00:00 Intro 01:10 Happy New Year & Thank You 02:22 Changed Perspectives 09:01 Not As Easy As We Made It Sound 11:18 What Do We Love the Most? 13:15 What Would We Change? 15:44 TOP 5 - Wish We'd Done Sooner 21:58 TOP 3 - Glad We Didn't Do 27:42 TOP 5 - Still Haven't Done 31:10 New Year Toast To You The best way to reach us is via our Facebook page. There you can write to us publicly and privately. facebook.com/ToRetirementAndBeyond Visit our Amazon store for all the products shown in our videos plus a list of all the equipment we use to make our videos: www.amazon.com/shop/toretirementandbeyond
@@ronaldhall2489 Thank you, Ronald. We got a tremendous deal on a 2020 BT Cruiser 5240 with 6000 miles. Paid $63K - had a certified inspector check it out. You can take a tour here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t8owthii354.html We think you'll agree we got a good deal.
Karen - condolences on the loss of your Mother. Something that has caught me completely off guard after my parents’ death is that there isn’t a day go by that I experience something very special - a memory we shared, preparing a recipe I learned from them, hearing a song we enjoyed, a joke they would have loved, an accomplishment they would have celebrated with me - the experiences are endless and I value every one of them ….. I hope you find the same peace and love as you continue your life adventures. It’s a lovely gift I would have never expected.
Been with you both since day one, Enjoy your video's and looking forward Roy and Karen to those golf cart rides, I felt for you Karen over your Mom, it's tough to let our dear loved ones go, I lost my Mom in 2019 at 97 years old. You have both come a long way since your arrival at TV and those wonderful friends you have made are making a positive difference in your lives, I truly wish you both good health, happiness and many blessings as we begin 2023🙏❤
I lost my mom a year ago in October 2021 at 99 years old. She is now with her two sons, parents, and so many loved ones and I know she is happy. I miss her very much, but am grateful for the times I had with her.
Sorry about the loss of your mother and the illness of your children. That is so difficult! I have lost a lot of family and it takes time and slowing down to absorb all of that. At 65 and single living in Florida, I am looking for a 55 community. Like the idea of moving into a brand new community. Thank you for your authenticity and sharing. ❤
Thank you! :) We still feel we made the best decision to move here. We just got back from a trip to Texas for our youngest daughters wedding. We always feel so much better after a visit with our kids.
Happy new year you young lovebirds! Always enjoy the videos. See you in the neighborhood. We have also been here one year now. Of course, that would be about all of us in the hammock.
I really enjoyed this video with your lists. Interesting thoughts on enclosing the lanai…it’s a conversation we have, my mom enclosed hers, I’m not sold on the idea. No surprise you’ve made so many friends, you two are wonderful people. I’m glad the transition to Florida and TV has been a good one for you. Best in 2023 to you! 🥂
I live in a peaceful isolated rain forest and like Karen brave the storm of a monthly Costco trip......we eat like mid evil kings for weeks! On occasion I have to hit the close pricey store and instant pain. Sending Karen love for missing your precious Mother and pain of missing children.
Our youngest is here for the weekend and Karen is loving every second! :) And thank you for sweetness to Karen - she got warm and fuzzy reading your comment.
I’m 57 and retiring this year. You not not inspire me but gave me the idea of the Villages…maybe not right now as I have to live on the water with my boat parked out back on the water…but after many years of that, then perhaps the Villages
Happy new year and many blessings to you both . My condolences for the loss of your Mom . I understand completely the loss of words . Keep your memories in your heart. So enjoy your show . Thank you so much . ❤️🙏🥂
Thanks for your honesty...My husband enjoys golfing there but my heart is not at The Villages because I don't want to miss watching my grandkids grow up..but I'm happy you seem happy at The Villages
Hey Folks, Happy New Year!!! We live in South Florida coincidentally we too have similar feelings. Understand your point completely I think everyone's situation is unique. First and foremost I personally couldn't adapt to having distance from our kids. But that's just me my wife is on the other side. I really believe that people our age are fortunate to have options. Your video illustrates that it is possible to have options. I guess in a nut shell we feel blessed to live in Florida. We thank you for sharing your life's experiences with no spin. God Bless You, be safe, be well!
