Top Tips – visiting The Villages

The Villages Florida top tips for first-time visitors. There is a ton of information available online and in-person about The Villages. For visitors, and short-term renters, here’s some quick tips from “Lucy”….

Do an intro activity on day 1:
There are many activities you can do the minute you arrive in The Villages. Lucy has created a short list of “must-see” activities <HERE>. Or, just visit a town square and walk around. Take the Sumter Lake excursion boat where the on-board staff will share stories about The Villages.

Resident ID:
Everyone in The Villages needs a “temporary resident ID” (sometimes called a lifestyle ID) if you are staying more than a few days. The temporary resident ID is typically procured by your homeowner if you are renting. The owner (or you) will pay $50 if you want to take full advantage of the amenities in The Villages including golf and sports pools. Click HERE for more info on IDs or see one page infographic explaining it.

Special Things to Bring:
Be sure to check out our suggested packing list <HERE> that offers some items that will help you specifically with your visit/rental in TV.

Slow Down & Breathe Deep:
Life in The Villages is unique and surely different than what you may be accustomed to. Things run at a fun, leisurely pace. Many of the people who work (very hard) as Villages employees are just like the rest of us (semi-retired, etc). So, be sure to bring your enthusiasm, smile, but leave your attitudes at home. And, just like the rest of the world, there may be a hiccup from time to time!

Travel Carefully & Safely:
As explained in the Getting around section, The Villages has many unique situations with multi-modal transportation going on everywhere. Be especially mindful and watchful for cars, golf carts everywhere, bicycles and pedestrians.