Will there be "Squares" in the area of homes in the South? The 3 Squares are packed
 

A question- Do we know if Squares will be built in the new sections south, as they have been built in the Original Villages? I have heard that there are not plans to build more Squares. (I am tempted not to believe that, as the Developer has been awesome in duplicating needed attractions.) It would be a huge worry to me if they are not. Brownwood is packed!!!!!!!!!! If anyone has an answer, please respond. Sincere thanks. Isn't The Villages a great place to live!

Yes, The Villages already announced a fourth square is in the first stage. My guess it is probably about three years away from opening.

For me squares got old after first month here.

Isn’t Sawgrass a square? Not open yet I know, but it’s being built.

Sawgrass is a combined rec center and music stage with a few restaurants I believe. Then there is a traditional type square going in. I have never felt the squares to be over crowded but we stay on the outside. Don’t need to see the band, just need to hear them. We love all 3 squares, so much fun to listen, eat and walk around.

If you think they're packed now wait until all of the family housing is built just outside of all of the various villages and squares. It's great for the businesses and we need younger people to fill all of the jobs coming in but traffic and crowds doesn't seem to be something that the developers and local governments put a lot of thought into.

I saw a Vmail from The Villages, or it was in the paper, (can't remember which) that described the new town center which will be named Eastport. I think it was to be near CR470 and included a town, a lake, recreation, and entertainment. It even had the map of the layout and a description of all the things that were going to be there. The lake was even going to big enough to have dragon boat races. You must have missed that announcement. So, just like stores and restaurants, just wait a little while longer. You will have Sawgrass and Eastport to go to.

Yes, Eastport is slated to be built and is currently in the design stages. It is mentioned that will last until approximately August 2022. (a year and the video in which it was stated was youtube'd in Aug 2021. It will have 1000 yd long lake (no, it doesn't look a single bit phallic. Nope, not at all! Any similarities to upside down male genitalia is entirely in your own dirty, depraved imagination. My wife is calling it "D*ck Lake"). It will combine a town-square like atmosphere with dining and commercial ventures with golf academy/golfing and a recreation center. Eastport does not appear (at least from my amateur eye) to have a live music venue - so not one of the defining features we all know are inherent to the "Town Squares," however they will have that at Sawgrass Grove. Unknown if that is 365 days/year or not. Also, the maps do not refer to Eastport as a "Town Square" per se, but a "Lifestyle Center." I suppose that is still to be fully defined. Gary Mark, one of the lead designers, describes it as "a more intimate town square."

Interestingly, if you pay close attention to the video, he describes Eastport as being located in "the center of The Villages." I wonder if that is a slip to indicate that he is aware of the extent of future development in the next couple decades.

For a very good detailed look at BOTH Eastport and Sawgrass Grove, I recommend the video that is 11:17 long at the link below.

It is discussed by The Developer here:

Continuing The Dream: Volume 10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4DujjpVQgY

There is a map inside the linked pages that indicates exactly where it is going. Look for the blue lake labeled, "Eastport."

Also, here is more information on Sawgrass Grove. Kinda like a half-square with a golf course and rec center attached. Instead of restaurants (Except McGrady's Pub), it will have one of those hipster-style big food halls and inside the halls will be several food vendors.

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community

The Villages - Florida's Friendliest Active Adult 55+ Retirement Community

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WcZnYrCMng&t=3s

Stores are finally coming down south. There are retail signs up looking for tenants for a commercial development that has 1800 ft. of frontage on 301 just south of the turnpike ramps on the west side of of the road. I don't know how many acres or how deep the parcels are but 1800 ft. of frontage is a good start.

That is interesting to hear.

For us, the square(s) were the thing that sealed our desire to be here.

We've been here 8 months and maybe been to the squares 8 times.

It was cool the first few times, but holds little for us now. We don't drink often and never drink and operate a vehicle. Some of the restaurants are good, no doubt. Some musical groups have been good. But, it is not our thing -- it wasn't back home either, yet it is nice to have the option.

Sawgrass’s entertainment area (stage with dancing) is generally the same size as Brownwood/LSL.
Sawgrass does not have as much commercial real estate.
There is a stand alone restaurant (McGrady’s) and a series of restaurants in a single building.
Sawgrass should open in the next few months. They are getting close. I heard a rumor they might open McGrady’s before the whole area is ready.
I think Sawgrass has a single, larger bar vs 2/3 bars, like BW and LSL.

ALSO - they are putting restaurants in at different places - i.e. the Okahumka rec center will have a stand alone restaurant.

Ahh, similar to the Grill @ Fenney? That is, at least, supplemented by Edna's On The Green also.

I wasn’t aware there was a square in Orange Blossom!

??? Not sure where you got that info but there is not a square there. Just Spanish Springs, Sumter Landing and Brownwood.

I took a drive down to Sawgrass this weekend and noticed that there isn't a lot of room for parking. I wonder what will happen if there is an event at the rec center, good entertainment, and a lot of people what to go to the market & restaurant/bar. I anticipate a lot of complaints on this forum in a year or two.