The Palmary model available to build at Del Webb Sunbridge and most other Del Webb communities in Florida is a 2-3 bedroom (depending on what you do with the “Flex” room), 2 bathroom, 2-car garage single-family home with approximately 1,943 sq. ft. of living space. The Palmary offers more than meets the eye, from a … Continue Reading » about The Palmary Model by Del Webb
Four Seasons 55+ Orlando Community Review
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Orlando is a 55+ community in Southwest Orlando. Located in Kissimmee, this is one of the few new Orlando area 55+ communities with golf course access, so if golf is high on your list, you might want to give this one a look. Before we go any further, here are … Continue Reading » about Four Seasons 55+ Orlando Community Review
How Houses Are Built in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
All of the houses in Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound may look the same from the outside, but there is one key difference beneath the surface. Homes at Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach are built using concrete block construction while the homes at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are built using wood frame construction. This … Continue Reading » about How Houses Are Built in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
The Aurelia at On Top of The World
The Aurelia is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. Let’s take a look at it via this video from On Top of the World’s “Model Monday” video series: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,297 sq. ft. of living … Continue Reading » about The Aurelia at On Top of The World
Stillwater by Lennar 55+ Community Review
When two of my readers purchase homes on the same street in the same community within a month of each other, it definitely gets my attention. That happened recently in Stillwater, the only true golf course 55+ community in NE Florida. What’s so great about this new 55+ community in St. Johns, FL? That’s what … Continue Reading » about Stillwater by Lennar 55+ Community Review
Townhomes in Regency at Babcock Ranch
Toll Brothers recently unveiled the floorplans that they will have available at their new 55+ community, Regency at Babcock Ranch. In this article, we are looking at the three townhome options available in their “Terra Collection”, reported to start in the $300k’s. Located in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch has been designed to help residents live … Continue Reading » about Townhomes in Regency at Babcock Ranch
The Sanderling at Valencia Walk
The Sanderling is one of the brand new models on display in the Valencia Walk at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This 1,761 sq. ft. living area home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a Den/Optional 3rd Bedroom, a Great Room, a screened and covered patio, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside … Continue Reading » about The Sanderling at Valencia Walk
The Beaumont at On Top of The World
The Beaumont is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. Let’s take a look at it via this video from On Top of the World’s “Model Monday” video series: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,202 sq. ft. of living … Continue Reading » about The Beaumont at On Top of The World
Top Selling Florida Communities of 2022
I recently released my updated list of what I think are the best places to retire in Florida, but two real estate consulting firms, RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, recently released their 2022 lists of the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities. It should come as no surprise that many of these top-selling communities … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities of 2022
The Jade at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Jade. It has 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, a Den/Optional 4th Bedroom, a Great Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Jade at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
Maintenance-Free Living at On Top of the World in Ocala
Most people retiring to Florida are not excited about the idea of doing yard work and other homeowner maintenance, so they are on the hunt for communities that offer maintenance-free living. But “maintenance-free” means different things in different places, so you really have to dig into the details everywhere you look to see what it … Continue Reading » about Maintenance-Free Living at On Top of the World in Ocala
Regency at Babcock Ranch 55+ Community Preview
Solar-powered community Babcock Ranch is finally getting a 55+ neighborhood, called Regency at Babcock Ranch. Why it matters: Located about 30 minutes from Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch has been one of the most popular communities among my readers, especially after news stories from CNN and 60 Minutes covered how well the community … Continue Reading » about Regency at Babcock Ranch 55+ Community Preview
New Orlando Area 55+ Communities
In this article, I’ll look at the many 55-plus communities in the Orlando area, but first, a confession. As a native Floridian hailing from a different part of the state (east coast), I always swore that of all the great places in Florida, I would NEVER live in Orlando. Too crowded, too much traffic, and … Continue Reading » about New Orlando Area 55+ Communities
The Seabreeze at Valencia Trails in Naples
One of the models on display at 55+ community Valencia Trails in Naples is called the Seabreeze. It has 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, a Den/Game Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,620 sq. ft. … Continue Reading » about The Seabreeze at Valencia Trails in Naples
The Abaco at Valencia Walk
The Abaco is one of 16 brand new models that opened recently in the Valencia Walk at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This 1,672 sq. ft. living area home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a Den/Optional 3rd Bedroom, a Great Room, a screened and covered patio, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go … Continue Reading » about The Abaco at Valencia Walk
Kings Point at Sun City Center Review
Read our review of Kings Point Sun City Center with full details on the location, amenities, HOA fees, and home prices.
