Courtesy of Nancy Padberg

Driving through central Florida and coming upon the The Villages can be a surprising experience. Set in a rural area complete with horse farms, this age-restricted community is a virtual “retirement kingdom” for active adults.

The Villages is home for about 75,000 residents age 55 and older. Most everyone cruises around the 50-square-mile-plus community in a golf cart, even if they’re not golfers; it’s the preferred method of transportation (tunnels were built so you don’t have to cross any major street). You would need a car if you wanted to leave, but most people don’t know why you would want to. The hospital, churches, shopping, restaurants, schools, 30-plus golf courses, swimming pools, polo field, softball fields, movie theatres, and so on are all within “golf cart distance.”

If you are looking for a gentle climate, an affordable cost of living (central Florida is less expensive than coastal Florida), and thousands of active, happy people, this may be the place for you.

The Villages (1-800-245-1081) attracts people from all over the country and many from outside the country. The plan is for a population of more than 100,000 when building is complete. Thus far, the majority of residents are white (97%) with about 1% each of Hispanic and African American populations.

The community offers a broad range of housing styles and prices. A new patio villa with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is priced in the $150,000s. Ranch homes in the $150,000s, as well as design homes and premier homes priced from the $200,000s to the $500,000s, are also available. When you request information, you will be given an estimated “monthly cost-of-living sheet” based on a $175,000 home.

If you tour the community, you will receive The Villages Recreation News, a typical monthly publication that’s almost 40 pages long. Whatever your interests, you’ll find them here: Bridge every day, Big Band Club (a rehearsal band that practices on Wednesday mornings), The Village Harmonica Band, Foreign Film club, double-deck pinochle, Cloud Chaser (kite flying), Singles (two clubs for singles), tai chi, softball, soccer, Sheldon’s Stompers (clogging), travel groups, “Way Way off Broadway,” pickle ball, tennis, etc. There are even two motorcycle clubs! And with the 24 executive and nine championship golf courses (open to anyone who lives in The Villages), there’s no excuse for boredom. Enjoy live entertainment? The Town Square hosts events every night.

The Villages, being an actual city, is the main employer, with more than 2,200 people working in some capacity in the town. Public schools are also found within its confines, providing a great education for employees’ school-age children. A new Super Walmart will also be an employment generator.

Basic statistics

• Population: 75,000
• Cost of living: 95 (lower than the state average)
• Rain: 50 inches
• Snow: None
• January temperatures: High, 68; low, 45
• July temperatures: High, 91; low, 71

Sales tax: 6%

Homestead exemption: $25,000

Religion: Many denominations are represented, including Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and more.

Education: Central Florida Community College is about 20 miles away in Ocala. Four-year colleges within a 50-mile range include Rollins College in Winter Park and Stetson College in Deland. The University of Central Florida is in the Orland area, about 60 miles away. With more than 1,000 planned activities per week, you can pursue many lifelong learning opportunities right at home.

Health: The Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital provide quality care for residents.

Watch the following video to learn more about The Villages, Florida: