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The Villages, FL Geography and Demographics

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The Villages, Fl of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills

Location in Citrus County and the state of Florida

Coordinates: 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″WCoordinates: 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″W
Country: United States
State: FL
County: Citrus
Area
- Total 9.8 sq mi (25.4 km2)
- Land 9.8 sq mi (25.4 km2)
- Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)

Elevation: 115 ft (35 m)
Population (2000)
- Total 4,029
- Density 411.1/sq mi (158.6/km2)

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Citrus County, Florida, United States first developed by Gerald Nash and Samuel Tamposi. The population was 4,029 at the 2000 census.

Contents

  1. Geography Information on the Villages, FL
  2. The Villages FL Demographics

Geography Information on the Villages, FL

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is located at 28°53′10″N 82°25′24″W (28.886087, -82.423450)[3].
Based on information from the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²), all of it land.

The Villages, FL Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,029 people, 1,783 households, and 1,485 families residing in the Villages, FL. The population density of the Villages, FL was 411.2 people per square mile (158.7/km²). In the Villages, FL, there was a total of 2,137 housing units at an average density of 218.1/sq mi (84.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.78% White, 1.44% African American, 0.32% Native American, 4.02% Asian, 0.45% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of the population.

There were 1,783 households in the Villages, FL (out of which 15.1%) which had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.4% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.46.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 13.3% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 13.3% from 25 to 44, 36.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59 years. For every 100 females there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,229, and the median income for a family was $53,222. Males had a median income of $35,125 versus $24,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,753. About 4.3% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 1.4% of those age 65 or over.

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Adjusting to Retirement in the Villages, FL

Friday, April 16th, 2010

How Retiring to the Villages, FL Can Be Challenging

More often than not, change can be extremely hard.  Sometimes, even some exciting things, like retirement in the Villages, Fl can prove to be difficult as well.  Even when you look forward to retiring to the Villages, FL, it still is a huge change in your life and can sometimes be painful.  There are a lot of reasons why adjusting to life in the Villages, FL can be both rewarding and exciting, and there are also a few reasons why the change would be tough. The median life span is always increasing, and generally most people can expect that they will be spending more and more time in the retirement stage of life.  In the hopes of making your retirement to the Villages, FL as enjoyable as possible, it’s good to be aware of some possibly sticky situations.

Possible Problem 1: Couples Not Retiring at the Same Time
For some couples, work inside and outside the home is normal.  It’s not unusual for one of the spouses to retire before the other one does.  This generally brings about a radical change and can certainly be a new and unknown type of stress in their relationship.  Sometimes, the partner might be jealous of the non-working partner and their new found freedom.  On the other hand, sometimes the non-working couple may envy the purpose that the working couple has.  In rare circumstances, either one of the partners can become somewhat resentful and disappointed – or even hurt by the other – as they adjust to retirement living.

Here’s a possible solution to keep in mind:
Try to see the red flags and quickly acknowledge the situation, together, and help each other to realize that changes like this are often as scary as they are exciting.  Remember all of the other life-changing events that you have journeyed through together – retirement is no different!  Try to keep away from arguments or anything else that will cause a distance between your relationship and attack this new stage of retirement with excitement, passion, wisdom, and understanding.  Remember to compromise!

Possible Problem 2: Boredom and Losing Your Purpose
While you have spent years and have always had a clear purpose and function in life, sometimes retirement may feel like you have lost your purpose or reason to get out of bed in the morning.  That’s another area where the Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills help – the Villages FL is absolutely stock full of reasons to get out of bed!  From golf, tennis, clubhouses, the award winning Spa and Fitness center, and all the other amenities that the Villages, FL offers, you won’t be able to stay in bed because the excitement will be overwhelming!

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The Villages, FL Explained

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a retirement community located in Citrus County, Florida, United States.  The Villages, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills is a Florida retirement community that is not age restricted, but rather age targeted.  The Villages, FL is a master-planned retirement community with a number of excellent amenities, such as golf, tennis, club houses, and a spa and fitness center.

The Villages FL has been designed perfectly for people are retired, retiring, or looking to retire in the next few years.  It is not restricted to people who are over a certain age.  The Villages, Florida is different than a retirement home (which is a single building or small complex with no “common areas” for socializing).  This is a full retirement community, with excellent activities to keep you busy all year round.  The Villaes, FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills has first class facilities that are designed for an active adult retirement.  Swimming pools, arts and crafts clubs, boating, hiking/walking trails, golf courses, and other facilities can be found here.

