Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
The Villages is a huge master-planned retirement community in central Florida, about an hour northwest of Orlando, spreading across parts of Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. Begun in the 1970s as a small mobile home park, it has grown into one of the largest communities of its kind in the country, home to well over 100,000 residents aged 55 and up.
Life here revolves around golf carts, golf and town squares. Residents drive carts on a network of paths, tunnels and bridges to dozens of golf courses, recreation centers and pools. The themed town squares at Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood, with newer ones farther south, host free live music and dancing every evening, surrounded by restaurants, shops and theaters.
Visitors come to see the lifestyle, often on a preview stay, and can enjoy the squares, the Polo Club, performances at the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center and Old Mill Playhouse, and nature trails such as the Fenney Nature Trail. The springs and rivers of central Florida are within an easy drive.
The first of The Villages' themed town squares, styled like an old Spanish mission town, with a central square, live music and dancing every evening, restaurants, shops and a movie theater. It has a relaxed, festive feel. Arrive before sunset to find a seat and parking for your golf cart or car.
A town square built around Lake Sumter with a waterfront promenade, nightly live music on the square, restaurants with lake views and the Old Mill Playhouse. Evenings are lively, especially on weekends. Walk the lakefront boardwalk at sunset.
A town square designed in the style of an old Florida cattle town, with rustic buildings, a central stage for nightly music and dancing, restaurants, shops and the Brownwood Hotel. It has a relaxed western feel. Visit on a weekend evening, when the dance floor is busiest.
A polo stadium and fields where matches are played in season, usually from late fall through spring, with spectators watching from the stands or tailgating. It is an unusual and relaxed outing. Check the season schedule; matches are often on weekend afternoons and admission is modest.
A theater at Lake Sumter Landing that shows movies and hosts some live performances, built in the style of an old mill beside the lake. It is an easy evening activity combined with dinner and music on the square. Check film times and buy tickets ahead for popular releases.
A performing arts center in The Villages that hosts touring concerts, tribute bands, comedians, Broadway-style shows and local productions throughout the year. Many shows sell out to residents, so book early. Check the online calendar and arrive early for parking on busy nights.
A paved and boardwalk trail through wetlands and springs in the Fenney area of The Villages, with interpretive signs, observation decks and frequent sightings of wading birds, turtles and alligators. It is flat and easy. Go early in the morning for wildlife and cooler air, and keep a distance from gators.
A large network of golf cart paths, tunnels and bridges linking neighborhoods, town squares, golf courses and shops across The Villages, the main way residents get around. Visitors can rent a cart to explore. Follow posted rules, carry a map, and avoid the busiest routes at dinnertime.
No reviews yet. Been to The Villages? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to The Villages? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Photo: Iamorangelightning, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Connor J. Williams, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Whoisjohngalt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Whoisjohngalt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Whoisjohngalt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Whoisjohngalt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Photo: Kendrick Meek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Kendrick Meek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: TheVillagesFL, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
