I get questions all the time from readers, both single men and single women, asking what singles life is really like in The Villages.
Most are concerned that the majority of their neighbors and the people they meet will be married and that they’ll feel isolated and lonely.
Others are concerned about the common misconception that most of the people who are single in The Villages are sleeping around and are just looking for a “hook-up.
If you are single and considering The Villages too, I hope this article will help allay your concerns surrounding the questions above.
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Will I Be Lonely?
The number one concern I hear is “Will I be lonely?”.
There are lots of singles in The Villages, both male and female. As long as you don’t lock yourself up in your house and live like a hermit, I think that in due time you’ll find “your group” and I don’t think you’ll feel isolated at all.
When you think about it, with a population of over 130,000 people, statistically speaking there’s bound to be a lot of other single people.
Fortunately, there are several groups making the process of connecting with other Villages singles so much easier.
Some of them are geared towards singles actively looking for love, and some are geared more towards singles just looking for other singles to hang out and have fun with, so you’ll want to check them all out and see which one might be the right fit for you.
The Villages Singles Clubs
One of the fastest growing singles groups in The Villages is called Single in The Villages.
From the group’s description on their Facebook page:
We are a Villagers group where all the members can participate and make events, communicate with each other via messenger or post. Making events and going to them is easy. You must be a villages resident and single to join. Hope to see you soon.
Rusty Nelson recently did a fantastic interview with the groups founder and another member:
Here are a few other clubs that help bring singles in The Villages together:
(If you know of others leave a comment below and I’ll add to the list)
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Is the “singles scene” in The Villages as bad as some news outlets depict?
Of course not.
The media takes the sensational stuff you hear about like the “sex on the square” incident and the “black market for viagra” comment from the book “Leisureville” and make the most of it.
Most media outlets are advertising driven. The more eyeballs they get, the more money they make.
And as the saying goes, sex sells.
But, if you come to The Villages looking for that sort of thing, I think you’ll be sorely disappointed.
For every “scandalous” story you hear about what its like, there are countless stories like this one that you don’t hear about: Couple who met in Sumter Singles, marry under Live Oak tree
Here’s a great video from the Travel Channel which is a more accurate depiction of the types of things singles in The Villages are likely doing with each other.
I hope this article gives you a better idea of what single life in The Villages is really like, but if you still have questions, leave them in the comments below.
Glenn says
I’ve been living in The Villages since 2011. I was single until 2017. I married a girl I met online. Before I got married, I belonged to a couple of singles clubs, spent evenings in town squares, and joined dating sights. One might think, why join a dating sight when there are so many singles ladies living in The Villages? My answer is, I felt more comfortable on these sites because we chatted and exchanged phone numbers/ email addresses, so me got to know each other before we met. I married a gal from online who lived outside The Villages.
The things mentioned in news articles and books are grossly exaggerated and/or not true. The Villages is a special place to live. I play golf, softball, join in on social events and gatherings. My spouse and I live in a wonderful neighborhood. What makes The Villages a great retirement community is the people who live here. The vast majority are energetic, social, and fun loving human beings. They give back to the community as much, if not more, then they recieve from it, and are grateful for it.
Sharon says
Refreshing to learn about all inclusive singles in the villages .
Robert Ackerman says
New arrival
Here for months of winter as a snowbird.
I wish to make friends with likewise snowbirds to possibly continue friendship in Canada.
Friendship, relationship, marriage all on the table
Healthy and self sufficient
Good cruiser average golfer good dancer pool player average chess player
Card games
Little puddle jumper CLK 350 convertible.
Tim A says
Sounds like mixed reviews from singles, especially due to covid now in 2020. I’m currently renting in Margaritaville, LOVE the resort style pool there, it is growing fast but, as was mentioned on the plus, very close to the beaches, but just over 200 single people, you don’t meet too many. If as mentioned the Villages has over 20,000 singles, do the math. I am tired of being alone but my lease runs through next summer. Comments here make me feel that perhaps somewhere else, perhaps on the WEST coast, might suit me better, but as a single in his 60s now, just where? I don’t golf. BS’ing with the guys has also not been my thing, I talk but it is often not my thing.
