The Villages, Florida: A Premier 55+ CommunityWelcome to The Villages, Florida, a distinguished 55+ community located in the heart of central Florida. Everything you need to live life to its fullest
Dated: April 1 2024
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Are you interested in living in the Villages Florida? 🏡 From the latest pre-owned homes to healthcare, sports to recreation, things to do, as well as top-notch dining and shopping experiences. Uncover essential insights for a seamless relocation or your move within The Villages, Florida. 🌴
The #1 Retirement Community in the Nation is situated conveniently in Central Florida, The Villages, commonly referred to as “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown,” is just 45 miles northwest of Orlando, 75 miles northeast of Tampa, and 22 miles southeast of Ocala. Its ideal location places it approximately 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 70 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring easy and convenient access to both coasts. The community is bordered by Lady Lake and Summerfield (to the North), Fruitland Park and Leesburg (to the East), Wildwood and Lake Panasoffkee (to the West) Coleman, Center Hill, and Bushnell (to the South).
In the 1960s, Michigan businessman Harold Schwartz sold land tracts in The Villages via mail order until a 1968 law halted this. Left with Florida land, he and partner Al Tarrson developed Orange Blossom Gardens in the early 1970s, selling only 400 units by the 1980s. Schwartz's son, H. Gary Morse, joined in 1983, upgrading the development inspired by successful retirement communities. In 1992, Morse rebranded the retirement community as The Villages, and today, the project is controlled by the Morse family.
By the early 1990s, The Villages had 8,000 residents, three golf courses, the first Winn✓Dixie, four restaurants, and nightly dances held in a tent – a remarkable transformation from a mail-order land venture to a thriving community.
The Villages features more than 50 Championship and Executive golf courses, with additional developments underway. The Villages Golf Course Map – Click Here.
Two notable Championship golf courses worth mentioning include the pro designed golf courses designed by Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer.
As you check out this complete guide, you’ll learn what you need to know before moving to The Villages, America’s #1 retirement community.
How many people live in The Villages? The area continues to see impressive growth, with more than 94,000 newcomers relocating to The Villages since 2010. The current residence in The Villages is 145,000 people, living in 71,000 households with a median age of 62 for males and 60 for females as of 2023. Of which 14,836 are military veterans.
According to May 2023 Census Bureau data, between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, The Villages metro area grew by 7.5% or 10,103 people to 144,970 residents. The area was the fastest-growing metropolitan statistical area in the United States.
Marital status statistics show that 62% of residents living in The Villages are married, compared with about 48% in the U.S., data shows. There are approximately 1.72 people per household per consensus data from 2022.
About 93% of The Villages MSA’s population has a high school diploma, according to the survey, and nearly 34% of residents also possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
The demographics in The Villages are 97.4% Caucasian, .4% Black or African American, .9% Asian, 1.2% with 2 or more races, and 1.4% Hispanic or Latino.
In 2022, the median household income of The Villages households was $73,415.
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How big are The Villages in Florida? Taking up about 57 square miles, The Villages are split between Lake County, Marion County and Sumter County. Local zip codes are 32159, 32162, 32163, and 34762. Local area code for The Villages community and surrounding areas is a 352 prefix.
The Villages time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight savings time.
The elevation range in The Villages of 55 to 132 feet above sea level according to Flattest Route.
Residents of The Villages can easily travel to Orlando, about 45 miles away, which takes less than an hour.
The Villages Recreation Department operates 14 parks and outdoor amenities across the area.
Village neighborhoods have access to The Villages Town Squares which are Hubs for Fantastic Times with Great Friends!
Nestled in the core of The Villages community are three charming town squares that offer a blend of traditional charm and contemporary enjoyment.
The visionary founder, Harold Schwartz, was firm in his belief that every hometown should boast a unique space for people to come together and socialize with friends and neighbors. Presently, all three Squares present FREE nightly entertainment and a vibrant array of shopping and dining experiences.
No matter which Villages Square you choose, you'll quickly understand why they've earned a reputation as the go-to places "where great friends gather for a fantastic time!"
Explore The Villages Printable Shopping & Dining Guide for each of the Town Squares below.
Spanish Springs Town Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Brownwood Paddock Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Other amenities worth mentioning include dog parks, swimming pools, and other green spaces along with many other outdoor attractions.
Where should you live in The Villages? Each Village neighborhood possesses distinctive values, and both sellers and buyers often prefer relocating to neighborhoods within the Villages where they have formed friendships. Click Here to check out our comprehensive search by Village to start your Villages journey.
