THE VILLAGES! My First 9 Months!

[@jodystancliff7864]

I'm single and moved to The Villages in 2021. In early 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My friends and neighbors have been PHENOMENAL. They have brought me meals, taken me to appointments, sent cards and gifts. I am about to start chemo, and they have assured me that they will help me through it. I honestly don't think I could do cancer anywhere else but in The Villages. You are so right.....the community of kindness is palpable here.

[@Suzannesretirementplan]

I’m so so glad people are there for you. I had bc a year after I was married and I admire the single warriors

[@maryswanson9982]

This changes my perspective, greatly. Thank you!

[@TraceyBergum]

That story has me in tears, so good to know that good kind people are still among us : ) So happy your kitty was found!

[@kimthom5793]

We don't mind our garden grass being a little wild so have never put chemicals on it. Even our parks in the UK now have taken to having a 'meadow' style area to encourage bees, butterflies etc which i love. I've always been a natural kinda girl. Nice vlog K. Have a good week.❤

[@virginiaconway374]

Like you, I am single and have had my reservations about living in a community like the Villages. I am happy to hear your praises and will remember so when I sell my home, I have a place to consider. You look fabulous, it's probably from all the joy radiating from you!

[@juliashaw-fuller1697]

I totally agree with you about the culture of kindness. We moved in a couple weeks ago, and we love it!

[@PrettyOverFifty]

Welcome!!!

[@kimkeever3692]

So glad you're happy there, Kimberly! I am retired and live in the Pacific NW, but visit my dad who lives FL once or twice a year. He does not reside in The Villages, but when I'm in town we always tour around to see the sights there. It's definitely well maintained and beautiful! It certainly has its appeal. Like most places, there are likely pro and cons! When we moved to the PNW from the Midwest, folks thought for sure the rainy winters would drive us crazy! 20+ yrs later, I'm still here! Thanks for your take on The Villages! I enjoyed it very much! And, I'm glad your kitty eventually made it home safely!

[@annieknight71]

I also live in the Pacific Northwest, on the Olympic Peninsula. My daughter lives in Orlando. I thinking of moving to the Villages because I had a stroke last November and don’t know if I’ll ever drive again. I think I could live there just with a golf cart.

[@dwillebuck1]

Thank you for your positive comments about The Villages. I also live south of 44 and absolutely love it here!

[@cariberri8919]

I had visited a relative there maybe 20 or 25 years ago. I was in my mid 30's or so. One of the things I noticed right away, was how happy and nice everyone was! When I left, I stated that I wanted to live there someday because of that!

[@chrismahfouz7709]

I love native plants! Start a Native Plant Society/ Club to educate people on the benefits to using them in the landscape and promote them in your community(even if you personally don’t know much if anything about them). You can check with the local Cooperative Extension office for information on local native plants. They may know of any local clubs whose focus is native plants. Look for speakers. Tap local college horticulture department, etc, I used to be in one such organization and I learned so much! I loved it! These are bullet proof plants that are best suited to grow in one’s particular area-you can’t go wrong unless it’s invasive (always have to check into those details with any kind of plant material).❤

[@marlenearmstrong2808]

The Villages has over 3,000 clubs including the Florida Native Plant Society, the Landscaping Club, the Butterfly Garden Club, a designated butterfly garden at two churches and Florida has a Master Gardener program that helps train and provides advice at weekly locations. There is also a Bonsai club, Rose club, Orchid and African Violet club. There are probably more gardening clubs not all are listed in the Recreation News.

[@julie5158]

I’ve been here for 20 years, and I’m still loving it. The friendliest hometown! We live in the village of Duval, and we were told that we would be the last Village! 🤣🤣🤣

[@janrajek8634]

St Augustine grass is native to the southern climate. It grows in sand, doesn’t require chemicals to keep it looking nice. It hardly takes any water to keep it alive. I know I used to live there! It’s of my opinion most people would prefer grass over native jungle terrain.

