If you’re considering retirement in Florida, The Villages is probably on your radar. As the largest active adult community in the world, the massive community gets more than its fair share of media attention. With a population of about 86,000 in a community that spans three counties, three zip codes, and over 20,000 acres, there are bound to be some interesting developments. Rumors about The Villages have been circulating for decades, making retirees wonder whether this active adult community is a little on the wild side.
So, is truth stranger than fiction? Or are these tall tales too far-fetched to possibly be true? We’ve gathered up some of the most often-told stories about The Villages to learn whether they’re rooted in fact or fiction, so you can get a realistic view of this Central Florida 55+ community and determine whether it’s the right place for you.
Myth 1: The Villages Is the STD Capital of the World
This is one of the longest-running and often repeated stories about The Villages. Upon announcing retirement in The Villages, the STD warning is typically the first thing you’ll hear. Yet, it has no factual basis, even when it first came about.
The source of the rumor can be traced back to a 2006 news interview, which reported that the Women’s Center had seen an increase in the number of sexually transmitted diseases. A physician was quoted as saying she “had never seen so many cases,” which quickly went viral. The rumor stuck despite numerous follow-up reports that revealed there was no data to back up these claims.
In truth, the three counties that make up The Villages (Lake, Marion, and Sumter) all have STD infection rates well below the state average. While STD rates were increasing across the state and nationwide at the time the rumor started, recent data shows instances of STDs are dropping. However, lower rates of STDs shouldn’t create an illusion that no risk exists. Staying educated and attending routine medical visits is pivotal to maintaining good health.
Myth 2: It’s a “Members Only” Community
Many 55+ communities are gated, featuring housing and onsite amenities explicitly reserved for residents and their guests. Since The Villages spans three counties and is home to many public roads, it can’t be considered a gated community. Shops, roads, and town squares are open to the public and freely accessible to anyone who wants to visit.
However, The Villages is home to many gated neighborhoods. There are over 120 gate facilities in The Villages to slow traffic throughout the area. Many have attendants tasked with traffic control. Residents are provided with a vehicle barcode or key card to scan at any gate. Visitors can stop at a staffed gate to be allowed in or push a button on the card reader to pass through. Gate facilities use cameras to monitor traffic in the area to keep roads, trails, and pathways safe for the many pedestrians and golf cart drivers.
Myth 3: Swinger Parties Are Common
If you’ve heard the rumors about the loofahs, you’re probably wondering exactly what kind of entertainment to expect upon moving to the Villages. The “loofah rumor” suggests that colored loofahs hanging on golf carts are used as a code to indicate specific swinger preferences. The exact origin of this rumor is under debate. However, the story definitely gained traction from a 2023 TikTok post from an Orlando comedian showing vehicles in The Villages with loofahs placed on top. The video included a “Loofah Code” diagram to decode what each color means.
The truth? Some golf carts and vehicles in the community may have loofahs on them. However, colored pool noodles are more common, which makes sense when you learn the reason. These colorful accessories are used as a tag for vehicle identification. When residents step outside into a sea of similar vehicles, they can spot their own by their marker of choice. If you choose to start a trend by selecting an out-of-the-box accessory, a new rumor may come along with it. No need to worry since fellow residents will be in on your secret and well aware that the only value of such rumors is a good laugh.
Myth 4: High Crime Rates Signal Danger for Residents
Crime rates are a reasonable concern for anyone moving into a new city. Unfortunately, in a sprawling community with over 80,000 people, crime does occasionally occur. Yet, the rumors of danger are completely unsubstantiated. The Villages made headlines in 2017 when a police raid uncovered drug activity and a “golf cart chop shop” in a home in The Villages. While several people were taken into custody, the homeowner wasn’t involved. Still, sensationalized news tends to have a lasting impact, increasing concerns about crime in the area.
In reality, The Villages ranks in the 97th percentile for safety. In other words, The Villages is considered safer than 97% of U.S. cities. The Villages promotes safety and security with gated neighborhood entries as well as The Villages Public Safety “Home Away” house check and community watch program.
5. Women Outnumber Men 10 to 1
An unfortunate news article published in 2014, which fuels the flames of many rumors about The Villages, is the source of this questionable statement. It adds to the salacious reputation of the environment in the community. However, it offers no data to back the claim.
