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Ezekiel Morales best-worst

Most overrated things about The Villages

First post here. I'm a college student here and With a population of 82,108, The Villages is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -The Villages sits at 181.5 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes

1 Replies

Brielle Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a HR manager, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Denver, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
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