Changing the Villages, Florida

Jerry and Linda ask people on the street in The Villages, what they would change about it.
We would like to thank everyone for watching our videos.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
All information and opinions in our videos are ours alone and not guaranteed as accurate. We are not endorsed by nor paid by The Villages, Florida. We are just trying to share answers to questions we had when we were trying to decide if moving here was for us.

[@garyleahy4537]

It never ceases to amaze me when I hear people from up north complain about how warm it is down south. What rock have these folks lived under all their lives to not know that the south is warm and the north is cold. And about capping the growth of The Villages, well, all I can say to that is that success breeds growth.

[@aprilm3848]

Great video, Jerry and Linda! I love hearing from the residents. Seems growth is a big concern. That’s my worry, too.

[@carolapostolos8929]

Thanks for sharing another great video!

[@pathoulf1415]

Thank you. Very interesting 👌

[@fredasman04]

Great video you two and keep it up.

[@lem4100]

You are the best. Love you both.

[@clarewetzler4712]

Love the videos. Great info

[@kcrexxriley3400]

Informative videos. You guys do a nice job.

[@janep8487]

Great job 👍

[@sandralindsey6270]

You guys are terrific! 💙

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Sandra!

[@kateslippers8289]

When I ived there I would have liked to have a "regulation" stating that specific villages would only have specific 3 days per week for lawn cutting. The noise was constant, even on Sunday evenings late.

[@dianawest3976]

Love watching you guys and seeing what the “Villages” in Florida are like- I always loved shopping in malls, too, Linda, but sadly, here in Norther NJ many of the indoor malls are not so safe and popular as they once were...so I stay around town and shop (BUY) online...but I really miss the days of a fun trip to the mall!☺️💕

[@markphillipson3713]

Very informative, great idea. I did not know The Villages was that huge. These are things that the organization could do. Better information, shopping, better driving habits. Start a Villages information website. All the best from 🇨🇦

[@MicaelaKaibniRaen]

Very interesting. Good video.

[@joanngreskovich4270]

Hi linda & Jerry. I just watched your blog Enjoyed it ! We have lived here 14 yeas have enjoyed every minute!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks! That's great to hear.

[@karahamil3657]

You guys do GREAT video’s!!!!

[@brendaburke345]

Another great video. Good job Linda on not stealing Jerry’s line at the end, lol.

[@cornerstone403]

Malls are a thing of the past. I live in North Georgia, the closest mall is 60 miles away. They are about half empty now and crime ridden. Watch what you wish for.

[@eileenfostel2645]

I am not sure why the mall is going away! I woukd much rather do indoor shopping in air conditioning, or heat as needed, than go store to store in the pedestrian strip malls that seem to be becoming more popular....its also more difficult for those of us who need to sit a bit between stores and find the walk more difficult. In covered malls, there was always a bench near some pretty plants to rest and watch the people! I guess Ill just do more shopping online and forget the whole going out to shop thing....

[@auroranite]

Thank you both for making the effort to bring these fun videos to your viewers. Great job. I’m guessing The shopping mall idea would impact the town squares TV provides. But get why you’d enjoy strolling the mall in the hot summer.

[@Maulzi]

You might find it easier getting interviews if you just hang out at the town squares in the evening. Great job though. We are getting ready to TV and your videos have been a great help. See you when we get there!

[@rameye]

Jerry the "Lurker" Lol Linda! Great stuff

[@kefirheals7383]

Just got around to seeing this video - and it was really well done. And yeah Jerry, you really are a tall guy. I saw one of your videos where you were standing with Linda by your side and your arm around her shoulder, and she was just this teeny tiny thing that was 'maybe' just under your armpit. I thought - geez Louise. But that was funny about the water aerobics.

[@Scubagear1]

This is video is very informative.

[@rezinrussell1689]

It's an interesting, and well-produced video.

[@mimijacobs1718]

Great job!

[@albaluciaambuila495]

Agree! A mall would be awesome. .

[@shelbyimus6779]

Great video, they are so informative. I am from Northern California and there are many towns smaller than T.V. with one or two malls to choose from. They should step it up with the shopping options. Although I watch Don Wiley and on one of his videos flying over all the new area he states there is land slated for Commercial use right off the Turnpike nearby Linden/Marsh Bend on the other side of the freeway. Lets keep our fingers crossed they will surprise us, at least some Outlets would be nice.