Happy New Year! We’re so sorry for the loss of your mom, Karen. Cecile lost her mom in December of ‘21 at 90. It’s been an incredibly hard year, but 2023 will be better. We’re already counting the days to when we’ll be back in The Villages in April! Wishing you both the best!
Yes, my mom was my best friend (aside from hubby of course) for 58 years of my life. We were very close. 😢 I totally understand the pain. My prayers are with you 🙏 May you both have a happy new year too!
So I’m sitting here with Hamish on my lap on New Years Day evening at 7:05 pm and clicked onto RU-vid - I saw you guys had a new video out and was like, Yeah!!! Then the music started playing, the champagne was popping and the romance for a minute there I had to ask myself, am I on the right channel? Do I need to send Hamish out of the room? 🐶😮. LOL You two are so sweet!!! 😂. Happy New Year! May it be filled with good health, happiness and peace! 🍾🎊💕🐶
I’ve been watching your channel since day one. I very rarely comment on RU-vid videos, but I wanted you to know how much I enjoy your channel and all you share. Karen, I’m so sorry about your mom. I understand and feel your pain. I lost my mom just before Christmas 2016 and my dad 9 months later. My husband and I hope to move to the Villages by the end of this year. We love playing Hand and Foot and hope we can find some people to play with down there. Wishing you both a Happy and Healthy 2023! God bless ❤️
The part about being glad you moved into a new village because everyone was new was really interesting and not something I thought about before. Thanks for making this video and giving me a lot of things to think about.
We are only able to visit every year, but I am happy that you were able to make the move. It is truly a special place for people that don’t want to spend their later years in a ‘rocking chair’. It looks like you are enjoying your new lifestyle. Congrats….
Wishing you both a wonderful 2023. We had a lifestyle visit this past November, and while we enjoyed it, we aren’t ready for that move just yet. We are retired and love living in Southeast Fla. plus, our sons live down here. And, finally made some really nice friends. Plus, restaurants are really great, there is a Trader Joe’s in our neighborhood 😂, We have theater too. And, you can get almond champagne at Coopers Hawk. And, best of all, we live near the beach. But, we might consider the Villages someday. And, will visit again. If we decide to move there, will definitely rent for a month. I enjoy your shows, thanks
You both look so much better! I watched the video about you trying to decide where in the villages to live. Now you look so healthy and honestly a bit younger. I can wait to get my $ in order to move there.
What a fabulous beginning of 2023🎉🎊🥳We must try the Almond Champagne!! Been writing Trader Joe’s once a month to try to get them here!!! I too miss Costco & Trader Joe’s too but detest traveling over an hour to shop there. Costco is being built in Clermont so that will be closer to us. We are loving our Village of ST John’s too!! Discovering new people and lots of fun activities‼️We so agree with researching on the various RU-vidr’s and benefited from all of it🤩🤩Also, love your Top 5 lists!!!
It's nice to watch you kids grow. You seem happy and relaxed. We envy you. We're a few years behind you in our plans to move there. Your stories and information are invaluable. Thank you for sharing. God bless you and Happy New Year.
I couldn't agree more. Friends and family make the world go round.....It is interesting though, a large percentage of young people today are more into the "experience" than establishing relationships.....maybe that changes with age. LOL....the wife and I toured the Wilson Creek winery back in the late 90's and have been consuming their awesome Almond Champagne ever since....love it.
Yes, I know I could never move because as an only child I had my parents to think of.Most of my adult decisions really have been based on being close to my parents and available to them and my in-laws. They have all since passed and now honestly it’s just too late for me to make a move. It sounds lovely though.
There is a reason golf has been called the "game of a lifetime." It takes one's lifetime to figure it out, but one never truly does. It is a wonderful game. Have fun with it!
Almond Champagne! Yes! Sounds Great! What is the name of the almond champagne? Sorry to hear of your Mom, we all get it. It's very hard!! Too bad Trader won't move just outside the Villages here! Agree with you about the golf cart! and about the "people" who you will do something with. Don't miss our daughter because she lives in Germany! Nothing holding us back from moving away from our home town.