[@EmteeTeee]

I loved St. Augustine when we went there LY (2023), just for 1 night ... we were on our way to Madeira Beach and St. Augustine was a one night stop. Really beautiful. We are again, going to St. Augustine this year (just for 1 night) on our way to Florida this year.

[@tomstreet8772]

Well done! Thinking about visiting. Glad Dex is safe!

[@pamjuliani9179]

I work at Tommy Bahama so I get to speak with many people from The Villages and get to hear all about the wonderful life they are living there! It sounds like a blast! They always have such great stories!

[@arizonajo2791]

The originals from the south have that southern hospitality. That is the kindness you are referring to.

[@lynetteroberts4815]

You look so much more relaxed there!!! Great for you pretty lady!

[@SusanFreeman]

My parents moved to Sun City, AZ. They loved their time there, made many wonderful friends and were always glad they made the move. Every time I visited them, I had fun too. Sun City sounds so much like the Villages.

[@melcsmakeupstyle5409]

Thank you for the uodate Kimberly ! I'm glad you're still enjoying yourself!

[@PrettyOverFifty]

Hi honey!!

[@melcsmakeupstyle5409]

@@PrettyOverFifty 🥰🥰

[@laurettaberger442]

I don’t normally comment but I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Villages! I think I would be very happy there and convinced my hubby to do a site visit this Spring! We would probably live there part-time! 😊❤️

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

There are so many lovely ground covers that look good, are low maintenance and can replace lawn.

[@13CavStella]

Love this villages update. I am 42 and hubs is 43, i have my eye on the villages!!

[@Mushkiepotamus]

The Recreation schedule comes out on Thursday’s with the Daily Sun or available at the recreation centers. 3700++ resident clubs with their own activities on top of the official scheduled Villages activities

[@candicerobertson6713]

You're looking so wonderful Kimberly!

[@susantalladira7025]

Glad your loving Florida and the villages. We live in the outside Of Tampa Lutz we love it here . I’m 62 but we considering the villages once we retire

[@monmist62]

Kimberly you have never looked better,loving the hair style and makeup,you look great for your age and inspire me!!!

[@davidoverholt251]

Wonderful story, so happy you are finding so many friends in TV!

[@goolagah6336]

So glad you have your cat back safe and sound. More traffic noise probably increases during the winter when there are more "snow birds".

[@Aquariusmoon517]

I can't believe you've been at The Villages for 9 months already. It feels like you just moved there. I'm on the West Coast of Florida having moved here four years ago. You hear good and bad about The Villages but like anyplace, there is good and bad. Life is really what you make it. If you look for the negative, you will surely find it. If you focus on the good stuff, you can be happy anywhere. Florida itself is a bit of a crazy place but it suits me just fine. I'm glad you are happy at The Villages.

[@TheChannelXY]

you are so right about the grass! glad you mentioned it :)

[@kristyburns3890]

You look fabulous. I’m glad you found somewhere you enjoy so much. I’d love to see an update on your health and weight loss journey. Thanks for sharing your life!

[@ChynnaBlue1]

Do you know which home model you have? I'm looking at some of the patio villas models. I love that there's an archery club. I used to teach archery at summer camps and I'd love to pick up a bow again.

[@suz165]

TV are so clean!! And we can’t figure out where all the workers are who maintain it. Also the bonds help maintain the TV.

[@SwanCityPaintTime]

❤thank you for the information about The Villages. I am considering the area after I retire. I live in Lakeland but have heard nothing but great things. Glad you gave the pros and a few cons! I really enjoy your channel. Have an amazing week!

[@bellasimone2001]

I have grass and I love it. I don't put anything on it and it is green. Everyone has a perspective. You can sit on grass and connected to the earth on top of the wildlife that needs it.

[@carolynolczak4542]

We’re happy and kind here in the free state of Florida

[@mjkwiatek7217]

Free state?

[@linrae1181]

Free Lol. Not if you’re a woman or LGBTQ, then Florida is where freedom dies. Republicans are trying to put women back in the 50’s here. I can’t wait for the elections in November.

[@billredding2000]

@@mjkwiatek7217 ...I don't know what Carol means, but when *I* use the term "Free State" it's in comparison to the "Slave States" (blue/Democrat/liberal -- etc.) we still have in this so-called "Union" (it isn't, as there's clearly a serious political, social, cultural and faith divide)...but that's another topic. NOW, however, I need to decide on which Golf Car (gas) to get -- leaning towards a Club Car Onward Lifted 4-seater. Next, do I get a house with a large garage AND a golf cart garage or, just one 1.5-car garage. Decisions decisions... :-) -- BR

[@christigallup2175]

Looking to move to the TV. Hopefully, within the year. Love that you are happy.

[@Mushkiepotamus]

I moved to The Village of Fenney in June 2020- and love it more everyday!!

[@11candy11]

I believe the association fees bring-in 20,000,000 a month in revenue. So, that's a huge amount for amenities and keeping everything clean. You are right: It is well run and beautiful.

[@maryclebeau]

Good to see you! 😊yes, always enjoy your newsletter 😊

[@jovickers5313]

Totally agree with you Kimberly about lawns/grass that needs mowing, watering, feeding etc. Such a waste when one could grow ones own food. There's something special about watching things grow then picking and eating them fresh!! Yummy

[@janetstraw191]

I live in Ohio near Lake Erie on a 3 acre property. I love native wildflowers, and much of my land is a ‘meadow.’ It’s tricky to have a wildlife habitat and not run afoul of the city ‘regulations’ on overgrown lawns - but so worth it! 🙋‍♀️🥰💕‼️

[@Kholts]

Hello Jane

[@christigallup2175]

I agree about the grass. I'm allergic to grass so I would be happy doing more native landscaping too

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

I agree native plants and ground cover is best. Grass doesn’t help the environment. It really doesn’t help with erosion because it needs so much maintenance and chemicals to stay alive. And water. With lovely native ground cover I use less water and it looks lovely no matter the time of year. Encourages good bugs which attracts birds and butterflies etc. love today’s video.

[@lisagriffith7157]

Thank you for your insights. We are doing a life style visit in April and I am so much looking forward to it 😀

[@billierfunk338]

I agree with you about grass. We do need to change our way of dealing with our land so it is safe for all of life. Trees , flowers, gardens, bring us beauty, food, oxygen, and wildlife

[@moonpixyart4562]

Bare trees and bushes also allow noise through. Leaves help filter the noise

[@sherrycampbell9196]

Looking lovely..the new hair cut and style is very flattering..have a awesome week❤

[@margieangel]

I agree with you about native landscaping. When I moved to Arizona from Omaha Nebraska, I still had the concept of grass and looked for a house with grass. I came to regret that as I began to understand the native area, and that 0 landscaping was more natural for the desert area. We learn overtime! Grass takes water that is needed and to your point also expensive. Glad you’re enjoying the villages. Do you see yourself buying instead of renting in the future?

[@evabazan1966]

Sounds like a great place to live - hope you found your home place now

[@crawleyr4919]

Im just so thrilled for you. I wish i could move there now. Im in a vicious circle living paycheck to paycheck in CA, & have elderly parents in a golf course community- both still alive, but changing rapidly.

[@chumbawumba1959]

The most **dangerous "wildlife" in TV** is **over-50 ladies driving a golf cart after a few BOTTLES of wine** 😂😂😂

[@danat3961]

I haven’t been here in a while, my life has been in turmoil but I’m here today! These are my favorite of yours… I love the vlogs and life updates. I haven’t been into makeup lately, life has been a bit heavy and it seems so unimportant right now, 😢but I’m here for this 😊 you look so happy!

[@Randilynn66]

I get that. I broke my ankle 2 weeks ago. Nothing mattered for the first week. I hope things improve for you.

