The Villages Florida Community

In the early 1960’s, business partners, Harold Schwartz and Al Tarrson, found that selling land tracts via mail in central Florida was extremely lucrative. However, this deal would last only until 1968, when the federal law made the practice of selling real estate via mail illegal. With their main sector of profit closed, the two decided to turn the land Northwestern of Lake County, into a mobile park home and named it Orange Blossoms Gardens. By the 1980’s, the community wasn’t growing as it was originally desired. As a result, Schwartz bought out Tarrson’s interest and recruited his son, H. Gary Morse, to join him in improving the community’s development. His decision to bring Morse on proved vital. Morse had a natural knack for community development, and noted that one way to expand would be to offer more amenities and nearby commercial developments. Schwartz followed suit, and soon began buying land in Sumter and Marion counties, and as the area grew, Morse officially changed the name to The Villages in 1992.

According to the most recent census reports, the demographic make-up of The Villages CDP was 98.3 percent white, 0.3 percent African American, 0.1 percent Native American, 0.8 percent Asian, 1.8 percent Hispanic, and 0.3 percent of other races. Whereas, 56.3 percent of the population is 65 years and older and over 50 percent is female. With the median age for both sexes being 67.5, it’s median is 29 years older than the typical community in the United States. Did you know The Villages is also home to the largest veteran population that isn’t on a military base?

The population within The Villages is considered very politically active, with golf cart rallies a common sight around voting season. Historically, the area leans more on the conservative side, with about 70 percent of the vote in the President election of 2016 going towards Trump. This makes The Villages a hot-spot for conservative candidates to visit in campaign season.Republicans outnumber Democrats two-to-one. Although the community is majority conservative, there is an active liberal community that participates on a regular basis as well.

As the population within The Villages continues to grow, businesses and commercial areas are keeping up. In 2016 alone, developers built 5.7 million square feet of commercial property, and have plans to continue expansion. The main business areas are the three town squares built by the developers. The town centers consist of retail shops, restaurants, entertainment services and more. Otherwise, the Villages contains all other shopper needs, and additional information about The Villages, such as education, healthcare, government, entertainment, and more can be found throughout Talk of The Villages.

• Daily live music plays in each of the town squares. There are three squares in The Villages( Spanish Springs, Brownwood Paddock, Lake Sumter Landing).
• With 13 commercial areas, Villagers have access to so many shopping areas and more.
• Anyone who owns a golf cart will be able to explore over 90 miles of paths dedicated to carts! Additionally, businesses within The Villages are accessible by golf carts!
• The Villages is the 14th largest municipality in Florida.
• Out of the 67 counties in Florida, The Villages ranks at 33 population wise.
• If you’re under the age of 19, you cannot live legally in The Villages. However, you are permitted a visitors pass with a maximum of 30 days per year. Exemptions may be granted.
• There are three neighborhoods outside of The Villages that are designated as “family units” and no age restriction is imposed. However, recreation and amenities in The Villages are off-limits to these neighborhoods.
• There are 12 country clubs in The Villages, 25 family pools, 52 neighborhood pools, and 10 sport pools.
• The Villages is an active community with various recreational sports and events and over 2,500 social clubs!

Have you officially decided to make the big move to The Villages Florida? There are a few important things to take into account before make The Villages home:

Driver License Office & Motor Vehicle Services

Contact your local DMV to make sure you update your license and registration. Is your car insurance up-to-date? You can find information here:

• Address: 8033 East County Road 466 Suite B, The Villages, Florida 32162
• Phone: (352) 689-4645
• Fax: (352) 689-4646
• Email: manager@sumtertaxcollector.com
• Hours: Mon- Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
• https://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/new-to-florida.php

Villages Community Development District Utilities

Billing covers water, sewer, irrigation, amenities, sanitation service for Marion and Sumter Counties, and RV space rental.

• Phone: 352-750-0000
• Fax: 352-674-1999
• Email Contact: utilities@districtgov.org.

Trash and recycling services

VCCD 1-11 (Marion, Sumter, Fruitland Park)
Sanitation Billing Questions: 352-750-0000
Sumter Sanitation Pickup Questions: 352-748-0109

Town of Lady Lake

In the town of Lady Lake, Waste Management deals with sanitation services and sends bills to residents.
Waste Management Pickup and Billing Questions: 352-787-4416
Lake County Solid Waste serves the Lake County area of The Villages
Lake County Solid Waste Billing and Pick up Questions: 352-343-3776

Internet providers (top 3)

Century Link

Toll number: 1-865-465-2313

Xfinity

Store front:
Address: 870 North US Highway 27 Ste G/F Lady Lake, Florida 32159
Hours: Mon- Sat 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Number: (800) 934-6489

Spectrum

Store front:
Address: 730 S Main St, Wildwood, Florida 34785
Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Closed weekends
Phone: (866) 874-2389

Cable providers (top 3)

Spectrum

Store front:
Address: 730 S Main St, Wildwood, Florida 34785
Hours: Mon- Fri 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Closed weekends
Phone: (866) 874-2389

Dish

Toll number: (800) 358- 2488
Hours: Mon – Fri 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sat 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

DIRECTV

Toll Number: (855) 802 – 3473
Hours: Mon- Sat 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Electric Companies

SECO

Office: Sumterville
293 South U.S. Highway 301, Sumterville, Florida 33585
Number: (352) 793-3801
Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Sat and Sun.
Toll Number: (800) – 732- 6141

Gas Companies

TECO

Toll number: (877)- 832- 6747

School information

The Villages Charter School Director of Education: Randy McDaniel

Address: 350 Tatonka Terrace,
The Villages, Florida 32162
Phone: 352-259-2350
Website: tvcs.org

Sumter County Schools Superintendent: Rick Shirley Address: 2680 W. County Road 476,
Bushnell, Florida 33513
Phone: 352-793-2315
Website: sumter.k12.fl.us

Lake County Schools Superintendent: Diane Kornegay Address: 201 W. Burleigh Blvd.,
Tavares, Florida 32778
Phone: 352-253-6500
Website: lake.k12.fl.us
Marion County Public Schools Superintendent: Heidi Maier Address: 512 SE Third St., Ocala, FL 34471 Phone: 352-671-7700 Website: marionschools.net

If you’re looking for a contractor for your home, check out our forum all about home improvement to view reviews and ratings to find the contractor for you. https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/HomeImprovement_Directory.php

Learn all about tax information for new residents: http://floridarevenue.com/Forms_library/current/gt800025.pdf

If you’re nearing your 65th birthday, you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Learn more about Medicare costs here: https://www.medicare.gov/