[downeaster]

The term "Association Fees" used by real eastate people usually refer to Home Owners Association fees. Although there is a Homeowners Association in The Villages membership is not mandatory (nor is it expensive) as well as a Property Owners
Association.
The Villages is a Community Development District (CDD) and I could write pages explaining what it is and how it impacts on the property owners. I would advise you to contact the Villages Sales Office or the District Administration office for details. They are far more qualified than I am to give you an in depth answer.
It is not a big mystery but there are many variables.
The District Administration has weekly (biweekly?) "classes" where it explained in detail.

DC