We also hurt family feelings by moving to TV. Our 7 year old granddaughter was especially hurt. It hurt my heart so bad we stayed in TV for only 7 months and went home (Colorado) to be with family.
I think that shows how much all of them love each other, that one hurts because of those who relocate and those who relocate hurt, too. If they didn't love each other so much, nothing would hurt about relocating. Often hurt occurs when we are blessed the most.
Hi Jerry & Linda, Great look back. We experienced a lot of the same negatives when we gave up our snowbird status & moved to FL full time but years later, can’t imaging living anywhere else. Thanks for sharing, see you next time😘
Oh Linda 😢 sending you prayers and happy thoughts! I always thought raising little children was the hardest, but it turns out having adult children and balancing the expectations of extended family can be so, so hard. You two are so sweet and positive, and I appreciate it so much. Hope as time passes, your extended family sees the joy you two share there and embraces your choice!
Folks, I gotta tell you that you both did so much to keep my husband and me anchored into 'normal' these past few years, especially during the Covid mess. We have really enjoyed watching everything you've both put out. You've been a very bright light! And this 'look back' was super. If we could, (we're clean over in Oregon, but maybe someday! ) we'd take you both out to dinner. :) Thank you!!
I’m so sorry to hear you didn’t get family support during your move. That must have been really hard. Glad you did it anyway and are living your retirement years the way you want to!
yes - I think moving away from family helped - Jerry and Linda should not feel guilty about moving away from family - (I believe in this case) they are thriving away from family and they dont need their help - my family is in Europe and I dont miss them one bit - I live in Miami and I enjoy the environment and thankfully I am not faced with family drama - the family members I was close to have all passed away - so the ones that I have left are all younger than me and clueless
Great Video. Jerry you HAVE NOT aged at all. You look great. Linda you always look beautiful, but it is really cool to see how you are more comfortable being on camera now. Linda, I was saddened that the two of you did not get support for moving to The Villages. Really sad. I hope your family realizes how wonderful it is that you are active and engaged not only on the internet, but in your daily life. My parents still live in the home that they have owned for the last 40 years. I wish they had left their house years ago and moved to a place that encouraged them to be active and get out and meet people. All their original neighbors have long moved away, and they have done less and less over the years. Now they are both 75 and have numerous health issues. They talked about moving over the years, but never did. They now can't do lawn care, have home repairs and are mostly confined to their home with very little social interaction. My mom never could bring herself to downsize from their home. She loved her house too much. She would never make the decision to downsize and move to a smaller place, relieving them of the burden of the house and give them opportunities to go out and do fun things. It makes me very sad. Now I travel to their home about 3 x a week to take them to appointments, help with the house and go shopping. My Dad sleeps most of the day away and my Mom feels trapped by the house and all it's responsibility. My parents aged quickly after 65. It is really sad. I would be Thanking the Good Lord, if my parents were like you. Your family is crazy. Life comes in many stages and as I get older, I certainly don't want to end up like my parents. It makes me sad. They let some of their best years get away from them.
It’s amazing how quickly five years fly by. When I retired I told the young staff, “I was your age yesterday. You’ll be this age tomorrow. Of all the things I’ve taught you, you’ll remember this long after I’m gone.” Time does fly, doesn’t it?
It's nice to know there are good folks as you are all over the world. Thank you for filling the lives of your viewers with joy and happiness. Perhaps we can all do a little better. Bring more cheer and kindness in a deteriorating world. God bless you always with health and continued happiness.
So glad you followed your retirement dream....and thrilled you now have two sons living in Florida. By the way, looks like the Villages "fountain - of- youth" is working well. We love our Spanish Springs vacation cottage, too ❤
Your family did have the right to feel sad or heartbroken that you were moving away, but you have to live your own life. Unless you were caring for an elderly family member that would then be left alone, which I can’t see either of you doing, you should live where you would feel most happy! I think it would be pretty selfish of me to have someone stay somewhere just because I would miss them if they moved away. We all have to learn to accept their decision, hoping they’ve made the right one, and be happy for them, letting them know that we will love and miss them. I’m sure it was hard on you as well leaving your family members behind for your big move!! Happy Anniversary in The Villages!! Love your videos!!
Question on mailboxes and mail. Where is your mailbox located in relation to your home? When mailing some thing out wouldn’t/ couldn’t it be placed in your own mailbox? Thanks for your videos, they are very informative!
