Cities and Towns in Sumter County, Florida

Founded in 1853, Sumter County is one of 67 counties in the state of Florida. Historically, Sumter County was formed from Marion. The city of Bushnell is the county seat. With FIPS code of 119, Sumter County has a population of 135,638 and area of 546 square miles (1,414 km²).

List of all cities in Sumter County, FL alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bushnell, FL	33513	352
Center Hill, FL	33514	352
Coleman, FL	33521	352
Lady Lake, FL	32162	352
	32163	352
Lake Panasoffkee, FL	33538	352
Oxford, FL	34484	352
Ridge Manor Estates, FL	33597	352
Sumterville, FL	33585	352
The Villages, FL	32162	352
	32163	352
Webster, FL	33597	352
Wildwood, FL	34785	352

Major Cities and Towns in Sumter County, Florida

Wildwood

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates

• Area: 49.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 23,707 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 34785
• Latitude and Longitude: 28.8653° N, 82.0396° W

Location and History

Wildwood is centrally located in Sumter County, at the crossroads of major highways, including Interstate 75, Florida’s Turnpike, and U.S. Route 301. This strategic location has historically made Wildwood a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the region. The city was established in the late 19th century and grew rapidly due to its significance as a railway town, serving as a major junction for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad. Over time, Wildwood evolved from a small agricultural community into a growing suburban area, particularly with the expansion of The Villages, one of the largest retirement communities in the country, which partially extends into the city. Wildwood is known for its blend of historic charm and modern development, offering residents a mix of quiet, rural living and easy access to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wildwood is served by schools within the Sumter District Schools, including Wildwood Middle High School and Wildwood Elementary School, both of which play a central role in the community. The city is also home to a campus of Lake-Sumter State College, providing higher education opportunities to local residents. Major landmarks in Wildwood include the Wildwood Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and heritage, and Brownwood Paddock Square, a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, modeled after the rustic charm of an old Florida cattle town. The city’s proximity to The Villages also means that residents have access to a wide array of recreational facilities, golf courses, and cultural events.

Bushnell

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates

• Area: 2.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,004 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 33513
• Latitude and Longitude: 28.6647° N, 82.1129° W

Location and History

Bushnell, the county seat of Sumter County, is located in the heart of Central Florida. The city was named after John W. Bushnell, a chief engineer for the Florida Railway and Navigation Company, who played a significant role in bringing the railroad to the area in the late 19th century. Bushnell’s history is closely tied to its agricultural roots, particularly in the production of citrus and cattle ranching, which have been mainstays of the local economy for decades. The city’s small-town charm is evident in its historic downtown area, where well-preserved buildings reflect its early 20th-century origins. Today, Bushnell remains a quiet, rural community that serves as a gateway to the rich natural landscapes of Central Florida.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bushnell is served by Sumter District Schools, including South Sumter High School and Bushnell Elementary School, which are integral to the community. Major landmarks in Bushnell include the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, the site of a significant battle during the Second Seminole War, which is now a popular location for reenactments, nature trails, and picnics. The Sumter County Fairgrounds, located in Bushnell, is another key venue, hosting annual fairs, rodeos, and other community events. Additionally, the Withlacoochee River, which runs near Bushnell, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring Florida’s natural beauty.

The Villages

Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates

• Area: 33.9 square miles (portion in Sumter County)
• Population: Approximately 79,372 (2020 Census – Sumter County portion)
• Zip Codes: 32159, 32162, 32163
• Latitude and Longitude: 28.9270° N, 81.9839° W

Location and History

The Villages is a sprawling, master-planned retirement community that spans three counties, including a significant portion in Sumter County. It began as a small mobile home park in the 1970s, developed by Harold Schwartz and later expanded by his son, H. Gary Morse, into one of the largest age-restricted communities in the world. The Villages is designed to offer an active, resort-like lifestyle for retirees, with numerous amenities, recreational facilities, and social opportunities. The community’s rapid growth has transformed it into a significant population center in Sumter County, with its own unique culture and identity. The Villages is known for its picturesque neighborhoods, golf courses, and town squares, each designed to provide residents with a sense of community and convenience.

Major Schools and Landmarks

While The Villages is primarily a retirement community, it is served by The Villages Charter School, which is part of the Sumter District Schools and is open to the children of residents and employees. Major landmarks in The Villages include the three town squares: Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood Paddock Square, each offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The community is also home to numerous golf courses, recreational centers, and the Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, which hosts a wide range of cultural events, from Broadway shows to concerts. Additionally, The Villages Polo Club is a notable venue, attracting polo enthusiasts from around the country.

Map of Cities in Sumter County, FL