What 55+ communities in Florida have lots of clubs and activities like The Villages?

[alexthompson]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

[Papa_lecki]

The list of clubs is a 214 page excel spreadsheet, if you can’t find things to do here, you won’t find them anywhere

https://www.districtgov.org/images/documents/Clubs-Listing.pdf

[rustyp]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love cruise ship-style activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

Go on a cruise.

[npwalters]

Margaritaville in Daytona

[rjm1cc]

I think you will find the larger the community the more activities. Do a search for communities over say 10,000 in central Florida
.

[mtdjed]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring. Where should we visit?

Perhaps you are asking the wrong group as most here have already decided. I do not play pickleball and did not move here for golf. We love it. Obviously, others have other choices. Perhaps an indicator might be the growth rate of the various communities.

[Michael G.]

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

Make a visit to any Walmart preferable after 7:00 p,m.
Bring a beer and a lawn chair.

[MrFlorida]

Since we all live here, what do you think our answer will be ????

[Smalley]

You could visit "On top of the World" in Ocala or Lake Ranch in Sarasota. We visited the On Top....in Ocala and it pales in comparison with TV. They claim the houses are built with better quality which may be correct but it's nothing compared to the beauty of TV or out activities.

[villageuser]

Del Webb Spruce Creek a little bit north of The Villages is a great 55+ community with a lot of activities, and less traffic than the Villages. Harbor Hills in Lady Lake is another favorite of mine. Great walking trails, near the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Villages, and a lot to do. A little more north, in Ocala, is Summerglen, which has a great golf course, if you’re into that, and a great restaurant on site, besides other activities. If you don’t mind going South, I’d check out the Country Club of Mount Dora. It’s an older community, but I love going to visit there. Plus it’s near downtown Mount Dora, with all it has to offer. If you want more information, do not hesitate to reach out.

[admiral72]

Pelican Preserve Community Association (https://www.pelicanpreservelifestyles.com/)

[skippy05]

Plantation at Leesburg has lots of activities and is incredibly overall more budget friendly. Google them and read their monthly newsletter online. Note, don't be discouraged regarding their Financials and their owned golf courses. They seem to be getting that under control and have been taking corrective measures.

[TEXJK]

Make a visit to any Walmart preferable after 7:00 p,m.
Bring a beer and a lawn chair.

Better than sitting at a boat ramp lol

[Rwirish]

Visited Lake Ranch, not impressed.

[drdoug59]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

i really liked lakewood ranch, your close to world class beaches, culture, and high end, better quality restaurants. A mixed aged community. it is more high end than the villages with a median income approximately $50,000 higher than TV.
Check it out, median income there is $130K, a truly lovely place

[crash]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

Try Top of the World but there are no others where you can do everything from doctors, shopping, eating out and even the hospital by golf cart.

[msilagy]

There is a Del Webb very close to the villages. If you and your wife prefer a smaller environment then there are many scattered throughout Fl. Check them out - Margaritaville type over on the coast near Daytona that looks nice and might appeal to many built by Jimmy Buffet. I wish you the best. My only comment is the Villages is a one and only!

[Aviator1211]

Be sure to ask your Villages agent to show you the Hacienda country club and Katie Belles

[GizmoWhiskers]

You could visit "On top of the World" in Ocala or Lake Ranch in Sarasota. We visited the On Top....in Ocala and it pales in comparison with TV. They claim the houses are built with better quality which may be correct but it's nothing compared to the beauty of TV or out activities.

While the OP is asking about clubs; an important "in the know" distinction about On Top of the World is that it has two types of home ownership sections. The older section a person can own the townhome or individual house but it sits on "100 year leased land" where you pay monthly lease/lifestyle fee and never own the land. The second type in the newer section one can actually own the land once house is paid off.

If seriously interested in buying there be sure to research which type of land the house sits on. The two distinctions are/can be a contention to some of the long standing residents there. It's a "small world after all" as far as amenities.

Relative to use of amenities in OTotW, homes on land NOT owned entitles owner to only certain clubhouse amenities. Owned land entitles owner to ALL amenities in OToTW. They distinguish. T V you can use ANY rec center and ANY pool etc.

OToTW is a very nice community but is no where near T V relative to the thousands of vast choices offered here. I have family who currently lives in OToTW.

If you are looking to pretty much get to know everyone in the community, it's a cozy place. It too is expanding but is no comparison to the level of development of T V.

[Ibelieveinfaith]

Water Oaks in Lady Lake and please ignore the rude comments not everyone here is like that. Enjoy your visit.

