The Villages in Florida, a 55 or older master planned community about an hour Northwest of Orlando was the fastest growing city in the United States in the last 10 years growing by 39%. This should be no surprise because Florida has become the go to state for many people retiring from all over the country. Currently, there are about 90,000 people living in the Villages with many more new homes coming on line. Since the Villages is inland, it would not be as subject to the devastating hurricanes that hit the East and West coasts of Florida every year. And, with the proximity to Tampa and Orlando, it means two good airports nearby and lots of amenities are just down the road. The Villages is about 40 miles from the West coast of Florida and 70 miles from the East Coast of Florida so beaches are not too far away.
Average home value in the Villages is $335,000, which is reasonable. With more than 54 golf courses and lots to do and amenities in the Villages, it is a perfect retirement location. Since Baby Boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day for the next 15 - 20 years, there is no doubt that communities like the Villages in many parts of the Sunbelt will be in demand.
There are many positives to living in a place like the Villages in terms of amenities. However, there are some negatives too. All of these amenities come with fairly high HOA and other membership fees. And, then there is the weather. Summers in Florida are very hot and humid. Being inland means even hotter weather, since ocean breezes are not there to mitigate the heat. And then because Florida is swampy, there are big bugs including termites, snakes including some that are poisonous and even alligators wherever there are standing ponds. So, lots of bug spraying is needed monthly. Finally parts of Florida, including in the Villages sometimes have sink holes because the water table can vary. However, all in all none of this is stopping retired people from moving to the Villages. For me, I prefer Arizona because at least the summers that are hot as hell are dry heat. And, Yes there can be rattle snakes and scorpions; but I have never seen one in Phoenix.
