The Villages is a census-designated place (CDP) in Sumter County, Florida. It shares its name with a broader master-planned age-restricted community that spreads into portions of Lake and Marion counties. Its nickname is: “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown”.
The Villages is made up of 17 special purpose Community Development Districts. The overall development lies in central Florida, approximately 20 miles south of Ocala and approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando.
The Villages consists of successful retirement communities and offers numerous well-maintained amenities for the residents. The Villages also has diverse and nearby commercial developments.
The Villages embraces cultural equality, diversity, inclusion, equity and has many charming welcoming-friendly neighborhoods. The Villages is rolling out the “Welcome to The Villages” appealing welcome mat to new residents, entrepreneurs, new startups, business founders, visitors and more value-added activities.
In the spirit of many enterprising early settlers, local entrepreneurs have created business opportunities in the area. With the help of local business leaders, the demand for startup ventures and the need for more goods and services has ignited the spirit of business ownership in The Villages community.