GL Homes develops a number of communities around the state, but Valencia Reserve and Valencia Lakes are their only two active adult offerings. They previously developed Valencia Pointe (also in Boynton Beach), but that community is sold out.

Valencia Reserve is designed with the active 55-and-up set in mind. With a compelling mix of exciting activities, inviting features and exquisite homes, this gated community is a popular choice for people who are accustomed to the very best. It’s located in Palm Beach County, so it’s just a short distance away from some of the finest dining, shopping and entertainment in the entire region.

If you make Valencia Reserve your home, though, you might find it hard to tear yourself away from it for even a few hours. Learn more about this impeccably designed south Florida community below.

Basic Community Features

Valencia Reserve which will contain around 1,000 homes when all is said and done is made up of several distinct areas, and each one boasts a wide array of upscale, single-family homes. Nearly every home within its borders faces the waterfront or has a lovely garden view, and a wide range of prices is available. In addition to boasting stunning homes, Valencia Reserve includes all of the amenities that an active older adult could possibly want. The community is designed to take advantage of southern Florida’s gorgeous year-round weather.

Lifestyle Complex and Clubhouse

Valencia Reserve features a sprawling, 41,000-square-foot Lifestyle Complex, and it serves as the beating heart of this exciting community. A few of the features you will enjoy there include:

In addition to the exciting features that are highlighted above, Valencia Reserve keeps a Social Director on staff. New activities and events are planned all the time, so there’s never a dull moment.

One thing you probably notice in the above description of amenities is the lack of a golf course. This is actually a growing trend…retirement communities without golf courses…but you won’t have any trouble finding plenty of courses to play within shouting distance of the community. There are dozens and dozens of excellent courses; plus, PGA of America is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, so you could head there to experience some first-rate golfing.

The entrance to Valencia Reserve

GL Homes communities are known for their entrance features, and the Valencia Reserve entrance impresses right from the start with its opulent entrance, which stretches nearly 1,000 feet into the air. Cascading waterfalls create a soothing ambiance that continues throughout the entire community. The gated entry is staffed 24 hours a day, and it also includes a telephone access system for added security.

Home Features

There are three home collections offered at Valencia Reserve: Signature, Vintage and Crown. They boast exquisite touches like 18-inch ceramic tile, covered patios, open floor plans and granite countertops. Many of the homes here are in move-in ready condition.

Sizes and Prices

There’s sure to be an option that suits your budget at Valencia Reserve. Signature homes begin in the $270,000 price range and offer between 1,300 and 2,300 square feet of space. Vintage homes begin at around $380,000 and offer between 2,200 and 2,800 square feet of space. Top-of-the-line Crown homes begin at around $490,000 and offer between 2,400 and 2,800 square feet of space.

Palm Beach County

Because it is located in Palm Beach County, which is one of the most upscale areas in the country, Valencia Reserve is within easy driving distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment options. Just take a stroll down Worth Avenue in Palm Beach to get a taste for what upscale living is like. The beach and ocean are within close proximity, so heading for a day trip to the beach is totally reasonable.

Kick Back or Get Active at Valencia Reserve

By purchasing a home at Valencia Reserve, you will be able to live the life that you’ve always wanted. From lounging poolside on the stunning sundeck to getting a great workout at the yoga and fitness studio, this first-rate Florida community is a great option for today’s discerning older adults.

Getting There

(800) 875-2177
Map it

Get off I-95 at the Boynton Beach Blvd exit, and go West to Lyons Road. Then go South on Lyons Road until you see the Valencia Reserve entrance on the right. Then just follow signs to the model center.

Footnotes:
Official website
Boynton Beach – via Wikipedia
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

With its location smack-dab in the middle of Florida, On Top of the World itself is largely self-contained. If you don’t like to wander very far, you don’t have to. Because it’s right by Interstate 75, though, getting to some of the state’s best attractions is easy. At On Top of the World, you settle in and live the good life. The community is designed for adults ages 55 and older, but it is a far cry from your typical retirement community. Learn more about it below.

The Basics

Where to Retire magazine listed On Top of the World as one of the best places to retire in the United States, and it’s easy to see why the community earned such recognition. It sprawls out across nearly 13,000 acres in the heart of central Florida, and it is bordered by vast forests and many exciting towns and cities. The community has been designed to engage people’s bodies and minds, so there is always something happening. An extensive array of services, features and amenities is offered within its borders, so it’s ideal for people who are ready to live life on their own terms.

Key Amenities and Features

Everywhere you turn you will run across a great community center, outdoor activity or other amenity. By making this community your home, you will be able to enjoy:

The Homes of OTOTW

Homes at On Top of the World are offered in many distinct styles and configurations. State-of-the-art features and a wide range of elegant floor plans make them perfect for absolutely anyone. These homes have specifically been designed to be as energy efficient as possible. By taking advantage of the Design Studio, new residents can personalize their homes with flooring, paint and many other options. Many homes are located in prime places near golf courses and other popular community areas.

