Living in the Villages Florida is like living in luxury! The Villages, FL, is a census-designated place located roughly 58 miles northwest of Orlando, FL. It is bordered by Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Lady Lake, Belleview, Bushnell, Coleman, and Leesburg.
The community was established by local businessman Harold Schwartz, who developed The Villages back in the 1960s. It initially began as a middle-class community but quickly expanded into more of a retirement community for people 55 years and older. It was recently voted as the best-selling master-planned community of the decade between 2010 and 2019.
It’s the best place to start your sunset years living in Florida, and is commonly called the nickname “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown”, residents love living in The Villages.
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What Is The Villages Known for?
Known for hosting more than 50 golf courses, some of the top locations in The Villages include the Hacienda Hills Golf & Country Club and the Bonifay Golf & Country Club. You can also find executive courses at the Glenview Country Club and the Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club.
Notable people from The Villages include famous professional golfer Nancy Lopez, actress Megan Boone, and former MLB baseball player Ray Knight.
As you check out this complete guide, you’ll learn what you need to know before moving to The Villages, one of America’s most popular retirement communities. Find out everything about living in the Villages Florida!
Where Is The Villages Florida?
Just an hour from Disney World, The Villages Florida is located in Central Florida. The Villages spans 32 square miles, reaching closer out to the West Coast. The Mark Twain Library located nearby is a perk for those living in the Villages Florida.
People of the Villages, FL | The Villages FL Demographics
How many people are living in The Villages Florida? The area continues to see impressive growth; since 2010, more than 28,000 people have flocked to this vibrant retirement community, bringing the current population to 83,719 residents. With a median age of 72, it’s a wonderful place for active adults looking to enjoy their golden years.
Demographically, The Villages is 97% Caucasian, with smaller percentages of Asian (1%), Hispanic or Latino (1%), and two or more races (1%). Many residents trace their ancestry to German (23%), Irish (18%), English (17%), Italian (12%), Polish (7%), and French (4%) roots.
Women slightly outnumber men, making up 54% of the population compared to 46% male. The community is largely comprised of married couples – 75%. The average household consists of 1.8 people, reflecting a predominantly retired demographic.
The Villages is a comfortable place to call home. With a median household income of $73,415, residents enjoy all of the area’s amenities, recreational activities, and social opportunities that this unique community offers.
The Villages Neighborhoods | Where You Should Move
There are many homes for sale in the Villages Florida. So how do you choose which one’s yours? How big are The Villages in Florida? Taking up about 31.3 square miles, The Villages are split between Marion County and Sumter County. The Villages FL zip codes are 32159, 32162, 34484, 34491, and 34785. Most people living in The Villages Florida have phone numbers with a 352 area code.
The Villages time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time. When daylight saving time kicks in, residents are afforded an extra hour of time to play golf and enjoy the sunshine. Situated at 75 feet above sea level, residents experience a breezy, elevated charm, which complements the warm Florida weather.
Residents can easily travel from The Villages to Orlando, about 58 miles away, which takes about 1 hour.
The Villages Recreation Department operates 14 parks and outdoor amenities across the area. Many neighborhoods have town squares where you can find stores and attractions clustered together. For example, Spanish Springs Town Square contains dozens of stores and restaurants, all within a few steps of each other. Most town squares are located near dog parks, swimming pools, and other green spaces and outdoor attractions.
Where should you live in The Villages? With plenty of beautiful, safe communities to choose from, a few of the best neighborhoods in The Villages are:
Village of Duval
With 1,550 homes in the community, the Village of Duval is one of the most popular neighborhoods in The Villages. Residents living in The Villages Florida love the convenience and comfort of living in this top-rated community.
- Homes for sale in the Village of Duval
- Average price of a home: $339,500
Village of Collier
The comfortable Village of Collier is surrounded by nice amenities and plenty of enjoyable things to do, including great country clubs. It’s why so many love living in The Villages Florida.
- Homes for sale in the Village of Collier
- Average price of a home: $347,450
Cottages at Summerchase
Is living in The Villages Florida in your future? The Cottages at Summerchase offer midsize homes that are competitively priced and easy access to nearby activities around town.
- Homes for sale in Cottages at Summerchase
- Average price of a home: $347,450
Interested in moving to The Villages? Contact us for a free moving quote today!
Cost of Living in The Villages Florida | How You Can Afford Living in the Villages Florida
The average cost of living in The Villages Florida is about 3% higher than the national average, but only about 0.6% higher than the Florida state average. Residents living in The Villages Florida enjoy lower prices for transportation, groceries, and healthcare, but also tend to pay more for home utilities and The Villages real estate market.
