Get to Know The Villages of Florida  

Even if you’re not of retirement age, chances are you’ve heard of America’s friendliest and oldest hometown: The Villages. From the rural orange groves of central Florida rose a community completely and wholly dedicated to those in their golden years. Perhaps that’s why you’re here. As you look at moving to The Villages, learn a bit about this larger-than-life retirement haven and its neighborhoods. 

About The Villages

Back in the 1980s, the idea of a whole town for retirees was not necessarily brand new (Sun City near Tampa was first) but it was still an innovative idea. Harold Schwartz and his son Gary Morse saw the potential of these focused communities. Owners of Orange Blossom, a mobile home development, they had a vision of a thriving community that had everything someone would need to enjoy their golden years. They realized it was all about the amenities, and began developing businesses, churches, and recreation facilities. 

What began with one small village in the mid-1980s was luring an average of 10 new residents a day by the turn of the century.

Four decades later, The Villages is the nation’s largest retirement community and the top-selling 55+ community. While at 57 square miles, it’s larger in footprint than Manhattan. Between its size, infrastructure, amenities, and organization, it feels like an independent town, but it is really just an active adult community.

The Villages is so large that it spans three Florida counties: Sumter County, Lake County, and Marion County. New villages and perks are constantly being added. Not towns, The Villages have a unique form of local government called Community Development Districts (CDD) where the developers levy low issue bonds to fund the infrastructure for area residents. The 17 numbered districts provide services such as the The Villages Community watch, executive golf courses, streets and improvements, water management, and conservation area management.

What sets The Villages apart as a place to live is its commitment to providing an active lifestyle for its residents. The community boasts an impressive array of amenities. Find within numerous golf courses, recreation centers, town squares, restaurants, and a multitude of social clubs, all designed to keep residents engaged and enjoying life to the fullest. But it’s not just the play factor; it truly strives to be an all-inclusive place with essential service providers, like healthcare, pharmacies, grocers, and clothing shops a golf cart ride away.

Are The Villages growing?

With its appealing amenities and lifestyle, The Villages attracts retirees from across the country. More than 145,000 people called The Villages their home as of 2023. It ranks among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States in the last decade. That growth transformed it into a significant economic and political force in Florida.

And growth doesn’t seem poised to slow, with 24/7 Wall St projecting The Villages will expand by 223% by 2060, to 452,000 residents.

What is the cost of living in The Villages?

You might expect a retirement destination to have a low cost of living. But remember, The Villages is a highly desirable location and the nation’s No. 1 rated master-planned community. Using Sperling’s Best Places Index, The Villages’ overall cost of living is about 2% under the national average.

Almost every category reported slightly above average except for transportation, which is about 15% less. A large part of that is the unique way that residents get around town, which we will bring up later. Healthcare costs also tend to be slightly less probably because the concentration of medical providers focuses on medicine needed by an aging population.

One notable aspect about The Villages’ cost of living is it has housing at multiple price points, with some housing as low as the $200Ks in 2023. But, you’re going to pay what is called an “amenity fee.” In 2023, this fee was $189 a month. It provided residents with free golf on all executive courses, membership to all country clubs, access to all of the parks, swimming, pickleball, and community centers.

Learn about the estimated cost of living, using the average electric, taxes, insurance, and district assessment fees for the different housing available in The Villages.

Meet The Villages 

Over the years, The Villages expanded geographically, acquiring more land to create an interconnected network of neighborhoods. Inside its multiple developments (the “Villages” themselves,) the housing includes patio villas all the way up to custom single-family detached homes.

These villages were built around Town Squares, which are gathering points for the entire community. The Town Squares purposefully feel like a traditional small downtown area and are packed with stores, dining venues, and entertainment. Live music happens on the daily. Spanish Springs was the first Town Square. As the community expanded it added Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood Paddock Square.

But what about the actual villages? The community is so vast, that “Villagers,” as residents call themselves, use general geographical references to describe where they live. In 2023, there were 78 individual neighborhoods. Their sizes, home types, and specific amenities vary, although most neighborhoods have golf, swimming, tennis, and social clubs.

The Neighborhoods

“Old” Villages would be the original group of developments, starting with Orange Blossom way back in the 1980s. These neighborhoods are mostly east of State Road 44, although some of them may be a little south of 44. They primarily fall in Lake County and Spanish Springs is their Town Square. Some of the neighborhoods are Hacienda, Pine Ridge, Delmar, and Pine Hills.