Home Prices and Sizes

There is a home for every lifestyle and every budget. Top-of-the-line Masterpiece homes have sprawling sizes of more than 4,000 square feet. In terms of price, they start around $330,000. Two different styles are available.

Estate homes are a nice option for people who have slightly smaller budgets but still want plenty of space. Five gorgeous designs and floor plans are available. They range in size from 2,500 square feet to 3,000 square feet, and they range in price from $170,000 to around $250,000.

Premier homes are available in six unique styles. They range in size from 2,300 square feet to around 3,400 square feet, and they cost between $170,000 and $225,000.

The Ocala and Marion County Area

On Top of the World Communities is located near Ocala in Marion County. Orlando and its world-class theme parks is just a short distance away. The area is also just as close to Gulf Coast beaches as it is to Atlantic beaches. More than 600 lakes are sprinkled throughout the region and offer prime fishing and water sports opportunities. The I-75 corridor is right nearby, so it’s easy to access prime dining, shopping and entertainment options.

A Gem of a Community

It’s easy to see why OTOTW has earned such rave reviews. The community has matured quite a bit from when we first profiled it. It’s perfect for active adults who enjoy getting out there and enjoying sports and other activities. It’s also great for people who like to take it a little easier. No matter where you fall on the activity spectrum, you’re sure to be floored by the huge array of features and amenities that are offered in this first-class community.

Address, Phone, and Directions
8445 SW 80th St.
Ocala, FL 34481
1-800-421-4162

Getting to On Top of the World is pretty easy. From I-75 you just take SR200 west about 6 and a half miles. Then, turn north on SW 80th Avenue and then turn west on SW 80th Street.
Map it

Footnotes
Official website
Ocala, FL – via Wikipedia

Entrance to Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch

As with so many other communities in this part of the Sunshine State, it’s within close proximity of stunning beaches, phenomenal shopping, top-rated schools, delicious restaurants and many other key amenities. In the community and around it, you’re sure to be tickled by what you find.

The Bradenton Area

The closest large city to Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is Bradenton, which has a population of just over 50,000 people. It is the quintessential Florida city; it’s even home to Tropicana, which is one of the most famous orange juice producers in the world. The town itself is charming and includes everything you could possibly want or need.

To the south of Lakewood Ranch, you’ll find the warm, welcoming city of Sarasota, which is famous for its beaches that have sand that is like baby powder. To the north, you’ll find Tampa and St. Petersburg. In short, you’re never far away from all kinds of fun and excitement.

Lakewood Ranch

Esplanade is one of seven villages that make up Lakewood Ranch, which is the largest green-certified community not only in the state of Florida, but in the country! It’s also the second most popular master-planned community in the state, so it’s clear that the developers did something right. In fact, they did many things right. Lakewood Ranch sprawls over more than 8,500 pristine acres. On the Gulf Coast, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more thoughtfully designed community. Esplanade is the crown jewel of the community, and it’s a popular choice for retirees and young families alike.

The Community at Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch

If you could only use one word to describe Esplanade, it would have to be “incredible.” Every last detail has been carefully planned, from the gorgeous single-family homes and villas to the remarkable array of activities that are always taking place. This community is perfect for people who like to stay active. There’s never a dull moment here, and there’s even a full-time Lifestyle Director on staff to make sure that something interesting is always in the works. Between the fun activities at Esplanade and the eclectic cities that encircle Lakewood Ranch, you will never run out of things to see, do and experience.

Active Lifestyles

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is designed with active people in mind. Invigorating activities are always happening. With community features like a clubhouse, a formal events lawn, a bocce and pickleball court and a kayak launch, exciting opportunities abound here. Small kids will adore the adventure playground while pet lovers will appreciate the fenced dog park. Miles of walking trails wind through the community, so it’s possible to get all the exercise you need within its borders.

The Clubhouse

The clubhouse at Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is the glue that binds the community together. Unforgettable events are routinely held at its gorgeous grand ballroom, and there are always people enjoying activities in its billiards room and card and craft room. A well-stocked library is an excellent place to break away from the hectic pace of everyday life, and there’s a first-rate aerobics and fitness center onsite as well. The clubhouse also features a catering kitchen, so the community is able to handle events of all sizes. You’re sure to find yourself at the clubhouse again and again when you make Esplanade your home.

Additional Community Features

Although the beach is only a short drive away, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy phenomenal swimming opportunities. Esplanade boasts a heated, lagoon-style pool where you can kick back and unwind. It also has a resistance pool where you can squeeze in plenty of extra exercise. Every last inch of this thoughtfully designed community is accessible by golf cart, so you can zip from place to place with ease. A fire pit and an outdoor barbecue space provide additional opportunities for getting together and creating memories with friends and loved ones.