[@tominator3]

More of these types of videos please :)

[@Theflylover]

Another wonderful video! I think The Villages should give you two a job on the radio / television and should feature you doing segments. Very informative and helpful. I hope you both continue to have a great time doing this for all of us out there. Fingers crossed we will be Village homeowners in the near future ... but will not be officially retiring for another 5-6 years ... so we hope to see you when we get there ... or see you when we are on vacation. P.S. On our first life style visit my husband and I showed up at Eisenhower at 7am for open table shuffleboard. Nobody was there except the people who graciously opened the facility for us - but we still enjoyed ourselves. So much FUN stuff to do - and may I suggest Kubb and Lawn bowling if you haven't done that yet. We met wonderful people who were open to showing/teaching us the games. In the meantime - stay cool as you can!

[@garyjohnson4789]

They need to build a Costco near the Villages.

[@micheleneal3113]

I'm surprised they haven't put a casino in. I love the casino's & I know a lot of seniors that enjoy it.

[@happybudgiesify]

They should have bike rentals at all the town centers AND Marsh Bend's 16 mile nature walk!

[@someguy95376]

Not a resident but have been a frequent visitor during the winter the last several years. One issue i do hear about when I'm down there is the wait times for medical care (emergency rooms). The other item would be improving the quality of the golf courses - maybe it's a winter thing but the courses are all dried out and the fairways are green only because they are dyed green.

[@michellegrooms4965]

Love your videos? We use to live in lake county? We live in NC now? We are planning on going to Destin FL soon?😀😀😀. Keep doing amazing things? You be guys are awesome?

[@katanovak3842]

Most malls are losing money and becoming extinct due to online shopping, so it's doubtful that you'll get one anytime soon in TV.

[@harryp1665]

I think it’s a good idea to let Linda approach people, she’s easier on the eyes. You to make me laugh, keep enjoying life.

[@surfboy344]

Take a look at the Charleston SC area. There's lots of great complexes around. Nice apartments with good amenities at a reasonable price (most of the time).

[@amissionwithjesus]

Excellent

[@davidpate8320]

I have been there several times to visit, the only thing it doesn't have is a beach. They should add a wave pool ! just a thought

[@mr.cheez-its1732]

3 years, 4 months and 1 day!!

[@giginapjac]

We need more shopping conveniences here in the Fenny area , not more Publix but Bealls, Bjs club, Marshalls, Homegoods, Lowes, Home Depot etc. Should have hot tubs at the adult pools. Should not be charged to use work out facilities in AC such as whats in Fenny rec center.

[@Miguel195211]

If that's all that is concerning the people you interviewed I say things are really good. There is no perfect place and as to weather, well this is Florida, the sunshine state. BTW I live in Miami! 🏖

[@TheRetirementTrainStraightTalk]

Linda seems sooo nice!

[@cathybrown5293]

Great video! LOL @ Brenda Burke.....so true....good job not taking Jerry's line! I think The Villages sounds so nice! I am more of an online shopper, so I wouldn't mind that there were no malls nearby. :) Have a great day....stay cool!

[@williamanderson4397]

We need more parking at all Town squares parking spaces for golf carts. build more names stores in the Fenny arear

[@gyloir]

You'd think a mall would be a great thing to have in the villages, probably one of the few places a new mall would work (most of the ones around here are shut down or half empty, mainly used by older people for a place to walk and get exercise cause it's cool/shaded inside). With that kind of population density and limited retail stores within it it seems rather strange they haven't built one, I'd wager they could get most major stores to want to be in it as well since it'd be a prime location with little competition.

[@SAMNJKN777]

I also wish there was a shopping mall in The Villages. I miss Macy's. . I have lots of gold star coupons to use. Lol. Want to do a day trip, Linda????

[@j.j.austin2225]

Shirley Jacobsen Hi Shirley.. do you by any chance have or have you had relatives from the Boston area in Massachusetts? When I saw your name it brought back a memory of a gal that was my mother‘s best friend back in the 60s and her name was Shirley Jacobson. Not that you would be her but possibly a family member of yours. It is a longshot but I was just curious since so many people from the Northeast now live here in Florida. 😀😀

[@georgegarcia4782]

Add a Wegmans..I find your videos very informative.

[@johnsain]

A water park for the elderly!

[@Scubagear1]

The brick and motor stores like Macy's, Neman Marcus, JC Penny's, etc. are closing shop all over the place. Online shopping has taken over.

