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New 3,300-Home Development Proposed Near The Villages

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. home-development-proposed-near-the-villages.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 3:27 GMT by BBC

Lady Lake, Florida - January 9, 2026 - A new residential development, tentatively named 'The Preserve', is being proposed near the renowned retirement community of The Villages in Lady Lake, Florida. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Landsea Homes, envisions a 3,300-home community spread across 1,800 acres and consciously modeled after the aesthetic and community spirit of Disney's Celebration, Florida.

The announcement has sparked both excitement and apprehension amongst local residents, prompting discussions about growth, infrastructure, and the preservation of the area's character. The developer aims to create a vibrant, walkable community with a central town square, extensive parklands, and diverse housing options. This focus on community building is directly inspired by the success of Celebration, originally conceived and developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s.

Celebration, often lauded for its idyllic, small-town atmosphere, remains a benchmark for master-planned communities. Its carefully designed architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and emphasis on social interaction have made it a highly desirable place to live. Landsea Homes appears to be leveraging this proven formula, hoping to attract residents seeking a similar lifestyle within close proximity to The Villages, a significantly larger and well-established community geared toward those aged 55 and over.

While details are still emerging, preliminary plans suggest The Preserve will not be an age-restricted community like The Villages. This difference could broaden its appeal, potentially attracting families and a more diverse demographic. The inclusion of varied home styles is another key feature, designed to avoid the visual monotony sometimes found in large-scale developments. This is a departure from the more uniform housing often seen in many retirement communities.

However, the scale of the project is understandably raising concerns among existing residents. The proposed addition of 3,300 homes will inevitably impact local infrastructure, particularly roadways. Traffic congestion is a primary worry, as Lady Lake and the surrounding areas have experienced substantial growth in recent years. Residents are also voicing concerns regarding the strain on local water resources. Central Florida, while generally abundant in rainfall, has faced periods of drought, and ensuring a sustainable water supply for a community of this size is crucial.

Beyond infrastructure, many long-time residents express a desire to maintain the rural character of the area. While The Villages itself represents a significant departure from the traditional Florida landscape, the surrounding towns and communities have largely retained a more laid-back, rural atmosphere. The Preserve's development could accelerate the pace of change, potentially eroding this cherished quality of life.

Landsea Homes acknowledges these concerns and has committed to engaging with the community to address them. A town hall meeting is scheduled for next week, providing a public forum for residents to voice their opinions and learn more about the project's details. Key topics of discussion are expected to include traffic mitigation strategies, water management plans, and measures to preserve the natural environment.

The success of The Preserve will likely hinge on its ability to balance the desire for growth and development with the need to protect the area's unique character. Replicating the magic of Celebration is a lofty goal, but if Landsea Homes can effectively address the community's concerns and deliver on its promises, The Preserve could become a thriving and desirable place to call home. The project also highlights the continuing trend of development in Central Florida, fueled by the state's robust economy and attractive lifestyle, and the ongoing search for communities that prioritize walkability and social connection.