Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in The Villages, FL

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The Villages, Florida is a census-designated place (CDP), meaning it’s a closely settled, unincorporated community that’s locally recognized and identified by name. The community is located in the Sumter and Marion counties and is approximately one hour northwest of Orlando, Florida.

With multiple assisted living facilities and recreational opportunities, including more than 50 golf courses and a variety of parks and recreation centers in the area, The Villages may be a place to consider when choosing an assisted living facility.

Read on to learn more about assisted living options in The Villages, including licensing and regulations, cost estimates and facilities you might consider to start your search.

Assisted Living in The Villages, Florida

The Villages has an estimated population of 79,077 residents, with nearly 86% of the population being 65 years or older, according to 2020 census data^[1]. To help accommodate the number of older adults living in the area, there are about 27 assisted living facilities in The Villages area, according to Beau Herman, a certified senior advisor and the owner of Assisted Living Locators of Northeast Orlando.

Assisted living facilities in The Villages vary in size, care levels provided and amenities available to residents, says Herman. This variety gives seniors the opportunity to find the right fit for their health needs and personal preferences, he adds.

Assisted living facilities in Florida are licensed and monitored by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. There are four types of licenses, which determine specific rules and regulations that a facility must follow.

The Cost of Assisted Living in The Villages, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in The Villages can range from $5,000 to $6,000 per month, according to Herman, who adds that the specific community and the level of care a person requires can substantially impact these costs. The cost of care is evaluated by the facility’s clinical team prior to admission and will generally be an additional fee on top of the base monthly rent, he adds.

According to Herman, monthly rent generally covers many of the residents’ day-to-day needs, including:

Assisted living costs vary significantly from one locale to another, but regardless of where you live, it’s best to plan ahead for the expense. Medicare only helps pay for the medical costs a person incurs while living in an assisted living community, which leaves room, board and personal care costs to the individual. Private health insurance providers often have similar limitations.

However, long-term care insurance can help cover the daunting costs associated with assisted living. Specific benefits vary depending on the policy and policyholder, so if you already have long-term care insurance, review your benefits carefully before attempting to apply them to assisted living costs. If you don’t already have a plan, compare how coverage differs from one provider to another as you shop around.

Veterans should connect with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to see if they’re eligible for Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits. This monthly stipend can be used toward the cost of a long-term care or assisted living facility.

For those who qualify, Medicaid can also help cover some costs associated with residing in an assisted living community.

Top Assisted Living Communities in The Villages, Florida

Not sure where to start your search? Here are five facilities in The Villages area to consider.

Note: This snapshot is just a starting point and by no means represents all options worth considering in The Villages, FL. Anyone interested in exploring assisted living options should also call and visit the facilities to get the best feel for which would fit your needs and preferences.

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What Experts Say

“While there are a lot of premium senior care communities in The Villages, seniors and their families need to make sure that they choose the community that will allow the lifestyle they desire while ensuring they have the resources they need to remain comfortable for years to come,” says Herman.

Some important factors to note when comparing assisted living facilities are the level of care provided, cost, location, amenities and any activities the community provides.

“Older adults often want to remain as close as they can to the things in their life that are most important to them, such as family, friends, churches or synagogue, social organizations and even medical providers,” explains Herman. Amenities and activities are often what draws individuals to The Villages area, making it important to find a community that provides activities that appeal directly to a resident, he adds.

Free Assisted Living Resources in The Villages, Florida

If you’re searching for assisted living in The Villages, Florida, here are a few resources to help get you started.

How to Find the Best Assisted Living in The Villages, Florida

There are several ways to find the best assisted living community to meet your needs, but most experts suggest prioritizing high-quality care, budget limitations, accessible community design and engaging community life. Assess these elements personally and directly by scheduling in-person tours or visits. Some communities allow for brief overnight stays as well to help prospective residents determine if a community is a good fit for them.

During such visits, ask lots of questions to residents, visiting family members and staffers alike. Dig into the extent of medical care the community offers onsite, as it can vary significantly across the industry. Check out the amenities of the rented rooms or suites, as well as those present in common areas. Get a feel for how easy it is to navigate the community physically and what challenges might arise should you choose to live there. Speak with current residents to learn about how they like their home and what struggles they face.

No place or space is perfect, but it’s always wise to get a clear feel for a community before signing on the dotted line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Purchasing an already decorated tree for the holidays is more than a convenience — it brings in money for a good cause.

The annual Festival of Trees raises money for Special Olympics Florida-Sumter County, and people can see and put in bids for trees decorated by people and organizations in the community starting at noon Monday at the Waterfront In in Lake Sumter Landing. The auction for the trees is from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12.