Area Recreation (Outside of the Villages, FL):
Whatever your favorite pastimes are, the area around the Villages, Fl has it.  The immediate area (Citrus County) coupled with Tampa Bay, Orlando, Gainesville, and Ocala gives any resident of the Villages, FL a world of activities outside of the Villages, FL.  Thanks to the Central Gulf Coast location, the Villages Fl really enjoy the benefits of an amenity rich suburban lifestyle that is perfectly combined with easy access to “big city” conveniences.

Area Beaches Near the Villages, FL
Fort Island Gulf Beach
Pristine Gulf Beach featuring white sands and a fishing pier, picnic facilities, swimming, boat ramp and more.

Hernando Beach
Swimming, water skiing, fishing, picnicking, or just playing in the sunshine, this cozy 3 acre park and beach is ideal for the family outing. Easy to reach just off of US 41.

Fort Cooper State Park
Lake Holathlikaha (160 acre lake) offers a picnic area, swimming, boat rentals, camping and fishing.

Diving / Snorkeling Near the Villages, FL

American Pro Dive
321 SE Hwy 19
Crystal River, FL

Birds Under Water
8585 N. Pine Needle Terr
Crystal River, FL

Crystal Lodge Dive Center
525 NW 7th Ave
Crystal River, FL

MacRaes of Homosassa
5300 South Cherolee Way
Homosassa, FL

Plantation Inn Dive Shop
9301 W Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL

Port Paradise Resort
1610 SE Paradise Circle
Crystal River, FL

River Safaris, Inc.
10823 Yukee Drive
Homosassa, FL

Fishing Guides & Charters Near the Villages, FL

DC’s Guide Service
6021 N Alvin Point
Hernando, Florida
352-341-8451

Gulf Coast Charters
3499 E. Chappell Court
Hernando, Florida
352-860-1927

Watson‘s Fish Camp
4195 E Parsons Point Road
Hernando, Florida
352-726-2225

Marinas & Boating
Nature’s Resort Marina
10359 W Halls River Rd
Homosassa, FL

Magic Manatee Marina
10806 West Halls River Rd
Homosassa, FL
Pete’s Pier, Inc.
1 SW 1rst Place
Crystal River FL

Plantation Inn Marina
9301 W fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL
Port Paradise Marina
610 SW Paradise circle
Crystal River, FL

Riverhaven Marina
5296 S Riverview Circle
Homosassa, FL

St Martins Marina
2330 South Ripple Path
Ozello, FL

Twin Rivers Marina
2880 North Seabreeze Point
Crystal River, FL

Cultural Centers Near the Villages, FL

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 NW MacInnes Place
Tampa, Florida    Bayfront Center Arena
400 First Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida Orchestra
101 S. Hoover Suite 100
Tampa, Florida    Ruth Eckerd Hall
1111 North McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, Florida

CONCERT VENUES
Rock Crusher Canyon
275 South Rock Crusher Road
Crystal River, FL    Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
315 Hull Road
Gainesville, Florida

Curtis Peterson Auditorium
3800 W Educational Path
Lecanto, Florida

Museums Near the Villages, FL

Appleton Museum of Art
P.O. Box 3190
Ocala, Florida    Tampa Museum of Art
600 North Ashley Drive
Tampa, Florida

Florida International Museum
100 Second Street North
St. Petersburg, Florida    Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
4801 E Fowler Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Children’s Museum of Tampa
7550 North Boulevard
Tampa, Florida    Salvador Dali Museum
1000 3rd Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida

Libraries

Central Ridge Library
425 W Roosevelt Highway
Beverly Hills, Florida    Coastal Region Library
8619 W Crystal Street
Crystal River, Florida

Lakes Region Library
1511 Druid Road
Inverness, Florida    Homosassa Public Library
Mason Creek Road
Homosassa, Florida

Community Theatres
Citrus County Art League & Gallery
2644 N. Annapolis Avenue
Hernando, Florida    Playhouse 19
865 North Suncoast Boulevard
Crystal River, Florida

Ocala Civic Center
4337 E. Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, Florida    Hippodrome State Theatre
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville Community Playhouse
4039 Northwest 16th Boulevard
Gainesville, Florida    Acrosstown Repertoire Theater
619 South Main Street
Gainesville, Florida

