The Villages is a better fit for retirees seeking an active, age-restricted community with extensive amenities and a focus on safety. Easton Park is more suitable for families and individuals looking for a diverse community with access to urban amenities and job opportunities in Austin.
| Attribute | The Villages, Florida | Easton Park, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | Approximately $377,500 - $402,522 (January 2025) | Median listing home price in June 2025 was $529,000. Median sold home price in June 2025 was $578,200. Prices range from the $300s to the $900s. |
| Home Styles Available | Patio villas, cottage homes, courtyard villas, garden villas, veranda homes, designer homes, premier homes, apartments, attached (condo) style homes | Single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments. |
| Community Amenities | Over 80 swimming pools, 50 recreation centers, golf courses (executive and championship), tennis and pickleball facilities, walking and biking trails, performing arts centers, a museum and gallery, medical centers, churches, community centers, TV and radio stations, town squares with dining and entertainment options, over 1,000 social clubs, leagues, and activities | The Union: A 14,000 sq ft amenity center with a resort-style pool, club-style fitness center, event spaces, outdoor fire pits, and a music jam station. Over 350 acres of parks, green spaces, and pathways. 13.1 miles of trails. Skyline Park: A 26-acre park with a pavilion building, event lawn, playgrounds, splash pad, Mount Bonnell Overlook, and volleyball courts. Dog park. Hammock garden. Bocce ball courts. Culinary and grill stations. The Campbell Gym. The Costello recreational space. The Vaughn meeting space. |
| HOA Fees | Monthly amenity fee approximately $165 (new residents), annual maintenance fees vary based on home's value and location. Some properties have true HOA fees. | HOA dues range from $71 to $107 monthly. Traditional Home: $71/month. Urban Courtyard Home: $77/month. Urban Homes: $107/month ($71 primary + $36 sub). Some areas have additional fees. |
| Property Taxes | Median property tax rate in Sumter County is 1.11%, with a median annual tax bill of $3,834. Rates vary by county (Lake, Marion, Sumter). | The property tax rate in Easton Park was 2.6258% as of 2024. It varies between 2.576414% and 2.700614% depending on the MUD district. |
| Resident Demographics | Population approximately 82,108. Median age approximately 73 years old. Approximately 45.77% males and 54.23% females. 93.7% US-born citizens. Predominantly white population. | Median age: 45.4 years. Average household size: 2.2. Race/Ethnicity: White (38%), Hispanic (29%), African American (20%), Two or more races (7%), Asian (5%). Gender: Female (53%), Male (47%). |
| Climate and Weather Conditions | Mild subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and balmy, sunny winters. Temperature typically varies from 450F to 910F. Approximately 52 inches of rain annually, no snow. Most comfortable months are January to April and November to December. | Easton Park is located in Austin, TX, which has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. |
| Healthcare Facilities | The Villages Health, UF Health The Villages0 Hospital, Mulberry Care Center, Villages VA Clinic | Access to healthcare facilities in Austin. |
| Crime Rate and Safety | Considered a safe community with one of the lowest crime rates in Florida. | Total crime rates are lower than the national average. Violent crime rate in Easton is 3.281 per 1,000 residents. Easton ranks in the 42nd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 42% of cities, but less safe than 58%. |
| Local Economy and Job Market | Positive job growth. Ranked first in job and wage growth among small cities in the United States. Projected job growth is higher than the national average. | Easton Park's location near major employers like Tesla suggests job opportunities. |
| Accessibility to Major Highways and Airports | Approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando via Florida's Turnpike and approximately 75 miles northeast of Tampa via Interstate 75. | 12 miles from downtown Austin. 8 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Easy access to US Hwy 183. |
| Educational Opportunities | Lifelong learning colleges and classes for continuing education and personal development. | Served by Del Valle Independent School District (Del Valle ISD). Schools: Newton Collins Elementary, Ojeda Middle School, and Del Valle High School. |