They Explored and Chose The Villages, Florida

Meet a couple that explored many other retirement communities before choosing The Villages. After visiting 55+ communities all over the country, Bill and Diane chose The Villages. They moved into a new home in Monarch Grove last fall in the middle of the pandemic. Now enjoying the amenities, they have become more and more involved. Join Jerry and Linda as they talk about why and how the couple left an upscale gated community in North Carolina and bought in The Villages.
Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and Ring that bell! We'll let you know when we post a video!
Jerry and Linda bring you information that they hope will enhance your retirement.
The channel is more than just The Villages. It features episodes designed to inspire retirees to make the most of their golden years. Bicycling, kayaking, hiking, golfing, music, travel and other things of interest are featured.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
email: [e-mail]
The information in our videos is not guaranteed as accurate, but as our opinion.

[@w.c.7247]

If you think retirement is the beginning of the end, watch this video, it will change your mind. What I’m learning watching Jerry and Linda is it can be a new beginning.

[@PepperBuddyRosie12]

Would love to hear from a couple that doesn't play golf 🌞

[@floridadreams263]

I love this series! I hope you continue to find nice couples like this to interview and share their story.

[@carolapostolos8929]

I really enjoy hearing from people who live in TV. This was an awesome interview thanks to y'all!

[@quiltme10]

Thank you, Bill & Diane, for a fabulous video this morning! Over the top information about the process of your decision to finally move to TV. Thank you Linda & Jerry for another GREAT video today!

[@jilllily8177]

What a nice couple! They are a great example of the reason why we have decided on the villages for our retirement. I love the whiteboard idea and I have one and I will pack it to come. There is a lot of information in this video and very timely information. Thank you so much for doing this!!!!

[@ceceb6264]

Retirement is a new stage of life, we should embrace and not be ashamed of our age

[@madaketmom]

Enjoy every minute, you never know what tomorrow may bring

[@markraven7316]

My dream...to retire before I am dead. Congrats to this couple and all who have made it to The Villages.

[@robertp7209]

Make it come true, it’s all up to you. Make a plan and start it NOW. 😁

[@markraven7316]

@@robertp7209 coming down next month, plan in motion

[@johnford5568]

Thanks so much, it's the activities not the houses. I did 7 night lifestyle visit in December and now moving into the Lofts Tuesday.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Hope you love it! Great location!

[@harryp1665]

What a great interview, seems like they found what they were looking for. I would have loved to have seen the house the built.

[@mavisrobin]

I had my husband watch this episode for the sole reason that Bill and Diane use a whiteboard. My husband at one time had a classroom size whiteboard - he's very visual haha. I am hopeful we will be able to join this wonderful sounding place in 6 years when I retire. I watch these videos to get me through the next 5 Minnesota winters and cold springs. Thanks for some really great content!

[@JerrySarfati]

We are on our way to the villages. We’ll be there on the 26th, to try it out for 2 weeks. Thanks for the videos, they are very helpful for us

[@craigvernon5932]

Thanks you two. Good to see different points of view. Have a great day.

[@oldsarge7836]

More great information...keep up the great work....thanks Jerry and Linda...August and our Village "house hunting time" will be here soon.

[@ashleysmith6884]

I love the whiteboard idea. Fantastic. Know what's on our shopping list - along with the coffee machine, bikes, golf cart, golf clubs - oh - I guess we'll need to get a bed as well :-) because at some point we'll have to find some time out to sleep

[@Judes121]

Congrats to this couple that found their way to The Village and loving it and sharing ! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@marionzakrzewski3871]

What a lovely couple! Thanks for sharing.

[@sherrycampbell9196]

A lovely new couple in a lovely place to trully retire...congratulations and as always we love Mr Jerry Ms Linda and little gizmo too ❤️

[@mattsynth]

The more I see these people bouncing from state to state looking for that golden year utopia the more I realize how good I have it right we’re I am currently living. Our town has 6 golf courses, two large lakes, tons of gyms, restaurants and shopping and instead of using a golf cart to get to them I use a Land Rover.

[@valeriehouck5284]

Sounds nice. Where is this. And how is the weather.