Parks

BiCentennial Park
8710 W. Godfrey Ln.
Crystal River, FL
352-795-1478    Chassohiwitzka River Tours
8215 W. Bounty Ct.
Homosassa, FL
352-382-0837

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge
1502 SE Kings Bay Dr.
Crystal River, FL
352-563-2088    Fort Cooper State Park
3100 S Old Floral City Rd.
Inverness, FL
352-726-0315

Hunter Springs Park
104 NE 1st Ave
Crystal River, FL
352-795-3512    Whispering Pines Park
1700 Forest Dr.
Inverness, FL
352-726-3913

Rainbow River State Park
2 Locations
18185 SW 94th St.
Dunnellon, FL
352-465-8550
and
19158 SW 81st Place Rd.
Dunnellon, FL
352-465-8550

Professional Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
1 West Buccaneer Place
Tampa, Florida
www.buccaneers.com    Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Tropicana Field
One Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg, Florida
www.devilrays.com

Tampa Bay Lightning
St. Petersburg Times Forum
401 Channelside Drive
Tampa, Florida
www.tampabaylightning.com    New York Yankees Spring Training

Legends Field
3802 West Martin Luther King Drive
Tampa, Florida
www.legendsfieldtampa.com

Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training
Jack Russel Memorial Stadium
800 Phillies Drive
Clearwater, Florida
www.philliesspringtraining.com    Toronto Blue Jays
375 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, Florida

Tampa Bay Downs
Thoroughbred Racing
P.O. Box 2007
Oldsmar, Florida    Derby Lane Street
Pete Kennel Club
10490 Gandy Boulevard North
St. Petersburg, Florida

Ocala Jai Alai
State Road 318
Orange Lake, Florida    Tampa Greyhound Track
8300 Nebraska Avenue
Tampa, Florida

Regional Golf Courses

Skyview at Citrus Hills
240 West Fenway Drive
Hernando, FL    Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club
(The Meadows & The Oaks)
509 East Hartford Street
Hernando, FL
352-746-4425

Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club
8690 West Golfview Drive
Citrus Springs, FL    El Diablo Golf and Country Club
10405 N. Sherman Drive
Citrus Springs, FL

Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
9301 W. Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL    Twisted Oaks Country Club
4801 N. Forest Ridge Dr.
Beverly Hills, FL

World Woods Golf Club
17590 Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
Brooksville,FL

Horseback Riding
A-OK Ranch/Angel Oaks Korral
2921 E Stagecoach Trail
Inverness, Florida    Blue Berry Hill Farm
7088 N Lecanto Highway
Lecanto, Florida

Clearview Farm
655 N Cherry Pop Drive
Inverness, Florida    Just Horse-N Around
Inverness, Florida

Rymar Ranch
5338 S Lecanto Highway
Lecanto, Florida

Bowling
Beverly Hills Bowl
3300 N Lecanto Highway
Beverly Hills, Florida    Manatee Lanes
7715 W Gulf to Lake Highway
Crystal River, Florida

Neffer‘s Bowling
3655 S Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida    Parkview Lanes
US Highway 41
Holder, Florida

Sportsman Bowl, Inc.
100 N Florida Avenue
Inverness, Florida

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Top Ten Things To Consider When Moving To The Villages, Fl Of Terra Vista And Citrus Hills

Monday, April 5th, 2010

When considering retirement to the Villages FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills, Florida, one should keep several factors in mind. Here is a top ten list of considerations for anyone considering a move:

To KEEP or NOT TO KEEP: FURNITURE

When deciding what to keep as far as home furnishings, consider the style of your new home. You may have special or heirloom pieces you will want to keep no matter what, but otherwise, some of your pieces may not fit the style of your new home.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Consider the climate in your new area when choosing how much of your personal items you need to keep. Moving is expensive, and unpacking laborious. Chances are your new home may be smaller or have less storage than your previous home, which probably included a basement. There is little need for heavy winter coats, snow equipment, heavy wool clothes, snow boots, etc. This can free up your storage space as you enjoy the freedom from snowstorms and freezing temperatures.

MOVING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Be sure you let your friends know about your moving plans. Provide a change of address for those in your address book, Christmas card list, email list, etc.

RECREATION

Florida living opens up a chance for nearly year round enjoyment of recreative activities including tennis, golf, and swimming as well as walking clubs, fishing, and enjoying nature trails.

MAINTAINING A POOL

Many homes in Florida have a beautiful backyard pool. Modern pools usually require little maintenance, but still need regular attention. Consider hiring an inexpensive pool service. In the end, the pool service will cost you less than fixing a major chemical error.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

You may want to travel back “home” for the holidays, or, even better, have your loved ones come and see you ion your new home. The Villages FL of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills are conveniently located near the International Airport of Tampa and Orlando. Plan early, and you’ll be able to shop around for very inexpensive flights in and out of these cities.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE

It’s important to establish a circle of friends in your new community. You can easily do that in local community groups, churches, or the many venues offered by Terra Vista and Citrus Hills including fitness opportunities, shows, and a full service spa.

PREPARING FOR HURRICANES

Although a major storm is unlikely, Floridians must be prepared for the seasons storms. There are numerous places throughout the community to obtain hurricane tracking maps, lists of supplies and preparation tips, and emergency weather radios.

TRAVEL

Sometimes, retirees plans are all about getting to their new home, but what to do once you’re there? Living in west Central Florida provides the perfect launch point for all kinds of road trips, day trips, and mini excursions. Whether discovering the cities of Miami and Orlando, or seeking the beach atmosphere of Boca Raton or Daytona, you’ll never run out of things to see.

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How to Choose a Retirement Community

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Generally speaking, retirement communities are classed one of two ways – either ‘age targeted’, or ‘age restricted’.  Age restricted retirement communities simply requires residents to be 55 years of age or older, and may have some extremely strict rules on how long family members of certain ages may visit.  An age-targeted retirement community will not restrict the purchase of a home (or residency) from an interested buyer younger than 55, although the amenities and demographics will be vastly geared to retirees.

Either way you choose, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to interact with new people with whom you share common ground, interests, and activities, while enjoying a retirement lifestyle you’ve always wanted!

If you are looking into the possibility of choosing a retirement community, here are some tips to follow:

1.    Ask around for anyone who might have already chosen a retirement community.

A lot of times, friends or family members know of someone who has already gone before you – there is nothing better than hearing through a friend about his/her experiences when choosing a retirement community.

2.    Make a list of what retirement activities are most important to you.

Do you enjoy recreation such as golf, fishing, boating, swimming, or exercising?  Make a list of your favorite pastimes and search for retirement communities that may offer these.  Check into the clubs, groups, and activities that the retirement community your are looking into offers.  Make sure you choose a retirement community that will satisfy your interests.

3.    Investigate online.

Most retirement communities have good websites that offer lots of information – videos, testimonials, descriptions of the area, and other juicy information you would want to know before you decide on a place to retire.  This information can really help you in choosing a retirement community.

4.    Calculate the costs.

An affordable retirement solution is extremely important.  Calculate the cost of living in the retirement community you are looking into.  Generally, places like Florida offer a more affordable cost of living, while other areas may be more expensive.  Be aware of “hidden costs.” The purchase of homes in some communities in Florida have a CDD associated with the ownership. This “bond” is repaid on an annual basis in conjunction with property taxes and is essentially an added cost of the purchase price, and could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

5.    Find a retirement location that offers great health care.

As you look forward to the future, great health care options are extremely important.  Look around for a retirement community in a location that has a reputation for excellent health care!

6.    Take a tour!

Many retirement communities offer an accommodation visit program so that you can visit, tour, and experience a taste of what you might be looking for in the future.  While you’re visiting, be sure to spend time to speak to current residents and some of the staff.  Residents will give you a great picture of what it will be like to live in the community, and by talking to the staff you’ll get a good idea of how you’ll be treated.

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12 Top Reasons to Retire in The Villages, FL

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

1.    The Villages, FL Has Pleasant Year Round Weather

With comfortable winters and breezy summers the Terra Vista area offers ad ideal setting for enjoying all your favorite outdoor sports and activities.  Here, you’ll find a range of temperatures that allows you to comfortably enjoy the Florida experience season after season.  In addition to its balanced temperatures, The Villages, FL offers historically low hurricane risks compared to other coastal locations statewide.

2.    There Is A Very Attractive Cost of Living in the Villages, FL

When compared to many Florida destinations, particularly in the southern parts of the state, The Villages, FL offers an escape from excessive costs.  As highlighted in comparative price index reports, The Villages, FL ranks among the most affordable places in Florida to live.  Here, you’ll enjoy a high-quality lifestyle where lower costs are prevalent, not only in everyday purchases such as dining out and entertainment, but also for major expenses including housing.  Plus, there’s the added savings of no state income tax and benefits of today’s Homestead Exemption laws and the long-term real estate tax stability they provide.

3.    The Villages Florida is a Very Balanced Location
From its vantage point north of Tampa Bay in the heart of the Nature Coast, The Villages, FL offers uncluttered beauty accentuated by towering oaks, pristine spring-fed rivers and the rolling hills that founded the area’s unique “Alps of Florida” reputation.  This is uniquely balanced by the wealth of cultural, fine dining, shopping, and urban pursuits found just a short drive away in metropolitan Tampa Bay, Orlando, Ocala, and Gainesville.

4.    Outstanding Outdoor Recreation

Aptly referred to as Mother Nature’s Theme Park, The Villages, FL has 22 miles of lakes, 7 rivers and a Gulf of Mexico coastline.  Enhanced by our beautiful weather, residents enjoy world-class golfing and fishing; diving and snorkeling; boating and kayaking; and the many hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities provided in the area’s many parks and preserves, including the sprawling Withlacoochee State Forest.

5.    Not Crowded

The Villages, FL offers an escape from the crowds increasingly found in many parts of Florida, especially the Southeast and Southwest regions.  Here, you’ll enjoy a more balanced pace of life without the stress caused by heavy traffic, long lines, and overcrowding.

6.    Preserved & Ecologically Balanced

While south Florida grows more and more cluttered, The Villages, FL offers a pristine and picturesque lifestyle.  Its home to the many state forests and preserves, some of the most productive saltwater estuaries in Florida, as well as seven of the state’s outstanding crystal-clear waterways.  And this natural, untouched beauty will remain unspoiled because the County has protected about 50 percent of its land from future development.  While much of Florida suffers from near critical water shortages, we’re in the enviable position of having an ongoing supply of high-quality water from the largest collection of major magnitude springs of any county in the state.

7.    Amenity-Rich Suburb

The Villages, FL offers the full range of amenities your active lifestyle demands.  From nearby shopping and diverse restaurant choices to local theatre productions and area festivals, you’ll find Terra Vista is an exciting, convenient place to enjoy great suburban Florida living.

8.    Excellent Health Care in The Villages, FL

Offering a wide range of outstanding health care options right near home brings peace of mind.  Living in Citrus Hills, you’ll have convenient access to two hospitals, hundreds of highly regarded family and specialty physicians and dozens of outpatient surgery and diagnostic centers.  And just a short drive away awaits the world-class health care services at Shands Health Care in Gainesville.

9.    Low Crime

Of the 67 counties in Florida, The Villages, FL boasts one of the lowest crime rates.  In keeping with our great suburban setting, residents enjoy a lifestyle free from the threats and worries often experienced in more populated parts of the state.  Plus, our Sheriff’s Department has earned national accolades and accreditation for its unwavering pursuit of safety and diligent crime-prevention efforts.

10.    Educational Opportunities

With a long-standing tradition for excellence, The Villages, FL offers a comprehensive array of educational opportunities to meet the needs of our diverse population, ranging from educational enrichment courses for retirees to outstanding pre-schools.  Our public schools boast one of the lowest student-teacher ratios in the state, and there are several private school options.  Our community college and technical school offer local higher educational opportunities at very affordable rates.

11.    Poised for Florida’s Future

The Villages, FL lies in a unique position along the coastal edge of Florida’s Central Belt, a region where the real focus of future growth lies.  In terms of bustling hubs of commerce, The Villages, FL is advantageously located just a short distance from the flourishing metro centers of Orlando, Gainesville and Tampa Bay.  Located even closer, is the blossoming city of Ocala.

12.    Amazing Quality of Life

Set amidst gently rolling hills in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, this northern suburb of Tampa Bay offers all the amenities you desire to live life to its fullest.  Balanced year-round weather, idyllic natural beauty, great schools, advanced medical care and superb golf, tennis, boating, and fishing all combine with a rare spirit of community to create an enchanting place few places can rival.

For more information on the Villages Florida of Terra Vista and Citrus Hills, please visit The Villages, FL.

