More Growth Planned For The Villages, Florida
The largest retirement community in the world is getting even bigger. The Villages, located in three Florida counties: Sumter, Marion and Lake, is home to over 138,000 residents (2022) and over 71,000 residences. It is home to 50 championship and executive golf courses, over 100 recreation facilities, 89 pools and offers thousands of recreational activities, including racket sports, water sports, adventure sports, competitive sports, cycling, dancing, fitness, and so much more. There are theaters onsite, lots of shopping and dining choices and live concerts every week. No wonder it is referred to as “Disney for adults” since the residents are known to be lively, community events are plenty, surroundings are immaculate and its landscape beautifully manicured.
The Villages was founded over four decades ago and has attracted permanent residents and snowbirds alike. The community currently sprawls over 57 square miles and attracts an average of 4,500 new residents annually, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.
New Developments at The Villages
Developers have been buying land south and southwest of The Villages to the Bushnell and Center Hill borders, with the certainty that there will be more neighborhoods and, along with that, more dining and shopping, more recreation and businesses. While these will take years to get announced and be completed, let’s take a look at current developments residents can enjoy much sooner.
One exciting addition at The Villages is the Lake Okahumpka Recreation Center. This new area has a canoe and kayak launch, waterside boardwalk, and is home to the new restaurant Harry And The Natives.
Another new and exhilarating destination is the town of Eastport. Its downtown features a lakeside hotel, waterfront entertainment and stage, and like other town squares, it will offer a variety of shopping and dining experiences. Its Central Lake is large enough to host major dragon boat events. The large recreation complex will offer indoor and outdoor recreation, golf and more. Take a closer look at Eastport at The Villages.
Developers are committed to the completion of Sawgrass Grove on the south. It features The Market, opened in July, where residents can enjoy sampling food from a variety of vendors, sip cold brews and shop for fresh vegetables and fruits at The Villages Grown section. Sawgrass Grove also offers more dining and shopping experiences, recreation and outdoor entertainment. They assure it will be a different and convenient experience to residents compared to the town squares at The Villages.
Revitalization is in the works on the north of The Villages at the Spanish Springs Town Square—the first town square at The Villages. It is receiving a much needed facelift, bringing new businesses and converting 2nd floors into much needed apartment homes. Another location receiving a redevelopment is the Hacienda Hills Country Club. This one will feature the future Cordoba Recreation Center with new amenities including a resort-style pool and golf pro shop.
All these new developments will bring thousands of jobs to the area both during construction and afterward. This is excellent news for the area, which is already benefitting from low unemployment numbers. Yet The Villages go even further. To support the current and future workforce, Middleton was created. This neighborhood has proximity to a new charter school campus and does not enforce the age restriction, allowing families of all ages that work at The Villages to live within the community.
The amazing community of The Villages is ever growing, with all the new development to the south and all the revitalization of the older areas. You have to stay tuned to stay on top of all the growth or you’ll be missing out.
Make The Villages Your Home!
Robert and Ronna Levy
(407) 509-8255
If you’re interested in calling The Villages home, we are here to help. We are local experts and would be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in the purchase of your new home at The Villages. We will help you understand the different neighborhoods in the community and get you acquainted with the myriad of amazing opportunities it offers. We are passionate about The Villages and know you will be too! Call us at (407) 509-8255 or click to VIEW HOMES FOR SALE at The Villages.
Robert and Ronna Levy are residents of The Villages. Robert is a licensed real estate agent specializing in The Villages and a skilled golfer.