The Villages : Florida

The Villages, located 20 miles south of Ocala, is one of the world's largest active communities, as well as one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S. It has 107,000 residents in 2013, up over 5% from the previous year. The Villages is proud to be family owned and operated, and benefits from intensive involvement from its residents. There are 3 town squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood) 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: Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, etc.

What keeps its 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 let you take in an international polo match or compete in a BBQ competition. There is virtually every kind of activity and athletic resource: archery, one finger painting, pickle ball, quilting, scrap booking, synchronized swimming, taichi, yoga, etc. Don't miss our article on "Competitors to The Villages".

Articles about The The Villages, as well Forum posts on The Villages.
Ryan Erisman's "Complete Guide to the Villages" (photo at right).

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 long term peace of mind for residents. Homewood is across the street from The Villages Hospital, the largest medical facility in this part of Florida. Zillow lists the median home value to be $274,700 in early 2019 and called it a "Very Hot Market" at this time.

If you like big, you will like the fact that The Villages is the largest active adult community in the world, and no one else is even close. Because of that size it has unparalleled opportunities for recreation and socializing. Many people liken the experience as summer camp for adults.  Here you can make friends fast and enjoy many fun new pastimes. Here is a link to an interesting Youtube video about The Villages.

No apartment living. The Villages' Community Development Districts are in a dispute over tax-free bonds issued to acquire golf courses, parks, and other facilities. See related Topretirements story.

Homeowners often have a fractious relationship with the developer over control - the ballot box vs. the suggestion box is one way the relationship is characterized.

Some people don’t like the idea of a HOA (Home Owners Association), or the idea of living in an active adult community. To get a better picture, see our free mini-guide to The Villages.  Also, don't miss the profile we 2 wrote in 2012, "Why The Villages is the Best Place to Retire for Len and Ann. The Villages seems to attract many more people with conservative political views than progressive, so if those are your leanings, you will feel more comfortable here. See The Villages: A Political Monoculture ".

The Villages is in central Florida about 20 miles south of Ocala. Winters are warm, summers hot and humid.

The Villages has countless activities and cultural events that are taking place all of the time. Anyone can participate, or you can leave it to the pros. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations from theatre to chorus and everything in between. No one could possibly take part in a fraction of what is going on here.