The Villages Area Map
More Maps of The Villages. You might also try searching by Neighborhoods in The Villages.
One of the biggest decisions when considering a move to The Villages, Florida, is where to live. Although the entire community is connected by golf cart paths and shared amenities, each of the major town square areas has its own personality.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each area to help you decide which might be the best fit.
Spanish Springs
Spanish Springs is the original town square in The Villages and has a more established, traditional feel. It is located in the northern portion of the community and is close to the US-441/US-27 corridor, making access to shopping, restaurants, medical services, and other businesses convenient.
Pros
Established neighborhood feel: Many of the surrounding communities are mature, with larger landscaping and established trees.
Convenient location: Easy access to the commercial areas along 441/27.
Classic Villages atmosphere: Spanish Springs has the history and character of being the original town square.
Restaurants and entertainment: Plenty of choices for dining and nightly entertainment.
Potentially better value: Older homes in this part of The Villages can sometimes provide an opportunity to get into the community at a lower price than newer areas.
Bond Paid Homes: Most homes in this area either have the bond paid off or are close.
Cons
Older homes: Some homes are several decades old and may require more updating or maintenance such as popcorn ceilings.
Less of a “New Florida” feel: Buyers looking for brand new construction and modern streetscapes may prefer areas farther south.
Traffic: The 441/27 corridor can become busy, particularly during peak season.
Higher Insurance cost: Homes build before the 2002 building code can have higher premiums and deductibles.
Lake Sumter Landing
Lake Sumter Landing is arguably the central hub of The Villages. Built around a waterfront setting, it combines restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and beautiful scenery.
Pros
Central location: One of the biggest advantages is being relatively central to many parts of The Villages.
Waterfront atmosphere: The lake and boardwalk give the area a distinctive feel that sets it apart from the other squares.
Excellent dining and shopping: There are numerous restaurants, shops, and services within the area.
Lower insurance cost: Most homes in this area are built after 2002 building code and can qualify for cost saving credits.
Lower property taxes: Most homes in this area pay only Sumter County taxes and not any additional city taxes.
Lower bond payments: Bonds in earlier years were often much less.
Cons
Can be busy: Popularity brings crowds, especially during the winter season.
Higher demand location: Homes in desirable areas close to Lake Sumter Landing can command a premium.
Brownwood Paddock Square
Brownwood is the major town square serving much of the southern and central portions of the established Villages. It has a western theme and newer feel.
Pros
Good central location: It is arguably the most convenient area also offering easy access to both the Lake Sumter and Eastport areas.
Newer surroundings: Many homes and amenities are newer and more updated than older areas.
Largest Homes and Homesites: Homes built in this area on average are larger by sqft and lot size. Brownwood also has the most Premier Homes.
Lower bond payments: Bonds in earlier years were less and went up substantially once The Villages started building south of S.R. 44.
Possibly lower property taxes: Some homes in this area pay only Sumter County taxes.
Cons
Newer area premiums: Homes in newer sections can cost more than comparable properties in older parts of The Villages.
Distance from the north: If you frequently travel to Spanish Springs or other northern amenities, you’re looking at a longer but doable golf cart or trip.
Eastport
Eastport Sawgrass represents the newest major entertainment and dining district among these four areas. It is part of the continuing growth of The Villages and has a noticeably newer look and feel.
Pros
Newest area: Buyers who want new construction and modern amenities will find Eastport particularly attractive.
Growing selection of restaurants and businesses: The area is continuing to develop.
Modern feel: Newer homes, roads, landscaping, and infrastructure appeal to buyers who don’t want an older home.
Future potential: As surrounding neighborhoods and businesses mature, Eastport could become a more popular destination.
Cons
Construction and development: Growth means construction activity and ongoing development. Some services, restaurants, and amenities are still developing.
Young landscaping: New neighborhoods generally don’t have the mature trees and established greenery found in the older areas.
Distance: Depending on where you live, trips to the older town squares can be considerably longer.
Higher Bonds: This area has the highest bonds and payments with bonds as high as $50,000 + ($3,000+ yearly).
City Property Taxes: Sumter and Lake Counties both have additional city property taxes in this area.
Which Area Is Best?
Ultimately, the best location comes down to what matters most to you: older versus newer homes, quiet versus activity, convenience versus growth, and established landscaping versus modern development. Before buying, spending a few days (ideally a few weeks) in different areas can give you a much better sense of which part of The Villages feels like home. You also should also familiarize yourself with various maps of the Villages. If you are golfer or planning to be, some areas offer more considerably better access to both Championship and Executive Golf than others.
