FAQ

The Villages is the largest 55+ active-adult community in the United States consisting of numerous individual villages and neighborhoods.

The Villages extends across portions of Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, and property taxes can vary based on location, assessed value, exemptions, and applicable taxing authorities.

Two homes with similar purchase prices can therefore have different annual tax bills. A buyer should review the actual property tax history and anticipated taxes for the specific property being considered.

Yes. The Villages is an age-restricted 55+ community.

There are specific occupancy requirements governing age-qualified communities, so buyers with younger household members should verify the requirements applicable to their particular situation before purchasing.

Children and grandchildren can visit, making it possible for residents to enjoy The Villages lifestyle while still having family come to stay.

There isn't one monthly number that applies to every homeowner.

Expenses can include the monthly amenity fee, electricity, water and sewer, trash service, internet/cable, homeowners insurance, lawn and landscaping expenses, pest control, and other normal homeownership costs.

Property taxes and certain assessments are generally annual expenses but should also be considered when calculating your true monthly cost of ownership.

The Villages currently publishes a $204 monthly amenity fee, but fees and other expenses can change. The actual costs associated with an individual property should always be verified before purchasing.

The monthly amenity fee helps support many of the features that make The Villages lifestyle unique.

These include recreation centers, neighborhood pools, executive golf, sports facilities, pickleball, tennis, bocce, parks, trails, Community Watch, and numerous recreational activities.

Some activities or facilities may involve additional charges, so "included in the amenity fee" does not necessarily mean every activity in The Villages is completely free.

This is one of the most important questions for a buyer to ask. Infrastructure within many Community Development Districts was financed through bonds. The homeowner's share is repaid through a Bond Debt Assessment appearing in the non-ad valorem section of the annual property tax bill.

A home may have a substantial bond balance, a smaller remaining balance, or the bond may already have been paid in full. The bond can generally be paid off early, but homeowners are not required to pay the entire balance in advance.

Before purchasing a home, I recommend determining the exact remaining bond balance and annual payment rather than assuming two similarly priced homes have similar ownership costs.

When a home is marketed as NO BOND, it generally means the property's original bond debt assessment has been paid off. That can be attractive to buyers because there is no remaining bond principal to pay.

However, NO BOND does not mean NO ASSESSMENTS or NO FEES. A property may still have maintenance assessments, amenity fees, property taxes, utilities, and other expenses.

They are different expenses. The bond debt assessment relates to repayment of infrastructure financed through bonds.

The maintenance assessment helps fund the ongoing operation and maintenance of District-owned property and infrastructure.

Both can appear in the non-ad valorem section of the annual property tax bill, depending on the property. This is why I recommend reviewing the complete tax bill and assessment information when comparing homes.

No. The Villages extends across portions of Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, and property taxes can vary based on location, assessed value, exemptions, and applicable taxing authorities.

Two homes with similar purchase prices can therefore have different annual tax bills. A buyer should review the actual property tax history and anticipated taxes for the specific property being considered.

Residents enjoy complimentary greens fees on The Villages' Executive, Pitch & Putt, and Putting courses as part of the amenity structure.

There is no charge for a resident walking an Executive course, while a trail fee applies when using a golf cart on the course.

Championship golf is different. Residents have access to Championship courses, but applicable greens fees and optional enhancements may apply.

Not at all. Golf is a huge part of The Villages, but it is only one piece of the lifestyle.

Residents can enjoy pickleball, swimming, tennis, bocce, softball, walking, biking, fitness activities, dancing, arts and crafts, music, social groups, educational activities, restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment.

With thousands of resident-led groups and activities, there's an enormous range of ways to get involved

Golf carts are a major form of transportation within The Villages.

The extensive network of multi-modal paths, tunnels, and bridges allows residents in many areas to reach recreation, golf, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and other destinations without taking a traditional vehicle.

However, not every destination is equally convenient from every neighborhood. For buyers who expect to use their golf cart frequently, I recommend considering golf-cart travel time just as seriously as automobile travel time when selecting a home.

Three of the best-known established Town Square destinations are:

• Spanish Springs Town Square
• Lake Sumter Landing Market Square
• Brownwood Paddock Square
• Sawgrass Grove Square

The Villages also continues to develop newer entertainment and lifestyle destinations, including the Eastport area.

Each area has a different atmosphere, surrounding neighborhoods, and nearby amenities.

Location relative to a favorite entertainment area can become an important consideration when choosing where to live.

There isn't one “best” Village for everyone.

That's one of the biggest misconceptions I see from buyers researching The Villages online.

Some buyers want an established neighborhood near Spanish Springs. Others love Lake Sumter Landing. Some want to be close to Brownwood, Sawgrass Grove, or newer development toward Eastport.

Others care more about golf, shopping, privacy, lot size, a particular recreation center, medical services, or proximity to friends.

