[HereComestheSun]

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by HereComestheSun

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

I don't think that there are anywhere near 10,000 residents living here at this time that are much under 55 and not retired. The 20% you are talking about is simply the percentage that CAN live here without the community losing its federal age restricted status.

That being said, the social life for under 55s is not really any different than it would be in any other small rural community that is top-heavy with boomers. You will find that night life here is not restricted to Villagers.

I would think that the big thing is going to be your ability to find work in your field depending upon what that field is. Wages in this area of Florida tend to be quite a bit lower than other parts of the country and there is very little manufacturing. The health industry is one of the big employers.

Good luck!

[redwitch]

You'll probably end making friends of various age groups. There are some 80 year olds that are younger than some 40 year olds I've known in the past. Just find folks who enjoy doing the same things you do and don't worry about how old they are. The one problem I've had is that friends die a lot here and that really hurts.

And I totally agree with Indy. Finding a job that pays a living wage here is hard. Your best bet is being able to telecommute.

Good luck!

[jbdlfan]

As a member of the demographic that you are inquiring about, I will give you the good the bad and the ugly from our experience. One of the many upsides is that your investment as far as the home will be a huge benefit. Home values in Central Florida fluctuate greatly based on location. Your home in The Villages will most likely increase substantially. You opportunities for play vary greatly also. The recreational plans of the community are not "worker friendly." What I mean by that is that the overwhelming majority of offerings are during the hours between 9-5.(it is an over 55 community) You will easily find folks your age but there are limitations. We have many friends in that age group that we have met through various means. It is not a Utopian society but it's like any where else, it is what you make of it. On the flip side, we would probably not move in as early as we did. We would most likely live elsewhere and use this as an investment for our eventual retirement.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by HereComestheSun

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

Buying in the newer areas will help you find friends closer to your age demographic, but 47 is a little young. Don't let that close you off to find people, within a 10 year radius. There are many younger people working in TV that could tell you, where they go, to hang-out, with their peers.

Finding a job that will pay you the comparable wages from where you came, is another challenge. There are towns nearby that might yield better results. Plan on commuting for better opportunities.

Real estate will grow rapidly so real estate will increase significantly, as the supply of homes will get lower, and the demand will stay high.

Good Luck and I know you will love what TV has to offer, in terms of, lifestyle!!!

[MicheleE]

We moved to the villages 2 years ago for the same reason - to be closer to my Mom who lived here for 9 years. At that time, I was 51. It took awhile to make friends in our age range (there are not too many under 60) but we found that it really doesn't matter what age people are - we've met so many people who are interesting and fun to be with at all ages. You will meet people by joining clubs and participating in activities and visiting your neighborhood pools. I love it here! and, have no regrets about moving to TV! Welcome!

[Giggles]

I am 46 and bought my house in the historical area. I haven't had any problems making friends here. Most are a bit older than me (50's-60's) but that's fine, they are pretty cool people and I do work with a bunch of people who are younger than myself. It did take me longer than I wanted to find work but that's probably because I wanted to work in The Villages. The pay down here is very different from back home and I didn't want to travel to far for little pay.
They do get some really good entertainment here both in the squares and the Savannah Center. In the year I have been here have probably seen 30+ shows just at The Savannah Center (they get really good tribute bands) We just saw a Billy Joel tribute this past Sunday & last month an Eagles tribute band, both awesome! Next week we are seeing Neil Diamond & Bee Gees tribute bands. Most places may close up earlier here than anyplace else, but I am never bored.

[tedquick]

I am going to address this from the “elder” position. My wife and I just moved to TV a few weeks ago. We are in our late 60s. Our best friends in the mid-west were two couples that were the ages of our kids, mid to late 40s. Whether we traveled overseas together, went to movies, church, social events or simply grabbed a few meals together, for the 6 of us, age meant nothing. You will find that your attitude is a lot more important for the development of friendships than is your age.

PM, if you have any more questions or curiosity. Best of luck to you.

[SALYBOW]

Originally Posted by HereComestheSun

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

The other day I was sitting next to a woman who was 52. All she did was complain about there being so many older people here and all the activites were aimed at older people. NEWS FLAsh!!! tHIS IS A 55+ COMMUNITY AND THAT IS CLEARLY STATED.
The reson for the 80/20 rule is it keeps TV out of a different tax situation that would have costed the developer more. I strongly doubt that 20% of the people are under 55. Many of the younger ones here came with spouses who are older.
As for getting gainful employment, that is not a very viable option. The jobs around here are all minimum wage jobs and they work hard to keep it that way.
I have a friend who is old enough to live here and she lives alone. She does not find it a very welcoming community for single ladies because every one thinks she might be out for their husband. She would not be,
Maybe some of the younger people would say something different but I would advise you to either change your expectations, or rethink your purchase. Actually, there are some people who resent the younger folk because they are sometimes more attractive and can play sports better. They feel it should be a community that is 55+ as advertised. Personally, I don't care, it is what it is. If it was only closer to my family and friends it would be perfect, but then, it would not be Florida.

[kgentile1010]

Originally Posted by HereComestheSun

Since there is the 80/20 rule, it would seem there should be at least about 10,000 people (and at max. 20,000) under 55 aged people living in The Villages.

I am in the process of buying a house there. While I think The Villages is clearly a wonderful place for people to retire to, I happen to be an anomaly among "the norm" (or am I?) in that I am 46 yrs old (not 55 yrs plus), will be buying and moving in alone, and not retired - instead will be looking for employment - hopefully something either in my career field or an interesting new career transition.

Having said that, I am interested in knowing whether those in a slightly younger age demographic (40-55 yrs old and NOT retired) could please describe their experience of making friends and meeting others who are less than 55 years old within the Villages. I am not prejudiced against people who are 55 plus. However, I am not at that point in my life. I've tried with little success to see if I could figure this out by various searches on the internet, but being that it is a retirement community, it is of course very heard to find much out about the other 20% who live there (the 80/20 rule).

One of the main reasons I chose The Villages is because it will be a nice opportunity to be geographically closer to my mother who lives there, since thousands of miles have separated us for most of my adult life. I just hope I won't have much trouble also finding some of my own peers!

I'm 53 and have lived here two years and just love it. Age is just a number. There are great people of all ages. The hardest thing for me isn't my age, it's working. I work from home, but work M-F. I am the only one in my neighborhood who works. So, my neighbors are all out having fun during the week, and I'm working. Other than that though,when I hang up the computer on Friday at 5:00pm, I am living in paradise. PM me when you get here and we can meet up. However, I'm sure you'll be out and about having fun before you know it.

[HereComestheSun]

Thanks! I appreciate your reply.

[HereComestheSun]

Oops! I don't really know how this threaded-conversation stuff works. I meant to be replying to a specific reply further up with my last post, but I guess it really makes more sense to just post one message thanking everyone that has responded so far. Thank you!

I hope more will continue to reply, as I'm curious to find others who perhaps like myself moved to TV for the similar reason (needed a change and moved for family), are not retired, nor at that age yet - and are enjoying the experience.

I am so appreciative of all replies though! All of what has been said is pretty much what I've surmised too, but thought it best to put out some feelers and get real feedback.

I have been living in MD, just north of DC area for the past 9 yrs (prior to that Southern CA for 13 yrs, and born and raised in upstate NY). I know that the environment in TV will be a change, but I am hoping I find it stimulating enough. Perhaps just the change in lifestyle...less hustle bustle-like... will be appealing. I also anticipate making plenty of friends older than myself, since I've regularly had friends that are just generally my age or older.

Yes! I DO understand -it IS a retirement community - so of course that is the predominant population, but because that is the case - I am just putting out some feelers wondering if there might possibly be a few others like myself (less than 50 yrs, moved perhaps for family, and also a general change, and what their experience is)?

Thank you, again!

[slipcovers]

You should check out the job opportunities if you need to work, and of course, medical benefits. You may want to live with Mom for awhile, just to make sure it is right for you.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by HereComestheSun;96***8

Oops! I don't really know how this threaded-conversation stuff works. I meant to be replying to a specific reply further up with my last post, but I guess it really makes more sense to just post one message thanking everyone that has responded so far. Thank you!

I hope more will continue to reply, as I'm curious to find others who perhaps like myself moved to TV for the similar reason (needed a change and moved for family), are not retired, nor at that age yet - and are enjoying the experience.

I am so appreciative of all replies though! All of what has been said is pretty much what I've surmised too, but thought it best to put out some feelers and get real feedback.

I have been living in MD, just north of DC area for the past 9 yrs (prior to that Southern CA for 13 yrs, and born and raised in upstate NY). I know that the environment in TV will be a change, but I am hoping I find it stimulating enough. Perhaps just the change in lifestyle...less hustle bustle-like... will be appealing. I also anticipate making plenty of friends older than myself, since I've regularly had friends that are just generally my age or older.

Yes! I DO understand -it IS a retirement community - so of course that is the predominant population, but because that is the case - I am just putting out some feelers wondering if there might possibly be a few others like myself (less than 50 yrs, moved perhaps for family, and also a general change, and what their experience is)?

Thank you, again!

When you want to reply to a specific post, just click on the "quote post" button at the bottom/right of the post.

[Bizdoc]

Unless you run around announcing your age, most folks will have no idea how old you are. The bigger deal you make about age, the bigger deal everyone else will.

The 80/20 rule is based on households, not individuals. At least 80% of the households are supposed to have at least one person over 55. The spouse/significant other can be any age over 19. There are also children/grandchildren in their 20s and 30s living here. In some cases they are quite unhappy because there are reduced dating opportunities and the entertainment is geared to us "old folks".

I honestly think there is more of a divide between the 60 something and the late 70/80 somethings. Read the periodic discussions of the kind of music at the squares, at Savannah Center and on WVLG and you can see it.

If you move down here before you retire (intending to work), you'll find that the employment situation (except for a few professions) is not really great. You have a huge number of folks who get bored and want to work part time. That helps hold down wages and creates a "mostly part-time" environment. Many of the available jobs are in Orlando, a *long* daily commute.