Terrace Condos in Babcock Ranch
The Terraces are a collection of new condominiums for sale in Babcock Ranch, near Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, FL. These condos are located in the Babcock National neighborhood, a gated golf and country club masterplan community within Babcock Ranch. Starting in the $200k’s, the Arbor seen here is one of the three condo floorplans … Continue Reading » about Terrace Condos in Babcock Ranch
The Paseo Greenway at Riverland in Port St. Lucie
The Paseo Greenway is a multi-modal trail that connects the various 55+ communities, parks, and amenities within the master-planned community of Riverland in Port St. Lucie, FL. You’d be surprised at how many Florida retirement communities claim to be “golf cart friendly” but require those carts to be driven on the same roadways as cars, … Continue Reading » about The Paseo Greenway at Riverland in Port St. Lucie
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Review
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch is one of the 55+ communities within the broader Lakewood Ranch master-plan community. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at where it is, what it’s like to live there, and a few other key things you’ll probably want to know before moving there. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Quick Facts: … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Review
The Carmel at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Carmel. It has 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, a Club Room, a Family Room, a Living Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how … Continue Reading » about The Carmel at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
Explore Nature at 55+ Valencia Trails in Naples
Nature’s breathtaking beauty is on full display at Valencia Trails in Naples. With over 160 acres of pristine preserve and over three miles of scenic trails winding throughout the community, Valencia Trails offers endless opportunities to thrive and enjoy the year-round Florida sunshine outdoors. Residents can bike, jog, or simply relax while taking in views of sparkling … Continue Reading » about Explore Nature at 55+ Valencia Trails in Naples
Typical Latitude Margaritaville Amenities
For the most part, the various Latitude Margaritaville communities will each have similar amenities. Sure, each community may have a few slight differences, usually due to opportunities their unique locations provide for. Examples would be the Private Beach Club in Latitude Margaritaville Daytona, the town Center overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway adjacent to the planned public … Continue Reading » about Typical Latitude Margaritaville Amenities
Why This Michigan Couple Chose On Top of the World
Dave and Wendy from outside of Detroit sat down recently to explain why they chose the Ocala area, what they liked that made them decide to move to On Top of the World, and they give some good insight on how they’re keeping busy since moving there. At On Top of the World Communities, active adults … Continue Reading » about Why This Michigan Couple Chose On Top of the World
The Renown Model by Del Webb
The Renown model available to build at Del Webb Tradition and most other Florida Del Webb communities is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom 3-car garage single-family home with approximately 2,808 sq. ft. of living space. The Renown is known for its entertaining spaces. Enjoy the covered lanai and pool options. Inside, the home’s interior boasts … Continue Reading » about The Renown Model by Del Webb
Florida 55+ Communities With Pickleball Courts
When I first wrote about Pickleball in The Villages around 2009, it only had a handful of pickleball courts and at the time it was one of the only 55+ communities in Florida with pickleball courts. My how times have changed! Back then, just as the sport started to get popular, some communities converted a … Continue Reading » about Florida 55+ Communities With Pickleball Courts
The Captiva at Valencia Trails in Naples
One of the models on display at 55+ community Valencia Trails in Naples is called the Captiva. It has 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath, a Game Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With … Continue Reading » about The Captiva at Valencia Trails in Naples
Villages of Citrus Hills Location Overview Video
You know what they say, real estate is all about “Location, Location, Location”. Retirement real estate is no different. Those retiring to Florida have lots of choices in that regard…coastal vs. inland….east coast vs. west coast…North Florida vs. Central Florida vs. South Florida. Unfortunately, most communities do a suboptimal job explaining what their location is … Continue Reading » about Villages of Citrus Hills Location Overview Video