Homes and Villas – Main Features

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch is a gated community that includes 450 detached single-family homes and villas. Whether you need a lot of space or have more modest requirements, you’re sure to find the perfect home. Homes and villas in this popular community have designer kitchens that include all of today’s best features. Luxury bathrooms enhance the value and quality of these homes as well. Many energy-saving features and appliances are built right into these homes, and you’ll love the many dramatic interior features that you’ll find. Spaciousness, style and elegance all permeate these lovely, Mediterranean-inspired homes.

Home Prices and Sizes

Homes and villas at Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch span a wide range of sizes and prices. No matter what type of home you select, you will enjoy non-restricted access to all of the community’s features. As far as villas go, the Corte Villa collection features homes that range from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. They cost between $200,000 and $300,000. Two types of single-family homes are available. The La Palma collection features homes that range from 2,200 to 2,700 square feet in size, and they cost $299,000 and up. The Novelli collection features home that average around 3,000 square feet in size and cost between around $250,000 and around $400,000.

Premium Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Thanks to Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch, you don’t have to pay premium prices to enjoy premium living. This community is well-suited for people who like to be on the go at all times. The gorgeous new homes and villas here are sure to thrill you with this chic elegance and thoughtful features. As for the community, you are bound to feel right at home within minutes of unpacking your belongings. Learn more about Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch.

Entrance to PGA Village Verano

Getting to Know St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County is a popular destination for retirees and vacationers because it is jam-packed with everything that put Florida on the map in the first place. PGA Village Verano is in Port St. Lucie, whose population has been booming for last 10 to 15 years. The historic town of Fort Pierce is also located in St. Lucie County, which is criss-crossed by gorgeous waterways and boasts 21 miles of pristine, white-sand beaches. This gorgeous part of Florida is far enough away from metropolitan Miami to be tranquil but near enough for quick day trips.

The PGA Village Verano Community

PGA Village Verano is still in its infancy, which is great news for people who want to live in a community that has been carefully planned and designed. It is made up of single-family homes and charming villas. There’s a shimmering lake, and many of the properties are located on its shores. The crown jewels of the community, of course, are the three remarkable PGA golf courses that are located on its borders. In fact, some of the homes in the PGA Village Verano community offer views of the impeccable landscaped courses.

Club Verano

Although it is only halfway done, Club Verano is already an incredible facility. The section that is already complete, Club Talavero, features an incredible number of exciting amenities including:

The clubhouse at Club Verano also includes two separate card rooms where residents can challenge one another to exciting games. There’s a billiards parlor, so there’s no need to visit a local pool hall. A cafe is also right on site. In terms of exercise, there’s an indoor lap pool, an aerobics room and an exercise room. Special events are held all year long at the clubhouse, and some of them are held at the Grand Auditorium.

The Golf Courses

The golf courses that are situated within walking distance of PGA Village Verano were designed by Pete Dye and Tom Fazio. Three different courses offering a total of 54 holes are available:

The PGA Golf Club

It’s easy to spend hour upon hour on the three golf courses, but the PGA Golf Club is another wonderful place to spend time. This club includes the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, which offers 35 acres of prime learning and training facilities. PGA professionals are available for private instruction, golf clinics, youth golf clinics and much more. There are also more than 100 full-swing practice stations. If you ever feel like taking a peek at the Ryder Cup trophy, just stop by the PGA Historical Center museum, which is also located here.

PGA Village Verano Homes – Main Features

Whether you choose a single-family home or a quaint villa, you will be tickled by the wide range of options that are available. Because homes are still being built, you can customize yours in a number of ways. All homes and villas at PGA Village Verano include stunning gourmet kitchens with recessed lighting and granite countertops. Well-appointed bathrooms with wood cabinetry and top-notch fixtures are also found in each home. These homes boast ceilings that soar 10 feet high, and they have two-car garages that often include golf cart parking and golf cart charger outlets.

You get a lot for the homeowner’s association fees that you pay at PGA Village Verano. They include security system monitoring and cable and Internet access. All of the properties in this community are expertly landscaped and look terrific inside and out.

Prices and Sizes

One thing that is sure to surprise you is the relatively affordable prices of the homes at PGA Village Verano. Considering that you’re practically living on a golf course in southern Florida, the prices aren’t too steep at all. Single-family homes come in two styles: Venezia homes, which range in price from $230,000 to $300,000 and offer 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, and Palermo homes, which range in price from $300,000 to $400,000 and offer 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. Bella Vista villas range in price from around $160,000 to around $180,000, and they offer 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of space.

Exceptional Living in Southern Florida

There’s so much to do right within the PGA Village Verano community that you might not venture out too often. If you do, you can take your pick from many exciting options. Because it’s on the Treasure Coast, St. Lucie County offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. Head over to Palm Beach for upscale shopping on Worth Avenue or to tour one of its many amazing mansions.

