There are many, many other places where you can learn more about life in The Villages. Here is a list of some of the information that may assist you graduate from “Villages 101”
A good “Villages 101” video was put together by Village residents Dave & Brenda. Their YouTube channel has a number of good videos covering many aspects of TV, especially new construction.
Don (aka Gold Wingnut) has over 1M followers on YouTube and has created many videos of The Villages including construction of new bridges over the Florida Turnpike.
In 2008, Ryan Erisman wrote the book “Inside the Bubble” and keeps it updated frequently. The web site also has an e-mail sign-up which often contains good information on life in TV. In particular, his original book may still be available online <HERE>.
The Villages produces a newspaper that is truly a “must read” to get DAILY information about news, activities, and classified for 99% just the Villages. Yes, there are national and regional articles and editorials, but the local info is worth the cost.
The hardcopy newspaper is ONLY available if you live or rent in The Villages (not mailed out of state). But as a snowbird, you can subscribe monthly <HERE>
The online “Talk of The Villages” is the place to join if you are seeking the inside track on The Villages. This is where may owners post questions, gripes, and advice on a number of chat forums.
There is an online “news” source separate from the Daily Sun newspaper (which has its own digital edition). This alternative news source is the vilage-news.com and you can subscribe <HERE>. From their site, they state that “Villages-News.com is 100% independently locally-owned and operated. We are the only independent news source for the largest retirement community in the United States.”
The Gazette is an online news source in The Villages, Florida which focuses on local interest and issues of The Villages. News covers portions of Sumter, Lake and Marion counties which are specific to The Villages Florida. Topics included on the news website include local news, business news, entertainment, sports, obituaries, and issues outside The Villages which may be of special interest to residents of The Villages and more.
The book “Leisureville” was written in 2009 by Andrew Blechman, who (at the time) offered an “interesting” expose of The Villages and also covers the history of planned adult living communities starting with the Dell Webb Sun City.
Another website with similar overview info on The Villages and links to other resources was created years ago at The Villages Florida.
The Villages Homeowners Advocates (VHA) is a lifestyle organization whose members are committed to championing the needs of Villagers through:
Positive, constructive dialogue
Problem solving
Education
Philanthropic efforts