Residents moving to The Villages should budget around $272 per month for utilities; nearly $100 more than the average monthly utility bill of $173.02, factored into the Orlando cost of living. While living in this vibrant community comes with a slightly higher price tag, residents enjoy well-maintained amenities and a comfortable lifestyle.
There is no state income tax in The Villages, following the standard set by Florida.
How much does it cost to live in The Villages, FL? According to Numbeo, these are some basic prices you can expect for expenses while living in The Villages Florida.
The Villages Typical Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Meal for 2 people mid-range restaurant: $40.00
- Milk (regular 1 gallon): $4.55
- Eggs (1 dozen): $2.70
- Potatoes (5 pound bag): $4.00
- Bread (1 loaf): $3.86
- Average cost of gasoline (per gallon): $3.21
- Average cost of utilities (per month): $272
The Villages FL Crime Rate
According to the latest available data, The Villages, Florida, maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the state. Those living in The Villages Florida can rest easy knowing they’ll be safe. The overall crime rate is approximately 1,044 crimes per 100,000 residents, about 54% lower than the national average.
Violent crimes are notably rare, with a rate of 0.27 per 1,000 residents, which translates to a 1-in-3,766 chance of becoming a victim. This is significantly lower than both the Florida state average and the national median. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, occur at a rate of 8.41 per 1,000 residents, which is also below the national median.
These statistics underscore The Villages as a safe community, with crime rates substantially lower than in nearby urban areas like Orlando. The community’s safety is further enhanced by services such as gated neighborhood entries and community watch programs. Living in The Villages Florida has a crime rate of less than half of the crime rate in Orlando.
Residents living in The Villages are served and protected by active-duty Central Florida police officers from Lake County and Marion County. Sumter County and the Lady Lake Police Department offices also assist with security in the retirement community. There is a nearby fire department that is ready to assist. The Villages Public Safety Department (VPSD) also serves as a full service police department and fire department!
Weather The Villages FL
There is a humid subtropical climate in The Villages, which brings gorgeous and comfortable weather for most of the year, similar to other communities on the East Coast. While the area does experience fairly high humidity, the lower temperatures tend to balance it out. Weather in The Villages gets an average of 51 inches of rain per year.
Summers in The Villages mean warm, sunny days, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s at night to the low 90s by afternoon; these temperatures are perfect for poolside relaxing or a morning round of golf. Winters can be a bit more refreshing; chilly mornings in the upper 40s give way to pleasant afternoon temperatures in the upper 60s, making it an ideal escape from harsher winter climates.
When is the best time to visit The Villages, FL? Generally, the most popular month for local tourism is February due to the cooler temperatures and limited rainfall. Many people enjoy visiting The Villages during summer to experience the area’s mild weather.
Things to Do in The Villages | Things to Do Near The Villages FL
Commonly referred to as a “paradise,” 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 the recreation center, concerts, and theatrical performances.
Top Attractions
- Eisenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center – With a nice resort-style family pool and various activities for people to enjoy, the Eisenhower Recreation Center is a can’t-miss thing to do in The Villages.
- Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve – This amazing wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful point of interest, offering places for walking, jogging, or enjoying a picnic.
- The Villages Polo Club – If you’re a fan of polo, this great venue offers weekend events and free live entertainment throughout the year.
- Sarasota Golf Practice Center – Whether you’re a beginner golfer or simply working on your short game, this practice center offers a putting green, golf lessons, and beyond.
Entertainment, Museums, & Arts
- Lake Sumter Landing – Lake Sumter Landing is a fantastic destination with a waterside mall area with numerous shops, places to eat, and local bars.
- Barnstorm Theater – Enjoy a unique moviegoing experience at this indie movie theater that was designed to look like a barn.
- Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center – Many residents watch popular plays and concerts in this large 1,000-seat venue.
Parks & Outdoors
- Lake Griffin State Park – Visitors to this massive 620-acre park in The Villages can take advantage of over 40 campsites, canoe/kayak rentals, and plenty of hiking trails.
- Wilkerson Creek Park & Children’s Playground – Whether it’s your kids or your grandkids, children will love playing at this local park.
- Lake Okahumpka Park – At this 130-acre park, you’ll find a disc golf course, pet stations, paved trails, and a boat ramp to the lake.
Shopping
- Spanish Springs Town Square – For the most convenient shopping in The Villages, this large area features boutiques as well as a movie theater and performing arts center.