[@mattsynth]

@@valeriehouck5284 Doylestown, PA area. Weather is 4 full seasons. Not too hot and not too cold and very safe from disasters from extreme weather. A little pricey for housing but well worth it. The two lakes / parks are gigantic, 1 1/2 hour drive to NJ shore points or Pocono mountains. Plenty of activities to do for all 4 seasons. Cost of living is average.

[@valeriehouck5284]

@@mattsynth it sound nice. My family was from Wilkes-Barre. Many years back. I’ll check it out. Thanks

[@nightengale2123]

Always enjoy your videos that highlight other newcomers to The Villages. All are unique in the whys they decided to retire to The Villages as well as their journey there. I would very much enjoy seeing some follow up videos on these individuals.

[@matt51402]

Nice couple!

[@mialorenzen3538]

Great video!! We can’t wait to buy as well...we’re gearing up for closing on a home in Jan. of 2023...only 21 months away. 😊🌺😊

[@theresatitus-lawson3431]

Another great video! I love hearing about other Villagers! You two are the best.....and of course The Giz!

[@CR-ru1kw]

Thank you so very much & have a great weekend 😘.

[@stevenwilburn235]

Thank you for sharing. Great video!!

[@kristenschnese698]

Very interesting thank you for this interview ! I look forward to your videos I hope you continue to keep doing them

[@davidoverholt251]

Thank you for sharing this info!

[@lp2565]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@cheryloffor8882]

Good interview I really enjoyed this video

[@VomBethel]

Very well done on both sides: relevant questions with informative answers. You guys are the best!

[@simonsolano617]

Great interview! Very informative and enjoyed hearing their experiences. Thanks guys.

[@friscoredm.3024]

Awesome new neighbors in the Villages. Enjoy

[@EarofaSister]

Great information - especially about the length of the golf cart rides to the courses. Keep the info coming!

[@terrie1226]

Great video and they really seem to fit in pretty good.....Well done Jerry & Linda

[@bernardcasey9184]

VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL VIDEO. THANKS. JUST REMIDS US OF WHAT WE ARE MISSING. ALL THE BEST FROM IRELAND. BERNARD AND CAROL.

[@shirleyharold1698]

You are both natural entertainers. I love your shows and look forward to watching . ❤️😂

[@ajwells322]

Thanks Bill & Diane for sharing your story!

[@paulrogers5639]

These interviews are very informative and interesting.

[@TexasGirl1633]

What a great couple....love hearing their story! Thanks guys for another great interview!

[@larvatusprodeo7745]

Great video. Appreciate your interviewing style, it is excellent. Well done Jerry and Linda and thanks to the couple for their insights. Thanks also to Gizmo the Villages mascot :)

[@lauralampe1664]

Great interview. Thanks, Diane, Bill, Linda, Jerry and Gizmo! 😎🌞

[@bevmcc1240]

Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed that interview! I’m ready to move now, but we have a view more years before we can retire.

[@mykvalentin]

That was a fun interview lovely couple. We feel exactly the same that we need a bigger calendar for activities and tee times. Thank you for sharing and welcome to The Villages, Diane & Bill. Cheers 🍻 Hello to Gizmo.

[@triciaallen3200]

Thanks was great info :)

[@lizburtelow1892]

Great Video. 5 more months til our house is built and we can enjoy the Lifestyle. See you when we get there!

[@PapaPineapples]

What area is your home? I am really liking the St Catherine area!

[@lizburtelow1892]

@@PapaPineapples we are at lot#10 at 603 Coker Ct. in St. Catherine. Just starting the build this week. Can’t wait to get there.

[@PapaPineapples]

@@lizburtelow1892 Nice!

[@dorebea1]

Enjoyable, informative, great video. Love hearing from people directly regarding why they came, where they chose to live, housing upgrades / enhancements, any issues they experience with location, people, house etc. i use your videos to convince my husband to make the move and it seems to be working! Thank you all

[@tammyferguson2707]

Great interview. Very nice couple.

[@nemarkle]

Great video Jerry and Linda.. sure love y’all. We’ll see ya when we get there!!!❤️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes Ma'am!

[@Mike-ji8ez]

Nice interview!!

[@Tommy3Putts]

Enjoyed the interview. Well done.

[@kathyalber9720]

Wonderful video!!!!

[@sukmarip.733]

Nice interview 👍👍👍👍👍

[@richardc488]

thanks for a great show!

