… come visit The Villages.  Over time I have written many blogs about the great things going on in The Villages and the fun I personally am having living here, but there is so much you may want to know.  It is a 55+ Retirement Community where you can get everywhere on a golf cart…shopping, doctors, hospital and it is a great thing to think when gas prices go up we don’t feel it nearly as much as if we before we moved here.  I have spoken with many people who think they are not ready to move to a retirement community, even though they are retired. I share your concerns as I felt that way the first time we visited. However, after two weeks we purchased a home and never ever regretted it.    My neighbors and residents are all ages, only one member of a household has to be 55, so with many taking early retirement we are a very young community to say the least.  Also, it is not our age so much as it is more how we feel, think and act that really counts.  I know there are many Senior residents, and by senior I mean 80s, 90s, and 100s that I can’t even keep up with, and they are delightful.They are involved in the arts: performing, painting, oil, water, acrylic, mixed medium and also the many athletic opportunities: golf, tennis, platform tennis, pickleball, baseball, competitive swimming, bicycling, In-Line skating, and more.  I think the secret to a happy healthy retirement is keeping active: exercise wise-physically and mentally- and also some form of interactions with other people.  The Villages has three Downtown Areas with lots of shopping, restaurants, 8-Plex Movie Theatres in each townsquare plus the highlight of each downtown is live entertainment 365 days a year, where you can enjoy happy hour, sit and listen to the music or hop up and dance.  With everything in The Villages you can be extremely busy or you can be laid back, put your feet up and enjoy the sunshine…after all you’re retired.  We have over 60 swimming pools, from adult, to family, to sport pools, for water aerobic, water volley ball, lap swimming and competitive lap swimming.  If you enjoy volunteering there are many, many organizations that would welcome you.  We have the Lifelong Learning College with very interesting classes and we have activities galore (2000) in our Recreation Centers.  There is something for everyone and if you are looking for a great place to retire, just put The Villages are your list of possibilities, and come and check us out.  Try it…I thin you’ll like it.