[@danat3961]

@@Randilynn66 I appreciate that 😊

[@carpediemwithLesli]

Thank you so much for this review!!! It really opened my eyes cause the only thing I heard about the Villages is that's a lot of couple swingers activity going on😅😅😅

[@bettybedsole9915]

I've heard that rumor along with other rumors. I would say there are swingers in pretty much every community.

[@kathyalber9720]

LOVE THE VILLAGES!!!!! hoping to move there soon!!!!

[@barbtscott]

How is Dex doing now after his great adventure? I hope he’s staying cozy inside. I’m glad The Village has been such a blessing.

[@brandywalkenten9085]

I’m so glad Dex is home 😢. How scary. I would have been beside myself. ❤️

[@nissamills576]

I am so glad to hear these things. I plan on moving there in April.

[@elizabethvanmeter3217]

Worth watching twice😉. Glad you have enjoyed your time in The Villages!

[@drewesalan2958]

Hi KImberly, I just got back from my second Village Tour. Like yourself, I love everything about The Villages. I will be moving to the Villages this April. Thank you for creating a very informative and enjoyable video.

[@maryshaver4491]

I’m your neighbor to the south (Mount Dora) and say thank you for the push towards native landscaping. We have perennial peanut grass in the front yard (no watering, no chemicals, minimal mowing and is lush and green year round) and backyard is a mulched garden with native trees & plants for birds, bees, etc. Would love to give you a tour (for ideas) if you are ever down this way. Happy you are enjoying living in The Villages.

[@CharleneY]

Love Mt Dora

[@Mushkiepotamus]

I saw this video before - you put it up accidentally instead of the New Year’s resolution one- but love hearing positive people saying positive things about this wonderful place to THRIVE. I was hoping for more info on your new “spirituality” channel

[@christineboukalis7864]

Your make up looks great I’m 65 and I really have to learn how to put make up on

[@leahvincerouse]

You’re on the right channel! Kimberly is a wealth of information! ❤

[@jovickers5313]

Kimberly has many get ready with me GRWM videos. A tip if you watch one don't rush out and buy everything. Watch several to see if there are good dupes for expensive products. Maybelline and Rimmel are IMO superior to more expensive products

[@RavenNl403]

I'm so glad that you are happy Kimberly. Sounds wonderful ❤️

[@cherylweaver5129]

Sounds like a lovely community.

[@lindademeyer3486]

Great information! Thanks so much!

[@goolagah6336]

Totally agree with replacing lawns with native plant landscaping.

[@NancyStinger-ll6wt]

So glad Dex is home safe having had many cats I would get so stressed when they would take their adventures outside 😻

[@mariemcgrath8681]

Hi, I have watched you move around for many years, and I'm happy, you're happy. We don't have that many similar Villages in my area of Australia, just wish we did.

[@michellesapp7867]

I lived in central Florida for most of my life and every where you go ppl are so much nicer ( live in Iowa before moving) and as far as grass it is a pain to mow but way easier to maintain then a yard full of veggies. We don’t fertilize our yard at all .. no chemicals either.

[@chrismahfouz7709]

I haven’t seen you on these KZbin streets lately (?) but you always look radiant and healthy. I’ve missed you Kimberly! It’s Sunday and I subscribed to your newsletter maybe a year ago! I need to go check out your latest news. It’s a great newsletter! I highly recommend it! ❤

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

If you press the Subscribe button you will always be notified when a new video drops.

[@chrismahfouz7709]

@@selectiveoutrage6617 I subscribed about 4 years ago. I get to many notifications and things i want to see get lost like a looking for a needle in a haystack.

[@gracestack3373]

I would love everything about this except the heat and humidity 🥵. Too bad they don’t build in some Midwest areas

[@PamelaW-li9rg]

Great video, Kimberly. I love it here too for the same reasons you shared. I think you'd love Dragon Boating. There's a non-racing team that paddles twice a week called the Paddling Patriots. There are people on that team that still work and only paddle once a week so it's a flexible team to be on. The team is about fun, fitness and friendship. It's a great workout and no experience required. Try it out. If you don't like it, you don't have to join.