We are Costco shoppers too from Marsh Bend and find the Wesley Chapel location (75 N of Tampa) a lot more convenient and less crazy than the Orlando Millenia location. No Trader Joe’s near there though ☹️
Thanks! Lots of good info. I really appreciate this video and plan to check out your others. I'm seriously considering moving there very soon as a recent widower. I've heard that there is a magic group there. Ever hear anything about that? I retired during the pandemic, but magic was my livelihood and is now just my life. Hopefully, either you or someone in your audience has some info. Cheers!
Publix is just too expensive. We need to find a cheaper grocery store. Mark and I need to try pitch and putt. Did you two take lessons? Do you have your own clubs?
Publix is crazy expensive - the best alternative is the Walmart Neighborhood Market - at least for us. Aldi's is ok, but we can't fill our weekly list there. We had "driving" lessons from our kids before we left Texas. They taught us how to hold the club and how to swing - but we've forgotten it all anyways. We bought individual clubs at different Goodwill stores. We'd be happy to go with you guys - as long as you have low expectations of us. ;)
You both seem like such a genuine and amazing couple. My husband and I are from the San Francisco Bay area. Both born and raised in Berkeley, we tend to lean left, politically. We’re interested in a community where we can stay active in our 50s and beyond, but also foster new friendships. Would we be welcome there? Would we feel uncomfortable? An honest answer would be appreciated. Thanx 🙂
We see many negative videos and/or comments regarding the lack of diversity and politics in The Villages. Some people are just naturally negative and look for things to complain about. Facts: We have two black couples in our little neighborhood and they do all the same things that the rest of us do. Go to block parties, ride their golf carts, landscape their yards, smile at everyone and enjoy the good life here. We also have many gay couples in the neighborhood and ditto for them. Everyone is invited to all the parties and get togethers. We're all in this together. But here's the deal, we don't ask them who they voted for as we have more important things to do - like having fun in the sun. Are there Trump flags here? Yes. Are there Biden flags here? Yes. To be honest, we don't want to associate with people that wish to divide us. That being said, if it's important for YOU to associate only with those that agree with your politics then you will be out of place. Not because you are liberal or conservative - but because most of us came here to get away from all that BS and concentrate on living "Our Best Lives!"
@@ToRetirementAndBeyond - That sounds amazing, and very good to hear. We’re in a sort of echo chamber here in the SF Bay, and we’ve heard some really weird things about Florida. Thank you so much for your prompt and honest answer. We may be neighbors soon🙂
Hi, my name is Karen. I’m 66 and a widow. I enjoy your podcasts. I’m considering moving to the Villages. But, it seems that most people are couples/married? Are the Villages a place for an active widow to move to?
Yes, most are couples, but there is a large singles population too. If either of us were to find ourselves alone, we think this would be a great place to live out the rest of our life.
Hi! Love your channel! You mentioned The Villages feel like a small town, so, have you had any problems with nosey neighbors, ill-intentioned gossiping and such issues onky happen in "compact" communities? Greetings from Bogotá, Colombia!
@@ToRetirementAndBeyond awesome. Although I'm not American, I live in a tropical country and I'm 40yo, I find these kind of retirement communities fascinating. I wish I could retire in a place like The Villages. Believe me, If I could do it now, Ill do it without hesitation. Anyways, you have a new subscriber. Thanks for the great content!
Great video! How did you relocate with the two dogs? We had to move with two cats and a young dog….we drove so I didn’t have to put them on the plane. Very stressful when you have pets and trying to plan to make sure your “fur babies” are going to be okay!
Hello! I plan on moving in a couple years from Round Rock. Good info about the enclosed lanai and the hometown feel. I've been to TV twice now and actually really like the northern areas between Spanish Spring and Lake Sumpter since I want a more established area. I'm tired of all the construction I've lived through here in RR. Do you see any major downsides to that? You mentioned that everyone is new in your area which I like, but have you heard of people moving in the Northern areas not finding new friends or anything like that? Thanks for any help.
