Royal is a slice of Wildwood whose roots have remained planted as the surrounding areas evolve. This area is entrenched with established homes and residents, all in a rustic setting where spacious lots are the norm. It feels a world away from the region’s rapidly growing retirement community, The Villages. Yet residents here have all of The Villages’ many commercial amenities at arm’s reach.
Royal is a rural community founded and settled in the mid-1800's by freed American slaves.
Royal residents can enjoy many amenities living so close to The Villages.
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Homes come complete with tranquility
Most of the houses in Royal were built in the late 20th century or early 21st century. The common denominator is land. Whether it’s a lot just under an acre or a farm stretching dozens of acres, residents here get at least a little space to themselves. This is very much a working-class community, says Ricky Harper, a local Realtor with ERA Grizzard Real Estate. “Probably second and third generations still living here,” says Harper, a central Florida native. “Not a lot of development. It’s pretty quiet.” Options here can sell for prices from $300,000 to $600,000, depending on factors like acreage.
Royal homes are often set on lots over 5 to 10 acres.
Royal is full of vast pristine farm land.
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Music program at Wildwood opens doors
Kids in Royal attend public schools in the Sumter District, which carries an A-minus grade on Niche. They can participate in a music program at the B-rated Wildwood Elementary that can pave the way for them to participate in the All-County Music Showcase. Then they head down the road to Wildwood Middle High for grades 6 to 12, a B-minus-rated school with elective classes in topics like coding and agricultural science.
Just outside of Royal, students head to Wildwood Elementary School, that earns a B on Niche.
Wildwood Middle High School is located minutes from Royal and serves nearly 900 students yearly.
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Quiet arteries lead to busier thoroughfares
People who live in Royal can use stretches like Sumter County Road 466 to reach The Villages, a 57-square mile, amenity-packed 55-and-over community, in a trip of just under 10 miles. Locals can also hop on Interstate 75 in a matter of just a couple of miles via Florida State Road 44 for commutes north and south through the rest of the region. State Road 44 is also a link to the nearby city of Leesburg, which draws people in part for its restaurants.
Royal commuters can access Orlando and Tampa via nearby Interstate 75.
Royal residents have fast access to Interstate 75 via FL Route 44
Royal is less than 10 miles from Route 466 along the Villages with plenty of retail and dining.
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The Villages comes with plenty to offer
Royal and other nearby communities like Sumterville and Adamsville sit on the outskirts of The Villages, which at 57 square miles and some 132,000 residents is the largest retirement community in the world. “They’re all basically suburbs for The Villages,” says Robyn Cavallaro, a local Realtor with Florida Realty Investments and a resident of The Villages. The Villages is packed with chain eateries and big box stores aplenty, from Olive Garden to Culver’s and from Publix to Marshalls, all within about 7 miles of Royal. And while Royal itself is primarily residential, there are multiple houses of worship right within the community, including Ebenezer AME Church, Second Bethel Baptist Church and New Life Center Ministry.
Royal residents don't have to travel far to access many golf courses in The Villages.
Royal is full of history and several local churches stand as landmarks in the community.
Ebenezer African A.M.E. Church is over 100 years old and is a key part of the Royal's history.
Royal residents might head to Publix for their grocery needs.
The local Fresh Market has plenty of great produce buys for Royal locals.
There are many retail options, like Marshalls, near Royal in The Villages.
Royal families enjoy meeting for a meal at the nearby Olive Garden in The Villages.
Royal families head to Culver's for a butterburger and frozen custard.
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Namesake park is an option for outdoor time
Royal residents looking to get some fresh air have to look no further than Royal Park, a 5-acre space right in the middle of the community. This park comes with not just outdoor amenities like a playground, softball diamond and walking track, but also a community building that includes meeting rooms and a kitchen facility. The park is located on the site of a former school by the same name, which was active from 1874 until the early 1970s. A plaque in the park recognizes the history of the school and of the community, which was founded by former slaves in 1865 and is considered to be among the oldest Black communities across the state.
Royal Park is the site of the historic Royal School that dates back to the communities founding.
Families across Royal head to Royal Park to enjoy the playground facilities.
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Wildwood has plenty to offer in terms of community events
With a spot in the city of Wildwood, those in Royal can take advantage of the assortment of events the city organizes. A Fourth of July celebration is among them, a jam-packed day at the Wildwood Community Center with food, games, a beer garden, music and fireworks. The community center also hosts a Back to School Bash in late July with a school supply giveaway and a Family Fun Day in August with water soakers, a water slide and more.
Nearby Wildwood Community Center hosts many events for Royal families.
The playground at Millennium Park is a favorite for children from Royal and nearby communities.
Royal residents enjoy the BarkPark of Wildwood, just a few miles from Royal.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Country living at its finest with this GORGEOUS BLOCK Home covered in Hardie Board planks giving the home a softer and country like feel! This 3 Bedroom + 2 Full bath + 1 Half Bath + Office + Bonus Room Custom BLOCK 2021 built home on 5 fenced ACRES is sure to check off all your boxes! This home will meet all your outdoor needs with a beautiful covered front porch (33 x 6’10) + a screened in
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lois Benaglio,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
212
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,999
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,713
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
20.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
