Orange Blossom Gardens
Historic Side DistrictThe Villages, FL
The Village of Orange Blossom Gardens is where the entire Villages story began. Originally a mobile home park founded in the early 1970s in northwest Lake County, Orange Blossom Gardens grew into the seed that became the largest 55-plus community in the country. Today it stands on the Historic Side alongside Spanish Springs Town Square, which was the first town center built in The Villages. The neighborhood includes a mix of manufactured and site-built homes, giving renters a range of options. Streets carry the history of decades of community building, with established trees and the kind of curb appeal that comes from homeowners who have invested in their properties over time. Paradise Recreation Center provides pool access, courts, and indoor activities nearby. Spanish Springs offers nightly entertainment, dining, and shopping. For renters interested in the origins of The Villages, there is no more authentic location than Orange Blossom Gardens.
Recreation Centers
- Paradise Recreation Center
Nearby Town Squares
- Spanish Springs Town Square
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orange Blossom Gardens really where The Villages started?
Yes. Orange Blossom Gardens was the original community, launched in the early 1970s as a manufactured home park on US Highway 27/441. It was renamed as part of The Villages in 1992 when the development expanded across the highway.
What kind of homes are in Orange Blossom Gardens?
The neighborhood is a mix of manufactured homes and wood-framed cottages, many dating to the 1970s and 1980s. Homes are smaller and more affordable than those in newer villages, typically two bedrooms with one-car garages or carports.
What is the Orange Blossom Hills Country Club?
Orange Blossom Hills is a championship-level golf course located adjacent to the neighborhood. It is one of the older courses in The Villages and offers a more traditional layout compared to the newer championship courses.
How far is Orange Blossom Gardens from Spanish Springs?
Spanish Springs Town Square is reachable by golf cart in just a few minutes. The neighborhood sits on the east side of Highway 27, northeast of the town square.
What makes Orange Blossom Gardens unique among Villages neighborhoods?
It is the birthplace of The Villages. The mature oaks, original-era homes, and close-knit feel give it a character you will not find in the newer planned neighborhoods. Prices here are among the lowest in The Villages.
What recreation is near Orange Blossom Gardens?
Paradise Recreation Center is the closest regional center. The Silver Lake Executive Golf Course is also adjacent, offering a beginner-friendly 9-hole layout with no bunkers and wall-to-wall fairways.