[Marble cake]

Originally Posted by Teresarose

I don't understand some of the responses I am receiving. I lost my husband to lung cancer -- he was 51 years old -- he NEVER SMOKED. This was a tragedy to me and our three children. I believe I look at life very differently. I appreciate every opportunity and experience I am given. It is not easy to walk through life without my soulmate of 33 years. But I am here and am trying to find a safe environment with activities to keep my mind and body busy. I want to make him proud of the way I continue to lead my life. I was just looking for a place to live out the rest of my life where I would fit in.

Just ignore the troll. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband. I am in the same circumstance as you. My hubby died 2 years ago after 43 years of marriage. I sold our north home (which was in an isolated but beautiful part of the poconos) and I moved to Florida to the condo we had when we were snowbirds. 2 houses were too much for me to maintain. My decision to chose Florida was because it’s in a 55 plus gated community with lots of activities and security. Also the area is booming with activity. It was a good decision. I’ve made many friends and I’m very active. I’m enjoying life again.

You were so young to lose your husband. I believe the communities others suggested above are great. Also google 55 plus communities and search for what kind and where you’d like to be in Florida. Do research, read these forums because not all of Florida is created equally.

I wish you the best of luck in your search. Be blessed.

Emily

[TBMorgan]

this nearby community also south of Tampa is pretty nice, homes are in the $200k range though - most communities 55+ have HOA fees that can be steep for some people.....but includes a lot that you'd normally pay out on your own (lawn care, cable, security, etc).

I don't know if there's a 55+ that focuses on singles, but these types of communities have travel groups and other groups that bring single folks together - you get to know people who share similar interests and friendships tend to develop. Most have community churches and other ways to get to know others as well as volunteer opportunities. These aren't golf communities, more tennis and pickelball....they do have some outstanding fitness centers and classes like yoga, Pilates, etc.

https://www.glhomes.com/valencia-lakes

https://www.glhomes.com/valencia-del-sol

[TBMorgan]

this is a filter for searching nationwide for 55+

https://www.55places.com/

Just know, in FL, it's unbearably hot from May to October.....might be a good idea to rent for a year to see if you really like it

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by Marble cake

I hope you never reach the "crotchety old people" phase in your life. How not to get there? Die young. Reaching the senior years is a privileged denied to many. Not sure why I sense such disdain for people who were blessed to having reached their golden years.

I think Fredesh has already reached that crotchety old people stage. Won't live long being so nasty to everyone on line. No one likes a troll and no one should ever pay attention to what they say. To be a troll they must have to be one very unhappy, lonely person who tries to rub off the hate they feel for themselves to others.

[AndreaTownsley]

Originally Posted by Teresarose

I became widowed 8 years ago at the age of 51. I have learned that it is best to keep busy and retain friendships. I am thinking of relocating to Florida to a 55+ community for the many activities offered and also to make new connections -- friendships. I am not interested in dating. Was wondering if there are communities that are more welcoming or geared toward singles. I am happy to socialize with couples, just don't want to feel left out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. One activity I would like to pursue is golf.
Hoping to make the move sometime next year.

My grandma moved into The Village in Gainesville (not to be confused with The Villages south of Ocala) a few years after she was widowed. She almost immediately met someone else and got married about a year and a half later. They do not have a golf course there but there are three in the area. They have tons of activities and she makes my head spin with her calendar. Lol

ETA: You rent at this place. It’s a couple thousand a month depending what floor plan you choose but you get a meal stipend (they have three on site restaurants), they will take you places around town so you don’t HAVe to have a car, and there are buses that run a circuit around the property so you don’t have to walk everywhere. At first I didn’t understand why she wanted to move there but I’ve seen how good it’s been for her and she has new friends now instead of just the same church friends she had.

[boston904]

Originally Posted by Fredesch

The villages are known for their high STD rate. If your only looking for groups of crotchety old people waiting to die, you can do that in any dying small mid-western town. No need to move to Florida.

That's an old wives tale.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by boston904

That's an old wives tale.

It looks like an OB-GYN made a somewhat false report.


https://www.villages-news.com/2019/0...-the-villages/

[Maddie104]

Originally Posted by Teresarose

I don't understand some of the responses I am receiving. I lost my husband to lung cancer -- he was 51 years old -- he NEVER SMOKED. This was a tragedy to me and our three children. I believe I look at life very differently. I appreciate every opportunity and experience I am given. It is not easy to walk through life without my soulmate of 33 years. But I am here and am trying to find a safe environment with activities to keep my mind and body busy. I want to make him proud of the way I continue to lead my life. I was just looking for a place to live out the rest of my life where I would fit in.

It's shameful that some posters would respond in such a callous manner. I hope other posters are helpful to you.

[bgmiami]

Originally Posted by boston904

That's an old wives tale.

It is not an "old wives tale"! My old boss was the former CEO of the hospital in The Villages and Leesburg ad said it is an absolutely truthful fact!

[Fredesch]

Originally Posted by Marble cake

I hope you never reach the "crotchety old people" phase in your life. How not to get there? Die young. Reaching the senior years is a privileged denied to many. Not sure why I sense such disdain for people who were blessed to having reached their golden years.

The OP wants to move to another state, without family or friends in the new location. Being alone and moving to another state can be socially isolating. Moving to a 55+ community means a lot of her neighbors don't work and have a lot of free time to be noisy.

My sister and her husband moved to a 55+ community in Georgetown TX. Initially, my sister enjoyed learning and doing square dancing. But they got out after one or two years as they could not take it. Why does the OP believe moving by herself to a new state and not dating will solve her life issues?