On 3/16/2015 Topaz Gem said: On 3/16/2015 melfie said: On 3/16/2015 Topaz Gem said: When I retire, I would never live in a place like that. The stress of following all the strict rules and regulations isn't something I would enjoy at retirement age. One of my co-workers was researching them and spoke with a resident who told her that she was written up by the board because her outside planter was in the wrong spot. Are you kidding me???? They want all the homes to look identical, kind of like Stepford homes. There's no individuality whatsoever. Of course some communities are stricter than others, so do extensive research.
My friend also received feedback that the much older residents have nothing better to do than to watch what the younger ones are doing. They gossip and constantly go to the office and complain that things are out of place, etc. Not my cup of tea.
I was wondering about the gossip part.
Well, I don't have specifics, naturally, but the older residents no longer work and fill their time walking around sticking their noses into the business of others, LOL. If they see something out of place, they'll report you to the property management. Also, they tend to fill their time watching who may come to visit you, etc., how many cars are in your driveway, etc. All petty things, IMO.
I have a relative who moved to one about three years ago, and she is getting out as soon as possible!
It seems that her neighbors seem to know every time she is out in her yard...one has even gone so far as to stick her head out her bathroom window to get her attention and will blabber on for eternity! lol
ETA: I have a sister whose DIL's parents live in The Villages in Florida and they love it, so it definitely varies, depending on each person's preferences and lifestyle...I, myself, don't plan on isolating myself from the general population once I'm able to retire.
~~Formerly known as "WildFlowers"~~