There is no shortage of first-class active adult communities to choose from throughout the state of Florida. That much is for certain. Depending on your own personal likes, interests, and tastes, you will naturally be more drawn to certain types of communities. But how will you really know which community is the perfect fit for … Continue Reading » about Stay and Play Opportunities at Florida Retirement Communities
Retirement in Daytona Beach Shores, FL
After years and years of covering so many different parts of Florida, it’s probably time to cover where I live and some of the great places that surround it. Today I’m giving you a closer look at Daytona Beach Shores. Longtime readers may remember my two part series on Florida condo living in which I … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Daytona Beach Shores, FL
Minto Announces Latitude Margaritaville Community in Daytona Beach
Minto Communities, who have had active adult communities featured on my site for several years, recently announced that they are partnering with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand on a massive new 55+ community in my hometown, Daytona Beach. The nearly 7,000 home, golf cart-friendly community is called Latitude Margaritaville. Get More Information About Latitude Margaritaville The … Continue Reading » about Minto Announces Latitude Margaritaville Community in Daytona Beach
Wallethub Names Florida Most Affordable State for Retirement
A popular personal finance website has just named Florida the Most Affordable State for Retirement. In addition to coming in as most affordable, Florida also claimed the top spot for overall best place to retire, despite coming in at #11 for “Quality of Life” and #24 for “Health Care”. You can click on each state … Continue Reading » about Wallethub Names Florida Most Affordable State for Retirement
The Top-Selling Florida Communities of 2016
John Burns Real Estate Consulting just released their annual list of the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2016. This year, 11 Florida communities made the list, compared to just seven communities in 2015. Florida ranks third behind Texas and California for number of communities on the list. Texas placed a whopping 16 communities on the … Continue Reading » about The Top-Selling Florida Communities of 2016
The Callington at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Callington is a pretty big floorplan, clocking in at 2,798 square feet of living area and a total size of 3,640 square feet. It features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a study, and lots of features that make it a truly unique option with a different look and feel from any other home in the … Continue Reading » about The Callington at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Andalucia in Vitalia at Tradition
One thing I really like about how Taylor Morrison presents their floorplans is that they also show the optional changes you can make to each floorplan. Whether its making a particular room bigger, changing the configuration of a bathroom, or some other change, its refreshing to see all of your options laid out for you … Continue Reading » about The Andalucia in Vitalia at Tradition
The Sunflower at On Top of the World
The Sunflower is one of the most popular floorplans available at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. This home offers 1,946 sq. ft. of Living Area, has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a flex room that could be a den or a 3rd bedroom, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a … Continue Reading » about The Sunflower at On Top of the World
My Hurricane Matthew Recap
Editor’s note: This article details my experiences with Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Many of you know that I live in Daytona Beach Shores, and as I mentioned in an email to my readers earlier this week, I was busy preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew. Needless to say, it was a very stressful week. … Continue Reading » about My Hurricane Matthew Recap
“The Villages” style communities in the Panhandle
The St. Joe Company recently announced plans to develop pockets of “The Villages” style retirement communities in Northwest Florida. Those projects are still a little ways off, but St. Joe has a new development underway there already named Watersound Origins. While not age restricted, its got a lot of the features and amenities I know … Continue Reading » about “The Villages” style communities in the Panhandle
The Bergamo at Solivita
The Bergamo at Solivita in Kissimmee is a former Parade of Homes First Place winner and after this walkthrough, I think you’ll see why. Priced just under $180,000 at the time of this writing, this is one of the smaller homes offered at Solivita. That said, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a study, and … Continue Reading » about The Bergamo at Solivita
Discover the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Villages of Citrus Hills is a Tampa area retirement community designed specifically for those looking for the best in active adult and retirement lifestyle communities. Located just north of the Tampa area, and only about an hour from the Orlando/Greater Central Florida area, the location and surrounding community offer so many great choices for … Continue Reading » about Discover the Villages of Citrus Hills
Sitting On Top of the World
Today I’d like to introduce you to On Top of the World, a premier Active Adult lifestyle community in Ocala Florida. At On Top of the World, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. The location puts On Top of the World close to top-rated Marion County hospitals and The … Continue Reading » about Sitting On Top of the World
Vitalia at Tradition – A Treasure Coast 55-Plus Community
