The Villages, located 20 miles south of Ocala, is one of the world’s largest active communities. It has 60,000 residents, with plans for 100,000. The Villages is proud to be family owned and operated, and benefits from intensive involvement from its residents. There are 2 town squares (Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing) which have shopping, restaurants, and open-air plazas featuring free nightly entertainment. It is in these plazas that all the big holidays are celebrated by the residents – including Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, etc. Numerous shopping malls are sprinkled throughout the campus – virtually every big box chain in America is amply represented.
What keep its 60,000 residents busy all day – having fun! There are 33 golf courses, 8 country clubs (residents automatically become members), along with plenty of (separate) family and adult recreational areas. The Polo Center and its Pavilion are busy throughout the year – you could take in an international polo match, or compete in a BBQ competition. There is virtually every kind of activity and athletic resource known to man: archery, one finger painting, pickle ball, quilting, scrap booking, synchronized swimming, taichi, yoga, etc.
Housing choices are one of the odd things about The Villages, which betrays it roots as a manufactured home community. Although there are many styles and sizes to choose from, single family homes are the only housing choice (there are a few villas – attached homes). There are no apartments or condos. The Villages’ assisted living component, Homewood, is growing rapidly and provides the security that residents will never have to move from The Villages. Homewood is across the street from The Villages Hospital, the largest medical facility in this part of Florida.
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