Watch The Bubble Documentary About The Villages Right Here
“The Bubble” is a documentary about The Villages from writer/director Valerie Blankenbyl that was released in 2021. I was able to see it when it was featured at the 2021 Sarasota Film Festival. In part because the film’s director and production companies are based in Europe, it has not been widely shown here in the … Continue Reading » about Watch The Bubble Documentary About The Villages Right Here
Maintenance Free Lakewood Ranch Neighborhoods
Lakewood Ranch has a handful of communities that offer maintenance free lifestyle options. A lot of retirees heading to Florida are looking for maintenance free communities, meaning, neighborhoods where most of the hassles of landscaping and exterior maintenance like painting and pressure washing are taken care of. Very few people moving to Florida are excited … Continue Reading » about Maintenance Free Lakewood Ranch Neighborhoods
Latitude Margaritaville Resales
If you are ready to move to Latitude Margaritaville come Monday, but don’t want to sit through the waiting list or Minto’s build process, resales are the answer to your problem! There are almost always a few resales available in both Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. The problem is knowing all the … Continue Reading » about Latitude Margaritaville Resales
See Babcock Ranch on 60 Minutes
Babcock Ranch was featured on the October 9, 2022 episode of 60 Minutes. You can watch the video here: This episode of 60 Minutes aired a little more than a week after Hurricane Ian passed almost directly over the Fort Myers area and Babcock Ranch. CNN and other news outlets were also quick to report … Continue Reading » about See Babcock Ranch on 60 Minutes
Babcock Ranch on CNN After Hurricane Ian
Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community located about 12 miles inland from Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, is in the headlines at places like CNN, The Atlantic, and more after Hurricane Ian. One of the fastest selling communities in the nation…they had 714 new home sales in 2021…Babcock Ranch is an all-ages community (anyone can live … Continue Reading » about Babcock Ranch on CNN After Hurricane Ian
Babcock Ranch Florida Retirement Review
Babcock Ranch is a solar-powered, all-ages community located near Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. Anyone can live there, but it has all of the amenities and housing types our readers are interested in which is why we’re highlighting it. Plus, it is designed with walkability and bike-ability in mind, and much of it is golf … Continue Reading » about Babcock Ranch Florida Retirement Review
The Cabernet Grande at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Cabernet Grande. It has 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Den/Optional 4th Bedroom, a Great Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Cabernet Grande at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
The Oren at On Top of The World
The Oren is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. It is one of the few remaining new home models I know of in any of Florida’s 55+ communities that still starts in the $200k’s. Let’s go inside and take a look: Here’s a … Continue Reading » about The Oren at On Top of The World
Lakewood Ranch Driving Tour
In this video we join Jon Buice from eXp Realty as he takes us on a driving tour all around Lakewood Ranch: Lakewood Ranch is the #2 best-selling community in the country behind The Villages, and is the #1 best-selling multi-generational community in the country, since The Villages is 55+. On this tour you’ll see … Continue Reading » about Lakewood Ranch Driving Tour
The Tribeca Model in Valencia Walk at Riverland
The Tribeca is part of the Regal Collection by GL Homes, available in their new Valencia Walk at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. At Valencia Walk you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants, spend the day at the beach, or simply enjoy all the amenities right within your own neighborhood. This … Continue Reading » about The Tribeca Model in Valencia Walk at Riverland
The Aruba Grande at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Aruba Grande. It has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 half bath, Den/Optional 3rd Bedroom, a Great Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 2-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at … Continue Reading » about The Aruba Grande at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
The Camelia at Latitude Margaritaville
The Camelia model is part of the Conch Cottages Collection of floorplans at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound in the Florida Panhandle. The Conch Cottages are the smallest floorplans available at Latitude Margaritaville, but as you’ll see in the video below, there’s still plenty of space for most retirees. The Camelia itself is the second smallest floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Camelia at Latitude Margaritaville
