Wondered that myself?

No the houses are getting bigger!

Fair enough, but getting closer, right???

Well they are certainly closer than they were some years back. Take a look at lots over by Tierra del Sol or out by Lopez, then compare to the newer Villages. No comparison as far as size and closeness to neighbors generally speaking.

setback requirements probably vary from county to county. Lopez is in Marion, Tierra Del Sol in lake (at least parts of it), and obviously the new construction is in Sumter.

I guess that's a vote for Marion and Lake counties if you want a larger lot, not crammed in next to your neighbors.

the salesman told me the lots on the new cyvs were smaller when I was looking

Tierra Del Sol is totally in Sumter County. The Lake County line runs just west of the Rio Grande family pool, over a mile away.

Just a hunch that Sumter County setback requirements have been changed over the years to accomodate The Villages.

Not sure if this is the result of county setbacks or the ability to get more homes per acre.