In Fort Pierce, you can enjoy the best antiques shopping in the region. There are also many fine fishing opportunities, and the waters near St. Lucie County teem with bill fish, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper and even Florida lobsters.

Want more information? Visit the PGA Village Verano website.

Entrance to Trilogy Orlando

Trilogy’s thoughtfully designed, relatively affordable homes are set against a well-maintained landscape dotted with multiple shared community areas and recreational facilities. Geared toward active couples and singles who see retirement as a chance to live out lifelong fantasies, Trilogy Orlando is a dream come true for energetic Florida baby boomers.

The Grounds

The beautifully manicured entrance of the community is gated for privacy, and sports a guard tower for residents’ security. The grounds at Trilogy Orlando boast immaculate landscaping site-wide, and community buildings seem deliberately resort-like. A wide variety of homes are available, from affordable smaller homes to more luxurious options. Eco-friendly homes are offered, and even the higher-end houses are within reach for many.

Homes at Trilogy Orlando

Trilogy Orlando offers a diverse variety of quality homes perched along invitingly curved streets lined with young trees. At the time of this writing, a number of move-in-ready houses priced from the $190,000s to just over $330,000 make moving to Trilogy Orlando a snap. Sizes range from 1588 to 2,592 square feet. The Floral Collection is a group of energy-efficient homes designed to make maximum use of small spaces. Houses in this collection are sized from 1,429 – 1,925 square feet and start at just under $160,000. These manageable homes offer two bedrooms, two baths and 2-stall garages.

Arbor Collection homes range from 2,071 – 2,710 square feet, starting at about $234,000. These deluxe houses offer up to 2.5 baths and garages with three stalls. Some Arbor Collection models are even move-in-ready. Eco-conscious retirees have an ideal option in the SheaXero homes at Trilogy Orlando. Billed as the “no electric bill” house, a SheaXero home attacks energy waste on every front. From blown-in insulation to solar panels and super-efficient HVAC systems, SheaXero homes are easy on the wallet and the conscience.

Recreational Facilities

In an effort to promote active, healthy lifestyles, Trilogy Orlando boasts a number of fitness facilities. The outdoor pool makes residents feel like they’re on vacation any day of the week. Poolside chaise lounges are perfect for sunbathers, and shaded spaces offer respite from the heat while remaining close to the action. For those who prefer getting their vitamin D through more active means, the site is dotted with numerous tennis courts. While serious players may prefer the championship courts, casual play is an option for those after a little mildly competitive fun with neighbors.

The athletic club offers plenty of ways to stay fit. The Movement & Aerobic Studio is the spot for aerobics and other cardio classes, while the Strength & Conditioning Center’s cutting-edge TechnoGym™ equipment, free weights and other resistance equipment will whip anyone into tip-top shape. The Indoor Fitness Pool is a haven for low-impact exercise, and is equipped with large locker rooms. The Bodysmart Women’s Fitness Studio is dedicated to ladies-only workouts, and the supremely serene Massage Room provides the perfect way to unwind after a workout.

Community

Trilogy Orlando is designed to foster a healthy sense of community that will become an integral part of each resident’s well-being. The site’s many shared outdoor spaces are a testament to this goal, and the 57,000 square-foot Magnolia House members club provides a well-rounded community experience. The Sports Pavilion is one such space, with areas designated for bocce, pickleball and tennis. Spectator seating allows friends and neighbors to cheer on their favorite players. A coffee lounge stocked with laptops, magazines and newspapers makes connecting with the world a pleasure. The Newsstand is another great place to catch up on the news, grab breakfast and a cup of java, or bring a laptop for some quality time online.

The Artisan Studio lets residents unleash their creativity as they complete pottery, scrapbook and painting projects using in-house art supplies. Those who enjoy a bit of good-natured card game rivalry are in luck at Trilogy Orlando. From pinochle to poker, everyone is sure to find a friendly game at one of two on-site game facilities. The Crow’s Nest offers a rainy-day getaway, with its flat-screen television, golf simulator and billiards tables. Fabulous yet affordable dining is available at the Grille, and residents can enjoy great food and cooking lessons at Emma’s Culinary Garden.

Residents needn’t leave the Trilogy Orlando property to enjoy first-class entertainment. With on-site catering and an outdoor patio, the Events Center & Theatre is available to members for parties and banquets. Residents can even channel their inner stage director or thespian as they put on in-house theatrical productions. Of course, nearby Disney World and Orlando’s other attractions offer numerous entertainment opportunities that will lure grown children and their kids to visit a little more often.

The Trilogy Orlando Retirement Community Experience

With so many options in housing and entertainment, Trilogy Orlando is a welcoming place for retirees who are actively engaged in all that life has to offer. It’s a site designed for people who seek out excitement and fulfillment in everyday life, and see retirement as a period in which to do all the things they never had time for while working. With its strong sense of community, impeccably-appointed homes, peaceful surroundings and a wealth of luxury amenities, Trilogy Orlando appears to be the ideal place to call home in between adventures. Visit the Trilogy Orlando website.