[bowlingal]

Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org) is the website you need to use. If you go to the recreation tab, you will find all the clubs listed ( about 3000) plus all other information regarding the villages

[golfing eagles]

Water Oaks in Lady Lake and please ignore the rude comments not everyone here is like that. Enjoy your visit.

Isn't that a trailer park????

[sowtime444]

I have not read this book, but Ryan from the website "inside the bubble" (a guide to The Villages) has written a book comparing other retirement communities called "Pick the Right Place" Pick the Right Place (https://www.picktherightplace.com/book/)

Also, if you are going to try and get closer to the beach, although the Atlantic side has bigger waves, they are also more likely to have red flag days (no swimming) and the Tampa/St. Petersburg area is overall generally nicer than the Daytona area.

Also be aware that central and north Florida does have a winter of sorts. If you want to swim in the ocean year round and never have to turn the heat on or wear a sweater, you have to go to South Florida.

[NoMo50]

We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

My wife and I weren't either, until we moved here. To my way of thinking, the key to maximizing your retirement lifestyle is to have options. There isn't another retirement community in the world that has the depth and breadth of available activities compared to The Villages.

[SusanStCatherine]

Check out the 55places.com website for other communities. It's not 100% accurate since it says no new homes in Thb Villages. But it will give you an idea of the size of each. We looked at Solivita, Margaritaville, and a few others. Riverland by GL Homes in Port St Lucie seemed to come the closest to what The Villages offers from those we looked at. Hubby needed a big garage and that's why he wanted to buy here.

If you buy near a coast, your homeowners insurance will be extremely high. If you buy on the southwest gulf coast, it will be brutally hot in the summer but warmer in the winter than other areas of Florida. Good luck!

[MandoMan]

Del Webb Spruce Creek a little bit north of The Villages is a great 55+ community with a lot of activities, and less traffic than the Villages. Harbor Hills in Lady Lake is another favorite of mine. Great walking trails, near the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Villages, and a lot to do. A little more north, in Ocala, is Summerglen, which has a great golf course, if you’re into that, and a great restaurant on site, besides other activities. If you don’t mind going South, I’d check out the Country Club of Mount Dora. It’s an older community, but I love going to visit there. Plus it’s near downtown Mount Dora, with all it has to offer. If you want more information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Spruce Creek has only 3,250 homes, compared to over 71,000 in The Villages. The Country Club at Mount Dora has about 30,000 residents, about a quarter what we have here. Harbor Hills has 400 homes and, I believe, one pool and clubhouse. If you want a wide range of clubs and activities, The Villages offers much more. For example, I like to play and sing bluegrass music and country music, and I perform at three bluegrass jams per week. I can’t do that many other places. We have a Shakespeare club, an Old Time Radio club, bands and orchestras, perhaps several hundred card clubs, and on and on. If one group is too advanced or easy for you, there are others that are a better fit. I was invited once to a function of the Michigan Club. Hundreds of people there from Michigan! It’s weird, but there it is. There’s a club for women who hold doctorates of some sort. They get together monthly to dine and make contacts. About seventy women show up! That’s hard to do at a smaller place. Bigger isn’t always better, but it does often make it possible to cater to more interests.

[Duppman]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

Before we decided on The Villages, below was our starting point. IMO it was very helpful.

55+ active adult retirement communities (https://www.55places.com)

[PVR]

Check Thursdays Daily Sum . There is a separate section on some of rhe clubs.

[Michael 61]

I researched and travelled to many 55+ communities throughout the US from coast-to-coast prior to retiring. Although there are many beautiful retirement communities, none can hold a candle to The Villages, which is in category all by itself. If one wants a very active retirement with a high emphasis on social, athletic, and recreational activities, then The Villages is the #1 choice. If one wants a more quiet, serene, subdued, smaller retirement community, then there are many great options for those in that category. Isn’t it great to have options of where we choose to retire? It’s important to do your homework and research a few years before retirement, so you’re ready to make an informed decision when the time comes to relocate.

[Randall55]

Check Thursdays Daily Sum . There is a separate section on some of rhe clubs.
Wherever you decide to retire, scout the amenities and clubs before buying. It will be heartbreaking if you find the amenities are always full and the clubs you are interested in are not accepting new members. If you choose to buy in the Villages, carefully look at all areas. Make certain you will be comfortable with the amount of residents who use the amenities or attend each club. Stop by any rec center and pick up a copy of the clubs in the villages. Read it carefully. Each club will state if they are accepting new members and their guidelines. While you are visiting, attend some clubs to get a feel for the group.