You both have come such a long way! And you look younger now. That's a wonderful thing! And your families have certainly come around as most folks do. Hard I am sure at the time. Situations evolve. For the better. We viewers appreciate you sharing your journey. 👍
We visited for a week in July 2023 and had a blast. We stayed at the hotel in Spanish Springs. We have gone back and forth on The Villages. We finally decided its not good for us. The negatives are the sink holes, taxes, insurance and the problems with getting the roof replaced before it’s needed. Being over crowded. It was pretty crowded for us in July. I can only imagine how crowded it would be in the winter. We had a wonderful time in The Villages and will probably visit again. We enjoy watching both of y’all!
We have made 3 visits so far at different times of the year. Its helps to see how the crowds vary. I personally enjoyed the busier visits. TV has a lot of energy!
You both look so happy and you haven't aged a day in 5 years! In fact, if anything, you both radiate happiness and always look relaxed and positive. That's the way retirement should be. The Villages lifestyle is definitely agreeing with you. The negatives that you mention don't seem so bad compared to all of the positive aspects about living in TV. We'll be doing a lifestyle visit soon and we're really looking forward to it!
Wow! I like listening to this new young couple that worked most of the show today!! :-) this is the same with people moving to Hawaii.. the big complaint is the realization of the cost of living.. and the traffic!! People don’t think of Oahu & traffic until the experience it. I can handle a bit of Village traffic:-)
Great video. I totally agree with you regarding your comments. One good thing, we don’t play golf. That helps the golfers a little bit. I do enjoy the swimming pools. Thank you for showing this one year anniversary video.
You guys have come such a long way in how you present and how comfortable you are being in front of the cameras. Absolutely loved this video. You seem to still have some of the same concerns but not so much with some of the others. You have probably learned from some of them and adapted how you choose to do things accordingly.
It’s always hard when we make positive changes in our own lives and those closest to us only emit negativity for their own selfishness. They actually show that they make everything (or at least a lot) about them when it’s really not. I’ve learned that I’ve had to remove these people from my life as much as possible, if not completely. Sure makes the circle smaller, but some things just aren’t about anybody else and when they make you feel bad for their own benefit, I don’t need that anymore. I’m 62, I don’t need a large circle.
You two are so endearing !! Love love your videos! Been watching for years. Your honesty and wit is so wonderful . What a great couple…. Keep the videos coming !
Great flashback I have been here for 12 years, rented for 10 year bought these last few years and just found you guys these last few years, I also like your restaurant style and it’s good to hear new places to visit keep up the good work
Hi guys. Thank you for sharing that was a fun look back. What went through my mind while watching was do you still feel the same way about some of these things? I imagine as the years go by things do change. Sending you both hugs and blessings ❤ ......Linda
So, we probably saw this video when we were still living up north in Illinois but when we decided to move no hurricane or hot weather was going to keep us from moving 🤣. I still remember driving into the Villages and I was starting to feel like a kid at Disney World but I managed to get over it cuz I wanted to see if that would be the case after a year or so…we’re in our second year and it’s better than I had hoped for. Thank you guys for sharing your experiences with us and making it easier for us to handle the ups and downs of living here, btw after one year you two were already seasoned professional RU-vidrs, keep those videos coming 👍👍
Hey Jerry and Linda. You guys are amazing. On vacation and still putting out content. Thanks so much. I do recall this video. Watching and enjoying as you are enjoying the Ascent🤗. Sorry you didn’t get the family support. It’s hard on both ends. Happy friends helped. Hopefully family has turned around.
When my wife and I moved here. We moved here to Florida in silence, my family didn't approve of us, when we pulled the rug from under them, they were not happy either when we let them know.
We lived in a retirement community in Arizona and our neighbor had 8-10 wind chimes. They were annoying to us a night as they were near our bedroom. We complained, but they sided with her keeping them. We moved.
Great flashback video - I remember watching it for the first time 4 years ago - Several years before I moved to TV. I’m currently at my one-year mark now, and love so much about TV, that I had to really think about what I don’t care for about TV. I really try to focus on the plethora of things I like about TV, but here are a few things I wish I could change: 1) Too many short term rentals and Air BnBs 2) Lack of really good, mom-and-pop style, ethnic restaurants 3) Summer can be really hot and humid 4) Mosquitos at dusk in the summertime 5) Medical care - both quality and service - is OK, but not the high level from where I moved from. Now my list of what I like would be endless…
Same! My 'Things We Don't Like About TV' is one of my best performing videos as well. I'm the same with Linda on the still enjoying going to the mall (which TV doesn't have). Having lived in Orlando for over 23 years, I still go back to enjoy malls there like Millenia Mall, Florida Mall, Altamonte Mall, and the Outlets.
