about the Villages.

The author did make some good points though about the governing of the Villages. Andrew D. Blechman - author of LEISUREVILLE and PIGEONS

[rustyp]

The answer is simple I've learned over the years. Answer honestly and say The Villages. After some small talk it will usually go in one of two directions. They are curiously enthusiastic in which case you can head down the bragging rights trail. If they head down the negative trail you cut them off short (do not ever defend in this case) by saying the place is not for everyone. Best to change the subject at this point.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by rustyp

The answer is simple I've learned over the years. Answer honestly and say The Villages. After some small talk it will usually go in one of two directions. They are curiously enthusiastic in which case you can head down the bragging rights trail. If they head down the negative trail you cut them off short (do not ever defend in this case) by saying the place is not for everyone. Best to change the subject at this point.

Good advice, as a newbie I’m probably over-enthusiastic when I talk about The Villages, I realize this place is not for everyone, and I should probably tone down my “cheerleading” when talking to someone who has a negative viewpoint of TV - not necessary to “win the argument” when talking to strangers. Thank goodness, most people here love it, and we can openly talk about how fortunate we are to be here at his place in our lives.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

I am not a fan of Florida. I lived in Florida years ago for a brief period of time and hated it then too. I've visited Florida almost yearly from the time my grandparents retired here in the 70's. I was mostly a-political (disinterested entirely) up until only the last decade or so.

My reasoning for not wanting to move to the Villages had nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with Florida.

That said, we ended up in The Villages, despite my objections to the state. Living here three years, I can say, quite objectively, that the Villages is a lovely facade. It is a beautifully painted picture. I am very happy with the idea of the Villages. I also love my particular neighborhood, and its proximity to everything I need. I love that it's a golf-cart community, and in fact I consider driving around in the golf cart to be one of the biggest highlights of the "Lifestyle." Getting out into the cart even for mundane tasks like going to a doctor's appointment always puts a smile on my face.

I love dancing in the square. I love that overall atmosphere, of healthy active older adults just getting together and having a wonderful time.

Sometimes the less attractive aspects of the Villages demographics is hard to get past. Sometimes - it is ugly. And actually there is an undercurrent of ugliness all the time. But most of the time it's easy to overlook and not be reminded forcefully that it exists.

As long as we can do that - overlook the thin film of ugliness that pervades beneath the surface - it's easy to really love living here. When that underside breaks through and becomes pervasive, I find it difficult to enjoy living here. Thankfully that doesn't happen often.

I even like the rain during rainy season. I hate hate hate the hotter humid summer temperatures which can last several months (as opposed to heat waves up north that might last a few weeks).

[Laker14]

to the OP's question: Yes, I have, and the usual myths about STD's.
I have friends and family members who I am quite certain would not like it here.
Those who have visited have all been impressed positively, for the most part. They might not want to live here, but they see the attraction it holds.

Similarly, a fair number of people I've met in TV wrinkle their noses in distaste when I tell them I am from New York and return there eagerly for the summer months. What they think they know about NY comes from political shows, movies, and NY City crime dramas.
Just like those who have negative opinions of TV, their opinions of NY are often devoid of any understanding of how large and diverse NY State is, geographically and politically.

There is no shortage of opinions based upon ignorance and misinformation, or at the very least, incomplete information. That ain't gonna change. You are free to engage or nor, depending upon your mood, and whether you think it's worth the effort.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I am not a fan of Florida. I lived in Florida years ago for a brief period of time and hated it then too. I've visited Florida almost yearly from the time my grandparents retired here in the 70's. I was mostly a-political (disinterested entirely) up until only the last decade or so.

My reasoning for not wanting to move to the Villages had nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with Florida.

That said, we ended up in The Villages, despite my objections to the state. Living here three years, I can say, quite objectively, that the Villages is a lovely facade. It is a beautifully painted picture. I am very happy with the idea of the Villages. I also love my particular neighborhood, and its proximity to everything I need. I love that it's a golf-cart community, and in fact I consider driving around in the golf cart to be one of the biggest highlights of the "Lifestyle." Getting out into the cart even for mundane tasks like going to a doctor's appointment always puts a smile on my face.

I love dancing in the square. I love that overall atmosphere, of healthy active older adults just getting together and having a wonderful time.

“Sometimes the less attractive aspects of the Villages demographics is hard to get past. Sometimes - it is ugly. And actually there is an undercurrent of ugliness all the time. But most of the time it's easy to overlook and not be reminded forcefully that it exists.

As long as we can do that - overlook the thin film of ugliness that pervades beneath the surface - it's easy to really love living here. When that underside breaks through and becomes pervasive, I find it difficult to enjoy living here. Thankfully that doesn't happen often.”

I even like the rain during rainy season. I hate hate hate the hotter humid summer temperatures which can last several months (as opposed to heat waves up north that might last a few weeks).

I hate to break it to you but that pervasiveness exists everywhere, it’s part of life.

[Retiring]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I’m still a fairly new Villages resident. I took my first vacation since moving here (two week Caribbean cruise). While on the cruise, I proudly told people I had just moved to Florida, and The Villages in particular. Gushed enthusiastically, as I talked about my beautiful new retirement home. Over and over, was met with people questioning my decision, asking if I had done my “homework” ahead of time, and stating that my “honeymoon”will soon wear off. I asked these folks if they had ever visited the Villages - none of them had, but all seemed to have a very strong opinion, mostly negative about The Villages. It became tiresome, having to dispute the false rumors and erroneous stats that they spewed out. It became evident that these strangers did not want me to be happy with my new community and decision I had made. I was frankly taken back that so many people wanted me to feel bad. I guess this is something I will have to get to used to. After awhile, I just told people I was from Central Florida near Orlando, and left it at that. Has anyone else experience this when traveling outside of ‘The Bubble”?

I have encountered the identical situation. Mostly family members. As soon as I say The Villages, they quickly walk me into a corner of the room and tell me all about TV. How this is the STD capital of the universe and there are orgies going on everywhere and people having sex in the square. I did a ton of homework on TV before I built here. I was in my early 50s and knew I had some time till I can live here. I’ve now been here one year. In my search I found the citation about STDs, turns out it was a joke that got out of hand. It ended up in a newspaper/internet and still lives today. The orgy thing came from a book written about TV. The author interviewed bartenders from the squares, these bartenders are often hired for private parties, which were actually orgies. As for sex in the square, it’s true, and the couple was arrested. I remind my cousins or aunts or uncles, TV is a small city with all the goes with the title of city. Yes, there is crime, I don’t recall the village but I remember the neighbor that shot 30 rounds through the neighbor’s front door. Yes, I’m sure there are orgies but no different than any other city. I bought here for the positives which far outnumber the negatives. When someone starts in on how horrible The Villages is. I ask where they got their information, it’s always the internet, then I give a sarcastic grin and say, then it must be true. I too no longer say I live in TV. I tell people I’m just south of Ocala or about 90 mins north of Orlando. If they press, I’ll say The Villages.

[Al2014]

I've read many comments here on this subject over the years. Some comments came from folks who have lived in TV a year or more and determined it was not a good decision for them. I've also heard folks talk about how great it is to live in New York City. THE City would not work for me, but TV would work for me. We spend a few months in TV each year because family situations prevent a permanent move. The best advice I've seen on this forum is for those considering the move to do 3 things before making the committment. One would be to take all 3 trolley tours if/when they are available. This provides an up and close observation of TV from the north(1975-1995), the middle(1995-2015) and south(2015-present). Second, and in combination with the first, a 3 day to a week stay at Waterfront Inn. One could experience a taste of what is offered at TV without the committment of buying. Third, as many have said, rent for 6 months to a year to determine where you would want to live in TV if you moved. Where do you usually like to go outside of TV? Which Golf Course(s) do you prefer? Is it Pickleball? Is it Nature Areas?
Which amenities do you like? That could make a difference in what area you prefer. After the first 2, some may decide that TV does not fit for them. Life brings us many decisions to make. For me it is about attempting to gain the facts from the pros and the cons.

[Kenswing]

I just tell people that we live in Wildwood. Most have no clue where that is. lol