Sep 17, 2025
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal says he might hang up his size-22s in Florida’s most infamous seniors’ playground — just to see if it lives up to its reputation.
“The dream scenario is: There’s this place called The Villages,” the 53-year-old former Miami Heat star said during an episode of The Big Podcast. “The Villages is an old folks’ home, but they have the highest rate of STDs. I want to be there.”
Advertisement
While there’s no official data confirming The Villages as the "STD Capital of America," the community has long held a reputation for its lively (and sometimes notorious) social scene. What is confirmed is this: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, The Villages was America’s fastest-growing metro area between 2022 and 2023, with a growth rate of 4.7%.
Thanks for subscribing!
Read the best of Moneywise in 5 minutes or less.
By signing up, you accept Moneywise Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, and Privacy Policy.
With 14 country clubs, 17 pools, an estimated 100,000 golf carts, and roughly 3,000 social clubs — covering everything from water ballet to cheerleading — the Manhattan-sized community is built for retirees seeking an active, social lifestyle.
Tempted to join the party? There are plenty of retirement communities across the country that offer vibrant senior living. But like any major lifestyle change, it’s essential to weigh the costs, risks, and realities, before making the leap.
More than 2,000 (expensive) options
As of 2025, there are approximately 2,000 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) across the country, according to Newsweek.
HumanGood in Santa Barbara, California, was ranked the top CCRC in the country in the publication’s annual study, while The Villages took third place.
However, the ideal community for you depends on your lifestyle preferences and budget. Most CCRCs offer a combination of healthcare services, recreational amenities, and community programs all in one location. But that package comes with a hefty price tag.
According to the nonprofit National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), entry fees typically range from $50,000 to more than $500,000, with the average hovering around $300,000.
Residents also pay monthly fees ranging from $3,747 to $4,166, depending on the community’s payment model and level of care.
In short, the dream retirement lifestyle doesn’t come cheap. Even if it fits your budget, it’s wise to review the fine print before committing.
Advertisement
Must Read
- The ultra-rich use these 5 real estate strategies to build wealth while they sleep — you can start with just $100
- Here’s the average income of Americans by age in 2026. Are you keeping up or falling behind?
- Insurance companies profit most from drivers who auto-renew without shopping around. Comparing 100+ quotes takes 2 minutes and costs nothing
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Reading the fine print
CCRC contracts come in many forms, and the fine print can have major implications for your retirement. Some communities charge a monthly rental fee tied to the unit, while others offer fee-based services with a lower upfront entry cost.
Some CCRCs advertise “fully refundable” entrance fees or deposits if a resident leaves the community. However, you and your family could still risk losing that money if the community declares bankruptcy, according to the Wall Street Journal.
To protect yourself, consider having a lawyer review the contract before signing or paying a deposit. These agreements can be dense and may include hidden fees or restrictions.
How to find your ideal village
If you’ve weighed the costs and risks and are still eager to join a retirement community, start your search with the government’s ElderCare Locator or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Alternatively, you can explore LeadingAge, a nonprofit association of eldercare providers, for a list of nonprofit retirement communities in your state.
You May Also Like
- JP Morgan sees gold hitting $6,000/oz before 2027 — and a Gold IRA lets you hold the physical metal while deferring the tax bill. Get your free guide from Priority Gold
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
Vishesh Raisinghani is a financial journalist covering personal finance, investing and the global economy. He's also the founder of Sharpe Ascension Inc., a content marketing agency focused on investment firms. His work has appeared in Moneywise, Yahoo Finance!, Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine and Piggybank.