"It might be our biggest singular fundraiser. We get so much engagement from the community," said Derrick Myers, fundraising and publicity coordinator for Special Olympics Florida-Sumter County.

“They support us so much, and it really means the world to see so many people wanting our athletes to succeed.”

Last year’s auction raised $28,000 to benefit programs, fund events, help pay for uniforms and more.

The Waterfront Inn hosts the display and auction to support the fundraiser, and also decorates a tree. Traci Moore, front office manager, said the staff loves the Festival of Trees because they get to feel the Christmas spirit and give back to the community.

“We love that it’s for a good cause that stays here in the county and area,” she said. “That’s something we pride ourselves on — knowing we can help others.”

Special Olympics Florida hosts year-round competitions in Olympic-style sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in the 1960s in honor of her sister, Rosemary, who had intellectual disabilities and loved sports. Now, more than 5.5 million athletes worldwide participate in Special Olympics, according to its website.

The nonprofit is committed to promoting unity and creating a welcoming environment based on respect and inclusion. Staff, coaches, volunteers and athletes all support and encourage one another, Myers said.

Walmart donated 30 fake trees in support of that mission, and people and organizations in The Villages and surrounding areas decorated them.

Some trees, like the ones decorated by The Villages Woodworkers and the clothing store Evelyn & Arthur, simply have coordinated decorations.

However, some follow a theme.

Nancy Mower, of the Village of Mallory Square, participated in the fundraiser last year as well. She made miniature bakery item ornaments and painted them bright colors.

This year, she put together a Winnie-the-Pooh tree.

“I love supporting the Special Olympics Florida group. They do such great things,” she said. “Plus the auction night is so fun. I like knowing I can help do good.”

Dan Starling, tree coordinator for the Woodworkers this year, said their tree does not have a specific theme, but all the wood decorations on the tree are handmade.

“We’ve got a lot of really talented woodworkers, and the ornaments range from wood turned on lathes to pieces made on the scroll saw,” he said. “It’s a great-looking tree.”

Starling, of the Village of DeLuna, joined the club this year and appreciates being part of an organization with so much talent.

He estimates the value of all the handmade wood items to be close to $400.

“The tree topper is really intricate,” he said. “I think people will be really impressed when they see it.”

Diane Hintzen, manager of Evelyn & Arthur in Brownwood Paddock Square, looks forward to the event long before it arrives.

The store donates to the Festival of Trees every year, and Hintzen thinks about her tree months in advance.

“Throughout the year I go, ‘What colors should I do? What should I put on the top, does it need a theme?’” she said. “I absolutely love it, and I think about the event all year long.”

Last year, someone anonymously bid $2,000 on the tree Hintzen and the store’s staff decorated. This year’s tree features red, lime green and white decorations.

The auction is from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Waterfront Inn, and anyone can attend. People can stop by the Waterfront Inn during regular business hours beginning at noon Monday to scope out everyone’s work.

“We want to give people plenty of time to come to Waterfront, check out the trees and find their favorite they want to bid on,” Myers said. “Then on Dec. 12, we’ll have the final bids before we close and call the winners.”

Myers looks forward to seeing all the trees set up and hopes there is a lot of interest for each of them.

Waterfront Inn is at 1105 Lake Shore Drive in Lake Sumter Landing. For more information, email derrick.p.myers@gmail.com.

Senior writer Maddie Cutler can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5386, or maddie.cutler@thevillagesmedia.com.

When Linda Tucker and her fellow Kansas City Chiefs fans come together to watch their team play, they feel like a group of college kids.

“We cheer. It’s kind of like we’re at the game,” she said. “We just get into it.”

While the Kansas City native went to many Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium when she was a season ticket holder, she now watches games with the Chiefs Watch Party group at Gator’s Dockside in Brownwood. Tucker and about 40 people will be there again tonight to cheer on their favorite team in the 58th Super Bowl.

“We’re going to win,” Tucker said confidently. “You have to have that attitude. If you’re going to be a winner, you have to think you’re a winner.”

The Chiefs will square off against the San Francisco 49ers at 6:30 p.m. today (CBS, Ch. 6) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Tucker is one of about 200.5 million adults expected to tune into tonight’s game, a rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago in which the Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20.

According to the National Retail Federation, about 112.2 million people plan to throw or attend a party and about 16.2 million plan to watch the game at a bar or restaurant with other football lovers.

Local restaurants such as City Fire American Oven & Bar, with locations in Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood, and World of Beer and Gator’s Dockside, both with locations in Spanish Springs and Brownwood, expect to be busy today and will offer specials during the game.

“Here, it’s fun. Definitely,” said Daniel Pop, general manager of the Spanish Springs World of Beer.

Consumers like to go all out while watching the Super Bowl. About $17.3 billion will be spent because of the game — on food and drinks, team apparel and decorations, according to the NRF. Customers will spend about $86.04 each.

