Fast-growing city with an array of golf courses and lakes
Homes to over 18,000 residents according to the U.S. Census 2023 population estimate, Wildwood is a fast-growing city about 50 miles northwest of Orlando. The city's population has grown over 170 percent since 2010, mainly due to the growth of The Villages, a 55-plus community with golf courses, recreation, entertainment and social activities. The Villages are one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "Wildwood is an extension of The Villages, which has expanded beyond its borders," says Dava Peters, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors, who has been selling in the area for four years. "The city is centrally located and spans both sides of the Florida Turnpike. You can easily get to Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville and Ocala." Outdoor activities keep residents going here, from the plethora of golf courses to a collection of lakes.
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, about 42 percent of Wildwood residents were 65 or older. Those still in the workforce may be employed at one of Sumter County's target industries, which include agribusiness, manufacturing and distribution.
Harmeswood of Belle Aire is a retirement community in Wildwood, FL.
Village of Fenney golf fanatics have plenty of options including Sawgrass Grove.
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Home prices lower than the national median
The median home price in Wildwood is about $320,000, lower than the national median home price of $400,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. "The new construction is doing really well," Peters says. "The market is picking up." Contemporary homes with patios are common in the Village of Fenney , one of the newer neighborhoods in The Villages. Homes here typically sell for between the low $300,000s and the high $500,000s, with some getting north of a million. "If it doesn't have The Villages on its name, it's about $50,000 less," Peters says.
The Village of Santiago has patio villa homes available for budget conscious home shoppers.
Village of Hillsborough is a retirement community in The Villages, FL.
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Fun on the water and the course
Lake Deaton, Miona, Okahumpka, and Panasoffkee offer local waterways where people can boat and fish. Lake Okahumpka Park is 130 acres and includes a paved biking trail, a boat ramp and a disc golf course. Lake Miona Park has about 5 acres, a boat ramp and a playground. Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area has over 8 miles of trails for biking and another 18 miles for horseback riding. Depending on which community locals live in, they can golf at their community's courses. Residents of The Villages are automatically members at all the country club facilities.
Beautiful Rutland, FL is located off of Florida 44 in Lake Panasoffkee.
Lake Okahumpka Park
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Redevelopment of Downtown Wildwood
Downtown Wildwood is undergoing a redevelopment, including shopping, dining, parking and a new park. Portions of the multi-phase project are expected to be completed in 2025. Brownwood Paddock Square is home to restaurants, shops, and nightly entertainment. The Farmers Market at Brownwood Paddock Square is open every Saturday. Arts festivals and performers take the stage at the Scarlett O'Hara Theater at Savannah Regional Recreation Center. The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center seats over 1,000 guests for musical and entertainment acts.
Brownwood Paddock Nightly Entertainment
Various local vendors set up shop weekly at the Farmers Market at Brownwood Paddock.
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Wildwood's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration
Wildwood holds its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration each year at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The event starts with a community walk, followed by a celebration with live music, games and food trucks. The city also hosts a Wildwood Comedy Night, which, along with laughter, includes a bar and a food truck.
Grovestock at Sawgrass Grove
Grovestock at Sawgrass Grove
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The highly ranked Sumter School District
Students here attend schools within the Sumter School District, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. The district serves over 9,000 students across 25 schools and is ranked the 17th-best district in Florida and the 15th-best district for athletes in the state.
Lake Panasoffkee Elementary has a 16:1 students per ratio and has had above average test scores.
South Sumpter Middle School has about 900 students and a student to teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
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Florida Turnpike connects Wildwood to Orlando
The Florida Turnpike runs through Wildwood and leads to Orlando, about 50 miles away. Interstate 75 runs parallel to Wildwood to the west and takes locals to Tampa 75 miles away. Florida State Road 44 connects Wildwood to Crystal River, about 40 miles west. The Orlando International Airport is about 70 miles from Wildwood. Sumter County Transit offers bus services in the area.
Wildwood crime and weather
According to the Wildwood Police Department, violent crime decreased by 4 percent in 2023, while property crime decreased by 17 percent. Hurricanes are a concern on Florida's Gulf Coast. The city encourages residents to prepare an emergency kit with essentials and always to have an evacuation plan.
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