Location - Sumter and Marion Counties, Florida
Median home Price - $425,000
The Villages is a prominent census-designated place (CDP) located primarily in Sumter and Marion counties in central Florida, extending partially into Lake County. Known for its extensive master-planned community, The Villages has become one of the largest age-restricted residential developments in the United States. Geographically, it lies about 20 miles south of Ocala and approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando, placing it within easy reach of major Florida cities while maintaining a suburban and retirement-focused atmosphere.
As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a population of 79,077, occupying an area larger than Manhattan. The community is structured around 17 special-purpose development districts, formally known as community development districts (CDDs). Each CDD is managed by a five-member board of supervisors, who are appointed by the property owner, giving the developer significant control over the governance and planning of the area.
The Villages’ development history is closely tied to the Morse family. H. Gary Morse, son of the original founder, expanded the property substantially and transferred direct ownership of the community to his three children in 2006. Under his leadership, The Villages grew into a highly organized and amenity-rich environment, featuring golf courses, recreation centers, shopping plazas, and healthcare facilities designed to appeal primarily to retirees. Morse passed away in 2014, but the legacy of his development continues to shape the area, making it a model of large-scale planned retirement living. Today, The Villages stands out not only for its population size and growth but also for its unique governance structure and the lifestyle it offers to its residents.