Explore the Amazing History of The Villages Florida
From its early beginnings as a cattle ranch, this Central Florida community is now known as a national retirement utopia
Nestled in Central Florida’s rolling landscape, The Villages is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most unique retirement communities in the United States. With its bustling town squares, over 50 golf courses, and a community spirit that rivals small American towns of the past, The Villages is more than a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. But few know that this vibrant city began with a modest vision rooted in mobile homes and orange groves.
From Humble Beginnings
The story of The Villages begins in the 1960s, when Michigan businessman Harold Schwartz set out to sell pieces of Florida real estate via mail-order ads. His business, Orange Blossom Gardens, was located in an unassuming stretch of land in northwestern Lake County, Florida. Initially marketed as a mobile home park, the area offered small plots for snowbirds and retirees seeking affordable, sunny living.
At the time, the idea was simple: provide inexpensive lots and manufactured homes in a tranquil rural setting. However, what began as a seasonal haven for retirees soon revealed a broader potential. In the 1980s, Schwartz’s son, H. Gary Morse, took the reins and transformed the development model entirely.
Vision and Transformation
Morse recognized that retirees wanted more than just a place to live—they wanted a community filled with activity, connection, and purpose. He began investing heavily in amenities, building golf courses, recreation centers, and social clubs. His vision included master planning every inch of development so that residents could experience convenience, safety, and social engagement without ever needing to leave the area.
By the 1990s, Orange Blossom Gardens had outgrown its humble roots and was rebranded as “The Villages.” Roads were expanded. Town squares were built. Retail, dining, and medical services followed. Every decision was centered around creating a lifestyle that was active, engaging, and self-contained.
The Little City That Could
Although The Villages is technically not an incorporated city, its scale and infrastructure function as one. Spanning parts of Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, The Villages now covers over 57 square miles. It has its own hospital, law enforcement services, fire department, daily newspaper, and even a TV station.
One of its most iconic features is its three (soon to be four) town squares—Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood Paddock Square—which mimic the architecture and charm of historic small-town America. Each square hosts nightly live music, shopping, and restaurants, creating a social atmosphere unmatched by traditional retirement communities.
A sophisticated network of golf cart paths allows residents to travel seamlessly without a car. In fact, golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, reflecting the leisurely lifestyle that defines The Villages. There are more golf carts than registered vehicles in the community, and even the local Walmart has designated parking just for carts.
Growth by Design
The growth of The Villages was no accident. Morse and his family structured the development using Community Development Districts (CDDs), a legal framework under Florida law that allows infrastructure to be funded and maintained through bonds and resident fees. This system enabled large-scale expansion without relying heavily on public funding.
Development has occurred in waves, with new “villages” added regularly. Each village is centered around a recreation center and surrounded by clusters of homes designed to match varying preferences and price points. This planned approach allowed the developer to create a sense of intimacy in a sprawling population, now exceeding 150,000 residents.
Even as The Villages grows, its leadership maintains strict controls on aesthetics, planning, and resident experience. Uniform signage, manicured landscapes, and consistent architectural styles give the community a polished look. Yet, despite its careful curation, residents enjoy a wide range of activities and clubs—from pickleball and ballroom dancing to woodworking and genealogy.
A Lifestyle That Keeps Growing
As The Villages expanded, so did its influence on the surrounding region. Once-rural Sumter County has become one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, largely driven by the economic engine of The Villages. New shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses have emerged to support the ever-growing population. With ongoing expansion projects such as The Villages of Southern Oaks, the community is expected to continue growing for years to come.
The Villages is no longer just a retirement development—it is a way of life, meticulously designed to cater to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of older adults. The model has inspired similar developments across the country, but none have achieved the same scale or success.
The Future Keeps Looking Brighter
What began as a small trailer park amidst Florida’s orange groves has become one of the most ambitious retirement communities in the world. Thanks to the vision of Harold Schwartz and the business acumen of Gary Morse, The Villages evolved from a simple real estate project into a full-fledged city in function, if not in name.
With its focus on community, activity, and independence, The Villages represents a new chapter in how Americans approach retirement—one where life after 55 is not about slowing down, but living with greater purpose, connection, and joy. As it continues to grow, this community is now a world-class example of master-planned communities—and a perfect place for enjoying life to the fullest.