The better question is:
Which part of The Villages best matches the lifestyle YOU want?

Each offers advantages.

More established areas can offer mature landscaping, proximity to longstanding shopping and entertainment destinations, established neighborhoods, and homes where previous owners have already completed substantial improvements.

Newer areas may offer newer construction, newer recreation facilities, modern floor plans and proximity to expanding lifestyle destinations.

Neither is automatically better. I recommend choosing based on lifestyle first and then finding the right house within that area.

The Villages offers many housing styles and price points.

Depending on location and age, buyers may encounter Patio Villas, Courtyard Villas, Cottage Homes, Verandas, Designer Homes, Premier Homes, and other floor plans and variations.

Resale homes create even more variety because owners may have added pools, birdcages, enclosed lanais, golf-cart garages, summer kitchens, upgraded landscaping, remodeled kitchens and baths, expanded living areas, and other improvements.

There are advantages to both.

New construction may appeal to buyers who want newer designs, finishes, systems, and neighborhoods.

Resale homes can provide access to established locations and may already include thousands of dollars in improvements such as landscaping, window treatments, enclosed lanais, pools, upgraded flooring, remodeled kitchens, golf-cart garages, or outdoor living areas.

A resale property may also have a smaller remaining bond balance—or potentially no bond at all. The right decision depends on your priorities and budget.

Location and improvements matter tremendously.
Two homes with the same floor plan can have very different values because of:

• Lot location and privacy
• Golf or water views
• Pool or outdoor living spaces
• Bond balance
• Roof and HVAC age
• Kitchen and bathroom renovations
• Golf-cart garage
• Enclosed or climate-controlled lanais
• Landscaping
• Proximity to amenities
• Neighborhood desirability
• Furniture or turnkey packages
• Overall condition

This is why relying exclusively on price per square foot can be misleading in The Villages.

That depends entirely on your lifestyle.

A private pool can provide convenience, privacy, and a beautiful outdoor entertainment space. It can also be an attractive resale feature for certain buyers.

On the other hand, The Villages has numerous community swimming pools, so buyers who don't want the maintenance and expense of a private pool still have many opportunities to swim.

Consider how frequently you'll actually use a private pool versus the additional maintenance, insurance, and operating costs.

Yes. Homes can be subject to deed restrictions and architectural requirements that vary by district and unit.

Exterior modifications, additions, landscaping changes, and other improvements may require approval.

Never assume that because you saw a particular improvement on another Villages home, the exact same improvement will automatically be permitted on yours.

If you're purchasing a property because you intend to make a significant change after closing, investigate the applicable restrictions first.

Pets are common throughout The Villages, and there are dog parks and other pet-friendly features throughout the community.

However, deed restrictions and other rules can apply to individual properties and areas.

If pets are an important part of your household—particularly if you have multiple animals—verify the applicable restrictions before purchasing

Yes. Having family visit is an important part of life for many Villages residents.

Age-restricted community rules primarily concern residency and occupancy rather than simply preventing younger family members from visiting.

If you expect extended or frequent visits from younger family members, you should become familiar with the applicable guest and occupancy rules.

No. While The Villages is designed as a 55+ active-adult community and many residents are retired, the lifestyle isn't limited to people who have stopped working.

Some residents continue working, operate businesses, work remotely, travel frequently, or maintain very active professional lives.

The common denominator is often the lifestyle rather than employment status.

In addition to a professional home inspection, I encourage buyers to pay particular attention to major systems and improvements.

Important items can include:

• Roof age and condition
• HVAC age
• Water heater
• Electrical system
• Plumbing
• Windows
• Appliances
• Pool and equipment, if applicable
• Lanai additions or enclosures
• Permits for improvements
• Termite protection
• Insurance considerations
• Drainage and grading
• Bond balance and assessments

An attractive remodeled interior is wonderful—but it shouldn't distract from understanding the condition and cost of the home's major systems.

Whenever possible, yes. The Villages is enormous, and understanding it from an online map is very different from experiencing the community.

A great place to start is The Villages Lifestyle Tour, which is offered to prospective buyers. It gives you a guided introduction to the different areas, amenities, and home styles, and it's a helpful orientation before you strike out on your own.

From there, drive—or better yet, golf-cart—through different areas. Visit recreation centers. Spend time around different entertainment destinations. Have lunch or dinner. Explore shopping. Drive between neighborhoods you're considering.

Pay attention to how each location feels. The goal isn't simply to decide whether you like The Villages. The goal is to determine which part of The Villages feels like home to you.

You can search for homes online, but understanding The Villages involves much more than finding a floor plan you like.

Location, bonds, maintenance assessments, deed restrictions, golf-cart accessibility, neighborhood differences, improvements, property condition, taxes, and resale potential can all influence whether a home is the right purchase.

An experienced local Realtor can help you compare properties based on the complete picture—not simply the list price.