The Villages, Florida

The Villages is America's largest age-restricted active adult community, spanning Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties in Central Florida. It is home to over 135,000 residents and continues to expand. To purchase and reside in The Villages, at least one resident per household must be 55 or older, and no permanent residents under the age of 19 are permitted. The community operates under deed restrictions that enforce these age requirements. Visitors and grandchildren are welcome for extended stays, but permanent residency is strictly limited to qualifying households.

Home prices in The Villages range from approximately $200K for resale manufactured/patio villas in the older districts to $1.5M+ for large designer homes in newer, more upscale districts like Fenney or Eastport. The most active price band is $300K–$600K, which covers the majority of single-family designer homes. Attached villas typically range $220K–$380K. Newer districts command premiums due to modern construction, newer amenity centers, and updated infrastructure. Resale inventory in established districts can offer significant savings versus new construction from the developer.

The Villages charges an amenity fee of approximately $189 per household per month (as of 2026), which covers access to recreation centers, swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and free use of all executive golf courses. The 12 championship golf courses charge a separate per-round fee. There is no traditional HOA in The Villages — the amenity fee replaces it. Additionally, residents in some districts pay a bond assessment (a one-time infrastructure fee that can be paid upfront or rolled into monthly payments of roughly $100–$200/month depending on the home and district).

Yes — grandchildren and guests under 19 are welcome to visit The Villages. The community's deed restrictions allow guests under 19 to stay for up to 30 consecutive days, with a maximum of 30 days in any calendar year, depending on the specific district rules. Some districts have slightly different guest policies, so buyers should review the specific deed restrictions for their home before purchase. The prohibition applies only to permanent residents, not to visiting family.

The Villages is organized into dozens of named villages, grouped into districts. The original Sumter County area near Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing town squares is the most walkable and social, with nightly free entertainment at the squares. Villages of Pine Ridge, Hacienda Hills, and Piedmont are well-regarded mid-generation districts. The newer Marion County expansion — Villages of Fenney, Dabney, and Eastport — offers the newest homes and amenity centers but sits farther from the original town squares. Buyers prioritizing nightlife and community activity gravitate toward the Sumter/Lake corridor, while those prioritizing newer construction often prefer the Marion County expansion.