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Planing a Memorable Retirement Party

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

A retirement party should be just that- a party!  After all the years of hard work and sweat the retiree has contributed, you want to plan a party that makes them feel appreciated and celebrated for what they have done, but also for who they are.  Retiring to the Villages, Florida is an especially exciting time for you! You may know the guest of honor primarily through the time they contributed at your company, but there is a lot more to them as a person; make this a celebration of not just what they have done, but who they are as well.  This is obviously primarily a celebration of the retiree’s working years, but don’t be afraid to include some touches reflecting their personal lives as well.  Here are some fun ideas to plan an easy, but memorable, retirement party.  Its all about the retiree for a few hours, and every aspect of the party should reflect that in some way.

Decorations:

Beyond what they have done and who they are, don’t forget to include aspects of where the retiree is going and what they plan on doing.  Are they retiring to The Villages, FL?  Then decorate the party with bright colors, pink flamingos, and other beach themes.  Is the retiree finally building their dream house in the mountains?  Use camping equipment and pine cones to create a festive air.  Retirement parties only happen once, so don’t be afraid to have fun with the decorations and maybe even go a little overboard.

Food:

The food should also tie into the theme of the party and reflect the guest of honor.  Maybe the first thing the retiree is planning on doing with their new-found freedom is to take that cruise in the Mediterranean.  If that’s the case, find a good Greek caterer and make sure there’s lots of Baklava.  If the retiree is most looking forward to spending their days boating, serve lots of seafood.  Or consider holding the party at the retiree’s favorite restaurant.  Don’t skimp on the quality of the food; if you’re planning the party on a tight budget, don’t give in to the temptation to save by getting cheap food.  Nothing puts a damper on a party faster.

Party Games and Entertainment:

Many people expect to toast (or roast) the retiree, but a fun variation of that is to create a Jeopardy-like game using questions based on the guest of honor.  Another great TV game show to use would be Who Wants to be a Millionaire?  Some friendly competition for the attendees could be a small putt-putt course if the retiree is a golfer.  Whatever you plan, be sure to keep the retiree’s personality in mind; you want the end of the retiree’s time to be one of their best memories, not one of their most embarrassing moments.

After the party:

Whatever the retiree is going to end up doing now that their days of toiling are done, a great way to let those left behind know how to keep up with them as they head off to new adventures is through the party favors.  For the outdoors-y themed party, use wood picture frames with the retiree’s new contact information or an idea that can be incorporated into every theme is to put disposable cameras out on the tables and encourage friends or co-workers to document the party for the guest of honor themselves.

The options for themes of a retirement party are as diverse as the person you’re honoring.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match the many facets of the retiree’s life.  What is it they most look forward to doing in the future?  What are some of their greatest professional and personal accomplishments?  Every retiree has a unique story, take advantage of that uniqueness to plan a retirement party that they (and you) will never forget.

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Making Friends In Retirement

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Making friends can be difficult for retirees, especially for those who re-locate.  Retirement, in the same as the rest of life, cannot be lived without relationships.  But forming new friendships can be tiring and scary.  Here are some ideas on making friends in retirement…

1.    Common Ground
The foundation to a good friendship is what two people have in common.  In the same way that friendships between co-workers form, places for retirees to forge friendships may be church, clubs, volunteering, or adult learning classes—anywhere you’ll be likely to meet new people who enjoy doing some of the same things you do.

2.    Smaller Groups
It can be difficult to get to know people in large groups, especially if you’re a retiree who isn’t a fan of small talk.  Try to get to know and join groups, activities, and committees with 8 to 10 people.  The “pool” of friends to choose from may be smaller, but a smaller group will make finding friends (and not just acquaintances) a little bit easier.

3.    Take a Risk
Many times the most difficult part of the friendship building process can be the first step.  If there is fellow retiree who you believe had friendship potential, take the initiative and ask them questions about themselves or invite them to join you for a meal or cup of coffee.  The idea is to search for and take advantage of common ground, even if it’s something as simple as the fact that you’re both retirees.

4.    Keep the Old
In the search for developing new friends, don’t neglect the good friends you already do have.  Take advantage of modern conveniences like email and cell phones, and remember the older ones like snail mail, to keep in touch with the friends you have already made over the years.  The old friends can encourage you in your search for new friends, and distance doesn’t have to put a damper on bonds of friendship already formed.