[@barbarakuminowski3484]

Native landscaping is the way to go no matter where you live. Check out a national organization called The Wild Ones to see if they have a chapter in your area.

[@crystalsee3600]

what a fun time to listen along withyou.....thank you....I need to visit there soon.

[@dena1775]

Great insight, great speaker.

[@loriunderwood3734]

It is hard to believe it's been that long! I am not a fan of hot weather or the other critters that live there but EVERYTHING else sounds wonderful. So glad to hear your opinions and happy your are enjoying your life in The Villages.

[@raymondandmelaniebolton3775]

Looking beautiful Kimberly!! Do you think you might want to live there permanently? It sounds like an absolutely enchanted place, really. As far as other city managers taking cues from The Villages - I think that is unlikely because you have people of all kinds in a city. Many that don´t value a clean environment, don´t value kindness, have no no interest in maintaining their home and have no respect for other people and their property. I´m saddened to state these obvious points, but it is the world we live in. You can´t make people ¨care¨ or ¨take pride in themselves.¨ The Villages sounds like a place I would love to live!

[@suer292]

Grass is great for wildlife and bugs which does help. This is true of the UK

[@judygrayson7896]

So glad your having a ball there. Awhile back I watch a couple on KZbin that called it what it costs to live in The Villages. They broke it down to the penny what it costs a month from mortgage to hoa depending on the area to everything all the way to haircuts. Crazy but they give you at least a good idea depending like I said on areas and cost of homes.

[@PurpleMoon13264]

I loved your video and would love it if you did more videos on your lifestyle in The Villages.

[@teamginger6359]

I wondered if there were any spiritual clubs or maybe even clubs that include UFO watchers!🎉🎉 Agreed about the grass. Love: "A culture of kindness" what a lovely thought. ❤❤ I am so happy you were able to retrieve Dex!! I am very interested to know how long it took him to come to you that day?

[@melindacochran5193]

Good Sunday morning Kim. I must respectfully disagree with you on not having grass. The values of grass are clean air, soil erosion and it holds moisture from the air giving a cooling effect. I really dont understand why you would think there isnt any value in grass? Always enjoy your videos.❤

[@tamilord8043]

I agree with you 100% about grass having a lot of value. We live on 2 1/2 acres of land , 1 1/2 acres is woods and our house sits on the remaining acre and we have grass, gardens and beautiful oak trees. I love mowing - it is my meditation. We have dogs (golden doodle and a golden retriever) and we are picky about what is put on our lawn. It can’t harm our dogs or the wildlife. Sorry, Kimberly I am pro-lawn!!!

[@anneleblanc1661]

But they also use lots of chemicals to keep it up. If grass is not indigenous to the area then you must use chemicals

[@melindacochran5193]

@@anneleblanc1661 you dont have to use chemicals. Use organic compost like grass clippings, bone meal and cotton seed meal. A nutrient rich soil will ensure a beautiful lawn. Aerate your lawn once a year and spread a thin layer of fine compost.

[@13CavStella]

Agreed ​@@melindacochran5193

[@13CavStella]

​@@tamilord8043likewise 😊

[@jenfaulman]

9 months?! Wow! Silly Dex...had to go have a journey into the wild to know how good he's got it, I guess! Glad he's home safe. 💗

[@reneemcgee632]

Hear ye, smart lady. Love you ❤

[@rebeccamichaels3492]

Love your look today! Could you reveal where you purchased your lovely necklace??

[@janrajek8634]

I’m glad to hear the villages is a friendly place. Not so much back in 2002. A lot of neighborhood discrimination going on since certain priced homes could only build in certain areas. They have a no fence rules, and a lot of other incidentals. You may not be aware of. When I was there, neighbors were fighting.

