“The Bubble” is a documentary about The Villages from writer/director Valerie Blankenbyl that was released in 2021. I was able to see it when it was featured at the 2021 Sarasota Film Festival. In part because the film’s director and production companies are based in Europe, it has not been widely shown here in the … Continue Reading » about Watch The Bubble Documentary About The Villages Right Here
The Villages Florida - World's Biggest Retirement Community
You'll see The Villages mentioned quite a bit on this site because in the world of 55+ retirement communities, it is a very big deal.
What began as a humble mobile home park back in the 1970's has blossomed into the #1 selling retirement community in Florida, as well as the nation.
The Villages is located in Central Florida, about an hour north of Orlando. But as the development creeps further south, that gap is quickly closing.
The Villages is now home to more than 125,000 people, has more than 60,000 homes, and has plans for another 60,000 homes to be developed over the next 20 years.
Prices for new homes start in the $200k's and can go up to over $1 million depending on what floorplan, location, and options/features you choose.
The Villages is home to the world's largest recreation department, has more golf courses than any other community in the world, is home to three town squares (with a fourth one just announced) where residents go to eat and shop and enjoy free nightly entertainment, and is home to roughly 100 restaurants.
Below you'll find some of the articles we've written about The Villages over the years.
What’s New and Coming Soon to The Villages
The Villages is already the biggest retirement community in the world, and no place continues to grow like The Villages.
Even More Golf Coming to The Villages
With 711 holes of golf, The Villages is already the biggest golf community in the world. But as you’ll see in todays video, they’re not done yet!
Popular YouTuber Buys Winter Home in The Villages
Very few videos on the topic of “Florida retirement” ever reach this level of popularity, so there’s definitely something here worth watching.
Interview with The Villages Newcomers
I recently sat down with the stars of the most popular YouTube show dedicated to The Villages, The Villages Newcomers. Other than my not knowing where to look the entire time (I’m an interview newbie, haha!) we had a great chat! We talked about: The past, present, and future of The Villages The rising home … Continue Reading » about Interview with The Villages Newcomers
Here’s What It Really Costs to Live in Florida’s Most Popular Retirement Community
By far the most frequently asked question I get over on my website about The Villages is some variation of “What does it cost to live in The Villages?”. The answer is not as straightforward as many would like, because everybody’s situation is different, and figuring out one’s cost of living is not at all … Continue Reading » about Here’s What It Really Costs to Live in Florida’s Most Popular Retirement Community
The Villages vs. Latitude Margaritaville
Editor’s Note:If you enjoy this sort of thing, in my private, member’s only community for future Florida retirees, I’m comparing lots of other popular Florida retirement communities just like you see here. Learn more here… (opens in a new window) Two of the most popular 55+ communities in Florida today are The Villages and Latitude Margaritaville Daytona … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Latitude Margaritaville
The Villages vs. Solivita
See also:The Villages vs. Citrus HillsThe Villages vs. On Top of the WorldThe Villages vs. Tradition Introduction Check out the most popular forums frequented by residents and prospective residents of The Villages, and you’ll see that one of the most often discussed community (other than The Villages itself, of course) is Solivita. Solivita is a … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Solivita
The Villages vs. Citrus Hills
See also:The Villages vs. On Top of the WorldThe Villages vs. SolivitaThe Villages vs. Tradition The Villages is the best-selling community in the country (retirement or otherwise) for a reason, but not everyone who takes a look at The Villages for retirement falls under her spell. We thought it’d be fun to compare The Villages … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Citrus Hills
The Villages vs. On Top of the World
Of all the community comparison articles I’ve written, this is probably the one people have focused on the most. Some people describe On Top of the World in Ocala as a miniature version of The Villages, and that’s a fairly good description. “The Villages Light” if you wish. I think that most people living in … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. On Top of the World
The Villages vs. Tradition
Editor’s Note:If you enjoy this sort of thing, in my private, member’s only community for future Florida retirees, I’m comparing lots of other popular Florida retirement communities just like you see here. Learn more here… (opens in a new window) Tradition is a Master-Planned community on the east coast of Florida and though it is not as … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Tradition
The Villages Florida Retirement Guide
As far as retirement communities go, The Villages is the 800-pound gorilla. Not just in Florida, but on the national and international level. In this article we’ll explore all of the things that make life in The Villages so appealing to so many baby boomers. See also: Located about an hour north of Orlando, The … Continue Reading » about The Villages Florida Retirement Guide
The Villages vs. Sun City Center
Today let’s take a head-to-head look at two of the biggest 55+ communities in Florida, The Villages and Sun City Center. History Sun City Center on the West Coast of Florida near Sarasota has actually been around longer than The Villages. Del Webb Florida began Sun City Center in 1961, about a decade before Orange … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Sun City Center
5 Questions You’ve Asked About The Villages
As you probably know, The Villages is a “quaint” little hometown in Central Florida that is currently home to about 125,000 people, 50,000+ golf carts, 500+ holes of golf, and so much more. I get asked all the time why I don’t talk about The Villages more on this site and my answer is that … Continue Reading » about 5 Questions You’ve Asked About The Villages
Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando
Today we’re comparing two very different communities situated less that 45 minutes from each other, The Villages and Trilogy® Orlando. You all know The Villages as the most popular retirement community in the country right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than any of the other communities we compare it to, including Trilogy®. … Continue Reading » about Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando