The Villages is larger than NYC (Manhattan)

We did the research for several years before retirement as follows:

Colororado - Too cold!
Myrtle Beach - Never felt homey!
Branson - Very limited activity!
Pigeon Forge - I liked Ok, Wife did not!
South Texas - Sorry, but YUK!

We stayed and played several times in The Villages and fell in love with it. Yes, I have bumped into some grumpy old residents occasionally but very few. As far as comments about crime, really, non existent when compared to anywhere else America. Now as FROGS, we have no regrets.

It's actually a unique form of government called a Community Development District. It is not a city or a town but it can be counted for census and other purposes.

And huge population growth is a good thing?

Well, it tends to validate your decision to buy here. It also means that your property values are continuing to rise. It also means the demand Is likely to be there if you choose to sell. I see no downside, in a fairly short period of time the southern area will have all the amenities they want and will have little reason to venture north. Perhaps you would prefer Detroit.