[@francinelewis9531]

I just love you guys!❤️❤️❤️

[@CynthiaMUrban]

So enjoyable....thanks for sharing. God bless.

[@derbuckeyetribe9789]

Good video! Greetings from Antrim Dells. Hoping the noobies settle in and enjoy the experience here. I just concluded week 3 of getting my folks settled into their villa. Making lots of modifications here. A good general hardware is Ace in Wildwood. Great owners and staff there. Now if only I’d run out of things to work on here then I might take the time to enjoy the Villages lifestyle before I absolutely have to go home. 😱

[@mishloud4215]

another lovely couple!!

[@OldMan1962]

Gizmo loves you guys, great show!!

[@nancyong9390]

An adorable couple ... living their lifestyle dream.

[@GringoLoco1]

Such nice people! I wonder how they will feel about enclosing their west-facing lanai in, oh, late August? 😉 Thanks and have a super weekend.

[@mollyheeke9912]

Good job, quite informative, xo

[@ziggyonestep32]

Sun City, Az has a "golf-cart" lifestyle!

[@jonbrennan8038]

I enjoyed all of the shows

[@SM-qh2mz]

Very sweet couple!!

[@RA-zl6iw]

Gizmo is going to live to be 22 years old.

[@micheleneal3113]

Hi Jerry & Linda, Its Michele from N.J. We have texted in the past. We decided to our kids have their own lives & I was at work on Sunday I started talking to a Women who had relocated to Florida. I said you will make a decision for me how do you like it? She said we love it!! I said my husband & I have been going back & fourth about the Villages. She said we have friends that live in the Villages THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I said Thank you I made my decision were moving to the Village's. Our house is going on the Market next week. My husband just has to put a new floor in the basement. I guess we will be down in 3-6 months. We are so excited. Maybe we can look you guys up. Can't wait wish us luck on selling our home. We have a real estate agent working with us. Its a new chapter in our book of life. Take care & God Bless

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Absolutely! We wish you the very best of luck in selling your home and making this big move. What an exciting time for you. We hope you like it here as much as we do.

[@arnovan2010]

Thanks Jerry and Linda for another great informative Video. I love when you bring in couples to discuss their experiences of moving to the Villages. I look forward to my upcoming Lifestyle visit. Because of the both of you is why I am coming down for a lifestyle visit. Hope to hear from you soon. Keep up the great work on promoting that great retirement lifestyle.

[@mkulseth52]

Great job. Love the 2 cameras

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Mike!

[@janicekeller9609]

Great interview Thanks for bringing it to us. Love hearing about peoples experiences. Just reinforces our reason for moving to TV for the lifestyle.

[@rodneyskinner7741]

Hi guys! ❤️👍

[@lizzijansen6527]

We use a paper calendar so we can see the whole week and we can write down things that will happen months later. You will need something bigger than a white board. Welcome to TV!

[@PapaPineapples]

I have a full whiteboard on the wall to stay updated!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You're a busy guy these days!😁😁

[@PapaPineapples]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Busy all the time lol, idle hands are dangerous.

[@terryk7712]

Excellent show. Can’t wait until we move into our Marsh Bend home we purchased in February.

[@terryk7712]

Moving out of the northern home now.

[@gregorynp]

Nice people

[@csnanny1882]

I don’t live there ,but I enjoy these sessions. Keep them coming. God bless. Love ya

[@markbegley1912]

This is very strange. We possibly might move to the Ocala area, however we have many animals including horses and the Villages are not a choice because of our situation. However I find your video's so uplifting and enjoyable that I subscribed to your channel as you appear to be a very nice and special couple!!! Thanks Mark & Tamar from Vermont.

[@ds6114]

We are headed to Ocala from New Hampshire as well! Little less congested yet with all the amenities. We are excited as my husband decided to retire early! Hope to see you down there this summer.

[@jimlee5762]

One great representation.

[@ds6114]

I’ve been watching your videos and love them. What is your take or understanding on OTOW?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXfZh3loedGMm9E

[@jenniferjohnson1345]

I get a kick out of Jerry...he is a natural at interviewing.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you!

