Quick Reference
Hampton Roads sends a disproportionately large share of military retirees to The Villages — the community's established retired military social community is one of the largest in any 55+ development. Former Navy, Army, and Marine Corps retirees from the Norfolk/Virginia Beach complex find that The Villages' organized, activity-focused culture resonates strongly with military community values.
The VA benefits picture is also relevant for Hampton Roads military retirees considering the Florida move. The nearest VA hospital to The Villages is in Gainesville at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center — approximately 35 miles north on I-75. It is one of the larger VA facilities in Florida and handles most needs. The Villages area also has VA community-based outpatient clinics for routine care.
Key Financial Considerations
Virginia has a state income tax of 2–5.75%. Florida has none. Military retirement pay is partially exempt from Virginia income tax (up to $20,000 exclusion for those 55+), but the full Florida exemption is still more favorable for most military retirees drawing pension income.
Virginia Beach property taxes run approximately $0.99/$100 of assessed value. Norfolk and Chesapeake are similar. These are not dramatically higher than The Villages' Florida rates, but the Save Our Homes cap provides meaningful long-term value.
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Talk to a Specialist →The Real Estate Picture
Hampton Roads real estate has appreciated well over the past decade, driven partly by consistent military demand. Virginia Beach homeowners in the Kempsville, Chesapeake, and Great Neck areas have built solid equity. Many Hampton Roads retirees can fund north-of-466 purchases outright from home proceeds.
Hampton Roads real estate is active year-round given the military population. The drive from Virginia Beach to The Villages is among the more manageable Southeast corridor drives — I-95 south is well-traveled.
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The Villages Fundamentals
Three zones, three financial profiles: north of 466 (Marion County, $160K–$350K, bond often zero), south of 466 (Sumter County, $295K–$520K, bond $8K–$27K), Fenney/Eastport (Sumter County, $350K–$590K, bond $20K–$40K). The bond — a CDD special assessment — is separate from listing price and must be verified per property.
Lifestyle fee is ~$195/month and covers executive golf, recreation centers, pools, and entertainment. The 1,500+ mile golf cart path network connects the entire community. Three active town squares provide nightly entertainment.