Vitalia at Tradition is a 55-Plus neighborhood located within the master-planned community of Tradition. As soon as you enter Vitalia, you’ll know you have found the ultimate active adult lifestyle in Port St. Lucie. From the welcoming palm-lush and Mediterranean-inspired entrance to the passionate attention to detail in every resident home, Vitalia at Tradition has … Continue Reading » about Vitalia at Tradition – A Treasure Coast 55-Plus Community
New 55+ Communities in Kissimmee
See also:25 Best Places to Retire in FloridaUltimate List of 55+ Communities in Florida If one of your concerns is that you move to Florida for retirement and your kids and grandkids never come to visit, that won’t be the case if you end up in Kissimmee. In fact, you might have a hard time … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Kissimmee
Solivita – An “Attraction Zone” 55-Plus Community
Solivita is a national award-winning retirement community in Central Florida’s attraction zone, offering great natural beauty, vast recreational amenities and enough to do to keep any active adult as busy as you care to be. Request More Information No matter where you live within this lush gated 55-plus community in Kissimmee, you can easily walk, … Continue Reading » about Solivita – An “Attraction Zone” 55-Plus Community
The Wisteria at On Top of the World
The Wisteria is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. It has just over 2,100 sq. ft. of Living Area, and more than 2,900 sq. ft. of total space when you include the 2-car garage, covered front porch, and covered lanai. Let’s take a … Continue Reading » about The Wisteria at On Top of the World
The Margate at Villages of Citrus Hills
One of the bigger floorplans available at the Villages of Citrus Hills, located on Florida’s Nature Coast, is called The Margate. This home offers a total of more than 4,000 square feet, and an actual living area that measures more than 3,000 square feet. It has three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, so there is plenty … Continue Reading » about The Margate at Villages of Citrus Hills
The Aster at On Top of the World
In preparation for the opening of a new owner-maintained neighborhood with home prices starting in the $160k’s adjacent to their town square, On Top of the World is closing down their model center in their Indigo East neighborhood. One of the remaining move-in-ready homes they have is the Aster. With 1,500 sq. ft. of living … Continue Reading » about The Aster at On Top of the World
In Florida, Cheaper to Buy Than Rent In Retirement
Should I buy a new home when I retire, or should I just rent? It’s a question I get a lot here, and one with a complicated answer. I almost always recommend people rent for the first few years, especially if they’re moving to an area they’ve never lived or spent a lot of time … Continue Reading » about In Florida, Cheaper to Buy Than Rent In Retirement
Florida is One of Kiplinger’s Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirement
Florida is consistently ranked by Kiplinger.com as one of the Top Ten most tax-friendly states for retirees. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why. Florida State Sales Tax Florida has a reasonable state sales tax of 6%. It’s also important to note that food (with the exception of food to be eaten immediately … Continue Reading » about Florida is One of Kiplinger’s Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirement
Retirement in Jupiter, FL
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a major landmark and popular tourist attraction. Image via Kimo Homes in Jupiter, FL are always in demand because the weather is great year round and there is plenty of waterfront property. The beach resort town has become a popular vacation destination and many snowbirds purchase homes to … Continue Reading » about Retirement in Jupiter, FL
Cape Coral, Clermont, Largo and The Villages Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Four Florida cities made this year’s Forbes List of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire List, up from just two cities last year. Cape Coral made a return appearance on the list and is joined by Clermont, Largo, and The Villages. The list is comprised of 25 places across the country, but their order … Continue Reading » about Cape Coral, Clermont, Largo and The Villages Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Understanding Florida Lot Premiums
Lot premiums are an additional charge that home builders and developers tack on to the price of a new home depending on where in the community a lot is located. Basically the way most new homes are sold these days is a builder will advertise their homes based on standard features and a “standard” lot, … Continue Reading » about Understanding Florida Lot Premiums
A Day at the Delray Beach Open
I think I grew up at a great time for watching professional tennis in Florida. I attended my very first tournament at Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando on September 30, 1989. I remember the date vividly because the tickets were given to me by my parents on my birthday the day before. At that first … Continue Reading » about A Day at the Delray Beach Open
The Argyll at On Top of the World
Welcome to another edition of Walkthrough Wednesday. Today we find ourselves in Ocala, Florida at On Top of the World. We’re looking at the Argyll, one of their Estate Series homes with a spacious and open floor plan, perfect for your active lifestyle. Let’s go inside and take a look around. Want to see all … Continue Reading » about The Argyll at On Top of the World
Top-Selling Florida Communities of 2015
John Burns Real Estate Consulting just released their annual list of the 50 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2015. This year, seven Florida communities made the list, compared to nine communities in 2014. Florida ranks third behind Texas and California for number of communities on the list. Texas placed a remarkable 17 communities on the list … Continue Reading » about Top-Selling Florida Communities of 2015
