MATTERS OF THE HOME
What's happening, what's useful, and what's worth a look this week in The Villages
The town squares never really quiet down around here, but this week has a little something for everyone. There's live soul music, a free classic movie for the matinee crowd, and your Saturday farmers market right where you left it. Grab your golf cart and go.
Local Events
A Decade of Soul - Saturday, July 11, 4pm and 7pm at Savannah Center
A tribute act with over 1,600 Times Square performances under its belt brings Aretha, the Supremes, and more to the Savannah Center stage. Who it's for: Adults. Get tickets
Free Senior Movie: Downton Abbey - Wednesday, July 8 at the Old Mill Playhouse
Lake Sumter Landing's Old Mill Playhouse is hosting a free screening for the matinee crowd. Who it's for: Seniors. See showtimes
Hometown Market - Saturdays, 9am to 1pm at Brownwood Paddock Square
Fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors fill the square every Saturday morning. Who it's for: Families and Adults. Learn more
Community Spotlight
Ready Together: Local Nonprofits Help Kids Start the School Year Strong
With August approaching, Ocala Magazine highlights Ready for Success -- a partnership between the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, Stuff the Bus, The Rock Program, and Marion County Public Schools -- making sure local students have supplies, clothing, and support to start the year off ready to learn.
Key Takeaway: Stuff the Bus and The Rock Program both take donations and volunteers year-round if you're looking for a way to help. Read more
Scam Watch
Sunshine, Golf, Pickleball, and... Scams? Inside The Villages' Fraud Problem
AARP's investigative look at The Villages found law enforcement and researchers calling it a "target-rich environment" for fraud -- from contractors who vanish after partial pool or roofing work, to car-sale scams and impostor calls. Seniors vs Crime, a fraud-fighting group with four offices spread throughout the community, has helped recover roughly $40 million for victims statewide.
Key Takeaway: Never let a stranger up on your roof to "inspect for damage," and always get a signed paper contract before paying a contractor a dime. Read more
Around the Yard
The Right Plants Make Florida Yards Easier to Keep Up
UF/IFAS's Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program has a free tool that lets you filter native, low-water plants by zone and type -- built for the exact soil and heat homeowners in Marion County deal with.
Key Takeaway: Swapping thirsty plants for Florida-friendly ones can cut down on watering, mowing, and pest headaches all at once. Explore the plant guide
Market Pulse
Nancy Deichman's weekly Market Pulse video compares this week's Lake, Marion, and Sumter County activity to the same week last year -- and the numbers point to real momentum.
County | 6/28/26 - 7/4/26 Active l Pending l Sold | 6/29/25 - 7/5/25 Active l Pending l Sold |
|---|---|---|
Lake | 193 l 180 l 169 | 190 l 138 l 122 |
Marion | 253 l 197 l 248 | 239 l 210 l 156 |
Sumter | 48 l 43 l 56 | 52 l 34 l 47 |
Source: Stellar MLS. Statistics reflect Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties' activity from June 28 to July 4, 2026. VLS data not included.
What's available for under $200k
$125,000 l 2 bed 1 bath, partially furnished - 730 Royal Palm Ave, Lady Lake, FL 32159
An easy way into Villages-area living without the Villages-area price tag. Listed by Donna Hines. View the listing
Home in The Villages for under $500k
$335,000 l TURNKEY 3 bed 2 bath, Catalina Model - 1911 Del Norte Dr, The Villages, FL 32159
A classic Villages address with plenty of room for golf cart parking and a full social calendar. Listed by the Roberts Williams Team. View the listing
Luxury Living
$525,000 l 3 bed 2 bath, golf course views - 2215 Triggerfish Run, The Villages, FL 32162
One of The Villages' newer, most sought-after neighborhoods, built for entertaining. Listed by Debbie Martin. View the listing
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That's it for this week.
Providing The Villages community with clear, data-driven home insights.