The Villages is a large, master-planned, age-restricted community located in central Florida. It spans parts of three counties: Sumter, Marion, and Lake. Geographically, it lies approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando and 75 miles northeast of Tampa. The community covers about 57 square miles and includes many neighborhoods with extensive amenities such as golf courses, recreation centers, shopping, and dining
. In addition to The Villages, Florida has several other notable villages with unique characteristics:
- St. Augustine : The oldest European-established settlement in the continental U.S., known for its historic Colonial Quarter
- Mount Dora : A charming village in Central Florida known for antiques, art galleries, and scenic views of Lake Dora
- Matlacha : An island village near Cape Coral famous for its vibrant art scene and waterfront activities
- Safety Harbor : Located on Tampa Bay's western shore, known for natural mineral springs and a quaint downtown area
- Melrose : A small village in northeastern Florida's Lake Region, popular for its artistic community and lakes
- McIntosh : A historic village in Marion County with Victorian architecture and an annual heritage festival
- Yankeetown : A picturesque village along the Withlacoochee River, known for natural beauty and outdoor recreation
- Micanopy : A quaint village south of Gainesville, known for historic buildings and antique shops
These villages are scattered throughout Florida, each offering distinct cultural, historical, or natural attractions, complementing the large retirement-focused community of The Villages in central Florida
