We lived in The Villages for eight years.
It is in no way the “friendliest hometown.”
It took a year or so to get adjusted to Central Florida.
We don’t golf but thought it would be a good idea as we get older.
Well, we were wrong about that for sure.
Just as the recent article in Villages-News.com stated, there is over growth and way too many people in The Villages.
Here is a list of not so nice things that happen(ed) over the years:
• Infrastructure/roads incapable of dealing with all the people.
• Horrible traffic everywhere.
• Many residents think their poop doesn’t stink.
• Very poor drivers everywhere.
• Horrible crowds. Hard to find parking and wait times at restaurants unless you eat at 4 p.m.
• So many people looking to “hook up” at outings it can make you uncomfortable.
The list goes on.
We found ourselves leaving The Villages area for almost all dining and entertainment after that first year or so.
We dreaded having to drive on U.S. Hwy. 441, U.S. 301, Buena Vista Boulevard and Morse Boulevard. When driving in and out of The Villages we noticed we were calm and happy driving once out but, when we got back, we went straight to defensive driving mode and unhappiness kicked in.
We looked at other surrounding areas for years and finally sold to get the hell out of The Villages.
We now live in Inverness. More land, bigger house, less taxes, less people, way less HOA , peace and quiet, still close to “stuff.”
I would never recommend The Villages to anyone.
It won’t be what you thought it would be once the “new” wears off and you see reality.
Paul Fortin is a former resident of The Villages.