[@dennisd4027]

It sounds like they looked at Scottsdale (east valley area) and not the Sun City/Surprise area (west valley) which is definitely a golf cart lifestyle. We're torn between the villages and Sun City as well but there are lighted pickle ball courts in AZ (no bugs). You'd be eaten alive by bugs if you tried that in Florida. Bottom line, do your homework before moving to your dream destination.

[@lauralampe1664]

I visited Sun City 2 years ago. It was very nice. It's still on my short list. I just don't know if I could do summers in AZ, and I don't have the budget to afford to own 2 homes. I have been to The Villages enough in the summer to know about the Florida heat and humidity. In fact I will be renting in The Villages for 2 weeks in July.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Agree. We are taking a year to see what we may like. It's an easy decesion for some and harder for others. The worst is you move back home. My biggest concern is medical facilities and quality care.

[@terrychan9046]

Good for them to investigate all around for their forever home. Good interview....nice people. But in Arizona, the Del Web communities (that started in the 1960’s) of Sun City, Sun City West and Sun City Grand in Phoenix (each community has around 100K people living in it) do have all facilities available by using your golf cart. If you loose your license, no problem, you can still drive a golf cart sunrise to sun down to get your groceries, medical appointments/hospital, post office, all recreation centers, strip malls of shopping, BUT you must drive on the streets where the cars drive. This golf cart mingling with car situation does intimidate as you get older. There are also Sun Cities in Tucson I am not familiar with but they probably are built similar.

[@tomranaldo3998]

Would liken to know how crowded it gets in the winter and can u get on the pickleball courts and golf courses need to play pickleball 5 times a week

[@klb1752]

Hi! I want to move to The Villages in 2025 and I will he one of the younger folks. Are you able to find someone to interview that is in their early to mid 50’s to get their perspective? Thank you for what you do! I have learned a lot from your videos. Give Gizmo a hug for me!

[@lauralampe1664]

That's a very good idea. Scott Cammack, who is about 53, had a KZbin Channel for about 2 years, but he took his Channel down a few weeks ago. He and his wife moved to The Villages about 3 years ago. They live in one of the newer Villages south of 44.

[@klb1752]

@@lauralampe1664 thank you! I’m going to watch Scott’s videos. I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I will be 50 when I retire and move to The Villages. If you know of any other channels that are from younger people, please let me know! I’ll be waiting for that interview on this channel, too 😀

[@lauralampe1664]

@@klb1752 check out these 3: Exploring The Villages Florida. The Villages Florida Adventures With Frank & Susan and Robyn Cavallaro. Another one: The Villages With Rusty Nelson.

[@klb1752]

@@lauralampe1664 I already watch them 😀 Great videos and info!

[@cptsuits8038]

We might be willing to help after we move down next August

[@tod3msn]

You’ll spend a lot of money to have living quarters that is less than what you’ve been accustomed to which is because you are buying into living in a warm climate. It certainly hopes to be part of a couple too. Hey, it’s terrific but not for everybody like milkshakes!

[@lestapp7845]

Great video. Our concern with moving to The Villages is finding healthcare providers we would be comfortable with. Have you done a video discussing this topic? Thank you.

[@barbaraebner5889]

That too is my biggest concern in ALL of Florida

[@barbaraebner5889]

I believe Jerry and Linda did a segment on this subject. Gave great insight from a personal experience and advised looking into your carrier. Coverage is different from state to state. Including out of country travel. Its all about homework.

[@johnwalker6888]

Here are my thoughts on living in The Villages. It is an idyllic almost perfect place to live. It is beautiful and well maintained. BUT. For my taste, it's not really that convenient or as convenient as I am used to. What I mean by that is that whenever you need to go somewhere it's sort of a mini journey. A simple thing like getting your mail. I have always been used to having my mail delivered to my home. With these new areas being opening. Going to the supermarket is like living on the Ponderosa with the Cartwrights. When you need "supplies" You need to "saddle up" go into town. Yes, The Villages is greatly self-contained with all necessary amenities available i.e. shopping, healthcare, etc. On the other hand. The Villages isn't really that close to other points of interest. Sporting, events, airports, etc. are not that close. I am obviously in the minority in the way I feel. It appears as though they can't build the homes fast enough to meet demand. We have friends that live in The Villages and have visited them many times. They are all very happy with their decision to live in The Villages. Just not for us. That's why there is chocolate and vanilla.

[@valeriehouck5284]

Totally understand. I live in NYC and walk everywhere. But now it’s getting a little to crazy for me and rethinking my retirement. Thanks

[@johnwalker6888]

@@valeriehouck5284 Come on down to Florida. You will love it here. Of course, you will have to get over the major culture shock coming from NYC! It's a whole different world down here. We also came from a major city and had to get used to the lifestyle down here. People are more friendly and sociable down here. We were wide open as to where we wanted to live in Florida. We basically wanted to be anywhere south of Orlando. Really didn't matter which coast. After some research, we narrowed it down to the West Coast. When we decided on an area, we checked out the shopping and health care and what was close and available. We found a great area that is close to everything we need. Oh yes, we are in the Tampa Bay area. If you are a Yankees fan. You will love it here. They do Spring Training here and you can see them when they play the Tampa Rays.

[@ariesapparel5944]

@@johnwalker6888 We are south of you in Charlotte County. Love watching the Spring Training

[@lauralampe1664]

I have a friend who lives about a a mile from Lake Sumter Landing. Winn Dixie is about 6 minutes from her home. Publix is about 12 minutes from her home. She has many restaurants within 15 minutes from her home. Her church on 466 is 12 minutes from her home. And a lot less traffic than suburban Chicago, even during snowbird season.

[@valeriehouck5284]

Thanks. I have cousins that live in North Port for about 45 years. They always tell me come. What about the weather with hurricanes and summer heat and humidity. OMG. It’s so hard for me to step out of my box.

[@MarkBarrey]

I enjoy your channel very much, but I have one small request. Can you please fix your camera so the auto focus is not constantly adjusting in and out ?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you. It is a cell phone... don't think there is any adjustment.

[@penelopepitstop762]

Do you have a video already on what to expect at a lifestyle visit?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Not really. Maybe we should, but access is limited.

[@sallypriest4363]

All those activities sounds too much like being back in the work force! We like sleeping late and putting around the house and working on our hobbies. Enjoyed hearing their story - I love hearing people’s stories. How old is Gizmo?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

He is 12... 13 in March.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Great video, I need to convince my wife to move to the villages but she says too hot. Wondering, do you take your golf cart to go grocery shopping? I guess you would need some type of netting to keep the groceries from falling out. Not sure why I would want to know this, but you guys are so approachable that I thought I would ask. I know you probably get this a lot but would love to meet you someday, so I will see you when and if I get there!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes, we take our golf cart all the time. We even take it when we need an entire week's worth of groceries. They sell a large bag that takes the place of your golf clubs and you can actually bring a big load home.

[@johntamulonis4626]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Sounds great and economical. Thanks for the reply.

[@alanlevine3984]

Mo just fainted from your comment Jerry.

[@valeriehouck5284]

I think TV might be out of my budget. I’ll know better when I get the numbers this summer from the job and SS. Is their a similar Community not as expensive.

[@valeriehouck5284]

Thanks for the info.

[@larryhall83]

You all are a magnet for nice people. But I missed Gizmo. Maybe he was off visiting a girlfriend...

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Aww... you missed him near the end. He rolled over and played dead.

[@larryhall83]

@@JERRYANDLINDA If I ever move to the Villages, I expect Gizmo to show me around..

[@patricialynch6532]

Her hair looks great! A fellow silver sister ❤️

[@valeriehouck5284]

Which town was this. Thanks for info

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Monarch Grove

[@pauljonorato4990]

Oh please. North Carolina winters are freezing bitter cold. We want to relocate down to Florida.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Good you bought before all pre existing homes went sky high.

[@mariebeggan1239]

Can you have a pool in your backyard?

[@PepperBuddyRosie12]

Why did you get a water purification system? 💧 Does the water taste funny?

[@elmerfudd1086]

If a guy doesnt golf or isnt interested in golf...would you suggest looking elsewhere to live?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

No, but if you are a loner, or you're not into the golf cart lifestyle, or don't plan to protect if don't plan to participate in a club's activities, you could probably buy more house for the money elsewhere. The beauty and the access to a wonderful lifestyle is the true value within The Villages.

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

I enjoyed an ice-cold Arnold Palmer while watching these youngsters

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