[Janie123]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?
Nothing in FL is “like” The Villages… 5000+ clubs. As for outdoor activities, plenty of games to play besides Golf and Pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, horseshoes, etc and no one has to have any experience to play. You can play those with a drink in your hand. I belong to the Habitat for Humanity club and volunteer time building houses and making sawdust. The adult pools have activities like water aerobics.

[MX rider]

My wife and I weren't either, until we moved here. To my way of thinking, the key to maximizing your retirement lifestyle is to have options. There isn't another retirement community in the world that has the depth and breadth of available activities compared to The Villages.

100% NoMo50! You summed it up perfectly.
That's why we chose the Villages. You can stay as busy as you want. And the number of activities available for no cost is truly amazing.

For me, Golf, sand volleyball, softball and mountain biking are my go to sports. But there's so much more, too much to mention.
My wife is in the beginner pickleball program and loving it. She's always been very fit, but not into sports in general. But the social aspect that goes with it really appeals to her.

We looked at other places, but nowhere came close to what we have here. Plus, the fact that they keep everything nice, clean and the facilities are all top notch. If you want to stay active, this is the place!

But as I tell anyone that asks, it's not for everybody. Depends on how you want to spend your retirement.

There's a happy place for everyone, I hope you find yours. For us it's TV.

Have fun on your visit!

[TomPerry]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?
You can visit anywhere you want, but in my opinion, nowhere else can beat The Villages when it comes to availability of restaurants, golf, softball, Pickel ball, activities, clubs, entertainment, miles of walking & nature trails, miles of golf cart paths, and overall beauty and cleanliness. At least by coming to The Villages first, you will have the standard by which you can judge all the rest.

[sallyg]

Check out any of the Del Webb communities. Very nice and not so huge.

[Wondering]

Take from the greedy billionaires and give to the hard working less fortunate!

[Salty Dog]

Royal Highlands (https://www.royalhighlands.org/) south of Leesburg about midway between Leesburg and Clermont. I've bought two homes there. One new and one preowned. There isn't anymore new builds there. There are 1500 homes. It's certainly no Villages, but it's much more laidback.

[Heytubes]

For getting around the area, either by golf cart or automobile, I recommend spending a one time charge of 6 or 7 bucks on The Villages GPS app. It has a listing and direction's to everything and everywhere in The Villages. There is also a free app, but not as inclusive. I settled in the north older area as more mature trees, restaurants as well as closer to medical facilities, plus, closer to Ocala restaurants as well as the World Equestrian Center which is a fascinating facility where events are held often. Either way, no where compares to The Villages if you want to feel like you’re on vacation everyday. Best to you!

[CTKID]

My wife and I will be staying in The Villages for a Lifestyle Visit for a week during the holidays. We are not golf or pickleball people, but we love activities and clubs.

We will be in Florida for an additional week exploring.Where should we visit?

Over the seven years we were looking we visited numerous communities in Florida, North and South Carolina. Most had many activities. For me it came down to a few items. Weather for all twelve months of the year, access to health care, continuing education including clubs and activities I had never tried.

It might be time well spent to write down what really is important to you folks and let that guide you. Then do a quick internet search for communities in an area that works for you, make a few calls and ask some questions. Instead of asking do you have a billiard club I would ask how many billiard clubs do you have. Thirty minutes spent could save you a week of your time and $100's or $1,000's of dollars. Much more efficient process than spending days & dollars someplace that will not work for you.

I really liked that I could just go to a different club if I didn't click with the first one. Most communities will have a club but not many clubs for a specific activity. As an example, there is 42 Art - Clay Clubs, 35 Billiard Clubs and 63 Bridge - Cards Clubs listed in The Villages spreadsheet supplied in an earlier response.

I hope it helps and I am sure you will find your spot. You may have already found it???

[KeithD]

Babcock range north of fort Myers

[justjim]

Very close to The Villages is Stonecrest and Spruce Creek South. Both are along U.S. 441/27 at the north east side of The Villages. They are smaller communities that have golf cart availability to shopping and you can also get into The Villages from there. I know of several that have moved from The Villages to Stonecrest and Spruce Creek South. Worth looking IMHO because they are close.

[MX rider]

My wife and I weren't either, until we moved here. To my way of thinking, the key to maximizing your retirement lifestyle is to have options. There isn't another retirement community in the world that has the depth and breadth of available activities compared to The Villages.

Check out any of the Del Webb communities. Very nice and not so huge.

My sister in law and her husband live in Del Webb in Ocala. They like it, but it was way too boring for us. They thought the Villages was too busy. To each their own.

[bob47]

Isn't that a trailer park????

I can imagine that there are lots of folks there living very happy lives and enjoying their friends. Is it necessary to disparage the place?

[MidWestIA]

lots of places say they have them but contact them to see how many in it and do they ever meet

[jimjamuser]

Check out the 55places.com website for other communities. It's not 100% accurate since it says no new homes in Thb Villages. But it will give you an idea of the size of each. We looked at Solivita, Margaritaville, and a few others. Riverland by GL Homes in Port St Lucie seemed to come the closest to what The Villages offers from those we looked at. Hubby needed a big garage and that's why he wanted to buy here.

If you buy near a coast, your homeowners insurance will be extremely high. If you buy on the southwest gulf coast, it will be brutally hot in the summer but warmer in the winter than other areas of Florida. Good luck!
2023 was the HOTTEST year ever on RECORD! And climate scientists PREDICT increasing WARMING tor at least the next 8 years. Anywhere in Florida is going to be "brutally HOT" in the summer. That why we have so many snow birds, who descend on Florida AFTER the BRUTAL summer. Note: the chamber of commerce will NOT tell you that!

[wsachs]

i really liked lakewood ranch, your close to world class beaches, culture, and high end, better quality restaurants. A mixed aged community. it is more high end than the villages with a median income approximately $50,000 higher than TV.
Check it out, median income there is $130K, a truly lovely place

Not very golf cart friendly, golf can cost a lot and you have to drive your car most places, restuarants, golf, Dr's, shopping, etc.

[patfla06]

i really liked lakewood ranch, your close to world class beaches, culture, and high end, better quality restaurants. A mixed aged community. it is more high end than the villages with a median income approximately $50,000 higher than TV.
Check it out, median income there is $130K, a truly lovely place

Horrible traffic, high taxes and crime. No thanks.

[golfing eagles]

I can imagine that there are lots of folks there living very happy lives and enjoying their friends. Is it necessary to disparage the place?

Yes (Only because of a post by a resident there disparaging The Villages)

[golfing eagles]

2023 was the HOTTEST year ever on RECORD! And climate scientists PREDICT increasing WARMING tor at least the next 8 years. Anywhere in Florida is going to be "brutally HOT" in the summer. That why we have so many snow birds, who descend on Florida AFTER the BRUTAL summer. Note: the chamber of commerce will NOT tell you that!

We all know you support the false narrative of anthropogenic climate change, but this thread is about activities in TV vs elsewhere, try to stay on topic.

[JMintzer]

We all know you support the false narrative of anthropogenic climate change, but this thread is about activities in TV vs elsewhere, try to stay on topic.

"Shirley" you jest... :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[coconutmama]

Horrible traffic, high taxes and crime. No thanks.

The Village of Lynn Haven had 2 house break ins last week, that I know of.

But I agree that Lakewood Ranch has higher taxes.

[Bilyclub]

Lakewood Ranch only had one section by Del Webb that is 55 and over. Lots of traffic to get to the beach too.

[justjim]

Royal Highlands (https://www.royalhighlands.org/) south of Leesburg about midway between Leesburg and Clermont. I've bought two homes there. One new and one preowned. There isn't anymore new builds there. There are 1500 homes. It's certainly no Villages, but it's much more laidback.

We lived in Royal Highlands prior to The Villages. Great memories but we found ourselves going to the Villages to eat and play as guests of friends. In 2006 decided to purchase in The Villages. No regrets.

[PurePeach]

[QUOTE=npwalters;2280914]Margaritaville in Daytona[/QUOTE

It will also come with an activity called hurricane evacuation . . . !

[MX rider]

Not very golf cart friendly, golf can cost a lot and you have to drive your car most places, restuarants, golf, Dr's, shopping, etc.

Lakewood Ranch is nice, but very expensive if you want a lot of activity. Totally a different animal than TV, so not really comparable.
From what we saw doing our research, nothing else is close to what TV has to offer if you want to be active. There are other options to be sure.

But again, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[Escape Artist]

I researched and travelled to many 55+ communities throughout the US from coast-to-coast prior to retiring. Although there are many beautiful retirement communities, none can hold a candle to The Villages, which is in category all by itself. If one wants a very active retirement with a high emphasis on social, athletic, and recreational activities, then The Villages is the #1 choice. If one wants a more quiet, serene, subdued, smaller retirement community, then there are many great options for those in that category. Isn’t it great to have options of where we choose to retire? It’s important to do your homework and research a few years before retirement, so you’re ready to make an informed decision when the time comes to relocate.

