Why Do People Move From the Villages? and 10 More Questions

Join Linda and Jerry as the Newcomers bring you Mailbag Monday. The November 23rd edition features questions about; Why do people move from homes in The Villages, How can I volunteer in The Villages, What did you leave behind that you wish you had brought when you moved here, How do you control the mosquitoes, Why do people get so upset about the growth in The Villages, and more is answered in this episode.
Stay until the end for a surprise finish!
The channel is more than just The Villages. It features episodes designed to inspire retirees to make the most of their golden years. Kayaking, hiking, golfing, music, travel and more is featured.
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“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
email: [e-mail]
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.

[@mikemataraza9606]

How could you not like these two.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Awwww... Thanks, Mike!

[@karenday9109]

Agree!

[@lindae5864]

Hi Linda & Jerry! This is my first time for a comment.Two years ago when I was visiting in the villages with family, TV had an app to find your way around, one version was free, the other small fee and you didn't need to live there to subscribe. TV also has a radio station that plays oldies and news, a little real estate for the open houses. I will be returning in Jan for 3 weeks to visit family. So excited, I love it in the villages. I've been watching the three of you for year and a half. You're better informed than some realtors I've talked with. So enjoy the vlog. Keep up the good work. The two of you are a match made in heaven! Appreciate all the time you give to make these videos. Keep us laughing!!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you so much. We really appreciate your kind comments.

[@pattiw6713]

It’s amazing how Gizmo just sits and waits ❤️🐾 the little comments from him crack me up Nice to smile in these troubling times

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Patricia, we have fun!

[@sharonbernstein9050]

We purged a lot of furniture, clothes, etc... before moving to Florida. I didn’t want to bring down everything and then have to get rid of things. It was an easy move. Now we’re slowly replacing things and everything fits.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That's the way to do it, if you can afford it.

[@sharonbernstein9050]

Most of the furniture was really worn out from moving 23 times in the Navy and teenagers/college kids. We budgeted for the new furniture. We also budgeted for remodeling in our new house. Had to replace all the flooring and the whole house needed painting. Got a great deal so it’s working out well.

[@juleebailey3046]

That's what we plan to do! We prefer new anyway and we tell ourselves that we are helping the economy!

[@pauline4848]

We Appreciate You Jerry And Linda Being Such Down To Earth Folks And Cute Gizmo Glad He's OK 👍 Have A Happy Thanksgiving.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Hope you have a good holiday too Pauline, thanks so much.

[@deborahjones2045]

What fun you guys are! We are semi retired snowbirds who purchased our winter condo home in a Bradenton Fl. golf community and we love it as much as you love the Villages. We both are just getting over Covid-19, and I wanted to say that watching your videos during our lengthy illness surely helped lift our spirits. thank you!

[@oldsarge7836]

Wife has been retired for over six year (postman)..I retired in April...the most asked question around this house since then is "what day is it?" One Christmas, when I was young, my parents left each child (9) a big chocolate bar under under the tree. In the morning there was all this wrapping scattered. Our dog had eaten all of them (9!!!). It had no effect on him (dog) at all, but my bothers and sisters were a little upset. LOL Thanks for all the good information....our countdown to September house hunting in "The Villages" has begun.

[@emmylou-y4b]

Thanks so much for the laughs and the information.

[@jturner97601]

Thanks y'all for teaching! Takes all of your brain and time. It's clear that you're still teaching!

[@barbaraebner5889]

OMG Linda that was a riot! You two always leave us laughing. Thank You!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Barbara, just having fun. 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@sueubele]

Loved the hair Linda!

[@DonLefFL]

This was one of your best today. Been here in Florida for 10 years now (Solivita) and love your newcomers tips. Frizzy hair made me break out in a belly laugh.

[@Ellenllee]

Right on target as one of the funniest,cutest and needed videos of this Holiday week,thank you. Linda, you have impeccable timing and Jerry, I do believe that you are the choreographer of mirth lol! Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. :)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Ellen! This is Jerry, I want to get a shirt with that title on it "Choreographer of Mirth"! Awesome!

[@LucyGirlCavapoo]

You two are so fun to watch.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Mary!

