The Villages, Florida, caters to active adults aged 55 and over, offering a vibrant, amenity-rich retirement community with a unique golf cart lifestyle and on-site healthcare. Irvine Ranch, California, is a family-friendly master-planned community known for its excellent schools, diverse recreational opportunities, and convenient access to shopping and dining, but it comes with a significantly higher cost of living.
| Attribute | The Villages, Florida | Irvine Ranch, California |
|---|---|---|
| Name | The Villages, Florida | Irvine Ranch, California |
| Average Home Price | $374,900 to $403,900 (Zillow: $397,325, a decrease of 1.6% over the past year) | Median sale price: $1,200,000. Prices range from $106,000 to $69,800,000. |
| Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees | No traditional HOA fees; monthly amenity fees ($150 to $199) and annual maintenance fees | HOA fees range from $0 to $10,000 annually, $61 to $957 quarterly, or $0 to $1615 monthly. |
| Property Taxes (Effective Rate) | Sumter County: 1.11% (median home value $322,900, median annual tax bill $3,834); Lake County: 1.50% (median home value $420,241, median annual tax bill $6,658); Based on selling price | Not available |
| Number of Homes/Units | Over 46,000 rooftops, approaching 56,000; estimated 56,329 housing units | Irvine Ranch is home to 280,000 residents and comprised of 36 villages. |
| Age Restrictions (if any) | 55+ active adult community; at least one member 55 or older, no permanent resident under 19; visitors under 18 limited to 30-day stay | All participants must be 8 years or older to shoot by themselves at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. Participants who are 5-7 years old will need a 1-to-1 adult assisting them. The zip line age and weight requirement is 5 years and 50-275lbs. |
| Community Amenities | Golf courses (50+), recreation centers (35+), swimming pools (80+, over 100 pools), town squares with nightly live entertainment, sports courts, clubs and activities (3,000+), dog parks, fishing areas, nature trails, Lifelong Learning College | Parks, walking trails, mountain bike paths, pools, tot lots, athletic courts, golf courses, spas, barbeque areas, and fitness facilities. It also has 57,500 acres of open space and parklands. |
| Healthcare Facilities | Healthcare centers and a hospital within the community | Not available |
| Crime Rate (Compared to National Average) | Generally lower crime rate compared to national averages; reportedly safer than the majority of U.S. cities | Irvine has 29% less violent crime and 6% less property crime than Ladera Ranch, CA. Irvine's crime rates are 28% lower than the national average. |
| Climate (Average Temperature & Rainfall) | Humid subtropical climate; average temperature range: 45 8. The Villages, Florida | Irvine Ranch is a great option for people looking for a family-friendly community with access to great schools, shopping, and outdoor activities. However, the high cost of housing may be a barrier for some. |