Interested in moving to The Villages, Florida? Contact Us to set you up with a professional Realtor with expertise in The Villages, Florida!
Click Here to check out our cost-of-living blog about costs associated with The Villages. The average cost of living in The Villages is about 2.1% lower than the national average from BestPlaces.net and about 5% lower than the Florida state average. Residents enjoy lower prices for transportation, groceries, and healthcare, but also tend to pay more for home utilities and The Villages real estate market.
People moving to The Villages can expect an average monthly utility bill of about $90 to $150 per month.
Another benefit to residing in The Villages, and Florida is there is no Florida State income tax.
How much does it cost to live in The Villages, FL? According to Numbeo, these are some basic prices you can expect for expenses in Villages communities.
The Villages Sample Expenses
According to the most recent neighborhood scout analytics, The Villages are among the safest places to live in Florida. With about 9 crimes per 1,000 people, the crime rate in The Villages is approximately 65% lower than the Florida average. The violent crime rate is about 67.5% lower than the national average as well. The Villages public safety is like public safety in other communities in Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties. The Villages has a crime rate of less than half of the crime rate in Orlando and the national US averages.
Residents living in The Villages are served and protected by the local law enforcement as well as the Sheriff's Offices of Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties. The Villages Citizens Patrol also assists with security in the retirement community.
Looking to move to the #1 retirement community in Florida? Call 352.559.0911 to work with one of our RE/MAX Freedom Villages Real Estate Professionals!
The Villages has a humid subtropical climate, delivering delightful and pleasant weather throughout much of the year, compared to many other Florida communities. Despite the relatively high humidity, the presence of air-conditioned homes, buildings, and vehicles helps make those extremely humid months more bearable. Annually, The Villages receives an average of 50.5 inches of rainfall.
Summer temperatures in The Villages hover around an average of 91.8 degrees, but can climb into the lower 100s, while winters bring a cooler average of 46.2 degrees, but can end up as low as the upper 20s.
When is the best time to visit The Villages, FL? The most popular time to visit The Villages is between October and April due to the cooler temperatures and limited rainfall. Many people enjoy visiting The Villages in the cooler months because of the mild weather, but some come in the heat of the summer as well.
Commonly referred to as the “Disney World for retirees” it is easy to find plenty of enjoyable activities in The Villages. Most things to do are outdoor attractions, but you can go inside and enjoy recreation centers, concerts, car shows, theatrical performances, and more.
Top Attractions
Other Activities Worth Mentioning
Entertainment, Movies, & Arts
Parks & Outdoors
Entertainment, Shopping, and Restaurants
Are you ready to start enjoying The Villages lifestyle? Contact RE/MAX Freedom today at 352.559.0911, and we’ll help you find the home of your retirement dreams! Click Here To Start Your Villages Search!
There are so many places to eat in The Villages. Where do you begin? We would start with The Villages restaurant & shopping guides. Click each of the guides below to Download a copy from each of The Village Squares.
Spanish Springs Town Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Brownwood Paddock Square Shopping & Dining Guide
Restaurants worth mentioning:
Discover a variety of excellent dining options in The Villages, with standout choices such as the Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille. Nestled at 925 Lake Shore Dr, this enchanting spot showcases a delectable array of American cuisine, featuring seafood specialties and signature cocktails. (352) 753-7800
For an exceptional dining experience in The Villages, head to Prima Italian Steakhouse Great Food! Great Ambiance! Located in Brownwood Square! Situated at 3660 Kiessel Road. This restaurant is a modern Italian Steakhouse, featuring hand-cut steaks, Italian classics, & fresh seafood., and more. (352) 391-9939
Indulge your taste buds at Square 1 Burgers & Bar, located at 2542 Burnsed Blvd, one of the most popular restaurants in The Villages. Revel in mouthwatering burgers paired with an impressive selection of bottled beers and signature cocktails, catering to a diverse range of palates. (352) 689-2191.
The Villages has proudly held the title of America’s top-selling community for active adults 55+ for the 14th consecutive year, according to RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
The homeownership rate in The Villages is 94.4%, with the majority of residents buying their properties. According to Reator.com, the average price of a home in The Villages is $370,000, with a median sale price of $261 per square foot. As you look through The Villages, FL homes for sale, you’ll see that the area offers places a fit for every lifestyle.
If you want to make yourself a part of any communities in The Villages, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in The Villages, FL. We can also introduce you to a local agent in specializing in The Villages area.
The Villages property tax rate varies depending on the county you reside in, and whether you are homesteaded, disabled, widowed, etc.