- Brownwood Paddock Square – The Brownwood Town Center has local stores that offer fun places to shop in this town square area.
Are you ready to start enjoying great attractions in The Villages? Contact 2 College Brothers today, and we’ll create a stress-free and efficient moving process for you!
Restaurants in The Villages Florida
The Villages has plenty of great restaurants, including top-rated spots like the Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille. This charming location offers American cuisine, including seafood and signature cocktails.
Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille, 925 Lake Shore Dr, The Villages, FL 32162 (352) 753-7800
One of the best places to eat in The Villages is the Cane Garden Country Club, a local golf course with a fantastic restaurant. Some of the top dishes on their menu include soups, salads, wraps, meatloaf, chicken cordon bleu, baked pasta, white fish, and more.
Cane Garden Country Club, 1726 Bailey Trail, The Villages, FL 32162 (352) 750-0627
At Square 1 Burgers & Bar, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals from one of the most popular restaurants in The Villages. They have amazing burgers along with bottled beers and signature cocktails to fit any palate.
Square 1 Burgers & Bar, 2542 Burnsed Blvd, The Villages, FL 32163 (352) 689-2191
The Villages Real Estate
As of December 2024, The Villages, Florida, has experienced a slight decrease in home values. The median home sold price was $380,000, reflecting a 2% decrease from the previous year. The median price per square foot stood at $248.
Homes in The Villages typically go pending in around 44 days. The property tax rate in The Villages varies depending on the county. In Sumter County, the median property tax rate is 1.11%, slightly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Florida state median of 1.14%.
With a median home value of $322,900, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $3,584. In Marion County, the median property tax rate is 1.36%, resulting in a typical annual property tax bill of $3,703. While most residents in The Villages own their homes, rental options are available. The average rent in The Villages is approximately $2,100 per month.
Are you ready to own a golf cart to zip around The Villages and into the house of your dreams? Call 2 College Brothers at (813) 922-1528 and get a personalized moving estimate now!
The Villages Schools
Only a few hundred kids between the ages of 0 and 18 are living in The Villages, making up about 1% of the population. Due to the 55+ lifestyle and amenities that cater to seniors, The Villages isn’t generally seen as a place for families to live. Most residents ride around on golf carts thanks to the conveniently located The Villages.
If you are planning on moving to The Villages with children, the area’s top schools are:
- The Villages Charter Elementary School – Intermediate Center
- The Villages Charter High School
The colleges and universities nearest to The Villages are Beacon College, Lake-Sumter State College, and the College of Central Florida.
Looking for The Villages public library? Residents living in The Villages have full access to the free Villages Public Library at Belvedere.
Jobs in The Villages FL
If you are interested in The Villages jobs around the area, there are a handful of opportunities available throughout the community. Some of the best places to work in The Villages include:
- Glenview Champions Golf & Country Club
- The Villages Hospice House
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Job seekers in The Villages can explore a variety of career opportunities on Indeed, where new listings are regularly updated.
The average salary in The Villages is $58,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $15.89 per hour. The Villages has a thriving retirement community; while there are plenty of opportunities, the unemployment rate in The Villages is about 6.6%.
Do you want a smooth moving process that won’t disrupt your job? Contact 2 College Brothers for a stress-free move today!
Transportation in The Villages
Wondering how to get around The Villages, FL? Believe it or not, the most common form of transportation in The Villages is by golf cart. With more than 90 miles of golf cart paths, residents can easily travel throughout almost the entire community. Locals also have access to The Villages shuttle, which is owned and operated by the Sumter County Transit system.
While some parts of The Villages are walkable, you will likely want to have your own vehicle to travel from place to place, as it can be difficult to get around otherwise. However, if you’re comfortable walking, you can use walking trails to get around family unit neighborhoods in the Villages easily. You can also use fitness trails for jogging, hiking, and biking if you prefer those activities over walking.
Traveling to and from The Villages is easy and straightforward. The closest airport to The Villages is Leesburg International Airport, only about 18 miles to the southeast, which offers convenient regional flights. For those taking off on longer trips, Orlando International Airport is a major flight hub only about 66 miles away.
Residents in The Villages have access to top-tier healthcare, with several highly rated facilities nearby. UF Health, The Villages Hospital provides a wide range of services, including emergency care and specialized treatment.AdventHealth, the Villages Center for Health, offers a range of options, including preventative care and wellness programs. With a strong network of healthcare services, residents at The Villages can receive quality medical care without having to travel far.
Sports in The Villages Florida
Is The Villages a good place to live? It is if you love sports! 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 12 championship golf courses.
- Belle Glade
- Bonifay
- Cane Garden
- Evans Prairie
- Glenview Champions
- Hacienda Hills
- Havana
- Mallory Hill
- Nancy Lopez Legacy
- Orange Blossom Hills
- Palmer Legends
- Tierra Del Sol
If you’re a basketball fan, you can always travel to downtown Orlando to see the Orlando Magic NBA basketball team play at the Amway Center.
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 showers and lockers for storing your tennis equipment.
Swimming Pools
You have access to over 70 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 to learn how to swim. If you want to improve your swimming skills, you can take an enrichment academy 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 require that your children under three years old wear protective swim products. Popular family pools include the Seabreeze Regional Recreation Center, Allamanda Recreation Center, and the Bacall Recreation Center.
Villages Polo Club
The Villages Polo Club is one of the most popular sports clubs in The Villages. The club maintains a 250-acre polo facility that you can visit from all the town squares in the Villages. You can watch polo matches for free and participate in matches throughout the year. If you want to learn to play the game, you can sign up for family-friendly polo academies in Central Florida.
Country Clubs
Besides the polo club, you can sign up for various country clubs in and around The Villages. Notable clubs include Havana Golf and Country Club, which has 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.
Evans Prairie Golf and Country Club has another top 27-hole golf course, with incredible views of the countryside and six sets of tees on each hole. The club also has on-site restaurants where you can eat pasta, sandwiches, and steaks while enjoying free nightly entertainment. All residents of the Villages have access to free golf and can sign up for any country club of their choice, regardless of which town square they live in. With all these amenities, you may be thinking, what are the negatives of living in The Villages in Florida?
Pros and Cons of Living in The Villages Florida
Living in The Villages Florida Pros: What Is the Big Deal About The Villages in Florida?
- Pro: The Villages get beautiful, mild weather for most of the year.
- Pro: Compared to comparable communities, The Villages is considered very affordable.
- Pro: The Villages ranks as one of the safest communities in the entire state of Florida. You can go for walks through any town square at night safely.
- Pro: You’ll never get bored living in The Villages thanks to the many amenities and camp villages.
- Pro: You can visit many local businesses conveniently, including three local libraries.
Living in The Villages Florida Cons: What Is the Downside of Living in The Villages in Florida?
- Con: While the weather is also an advantage in the area, the disadvantages of living in The Villages Florida can include weather. Some people may not like the humidity, muggy summer days, and constant warm weather.
- Con: Like everywhere else in Florida, The Villages has bugs, including pests like ants, cockroaches, termites, and spiders, which may be bothersome to older residents.
- Con: With a population of 93% Caucasian, the area has limited diversity.
FAQs About Living in The Villages Florida
What Is the Best Town Square in the Villages?
While all town squares in The Villages have something to offer, Spanish Springs Town Square is the best town square, as it has over 50 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Lots of people come to central Florida to visit Spanish Springs Town Square.
What Is So Special About the Villages in Florida?
The Villages is special for its exciting town squares full of attractions like clothing stores and great outdoor things to do, including top fishing lakes.
What Is the Most Desirable Village in the Villages Florida?
The Cottages at Summerchase is the most desirable village, as it is home to many social clubs and has a family-friendly atmosphere with great homes for sale in the Villages FL and executive golf courses nearby.
What Are the HOA Fees in The Villages in Florida?
Living in The Villages Florida doesn’t have regular HOA fees. Instead, residents living in The Villages Florida will pay an amenities fee of $195, and they’ll also owe an annual maintenance fee that depends on the neighborhood and size of the home.
How Much Money Do I Need to Live at The Villages in Florida?
How much money you need to live at The Villages Florida will depend on multiple factors, including the neighborhood you buy in. However, you can expect to pay at least $800-1200 more a month on top of your average bills for maintenance costs.
What Are the New Rules for Living in The Villages Florida?
There is only one rule for living in The Villages Florida: the primary homeowner must be 55 or older.
Is there Assisted Living in The Villages Florida?
Yes! There are many different options for senior living in The Villages Florida.
Moving to the Villages, FL | How to Find the Home of Your Dreams
For many reasons, relocating to The Villages is a great decision for most people! The Villages lifestyle is one of a kind. After you’ve weighed the positives and negatives of living in The Villages Florida, you can decide whether it’s right for you.
If you are planning on making this great community your new home soon, trust the best The Villages movers here at 2 College Brothers to assist you! Give us a call today at (813) 922-1528 or fill out the request a quote form for a free moving estimate!