We're from Leander...not far from you. Roy started where you are, liking the northern sections and especially being close to Lake Sumter. Karen always wanted new construction. Downsides? There are pros and cons to north or south - you'll have to weigh them out based on your priorities. We know people that bought up north and love it. But we've also heard the opposite, but always from people that have a tough time reaching out to make friends. If you move down south to a new village EVERYONE is reaching out all at the same time. Good Luck! :)
So, it's unique that you're living in a retirement community but still working. Both of you. That's unusual in that most folks in retirement areas are retired. That gets to my question of costs and annual incomes. The "elephant in the room" for all these related videos is HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO HAVE ANNUALLY as income for the types of choices you are telling us about? That includes Social Security, pension, savings, etc. Since you two are still working, you probably haven't taken SS yet, or at least I'm assuming you will be the time you reach your FRA (Full Retirement Age). Or, are you already taking SS, and having your monthly checks adjusted based on your income from your job? Anyway, the question still stands at --- to live as you are now --- how much annual income does one have to have? Or as a couple? Thanks, and great video.
Fred, all good questions. The short answer, I'm sorry to say, is: it depends. Everyone's circumstances are unique. For us, the timing was perfect and we were able to sell our home in Texas during the high prices of 2022 and downsize here to no mortgage. There are many people here that are still working - or decided after retirement that they missed working so went back. It's not as unusual as you'd imagine. We are not taking SS yet, Karen is not old enough to get Medicare - she's my child bride. ;) We are just building our 401K's until the time comes to retire. We are enjoying the #golfcartlife while we still work. It's a wonderful place The Villages.
We have a few single ladies in our neighborhood and it's been amazing watching them fit in with all the activities we do as neighbors. One of those ladies we call "The Mayor". So it's really up to you.
I think you going out of your way to go to Costco in Orlando Florida. I believed in Florida for 23 years. I think you need to go to LUTZ Florida just off of I 75 south turn right onto State Road 56 which turns into state ROAD 54 Costco will be on your left
Scottsdale was too expensive. We were able to downsize in The Villages to no mortgage. Besides, there was nothing in Scottsdale that compares to The Villages lifestyle.
ithe appellation "champagne" is to be used only for the Champagne wine from the French Champagne region .. Your Almond wine is a sparkling wine ...not Champagne!!...
Great topic .. I will still be working when / if I move to The Villages . I wondered how I would reconcile with the fact that most activities are held during the day . But the emphasis on connection with others over just being busy is very important. Thanks for your candor . Also leaving the children and grandchildren 😢
Thanks :) You have a little catching up to do. We just bought an RV and have a plan to visit our kids in Texas this May - just around the corner. Now we can visit and take da boys [Colt & Yukon] with us. We are so excited.
I’m sorry about your mom, Karen. I didn’t know she had passed last winter. My mother died in 1996 and it feels like yesterday. I not only lost my mother, but also my best friend. I understand. You look very nice. I like your hairstyle and your blue top is very attractive. If I were ever to relocate to The Villages, my life would be more sedate. I’d move for the warmth and the one story living. I would enjoy my expensive home. I’d join a few clubs, but I likely wouldn’t golf as I never have. I’d enjoy the lovely evenings and the sunrise. I’d be outside as much as possible. I live in Duluth Minnesota and it’s cold here at least 9 months of the year, bitterly about 2 to 3. It hurts. The pandemic quashed my plans by making it financially unattainable. But I don’t hate it here. I’m just so tired of being cold.
Thank you for your kind words. :) Hugs as you think about your best friend. So glad you don't hate it there.....and dreaming about being in The Villages is not a bad thing. Karen
Roy and Karen - Happy New Year and thanks for this excellent one-year video! It was a pleasure to have finally met you two in person a few weeks ago at the Spazmatics concert at Brownwood. It was like meeting familiar friends. It is is uncanny how my journey at The villages has/is paralleling your experiences. I closed on a brand new Richmond home just a few weeks ago. I’m back in Colorado now, and will be moving everything out in just a few days. I am so excited about all the activities and clubs to join , but need to be cautious and take it easy and not over-extend my self at first. I am moving not knowing a single sole, so it was interesting to me that your perspective has changed from ‘things to do” to “people to do things with” - that was eye-opening to me, and I hope that will also be my focus as well. I have been to the Sharon already multiple times (saw Christoper Cross there a few months ago, and he was terrific), and I bought season tickets for the Philharmonic. I just tried the new seafood restaurant in Spanish Springs a few weeks ago, and it was just as good as Harvest in my opinion. Ask about their daily specials. Thanks again for all you do, and look forward to once again bumping into you when your out and about!
Congrats Michael. So excited and happy for you. :) Short story: Last night we went out with a couple who are new dear friends [like our new family] for NYE. During dinner they reflected on our first meeting. We, Roy & Karen, knocked on their door and said HI and introduced ourselves. The rest is history. But they are the kind of peeps that wouldn't have done that - and they were still so grateful that we did. You are moving to a brand new neighborhood - get out there and DO IT.
Yes, I have lived here for one year. We love our home. The Villages is a retirement community. But, 20% of the residents can be under 55 if they sign a waiver. Young adults are able to live with their parents indefinitely. Also, Air B & B’s are allowed here. Homes are being sold to corporations and they use the homes as Air B & B’s. This corporations are making loads of money at our expense. These homes will have multiple families staying at one time and any age children can also stay. It is like living next to a hotel’s pool. Constant screaming and partying. Yes, retiring to a perfect home and hearing this everyday. Most people will say, “just move.” Sounds easy, but if this is your only home you must wait two years to sell or you will pay capital gains which is no small price. The Villages will not do anything about this situation. So think a long time before purchasing in The Villages.
@@jbenevy I am coming down 6/1 for 3 months BUT NOT Air no way I won't do it. I'm single/respectful(renting from an owner) and I cannot imagine your disgust with what you are living with! Personally I think T V should NOT allow these programs to be aired on Y T IMO it is ruining its reputation, period!
@@jbenevy sorry but in my State Texas, the highest Court has ruled long ago now a STR is a residence and is used for residential purposes. City council or HOA can tax them and license them but can’t enforce banning them. if I own a property I would sue anyone trying to remove my property rights of renting it out. These rights are protected under the US Constitution and most States. If any government imposes restrictions so onerous it constitutes a taking of a property right its unlawful.
Regarding open vs closed lanai, when I look at home listings in The Villages, I always look to see what has been done to the lanai...enclosed, not enclosed or converted to a Florida room. I prefer a more open lanai, and when I rented a courtyard villa in July, 2021, I spent quite a bit of time on the open lanai. Fingers crossed I can rent a home again in The Villages with an open lanai this coming summer for a couple of weeks.
@@ToRetirementAndBeyond Have heard that about the villages but wonder but can't help but wonder who can afford them in this miserable economy unless your a NY State Legislature who just gave themselves a $32,000 pay increase.
@@inspectr1949 You know what they call 100 dead politicians at the bottom of the pool? A good start. I will tell you, lots of people are coming in with cash to buy here.
Happy New Year Karen & Roy! Karen, I am sorry to hear about your mom...my condolences to you. Thank you for the reflections on your first year in The Villages, especially about your friends. I loved hearing "Auld Lang Syne"...reminded me of my mom who always watched Guy Lombardo on New Year's Eve.
I disagree with you about not enclosing the lanai. We waited 2 years after we moved to finally do it. Got tired of cleaning it and not sitting out there in Summer. We tiled the floor first then closed it in with sliding doors. Put insulation in lanai attic. At the same time we put in a Mitsubishi mini split ( heat & a/c). Wouldn’t have gotten through Covid without my lanai. Use the lanai 365 days a year. Open the doors and it’s completely open.
Ty ! For sharing your life experiences and life in villages. Been with u since lifestyle visit.. KAREN Sorry for loss . I lost my son in April. 😇 Isaiah 61 🙏❤ " see u when I get there". Blessings from Southern California.
I’m so glad y’all have found such happiness and friendship in TV. I adore you both and look forward to each and every video. Karen, I lost my mom to cancer in Oct of ‘17 and still feel that loss daily. We have my 98 year old WWII veteran daddy in an assisted living facility nearby. Happy New Year guys!