According to Census Reporter, 45% of The Villages residents are men and 55% are women. So, women do outnumber men. However, the actual ratio is closer to five women for every four men, or even less.
In the spirit of fairness, we considered the high rate of married residents in the community to determine if the ratio for singles is closer to the article’s claim. Over 72% of residents in The Villages are married—79% of men and 67% of women are spoken for. That averages about three single women to every two single men. So, while it’s true that women outnumber men in The Villages, the ratio is nowhere near 10 to 1. The bottom line is that residents in a committed relationship make up most of the population.
Myth 6: It’s a Community for the Super Wealthy
The Villages spans over 30,000 acres, and it’s connected by over 100 miles of golf-cart legal streets and trails. Villagers come from all over the country to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle that offers over 35 community centers, over 100 outdoor pools, over 60 golf courses, countless clubs, recreational options, events, and an abundance of trails and parks.
Some of the priciest homes in the community are $1.5+ million. They feature 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and around 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. With gorgeous scenery, endless entertainment, and laidback living, The Villages is a self-proclaimed “backdrop for living life to the fullest.” In a place with so many perks, it’s easy to believe it’s a playground where only the rich can afford to play.
As with most cities, the most expensive homes in The Villages aren’t representative of an entire area. The median income in The Villages is $80,518. That’s very close to the national average of $79,466. According to the community website, the cost of living (which includes amenity fees, trash collection, water, sewer, gas/electric, insurance, and taxes) ranges from $964 to $1,495+ monthly.
Homes in The Villages are also available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and prices. For example, a 2-bed, 2-bath, recently remodeled manufactured home is $159,900, and a 3-bed, 2-bath single-family home with a two-car garage can be found for $359,000. That’s less than the average home cost across Florida. In other words, living in The Villages is more attainable than many prospective retirees imagine.
Myth 7: Watch Out for Sinkholes
Sinkholes are a fact of life in Florida, but some stories imply that The Villages gets more than its fair share. In fact, it’s been suggested that the area is plagued by them. So, where does the truth lie?
Florida has more sinkholes than any other state. The Villages is located in Central Florida, where sinkhole activity is the highest due to the karst limestone beneath the ground. When underground water levels rise and fall, limestone can dissolve and form holes. Sinkholes in The Villages typically appear in batches following extended periods of either very dry or very wet weather. While some are small enough to be inconsequential, others are responsible for road closures and home damage.
The top three sinkhole-prone counties in Florida are Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough. All three have a higher rate of sinkholes than The Villages. However, Marion and Lake counties make the top ten list. Sinkhole insurance is one way for homeowners to get peace of mind. It’s an optional policy that provides coverage for sinkhole damage based on the policy’s terms. It can often be used to cover damage that doesn’t meet the criteria of your Catastrophic Ground Cover Collapse coverage.
Myth 8: Politics Are One-Sided
As with most cities, politics can create divisions among residents in The Villages, particularly during election years. Golf cart parades showcasing political support are common. Unfortunately, tempers can run high during these events. Still, these moments don’t represent the typical atmosphere at The Villages. Republicans and democrats frequently play golf, take classes, and participate in festivals together.
Also, The Villages hosts several active political clubs, including the Democratic Women’s Club of The Villages, Single Democrats in the Villages, Liberal Independent Ladies, The Villages Republican Club, Republican Federated Women of The Villages, and more. While there’s a notable political majority in the region, The Villages doesn’t support a political party. Its neighborhoods are home to residents with varied opinions.
Myth 9: The Villages Is for Old People
The Villages is technically an age-restricted community for 55+ residents. This gives some people the idea that it’s a group of sleepy neighborhoods with activity levels similar to those of a nursing home. If you imagine The Villages as a quiet place with retirees sitting in rocking chairs, you’ve got the wrong idea.
As an age-restricted community, one member of the household must be at least 55 years old. However, children and grandchildren are welcome. Plus, The Villages hosts intergenerational activities for families. While there is a 30-day consecutive limit for visitors under the age of 18, many younger people are moving to the area. Of the 80,000+ residents in the Villages, about 78% are over the age of 65.