I’ve been here a year less than both of you. Never saw this video-loved hearing your dislikes. Way more positives here; just love it! Always have naysayers. Glad I’ve had the opportunity to meet you. Still living the dream and loving it! Go Irish!🍀🍀🍀🍀
I can see the wind blowing around the trees or plants behind you so I can understand the no wind chime thing but yes we are rural and we do have wind chimes here. Something to think about for sure! Also the close quarters. Not sure I would like that. I love the idea of the villages though! Love your content.
Love you guys!! Your videos were great when I was researching moving here and continue to be informative now that I'm here. But--you always say "see you when you get here" and I've been here since September and still haven't seen either of you! And I've looked! All over! Keep my eyes open anytime I'm out and about....even took donations and shopped at Bargains & Blessings a few times hoping to meet Linda! I cannot wait to meet you guys in person one of these days! It will be so much fun after watching all your videos. Keep up the positive vibes! I love the way you do the "sweet & salty" and how funny/positive U2 handle the naysayers :o) !
Thanks for the video! We had not seen this one. But it did not scare us off! We hope to do our second lifestyle visit in October! Have fun on your cruise, maybe we will join you on the next one! ❤
I live west of the Villages. I love visiting there and enjoy the area. Everyone has had tax hikes and insurance hikes. More people moving to the state requires more exposure to claims being filed. It has been hard to do anything in Florida during Snow Bird season. I am a native and it is inconvenient at times. The interstate/veterans parkway has opened up in our area and Citrus County is booming. Lots of things happening in 2024. I am moving to a quieter place.
This was fun. I have to think but I think I’ve been with y’all about 2 years. I have seen this as I’ve gone back and watched the oldies. I’m going to try to find the first. You said people complain yet rarely compliment to the sorts. It’s not worth getting worked up to complain. Probably won’t accomplish a thing. I always compliment good service, nice workers, sweet nurses, anytime it applies. I say nice gets nice. I’m positive of that😀 Y’all are so fun and I’m sure by now your family has seen for themselves that your leap of faith was a good one.❤️
Great time stamp video! Thanks for re-sharing it and your update! BTW, There are several golf courses near the Villages (some accessible by a golf cart from the Villages) and a round of golf is less then a Villages cheapest membership round price, without being a member and paying that extra hundreds of dollars fee. Stonecrest is under $50 and I think that includes a cart. I don't golf myself, one reason why I'm not in The Villages at this point. I imagine it angers some Villagers who also dont use the golf course but still have to pay for it there, in their fees. Not sure Stonecrset is a good golf course but I live on it and it looks well kept, also people look like they are having a good time, not very crowded!
Thanks for answering my question about giving swim lessons. I should have worded my question better. What I meant to ask is am I allowed to teach private swim lessons in my home and pool in the villages. I will have a steady stream of customers every 30 minutes from 8am till 8 pm. There's usually just one car in our driveway, but sometimes more if grandparents come to watch. My husband is obsessed with ur utube channel, he watches both on you non stop 24/7 everyday. We are really wanting to move there next August 2025. My son lives there now with my new grandbaby, but it will sure be hard leaving my other grandchildren. My mother is 87 and is going to need full time care soon. My son may come back home and live so everything is depending on him and the needs of my mother. My husband will be so so disappointed if we don't come and so will I. Thanks for all the info and we love u both ❤
Sorry about that. We are by no means experts, but the rules would prohibit that in our opinion. We have heard that home businesses where there would be traffic would not be permissible. As always, you should check your deed restrictions.
It's hard to leave family. My grandkids are all up here I couldn't leave them. It's hard once your grandkids are bigger. Hope you are enjoying your cruise.
I have a hard time leaving my toddler grandchildren. Such a fun age to watch the innocence of life. They are just so cute! But they do wear my wife and I out!
Well that was a good job on the negativity of The Villages! 😊🤣 I wouldn't want to experience these nagativie things any where else but here in The Villages with you guys and all the Friends I've made here! ❤❤
Prices in TV are falling post Cufu, January is the best month to list and sell a home in TV with 86,000 extra seasonal residence in the Bubble. As renters head back to El Norte landlords will begin to list rental in TV en mass and inventory will increase further. Get ready for more reasonable selling prices. P.S. Jerry & Linda get better looking, they must have found that spring but this does not increase property values. ;-)
Are there going to be new hospitals to accommodate the building of so many new places in the Villages? How about paramedics, schools, police and fire departments? Something to bring up at your town meetings.
