I get at least 2-3 emails a week asking me something along the lines of: "Everything people say about The Villages seems too good to be true. What are the problems in The Villages that we need to know about?" Great question! While it wouldn't be practical for me to cover all of the problems in The Villages, what I will do in this article is cover a few of the … [Read more...] about Problems In The Villages
The Villages Florida Blog
Inside Everglades Recreation Complex (Photos / Video)
The grand opening of Everglades Recreation Center was held on Friday, November 8, 2019. Everglades is located in the Village of Marsh Bend near the northwest corner of County Road 468 and Florida’s Turnpike. This is the biggest recreation complex so far in The Villages, and spans more than 50 acres. Inside the 32,000 sq. ft. recreation center you'll find decor that … [Read more...] about Inside Everglades Recreation Complex (Photos / Video)
Brownwood Hotel & Spa Taking Reservations for 2020
As of this week, you can book a stay at the 151-room Brownwood Hotel & Spa, currently under construction adjacent to Brownwood Paddock Square here in The Villages. The hotel will feature: A Wolfgang Puck Kitchen + Bar10,000 square feet of banquet/conference spaceA 7,000-square-foot dry spa offering both standard and medical services, with 10 treatment rooms and a … [Read more...] about Brownwood Hotel & Spa Taking Reservations for 2020
Recapping President Donald Trump’s Visit to The Villages
The news this month was dominated by President Trump's visit to The Villages on Thursday, October 3. Trump arrived on Air Force One in Ocala and then choppered in to The Villages on Marine One, landing at the Polo Fields. He was then transported by motorcade to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center in Spanish Springs to deliver his address on Medicare. … [Read more...] about Recapping President Donald Trump’s Visit to The Villages
The Villages New Home Sales: 2003-Present
Most years, The Villages leads the nation in new home sales. Here's a look at how many homes The Villages has sold over the last several years: 2019: 2,429 New Home Sales The Villages again claims the #1 spot as the best-selling master-planned community in the country with 2,429 new home sales. That's a 14% increase over the year before. Keep in mind, that figure … [Read more...] about The Villages New Home Sales: 2003-Present
The Villages Population Growth
The Villages population is like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps growing, and growing, and growing. The only downside for someone like me is that as soon as you publish one population figure, it has undoubtedly already changed. Such is life in one of the fastest growing communities in the country. But for those trying to keep track of the population in The Villages, … [Read more...] about The Villages Population Growth
Spanish Springs Town Square
A distinct feature of The Villages is the Spanish Springs Town Square. One of the three town squares in The Villages, Spanish Springs opened in 1994 and has a south-west flavor. With adobe-colored shops surrounding a central meeting space, complete with viga-studded walls and a gazebo, Spanish Springs resembles a traditional plaza like one might find in Santa Fe – with … [Read more...] about Spanish Springs Town Square
An Evening With the Developer of The Villages
Since the passing of H. Gary Morse in 2014, The Villages has become more open to the idea of connecting and communicating with its residents. Perhaps the best evidence of this change in leadership can be seen in the Evening with the Developer events held each year. Now don't get me wrong. These events have taken place for many years, and used to be called the "State of … [Read more...] about An Evening With the Developer of The Villages
50 Things to Think About Before Moving to The Villages
Short of reading my book, this is as good of a guide to all of the things you should be thinking about before moving to The Villages as you will find anywhere. It was originally written by The Villages resident Parker Sykes in 2011, updated by him in 2013, and updated/edited by me various times since then. It provides sharp insight and covers many things that potential … [Read more...] about 50 Things to Think About Before Moving to The Villages
The Villages IRS Audit: Timeline of Events
Last updated: June 1, 2019 In 2008, the IRS asked The Villages to pay back more than $400 million in loans it received through the use of tax free bonds issued between 1993 and 2004. These tax free bonds are more commonly referred to as CDD's...if you own my book you know what I'm talking about...there is a whole chapter devoted to this topic. The proceeds from these … [Read more...] about The Villages IRS Audit: Timeline of Events