Highest (And Lowest) Priced Florida Real Estate Markets
If you’ve been thinking about retiring to Florida, you might be curious as to which part of the state to start your search for a new home. Florida is a big state with plenty of options, but each of those options comes at a different cost of living. In order to focus your search efforts … Continue Reading » about Highest (And Lowest) Priced Florida Real Estate Markets
Niche Florida Retirement Communities
The December 2015 issue of Florida Trend magazine has an interesting article about a handful of niche retirement communities in Florida. Unfortunately the article isn’t available on-line unless you’re a FloridaTrend subscriber, but Uncle Ryan here has your back 😉 Here’s a look at some unique and interesting Florida retirement communities geared towards very specific … Continue Reading » about Niche Florida Retirement Communities
Crystal River Retirement Guide
Crystal River is located right on the Gulf Coast of Florida just a little over an hour north of Tampa, a little over an hour south of Gainesville, and about and hour and a half west of Orlando. This area is commonly referred to as “The Nature Coast” because of the abundance of parks, preserves, … Continue Reading » about Crystal River Retirement Guide
Overview of Florida’s 8 Diverse Regions
Each region of Florida has its own unique charms. Before deciding on a retirement community, you should really spend some time thinking about which part of Florida you might like best. I like to think of the decision process as: Location —> Community —> Home Here are links to a few of the popular Florida … Continue Reading » about Overview of Florida’s 8 Diverse Regions
More Boomers Choosing to Upsize in Retirement
For as long as most people can remember, conventional wisdom has held that when you retire and the kids are grown and gone, you downsize your home. But that’s not always the case anymore. According to a recent Merrill Lynch and Age Wave retirement study of more than 3,600 respondents, 49 percent of retirees didn’t … Continue Reading » about More Boomers Choosing to Upsize in Retirement
7 Questions to Ask Your Future Florida Neighbors
When you visit communities to figure out which one you want to live in, one of the most important things you could do for yourself is talk to as many people who actually live there as possible. Maybe you’re taking advantage of one of the Stay and Play opportunities I’ve told you about before, in … Continue Reading » about 7 Questions to Ask Your Future Florida Neighbors
Delray Beach Was Built For Boomers
Editor’s Note: The article below was written by my good friend Jeff Perlman. Jeff served as Mayor of Delray Beach from 2003 to 2007, so I couldn’t think of anyone better to invite here to tell you the Delray story. Jeff now runs the website YourDelrayBoca.com which is well worth a read if you want … Continue Reading » about Delray Beach Was Built For Boomers
Florida Beach Safety: Know The Risks Before You Dive In
Yesterday was a tragic and sad day here at Florida for Boomers HQ. A man in his 40’s was swimming behind my condo with his twin brother when they were caught in a rip current. A friend of theirs tried to save them and succeeded in getting one of the brothers out, but the other … Continue Reading » about Florida Beach Safety: Know The Risks Before You Dive In
3 “Must-See” Florida Panhandle State Parks
I’ve written before about how the Panhandle is really Florida’s Final Frontier. It’s probably the least developed part of Florida, and that also means there’s plenty of unspoiled nature here to explore. In this article, let’s take a closer look at three of the must-see state parks located in the Florida Panhandle. Florida Caverns State … Continue Reading » about 3 “Must-See” Florida Panhandle State Parks
Three Unique Experiences Courtesy of Florida’s Nature Coast
For nature loving Boomers, Florida’s Nature Coast region is just a natural fit for retirement. The places to explore and things to do are nearly endless, but some experiences are more unique than others. Below we’ve shared information on three of these experiences. Scalloping Florida’s scalloping season for the Nature Coast counties of Levy, Citrus, … Continue Reading » about Three Unique Experiences Courtesy of Florida’s Nature Coast
Location is King at Sun City Center
If there’s one thing the residents of the popular community Sun City Center believe in, its the tried and true real estate axiom of “location location location”. Sun City Center is surrounded by five popular Florida cities known for their arts, culture, restaurants, shopping, and beautiful scenery: Tampa, Sarasota, St. Pete, Clearwater and Bradenton. Let’s … Continue Reading » about Location is King at Sun City Center
Cape Coral and Port Charlotte Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Each year, Forbes comes out with a list of Best Places to retire in the U.S. This year, two Florida cities made the Forbes list, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. Cape Coral Cape Coral, on the Gulf of Mexico, was founded in 1957 as a master-planned community and currently has a population around 160,000 people. … Continue Reading » about Cape Coral and Port Charlotte Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Kings Point Explores The Dark Side of Retirement Life
The HBO Documentary Kings Point follows the lives of several residents of a 55+ retirement community in Delray Beach, FL called Kings Point. The main topics explored are love, loss, and self-preservation. Here’s the trailer: Though most people I’ve discussed the movie with called it “depressing”, and fair warning…it can be if you view it … Continue Reading » about Kings Point Explores The Dark Side of Retirement Life
Where Will the Next Florida Mega-Retirement Community Be Built?
