Welcome to The Villages, Florida, an extraordinary and arguably the most iconic 55+ active adult community in the world. Far more than just a collection of neighborhoods, The Villages is a vibrant, self-contained "senior city" where retirement truly is a permanent vacation. Renowned for its unparalleled array of amenities, social opportunities, and a unique golf-cart-centric lifestyle, The Villages offers a dynamic and engaging environment where residents can pursue every passion, make lifelong friends, and live life to the absolute fullest.

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Community Overview

Location: The Villages is strategically located in the heart of Central Florida, spanning across three counties: Sumter, Marion, and Lake. This vast and expanding development is approximately an hour north of Orlando and an hour and a half south of Gainesville. Its central location provides convenient access to Florida's major attractions, international airports, and coastal areas, while maintaining its distinct small-town feel within its expansive boundaries.

Size: The Villages is immense, currently home to over 150,000 residents and encompassing an area of approximately 32 square miles, with continuous expansion. It is comprised of numerous individual "villages," each with its own character and local amenities, seamlessly integrated into the larger community. This scale allows for an unprecedented variety of facilities and activities.

Security: The Villages maintains a comprehensive security system managed by its own Community Watch department. While not a law enforcement agency, Community Watch operates 24/7, with patrols, gate operations (many are electronic/remote-monitored, with some manned), and a central communications center. They work closely with local law enforcement to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents. Programs like "House Check" and "Adult Watch" further enhance resident peace of mind.

Home Types: The Villages offers an incredibly diverse range of home types to suit virtually every preference and budget. These include:

• Manufactured Homes/Mobile Homes: Often found in the older, original sections, offering an affordable entry point.

• Patio Villas: Smaller, low-maintenance homes perfect for individuals or couples.

• Courtyard Villas: Slightly larger villas, often with private courtyards.

• Designer Homes: A wide variety of single-family homes with more customization options.

• Premier Homes: Larger, more luxurious single-family homes, often on larger lots or with premium views.

• Custom Homes: For those seeking bespoke residences.

Homes range in size from under 1,000 square feet to over 4,000 square feet, and new construction is continually being added in the expanding areas.

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Amenities and Facilities

The Villages is unparalleled in its sheer volume and variety of amenities, designed to support an incredibly active lifestyle:

• Golf: Over 50 Executive Golf Courses (free for residents with paid amenity fees) and numerous Championship Golf Courses (pay-to-play) spread throughout the community.

• Recreation Centers: Hundreds of recreation centers, ranging from small neighborhood pools to large regional recreation complexes. These include:

• Swimming Pools: Thousands of pools, including family pools, adults-only pools, and sports pools.

• Fitness Centers: Well-equipped gyms and fitness rooms.

• Sports Courts: Hundreds of courts for pickleball, tennis, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and more.

• Hobby & Craft Rooms: Dedicated spaces for art, pottery, woodworking, and various crafts.

• Billiards, Card, and Game Rooms: For indoor social activities.

• Auditoriums/Ballrooms: For large events, dances, and performances.

• Libraries: Community libraries for reading and learning.

• Town Squares: Three main town squares (Spanish Springs Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and Brownwood Paddock Square) serve as vibrant social hubs, offering:

• Free Nightly Live Entertainment: Every evening, 365 days a year.

• Restaurants & Bars: A wide array of dining options.

• Shopping: Boutique shops and services.

• Movie Theaters: For entertainment.

• Retail & Dining: Thousands of restaurants, shops, and services both within and immediately surrounding the community, accessible by golf cart.

• Health & Wellness: Multiple hospitals (including UF Health The Villages Hospital), countless medical offices, urgent care centers, and specialized clinics.

• Outdoor Spaces: Miles and miles of golf cart paths, walking and biking trails, dog parks, and nature preserves.

• Villages Lifelong Learning College: Offering a vast curriculum of classes for personal enrichment.

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Amenity Fees & CDD

Monthly Amenity Fee: $198

Annual CDD Fee: Due to the size of this community the CDD fees vary widely, consult with your Realtor for the most accurate cost assessment.  

 

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in The Villages is defined by its motto: "Live life to the fullest." It's a highly social, active, and engaging environment. The omnipresent golf cart paths allow residents to travel freely to most amenities, town squares, and even many retail establishments, making golf carts a primary mode of transportation.

The sheer number of clubs and activities (over 2,500!) is staggering, catering to virtually every interest imaginable, from every type of sport, hobby, and craft to cultural groups, volunteer organizations, and social gatherings. The community fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, and it's easy for new residents to find their niche and make friends. The nightly entertainment at the town squares creates a permanent festive atmosphere, encouraging impromptu social gatherings. The Villages is truly designed for continuous engagement, learning, and fun in retirement.

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Convenience

The Villages are designed for ultimate convenience, often allowing residents to conduct most of their daily lives without ever needing to leave the community or even drive a car.

• Golf Cart Accessibility: The extensive network of golf cart paths provides unparalleled access to everything from golf courses and recreation centers to grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and medical offices.

• On-site Services: Within The Villages, residents find virtually every service imaginable: hair salons, repair shops, various professional services, and a wide range of retail outlets.

• Medical Facilities: A vast network of healthcare providers, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located directly within or immediately adjacent to the community.

• Transportation: While golf carts are dominant, there are also shuttle services and easy access to major roads for longer trips.

• Dining and Entertainment: The abundance of restaurants, bars, and free nightly entertainment at the town squares means options for dining out and socializing are always just a short golf cart ride away.

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Pricing

The home price range in The Villages, Florida, is quite broad, depending on the type, size, and location of the property. Here's a breakdown based on recent data (primarily from June 2025):

General Range of Homes for Sale:

• You can find homes listed from as low as $199,900 (for smaller, older properties) up to $2.7 million (for larger, more luxurious premier homes).

Price by Bedroom Count (Median Sold Price - June 2025):

• 1 Bedroom: Approximately $225,000

• 2 Bedrooms: Approximately $290,000

• 3 Bedrooms: Approximately $405,000

• 4 Bedrooms: Approximately $1,000,000

• 5 Bedrooms: Approximately $1,400,000 (though this category saw a significant decrease year-over-year)

Types of Homes and Their Starting Price Ranges (from The Villages official website):

• Cottage Homes: From the low $200s

• Designer Homes: From the mid $300s to low $600s

• Premier Homes: From the $600s to $1M+

Factors Influencing Price:

• Home Type: Villas, patio homes, and smaller cottages are typically less expensive than larger single-family or premier homes.

• Size (Square Footage): Larger homes generally command higher prices.

• Location within The Villages: Different villages and neighborhoods can have varying median prices. For example, in June 2025:

  • Village of Lynnhaven: Median listing home price of $314,000 (most affordable listed).

  • Village of Pennecamp: Median listing home price of $504,600 (most expensive listed).

• Age and Condition: Newer or recently renovated homes will often be priced higher.

Amenities and Features: Homes with premium features, larger lots, or desirable views can also increase in value.