Moving from New Jersey to The Villages, FL: A Complete Guide

New Jersey has sent more residents to The Villages than almost any other state, and it does not take long to understand why. I have worked with families from Bergen to Burlington, from the Shore to the Pine Barrens, and the reasons they come are remarkably consistent: the tax picture, the winters, and the pull of a community designed for this exact chapter of life.

Why New Jerseyans Choose The Villages

• Taxes. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Florida has no state income tax and moderate property taxes, and the homestead exemption trims the assessed value of your primary residence. For retirees, the combined savings can be substantial year after year
• Weather. Swapping snow, ice, and salt for palm trees and golf carts is the number one motivator. The Villages' mild winters keep golf courses and outdoor dining going all year
• Lifestyle. The active adult lifestyle here is unmatched: recreation centers, pools, pickleball, clubs, and nightly entertainment are all part of the amenities fee
• Community. The Villages is full of former New Jerseyans, so the transition comes with built-in neighbors who understand where you are from

For the region-wide picture, including what Northeast transplants miss most, read the guide to moving from the Northeast.

The Financial Picture for New Jersey Families

The financial comparison is the most compelling part of the New Jersey story, and it holds up even after accounting for Florida's higher homeowners insurance.

No state income tax. Florida does not tax personal income, so Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals keep more of your money. Establishing Florida residency means spending most of the year here, getting a Florida driver's license, registering to vote, and filing for the homestead exemption.

Property taxes. The gap between New Jersey and Florida property taxes is among the largest in the country. Add the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes assessment cap, and the annual tax savings for many buyers is significant, money that can fund travel, golf, or family visits.

Housing value. Your home-buying dollar tends to stretch further here, especially for the single-story, maintenance-friendly layouts that buyers at this stage of life want. Every budget is represented, from patio villas to luxury golf course estates.

The honest offsets. Homeowners insurance costs more in Florida, and summer air conditioning raises electric bills, though winter heating costs mostly disappear. Lili's cost of living guide runs through every line so you can compare your own numbers.

What the Amenities Fee Covers (No HOA)

New Jersey buyers often arrive expecting a homeowners association, but The Villages, FL does not have a traditional HOA. Residents pay an amenities fee to the Villages Community Development District (CDD). That fee covers the lifestyle network:

• Recreation centers, swimming pools, and fitness facilities
• Pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce, and other courts
• Executive golf, free for residents
• Over 100 miles of golf cart paths
• The three town squares with nightly entertainment and events

It does not cover exterior maintenance, lawn care, or structural insurance, and some homes carry CDD bond assessments from development. Traditional HOAs exist only in some surrounding non-Villages communities in Marion, Sumter, and Lake counties, so if you look outside The Villages proper, ask about each community's specific association and dues.

Weather and Daily Life

The Villages' climate is subtropical Central Florida. Summers are hot and humid with highs in the low 90s, and residents schedule outdoor activities around the peak heat. Winters are the reward: average highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, sunny days, golf year-round, and dinner outdoors at the town squares in January.

The community sits roughly 70 miles inland, which lowers direct hurricane risk compared with the coasts. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so keep a basic emergency kit and understand your insurance, same as any Floridian.

Healthcare Transition

The area's healthcare network is built for a large active-adult population. UF Health hospital facilities, Cleveland Clinic outpatient and specialty care, and AdventHealth services are all nearby, with a high concentration of primary care doctors and specialists who treat older adults daily.

Request your medical records before the move. Original Medicare transfers to Florida seamlessly; a Medicare Advantage plan may require switching to one that serves Central Florida during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period. Most residents choose a Medigap supplement or a local Advantage plan.

How the Move Process Works

The same proven path works for New Jersey families:

Research and Visit

• Explore the villages. Each has its own character and price range. The guides to the Village of Winifred, Village of Fenney, and Brownwood & Paddock Square show the spread
• Visit for a week. Ride golf carts, walk the squares, tour recreation centers, and talk to residents. Feel the pace before you commit
• Get a local agent. Lili Whittington knows the micro-markets, amenities fees, and CDD bonds inside out

Buy

• Get pre-approved before showings so your offer is taken seriously
• Tour against your must-have list, not against the last house you saw
• Make an offer and close. Typical Florida closings run 30 to 45 days; cash can be faster

Settle In as a Floridian

• Get a Florida driver's license within 30 days of residency
• Register to vote, register your vehicle, and file for the homestead exemption
• Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, banks, and insurers
• Forward mail, set up utilities, find a primary care doctor, and join a club

How Lili Helps New Jersey Families Relocate

Relocation from New Jersey is one of the most common moves in Lili Whittington's practice. As a Broker Associate with Soundings LLC (Florida license BK3090328) with more than 20 years of experience and 450+ homes sold, she has guided New Jersey buyers and sellers through every stage, from first visit to closing and beyond. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, works with local, national, and international clients, and holds the CLHMS, SRES, MRP, ABR, SFR, and CIPS designations. Her MRP credential also makes her a strong partner for military families relocating from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

FAQ About Moving from New Jersey

Read the Guides, Then Let's Plan Your Move

Before you book your visit, work through the Complete Buyer's Guide to The Villages and Central Florida, and if you are selling a New Jersey home, the Complete Seller's Guide helps you prepare both sides of the move.