The Villages Leads Nation in New Home Sales Mid-Year 2022
The Villages has sold an “estimated” 1,500 new homes at the halfway point of 2022 according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The figure is only an estimate because The Villages does not release official mid-year sales numbers. If that figure is accurate though, it would mean The Villages is on pace for a 25% … Continue Reading » about The Villages Leads Nation in New Home Sales Mid-Year 2022
The Caroline Model in Valencia Walk at Riverland
The Caroline is part of the Vintage Collection by GL Homes, available in their new Valencia Walk at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. At Valencia Walk you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants, spend the day at the beach, or simply enjoy all the amenities right within your own neighborhood. This … Continue Reading » about The Caroline Model in Valencia Walk at Riverland
Freedom in Yeehaw Junction Could Be Florida’s 2nd Largest Retirement Community
Yeehaw Junction, population 244, could soon be home to the state’s 2nd largest retirement community. According to an article on GrowthSpotter (paywall), developer Sun Terra Communities is under contract to purchase a 14,212 ranch and plans to build golf courses, town squares, activity centers, and around 34,000 homes. Sounds a lot like some other place … Continue Reading » about Freedom in Yeehaw Junction Could Be Florida’s 2nd Largest Retirement Community
The Prosperity Model at Del Webb Oasis
The Prosperity model available to build at Del Webb Oasis is a 2-3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family home with approximately 1,670 sq. ft. of living space. The Prosperity home design is single-story living at its finest. The owner’s suite and secondary bedroom are separated by the main living areas – each with their own full … Continue Reading » about The Prosperity Model at Del Webb Oasis
The Julia in Valencia Walk at Riverland
The Julia is part of the Vintage Collection by GL Homes, available in their new Valencia Walk at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. At Valencia Walk you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants, spend the day at the beach or simply enjoy all the amenities right within your own neighborhood. This … Continue Reading » about The Julia in Valencia Walk at Riverland
Where Democrats and Republicans Live in Florida
In my opinion, choosing where to retire primarily based on the political makeup of a place is a big mistake. There are so many other factors that should take precedence like weather, cost of living, availability of recreation/entertainment opportunities, quality healthcare, and so much more. But I know in today’s political climate, a place’s politics … Continue Reading » about Where Democrats and Republicans Live in Florida
The Bamboo at Latitude Margaritaville
The Bamboo model is part of the Conch Cottages Collection of floorplans at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound in the Florida Panhandle. The Conch Cottages are the smallest floorplans available at Latitude Margaritaville, but as you’ll see in the video below, there’s still plenty of space for most retirees. The Bamboo itself is the smallest floorplan available, … Continue Reading » about The Bamboo at Latitude Margaritaville
What’s New and Coming Soon to The Villages
The Villages is already the biggest retirement community in the world, and no place continues to grow like The Villages.
The Stellar Model at Del Webb Tradition
The Stellar model available to build at Del Webb Tradition is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom single-family home with approximately 2,483 sq. ft. of living space. The Stellar’s new construction design offers vast entertaining spaces, flex space for an office or den, and a large walk-in closet. Let’s go inside and take a look: Here’s … Continue Reading » about The Stellar Model at Del Webb Tradition
Riverland Arts and Culture Center
While almost every new community you look at will have a fancy clubhouse with a pool, fitness center, and space for card games or arts and crafts, Riverland in Port St. Lucie is taking things one step further with a full-blown 11,500 sq. ft. Arts and Culture Center. Take a look: Here you can sharpen … Continue Reading » about Riverland Arts and Culture Center
Meet the Munsells
Unfortunately, the first community you choose for retirement, may not be your last one. Sometimes you outgrow a community, and sometimes a community can outgrow you. Rick and Glenda spent years in one Central Florida retirement community before it simply got too big for them. They don’t specify which one but we can probably guess. … Continue Reading » about Meet the Munsells