[@ritatharp5238]

Thank you Jerry and Linda for sharing. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving. 🥧🦃

[@TB-mk3fq]

Thank you Jerry and Linda. Always fun and always helpful information. You two are great, and I think you’re both stars.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, TB… we appreciate it.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Jerry and Linda, the days go fast, the years go faster in retirement. Enjoy every day!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We are sure noticing that, Barbara.

[@catherinehillier9155]

Best one ever ...hilarious - I so needed to laugh out loud ... thank you - Have a great Thanksgiving

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you Catherine. That makes us feel good.🙂🙂

[@martinkern8122]

Another great video guys, enjoy your reflections. Thank you for making another video over 15 minutes long, extra effort(s).👏🏿👏🏿 Those are the ones I really appreciate.😉

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Martin!

[@leticiafehn5459]

Hysterical ending, cracked me up! Love you both! God bless!

[@matt51402]

Chocolate can also kill a dog,so I’m glad that Gizmo is ok.And you both are rock stars! We love you both!

[@socalcraigster]

There’s no chocolate in those Reese’s so don’t worry.

[@Judes121]

Thanks for sharing! Always good to see Gizmo🐾

[@jimroberts2852]

One of your best videos! A comedy show in addition! Happy Thanksgiving to you three!

[@triciaallen3200]

You guys made my working Monday better! Retirement will be here some day. Linda that will be my hair there. I'm rolling over here. Have a great week & Happy Thanksgiving to you all! :)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Tricia, we are glad to hear that. You have a good weekend too.

[@theresatitus-lawson3431]

Hi Linda, Jerry and Giz! Thanks for the laughs. I feel like I'm visiting Friends when I watch your videos. Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving !

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You too, Theresa! We shall meet one day! 😀😀

[@pmholcombe453]

Enjoyed the video as usual! Accidents happen with pets and you handled the situation well. Keep the videos coming!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, guys!

[@Rgross27]

Retired Firefighter. 28 years on the job and it went by extremely fast. Loved the career and I do not miss it. Next month will be 3 years retired. Love the vlogs and keep em coming and I will continue to watch here in Michigan...

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes R.G. You can definitely enjoy a career and then enjoy retirement even more.

[@deborahcroskey4604]

Hey Jerry and Linda! I was born in SC and live in Myrtle Beach since '75, am your age but have no plans to ever move. Went to school in Tampa ( toooo hot, ew love bugs, BUGS, HUMID), all Northeners move there just like Myrtle Beach, I think that my family are the last Southeners here! So, with all that said..I don't know how I stumbled across ya'll but I love watching you!....So entertaining and fun! God bless you and keep looking up!

[@lanajackson3730]

Glad Gizmo is okay! Loved watching you both, and the ending with Linda’s hair was hilarious! Gave me a great laugh! Happy Thanksgiving to you both. 💕🦃

[@mykvalentin]

Looking forward to the two of you and Gizmo on Mailbag Monday! Your videos are fun to watch.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We are skipping this week look for us next Monday!

[@tomcowle2351]

Thankyou for another fine video,lots of quality ideas..Happy Thanksgiving

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well, Tom.

[@lenacummings1313]

We had a miniature schnauzer who jumped on the kitchen table and devoured half the choc cake. She didnt even burp. Thank God she lived to a ripe old age but we never left choc anywhere she could get it!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁 We try not too also. Those things are expensive.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@nataliesmithhart4511]

Love starting Monday with a mailbag!! 📪💌 You two always provide a laugh and a smile. 🤣😁 Linda’s hair was the BEST! 👩🏻‍🦰 I’m still giggling! I am certain the lanai would be my favorite room in a Florida home. 🌴🏘 TFS. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Best! 💕

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

And every video we post we look forward to reading your cheery comment! Thank you, Natalie!

[@nancywamack3791]

You guys are cracking me up today with the “naughty hat” and Linda’s frizzy hair. Best show so far😂😂

[@dhopebeyer8]

Oh my gosh...I just love both of you! Linda....the ending with the frizzy hair was THE BEST!!! See ya if I ever get there 😁❤️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Dee, we will look forward to it.

[@cherylharter5368]

Hi, Jerry and Linda! So glad Gizmo is ok, what a close call! As always, appreciate your videos!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Cheryl, he is fit as a fiddle!😁😁

[@DuaneWiseChristianC]

Great show.....better ending....that hairdo Linda.....i would call that do the "electric frizz" funny stuff!!

