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The Villages Real Estate For Sale In FL
The Villages is an age-restricted, master-planned community for adults aged 55 and older comfortably situated in Central Florida. Seniors on the hunt for Florida real estate are attracted to this area’s collection of picturesque retirement neighborhoods, all with an impressive amount of amenities and top-notch recreation facilities. The Villages real estate market also puts this location in prime consideration for retirees: prices are reasonably affordable for both existing homes and land for custom-builds. Keep reading to discover more about The Villages.
More About The Villages, FL Real Estate
The Villages is a census-designated place situated around 20 miles south of Ocala and 45 miles northwest of Orlando, just minutes from beaches in two coastlines, airports, and theme parks. The community’s motto is: “America's Friendliest Hometown.”
With countless activities, a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals, and natural beauty everywhere you look, it is easy to see why The Villages real estate is considered a premier retirement destination in the Sunshine State for anyone seeking a high quality of life.
In fact, this area was awarded the title of number one active adult community in the country for 11th consecutive years by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors and John Burns Real Estate Consulting of Bethesda, Maryland. However, if you need detailed information, here’s a bit of what The Villages offers to potential homebuyers:
- Seventy-eight well-established neighborhoods or “Villages” in which you can choose between six different series of homes & villas.
- Around 15 miles of walkable nature pathways.
- Fourteen parks and dog parks with outdoor amenities for all residents and their families.
- More than 50 golf courses in the area, each with its own unique features and design.
- Three town squares to socialize with neighbors and friends: Spanish Springs Town Square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and Brownwood Paddock Square.
- Over 200 restaurants with a diverse range of cuisines to choose from.
- The Villages boasts three performing Arts Centers, three movie theaters, and three town squares offering free live entertainment every day of the year.
- The Villages offers 130 different single-specific clubs.
- For socializing, there are 3,000 social clubs and resident groups.
- Nine houses of worship.
- Three state-of-the-art medical facilities serving residents in The Villages real estate.
- Twelve country clubs
Cities Near The Villages, FL Real Estate
- 5 miles to Lady Lake, FL
- 13 miles to Leesburg, FL
- 22 miles to Ocala, FL
- 27 miles to Eustis, FL
- 29 miles to Mount Dora, FL
- 41 miles to Apopka, FL
The Villages, FL Real Estate Market
Adults aged 55+ searching for retirement real estate in Florida should take a look at The Villages, Florida before investing somewhere else. This highly sought after location has plenty of options for homebuyers of almost any budget, ranging from small to mid-size single-family homes and condominiums, to luxurious golf and country club estates.
The median sale price for real estate in The Villages is currently $388K, showing a year-over-year price increase of 15.8% and still below the national average of $428K. Note that depending on the homebuyer’s specific lifestyle, a home for sale in The Villages can cost anywhere between the low $200s to over $1M. The homes for sale in The Villages typically spend 25 days on the market before going pending and the homeownership rate is a staggering 95.9%.
The real estate market in The Villages is composed mostly of new construction or recent resale properties. Almost all the dwellings fall under the category of home or villa, and there are seven different series that we explain below:
Types of Homes In The Villages, Florida
- Patio Villas: With prices starting in the low $200Ks, these practical, low-maintenance villas have two- and three-bedroom floor plans and feature golf cart garages, outdoor living spaces, and more
- Cottage Villas: This series of cottage-style villas have prices starting from the $280Ks and come in two-and-three-bedroom floor plans.
- Cottage Homes: As the cottage villas, the cottage homes are priced in the $280Ks range and provide quality frame construction, two- and three-bedroom plans, and feature screen lanais, car garages, spacious bedrooms and dens.
- Courtyard Villas: Prices for courtyard villas start in the low $300Ks and they make more elegant, secluded living options. These homes have yard space, stucco finish, and come in two- or three-bedroom floor plans.
- The Verandas: The Verandas are perfect for those who want the privacy of their own courtyard with all of the comforts a full-sized home has to offer. These houses have concrete construction and stucco finish, open floor plan, two-car and golf cart garages, and more. Prices start in the mid $300Ks and up to $1M.
- Designer Homes: The most popular home type in The Villages, the designer homes are available in floor plans of up to four-bedroom homes, have popular retirement living features, and are priced between the low $300Ks to pass $1M.
- Premier Homes: The most luxurious series in The Villages, the premier homes offer spacious open plans, entryways, tropical landscape, and more. Prices go from the low $600Ks to over $1M.
Neighborhoods In The Villages, Florida
No matter what your lifestyle is or how much money you have to spend, there is a perfect neighborhood for you if you’re interested in purchasing The Villages real estate. With 78 villages ranging in size from 100 to 1,500 homes, this 3,000-acre area has something for everyone.
The Village Of De Luna
Situated in southern The Villages, The Village of De Luna is west of The Village of St. Johns and provides a large selection of real estate in The Villages. Here, homebuyers will mostly find designer homes (prices between the $300Ks to $1M) with spacious open concept floor plans near exciting amenities and recreation, including adult’s pool, sports courts, and pedestrian pathways. Real estate in The Village Of De Luna is close to Lowlands Golf Course.
The Village Of Fenney
The Village Of Fenney is mostly composed of detached homes in the Designer, Cottage, and Villa series (price from the $280Ks and up to $1M) all in a lovely natural setting, close to upscale amenities and recreation in the Fenney Recreation Center. One of the top features of this village is that it is home to Fenney Springs Nature Trail and the Red Fox and Gray Fox Executive Golf Course.
The Village Of Richmond
The Village Of Richmond is surrounded by lakes, golf courses, social clubs, and recreation centers. It also has one of the most sought-after selections of homes for sale in The Villages. Houses here have mostly two or three bedrooms, spacious open concept floor plans, and screened-in lanais. Housing prices in The Village Of Richmond are between the $300Ks to $1M depending on the home design you choose. Neighboring amenities include Lake Okahumpka Recreation and Richmond Pitch & Putt, a golf cart-free course.
The Villages, FL Schools
Because The Villages real estate is almost exclusively for 55+ adult residents, there are few schools in the area and all of them are there for tax purposes. The K-12 schools in The Villages mostly serve children of local employees and business workers, students living outside the master-planned community, or from the nearby communities. Depending on their location, the schools in The Villages are under the supervision of one of these school districts:
- Sumter District Schools
- Marion County Public Schools
- Lake County Schools
Public Schools In The Villages, Florida
Elementary & Middle Schools
- The Villages Charter Elementary School – Intermediate Center
- Wildwood Middle High School
High Schools
- The Villages Charter High School
- Lake Weir High School
- Leesburg High School
Adult Education In The Villages, Florida
- The Enrichment Academy (Offers non-degree classes)
Colleges & Universities Near The Villages, Florida
- Beacon College
- Lake-Sumter State College
- The College of Central Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Villages, FL Real Estate
What is the zip code for The Villages, Florida?
The real estate in The Villages, FL is spread out across three zip codes: 32159, 32162, and 32163. The zip codes are scattered across three major counties in the Sunshine State.
What County In The Villages, FL, In?
The Villages, FL is a 55+ age-restricted community located in Sumter County, Florida. This large census-designated place also extends into Lake County and Marion County.
Do The Villages, FL Allow Pets?
The Villages is a pet-friendly community with plenty of opportunities to exercise your furry friend. There are various dog parks and walking trails that allow pets so you can take them out and about without having to worry. There are many pet-related businesses, including chain stores and pet boutiques, grooming parlors, and preventive and emergency medical clinics. Also, if you purchase a home for sale in The Villages, you and your pup won't be at a loss for things to do in town - many businesses accommodate dogs on leashes, and some restaurants even have special "dog menus."
How Far is The Beach From The Villages, Florida?
If you're looking for a location in Central Florida that is somewhat near the beach, The Villages is perfect. To be more specific, real estate in The Villages it's located approximately 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 70 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The closest beaches to The Villages are:
To the west
- Fort Island Beach
To the east
- New Smyrna Beach
- Flagler Beach
- Crescent beach
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport For The Villages, Florida?
To get away from The Villages, the nearest commercial airport is located nearby in Leesburg, Florida. The Leesburg International Airport is a convenient distance of approximately 28 minutes away. The airport serves a variety of both domestic and international destinations, so you'll be ready to take off for just about anywhere in no time. The Villages real estate is also convenient to the Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is around an hour drive away.
Do The Villages Real Estate Have HOA Fees?
Although residents of The Villages don't have to pay HOA fees, they are responsible for a monthly Community Development District (CDD) assessment fee that can be anywhere from $129 to $220.
A Community Development District is a government organization that helps improve and maintain a community over time. Some of the services provided to residents in The Villages real estate include recreation, security, wastewater and sewer management, streetlights, and common area maintenance. If you own a property within the CDD in The Villages, you pay a non-ad valorem assessment yearly along with your other property taxes.
