The Best Way to Know Is to Go. ✈️
No website can fully capture what it feels like to live in The Villages. Here’s everything you need to plan a trip that will help you decide — with confidence — if this is your next chapter.
Three Ways to Experience The Villages
Lifestyle Preview Program
The Official “Try Before You Buy”The gold standard for first-time visitors. Book directly through The Villages and stay 4–7 nights in a furnished villa with a golf cart and bicycles included. Full access to all amenities — just like a real resident.
A personal Welcome Coordinator helps you get the most out of your stay and can arrange activities in advance.
~$99–$199/night depending on seasonStay at a Local Hotel
Flexible and IndependentSeveral hotels sit near the town squares — including The Waterfront Inn at Lake Sumter Landing and the Brownwood Hotel and Spa. Rent a golf cart separately to explore on your own terms.
Great for a quick weekend scouting trip before committing to a longer stay. More flexibility, no sales component required.
Varies by property and seasonRent a Home for a Month
The Deep DiveAlready serious about moving? Many residents rent their homes seasonally. A full month gives you the most realistic picture of daily life — weekly rhythms, club meetings, seasonal events — not just the highlights reel.
This is the closest you can get to actually living here before you commit.
~$1,700+/month for private homesHere’s Exactly What to Expect
The Lifestyle Preview Program is The Villages’ official way of letting you “try before you buy.” It’s designed specifically for people considering a move — and it’s genuinely a fantastic experience.
When you book, a Welcome Coordinator is assigned to help you. They’ll reach out before your visit to understand your interests and help you plan activities. Want to play a round of golf? Take a pickleball lesson? Sit in on a club? Tell them upfront so they can make it happen.
Your exact villa location won’t be confirmed until close to arrival, but you’ll be placed near a town square for easy access to dining and entertainment. Rates run roughly $99–$199 per night depending on season — higher in the winter snowbird months of January through April.
There’s no hard sales pressure required. You can visit purely to explore. If you’re interested in seeing homes, your coordinator can connect you with a real estate representative during your stay — but it’s completely up to you.
What’s Included in the Preview
Furnished Villa AccommodationYour own private, fully furnished home for the duration of your stay.
Golf Cart + BicyclesYour own cart for the entire stay — the real way to experience The Villages.
Full Amenity AccessGolf on executive courses, all rec centers, pools, pickleball, fitness facilities, and more.
Free Nightly EntertainmentAccess to all town square entertainment every evening of your stay.
Welcome CoordinatorA personal guide to help plan your activities and answer every question you have.
4–7 Night StayMinimum 4 nights, up to 7 — plenty of time to really settle in and explore.
A Suggested 4-Day Itinerary
Here’s how to spend your first four days to truly experience what life in The Villages is all about.
Arrival and First Impressions
Pick up your golf cart and get oriented. Take a leisurely drive through the paths near your villa.
Head to Lake Sumter Landing for dinner — then stay for the free live entertainment. This is the heart of The Villages experience.
Stroll the boardwalk. Chat with residents. You’ll be amazed how friendly and welcoming everyone is.
Try the Lifestyle Activities
Play a round of golf on one of the free executive courses. Beginners are welcome — consider a lesson at the Golf Academy.
Drop into a pickleball court and join a casual game. The regulars are always happy to welcome newcomers.
Spanish Springs Town Square for dinner and dancing under the stars with a different crowd and vibe.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Take a full golf cart tour — from the northern neighborhoods down to the newer south villages. Notice how different they feel.
Visit a neighborhood recreation center. Take a fitness class, swim, or just explore the facilities available to every resident.
Brownwood Paddock Square — a completely different atmosphere, great dining, and its own loyal following.
Go Deeper and Reflect
Sit in on a club meeting or activity matching your interests — ask your Welcome Coordinator to arrange this ahead of time.
Have honest conversations with residents. Ask what they love, what surprised them, and what they wish they’d known.
Revisit your favorite spot. Reflect: Can you picture this being your everyday life? Most people at this point can.
Before You Go — Read This
Pack for the Florida Sun
Sunscreen, a secure hat, sunglasses, and light breathable clothing. Florida sun is intense even in the winter months.
Visit in Season If You Can
January through April is peak season — more energy, more entertainment, higher rates. Summer is quieter, more affordable, and still very enjoyable.
Talk to Real Residents
Don’t just see the polished version. Ask residents what surprised them, what they’d change, and what they genuinely love about daily life here.
Drive Every District
The north and south feel quite different. Take a full golf cart tour so you can compare the older established areas with the newer construction.
Stay Late at the Town Square
Entertainment peaks after 7pm. The dancing really gets going, the social energy is electric — don’t leave early and miss this.
Take Photos and Notes
After the fifth home tour or third town square, details blur together. Snap photos and jot quick notes so you remember what you loved — and what gave you pause.
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Getting honest answers to these questions while you’re on the ground will tell you far more than any brochure ever could.
Ask Residents
- 💬 What do you wish you’d known before moving here?
- 💬 How long did it take to truly feel at home?
- 💬 What surprised you most — good or bad?
- 💬 How did you find your close friends here?
- 💬 Is there anything you genuinely miss about before?
- 💬 Which neighborhood would you choose if starting over?
Ask About Housing
- 🏠 What is the exact CDD fee for this property?
- 🏠 Is the infrastructure bond paid off or still active?
- 🏠 Which county is this home in — and how does that affect taxes?
- 🏠 How far is this neighborhood from the nearest town square by cart?
- 🏠 Are there any additional city taxes (Wildwood, Lady Lake, etc.)?
- 🏠 What are the real pros and cons of new vs. resale here?
Practical Life Questions
- 🔍 What is summer genuinely like? Heat, humidity, and activities?
- 🔍 How far is the nearest major airport?
- 🔍 What healthcare is available right within the community?
- 🔍 Can grandchildren visit — and for how long?
- 🔍 Are pets welcome, and are there size or breed restrictions?
- 🔍 What if only one spouse is currently 55 or older?
Visited and Thinking About Buying?
If your visit left you thinking “this is it” — I’m here to help you navigate everything that comes next. From understanding the right neighborhoods to finding the perfect home, let’s talk.