Choosing the perfect neighborhood in The Villages can feel overwhelming with over 80 distinct communities spread across 33.95 square miles and three Florida counties.
This guide will help you navigate the options and find your ideal location among the approximately 130,000 residents who call this master-planned community home.
Understanding The Villages Layout
The Villages spans Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, governed by 17 community development districts that handle everything from infrastructure to recreation. Residents typically describe locations by their proximity to major roadways, creating four distinct areas that define the community’s character.
The Old Area (North of SR 44)
Centered around Spanish Springs Town Square, these established neighborhoods feature mature landscaping and the community’s original charm, dating back to the 1990s when The Villages began its transformation.
Up North (North of CR 466)
Marion County neighborhoods near the Nancy Lopez Country Club occupy this quieter area, offering a more secluded feel while maintaining access to all amenities.
Central Area (Between 466 and 466A)
The heart of today’s Villages, home to Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, offers the best access to all three town squares and represents the community’s bustling center.
Newest Development (South of 466A)
Anchored by Brownwood Paddock Square, this rapidly expanding area features the latest neighborhoods and modern amenities, with continued southward growth.
The entire community connects through over 90 miles of golf cart paths, making your cart the primary transportation for everything from errands to entertainment.
The Three Town Squares
Each town square serves as a social and commercial hub with approximately 500,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, plus free nightly entertainment 365 days a year.
Spanish Springs Town Square
- Opened: 1994 (first town square)
- Theme: Southwest adobe-style architecture
- Location: Northeast Villages
The original town square captures southwestern charm with over 30 retail establishments, a dozen restaurants, and the Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center. Major retailers like Publix, Target, and Home Depot make this the practical choice for residents who want brand-name shopping alongside their entertainment. Nearby neighborhoods include Orange Blossom Gardens and Country Club Hills.
Lake Sumter Landing Market Square
- Opened: 2004
- Theme: Key West-style seaside village
- Location: Central Villages
Built on Lake Sumter, this waterfront square features an iconic lighthouse, boutique shopping, and scenic walking trails. The Old Mill Playhouse and dozens of restaurants create that charming downtown atmosphere residents love. Villages like Duval, Pennecamp, and Virginia Trace cluster nearby.
Brownwood Paddock Square
- Opened: 2012
- Theme: Early 19th-century Florida cattle town
- Location: Southwest Villages
Old Florida aesthetics meet modern amenities with the 151-room Brownwood Hotel & Spa, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen & Bar, and Saturday Farmer’s Market. Nearby neighborhoods include Collier, Hillsborough, and Pinellas.
Future Development: A fourth town square is planned for the southern expansion area to serve the growing Southern Oaks region.
Top Neighborhoods in The Villages by Priority
For Maximum Convenience: Village of Duval
- Size: 1,550 homes
- Price Range: $400,000s-$600,000s
- Key Feature: Equidistant to all three town squares
Duval stands out for one reason: it’s the only neighborhood offering equal access to Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood. Designer homes and patio villas attract active adults who can’t pick just one favorite entertainment spot. Three community pools and the Seabreeze Regional Recreation Center ensure you’ll never lack activities.
For Golf Enthusiasts: Village of Briar Meadow
- Location: Northern Villages
- Price Range: $400,000s-$600,000s+
- Golf Access: Nancy Lopez Legacy Golf & Country Club, Briarwood Executive Golf Course
Serious golfers gravitate here, where homes sit directly on championship courses designed by LPGA legend Nancy Lopez. This high-end neighborhood offers golf course views and a quieter, laid-back atmosphere. The competitive market sees over half the homes sell above asking price.
For Entertainment Lovers: Village of Tierra Del Sol
- Location: Between Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing
- Key Feature: Championship golf + dual town square access
Positioned for both world-class golf and easy town square access, Tierra Del Sol’s championship course ranks among The Villages’ finest. The Studio Theatre adds cultural appeal, attracting residents who want golf, entertainment, and dining within minutes.
For Activity-Focused Living: Village of Collier
- Location: Less than 1 mile from Brownwood Paddock Square
- Best For: Active retirees seeking constant engagement
Evans Prairie Country Club, multiple recreation centers, and walkable access to dining and entertainment create a lifestyle packed with social engagement. This isn’t for those seeking quiet seclusion—it’s for residents who thrive on daily activity.