[@larkatmic]

My aunt and uncle who live there say there are just WAY too many people now, and not enough places (restaurants, shopping, facilities) Just inadequate for the amount of population.

[@jilllitchfield1708]

I’ve been looking for deepest pools when we visit...Mulberry pool is 51/2 ft and I think one more pool up north is 51/2 ft.The rest are 5 ft at the deepest part as far as I know...Too bad I’d like it deeper also...and I’m only 5’6”! Great video you guys..we’ll be there soon!

[@lao7640]

Laurel manor pool

[@jilllitchfield1708]

Lao Rill yes you are right....we took a class at Laurel manor too..that was the other one I couldn’t remember..we are big into water aerobics and are looking for the harder classes...we arrive permanently Jul 1 so will try to find the best classes...I also lap swim. Thanks!

[@ZachWhoSaneGK]

Wish there was rad stuff for people my age over here cause atm it’s a massive bummer living here

[@sandyk9789]

Jerry and Linda Keep up the good work. Enjoy all your videos. How do the restrictions affect whY you can do in your own yard as far as decorating?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

To keep things tasteful, few decorations are allowed. What some think is pretty, others see as tacky (think lawn jockey).

[@jilllitchfield1708]

I vote for Dillard’s and Bruce would vote for Costco !

[@buffmontana4203]

I'd like to see more ethnic restaurants, free exercise equipment facilities, more shade at the pools....yes we love the FL sunshine but it is dangerous and I noticed that 90% of bathers are sitting under the shade when not in the water! Oh How about shade somehow over part of some pools. Thanks

[@jamesinkeys]

Bingo! Pools are way too shallow, for real exercise, swimming, and enjoyment...Also scheduling activities, is very tight....IMHO...

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You're opinion is not wrong, James. But… it still beats working.

[@LarsPop-Tartus]

Need permanent table tennis rooms in rec centers, turn a golf course or more into parks like Paradise Park, good Indian restaurant, jazz club

[@Etery100]

I'd like to see a Boston Market restaurant, a Trader Joe's store and hot tubs!

[@clarkking636]

Lots of NIBYs. Interesting when someone gets somewhere they don’t want anyone else too come.

[@janespade3767]

I agree with Jerry. You cannot call anywhere for information. I have called the "Villages Information" line and they know nothing. They also want to know why I am asking, as if I'm a criminal or something. I too think The Villages is getting too big. I would like to see them stop the growth. And I would like a mall close by!

[@nancyevans7095]

It's ironic that some are worried about the growth....how do you think the Southerns feel with all the northerns moving in?

[@tomlizzol9291]

I live on long island ny and my amenity fee is 480 per month and property taxes over 9k. I am looking forward to moving to the villages. I've been there a few times and it seems like you get alot for you're money. Executive golf for Free..and more pools than you can ever use..As far as restaurants I guess I can see of getting tired of the same places.

[@robertg4905]

Don’t do it. Check the villages of citrus hills, citrus county Fl.

[@joelhooper2220]

Linda is the “friendly face” of The Villages Florida Newcomers. 🙂 Great video!👍

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Aww, thank you!

[@rickypastille]

Pools with food service at the "country clubs" would turn them into real Country Clubs. Now they are basically Bob-Evans-with-golf.

[@johnwalton3850]

You are more than welcome to be invited to come to Ocala to The Paddock Mall JCPenney's Macy's and Belk are your major stores and you have a lot of brand-name smaller stores

[@carolapostolos8929]

How far is the Ocala Paddock Mall from The Villages?

[@johnwalton3850]

HALF AN HOUR 45 MINUTES TOP

[@kellyanneree3252]

I've wondered if it gets much bigger, would it cause a split based on distance.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Can you be more specific?

[@peggyjoseph8493]

No mall in the villages. Lame-o!

[@lilybay1]

I visited and had a tour. Was good. Then I continued on by myself. Well, then I found out how inhospitable some residents were! I was standing near a “members only” restaurant reading the announcements posted in the window. I was not intent on entering. A resident came up to me rudely stating “ you can’t go in there”, “ you don’t belong here”. Ugh, made me feel uncomfortable. In addition, as I walked around I’d greet folks I’d see. No one responded, no smiles or waves in return. Seemed to be a sterile environment where there are unwritten rules on who belongs.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Which restaurant is private? We've never seen one. Sorry you bumped into the wrong people.

[@lilybay1]

THE VILLAGES FLORIDA NEWCOMERS it has since closed. Some woman’s first name, don’t remember

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Katie Belle's?

[@lilybay1]

THE VILLAGES FLORIDA NEWCOMERS yes Katie Belle’s

[@Scubagear1]

Ask for Deep water aerobics. My wife is an instructor

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

I used to bea power shopper. Now, I'd rather not, except for groceries. Thanks for the info. Oh, one question. How much do the lifestyle visits cost ?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

$99 a night until Dec. 1... That's a GREAT deal. It goes up after that.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Thank you very much. I've subscribed to a Villages news on KZbin as well.

[@jocjrnyc]

Just curious, Has Linda had the medical procedure already? Hope she is well.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes! Thank you. Success, and on the road to recovery.

[@marc1553]

Hi Linda and Jerry. Just a question. Who runs the Villages? Is there a mayor or a city council or what? Who owns the the Villages? Thanks Marc

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

The Villages is run by the developing family. The counties that The Villages are part of have their own governmental units.

[@jonstrumel8327]

Was inspired to buy a home in The Villages, and gave it considerable thought. I own a townhome in Manhattan and a condo apartment in a luxury high rise building in Las Vegas. I am a retired doctor and a “Barry Goldwater Republican”, but also a gay man. That said, I felt that I would not be accepted socially in Florida since Florida has not yet evolved on the issue of inclusion, and probably won’t for at least another ten years. Since I am well into my 70’s, it was not worth buying in The Villages. Sad, but a fact of life in our present day society, and I stress “present day”.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You might be surprised.

[@jonstrumel8327]

THE VILLAGES FLORIDA NEWCOMERS Perhaps.

[@lauralampe1664]

There is a group in The Villages called Rainbow Family and Friends Club of The Villages. They have a very active Facebook page. You might want to check this group out.

[@jamesinkeys]

Many, many whole groups, of butch lesbian golfers all though out T.V.. Of course, nothing wrong with that...

[@j.j.austin2225]

Regarding the complaints of excessive heat here in the sunshine State… I find myself amazed that the Villages has not started construction on a Village wide “Dome“ to ensure perfect climate controlled weather for all of its residents.🧐 Just sayin’ (Hint Hint..😏)

[@cornerstone403]

What a rediculous answer. Let's see them change that.

[@joemanzione4044]

The Villages is not a retirement community , it is a vacation resort. Full time residents do not count, everything is done for snowbirds...period.

[@1946pepper]

Dear Michigan we have NEVER HAD A CHANGE OF SEASON IN FLORIDA ….why didn't you know about Florida heat before you moved here? that's a given

[@mimijacobs1718]

Thats the Only drawback why im not sure about moving there..everyone complains about the heat..i do love change of seasons too😉

[@FR-tb7xh]

I see there is a website, talkofthevillages.com that hosts grassroots discussions. It looks lively. Do you ever use it as an information resource?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We do read it from time to time.

[@eljefe9020]

Can tell no one has lived in a downtown major city with real issues somebody get pat an oxygen tank !

[@puravida5683]

I am a retired military veteran of means, and currently live and own beachfront properties in Costa Rica.🇨🇷 I am considering purchasing a property in The Villages for my senior citizen mother. After watching several of your videos, I have noticed a lack of racial diversity. Is this indicative of the culture at The Villages?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not by design. There are minorities here, and they are welcome. As I tell people that ask, we bought our home sight unseen. The Villages had no idea what race we were. Anyone that is 55 and over may buy a home here.

[@puravida5683]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Thank you for your informative response, and your videos.

[@larryhoughton6377]

Where`s Gizmo?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We were all over the place... he wouldn't have helped. :-)

[@georgemulligan8958]

Location. Malls. LOL. How could you possibly not be aware that there are no malls being built and the ones that are , are becoming extinct.

[@robster6884]

High density development. Buyer beware.

[@kevinjacques5837]

Chinese food please

[@j.j.austin2225]

Kevin Jacques Keep that beautiful thought Kevin!! You might even vocalize it from time to time to somebody and anybody. LOL! I have been in Florida since 1984 and have yet to find great Chinese food! I have come to realize I have only two options to satisfy my craving… #1 learn how to cook it myself or #2 go back home to Boston Massachusetts for a visit (preferably for June, July, & August) and hit all my favorite spots!🥰😄 so far, option number two has been winning most every year 😂🤣😂

[@gilbertocarmona3930]

There Is not black person that community in the entre video

[@williamsweeney2012]

Stop expanding.