The majority of The Villages is governed by a CDD, except being the Lake County or Lady Lake area which has 5,700 homes. This area does not have any CDD bonds and instead falls under the Village Center Community Development District (VCCDC).
What’s The Difference Between HOA Fees And CDD Fees In The Villages, Florida?
The basic difference between the two is that Homeowners Association (HOA) fees are a continuous monthly payment, but Community Development District (CDD) fees are split into two parts: The bond that pays for the infrastructure (infrastructure assessment), and the periodic maintenance fees (maintenance assessment). The CDD bond typically has a term of either 15 or 30 years and you have the option of either paying the entire CDD bond upfront or making annual payments along with the property taxes.
What Major Cities Are Close To The Villages, Florida?
The Villages in Central Florida is known for its expansive and luxurious real estate offerings, but it also offers close proximity to some major cities, including:
- Orlando: Located 57 miles or 55 minutes away.
- Gainesville: Located 62 miles or one hour away.
- Lakeland: Located 68 miles or one hour and 22 minutes away.
- Tampa: Located 80 miles or one hour and 15 minutes away.
- St. Petersburg: Located 103 miles or one hour and 35 minutes away.
- Clearwater: Located 103 miles or one hour and 44 minutes away.
Do The Villages Allow Children?
The Villages is a community for people aged 55 and up, but it warmly welcomes children and grandchildren on a limited basis! The community hosts ‘Camp Villages,’ a year-round program that lets grandparents and grandchildren experience The Villages lifestyle together. However, there is a 30 consecutive day limit for visitors under the age of 18.
Things To Do In The Villages, FL
Parks In The Villages, Florida
Lake Griffin State Park
With over 40 campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, and hiking trails, this massive 620-acre park in The Villages is perfect for visitors seeking an outdoorsy getaway.
Lake Okahumpka Park
This 130-acre park contains a disc golf course, pet friendly stations and paths, as well as a ramp to access the lake for boats.
Sports In The Villages, Florida
Golf
The Villages real estate offers something for everyone, and that includes golfers of all abilities. This Florida area boasts 50 championship and executive golf courses, and several more are currently under construction. In addition, there are a few 18-hole putting courses and three instructional golf academies. Some of the top courses in The Villages are:
Championship Courses
- Belle Glade
- Bonifay
- Cane Garden
- Evans Prairie
- Glenview Champions
Executive Courses
- Amberwood
- Bacall
- Belmont
- Bogart
- Bonita Pass
Specialty Courses
- Clifton Cove Putting Course
- Fenney Putt & Play
Pickleball
The Villages is a retiree's dream come true: with over 230 pickle ball courts open year-round, it has been dubbed the "Pickleball Mecca." The Villages offers pickleball clinics, tournaments, and open play at various locations throughout the community.
Libraries In The Villages, Florida
The Villages real estate has something for everyone - and that includes avid readers. The area is home to several libraries that provide refuge for bookworms. The three top libraries in The Villages are:
- The Villages Public Library at Belvedere
- The Villages Public Library at Pinellas Park
- The Mark Twain Library on Paradise Drive
Fishing In The Villages, Florida
The Villages offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, from lakes to freshwater ponds. The Village Community Development Districts and the State’s Water Management Districts provide residents with fishable areas for their recreational enjoyment, as well as overseeing and managing all the water bodies for the community. These are some of the recommended fishing locations near The Villages real estate:
- Golf View Lake: Behind the Paradise Recreation Center.
- Lake Paradise: East side of Hwy. 441 next to the golf cart bridge.
- Silver Lake: Dustin Drive next to the Silver Lake Recreation Center.
- Lake Mira Mar: Behind the La Hacienda Recreation Center.
- Summerhill Pond: Across from Summerhill Pool.
- Laguna Madre: Morse Blvd., Lake behind Freedom Pointe
- Lago Paquito: El Camino Real and Morse Blvd. behind Brookdale Nursing Facility.
Living In The Villages, FL Real Estate
Cost of Living In The Villages, FL
The cost of living in The Villages is cheaper than one might anticipate for an age-restricted Floridian neighborhood that offers top-notch amenities specifically designed for people aged 55 and up. A homeowner in The Villages, Florida would spend an average of $760 to $1,260 per month living in a house--not including mortgage payments. This amount often goes towards:
- The monthly amenity fee of $179 provides golfing on executive courses and other recreational activities (swimming, tennis, corn toss, pickleball, and bocce), all the indoor and outdoor facilities, access to parks, dog parks, and fishing areas, and 24h neighborhood watch service.
