The Complete Guide to The Villages, Florida

As the largest gated over-55 community in the world with over 130 miles of golf cart paths and thousands of amenities on offer within its 10 square mile area, it can be daunting trying to navigate all this region has to offer.

That's why we've written this comprehensive guide––to help take some of that confusion out-of-the way so you can make informed decisions about visiting (or relocating!) here.

From finding your perfect dream home to where to dine and how best to spend your free time in The Villages, follow along as we cover everything there is to know about this wonderful area!

Who Lives in The Villages, Florida

The Villages, Florida is home to a population of 81.4k people, with 98.7% being citizens. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, the racial makeup of The Villages CDP is 97.7% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 0.5% from two or more races in 2020.

In 2021, the median household income was estimated at $60,856 and 18% of residents had a master's degree or higher while 25% had a bachelor's degree and 31% had some college or associate's degree according to Niche data. The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (96.9%) followed by Hispanic (1.2%) and Asian (1.0%).

The Villages, Florida is home to over 79,372 people with a median age of 72 years old. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, in 2017-2021 there were 44,109 households and an average of 1.73 persons per household living in The Villages. Additionally, 90.6% of people living in The Villages were living in the same house one year ago.

The population breakdown by age range is as follows: 0-9 (7%), 10-19 (5%), 20-29 (4%), 30-39 (6%), 40-49 (8%), 50-59 (12%), 60-69 (18%), 70-79 (25%) and 80+ (21%). Of the total population, 46.3% are males and 53.7% are females.

US born citizens make up 94.07% of The Villages' population and 97% are Caucasian, 1% Asian, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% two or more races, 0.3% Black or African American and 0.2% Native American or Indigenous peoples respectively.

Home Prices in The Villages, Florida

The Villages, Florida is a sought-after location for homebuyers looking for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.

One of the key indicators of this desirability is the median and mean home prices in the area, which hover around $400,000. This implies that the real estate market in The Villages is quite robust and competitive, with demand outstripping supply.

According to Realtor.com, the median listing price of homes for sale in The Villages is currently $399,000. This statistic underscores the high demand for homes in The Villages, as sellers are able to command a premium price for their properties.

Zillow, a popular online real estate marketplace, reports that the median list price per square foot in The Villages is $262. This metric provides a useful gauge of the relative value of homes in the area, as it factors in the size of the property.

Buyers who are comparing different homes in The Villages can use this information to help them make informed decisions about the value of the properties they are considering.

Finally, according to Rocket Homes, a real estate information and services provider, the median price of homes for sale in The Villages is $389,962 as of March 2023. This indicates that there is a wide range of homes available for sale in The Villages, at a variety of price points.

Potential buyers can use this information to help them narrow down their search for a home that meets their specific needs and budget.

Overall, the statistics about home prices in The Villages, Florida suggest that it is a highly desirable location with a competitive real estate market. Buyers who are looking for a luxurious lifestyle in a welcoming community should consider The Villages as a top option.

Learn How to Live in The Villages, Florida with a Reverse Mortgage!

HECM for Purchase is a program that allows older adults, who are 62 years or older, to purchase a new primary residence using a reverse mortgage. This is a popular way that The Villages residents use to buy their dream homes.

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home, without having to make monthly mortgage payments. Instead, the loan balance accrues over time and is only paid back when the homeowner sells the home, moves out or passes away.

In the case of HECM for Purchase, the program is specifically designed for older adults who want to downsize or move closer to family and friends. With this program, the borrower uses the proceeds from the reverse mortgage to finance the purchase of their new home.

They must make a down payment, which is typically 40-60% of the purchase price, depending on their age, the interest rate, and the appraised value of the home they are purchasing.

Reach out to MakeFloridaYourHome to see if you are able to take advantage of this program.

Other Ways to Move to The Villages, Florida

While Reverse Mortgage Purchase loans are an incredible opportunity, there are other ways to finance moving to your dream home in the villages as well!

• Conventional Loans - Conventional loans are offered by private lenders and are not insured by the government. These loans typically require a higher credit score and a larger down payment, but may offer lower interest rates and more flexible terms.

• FHA Loans - FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed to help lower-income and first-time homebuyers. These loans offer more relaxed credit score requirements and a lower down payment option, but may come with higher interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums.

• VA Loans - VA loans are offered to active duty military personnel and veterans and are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans typically offer no down payment and low interest rates, but may require a funding fee and have limits on the amount of the loan.

