We had the opposite experience...our friends and family are happy for us and in some cases, a little envious. Our son, although he wishes he could see us more often, is also happy for us...and actually, his active life is the reason we don't see each other as often as we'd like.
I actually can't remember one negative comment toward our decision. It may be because we planned our full time life for more than fifteen years before we actually did it...many may have thought it would never happen, but were at least well prepared when it did...