
The Villages is great, but as much as it's growing it no longer has that small-town feel that attracted so many early residents.
But if you don't need all of the amenities and access that residents enjoy, you can still take advantage of the restaurants, services, and many entertainment options that The Villages offers by living in one of the other towns nearby. In fact, the boundaries of The Villages are pushing further into these nearby small towns.
Here are a few places to consider:
Lady Lake
Lady Lake is a small town known for its proximity to the world's biggest retirement community. It offers a range of amenities and services, including shopping centers, golf courses, and medical facilities.
Leesburg
Leesburg is another popular choice for retirees. It features a historic downtown area with boutique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city also boasts several retirement communities and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is a charming town with a vibrant arts scene. It is known for its picturesque downtown area, filled with quaint shops, galleries, and eateries. The town also offers scenic lakes, parks, and numerous festivals throughout the year.
Tavares
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Dora, Tavares is a waterfront town known as the “Seaplane City.” It offers a relaxed lifestyle with opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside activities. Tavares also has a historic downtown district and hosts various events and festivals.
Oxford

Oxford offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with lush landscapes and natural surroundings. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, fishing, and boating in the nearby lakes and rivers. Oxford also has a few local shops and restaurants, providing basic necessities and dining options.
Lakeshore is a cottage home community in Oxford designed for those looking to downsize and simplify their lives. They offer quality constructed site-built homes, with thoughtfully chosen fixtures and finishes. Their homes are smaller, ranging from 725 to 1085 sq ft. With less to maintain, residents can step outside each day and take advantage of the many amenities within the community, including the clubhouse, pickleball courts, resort-style pool, walking trails, dog park and more, all maintained by our on-site team.
At Lakeshore, residents own their home and lease their land, for as little as $300 a month- a concept designed to help them to save money without sacrificing on the rights of traditional homeownership. Homeowners have a lower mortgage payment, saving money for travel, investment or retirement. Living on leased land alleviates the burden of lawn care and maintenance and frees residents from traditional monthly costs like HOA and CDD fees. It also allows for bundled utilities at a lower rate, providing residents with one predictable monthly cost, rather than never ending bill payments.
The unique offering at Lakeshore gives residents the opportunity to live a simpler life, letting go of time-consuming burdens and getting more out of each day in a community where they feel right at home.
You can request more information about the community right here:
These towns offer their own unique charms and amenities, making them potential retirement destinations near The Villages, Florida. It's advisable to visit these areas, explore their features, and consider your preferences before making a decision.