The Villages, Florida, is a large master-planned, age-restricted community located in central Florida, spanning parts of Sumter, Marion, and Lake counties. Size and Area:
- The core census-designated place (CDP) of The Villages covers about 33.95 square miles (87.9 km²), with 32.65 square miles (84.6 km²) of land and 1.30 square miles (3.4 km²) of water
- The broader master-planned community extends to approximately 57 square miles (150 km²), making it larger than Manhattan in land area (Manhattan is about 22.7 square miles)
- The community includes around 750 miles of private roads, more than Manhattan’s 508 miles
Population:
- As of the 2020 census, the CDP had a population of about 79,077 residents
- More recent estimates place the population around 82,000 to 86,000 in 2023-2025, with steady growth rates of about 2.5-2.75% annually
- The broader community reportedly has over 130,000 to 150,000 residents, making it one of the largest retirement communities in the U.S.
Community Structure:
- The Villages consists of multiple neighborhoods or "villages," with at least 17 unique neighborhoods, each governed by its own board and regulations
- It is known for extensive amenities, including golf courses, recreational centers, and themed town squares offering entertainment year-round
In summary, The Villages is a very large retirement community both in terms of area (about 57 square miles) and population (over 130,000 residents), with a highly developed infrastructure and numerous neighborhoods within its boundaries.