It’s also located on the Treasure Coast, which is so named because it’s where many treasure-filled Spanish ships met their watery fates in shipwrecks during the 17th and 18th centuries. Learn more about Sailfish Point and what it has to offer below!

Aerial View of Hutchinson Island

Sailfish Point is situated on the southernmost tip of Hutchinson Island, which is located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. With its location between Palm Beach and Palm Bay and fast access to Interstate 95, Sailfish Point is easy to get to and convenient to many great attractions. The community is nestled between the Indian River, the St. Lucie Inlet and the Atlantic. The nearby city of Stuart has been named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Cities,” and it is also the Sailfish Capital of the World. Martin County, where Sailfish Point is located, stretches from the Atlantic to Lake Okeechobee and is studded with golf courses and other exciting attractions.

The Golf Course

There is a private, 7,088-yard, par-72, 18-hole golf course at Sailfish Point. It was designed and built by Jack Nicklaus in 1981. Nicklaus renovated it in 2007. The following year, Golf Digest listed it as one of the 10 Best New Remodeled Golf Courses. Residents don’t have to have tee times to enjoy the course, which features spectacular water views at every hole. The par-4 signature 18th hole is called the “Window on the Sea” for its phenomenal views of the Atlantic.

Clubhouse

The clubhouse at Sailfish Point is located right on the ocean. With more than 60,000 square feet of space, it is roomy enough for all of the residents of the community. In addition to serving up lunches and dinners, the clubhouse offers delivery and takeout services as well. Themed wine dinners and other events take place all year long. There is also an oceanside beach club and lounge attached to the clubhouse, and an al fresco service is available too.

Tennis Center

There are eight Har-Tru tennis courts at Sailfish Point, and five of them are lighted. They are open from sunrise until 10pm every day, and they are staffed by two tennis professionals. A pro shop is onsite and stocked with a wide range of tennis-related products. Clinics, tournaments, lessons, events and kid-friendly programs are also offered throughout the year.

Marina and Yacht Club

The Sailfish Point Marina is billed as being one of the largest, privately owned, bulkheaded marinas in the state of Florida. It is exceptionally deep and has 77 slips. Access for watercraft of up to 125 feet in length is available. Links magazine named Sailfish Point a “Best for Boating” community specifically because of its top-notch marina. Residents can arrange private cruises, charters, fishing tournaments and day trips from the marina, so there is never a dull moment.

Swimming Pool

The majority of the homes at Sailfish Point have their own swimming pools, but there is also a top-quality community swimming pool at the clubhouse. The Pool Grill dishes up delicious food and refreshing drinks, and the wide decks are sprinkled with comfortable chairs. Gorgeous views of the ocean make this a popular spot to congregate, and parties are often held here. There’s also a hot tub and a separate play area for children, so everyone has a place to relax, unwind and have fun.

Fitness Center and Spa

The residents of Sailfish Point don’t have to leave the community to enjoy superior spa and fitness services. The fitness center and spa has it all. It is staffed by experienced professionals, and everything from facials to massages is offered. The fitness center has personal trainers and state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Yoga classes, Pilates classes and many other classes are also offered.

Beach

There is a 1.5-mile-long private beach at Sailfish Point. It features white sand and glittering turquoise waters. Food and drinks are served to people lounging on chairs and hanging out in cabanas by wait staff. There is also a Beach Master who keeps the beach clean and gives pointers for fishing and other activities. The best part of all is that residents can walk right over to the beach whenever they’d like.

Real Estate

The Sailfish Point community features an eclectic mix of real estate options. Almost every home is situated on the water, so it’s a great place for people who want to enjoy easy access to fishing, boating and other activities. The following types of homes are currently available in this community:

There are also homesites or vacant lots available at Sailfish Point. They range in price from around $300,000 to around $3.5 million.

As you can see, Sailfish Point is truly a world-class Florida community. The fact that it’s located in one of the best parts of Florida is nice too. Interested in learning more? Visit the Sailfish Point website.

St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the United States. In a country where most of the cities are relatively young, it is an especially exciting place to visit. Florida was claimed for Spain by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. St. Augustine was officially founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565. It has been inhabited ever since, and it’s waiting for you to stop by and explore it.

One of the best things about visiting St. Augustine is simply roaming its winding, historic streets. With that in mind, you should plan your visit for a time when the weather will be fairly nice. To put it mildly, St. Augustine can be scorching hot and oppressively humid in the summer. Daily thunderstorms are also the norm between June and September, when St. Augustine gets most of its annual 50 inches of rain. To walk the streets in comfort, try to plan your day trip for the fall, winter or spring.

Walking is the preferred way to take in the sights of St. Augustine, but there are a few other fun options for getting around as well. Horse-drawn coaches are available, and they are perfect for couples who want to make the most of the city’s romantic side. There are also trams that offer narrated tours of the city. Hop on one of them upon arriving to enjoy a nice, relaxing introduction to the city.