Food and drinks are the most popular purchases. About 80% of consumers will buy food and beverages specifically for the game.

Gator’s Dockside in The Villages is offering an all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink specials.

Both restaurants are pretty much booked for the game and have been busy for the entire football season, said Chayse Neal, regional director for five Gator’s Dockside locations in the area. Staff expect a good time, just like at past years’ Super Bowl watch parties.

“It’s pretty intense,” Neal said. “We open doors two hours before kickoff, and there is usually a line out the door.”

Linda Tucker and the rest of the Chiefs Watch Party group have several tables reserved. They watch all of the Chiefs games there throughout the season, and in the past when the team played in the Super Bowl, they watched from there, too.

“Gator’s Dockside are such gracious hosts,” said Tucker, of the Village of Dunedin. “It’s just a happy place to be.”

World of Beer will show the game on all of its televisions at both of its Villages locations. A few food specials will be available and staff are accepting walk-ins only, so everyone gets the chance to watch the game at the restaurant if they wish to.

“It’s going to get busy, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun,” Pop said.

City Fire will offer special prices on nachos, wings, beer pitchers and other items.

The restaurants see a lot more sports fans of teams from up north, such as the New England Patriots or Buffalo Bills, but still expect today to be busy.

“It’s just a fun, festive atmosphere,” said Amy Lauder, human resources events manager for City Fire. “Lots of Villagers, I know they do more like the house party thing, too, just because they love getting together for a reason to celebrate.”

Carroll Walther, of the Village Tierra del Sol, is watching the game with a group of her friends at one of their homes, and everyone is contributing quintessential Super Bowl food such as wings and potato salad.

Walther and her friends are big Chiefs fans and are wearing “red and white everything” to the party tonight, she said.

“It’s loud,” she said. “We have the ‘pom moms’ and we do cheers with these red and white pom poms.”

They also bring rubber bricks that they throw whenever there is a bad call.

“(It’s) just a lot of cheering, friendship, jumping up and down,” Walther said. “We’re in our 80s now, so we don’t jump as much. It’s just very festive.”

Ray Bidwell, of the Village of Sunset Pointe, usually invites friends over to watch the Super Bowl, but today he will be watching it from the comfort of a cruise ship.

Bidwell is a California native and loves all of California’s football teams — the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers — but tonight, he is a 49ers fan.

“I hope the 49ers win, but it’s going to be a good game no matter what because that Mahomes is a great quarterback,” he said.

Bidwell will be searching the ship for the best place to watch.

“I have fingers crossed they’ll show the game,” he said.

Many people also get into the Super Bowl spirit by decorating their homes or restaurants or wearing their team’s jerseys.

About 8% of consumers will spend money on decorations and 13% will spend money on team jerseys and other apparel, according to the NRF.

Gator’s Dockside and City Fire added some streamers, balloons and special tablecloths, and a few staff members will wear jerseys of the teams playing or of their favorite team.

Tucker and her friends are wearing their Chiefs jerseys tonight at Gator’s Dockside and Tucker also made special game-themed centerpieces to put on all the group’s tables.

Tucker is ready to soak up the energy of the crowd tonight at Gator’s.

“It’s like being in the stadium,” she said. “It’s crazy, but we do feed off of each other. There is always something we have in common to talk about because there is always something going on.”

Just like any other sports fan, Tucker is hoping her team comes home with a win, but is happy to just be out and watch them play.

“We go and we take our enthusiasm,” she said. “And we let the Chiefs provide our excitement and entertainment.”

Senior writer Summer Jarro can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5404, or summer.jarro@thevillagesmedia.com.

Shoppers will flood everything from mom and pop stores to national chains this weekend for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

About 182 million people plan to shop in stores, as well as online for Cyber Monday, from Thursday to Monday this year, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That is 15.7 million more shoppers than last year and is the highest number of shoppers since NRF started collecting data for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2017.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend marks some of the busiest shopping days of the year, as consumers enjoy the tradition of shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO, in a statement. “Retailers have been preparing for months for this occasion. They are stocked and ready to help customers find the gifts and other items they want at great prices during the entire holiday season.”

Big businesses such as Best Buy, Belk and Target started giving people a taste of Black Friday deals as early as October, and smaller local stores such as KB Home & Garden in Magnolia Plaza, Rustic Rose Home Accents & Gifts and Rustic Rose Fashion Boutique in Brownwood also got a head start.

However, about 74% of holiday shoppers plan to go looking for a deal during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend this year, which is higher than pre-pandemic numbers, according to the NRF. About 69% of shoppers did their holiday shopping Thanksgiving weekend in 2019.