Well put, Michael. By the way, your home is lovely and I enjoyed your latest appearance on The Newcomers with Jerry and Linda. I don’t know if anyone has told you this but you are a natural in front of a camera!

I was wondering if you considered Arizona at all since you were nearby in Colorado. I love Arizona and the desert, and if I could have afforded it I would have moved to a retirement community there.

[alexthompson]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful responses. We are so excited for our visit to The Villages!

[Michael 61]

Well put, Michael. By the way, your home is lovely and I enjoyed your latest appearance on The Newcomers with Jerry and Linda. I don’t know if anyone has told you this but you are a natural in front of a camera!

I was wondering if you considered Arizona at all since you were nearby in Colorado. I love Arizona and the desert, and if I could have afforded it I would have moved to a retirement community there.

Thank you Escape!

Yes, I had made quite a few trips to Arizona at all times of the year, and was really leaning that direction to retire, since that is where the majority of folks from Colorado and the West go to retire. Arizona has a more west-coast vibe, which is comfortable and familiar to me, while Florida is a combo of Mid-Atlantic/New York/New England and Mid-West, which is new for me.

The lifestyle of The Villages, more than “Florida”, is what sold this community for me.

On a balance sheet these were the pluses of The Villages over the Sun City communities of Arizona:
- Most everything is golf cart accessible, I barely drive my car, and looking ahead when I get in my 80s and maybe no longer driving, I can still get around by golf cart.
-I’m super active, and thrive with lots of activities, I need to be booked each day with stuff to do, The Villages wins in this category hands down.
-I like the greenery and lush vegetation here
-Close proximity to beaches
-Able to drive same day to cruise ports, rather than flying in the night before
-Way cheaper to buy a new house here than Arizona
-No state income tax
-Nightly entertainment (though like most, I don’t go as often as I did when I first arrived)
-Way more golfing options
-More and diverse clubs
-More “younger retirees”, especially south of 44
-More warmer days to swim and wear shorts in winter
-More rainfall (I enjoy rain)
-Neighborhoods more “social”
-Great entertainment options at The Sharon and Savannah Center
-More bearable to be out and about in hot summer weather than Arizona

There were however some areas where Arizona held the advantage for me:
-No real severe weather concerns
-Closer to my family in California
-Way better/diverse restaurant options than The Villages
-Better and closer medical facilities
-Communities have full-service gyms included in their amenities fees, and conveniently located in the rec centers.
-No bonds (but most have a one-time “buy in” fee at closing)
-Lower property taxes (some Sun City communities are not in any school districts, so no taxes to pay for schools)

No retirement community is going to check every single box, you need to decide in which areas are you willing to compromise without being “miserable” or “disgruntle” about. I refuse to turn into the stereotype of the old retired curmudgeon, that no one wants to be around.

[Topspinmo]

Perhaps you are asking the wrong group as most here have already decided. I do not play pickleball and did not move here for golf. We love it. Obviously, others have other choices. Perhaps an indicator might be the growth rate of the various communities.

I move here just for billiards, nowhere else in world has as many billiard rooms and pool tables. Actually IMO nowhere else in world has as many Rec facilities and activities as villages.

[Topspinmo]

Del Webb Spruce Creek a little bit north of The Villages is a great 55+ community with a lot of activities, and less traffic than the Villages. Harbor Hills in Lady Lake is another favorite of mine. Great walking trails, near the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Villages, and a lot to do. A little more north, in Ocala, is Summerglen, which has a great golf course, if you’re into that, and a great restaurant on site, besides other activities. If you don’t mind going South, I’d check out the Country Club of Mount Dora. It’s an older community, but I love going to visit there. Plus it’s near downtown Mount Dora, with all it has to offer. If you want more information, do not hesitate to reach out.

Fine if like playing few holes of golf over and over. Where they want entertainment the come to villages.

[Topspinmo]

i really liked lakewood ranch, your close to world class beaches, culture, and high end, better quality restaurants. A mixed aged community. it is more high end than the villages with a median income approximately $50,000 higher than TV.
Check it out, median income there is $130K, a truly lovely place


And closer to hurricanes. :D

[Topspinmo]

2023 was the HOTTEST year ever on RECORD! And climate scientists PREDICT increasing WARMING tor at least the next 8 years. Anywhere in Florida is going to be "brutally HOT" in the summer. That why we have so many snow birds, who descend on Florida AFTER the BRUTAL summer. Note: the chamber of commerce will NOT tell you that!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1HggcfnHpo

:bigbow:

Florida summers has always been hot and humid.