[Happinow]

I think sometimes geological location is happiness. I was not happy where I came from, even though my family was there. I miss them a lot, but my current location in Florida has made me much happier than I've ever been, so for me location plays a huge part of my happiness.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

As a snowbird, I go to a LOT of open houses, including many FSBO (I would estimate a minimum of 500 in the last 3 to 4 years), and I usually ask why the owners are selling. The overwhelming answers are: 1) Moving elsewhere in The Villages. 2) Miss the kids/grandkids/family/old friends. 3) Sickness of one or both, or loss of one or both. Of course if they are leaving because of dissatisfaction with one or more aspects of TV they, or the realtor, are unlikely to mention that to a prospective buyer.

Oldcoach Ed, You may be the king of the open houses LOL. Every time I have rented in TV I have attended open houses, and I usually ask (politely, as in "Do you mind telling me why the house is for sale?"). Most of the time it has been "the owner bought another home in The Villages" or "the owner lived in TV for many years, but he/she is moving back up north for health reasons to be closer to their child/children". A couple of time it has been "the owner passed away, and the children are selling the home." I am glad I am not the only one who asks why a home is for sale.

[patfla06]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

We are snowbirds but spend more of time in TV, as the tax advantage to being Florida residents is very compelling. Originally thought we we would be fulltime in TV as didn't think we could afford 2 places. Found out we could do both as Florida is very inexpensive, and we downsized up here. The Villages is pretty much what we thought it would be, but we came on vacations for 4 years or so before retiring and moving down.

I think some people don't give it enough time to get settled in and find their niches. It takes time to make good friends. Some people are just not good movers and need the familiar. I think those are the ones who move back, especially the ones whose families are close and concentrated in the home area they came from. If you think this might be you, my advice would be to look seriously into snowbirding, but at the same time give it an honest chance and delve in to what appealed to you here in the first place.

I've seen some short term snowbirds and snowflakes simply treat TV time as a vacation and not seeming to get involved with neighbors or activities, especially if they mostly visit at the same time as their friends from their hometown. To each his own, I guess, but what happens when some/all of their friends stop coming as their age and health problems mount?

We would have been ok being frogs, as we are both joiners, but glad we have the opportunity to come back north in the summer. We like all the cultural stuff and other opportunities in Columbus and surrounds, and also expect to do some northern traveling from time to time, although I think travel will lesson as we age.

I know several who have moved out. Reasons:
- don't golf and cheaper to have a big home with a bigger lot outside The Villages (this couple moved to Citrus Hills).
- single woman who has children in various locations, has mostly couple friends and was bored, but didn't seem to me to make an effort to get to know other singles (TV was her 2nd retirement move, not her last).
- life revolves around the grandchildren (who then turn 12 or 13 and move on quickly to their own lives).

I've also met widows, who originally moved to TV with their husbands, who were pressured to move back near their families and didn't, and are glad they stayed in TV. They just do more here than would if they'd moved back. Of course, some are happier back with families. Know thyself.

I just think back to my Mom's later years, and parents of others I know, and don't want to repeat the lifestyle of sitting around all winter glued to the TV and concerned about falling on ice or snow when they do venture out. Yes, there are things to do everywhere, but it is easier to do most of them in TV, and also to try new things. I think our kids are grateful that we have a life other than them, although I know this can change as we age.

In our condo here in Ohio, have met a neighbor who spent the first 14 years of their retirement as RV snowbirds (winters in Florida, summers traveling) and the last 4 or 5 (after the driving and travel got to be difficult) spending summers near family in a condo. Now she's alone - husband died last fall - and has truly wonderful retirement memories. No regrets. I think that some people, certainly not all, look back when they are in their 80s and wish they had had more adventure and now feel it is too late.

Think hard about all the scenarios that might happen, and have some backup plans, but live your life - at least that's my HO.

Thanks for the great post! Very thoughtful.

[DandyGirl]

Originally Posted by DianeM

Home is where you grew up and lived your life and made memories.

Gotta disagree with that. Many of us left where we grew up and lived a lot of different places due to jobs or the military. I wouldn't give that up for anything. I do think of The Villages as home.

[patfla06]

Change is hard. Moving is hard.
And both at an older age are really hard!

You get in a comfort level of knowing where everything is,
having family and friends around and just loving your HOME.

No matter how great T.V. Is, when you first get there you need
TIME for it to become HOME.
Now if we can just sell our Tampa house I could start figuring
out our new life!

[DianeM]

Originally Posted by DandyGirl

Gotta disagree with that. Many of us left where we grew up and lived a lot of different places due to jobs or the military. I wouldn't give that up for anything. I do think of The Villages as home.

It hasn't been long enough for me to call TV home. Sadly, right now it's just where my stuff is. Hopefully this feeling will be short lived.

[DianeM]

Originally Posted by patfla06

Change is hard. Moving is hard.
And both at an older age are really hard!

You get in a comfort level of knowing where everything is,
having family and friends around and just loving your HOME.

No matter how great T.V. Is, when you first get there you need
TIME for it to become HOME.
Now if we can just sell our Tampa house I could start figuring
out our new life!

Excellent view. This isn't home YET. Hopefully it will get better.

[LvmyPug2]

I have always believed home is where I feel a sense of belonging. For me, that is here in TV. This feeling didn't happen overnight. The first year after moving here, it felt like we were on a long vacation. Everything seemed different and we were always comparing things to "back home". Then, it slowly started to sink in that this was our home.

[DianeM]

Originally Posted by LvmyPug2

I have always believed home is where I feel a sense of belonging. For me, that is here in TV. This feeling didn't happen overnight. The first year after moving here, it felt like we were on a long vacation. Everything seemed different and we were always comparing things to "back home". Then, it slowly started to sink in that this was our home.

That is my dream

[katerogers]

Originally Posted by DianeM

If I could afford to go back I might consider it.

Diane,
Wow! This is certainly discouraging. Here I am a mere two months from my adventure into the unknown and I remember when you were in the same position and all excited about your moving to the Villages. What is it exactly that has burst that bubble? Have you ventured into the social scene and it didn't meet the expectations you had...and I have at the moment? Is it anything specific that has cause you to consider a return ticket?

Katie

[Shimpy]

The only reason I would consider to move from TV would be to live in the mountains of Tenn, N.C., or in the Rocky mountains. That said and analyzed I've got to ask myself, what the hell would I do there to keep myself busy. After taking in the beautiful scenery what would I do? I'm sure I wouldn't find friends to play Bocci with 3 days a week, or go to the pool every day and see all my neighborhood friends to float around and BS with not to mention going to the squares.
I think I'll stay put.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

The only reason I would consider to move from TV would be to live in the mountains of Tenn, N.C., or in the Rocky mountains. That said and analyzed I've got to ask myself, what the hell would I do there to keep myself busy. After taking in the beautiful scenery what would I do? I'm sure I wouldn't find friends to play Bocci with 3 days a week, or go to the pool every day and see all my neighborhood friends to float around and BS with not to mention going to the squares.
I think I'll stay put.

And that is exactly why I pray every night the TV magically transfers its existence to the mountains - and if that doesn't work if someone would just possibly build a Village like community in the mountains. What fun sharing hiking, and waterfalls, and off roading with these friends (along with all the good stuff we currently have).

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by gomoho

And that is exactly why I pray every night the TV magically transfers its existence to the mountains - and if that doesn't work if someone would just possibly build a Village like community in the mountains. What fun sharing hiking, and waterfalls, and off roading with these friends (along with all the good stuff we currently have).

We have friends that live in Lake Lure N.C. and love to visit to see all those beautiful mountains but have realized that they are only a long days drive away and we can stay here and enjoy paradise when the weather is bad up there.

[DianeM]

Originally Posted by katerogers

Diane,
Wow! This is certainly discouraging. Here I am a mere two months from my adventure into the unknown and I remember when you were in the same position and all excited about your moving to the Villages. What is it exactly that has burst that bubble? Have you ventured into the social scene and it didn't meet the expectations you had...and I have at the moment? Is it anything specific that has cause you to consider a return ticket?

Katie

No Katie - not at all. I'm very contented here and have been out every day this week doing something. Nothing to be discouraged about at all. I'm just not used to this being home YET. It's only been 3 weeks. I'm not yet used to what is and I miss what was. This too shall pass.

[Suzi]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

To me, 'Home' is what feels like home in your heart.
It was my desire to make The Villages my home. I embraced that and brought with me the select, fond memories of where I had lived in the past. My happy memories are alive and well and I appreciate having them to 'visit' in my mind whenever I want. They are part of who I am.

I still keep the dearest family and friends in my heart and communicate with them intimately when we each have the opportunity. I have not lost them, nor they me.
I have made new friends and have new activities, beautiful new surroundings and new things to explore, to add to my life's journey.

I was one who never expected to be able to have the luxury of this freedom. My nose was to the grindstone out of necessity. I made everything and everybody my first priority/responsibiilty and always put myself last in line.
I never thought I would be in a position to enjoy this lifestyle. After my obligations were complete, my biggest adjustment was giving myself
PERMISSION to choose what would bring ME nourishment and personal joy.

My joy is living here with the husband I adore. I am content and grateful every day to have had this choice to make. Is The Villages perfect? Would anyplace else be?

How beautiful is that!