“Up North” villages are between Route 301, County Road 42, and north of Route 466. As the name suggests, they are the northmost of The Villages. Neighborhoods include Alhambra, Pio Grande, Tierra Del Sol, and Pallo Alto. Some neighborhoods fall inside Marion County. Neighborhoods like Briar Meadows and Woodbury are close to Nancy Lopez Country Club.

The Villages “Center” is between 466 and 466A, around Lake Sumter Landing Town Square. Many neighborhoods are in this area: Mallory Square, Lynnhaven, St. Charles, Tamarind, and Bonita, to name a few.

“South” Villages are among the newer developments, and their primary Town Square is Brownwood Paddock Square. They have neighborhoods named after Florida counties and iconic towns: Osceola Hills, Pinellas, Collier, and Gilchrest. “South” neighborhoods line State Road 44 from south of Route 466A.

The absolute newest developing area is south of the Florida Turnpike. Right now, it has the fewest number of neighborhoods: Hawkins, St. Catherine’s, and Fenney. 

And while it’s been 55+ exclusively, The Villages is developing a family-oriented community called Middleton, opening for sales in 2023. It’s answering the desire for families to live closer to their aging parents.

Buying a home in The Villages 

In October 2023, The Villages had 469 homes for sale from $150,000 to $2.695 million. Home layouts range from one-bedroom to four-bedrooms, in a villa arrangement or detached. Uniquely, you can shop by the floor plan. For example, verandah-style homes had ten unique floor plans from 2,319 sq ft to 3,555 sq ft with two-car and golf car garages. 

What is the property tax rate for The Villages?

That varies greatly based on where you buy a home in The Villages. County taxes could be Lake, Marion, or Sumter. The 17 CDDs charge different rates, too.

The Villages attractions

Town Squares

The central Town Squares are purposefully designed as the center of community. Their parks host nightly gatherings featuring music and dancing under the stars. Find big-name shopping with brands like Target and Walmart. Chain diners include Olive Garden and Bonefish, but also local establishments. In between are all the stops you need: financial services, health care, hair salons, and more.

Recreation centers

Indoor and outdoor recreation centers are spread throughout The Villages–30 indoor community centers alone! Some facilities are focused on activities like tennis, while there are some specialty centers for RC cars or woodworking. Try out archery, air guns, or join a Village softball team! From these social centers, community residents have launched over 3,000 social clubs for everything from crafting to kayaking.

Parks and green spaces break up The Villages development. These serene preserves surround fishing lakes, have fitness trails, or link together for miles of cycling. 

Golf courses of The Villages

The Villages is a golfer’s paradise, boasting an impressive collection of over 50–yes, 50!– meticulously crafted golf courses. Each of these courses is a masterpiece in its own right. Each was crafted with distinct features to meet the various golfing interests of residents. Play at any of 42 9-hole executive courses free. All country clubs are also free, but may have green fees to play one of the 13 championship golf courses. There’s also two short courses and three golf academies.

Entertainment 

From the captivating melodies of well-known musicians to the raw talent of local artists, the stage is set every day for a remarkably good time. The entertainment options feature award-winning Broadway musicals at one of The Villages’ three theaters, side-splitting comedians who light up the stage, electrifying concerts with local and top acts at the Town Squares, dance troupes, and so much more.

Getting around The Villages

Drive into The Villages and right away the Villagers’ unique way of getting around is apparent. Golf carts are not just recreational vehicles; they are also a primary mode of transportation. So much so, it’s part of the culture to “trick out” your golf cart. The Villages’s fun and festive golf cart parades are a favorite tradition.

Residents use golf carts for running errands, visiting neighbors, going to the town squares, and commuting within the community. Many essential services and facilities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and medical offices, are golf cart accessible.

An extensive network of golf cart paths separates from regular roads. This ensures the safety and convenience of golf cart users.

Other tidbits about living in The Villages

• The Villages loves pets! Find a pet-friendly community with designated parks for dogs to play and socialize.
• It has The Villages Charter School, a K-12 public school with six campuses serving the community. Its schools are frequently “A” rated. 
• The community has a comprehensive healthcare system, including a 300-bed acute care hospital operated by UF. Multiple healthcare facilities and medical services available on-site.
• Younger family members are welcome to visit, but there is a 30-day continuous stay limit. But The Villages runs “Camp Villages” activities encouraging memories between grandparents and their grandchildren.
• The Villages’ own local newspaper, “The Villages Daily Sun,” covers community news and events.

The Villages are an unparalleled destination for those in pursuit of an active, vibrant, and fulfilling retirement experience. Ready to learn more about life in The Villages? Search available homes today. You can also learn more about retiring to Florida, as the state has many excellent towns for your golden years.