Yet, that doesn’t mean the community lacks activity. The Villages encourages residents to live a life as relaxing or as energetic as they’d like, and there is no shortage of options for adults who choose an active lifestyle. Golf clubs and swimming pools only scratch the surface of the activities available for residents. From nature trails to sprawling parks, and networks of bike trails to activities that include fishing, kayaking, platform tennis, and even rock climbing, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active in The Villages.
Myth 10: Residents Party All Night
Dubbed as “college for retirees,” the environment in The Villages creates an expectation of a wild time. Rumors suggest that residents are out dancing in the courtyard all night long. So, do parties start in restaurants and bars and spill out into the streets, keeping retirees playing until dawn?
As with most rumors about the nation’s largest active adult community, this one doesn’t exactly hold water. Residents in The Villages can enjoy live entertainment 365 days a year. From the performing arts centers to outdoor festivals and free entertainment on the Squares each night, there are plenty of opportunities to party. During the day, Town Squares are home to shopping, dining, and activity. When evening falls, residents can enjoy free entertainment at Brownwood Paddock Square, Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, Sawgrass Grove, and Spanish Springs Town Square.
Live music typically starts around 5:00 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. While a few bars and diners remain open when the music stops, most locations close at 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time for a good night’s rest. Although videos splashed across social media and TikTok may make it look like the residents in The Villages party all night long, the fun usually winds down with the music.
Making Informed Choices About Life in the Villages
A community with such a wide range of activities and a large population gains all kinds of attention. Unfortunately, negative attention often travels faster than good news. As you can see, many of The Villages’ rumors aren’t entirely true, and some are blatantly false. The stories with a grain of truth are often sensationalized, creating an illusion of a wild community of party-goers.
When it comes to making an informed decision about retiring in The Villages, in-depth research can help you separate gossip from the facts. Learn more about the nation’s largest 55+ community, or schedule a tour with one of our real estate experts to experience The Villages for yourself.
FAQ: The Truth About The Villages, Florida Rumors
1. Is it true that The Villages has the highest STD rate in the country?
No, this rumor is false. There is no data to support claims that The Villages has unusually high STD rates. In fact, the three counties that make up the community—Lake, Marion, and Sumter—have infection rates below the Florida state average.
2. Is The Villages a gated community?
Not exactly. While The Villages has more than 120 gate facilities, it is not a fully gated community. Public roads, shops, and town squares are open to everyone, though many residential areas have gates for traffic control and security.
3. Are swinger parties really common in The Villages?
There’s no evidence of widespread swinger culture in The Villages. Like any large city, there may be small social groups with specific interests, but these are not representative of the community as a whole.
4. Is The Villages a dangerous place to live?
No. The Villages is considered one of the safest areas in Florida, ranking in the 97th percentile for safety nationwide. Crime is rare, and the community has an active neighborhood watch and public safety department.
5. Is it true that women outnumber men 10 to 1 in The Villages?
No. While there are slightly more women than men, the ratio is closer to five women for every four men—a far cry from the rumored 10-to-1 statistic.
6. Is The Villages only for rich retirees?
Not at all. While some luxury homes cost over $1 million, there are also many affordable options under $300,000. The median household income is around the national average, and living costs are comparable to other Florida communities.
7. Do sinkholes frequently happen in The Villages?
Sinkholes can occur anywhere in Central Florida due to the natural limestone terrain. While The Villages has experienced some, it’s not unusually prone compared to nearby counties. Many residents carry optional sinkhole insurance for peace of mind.
8. Is The Villages just for “old people”?
The Villages is a 55+ community, but “old” doesn’t describe its atmosphere. Residents are active and social, with over 3,000 clubs, 100+ pools, and 60+ golf courses. It’s more like a college campus for adults than a retirement home.
9. Do residents in The Villages really party all night?
No. While the community has a lively nightlife scene with nightly music and dancing at its town squares, most entertainment ends by 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. Despite viral social media clips, it’s far from an all-night party spot.
10. Is The Villages a good place to retire despite the rumors?
Absolutely. Most rumors about The Villages are exaggerated or false. The community is safe, social, and full of amenities that make it ideal for active retirees. The best way to know is to visit in person and experience its vibrant lifestyle for yourself.
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