Some of the best events in St. Augustine happen during times of more moderate weather. The Rhythm & Ribs Festival, which combines fantastic barbecue and amazing music, takes place in March. The Holiday Regatta of Lights, which features lighted boats that travel across the St. Augustine Bay, happens in December. One perk to visiting St. Augustine in the summer is that you’ll be able to check out the annual Concerts in the Plaza series, which features free concerts on Thursdays throughout the season.

As far as seeing the sights goes, you have a dizzying array of choices in St. Augustine. Make sure to take a long, leisurely stroll along St. George Street during your visit. It is studded with charming boutiques, cozy restaurants, lovely art galleries and many unique shops. Of course for history buffs there’s the fort, Castillo de San Marcos. But try to visit as many of the following attractions as possible while spending time in St. Augustine too:

There are plenty of hotels in the area, but if I had to suggest one it would be the Casa Monica. I attended a wedding there once, and also did a weekend trip with my wife there. It’s a beautiful historic hotel, but has all the amenities you’d expect from the finer hotels in the world. Also, if you have a chance try the restaurant there called 95 Cordova.

St. Augustine will show you a whole new side of the state of Florida. It serves as a reminder of the state’s long, impressive history. The beach is right there too, so you can include some fun in the sun while you’re there as well.

1. It’s always in season.
You have dealt with change all your life. Raking leaves in the fall, shoveling snow in the winter and prepping the garden for spring may have taken up a great deal of your time in the past few decades. Maybe it was fun when the kids were small, but cleaning up the never-ending barrage of seasonal debris gets old after 30 years. Florida has a mild climate that’s pretty perfect year round. You can enjoy the outdoors without breaking your back, and you aren’t relegated to the indoors when winter hits.

2. Your dream of living by the ocean can become a reality.
Three of Florida’s beaches were listed among Dr. Beach’s top 10 beaches in America in 2011. With more than 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida makes beachside living easy. When the ocean is in your backyard, you always have something to do, even if it’s just sitting on your balcony sipping coffee and staring out at the rolling waves. But even if you choose not to live on the ocean like I do, no matter what part of the state you decide to settle down in, you’re never far away from a day at the beach.

3. You get to keep your money.
I like money. How about you? Florida is one of seven states that have no state income tax. The others are Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. In Florida, you can enjoy the dividends from your retirement income without giving up a large portion to the government. I’ll drink to that!

4. Florida is the golf capital of the world.
If you play golf, this is good news; you won’t have to travel far to enjoy this easygoing pastime. Florida has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, so you’ll likely find a golf course within short distance of your home. In many Florida communities, you can drive a street-legal golf cart from your house to the course. If you would rather drive your car, you can even get yourself a license plate proclaiming your love for the sport.

5. You can take a vacation without straying too far from home.
The Florida Keys are a great place to visit if you need to take a vacation from your permanent vacation, otherwise known as retirement. The great American writer Ernest Hemingway found solace in the isolated beauty of Key West, and Presidents Eisenhower, Truman and Kennedy traveled to the Keys to take refuge from the chilly Washington, D.C. winters. The Keys are tropical and peaceful and exude spectacular tranquility. Sometimes you forget they’re even down there but every once in a while you should make the trip down to enjoy them.

6. You can get into baseball season early.
Baseball fans can go to games before the weather gets too hot and humid and before the stands get too full. Many major league baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves, the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the Minnesota Twins, the Houston Astros and others consider Florida their home for spring training. Players begin to report to spring training in mid-February, and you can begin to go to games in early March.

7. You won’t lose your sense of adventure.
It’s hard to think about Florida without imagining the fun you would have at a theme park. With Disney World, Busch Gardens, Legoland and Sea World right around the corner, the grandkids will be begging to visit, and you won’t have to work too hard to come up with ways to entertain them when they do.

8. You will celebrate your health.
According to the AARP, almost half of people between 45 and 64 barely get any exercise. However, exercise can prevent mental decline, increase life expectancy and improve quality of life. People who live in Florida tend to be more active than northerners. The wonderful weather makes it easy to get outdoors in every season, so biking, surfing, kayaking and hiking are popular activities for people of any age.

9. You can catch your dinner.
Because Florida is surrounded by water on three sides, the fish are almost always biting. Relax on your back deck with a fishing pole and a good book, or charter a boat farther off the coast for a more dynamic adventure. Whether you do it for sport or for sustenance, fishing in Florida is a year-round treat.

10. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is plentiful.
More oranges are grown in Florida than in any other U.S. state, making Florida well-known for fresh-squeezed, pulpy goodness. Just imagine drinking sunshine in a glass any time of year. After a round of golf or a day on the water, a refreshing guzzle of orange juice will satisfy you and give you an abundant dose of vitamin C.