For Healthcare Priority: Village of Poinciana
- Location: Leesburg area
- Key Feature: 10 minutes from nearest hospital
Peace of mind comes standard here, alongside the popular Allamanda Recreation Center and family pool perfect for grandparent visits. Cane Garden Country Club provides waterfront dining, while large lots accommodate various villa and cottage styles.
For Natural Surroundings: Village of Fenney
- Location: South of SR 44 (newest development)
- Adjacent: Reader Wildlife Preserve
The Villages’ newest addition offers nature trails and state-of-the-art recreation centers. The Fenney Putt & Play specialty course and contemporary home designs appeal to those wanting the latest amenities. Positioned for the future fourth town square, Fenney represents modern evolution.
For Tranquil Living: Village of Bonnybrook
- Location: Northern Villages
- Character: Secluded yet amenity-rich
Golf courses and pickleball courts stay close, but the peaceful, retreat-style atmosphere attracts residents seeking less crowded living. Patio villas, courtyard villas, and ranch-style homes create varied streetscapes away from busier central areas.
Specialized Neighborhoods
Golf Course Communities
The Villages’ 700+ holes across 42 executive and 13 championship courses make it a golfer’s paradise. Beyond Briar Meadow:
- Village of Santiago features the El Santiago Executive Golf Course
- Village of Pennecamp neighbors the 27-hole Cane Garden Championship Course
- Villages near Palmer Legends access Arnold Palmer-designed fairways
- Neighborhoods around Bonifay Country Club enjoy the Clifton, Ezell, and Clifton-designed complex
Walkable Neighborhoods
While golf carts dominate, some neighborhoods offer genuine walkability:
- Virginia Trace & Sabal Trace residents walk to Lake Sumter Landing Market Square via scenic lakeside trails, accessing boutiques, restaurants, and waterfront paths on foot.
- Country Club Hills provides foot access to Spanish Springs Town Square, tennis and pickleball courts, and multiple pools—ideal for active walkers who prefer strolling to entertainment.
Affordable Options
Villa St. Simons
Price Range: High $100,000s to low $300,000s
Smaller two-bedroom homes offer entry-level pricing with full amenity access. The trade-off includes distance from major highways and fewer transportation stops.
Villa Alexandria
Character: Low-maintenance living
Small single-family homes with white picket fences require minimal upkeep. Rock patches replace grass in some yards, supporting low-maintenance retirement while keeping recreation nearby.
Cottages at Summerchase
- Home Size: Approximately 1,500 square feet
- Price: Moderate for The Villages
Mid-sized homes with excellent transportation access—Sumter County Transit, Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, and autonomous taxis all serve this area near main roads.
Newest Developments in The Villages
Village of Fenney
- Status: Recent addition south of SR 44
- Adjacent: Reader Wildlife Preserve
Fenney leads the new construction wave with state-of-the-art recreation centers, executive golf courses, and the Fenney Putt & Play specialty course. Nature trails wind throughout contemporary home designs, attracting residents wanting the latest amenities.
Southern Oaks Area
- Status: Active construction
- Future: Fourth town square planned
New homes are being built daily in this expanding region, offering the latest designs and future amenity access as The Villages continues its southward growth.
Sawgrass Grove
- Opened: 2022
- Concept: Multi-use integrated development
Pioneering a new approach, Sawgrass Grove combines recreation, golf, entertainment, marketplace, and dining in one location—eliminating the need to travel between separate facilities.
Eastport
- Status: Under development
- Concept: Next-generation integrated community
The future of Villages living integrates town square amenities with a regional recreation complex, golf facilities, entertainment venues, and shopping—all designed as one cohesive destination.
Family-Friendly Exception
Though The Villages restricts residency to 55+ (requiring 80% of homes to have a 55+ resident), three neighborhoods welcome families:
- Bison Valley (Sumter County)
- Oak Meadows (Lake County)
- Spring Arbor (Lake County)
Families typically must work for The Villages or community businesses to access The Villages Charter Schools. School zoning places Sumter County residents at Wildwood Middle High School, Lake County at Leesburg High School, and Marion County at Lake Weir High School.
Essential Community Information
Amenities & Fees
Monthly Amenity Fee: $189
Includes access to 42 executive golf courses (free walking play), 100+ recreation centers, all pools (sports, family, adult), tennis and pickleball courts, 3,000+ weekly organized activities, free nightly entertainment at all three town squares, and fitness facilities.
Not Included: Championship golf greens fees, golf cart trail fees for executive courses, some specialized classes, and Enrichment Academy courses.
Safety & Demographics
The Villages ranks as one of America’s safest communities, with violent crime rates 63% below the national average – safer than 64% of U.S. cities.
- Population: 79,077 (2020 census) to 130,000 (current estimates)
- Demographics: 97% White, 1.8% Hispanic, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% Mixed or Other race
Transportation Options
- Golf Carts: Primary transportation with 90-100 miles of dedicated paths connecting all town squares, recreation centers, and most amenities.
- Sumter County Transit: Shuttle service with multiple weekday loops connecting major neighborhoods and commercial areas.
- Amtrak Thruway: Bus service on the Jacksonville to Dade City route, connecting to Silver Star train service.
- Autonomous Taxis: The Villages pioneered autonomous vehicle service, now available in select neighborhoods.
Healthcare Access
Most neighborhoods sit within 10-20 minutes of comprehensive medical care:
- The Villages Regional Hospital
- UF Health Spanish Plaines Medical Plaza
- Multiple urgent care centers
- Specialty medical practices throughout the community
- Dental and vision services
Choosing Your Perfect Neighborhood
Key Decision Factors
- For Entertainment Access: Village of Duval (all three squares), Village of Tierra Del Sol (two squares), Village of Del Mar (two squares), Country Club Hills (Spanish Springs), or Virginia Trace/Sabal Trace (Lake Sumter Landing)
- For Golf Priority: Village of Briar Meadow (Nancy Lopez), Village of Santiago (El Santiago), Village of Tierra Del Sol (championship course), or Village of Pennecamp (Cane Garden)
- For Healthcare Access: Village of Poinciana (10 minutes to hospital)
- For Peace & Quiet: Village of Bonnybrook, northern neighborhoods above CR 42, or older established areas with mature landscaping
- For Budget: Villa St. Simons, Villa Alexandria, or Cottages at Summerchase
- For Newest Amenities: Village of Fenney, Southern Oaks area, or Sawgrass Grove
- For Walkability: Virginia Trace & Sabal Trace or Country Club Hills
Before You Buy
Take The Villages’ 4-7 night Lifestyle Preview to experience different areas firsthand. Visit all three town squares to discover which atmosphere suits you. Test golf cart commutes from prospective neighborhoods to key amenities, attend activities at various recreation centers, and talk with residents at pools and community gatherings.
Consider asking residents:
- How far is the nearest recreation center?
- Which town square do you frequent most?
- What’s the neighborhood’s social scene like?
- Is this a mature community or newer development?
The Villages offers remarkable variety – from championship golf havens to entertainment-focused communities, from budget-friendly villas to luxury estates. With continued southward expansion and over 80 established neighborhoods, you’ll find your perfect fit in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Planning your move? Our professional moving company specializes in relocations to The Villages, understanding the unique logistics of downsizing to active adult communities. Contact us for a stress-free transition to your new neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many neighborhoods are in The Villages?
Over 80 distinct neighborhoods across three counties, with new developments adding more.
What are the three town squares?
Spanish Springs (northeast), Lake Sumter Landing (central), and Brownwood Paddock Square (southwest), with a fourth planned south.
Which is the best neighborhood?
It depends on priorities: Duval for town square access, Briar Meadow for golf, Summerchase for affordability.
Can families with children live here?
Only in three designated neighborhoods: Bison Valley, Oak Meadows, and Spring Arbor.
What is the monthly amenity fee?
$189, covering executive golf, recreation centers, pools, activities, and entertainment.
Do I need a golf cart?
Not required, but with 90-100 miles of cart paths, most residents consider it essential.
Are there affordable neighborhoods?
Yes: Villa St. Simons, Villa Alexandria, and Cottages at Summerchase offer lower-priced entry.