I remember watching this video, and truly, the negatives you mentioned don't really sound all that negative to me. Like many things, negatives can also have the positive flip side. Except shopping Linda. That would bother me too!! 😉
Y'all look great, Florida has been good for you. Also you may have responded to this before but I can't remember, but can we join any of the clubs if we don't live in the villages as well as come to the local concerts. Thank you both.
You can come to any of the concerts, and you can come to any of the town squares. We don't know of any clubs that you could attend without being a resident.
Taxes go up one way or another. They say they haven’t raised taxes, but they increase the assessed value of your home. The result is the same. Taxes go up. It’s just semantics. My taxes, in the last 3 years have increased approximately 50%. It’s actually more, because the base tax goes up. I’m redundant I know. Same old same old. This year they are going up 6.5%.
Hi Jerry and Linda, You have previously mentioned you paid more for the house than you had budgeted, so I guess it was not an option to keep your old home. Had money not been an issue, would you have preferred to be snowbirds and spend the warmest months somewhere else? /Tom
So after 5 years, what is the update? Are crowds larger? Have expenses and taxes gone up? Have the family relationships gotten better? This is the one topic, I would like to hear more about, because it is the one thing that would probably prevent us from coming down. Adult children and Grandchildren being so far away😢
@JERRYANDLINDA What electricity grid are the houses in the villages on that don't lose power during windy days? I think i heard you say the company on the hospital electric grid. Is it Duke Energy?
Really liked this show, we agree with what you have said. But we wouldn’t trade our life style here for anything at this moment. We are fortunate that we chose the north, the Postoffice is close, the Dr and hospital is close. The negative comments from those who do not live here aggravate me, those people just love to be miserable IMO.
Funny how when you speak of negatives, you can get 1.3 million viewers period. When you speak of something positive you’re lucky to get 60,000. Seems to be in line with everyone speaking negative about simple things in life and not realizing all the amazing gifts they have a wonderful place.
Yes, I know that leaving family is sad and hard, but I would look at it like, Man I got free room and board when I go to Florida. See ya when we get their family. PS Pick us up at the airport so I can save on a rental car also.
I hope Ted carries me over the threshold when we FINALLY get there! I'm so sorry your families didn't support your move. That must be very hard. I submitted a CMA to the county when our taxes went up a few years ago, and I was successful - It pays to be a real estate professional! We've only ever been during "off" times, so we haven't experienced the seasonal crowds. We're not golfers, so those prices won't impact us. We always travel with our Garmins, but my "new" car has built in navigation. We keep the Garmins, just for travel. I would want the ARC to inspect my house before purchase, just to make sure I'm not paying a bill or removing something (done by the previous owner) that wasn't approved. Mail from FL always did take extra time, even when I lived there 30 years ago. It would be very hard for me to lose neighbors to heaven. Unless someone is FROM The Villages, (which NOBODY is) they have no right to complain. Everybody moved there from somewhere. I rarely shop in a mall anymore. We usually shop at Aldi or Walmart, for groceries. When I lived in Miami and Palm Beach in the 90s, it was NEVER too hot for me to run out, even in the summer. Not sure why that is, maybe it's because they were coastal? It would get hot, but not insufferable. When we came for our FIRST lifestyle visit, it was cold - we were there the week between Christmas and New Year, 2017. I like that, because it gives one a chance to put on their cute boots and sweaters, LOL.
OMG! Complaining again! 😂😂 Just joking. I appreciate both of you. I've been a subscriber since the beginning. I do have to say, before I knew who you were, I used to look at the thumbnail? Whatever you call it. The picture always made me think that you, Jerry were a boat Captain. I think it was the hat. Looked like you two were in a pilot house of a trawler . Glad to have you as neighbors even though we are 50 miles apart. Keep on doing as you do.👍
No it doesn't. I am a Ham radio operator and their gain is too high. Reducing the volume is like going to the Doctor with a problem and he says then don't do that.@@cynthiaamitrano8915
Aww. Not so bad. Every place has taxes. Every place gets their share of bad weather. Traffic can be accommodated. We will see you when we get there. P.S. I love the heat. ❤️
The villages is definitely not a 15 minute city. 15 minute city is one where you do not have to drive to get to the grocery or necessary things the villages you must have a car to get around is many people have golf carts, but you still have to have a motorize vehicle And a golf cart can only get you so far no public transport in the villages.
I love watching you Jerry and Linda but isn't it time to change your title The Villages Newcomers? You have now been in Florida for 5 plus years and you are not Newcomers anymore!