Black Friday is expected to be the top day for shopping with about 130.7 million people, which is 3% more than 2022, according to the NRF. Cyber Monday takes the second spot with about 71.1 million people planning to shop on Nov. 27.

Target, which has a location in Rolling Acres Plaza in Lady Lake, started offering Black Friday deals at the end of October. More deals are on the way this week including up to 50% off technology items, video games and toys and up to 40% off clothing and apparel, accessories and more, according to a press release.

Both Target and Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving.

“Whether guests choose to shop the deals online or be the first in line when our stores open on Black Friday morning, we’ll be ready to help them find incredible offers,” said Christina Hennington, chief growth officer of Target, in a statement.

Offering Black Friday deals early has become a trend among big-box stores.

Best Buy also offered sales in October. The electronics store chain, which has a location in Lady Lake, added more deals starting Friday and will continue leading up to the holiday.

Belk, which has a store in La Plaza Grande, has kicked off its Black Friday in store and online.

Both stores will be closed on Thanksgiving.

“Early shopping is a trend we have been tracking for several years, and this year, there is evidence the deals and promotions from October resonated with consumers,” said Phil Rist, executive vice president of strategy of Prosper Insights & Analytics, in a statement. “More than 40% of shoppers say they took advantage of retailers’ October sales to shop specifically for holiday gifts, decor and other seasonal items.”

Small businesses are gearing up for this weekend’s Small Business Saturday, which was founded by American Express in 2010 as a day for communities to celebrate and support small businesses.

Though smaller stores experience some customers on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is the biggest day of the week.

“It is one of our busiest and most fun days of the year,” said Rosalyn Housley, owner of Rustic Rose Home Accents & Gifts and Rustic Rose Fashion Boutique.

Housley plans to offer different deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

About 65.6 million consumers are expected to shop on Small Business Saturday this year, according to the NRF.

Housley thinks it is important to have a day dedicated to small businesses.

“We feel like it brings notice to some stores that maybe would not be noticed before,” Housley said.

Housley said smaller operations tend to invest more in their local area through charity and hiring.

“It’s the small businesses that support that community,” Housley said.

Staff at Gifts & More at The Paper Store, which has locations in La Plaza Grande and Lake Sumter Landing, added extra workers several weeks ago to prepare for the holiday rush of customers.

Right after Halloween, customers already were coming in to get Christmas items.

Staff expect the shopping holidays to be busy.

“I expect them to go very well, thinking on last year,” said Sue Leech, department manager of the Gifts & More at The Paper Store in Lake Sumter Landing. “Last year, we did really well, so I expect to do just as well this year.”

Staff at KB Home & Garden also expect to be busy for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and that buzz already has started.

“We’ve been really busy already selling Christmas (items),” said Tori Sanders, manager of the store. “They are already in the mood.”

The store, which is filled with Christmas trees, ornaments and more, will offer 20% off Christmas items for the Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend.

“I expect it to be really busy,” Sanders said. “We have a lot of people coming in already so it’s going to be crazy.”

Senior writer Summer Jarro can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5404, or summer.jarro@thevillagesmedia.com.

Residents are sounding off about the poor condition of golf courses in The Villages.

A Villager’s reaction to the poor condition of the Tarpon Boil Executive Golf Course prompted an outpouring of similar observations by fellow residents.

“The greens at Truman, Bacall and Pimlico are all in the same disgraceful conditions as reported in your article. There is no grass on these so called ‘greens,’ I have never seen such poor conditions on the courses as this year,” said Villager Mary Martin.

Tom Beecroft pointed to other examples of poor course conditions in The Villages

“Just to add fuel to the fire to the article regarding Tarpon Boil Executive Course, the course across the street, Red Fish Run, and the course up the street, Bonita Pass, are as bad if not worse than Tarpon Boil. Whoever is in charge of maintaining those courses should be fired. Those courses should have been closed weeks ago in order to try to save the greens. They literally are unplayable. It is truly a sad situation at all three courses,” he said.

Dwight Johnson of the Village of Mallory Square suspects that the high rates at the championship courses in The Villages are driving more golfers to the executive courses.

“And that’s the reason Tarpon Boil is still open,” Johnson said. “It needs to be closed.”

Villager William Grady said he’s embarrassed to take his guests to the executive courses in The Villages.

“I take them off the premises and pay just a few more dollars to play on way, way much better courses,” Grady said.

John Little said the situation is getting so bad, he is questioning his decision to buy a home in The Villages.

“My wife and I have been here seven years and what started out as an excellent decision to move to The Villages is leading us to make a decision of moving out of The Villages. You have sold too many houses lining your pockets with money and not enough golf courses built to cover the people you are moving in to The Villages when the snowbirds are here,” Little said.