Florida’s most popular retirement community, The Villages, is nearing completion and the developers have said they aren’t planning to build another community like it anywhere else. But that’s not going to stop someone else from trying. The St. Joe Company is one of Florida’s largest landowners, and they are planning a community in Florida’s Panhandle … Continue Reading » about Where Will the Next Florida Mega-Retirement Community Be Built?
Why Tony Robbins Moved to Florida
I’m a huge fan of peak-performance coach Tony Robbins’ work and though I haven’t made it to one of his live events yet, I’m hoping that changes soon now that he is based in Florida and seems to be holding events here more regularly. In his new book, Money: Master the Game, Robbins reveals why … Continue Reading » about Why Tony Robbins Moved to Florida
The Villages vs. Sun City Center
Today let’s take a head-to-head look at two of the biggest 55+ communities in Florida, The Villages and Sun City Center. History While The Villages is bigger, more popular, and more famous, Sun City Center has actually been around longer than The Villages. Del Webb began Sun City Center in the early 1960’s, about a … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Sun City Center
Amenities Galore at On Top of the World
One of my favorite things about the On Top of the World 55+ community in Ocala, FL is the sheer number of amenities available to residents. How could you ever get bored here? Let’s take a closer look at some of my favorites… Master the Possibilities is On Top of the World’s lifelong learning program … Continue Reading » about Amenities Galore at On Top of the World
Photo Tour: The Villages of Citrus Hills
The Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single family homes and maintenance free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its … Continue Reading » about Photo Tour: The Villages of Citrus Hills
8 Splash-tacular Florida Community Pools
Let’s face it. It’s hot out. Wouldn’t it be great to cool off in one of these? Just one of the outdoor pools at the Villages of Citrus Hills… They also have an amazing heated indoor lap pool… The pool at Sun City Center’s Club Renaissance… Amelia National’s free-form pool is surrounded by fountains and … Continue Reading » about 8 Splash-tacular Florida Community Pools
The Old Florida Outdoor Festival
One of the biggest and most exciting outdoor events taking place in central Florida next month will be The Old Florida Outdoor Festival that is held in Apopka. The event will feature anything and everything related to the outdoors lifestyle here in Florida. There will be booths and vendors for a wide range of outdoor … Continue Reading » about The Old Florida Outdoor Festival
How to Calculate Your Florida CDD Assessment
You thought retiring to Florida would be all about fun and relaxation. Nobody told you there’d be this much math involved did they? I’ll try to make it as easy as possible for you though 🙂 Community Development Districts (CDD’s) are local, special purpose government frameworks for managing and financing infrastructure required to support the … Continue Reading » about How to Calculate Your Florida CDD Assessment
9 Best Selling Florida Communities of 2013
Last year 9 Florida communities sold enough homes to make the annual Top 50 Master-Planned Communities list compiled by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. (Interestingly that’s the exact same number of Florida communities to make the list last year.) It should come as no surprise to see that The Villages again claimed the top spot … Continue Reading » about 9 Best Selling Florida Communities of 2013
You Know You Live in Florida When …
This list has made its way around online for a while now, and it gets funnier every time I read it, so I thought I’d share it with you here. I have no idea where it originates but if you know where it originally came from, let me know. I’d love to give credit where … Continue Reading » about You Know You Live in Florida When …