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Avoiding Retirement Stress

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

The last thing people expect when they retire from work is to feel stress.  Though it maybe a different kind of stress than having annoying co-workers, a demanding boss, and deadlines, retiring and the change that it brings can still be difficult.  In the same way that coffee, lunch breaks, and hobbies helped alleviate work stress, here are some ideas for creating a stress-free retirement lifestyle.

•    Get Physically Fit
Poor health can cause a lot of stress on an individual retiree and their partner.  Getting into shape and then staying healthy is a preventative measure.  Not only will getting fit and being active help you become physically healthy, it will help keep your mind and brain healthy as well.  Everyone says they want to “get into shape” but most are too busy to actually start.  Use your new-found free time to develop a more physically active retirement life-style.

•    Opportunities to Socialize
Depending on the retiree, retirement may mean moving and therefore loosing the social interaction of friends and family.  If you do move into a retirement village (such as Citrus Hills or Terra Vista), find ways to get involved with the community and start to meet and reach out to potential friends and new people right away.  A great idea would be to use getting physically fit and healthy as opportunities to meet new people.

•    Routines: Good or Bad?
Routines can be comforting; having a plan can help ease stress.  But with all the opportunities for socializing and trying new and exciting things, it may be tempting to over-commit, which only increases stress in the long-run.  Relax and take the time to figure out what sort of schedule works best for you and your spouse.  The need for socializing and staying fit and active have been mentioned, but setting boundaries on your time will help ease stress.

•    Security vs. Contentment
The ideal retirement lifestyle is one that is financially worry-free, but the reality can often be stressful.  Early planning will help eliminate money stressors, but it may be too late for that now.  If that’s the case, take advantage of free resources like online budgeting guides and other community resources.  Financial worries can be very stressful and consuming, but sometimes that stress can come from wants, not needs; a great stress-reliever is remembering the priceless (and free) things you do have like family, health, and friends.

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Retirement: The First Year

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

The beginning of a change is often the hardest part.  Though retirement is usually a welcomed change and the first few months may feel like vacation, the first few years may prove to be difficult or awkward.  But those first couple of years will set the tone for the rest of your retirement and the rest of your life.  Here are some ideas on how to start off this new and exciting period of life on the right foot.

1. Wait a year to make any permanent changes.
A year waiting period is good for any major life transition.  While you wait, spend the year exploring your options and doing your research by talking to friends, using the internet, or traveling.  Take advantage of things like Terra Vista’s overnight-stay with county and community tours.  Though retirement may feel like vacation in the beginning, it is actually a major alteration in lifestyle.  This new lifestyle should start well and end well, so take the time to plan your future well.

2. Celebrate the transition.
As already stated, retirement is a new season of life, and this new season should be celebrated.  Many people have a party and use this transition as a reason to get family and friends together to celebrate what has already been accomplished and to share in the anticipation of what is to come.  Others plan a quieter, more intimate vacation.  Whatever you decide to do, it should commemorate the beginning of this new stage of life.

3. Watch what you spend.
With savings, more free time, and that retirement package, it may be tempting to spend more money or make large purchases to reward yourself for all those years of hard work.  But try to reign in the impulse to spend and remember to sleep on any large purchases.  Take some time to figure out if the purchase is impulsive or if it corresponds to your long-term retirement goals.

4. Create new, healthy habits.
Retirement is lifestyle change, so take full advantage of the transition and use the adjustment to create new routines that may be over-due.  Similarly to making New Year’s Resolutions, let the beginning of retirement be the opportunity to begin healthier habits.  Begin the rest of retirement on a solid foundation by eating better, getting more physical activity, get your legal documents in order, and all the other things you have been putting off for lack of time.  Set goals and figure out a plan to accomplish them.

5. Try new things.
Utilize your free time and flexibility to discover new aspects to life.  Try a new hobby and discover fresh ways to be creative.  Retirement can be a great opportunity for growth through adult learning classes or researching some short-term projects.  Look for ways and opportunities to make new friends, or re-connect with old ones that you may have lost touch with over the years.

In the end, relax, take your time, and enjoy the process of figuring out this new season of life.  Don’t let yourself get stressed, but allow time to rest and process your many years of hard work.  Remember what you have accomplished, do what needs to be done, and look forward to the future.

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