[@lauriebrown9714]

Interesting perspective. I’m looking into what has turned into the largest tiny home community in the country in Newport TN. It has pluses and minuses. A plus is no lawns. I currently have an 1800s home and of course it comes with plenty of lawn. I don’t treat it, I don’t water it but I do mow it. I’ve started a couple raised beds and if I was going to stay I’d work to reduce my lawn even more than I have. I do find it interesting the kindness level you speak of. They talk about that in the TN tiny home community too. Glad you’re enjoying your new digs Kimberly. You’ve found a good fit.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

Never heard of the tiny home community in TN. I'd like to move somewhere in the southeast US and am doing research.

[@noreenn6976]

The tiny home community in TN is nothing like The Villages. Be sure to visit both of are on your list.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

@@noreenn6976 Not interested in The Villages

[@lauriebrown9714]

@@noreenn6976 absolutely true. No comparison. The villages, not my thing except the community aspect. And even that….ITH has 3 communities that are well spaced, fairly private and natural landscaping.

[@noreenn6976]

@@lauriebrown9714 definitely no comparison, all depends on what a person is looking for.

[@SylviaRR]

There are so many ornamental/native grasses availble they could be using that use very little if no water (we use irrigation water, run off) , no chemicals, help keep weeds down and soil erosion. We use a lot of them here in western colorado especially in our fields and they look beautiful as lawns. Crazy that area, espcially with the moisture, does not utilize grasses better.

[@kristinam2719]

I live in California and grass is a water hog, so it’s expensive because water is so expensive here. We have a very shaded yard with big trees, so not much grows though in terms of a vegetable garden.

[@julieh9234]

I’ve heard a lot about the Villages but where exactly in Florida are they located. We love the Marco Island area but I don’t remember seeing them down that far south. I love your Sunday paper !! Thanks for that !!

[@noreenn6976]

South of Ocala

[@Pamela-travels]

Just found your channel …loved it ! Thanks …

[@yolandathomas6452]

Kimberly, you look amazing!! The Villages sound like the perfect community. I have never heard anyone speak on Medical Care. Are there doctors/dentist/clinics/hospitals within The Villages or close by? Since a lot of folks seem to only have gulf carts as transportation, that would make me wonder about healthcare being within The Villages.

[@grassrootsgardening]

Glad you got your cat back!! 😊

[@PrettyOverFifty]

Me too! The little stinker! Miss you my friend!

[@suzannearias9000]

Grass does keep you cooler

[@BetsAnderson]

Archery is awesome!!!!

[@andrereynolds5018]

Hi! I have a question… do you take hormones? You look amazing!! I am struggling! So confused on what to do, to take or not? My skin has changed so much. Emotions too!

[@libbycole554]

Love your videos!! Please do another hair video. Your hair looks beautiful!,

[@LisaMonique]

I had so much fun visiting you and agree The Villages is absolutely amazing!!!

[@jeanmarieteresa4067]

I wish you would put your Sunday morning email out 1 hour earlier; then I would have time to watch it before church

[@giselle2222]

When you mentioned archery, I had a fond flashback... The only time I ever entered a competition was on vacation in Eleuthera many years ago. I took archery lessons at the resort and actually won a competition. Kayaking with the manatees sounds awesome!!

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

I took archery in college and found out the hard way why Amazon women cut off their left breast. You really have to have good form or wear protection.

[@giselle2222]

@@selectiveoutrage6617 ...Ouch!! I do remember my girlfriend didn't wear arm coverage and got a huge bruise!

[@karenprueher2223]

Glad you enjoy your new home. What womens multi vitamin do you recommend for us gals over 65? There is so much out there and i appreciate your thoughts. ❤

[@badkarma1289]

Stay away from all of the hard vitamins like the ones they sell at Walgreens, Target, CVS, Costco, etc. (like Centrum, One A Day, etc.). They are mostly made up of fillers, and what little beneficial ingredients do exist will not be absorbed well.