While only about 5.8% of people living in The Villages rent, there are a few homes and apartments available for lease. According to Zillow, the median rental rate in The Villages is $2,700 per month.
Are you ready for the house of your dreams? Call RE/MAX Freedom at 352.559-0911 to find your next home in The Villages, Florida!
Children between the ages of 0 and 18 years old can visit The Villages community up to 30 days in a calendar year. Because of the 55+ lifestyle and restrictions in The Villages, families with children under the age of 18 must live in family designated neighborhoods created by The Villages, or in family friendly neighborhoods on the outskirts of The Villages.
If you are planning on moving to The Villages with children The Villages Charter School is the area’s “High Performing Charter School", earned a "School of Excellence" and has received 20 straight "A" ratings from the Florida Department of Education!
The Villages Early Learning Center (PK1 to PK4): 352-259-6870
2325 LeAnne Lane, Middleton, FL 34762
The Villages Early Learning Center (PK1 to PK4): 352-259-7161
510 Old School Road, The Villages, FL 32162
Primary Center (Kindergarten - 1st grade): 352-259-7700
420 Village Campus Circle, The Villages, FL 32162
Intermediate Center (2nd - 3rd grade): 352-259-2300
521 Old School Road, The Villages, FL 32162
4th & 5th Grade Center (4th- 5th grade): 352-259-6850
350 Tatonka Terrace, The Villages, FL 32162
Middleton Campus (Kindergarten - 5th grade): 352-259-6820
2377 Stampeder Trail, Middleton, FL 34762
Middleton Campus: (High School Campus): 352-259-3777
2210 Dr Randy McDaniel Way, Middleton, FL 34762
Please check out our blog on "What Qualifications Are Needed To Get Your Child Into The Villages Charter School".
The colleges and universities nearest to The Villages are Lake-Sumter State College, The University of Florida Gainesville, and the College of Central Florida.
Residents living in The Villages have full free access to the libraries at Villages Public Library at Belvedere and Villages Library at Pinellas Plaza.
Most Villagers are retired, but if you are not, here are the top places to work according to Zippia.com.
Anyone searching for a job in The Villages can also check out available careers on Indeed and The Villages Daily Sun Classifieds.
The average salary in The Villages per capita is $53,403 per year, with an average hourly rate ranges, depending on the industry, from $12.00 to $18.12 per hour on Payscale. Per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics The Villages has an unemployment rate of 4.3%.
Click Here to Contact Us RE/MAX Freedom to help you start the home searching process today!
Wondering how to get around The Villages, FL? Believe it or not, the most common forms of transportation in The Villages are by golf cart and automobile. With more than 100 miles of golf cart paths and trails, residents can easily travel throughout the entire community including all the Squares, local shopping, doctors offices, and even grocery stores.
The Villages also has access to shuttle companies to the Orlando International Airport that will pick up Villagers at their residence. Some companies include: Workman Transit, Villages Airport Van, and Groome Transport
While every area in The Villages are walkable, you will most likely want to have a golf cart, and/or a vehicle to get around. If like the exercise, or you’re comfortable walking, you can use multi-modal walking trails to get around quite easily. You can also include jogging, hiking, and biking if you prefer those activities over walking to get around.
The closest airport to The Villages is Leesburg International Airport, which is only about 18 miles to the southeast which has smaller planes and business jets which can be chartered out, for US travel, as well as flights to areas like the Bahamas. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about an 1hr 10min, or 66 miles away. The Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 1hr 27min, or 85 miles away.
The hospitals in The Villages include UF Health, The Villages Hospital, as well as Advent Health, The Villages Center for Health.
Golf is a no brainer, but check out the other sports that are quite common in The Villages.
The Villages is well known for its support of sports and an active lifestyle, with many residents forming social clubs related to sports. Here are just a few of the sports you can participate in at The Villages.
Golf Courses
While there aren’t any professional sports teams in The Villages, the area is home to over 50 executive and 12 championship golf courses. Check out the The Villages Golf Course Map – Click Here.
See the 12 champion courses below.
If you’re a basketball, or concert fan, like other venues, you can always travel to downtown Orlando to see the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team play, or your favorite entertainer at the Kia Center.
Pickle Ball Courts at the Villages
One of the biggest sports enjoyed by Villages is pickleball. Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport played in a similar manner to tennis in which two players or four players hit a hollow plastic ball, with holes with ping pong type paddles over a 34-inch-high net, until a player is unable to return the ball to the other side of net. If this is your sport, there are social clubs and teams you can join in the community.