[@marilynnreiter7221]

I love you guys. You were funny this morning. I live in Dell Webb spruce creek golf club and love it but still watch your videos. So informative and helpful. We stayed a month in the villages before moving here, but my husband said he felt like he lived in an ant colony with all the golf carts whizzing by . We were in lake Sumter and it was very busy. This is more his speed. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Marilynn. We considered a del Webb community very strongly. They are beautiful. Eze for the golf cards that is one of the things we love the most about The Villages.

[@edwardpetty5401]

I always look forward to your videos. Glad Gizmo is well.

[@bonnie8215]

Oh my gosh! You guys are great! Thank you for bringing fun and smiles into our lives, especially during COVID! 🙋🏼‍♀️😀❤️😷👏

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks. Bonita!

[@elaineskurski6555]

Great video! Thanks for the info on volunteer opportunities. Glad to hear Gizmo is OK.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Elaine, he is doing great.

[@lifegozon6127]

You guys are precious! Thanks for sharing laughs and good feelings!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@LanceMcCormick]

That was a fun video to watch this morning with my coffee!! About spit up coffee laughing at the hair! Haha

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

LOL... Thanks, Lance!

[@joyceperri1059]

This is my first comment on your most entertaining and informative videos. I have watch you since the first video, I think almost 2 years now. Tonight's video I laughed and laughed so hard when Linda came out with the frizzy hair that I know my neighbors wondered what I was up to. LOL ! Love you both and Gizzie too ! Thank you.....😂

[@andrewschmitz9707]

Those medical outfits reminded me of Rocky Horror Picture Show! Now we know what you and Linda do on weekends! Lol Love your videos.

[@Brian-nb6fb]

Got a good laugh from this weeks mailbag! Thank you!!!🦃🦃🦃

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@buffmontana4203]

Thanks for the fun! I am hoping to bump into you guys one day. Ha ha!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We will... it happens every day! 😁😆😁😆😁😆

[@bebop54]

thanks so much guys for the update & news...

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks again for watching, Bebop.

[@philh.7100]

I enjoy the heck out of your videos. You are both great.

[@cheried9390]

Hahaha love the naughty hat! And never bored watching you guys!

[@floridadreams263]

Good morning Jerry & Linda. What a great way to start Monday morning. So happy that Gizmo is doing ok. Bananas are also the only fruit I can't stand.....lol. Have a great week and thank you so much for the fun content. We appreciate you very much!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We have that in common! Although I dislike peaches too!

[@jsebastian007]

I'm not really even close to retirement (48), but I still love watching your shows! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Sanford, FL!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You are steamrolling toward retirement! Tempus fugit!

[@bobbillings]

You can look for property now as an investment if you plan on retiring there eventually.

[@karenseman8258]

Linda!!!! 🤣 Love your hair! And my fave - the way Jerry always says... “It’s HOT!” Poor Gizmo and the Reeseeeeeee cups; glad he’s okay! Happy 2nd/10th anniversaries, you Regular Folk Rock Stars! We ❤️ this video as always, and hope to tell you in person soon!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

See you when you get here!

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

Oh the days of yearning for retirement! I had a 1000 day countdown clock at work. People thought I was crazy to look that far into the future, but it was fun for me. It became a topic of conversation ... "How many days left, Ann?" And as it turned out, right when it was coming time to retire, my company had an early retirement buyout ... so I was able to retire with an added bonus. Poor Gizmo, we had to do the same procedure with the peroxide on our little Cooper after he ate a grape. PS. We have a screened lanai and my husband spends hours out there every day ... its his cigar smoking room. When it get too hot, we get in the pool. PSS. Frizzy hair? That is why ponytails and buns were invented.

[@LakeTahoeGem]

My dogs got ahold of chocolate so many times. The dogs never had any adverse affects. One of my Chihuahuas got into a bag of pistachios and actually shelled the entire bag. I didn't know dogs could shell pistachios. The same Chihuahua loved green beans straight from the garden. I think he liked the crunch sound.

[@penelopepitstop762]

We have a Pomeranian who got a hold of a pistachio shell. Long story short, it got stuck in his intestine and he almost died! He had emergency surgery and $5,000 later, he’s back to new. We were so scared.