- Trash collection costs: $22
- Average sewer costs: $40
- Average water costs: $30
- Average gas/electricity: $90
- Average insurance: $70
- Average taxes: Between $250 and $500
The cost of common, everyday expenses in The Villages, such as food shopping, getting around, and healthcare, are inline with what you would find in the surrounding areas. However, homeowners who frequently dine out and enjoy entertainment experiences outside The Villages may see a significant increase in their planned budgets.
Taxes In The Villages, Florida
Here's an overview of the taxes you'll face as a resident of The Villages, Florida:
Income Tax In The Villages
You don’t have to worry about the income tax rate in The Villages because Florida has no income tax.
Sale Tax In The Villages
The total sales tax rate for The Villages, Florida is 7% which includes the state sales tax of 6.0% and local county taxes of 1.0%.
Property Tax In The Villages
Since it is located in different counties, the property tax rates vary. Be sure to check up which county you’ll put down roots in. The Villages falls mostly under Sumter County, which boasts a property tax rate at $13 per $1,000 in assessed value.
Weather In The Villages, Florida
If you're moving to Florida from a place with milder summers, be prepared for the hot weather and high humidity levels that typically start in late May or early June and last through mid-September. Don't worry, the rest of the year is great for outdoor activities in The Villages.
The temperature in The Villages throughout the year generally goes from 47°F to 90°F, with very few instances of it being below 33°F or above 94°F.
Though you get relief from the humid summers, hurricane season brings its own set of problems from June 1 to November 30 annually. Although hurricanes don't often hit central Florida, all residents in The Villages real estate should still have a hurricane kit and follow safety protocol if one is on its way.
Healthcare In The Villages, Florida
As a retirement community, The Villages takes healthcare seriously. The Villages has two major hospitals and a large outpatient facility specialized in ambulatory care within easy distance:
The Village Regional Hospital
Serving the community of The Villages since 2002, The Villages Regional Hospital is a 307-bed facility currently in expansion. It’s considered one of the nation's fastest-growing acute care hospitals and part of the Central Florida Healthcare System. The Villages Regional Hospital. The facility has been awarded and recognized many times over the years.
The Villages Health
The Villages Health is The Villages’ local healthcare system designed for the unique medical needs of its residents. More than 60K patients receive treatment here in 13 different specialties across nine different locations. The Villages Health provides primary, specialty, and hospital care, as well as health and wellness classes.
The Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood
The Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood offers exemplary outpatient treatments and procedures to patients from The Villages community and its surroundings. A group of providers with extensive experience in their fields work together to provide high-quality specialty care to The Villages’ population, including:
- Aviv Clinics
- Florida Cancer Specialists
- St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute
Safety In The Villages, Florida
According to FBI reports, the Villages is one of the safest places to reside in Florida. There are about 2,116 crimes per 100K people in The Villages, which is approximately 40% lower than the national average. The Villages prides itself on having a steadfast focus on safety, which shows in its safety and security services. Those services include gated entries, community watch, and The Villages Public Safety And House Check Program (Home Away). Additionally, active-duty police officers from Lake County, Marion County, Sumter County, and the Lady Lake Police Department serve and protect residents in The Villages real estate.
Job Market In The Villages, FL
The Villages in Florida is a retirement hub with activities, entertainment, and community services. This makes The Villages an attractive area for prospective workers catering to industries such as healthcare, retail, administrative services, construction, and hospitality. On average, workers earn $58K per year, which works out to an hourly rate of $15.89. Plus, with the convenient location near major cities like Ocala and Orlando, it's easy to apply for jobs outside of The Villages too. Top places to work in The Villages include:
- The Villages Health
- Glenview Champions Golf & Country Club
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Transportation In The Villages, FL
The Villages boasts a variety of transportation options that fulfill the needs of its many retirees. Most residents in The Villages real estate own a golf cart to move around the community. In The Villages, there may be more than 60K golf carts because it's an amenity-rich area with plenty of conveniences, and a golf cart is more convenient than a car to wander around the narrow local paths and bridges. If you need to travel a little further, take The Villages shuttle, which runs throughout the community during weekdays. Your choices include Sumter Transportation Transit and Workman Transportation for more traditional means of transportation. Air travelers can reach The Leesburg International Airport, located 18 miles west of The Villages, in around 30 minutes.