11. Get your speed on.
Florida is the birthplace of NASCAR. The first race was run on the Daytona International Speedway in 1959, and the sport has been gaining popularity ever since. Head out to the racetrack with the family and enjoy the pandemonium that surrounds this fast-paced sport.

That does it for part one of this series. I’d like to hear what it is you LOVE about Florida in the comments below.

Entrance to Spanish Springs in The Villages, FL

As you probably know, The Villages is a “quaint” little hometown in Central Florida that is currently home to about 87,000 people, 50,000+ golf carts, 500+ holes of golf, and so much more.

I get asked all the time why I don’t talk about The Villages more on this site and my answer is that I have a whole other website and book devoted solely to covering The Villages. It is that BIG of a deal.

Without further ado, here are some of the most frequent questions I’ve been getting since Wednesday.

1. Is there a way to visit The Villages to check things out?

Yes. The Villages offers what they call a Lifestyle Preview Program. For about $100/night (as of 3/8/12) you can come to The Villages for 4-10 nights, depending of course on availability.

The Villages will set you up in one of their “Creekside Cabanas” at Lake Sumter Landing, one of the two (soon to be three) town squares. Your accommodations also include the use of a golf cart during your stay so you can blend right in with the locals and see what all the fuss is about.

2. Are the other communities listed on Florida for Boomers as “golf cart friendly” as The Villages?

Some are and some aren’t. Definitely ask this question of each community you check into.

That said, more and more people everywhere are becoming more energy conscious especially as it relates to their transportation, and with many retirement communities going the way of being their own self-contained cities, golf cart friendliness is on the rise.

3. I heard something about free golf. What’s the deal with that?

Free golf for life is something The Villages has included in their TV commercials and advertisements for many years now.

The Villages currently has 29 “Executive” 9-hole courses that are free for residents to play. You do have to pay a cart fee, or a trail fee if using your own cart. There are 6 more of these executive courses planned in the coming years.

In addition, there are 10 Championship courses with 2 more on the way. Most of these have 27 holes, and residents are automatically members of these courses as well, but they are not free to play.

4. What if I don’t play golf?

Golf is not the only game in town, by any means. I know lots of people that live in The Villages who do not play golf and neither does their significant other, yet they manage to stay plenty busy.

Staying on the athletics side, The Villages has a pretty decent tennis program, and they have been called the “Mecca of Pickleball“. There are a couple bowling alleys, around 60 Recreation Centers (amenities vary), an athletics club and more.

Each year The Villages hosts regional senior game competitions with people competing in just about every sport imaginable. Hundreds of Villagers have gone on from this competition to compete in the Florida Senior Games, and then on to the National Senior Games.

Beyond golf and sports, The Villages has the World’s Largest Recreation Department” which currently manages more than 1,800 clubs, organizations and activities. There’s literally something for everyone.

There’s also nightly entertainment in the Town Squares. Most of the time it will be smaller acts but sometimes The Villages gets in notable performers in some of the other venues like Savannah Center. Here’s a video of Davy Jones (R.I.P) performing one of his hits in The Villages last year:

5. Is The Villages too good to be true?

Ask most of the 87,000 residents and I think they would tell you everything you’ve heard is true and more. A few weeks ago I posted an article titled “50+ Reasons to Love The Villages” and Villagers could not get enough of it.

Also, The Villages recently again topped the list of best selling master planned communities with 2,307 homes sold in 2011, far more than any other community in the country.

But, The Villages is not without its rough edges.

For one, there is an ongoing IRS investigation into the way tax exempt bonds were used to pay for much of the infrastructure and amenities.

Several residents also complain about the media being tightly controlled by the developer. You almost never see or hear anything that would detract from the positive image The Villages tries to project at all times.

We all know that no one place can be perfect at all times, but you wouldn’t know it by reading the local paper, watching The Villages TV channel, or listening to The Villages radio station.

The best way to figure out whether to include The Villages on your “maybe” list as far as Florida retirement communities are concerned is to learn more about it and schedule a visit.

Ready? Here we go!

(Almost) No Maintenance – I love the fact that I don’t own this task anymore. I think it annoys my wife because she can’t make up some random outside chore just to get me out of the house anymore. Hehehe.

Obviously you’re always going to have the minor inside stuff that comes up, but outside…that’s somebody else’s baby now.

We have a full-time maintenance man here at the condo. He’s typically here from early in the morning until early afternoon. Whenever we notice things that need his attention, we just call or email the condo office and they get him right on it.

There is also a property manager on-site too. She keeps about the same hours as the maintenance guy. She’s who we go to if we need to reserve the social room, need parking passes for guests, etc.

I’ve Downsized My Life – The condo we live in is actually bigger than our house by about 200 sq. ft., but it has one less room, which was my office. So, the rooms we have are bigger, but we have less places to hide all of our stuff. Before we moved, we really had to take inventory of the things that were essential/important to us and ditch the rest.

