Leisureville: Adventures in America's Retirement Utopias

Hey, I'm glad you brought this up... I saw the story in the Orlando Sentinel. I haven't read the book so I need to watch what I say, but what's the point? Nobody is forced to move to the Villages. Quite the contrary, it's pretty darn expensive. I don't live there, but I do work there fairly often and RARELY do I come across anyone complaining. Frankly, retirement communities like the Villages seem to me to be a godsend. I just hope I'm physically and financially able to move in when the time comes, because THAT'S where I want to be. Those people ROCK!!!! 

This author has no idea what he's talking about. It's pretty gutless to take pot shots at the Villages when you don't even live there. If you don't like it, just go away.

Why make a big deal out of it? Let the guy say whatever he wants to. Maybe he's got some good points. Sometimes, chewing something up is a way to make it better, and from what I hear, the Villages can be kind of Stepford Wives-ish anyway. I'd like to hear from more people who live there. Do you like it there, or NOT???

I can't understand how people can make judgements about living in the Villages when they have never lived here.  I have been here six years and i wake up every morning and have to pinch myself that I am so blessed to spend my golden years here.  I am more active and healthy than I have been in years.  Met more close friends and pursued hobbies that I love.  As for being like the Stepford wives, come on.  It takes an outgoing, friendly and socialble person to pick up and move here and most of the people I have met and know have so much to offer and are so willing to share it with others.  Of course there are some negatives but where is there a place with none.  And also you do not have to be rich to live here.  There are people from every end of the scale.  I call myself a blue coller worker and most of the people in my neighborhood are the same.  I really think all the negative that people write about this place is jealousy.   Lorraine Heffner

I don't know where this author got his information..?  I have lived in The Villages for 7 years.  My husband I feel very fortunate to be here.  There is always something to do...clubs to join, golf to play...the list is extensive.  I have yet to meet anyone that is not glad to be here.  The people are friendly and always willing to lend a hand.  Just as an example, after the tornado that came last year, residents opened their homes and hearts to help those in need of food, clothing and shelter.  Residents with construction/roofing skills helped to clear debris and rebuild. There were food drives, clothing drives, benefits and so on, to help those in need.   I'm sure The Villages is not for everyone, but obviously it's for many since our population keeps growing.  It's impossible to "explain" to friends and relatives....you have to visit and/or live here to truly understand what a great place it is.  I couldn't ask for a more healthy environment to spend this part of my life.  I think the author needs to experience it first hand!  

 I was forced by my wife to buy a home in the villages in april 2006. We arrived Dec.26,2006 to spend our first winter in florida. On feb.2,2007 we were hit by the tornado and our new home was mostly destroyed. We were not injured and we had decent insurance. Our village neighbors helped make the rebuilding nightmare bearable. We returned Dec.26,2007, and I must admit that my wife was right, it's close to paradise on earth. I had a hard time making myself pack to return to Cincinnati for the summer.

I have not read the article about Loserville. I can only say my husband and I are in our early years of retirement. He is 56 and retired, I am 55 and still working. We visit The Villages usually twice a year for our annual vacation. We LOVE it there and look forward to the day we can sell our home here in New Jersey to finally retire in a wonderful beautiful, clean, and friendly hometown!

I read the book and found it very interesting. The author has a bone to pick with all "age discriminating" developments. He makes some valid points but keep in mind that it's only his opinion. His best point concerns the passing on of experience and knowledge from senior citizens to the next generations. Over 55 communities lock out the younger people so there is no sharing.