• USDA Loans - USDA loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to help low-income borrowers in rural areas purchase a home. These loans offer no down payment and low interest rates, but may have income and property location restrictions.

• Jumbo Loans - Jumbo loans are designed for borrowers who need to borrow more than the conforming loan limit, which is currently $548,250 in most areas. These loans typically require a larger down payment and a higher credit score, but may offer competitive interest rates.

• Reverse Mortgages - Reverse mortgages are designed for older adults who own their home and want to access their home equity to supplement their retirement income. These loans do not require monthly mortgage payments but may come with higher fees and interest rates.

Safety in The Villages, Florida

Living in The Villages, Florida is a peaceful and secure experience.

Based on the latest FBI statistics from 2018, The Villages boasts the lowest crime rate in all of Florida, with a total of 1,058 crimes per 100,000 population, significantly below the national average. According to FBI data, The Villages is one of the safest places to live in Florida.

Residents of The Villages can take comfort in the fact that many are street smart from their previous big city lives and some choose to carry concealed firearms.

Additionally, Dwellics analytics team assigned a safety score of 53.5 to The Villages, which is a positive indication of the community's safety.

Overall, living in The Villages provides a safe and secure environment that offers peace of mind for both residents and visitors.

Healthcare in The Villages, Florida

The Villages, Florida is home to some of the best healthcare options in the state. From fitness centers and exercise classes to medical facilities, there are plenty of options for those seeking quality care.

Here's a list of the top healthcare providers in The Villages:

• The Villages Health - Health Care Providers

• UF Health The Villages® Hospital

• Mulberry Care Center

• Santa Barbara Care Center

• The Villages Health Specialty Care Center at Spanish Springs

• The Villages Health Creekside Care Center

• The Villages Health Pinellas Care Center

• The Villages VA Clinic

No matter what your health needs may be, you can rest assured that you'll find quality care in The Villages!

Recreation and Outdoor Activities

The Villages, Florida is a destination that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and golfing.

For golf enthusiasts, the Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club is a great place to start. The Cane Garden Country Club is another popular spot, offering a variety of recreational opportunities like tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and bocce ball.

Nature lovers can explore the local wildlife and stunning views at several nearby nature preserves, such as the Ocala National Forest.

Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is an excellent choice for swimming and kayaking, while Bird's Underwater offers scuba diving tours with experienced guides.

For a more unique experience, Tom & Jerry's Airboat Rides is a must-visit. They offer exciting airboat tours through some of Florida's most beautiful wetlands, providing an up-close view of the local wildlife.

You can also rent a CraigCat boat from CatBoat Adventures for a guided tour through Lake Dora or explore Lake Griffin State Park on foot or by bike.

Finally, visitors can relax and enjoy live music and a variety of restaurants at the Lake Sumter Landing Market Square. Overall, The Villages, Florida is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer.

Lifestyle and Amenities

The Villages, Florida is more than just a retirement community. It is a lifestyle destination with endless amenities that cater to a wide range of interests.

For fitness enthusiasts, The Villages offers over 80 swimming pools, 50 recreation centers, and a vast network of walking and biking trails. There are also several world-class golf courses and tennis facilities, making it easy to stay active and healthy.

When it comes to entertainment, The Villages does not disappoint. The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center hosts world-class shows and concerts throughout the year, while the Savannah Center and several town squares offer a variety of free nightly entertainment.

The Villages also boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and shopping centers, from fine dining to casual eateries.

For those who enjoy the arts, The Villages has a thriving creative community with numerous clubs and groups for painting, pottery, and other art forms. The Villages also has its own museum and gallery, showcasing local and regional artists.

In addition to these amenities, The Villages also offers a range of services and facilities, including a medical center, churches, and community centers. The Villages even has its own TV and radio stations, providing residents with local news and entertainment.

Overall, The Villages offers a lifestyle that is hard to beat. With an array of amenities, activities, and services, residents can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement experience.

Bottom Line

The Villages, Florida is a unique and vibrant community that offers a rich and fulfilling lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. From its world-class amenities and outdoor activities to its thriving arts and entertainment scene, there is truly something for everyone in The Villages.

Whether you're looking for a place to retire or simply a vacation destination, The Villages has something to offer. With its warm climate, friendly community, and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation, it's no wonder that The Villages has become one of the most sought-after retirement destinations in the country.

We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable information about The Villages and all that it has to offer. Whether you're considering a move to the area or planning a visit, we encourage you to explore all that this wonderful community has to offer.