Another single lady says
Oct 2020, going to comment because I feel like my experience falls in the middle of the very good and very bad. I have found everyone very welcoming. I am on the young side (57) live in about the current middle of The Villages. I have been here about a year and half. Covid certainly has changed things, but that aside. I do feel the third wheel on more than a few occasions…BUT I also feel that a large percentage of that is my issue. I am not terribly outgoing or bubbly. There are women golfing groups in my area, ladies card groups, biking groups all very easy to go without a partner. I have not joined any singles groups yet partly because I am not looking for a hook up, just people to do things with. Is it perfect? No but a damn site better than where I came from.
marie says
FEB 20,2020… I CAN NOT TELL HOW OLD THESE COMMENTS ARE SO I PUT ON A DATE … I HAVE BEEN IN THE AREA FOR 7 YEARS…
. I BOUGHT IN THE FENNEY AREA SINCE THAT IS WHERE THE NEW HOUSES ARE… I THOUGHT I COULD RENT IT UNTIL I COULD SELL MY OLDER HOME IN DEL WEBB…
I PUT THE NICE NEW HOME UP FOR RENT BUT ONLY 3 MONTHS I COULD GET IT RENTED IS JAN FEB MARCH……
I HAVE FOUND IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS… FOR ALL THE REASONS LISTED ABOVE… EVERYTHING IS COUPLES, TOO SENIOR, OR SUPERFICIAL… OR EARLY IN THE MORNING….
WHERE ARE THE GROUPS MENTIONED ABOVE?? SINGLES BOOMERS SOUTH AND SINGLES UNCLUB..
I AM PUTTING THE HOUSE UP FOR SALE WHEN THE RENTER LEAVE BECAUSE I DO NOT THINK I WILL LIKE LIVING SO FAR DOWN IN COLEMAN WITH NO PRIVACY NOTHING TO DO AFTER 5PM….
Nina says
I totally agree with your assessment of the villages. I am single and in my 60’s but look much younger. I find I spend a lot of time alone. I’m sorry I moved here it is not for me. Married people don’t want to spend time with you, and I went to a few singles activities and found the people way to old. I want to move out of here, but not sure where to go.
Signed confused this is supposed to be the friendliest place on earth…yeah right!
Clifford Carson says
Hello Nina, I’ll be visiting the villages at the end of July, thanks for your post. I’m single myself and was hoping to meet single gals but I don’t have my hopes up
Jeanne says
I have been in the Villages for 2.5 months as a guest with additional travel to west and east coastal areas as I’m seeking a relocation. I am a 55 divorced attractive woman and could never imagine living here. I am very outgoing with a great attitude and energy and have been flat out rejected by the resident only single group, as well as a few other activities because I’m a guest. A consideration to purchase here would be a welcomed acceptance to participate in activities that aren’t full. I am able to go to the pools but not into them either as everyone wants to talk my ear off and I can’t swim. Never forget your ID for the pools as the elderly snippy women who screen will treat you as a criminal. The ocean is almost two hours away which is terrible. Residents claim it’s one hour away but I have done the day drive a few times and know. I have met so many wonderful couples and creepy single guys my late dad’s age or guys half my age who reside outside the bubble. In the Villages, every resident I met absolutely loves this life and I am truly happy for them but they all try to convince me to live here. I am lonely within the congested bubble and leaving behind the crazy golf cart drivers who almost always hit me during my running and walking time on the local roads. Many should not even be driving. I will relocate to Florida but live along the west coast where I’m close to the gorgeous gulf and plenty of late night clubs available with many single people who aren’t living in their own world.
Dale says
Jeanne: I’m Dale from Raleigh, a 67 yr old Healthy, Active & energetic Single Guy who looks, acts & like Yourself is Young at heart.. I’m thinking abt moving to the Villages b4 yrs end. & hv visited & even made offers on 3 houses in the Last 10 months. I lost all 3 because I was just Leary for the exact same reason You mentioned.. I don’t want to move to a place where Single Folks aren’t welcomed like couples so now I need to talk too You!! 😉👍 I too am a beach Enthusiast & The Villages r at least 2 hrs +plus away.. Jeanne, Any suggestions???
Kathleen Portellrtell says
My name is Kathy. I am Single and would love to find a single group to join. You sound interesting. I moved here 2 months ago and have yet to be able to join anything thing. Let me know if we can meet to talk about how to get involved. Thanks! Kathy
Heidi says
Hmmm … I am just renting for three months this winter and have heard the same thing from others. I have also heard that the single groups are only open to permanent residents. I agree with you. A consideration to purchase will be based on my experience. I’ll keep your comments in mind! Thanks for the heads up.
David says
I am so with you on this. I bought but now thinking of moving out and renting my place out for the time being. I am 55 yrs old and I believe fairly attractive. No kids, financially stable, non smoker, physically fit and social. Very hard to meet people here. I wish you the best in your quest for the place to call home. I too, like the gulf coast. God Speed.
Katie Rogers says
I have been in the villages now for three years. I’m single and have enjoyed the single life here very much. In addition to the single clubs, I’m also part of what we call the “Singles Unclub’- which is made up of about 80 men and women, who lend support to each other, which sometimes is very necessary when you live alone. I have made more friends here in this short time then throughout my entire life. The Villages is a phenomenon that I relish. Do not be afraid to come here because you’re single, in fact, if you are single it is the place to come to. You will never be alone unless you choose to be.
