The Villages, Florida 55 Plus

The Villages, Florida: The Ultimate Guide to America's Premier 55+ Retirement Community

Everything You Need to Know About Amenities, Home Values, Cost of Living, and Lifestyle in 2025-2026

The Villages, Florida, stands as America's largest and most successful active adult retirement community, attracting over 150,000 residents who call this sprawling Central Florida community home. Often referred to as "Disneyland for Adults" or "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," The Villages has transformed the concept of retirement living with its unparalleled amenities, vibrant social scene, and resort-style lifestyle.

Whether you're researching 55+ communities, planning your retirement relocation, or simply curious about what makes The Villages such a phenomenon, this comprehensive guide covers everything from home values and market conditions to the extensive amenities and recreational opportunities that define life in this remarkable community.

Overview of The Villages, Florida

The Villages is not just a retirement community—it's a self-contained city designed specifically for active adults aged 55 and older. What began in the 1960s as a small mobile home park called Orange Blossom Gardens has evolved into a 32-square-mile master-planned community that spans three Florida counties: Lake, Sumter, and Marion.

Key Facts About The Villages
FeatureDetailsYear Established1992 (officially renamed from Orange Blossom Gardens)Total AreaApproximately 32 square miles (83 square kilometers)Population (2024)Over 150,000 residentsCountiesLake, Sumter, and MarionAge Requirement55+ for at least one household memberGolf Courses56 courses with 729 holesRecreation CentersOver 100 facilitiesClubs & Organizations3,000+ resident-led groupsMonthly Amenity Fee$189 (as of 2025)

The Villages consistently ranks as the #1 master-planned community in America and has been the fastest-growing metropolitan statistical area in the United States for multiple consecutive years.

Location and Geography

The Villages is strategically located in Central Florida, making it an ideal home base for exploring the Sunshine State.

Proximity to Major Destinations
DestinationDistance from The VillagesOrlando International AirportApproximately 60 miles (1 hour)Tampa International AirportApproximately 70 miles (1.5 hours)Walt Disney WorldApproximately 50 miles (1 hour)OcalaApproximately 15 miles (20 minutes)GainesvilleApproximately 45 miles (50 minutes)Gulf Coast BeachesApproximately 90 miles (1.5-2 hours)Atlantic Coast BeachesApproximately 75 miles (1.5 hours)

The community is situated at what locals call the "crossroads of Florida," with easy access to Interstate 75, the Florida Turnpike, and major state highways.

Climate and Weather

The Villages enjoys a subtropical climate with:

- Average Winter Temperature: 56°F (low) to 72°F (high)
- Average Summer Temperature: 74°F (low) to 92°F (high)
- Annual Rainfall: Approximately 50 inches
- Hurricane Zone: Inland location provides some protection from coastal storms

Population and Demographics

The Villages has experienced extraordinary growth over the past two decades, transforming from a modest retirement community into a thriving metropolitan area.

Population Growth Statistics
YearPopulationGrowth Rate2010~85,000Baseline2015~119,000+4020~130,000+5323~150,000+7625 (Projected)~155,500+8330 (Projected)~175,100+106%
Demographic Profile
DemographicDataMedian Age73.6 yearsMedian Household Income$76,523Homeownership RateOver 90%Primary EthnicityWhite (95.7%)Veterans Population~19,370 (highest non-military-base area in the U.S.)
Where Do Residents Come From?

The Villages attracts retirees from across the United States, with the top states of origin including:

- New York
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
- Florida (retirees downsizing or seeking more active lifestyle)

Home Values and Real Estate Market Conditions

Understanding the real estate market in The Villages is crucial for anyone considering a move or investment in the community.

Current Market Overview (2025-2026)
MetricCurrent DataYear-Over-Year ChangeMedian Home Price$350,000 - $377,500-1.4% to -7.9%Average Home Value$392,321 - $409,251-1.9% to -2.8%Days on Market53-74 daysSlight increaseInventory535-695 homes-13.3% YoYPrice Cuts34.5% of listingsIncreased seller urgency
Market Analysis

The Villages real estate market experienced a correction in 2024-2025 following the post-pandemic surge. Key observations include:

- 2021 Peak: Home values surged 31.9% due to high demand and low interest rates
- 2023: Modest 1.7% increase
- 2024-2025: Market correction with -1.4% to -2.8% decline in values
- Forecast: Prices expected to stabilize with gradual recovery through 2026
Home Price Ranges by Type
Home TypePrice RangeSquare FootagePatio Villas$200,000 - $280,000800 - 1,200 sq ftCottage Homes$200,000 - $300,000900 - 1,400 sq ftCourtyard Villas$280,000 - $380,0001,200 - 1,600 sq ftVerandas$300,000 - $450,0001,400 - 1,800 sq ftDesigner Homes$350,000 - $600,0001,600 - 2,500 sq ftPremier Homes$500,000 - $1,000,000+2,200 - 3,500+ sq ft
Is The Villages a Buyer's or Seller's Market?

As of early 2025, The Villages is transitioning toward a more balanced market:

- Months of Supply: 2.2-2.3 months (seller's market territory)
- Best Time to Buy: September (homes sell at 96.4% of list price)
- Best Time to Sell: October (fastest sales, highest prices)

Types of Homes Available

The Villages offers a diverse selection of housing options to accommodate various budgets, lifestyles, and preferences.

Patio Villas

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, singles, couples seeking low-maintenance living

- Size: 800-1,200 square feet
- Features: Single-story, attached or detached, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Price Range: $200,000-$280,000
- Maintenance: Exterior maintenance often included
Cottage Homes

Best for: Buyers seeking affordable single-family living

- Size: 900-1,400 square feet
- Features: Single-story, 2-3 bedrooms, attached garage
- Price Range: $200,000-$300,000
- Lot Size: Smaller lots, interior positioning
Courtyard Villas

Best for: Buyers wanting private outdoor space

- Size: 1,200-1,600 square feet
- Features: Private courtyard entry, single-story, 2-3 bedrooms
- Price Range: $280,000-$380,000
- Unique Feature: Walled courtyard for privacy
Verandas

Best for: Those seeking spacious single-story living

- Size: 1,400-1,800 square feet
- Features: Covered outdoor living space, 2-3 bedrooms, 2-car garage
- Price Range: $300,000-$450,000
- Popular With: Golf enthusiasts (many with course views)
Designer Homes

Best for: Buyers seeking customization and premium features

- Size: 1,600-2,500 square feet
- Features: Customizable floor plans, premium finishes, 2-3 bedrooms
- Price Range: $350,000-$600,000
- Options: Golf frontage, conservation views, waterfront lots
Premier Homes

Best for: Luxury buyers seeking maximum space and features

- Size: 2,200-3,500+ square feet
- Features: High-end finishes, gourmet kitchens, multiple living areas, 3-4 bedrooms
- Price Range: $500,000-$1,000,000+
- Lot Types: Premium locations including golf frontage and waterfront
Lot Types and Positioning
Lot TypeDescriptionPrice PremiumInterior LotsStandard positioning, homes back to each otherBase priceCul-de-Sac LotsPie-shaped, larger lotsModerate premiumCorner LotsExtra side yard spaceModerate premiumGolf View LotsViews of golf courseHigher premiumGolf Frontage LotsDirect golf course accessHighest premiumConservation LotsAdjacent to nature preservesHigher premiumWaterfront LotsLake or pond viewsHigher premium

Cost of Living Breakdown

Understanding the true cost of living in The Villages is essential for budget planning. While official estimates suggest monthly costs between $807-$1,262, real-world expenses typically run 20-40% higher.

Monthly Cost Estimates by Home Type
Expense CategoryPatio VillaDesigner HomePremier HomeAmenity Fee$189$189$189CDD Assessment$129-$191$150-$220$180-$385Property Taxes$200-$280$300-$400$450-$600Homeowner's Insurance$150-$200$200-$300$300-$450Utilities (Electric, Water, Sewer)$150-$250$200-$350$300-$500Trash Collection$25-$35$25-$35$25-$35**Total Estimated$843-$1,145$1,064-$1,494$1,444-$2,159
Understanding CDD Fees and Bonds

The Community Development District (CDD) system is unique to The Villages and often confuses new buyers.