First to go were my books. I had a personal library of well over 300 books that I had accumulated over the years, and they were easy to store as my home office had built in bookshelves. But when we moved I boxed up 90% of them and donated them to the library. I probably never would have read them again, so I don’t miss them.

The next thing to deal with was our wine collection. We don’t have anything expensive or super fancy, just stuff we had bought at the few wine tastings we had attended or stuff people brought by during holidays and such.

We had really nice built in wine racks with plenty of room at our old house but not so here at the condo. So we drank a few bottles and gave some others away. We now have a small liquor cabinet, but nothing like the wine racks we had before.

Last but not least we lost closet space. At our old house we had his and her closets which worked out really nice. Now we share a closet and things are a little tighter. I got rid of a bunch of stuff I didn’t wear and I feel better for it. I like it when my shirt color choices in the morning are between blue and blue. I’m a simple creature.

Even my wife got rid of a bunch of clothes she didn’t wear anymore. Oh who am I kidding? We’re still figuring the closet situation out

All kidding aside, getting rid of things may not sound like a positive to some people, but for me, its really helped me realize that I feel better without having to find a place for so much stuff.

Watching the moon rise – Bet you thought I’d say I like watching the sun rise, didn’t you? Well if you read my article about what I don’t like about condo living, you know I am not a morning person. I think in the 7 months we’ve been in the condo I’ve only watched one sunrise and it wasn’t by choice, I was up because I had to catch a plane.

What I truly enjoy is watching the moon rise over the ocean at night. Of course this does not happen on as regular a schedule as sunrise, but it gives me something to look forward to. There’s usually 3-4 days in a row where the moon is coming up over the ocean between nightfall and when I go to bed. Simply beautiful.

My allergies are better – I’m not sure which pharma company makes Claritin, but I used to pretty much keep them in business. I’ve dealt with allergies all my life, we have a lot of pollen here in Florida, and its especially bad certain times of year.

But since moving to the beach my allergies have improved tremendously. If I take Claritin, its maybe 2-3 times a month as opposed to every day like I’ve done in the past. This isn’t something I even thought about at all before moving to the beach, but I’m sure happy with the result.

I’m not positive why my allergies have improved so much, but I’ve read a few articles that say the salt air has something to do with it. I’ve even read where the salt air can help ease the suffering from more serious health problems like cystic fibrosis. Whatever it is, I’ll take it!

Fresh Seafood – My favorite food in the whole wide world is fried shrimp, which is a real problem because I am allergic to shellfish.

I can eat it with only minor complications (minor face breakout) if it is fresh and has not been frozen. This pretty much rules out eating it at any of the chains like Red Lobster and others.

I can’t tell by taste how fresh it is…it all tastes good to me. But I can definitely tell you within 20 minutes of eating it whether or not it was fresh.

Luckily there are plenty of seafood restaurants here on the beachside that pride themselves on serving only fresh seafood, so I’m able to get my fix at least once a week.

Breakfast Anyone? – While we’re on the topic of food, I’ve never been a big fan of breakfast. I think this goes back to childhood when my parents would make me eat really boring and healthy stuff before sending me off to school.

But here on the beachside we have several fantastic breakfast places. Most of them are only open until 1 or 2 in the afternoon but you can get breakfast anytime until they close.

It’s hard to choose a favorite but if you put a gun to my head, I’d say the restaurant at the pier where you can sit out over the ocean and watch the waves crash below you through the cracks in the floor. We like to ride our bikes down there on Saturday mornings when they have a guy whipping up made-to-order omelets.

It’s kind of funny because we never went there before moving to the beach, but we see people from our old community there almost every time we go.

Shuttle launch from our balcony. Awesome!

The last community we lived in, Monday looked like Tuesday, which looked like Wednesday, which was indiscernible from Thursday, and so on.

But here at the beach, its truly something different every day.

Maybe its a school of dolphin swimming by… a paddle boarder out for a morning journey… a Jeep parade going by… a sailboat race going on offshore… a luxury yacht people like us could only dream of floating by… a blimp floating by on its way to the race track… a rocket taking off… and so much more.

You wake up every day and wonder to yourself, “What am I going to see today?”

The ocean helps you keep things in perspective – For various reasons, the last year and a half has been pretty rough on me and my family. I’m not trying to wax philosophical, but if anything, living on the ocean has been tremendously therapeutic. Looking out at this vast, always moving, always changing body of water you definitely realize that we’re all just here on borrowed time and its up to us to make the most of it.

The ocean is like a masterpiece that can never look the same way twice, and whether we’re around to see it or not, the tide will continue to rise and fall. For me this really helps keep things in perspective and it has given me a deeper appreciation for life, and a deeper love for this planet.

I hope you’re enjoying this series on condo living. If you have any questions about living on the beach or condo living in general, let me know in the comments.