Katie
Dan Newman says
Hi Katie, just moved to the Villages about 2 weeks ago and definitely looking for other singles to meet and share with. Please advise as to how to pursue being involved socially, recreationally, golf, etc. with other singles. I am 69, a golfer, and a fun loving, mature guy. Thanks,
Dan
Cheryl Simmons says
I am a Realtor here in The Villages! I have many single friends here male and female and there is more to do here than my hometown Atlanta which I moved from a little over a year ago. I know it is a large undertaking, but it was worth the move! I am a 58 year old female living in a committed relationship. I would be glad to befriend you and would be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I Mother is a widow and just moved here from Indiana and keeps busy 24/7…..
Thomas Snapp says
I’m here considering buying , but not sure where to meet nice singles in the community. Thomas
Beverly says
I will be moving to The Villages in late September or early October. The reason I am relocating from Boston is because my sister is moving there, and my dad and stepmom are moving back there. I have visited TV for many years and loved it when I was on vacation. Now I’m having panic attacks because I cannot imagine starting life all over again actually being there full-time permanently. I will probably have to find some type of part-time work too, but not sure how to make it all happen. I will be putting my small apartment here up for sale very soon and I’m still working full/ time so I have a lot on my plate i’m getting really nervous.. I’m originally from New York, lived in Fort Lauderdale for 16 years and back up north for 17 years. This will be my last move and I want it to be the right one. Up here in Boston I facilitate many meet up & special interest groups, mostly concerned with reading, writing, travel, food, conversation, politics/news/culture, etc. My world is very diverse. Does anyone have advice for me.? I’m really nervous about this move and some friends feel I’m doing the wrong thing. However, at my age, soon to be 67, I cannot imagine being far away from my family again. Thanks, everyone!
Don Waterman says
Although the marriage rate is very high in The Villages (I believe about 82%), that still means there are more than 20,000 single people. And I agree with a previous comment that there is much interaction between married couples and singles. I would recommend TV for any active senior, single or married.
Penny says
You meet people at many of the clubs. If you have an interest, there’s a club here for you. Archery, Dragon Boat, Kayaking, Philosophy, Chess, etc. There’s a lot going on.
Betsy says
Add a couple more singles clubs – Single Golfers of The Villages (SGV) – social and golf activities, American Singles a Golf Association (ASGA) – social and golf activities, Sibgle Beachcombers – monthly outings to the beach (or the shore if you’re from Jersey). If you lwant to learn to dance, there are many opportunities for Singles through the Life Long Learning Center and events listed in the Rec Guide. Then put your dancing shoes on and head for The Watefront Monday night for ‘Singles Night’.
Mary Parvis says
Thank you for sharing this article regarding this wonderful place, called the villages. I have been here three years. And, have learned to enjoy my independence. I have made wonderful friends. And found organizations that I enjoy. For the first time in my life , I am finding out who I am as a single person, with my own individual interests and values. And, I don’t need to be in the role of wife, lover, mother daughter or sister. My primary role is making a good life for myself and doing things that make me happy.
Linda says
Sounds like fun! If you want to be alone, you can be … but you don’t have to be! I love it! I’m planning to be very active as soon as I move there.
cathie says
FIY most of the married ladies in The Villages also have single friends that we include in our activities. They are included in get togethers and on shopping excursions. Neighbors will automatically befriend you. The husbands of married women are always offering a helping hand to the single ladies. As for single men, they are included in sports events and, of course, at happy hour at the country clubs where usually the men meet without the ladies.
Geri Manus says
We have started a new singles club for those boomers who are moving south of 466A, which is almost everybody.
Singles Boomers South – has its first meeting on Sept. 10th at Eisenhower Rec Center at 6:30 PM – 6PM for signups. Interested participants can email me at the above address. We already have 60 people signed up in the past two weeks!
Thanks for all you do.
Jolene says
Enjoyed your article on the dating scene in the Villages. I’m 41, single, no kids and recently moved out of Orlando to Wildwood/The Villages for work since August 2021. Not sure if my age will be a disadvantage or a Plus in this area?! I Haven’t ventured out much passed 466A or Brownwood area but I love it already. It doesn’t feel as crowded and cluttered as Orlando. My lovely coworkers are mostly married or live in Ocala / Fruitland Park area. So no one in the immediate area. We have had lunches and dinners and drinks out to get me acquainted with the surroundings. Been to Wolfgang Puck Kitchen and Bar and Brownwood’ Too Jays and Five Guys. I consider myself outgoing, friendly and bubbly happy and easy to talk to but initially reserved with new people. My girlfriends describe me as Cute, Fun and Sassy in heels. Curious about your Singles Boomers South or Sumter Singles group events. Open to suggestions on where else to meet new friends, relationship possibilities organically? Maybe the Farmers Market.