History of The Villages, Florida in Timeline

The Villages is a large, age-restricted master-planned community and census-designated place (CDP) located in central Florida, spanning Sumter, Marion, and Lake counties. Situated approximately 20 miles south of Ocala and 45 miles northwest of Orlando, it's also part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan statistical area. The 2020 census recorded a population of 79,077 within the CDP. Its central location in Florida and unique status as a large, planned retirement community contribute to its notability.

1968: Federal Law Halts Mail-Order Sales

In 1968, a federal law prohibiting real estate sales by mail order forced Harold Schwartz and his business partner, Al Tarrson, to halt this practice in The Villages area.

1983: Schwartz Buys Tarrson's Interest

In 1983, Harold Schwartz bought out Al Tarrson’s interest in Orange Blossom Gardens and brought his son, H. Gary Morse, into the business.

1992: Community Renamed

In 1992, Orange Blossom Gardens was officially renamed "the Villages".

2004: George W. Bush Visit

In 2004, former president George W. Bush visited The Villages.

2004: Amtrak Service Change

Until 2004, Amtrak's Palmetto served adjacent Wildwood.

2007: Economic Growth

From 2007, the Villages Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) saw significant economic growth.

2010: Census Data

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 51,442 people residing in The Villages CDP.

2010: Top-Selling Community

From 2010, The Villages was the top-selling master-planned community in the United States.

2012: Political Landscape

As of 2012, The Villages was a stronghold for the Republican Party, with registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats two-to-one.

2012: High Voter Turnout

As of 2012, The Villages was known for high voter turnout, with approximately 80% participation in elections.

December 10, 2013: Land Purchase

On December 10, 2013, the Villages of Lake-Sumter Inc. agreed to an $8 million deal to purchase the Pine Ridge Dairy tract in Fruitland Park, Florida.

2013: IRS Ruling on CDD Bonds

In 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that $426 million in bonds issued by a Community Development District (CDD) in The Villages were not tax-exempt.

2015: Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center Opens

In 2015, the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, a venue with over 1,000 seats, opened in The Villages.

2016: Commercial Development

As of 2016, The Villages had developed approximately 5.7 million square feet of commercial space.

2016: Studio Tierra Del Sol Opens

In 2016, The Studio Tierra Del Sol, a black box theatre with seating for 100, opened in The Villages.

2017: GDP Increase

By 2017, the Villages Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) gross domestic product (GDP) had increased by 51.4% to $2.1 billion.

2017: Enrichment Academy Launched

In 2017, The Enrichment Academy was launched, offering over 140 fee-based courses in various topics.

2017: Land Acquisition for Expansion

In 2017, The Holding Company of the Villages purchased 8,000 acres south of Florida State Road 44 and 2,600 acres near County Road 470 for future residential and commercial development.

2017: Lifelong Learning

In 2017, the Enrichment Academy provides courses in scuba diving, literature, philosophy, culinary arts, foreign language, photography, and technology.

2018: Veteran Population

According to Politico, as of 2018, the Villages was the home of the largest veteran population anywhere in the United States that does not have a military base.

2018: Extensive Road Network

As of 2018, The Villages maintained approximately 750 miles (1,210 km) of private roads.

2018: High Occupancy Rates

As of 2018, commercial spaces in the Villages maintained high occupancy rates, averaging around 97%.

2018: Job Growth

By 2018, the MSA added approximately 13,900 jobs.

2018: Median Age Statistics

In 2018, the median age for both sexes in the Villages metropolitan statistical area was 67.4, significantly higher than the national average.

2018: Autonomous Taxi Pilot Program

In early 2018, the Villages was chosen for a pilot program offering autonomous taxis in the area of Lake Sumter Landing, making it one of the first cities in the United States to offer paid taxi services using autonomous vehicles.

2019: Stake in Voyage Auto

As of 2019, the Villages held a 0.5 percent stake in Voyage Auto.

2019: Home Sales Peak

By 2019, The Villages had sold 24,440 homes, making it the top-selling master-planned community in the United States.

2019: Donald Trump Visit

In 2019, former president Donald Trump visited The Villages.

2019: Demographic and Income Data

In 2019, persons under five years accounted for 0.1% of The Villages' population, 53.6% of the population was female, and the median household income was $63,841.

October 2020: Chitty Chatty Bridge Opens

In October 2020, The Chitty Chatty Bridge, crossing Florida State Road 44 (SR 44) near Rohan Recreation Center and Lake Deaton Plaza, opened to traffic.

2020: Home Ownership Analysis

According to a 2020 analysis by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, women purchased 468 homes compared to 406 by men in The Villages, indicating a higher proportion of female buyers.