The community of The Villages in Florida is one of the largest and most well-known retirement communities in the United States. It is located in Sumter County, Florida, and has a population of Appx. 80,000 people.

The Villages was first established in the 1960s, and it has since grown to become a thriving community that is known for its active lifestyle and numerous amenities. The community is spread across three counties: Sumter, Lake, and Marion. The Villages is known for its golf courses, country clubs, and numerous recreational facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers.

The Villages is a very active community, and there are many social clubs and activities for residents to participate in. These include everything from bridge and card clubs to dance classes, music groups, and gardening clubs. There are also many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in The Villages, making it a self-contained community where residents can find everything they need without leaving the area.

Overall, The Villages is a unique and vibrant community that offers retirees a high quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for socialization, recreation, and entertainment.

Population:

• Population (2023): 79,077
• Median age (2023): 72.7
• Residents under 18 (2023): 0.3%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 85.7%
• Population by sex (2023): 46.3% male, 53.7% female
• Married Population (2023): 87%
• Homeowners and renters (2022): 94.4% homeowners, 5.6% renters
• Population change in the 10 year period of (2010-2020): Over 50% increase
• Poverty rate compared to US national average (2022): 3.7% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 97%,
• Other – 3%

*Median prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median Household Income (2022): $73,415
• Per capita income (2022): $53,403

Tax:

• County Property Tax Rate: 0.95% / Sumter – .94% / Marion – .99% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined State and County Sales Tax Rate: Lake and Sumter County – 7% / Marion County – 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to US national average (2023): Higher
• Cost of housing compared to Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to US national average (2023): 4% Lower
• Cost of healthcare compared to US national average (2023): 6% Lower
• Cost of utilities compared to US national average (2023): 14% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to US national average (2023): 4% Higher

Political affiliation based on 2024 election results : majority Republican

Largest 3 employers: The Villages, UF Health The Villages Hospital, and Sumter County School District

School ratings: A-rated schools (2020)

Coastal: No

Average low and high temperature: Low 16.3 degrees celsius, High 27 degrees celsius

Fun facts: The Villages is one of the largest gated retirement communities in the world with over 60,000 homes spread across three counties in Florida. The community has its own radio and TV stations, newspaper, and healthcare services.

Location and Amenities:

Highways:

• Interstate 75 (I-75): Approx. 20-25 miles west of The Villages.
• Florida’s Turnpike: Approx. 5-10 miles east of The Villages.

International Airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Approx. 75-80 miles south of The Villages. Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Approx. 90-95 miles southwest of The Villages. Travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of Florida (Gainesville): Approx. 45-50 miles north of The Villages. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
• University of Central Florida (Orlando area): Approx. 50-60 miles south of The Villages. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours by car.

Hospitals:

• UF Health Spanish Plains Hospital

Shopping Malls:

• Spanish Springs Town Square: A shopping and entertainment center located within The Villages.
• Lake Sumter Landing Market Square: Another shopping and entertainment center within The Villages.
• For larger shopping malls, you’d likely need to travel to areas like Ocala or Orlando.

Major Cities:

• Orlando, Florida: Approx. 60-70 miles south of The Villages.
• Tampa, Florida: Approx. 85-95 miles southwest of The Villages.
• Gainesville, Florida: Approx. 45-50 miles north of The Villages.
• Ocala, Florida: Approx. 20-25 miles east of The Villages.

Amenities/attractions:

• Golf courses, country clubs, shopping centers, restaurants, theaters, parks, and recreational activities

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

For information visit Marionfl.org / sumtercountyfl.gov / lakecountyfl.gov