Moving to The Villages Florida? The Honest Pros and Cons in 2026

Thinking about moving to The Villages, Florida? Here are the real pros and cons of living here in 2026, straight from a Realtor who actually lives here and helps people relocate every week. I'm Chris Caisse. I moved to The Villages from New Hampshire in 2024, and I sell resale homes here full time. In this video I break down what actually makes this community great, and what catches new residents off guard after closing. No sales pitch. Just what I've seen firsthand as a resident and as the agent helping people make this move. What you'll learn in this video: The flat amenity fee and what it actually covers | Why so many residents give up a second car | The town squares with free nightly live music | How the 55 and older rules really work | What CDD bonds are and why they vary home to home | The three county tax situation most buyers never see coming | Whether the Florida summer heat is a dealbreaker | The one con almost nobody brings up before they buy Quick answers: What is the amenity fee in The Villages? A flat $204 a month, the same whether the home is new construction or resale. Do all homes in The Villages have the same CDD bond? No. Bond balances vary widely by home and district, and can run $50,000 or more on some new construction. Resale homes often have bonds partially paid down or paid off entirely. Does The Villages span more than one county? Yes. It spans Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, each with its own tax rates and local rules. Is The Villages only for people over 55? No. At least one resident per household must be 55 or older in 80 percent of homes, but the minimum age to live there full time is 19. If The Villages isn't the right fit, I also work with buyers across On Top of the World, Citrus Hills, the Wildwood corridor, and other Central Florida communities. Reach out and I'll tell you honestly which one fits how you actually want to live. Free Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-E-... Book a free call: calendly.com/ccaisse24/30min Learn more: chriscaissere.com Email: christopher.caisse@exprealty.com Call or text: 352-761-9492 Chris Caisse | eXp Realty | Wolf Pack Group