Tennis Courts at the Villages
If you prefer to play tennis, you can go to a few different social clubs for tennis and play on tennis courts throughout The Villages. Popular tennis clubs in The Villages include the Glenview Tennis Club, which maintains six hydro-grid and clay courts for tennis. Glenview’s facilities also include, a great pool, a jacuzzi in the shape of a tennis racket, as well as showers and lockers for storing your tennis equipment.
Swimming Pools
You have access to over 119 different swimming pools in The Villages. Some of the community pools, like Seabreeze, are sports pools, meaning they’re good for experienced swimmers or people who want do laps and exercise. If you want to improve your swimming skills, you can take an Enrichment Academy class to learn how to swim.
Adult pools are reserved for adults over the age of 30, though you can use them for free swimming whenever you want. You can only bring your children to designated family pools, but you can use a few dozen different family pools.
Family pools like the one found at The Water Lily Recreation Center is a resort style pool that requires children under three years old to wear protective swim products. Other popular family pools include the Seabreeze Pool & Regional Recreation Center, Allamanda Pool & Recreation Center, and the Bacall Pool & Recreation Center.
Click Here to see all the pools and recreation centers in The Villages.
Villages Polo Club
The Villages Polo Club is one the popular sports clubs in The Villages with over 30,000 spectators per year. The club maintains a 250-acre polo facility and has action pact events. You can watch polo matches with a $20.00 general admission, or purchase different types of passes and season passes. Once joining the Polo Club, you can participate in matches and experience world class polo throughout the year. If you know how to ride English saddle and want to learn how to play the game, you can sign up at the Polo Academy.
Country Clubs
Besides the Polo Club, you can sign up for various country clubs in and around The Villages. The notable champion golf courses clubs below are 27 holes of golf. You can play the entire course at once, or you can break the course down into three executive courses for short nine-hole sessions.
The county clubs also have on-site restaurants where you can eat pasta, sandwiches, steaks, and other fine dining while enjoying free nightly entertainment. All residents in The Villages have access to free golf on all the Executive Golf Courses. Villagers can sign up for any executive country club of their choice, regardless of which Village they live in.
*Walking the course is free. A trail fee (per person) is required for use of a golf car on the courses and may be paid daily, semi-annually, or annually.
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Positives for Living in the Villages
Negatives Of Living In The Villages Florida
FAQs
What Is the Best Town Square in the Villages?
The Town Squares in The Villages all have something unique to offer, but I am biased to Lake Sumter Landing. In reality, each person may have a different opinion. Some people prefer Spanish Springs, or Brownwood as their choices.
What Do People Find So Special About The Villages, Florida?
The Villages is not only an active retirement community, but it is also a lifestyle. Read our blog “Discover The Magic Of The Villages, Florida: Americas Premier 55+ Community” to find out what people learn about what is so amazing about retirement community.
What Is the Most Desirable Village in the Villages Florida?
Ultimately, the most desirable Village in The Villages, Florida, is subjective and depends on your preference and connections with fellow Villagers who share similar interests and similar lifestyles to make an informed decision on the perfect fit for you. Our advice is to start connecting with fellow Villagers right away.
Still not sure about The Villages?
CLICK HERE to check out this article from realtor.com by Lisa Johnson Mandell on Mar 24, 2024 featuring our RE/MAX Freedom Broker Owner & USAF Veteran, April Couturier.
Moving to the Villages, FL | How To Find The Home Of Your Dreams
There are so many reasons that relocating to The Villages is a great decision for most people! If you are planning on making this great community your new home soon, trust RE/MAX Freedom to assist you! Give us a call today at (352) 559-0911, check out our custom Villages search, or Click Here and fill out your contact information on our contact page.
To Download Your Free PDF Ultimate Guide For Living In The Villages, CLICK HERE!
Other Blog Resources About The Villages, Florida:
A Closer Look And Understanding The Property Bonds In The Villages, Florida
Is It Expensive To Live In The Villages, Florida?
What Is A Turnkey Home In The Villages, Florida?
Understanding The Community Development District (CDD) In The Villages, Florida
The Villages, Florida: A Premier 55+ CommunityWelcome to The Villages, Florida, a distinguished 55+ community located in the heart of central Florida. Everything you need to live life to its fullest
Bonds and Community Development Districts (CDDs) in The VillagesIf you're considering purchasing a home in The Villages, Florida, it's crucial to understand what a Community Development District )
Bond PayoffsIf you're considering moving to The Villages Retirement Community, or you’re already a resident, you may have heard about the concept of “paying off the bond.”
Living in The Villages and Central Florida offers a tourist type lifestyle, with great retirement communities, family communities, entertainment and family fun, but it's essential to be prepared for