CDD Bond
- What It Pays For: Infrastructure (roads, utilities, streetlights, common areas)
- Duration: 15-30 year payment plan
- Amount: $14,000-$23,000 depending on home/area
- Options: Pay upfront at closing OR pay annually with property taxes
- Note: Older homes may have "bond paid" status
CDD Maintenance Fee
- What It Pays For: Ongoing infrastructure maintenance
- Duration: Perpetual (never ends)
- Amount: $100-$500+ per month depending on location
- Note: Cannot be avoided regardless of bond status
Monthly Amenity Fee: $189

The amenity fee provides access to:

- 42+ executive golf courses (free to walk)
- 100+ recreation centers
- Swimming pools throughout the community
- Tennis, pickleball, bocce courts
- Free nightly entertainment at Town Squares
- Fitness facilities
- Over 3,000 organized activities weekly
Additional Costs to Consider
ExpenseEstimated Annual CostGolf Cart$5,000-$15,000 (purchase) or $200-$400/month (lease)Trail Pass$100-$200/yearChampionship Golf Memberships$100-$200/round (resident rates)Lawn Care$100-$200/monthPest Control$50-$100/monthTermite Bond$100-$200/yearHome Pressure Washing$100-$200 per visitExterior Painting$2,000-$3,500 every 5-7 years

Recreational Amenities

The Villages is renowned for its unmatched recreational offerings, providing residents with endless opportunities to stay active, social, and engaged.

Recreation Centers

The Villages operates over 100 recreation centers throughout the community, offering:

- Indoor Facilities: Billiards rooms, card rooms, craft studios, meeting spaces, fitness centers
- Outdoor Facilities: Pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard, bocce, horseshoes
- Regional Complexes: Larger facilities with comprehensive amenities
- Neighborhood Centers: Smaller, convenient facilities close to home
Swimming Pools
Pool TypeDescriptionNumberSports PoolsLap swimming and aquatic exerciseMultipleFamily PoolsRecreational swimming, guests welcomeMultipleNeighborhood PoolsConvenient residential access50+
Courts and Fields
FacilityQuantityNotesPickleball Courts100+Fastest-growing sport in communityTennis CourtsMultiple facilitiesVarious skill levelsPlatform Tennis12 courtsOnly facility in FloridaSoftball Diamonds11216 teams, 2,592 playersBocce CourtsMultiplePopular social activityShuffleboard CourtsMultipleTraditional favorite
Unique Recreational Offerings
- Polo Stadium: 2 fields with regular leagues (developer-owned)
- Bowling Alleys: 2 first-class facilities with 80+ leagues
- Archery Ranges: Including Dudley Archery Range
- Air Gun Ranges
- Dog Parks: Multiple locations including Dudley Canine Park
- Fishing Lakes and Ponds
- Walking and Fitness Trails
The Enrichment Academy

Launched in 2017, the Enrichment Academy offers 140+ fee-based courses including:

- Scuba diving
- Culinary arts
- Photography
- Art classes
- Music lessons
- Technology training
- Language courses

Golf Courses and Facilities

The Villages proudly claims the title of "Golf Capital of the World" with more golf holes than any other community on the planet.

Golf Course Statistics
CategoryNumberTotal Golf Courses56Total Golf Holes729Championship Courses (18-27 holes)12Executive Courses (9 holes)42+Pitch & Putt Courses2Total Yards of Golf147,896 (85 miles)
Executive Golf Courses

What's Included in Amenity Fee:

- Free walking access to all executive courses
- Cart fees apply for riding

Course Features:

- Primarily par 3 holes with occasional par 4/5
- Rated 1-4 difficulty scale
- 3 sets of tees for all skill levels
- Night Golf: Available at Saddlebrook and Escambia courses
Championship Golf Clubs
Club NameHolesNotable FeaturesPalmer Legends27Cherry Hill/Laurel Valley coursesCane Gardens27Allamanda/Jacaranda coursesEvans Prairie27Lake views, challenging layoutTierra Del Sol18LPGA television appearancesOrange Blossom Hills27Rolling terrain, elevation changesHavana27Beautiful oak hammocksNancy Lopez Legacy27Named for golf legend

Championship Course Benefits:

- Automatic lifetime membership for residents
- Full clubhouse amenities
- Pro shops
- Driving ranges
- Golf academies and instruction
- Restaurants and pools
Golf Costs
ServiceCostExecutive WalkingFree (included in amenity fee)Executive Cart Fee$10-$20 per roundChampionship Round$35-$75 (resident rate)Golf LessonsVaries by instructorGood Golf SchoolFree for residents

Town Squares and Entertainment

One of the most beloved features of The Villages is its three vibrant Town Squares, each offering free nightly entertainment 365 days a year.

Spanish Springs Town Square

Theme: Spanish/Mexican influence reflecting Florida's history

Features:

- Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
- Adobe-colored architecture
- Outdoor bandshell/stage
- Spanish Springs Lanes (bowling)
- Gazebo and courtyard seating

Popular Establishments:

- Ruby Tuesday
- Ay! Jalisco
- Amerikanos Grille
- McCall's Tavern
- World of Beer
- Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Theme: Quaint seaside village with lakefront setting

Features:

- Boardwalk along Lake Sumter
- Waterfront dining
- Boat tours available
- Largest open-air plaza in The Villages
- Currently undergoing updates (2025)

Popular Establishments:

- R.J. Gator's
- Johnny Rockets
- Starbucks
- TooJay's Deli
- City Fire
Brownwood Paddock Square

Theme: Early 19th-century Florida cattle town (newest square)

Features:

- Log Cabin Stage with stadium seating
- Brownwood Hotel & Spa (opening)
- Western/rustic atmosphere
- Farmers Market (Saturdays 9am-2pm)

Popular Establishments:

- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Unique boutique shops
- Artisan vendors
Upcoming: Fourth Town Square

A fourth town square is planned for the expanding southern areas of The Villages near Fenney and the Village of Southern Oaks.

Sawgrass Grove

Opened in 2022, Sawgrass Grove combines:

- Recreation facilities
- Golf
- Entertainment venue
- Marketplace
- Food vendors
Entertainment Schedule
FeatureDetailsLive MusicEvery night, 5pm-9pm, all three squaresDancingLine dancing, partner dancingSpecial EventsFestivals, car shows, holiday celebrationsFarmers MarketsWeekly at BrownwoodMovie TheatersOne at each Town Square

Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare is a primary consideration for retirees, and The Villages has developed comprehensive medical infrastructure to serve its aging population.

Hospitals
UF Health The Villages Hospital
- Location: Within The Villages community
- Affiliation: University of Florida Health
- Bed Count: Full-service hospital
- Specialties: Emergency care, cancer center, rehabilitation
- Unique Feature: Golf cart accessible
UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital
- Serving: The Villages, Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties since 2002
- Recognition: America's 50 Best Vascular Surgery, America's 100 Best Orthopedic Surgery
- Network: Part of UF Health, ranked among best hospitals in the country
Select Specialty Hospital
- Focus: 40-bed critical illness recovery
- Location: Within The Villages community
- Services: Long-term acute care
Medical Centers and Clinics
FacilityServicesThe Villages Medical CenterMulti-specialty ambulatory servicesThe Villages Medical Center EastInternal medicine, dermatology, cardiologyThe Villages HealthPrimary care with minimal wait timesVA Outpatient ClinicServices for veteransFlorida Cancer SpecialistsOncology treatment
Specialty Care Available
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Gynecology
- Urology
- Podiatry
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Behavioral Health
Nearby Hospital Systems
HospitalLocationDistanceAdventHealth OcalaOcala~25 milesHCA Florida Citrus HospitalInverness~30 milesUF Health LeesburgLeesburg~20 milesAdventHealth OrlandoOrlando~60 miles

Shopping and Dining

The Villages offers extensive retail and dining options, with everything accessible by golf cart.

Shopping Centers and Plazas
- Spanish Springs - National brands and local boutiques
- Lake Sumter Landing - Waterfront shops and services
- Brownwood Paddock Square - Unique western-themed stores
- Colony Plaza - Grocery and everyday essentials
- Buffalo Ridge Plaza - Diverse retail options
Major Retailers
CategoryStoresGroceryPublix, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, AldiFashionChico's, Talbots, Soma, Soft SurroundingsHomeCity Furniture, home décor shopsHealthWalgreens, CVS, medical supply storesDepartmentBealls, Kohl's
Dining Options

The Villages features hundreds of restaurants representing diverse cuisines:

Cuisine TypeExample EstablishmentsAmericanRuby Tuesday, Amerikanos, McCall's TavernItalianBella Vita, various pizzeriasMexicanAy! JaliscoSeafoodCoastal del Mar, R.J. https://agentsgather.com/the-villages-florida-55-plus/