The Villages, Florida: Resident Guide and Community Forum (2026)

The Villages has four ZIP codes: 32159, 32162, 32163 and 34762.

The Villages is in Central Florida, about 45 miles northwest of Orlando, 75 miles northeast of Tampa and about 30 minutes south of Ocala. It spans parts of Sumter, Lake and Marion counties.

The Villages consists of three counties! These counties include Lake, Sumter, and Marion.

More than 150,000 residents live in The Villages, according to the developer (2026). The U.S. Census counts 82,108 people in The Villages census-designated place, which covers only part of the community (2019-2023 American Community Survey).

In the 1980’s, the Morse family created The Villages, Florida, and over time the community grew into one of the most active 55 + community.

The Villages has more than 70,000 households, according to the developer (2026), with new neighborhoods still opening around Eastport.

Not exactly. We’d like to think of it more as an active community for retirees.

It’s just an easy hour drive south via Florida’s turnpike.

It takes about an hour and a half on I-75 to reach Tampa.

Jump on US-301, and drive 30 or so minutes north and you’ll reach Ocala.

The Gulf coast is about 40 miles west and the Atlantic coast about 70 miles east.

The Villages covers about 57 square miles (roughly 36,500 acres), according to the developer, and is still growing south of State Road 44.

Pickle-ball is becoming one of the most popular sports, and there are now over 100 courts in The Villages, Florida alone! Whether you’re looking to learn or join in on some competitive tournaments, The Villages, Florida is a Pickle-ball paradise!

The Villages has 15 championship golf courses and 45 executive courses, plus pitch-and-putt and putting courses, as of November 2026. Residents play the executive courses free; championship courses charge greens fees. More courses, including the Meadow View championship course, are in development.

Within The Villages, Florida area, there are six library options. The Mark Twain Library, The Villages, Florida Library at Belvedere, and The Villages, Florida Public Library at Pinellas Plaza are within easy access. In addition, avid readers can enjoy the Lady Lake Public Library, Fruitland Park Public Library, and the Belleview Public Library.

There are wide selection of restaurants within The Villages, Florida. Ranging from pizza to fancy meal time, you can find a place to your liking. For more information about restaurants to check out and avoid, look at our forum solely dedicated to restaurant discussion.

The Villages has three themed town squares (Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood Paddock Square) with free nightly entertainment, plus newer gathering spots at Sawgrass Grove and Eastport.

The Villages has a shuttle that can be private or shared, and is one of the more affordable options in getting to and from The Villages, Florida from the airport. You can contact them at 352-259-9398 or visit their website at thevillagestransportation.net for information on reservations and more.

The Villages is a 55+ community: at least one person in each household must be 55 or older, and no full-time resident can be under 19. Grandchildren and other visitors under 18 are welcome for up to 30 days a year.

All you need to do is visit one of the dog parks, or walk around and see the multiple dog stores/ groomers, and you’ll know you are in a pet-friendly community. Keep an eye out and you may even find some places with dog food menus!

Fishing is a popular sport and activity in The Villages, Florida. You can find clubs, and local fisherman seeking fresh water and salt water adventures. Definitely bring your rod and explore the many fishing options available.

The Villages has more than 3,000 resident-led clubs and activity groups, including many for singles. TOTV's Singles and Clubs forums are good places to start.

Yes. UF Health The Villages Hospital, a 307-bed acute care hospital owned by University of Florida Health since 2020, serves the community, along with UF Health Leesburg Hospital and the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood.

The Villages reports one of the lowest crime rates in Florida, citing FBI data from 2022 (1,044 crimes per 100,000 people). It is protected by Sumter, Lake and Marion county sheriffs plus The Villages Public Safety Department for fire and EMS.

Yes. The Villages Public Safety Department provides fire and EMS services across the community.

There is a mix of local and county police officers who protect and serve The Villages, Florida.

Each square has its own movie theatre! (The Rialto Theatre in Spanish Springs, Barnstorm Theater in Brownwood, or the Old Mill Playhouse on Market Square in Lake Sumter all play the most recent releases to fulfill any movie watchers needs. Don't forget popcorn!)