[@patsygrace2561]

You both are so much fun to watch. ❤️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Patsy!

[@Miguel195211]

Yes, I too have adopted the philosophy of - Buy high sell low! 😛

[@carolapostolos8929]

Jerry when you talked about wearing your cowboy boots and your swim trunks I laughed out loud. Thank you 😊 😅🤣

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Ha! Linda lives in fear of what I might do next.

[@ruthmarini8453]

That was fun. Thanks guys.

[@atchrho2285]

OMG…….Linda and the hair! I laughed so hard, it was funny. This video was great because it was a “freestyle” format. Good questions. Gizmo was funny with his body language and it was all good! Happy Thanksgiving to all! Take care, Jenn

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Jenn! We appreciate it!

[@Diana-gn8rp]

I love your little videos. So calming, funny and informative. Glad Gizmo is ok. 👏😘

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Diana, so nice of you to say.

[@jeannettegrantham5359]

Linda, your hair looked fabulous! Loved the fullness! So glad Gizmo was ok, they are family! Happy Thanksgiving to you both! :)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Jeannette, we guess you must have also liked the movie bride of Frankenstein. 😁😁😁

[@patricklee780]

Your sense of humor and smiles makes what you do worth it.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks so much. Patrick!

[@patricklee780]

@@JERRYANDLINDA My pleasure :)

[@joangehr3150]

So cute. So helpful. Love you guys!!

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

You guys just keep getting better. Thank you.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Cynthia!

[@ileneh1958]

New Subsciber. Just love you guys. Keeping the dream alive for us here in Mass. xoxo

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Stay warm, Irene. Thanks!

[@ChrisLenderman]

Excellent! Linda and Jerry, you guys are truly America's Grandparents!! I'm waaaay far from retirement, but thanks to the KZbin algorithm, I found your channel... and subscribed. Great content, keep it up, I'm enjoying every minute of it :-)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Chris, we love to hear that. So glad that you are enjoying our videos.

[@hotfootsue]

Wishing you both and gizmo a happy thanksgiving from rochester, ny. enjoy!

[@mr.cheez-its1732]

Years ago we had a dog that got up on the kitchen table and ate a tin of homemade fudge. Thanks again for the video.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Dead dog??? 😆😆😆😆

[@MsLucky443]

This place seems like a golfers paradise. I wish I could golf. It still seems nice for anyone.

[@jennykimball4457]

Love your videos, as always. Can you elaborate more on a future video about why you delayed your move south by over 5 years? Do you wish you'd goon sooner?

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

When reason we waited was because our youngest son were still in college. We certainly would have enjoyed being here sooner but we didn't even know it existed.

[@davidmiller6981]

Just watched you made my start of day so happy

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you. David. Those type of comments just warm our hearts.

[@scm731]

Love watching and listening. Thank you👍🏼🥰

[@scm731]

Love the hair! 😂

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@harryp1665]

This was a great video. Linda is a hoot.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Yes she is, Harry! Thanks!

[@sharonfleet6388]

Your hair, Linda! 😂😂😂 Love your reply to her question..... What do you mean, I don’t do anything special to my hair!

[@joanklag2640]

Linda the hair joke was funny!Thanks guys!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank YOU, Joan!

[@TheBluewinger]

Another great episode. I cracked up with the frizzy hair at the closing. My message to you last week may have been slightly misunderstood. I wasn’t criticizing your choices, only explaining my hurdles and dilimmas when comparing The Villages to other areas. Your description in this video of a window wall with a large Lani and a birdcage pool sounds like the ultimate setup and would be wonderful. I can only imagine the price of a place like that in the bubble. My wife loves the villages, so, as our retirement date inches closer, I’ll eventually talk myself into moving into the bubble to make use of all the amenities. One huge advantage that all the amenities offers is wellness. I see so many really fit retirees in The Villages making the amenities such a big advantage and it’s obvious that people are reaping the benefits of staying active. It’s hard to put a price on ones health. If you haven’t done an episode on that topic yet, it might be worth it. Again, great job and we really enjoy watching you rock stars!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you! We don't remember being offended last week... appreciate your explanation, but not needed. 😁

[@avamartinez8586]

Gizmo needs a matching Tshirt.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Joerides7]

Growing up, we had a mini-dachshund that once ate a 1 lb bar of Hershey's chocolate. We were traveling for Christmas and stopped somewhere and left her in the car. She got into the presents and ate the whole bar. She was about 9-10 lbs at the time and didn't even get sick. This was back in the late '60s and we didn't know about the danger, we just thought she'd get sick from eating so much, but she didn't.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Luckily, that's the way it has gone for us too.

[@dawnabledsoenexthomeconnec8223]

I love y'all so much!

[@renitamcintyre1071]

Happy Thanksgiving !

[@bonjoy]

You are both particularly hilarious in this video... “Buy high , sell low” 🤣

[@brianevans8529]

Jerry you’re my spirit animal! I thought I was the only person who doesn’t like bananas. When you said you eat banana pudding and push the bananas to the side, my wife & I looked at each other & laughed! Great video, Happy Thanksgiving.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

My brutha! 😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@joangehr3150]

Hairlarious!! You're killing me!!!

[@OHlookSHINYthing]

Love Gizmo! We have a blue dapple long-hair dachshund who is close to Gizmo's age. He'll be 12 in Feb, and definitely one of the family. Just found y'all today. We're retired and found a great little house in KY that we could pay cash for, so no debt in our retirement. Yay!! :-) I've found your videos interesting, as I'd once thought of moving to FL. Prolly not gonna happen, but I'm enjoying watching y'all, and getting glimpses of Gizmo.

[@janeta3509]

I saw a video a hairdresser did about how to deal with frizz. One of the tips he gave was drying your hair in the climate outside. He said the hair frizzes because of the change from dry to humidity. I'll try blow drying it out on the Lanai.

[@edweberjr.3800]

LOL! Very good video, I have no desire to move to Florida but I enjoy your gab sessions. You are on the money about time flying after retirement, I do not know how I had time to do anything else when I was working. Best Wishes

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That is so true, Ed.

[@pattiw6713]

I’m dying laughing!!! Linda that was hilarious!!!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@agreenerkim8436]

You two are a hoot. I will never move to Florida and yet I love you both so much that I continue to watch your videos.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Kimberly, we really appreciate that!

[@sandym4875]

Love the end! 😂 Great hair Linda!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@darlenemurphy7705]

I absolutely love your videos! You both really had me laughing today. 😂😂🤣🤣

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We are glad you enjoyed it, Darlene!

[@darlenemurphy7705]

We are looking at moving there in about two years. Can’t wait!!!

[@pambuehler6402]

You two are awesome! Louisville, KY! Just up the road from me!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Howdy, neighbor!

[@KDVoller]

Glad Gizmo is OK... I hope you both have a happy thanksgiving 🦃🍽

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Same to you, Karen... Thanks!

[@1kaffelover]

Linda you sure cracked me up with your hairdo too funny! LOL You’re a good sport... Jerry your voice 👍 Gizmo fan💕

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

So much, we appreciate it.

[@debbiericker8223]

It's extremely rare for someone to move out of the retirement community we live in. We moved to a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) up in Clay County that has independent living homes, cottages, and apartments plus assisted living apartments, a highly rated nursing home, and even a dementia care facility all on the same campus. The idea is that you never have to move out of the community if your health declines and you can't live independently any more. Your friends and spouse are still just a short walk or 2 minute golf cart ride away.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That sounds very convenient Debbie. We can see why that would appeal to a lot of people.

[@terrie1226]

Thanks for the info

[@lorettaschepp1906]

Enjoyed your video, as usual. Happy Gizmo is fine; dogs love peanut butter and supposed to be high protein. Really like your hair Linda, so pretty and thick. You both are the best. Stay well.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Think you Loretta, you are so nice.

[@alexbloss4163]

Wow 2 years, seems like yesterday. I move into my house in TV in 2 weeks. Your insight has been so valuable to helping me. I’m 90 and want to have fun. The downsizing is the hardest thing. Thank you !!!

[@missyg3107]

Love Linda's hair!! :-)

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@golfnut2599]

another amazing video, i almost peeded my pants when linda showed her frizzy hair, priceless

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣😁🤣😁🤣😁 glad you liked it!

[@samplemm]

I’d like to move to The Villages so I could be your neighbor. 😉You guys are great! Love your energies!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

So nice, THANK YOU!