The Sumter County heart of The Villages—headquartered at the District Administration Building at 984 Old Mill Run, The Villages, Florida (ZIP 32162, with the Sales & Information Center at 1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162)—represents the largest HOPA 55+ active adult retirement community in the world. Within Sumter County (ZIP codes 32162, 32163, and northern Wildwood 34785), community infrastructure, multi-modal golf cart paths, deed compliance, and recreation complexes are governed under Florida Statutes Chapter 190 by special-purpose local governments including the Sumter Landing Community Development District (SLCDD, Sumter County Ordinance No. 02-6), the Brownwood Community Development District (BCDD, City of Wildwood Ordinance No. O2012-20), and Village Community Development Districts (VCDDs) Nos. 1 through 15, operating alongside master developer entities The Villages Operating Company (Sunbiz Doc# P06000035355) and Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. (Sunbiz Doc# P06000036876).

Spanning more than 65,000 fee-simple single-family homes, premier residences, courtyard villas, and patio villas within Sumter County alone, the community is anchored by three walkable town squares featuring free nightly live entertainment 365 days a year: Lake Sumter Landing Market Square (32162), Brownwood Paddock Square (32163), and Sawgrass Grove (32163), plus 50+ golf courses, 100+ recreation centers, 230+ pickleball courts, and 3,000+ social clubs.