One of the most unique retirement communities in all of Florida is located about an hour outside of Orlando in Polk County. The community’s name is Nalcrest, and the unique thing is that with very few exceptions, all of its residents are retired US Postal workers. History The original idea for the community came from … Continue Reading » about Nalcrest – A Florida Retirement Community for Letter Carriers
Indian River Colony Club Community Review
Indian River Colony Club1936 Freedom DriveViera (Melbourne), Florida 32940Phone: 877-509-9532Website Indian River Colony Club is a 55+ community located in Melbourne, just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. It was originally exclusive to retired military officers, but is now open to 20% non-military members, though it still calls itself a “Military Retirement Community.” The community of … Continue Reading » about Indian River Colony Club Community Review
Key Colony – A Gated Beachside Retreat
Update: This house is SOLD! This is a slight departure from most of the other articles you’ll read here on Florida for Boomers in that it features a house that my sister and I are selling together. Now before you hit the back button, as you’ll soon see it could be an ideal choice of … Continue Reading » about Key Colony – A Gated Beachside Retreat
What You Should Know About Florida Sinkholes
Sinkholes have been all over the news in Florida lately, in particular after this tragic incident that occurred near Tampa. The fact is, sinkholes are a part of life here in Florida, much like earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards, and other natural disasters are part of life in other parts of the country. They even sometimes occur … Continue Reading » about What You Should Know About Florida Sinkholes
Fun, Food, Music, and Rides at the Florida Strawberry Festival
The 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL opens on February 28th and continues through March, 10th. Look forward to lots of fun and entertainment along with plenty of food, contests, shows and all around good times on any day you chose to attend. Many of the highlights will be touched on here, but … Continue Reading » about Fun, Food, Music, and Rides at the Florida Strawberry Festival
The 9 Best-Selling Florida Communities for 2012
Nine communities in Florida made the 2012 Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities list put out by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Communities are ranked by their 2012 net sales. No surprise at #1 is The Villages with 2,851 sales. This is their best year since the housing bubble burst in 2006, and they beat out the 2nd … Continue Reading » about The 9 Best-Selling Florida Communities for 2012
How to Find a Winter Rental in Florida
One of the most common questions I get, especially this time of year, is from people wondering how to go about finding a winter rental in Florida. My inbox is full of messages like this: Is it possible to rent for a month or so during February? I don’t mind these types of questions though. … Continue Reading » about How to Find a Winter Rental in Florida
The Florida Code
This list was sent in by a reader and I thought it was just too funny not to share. It’s from one of those forwarded emails which are generally terrible and make you want to reach your hand through the computer and wring somebody’s neck but this one is really good, and applicable to all … Continue Reading » about The Florida Code
Tradition Florida Community Review
Tradition is a large master-planned community with multiple 55+ and non age restricted neighborhoods located in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Grand Haven – Palm Coast
Grand Haven is a gated, master-planned community that lives up to its “grand” name. This remarkable, active-adult community is located near Florida’s Atlantic coast. With its location south of St. Augustine and north of Daytona Beach, it’s within easy driving distance of some of the best attractions in Florida. To top it all off, it’s … Continue Reading » about Grand Haven – Palm Coast
Glen Lakes – Weeki Wachee
Glen Lakes is a gated country club community located just 45 minutes north of Tampa. While its not a true Tampa retirement community as it’s not age restricted, it has many of the amenities and the type of lifestyle that many retirees are looking for. Just a side note, Weekie Wachee Springs is a somewhat … Continue Reading » about Glen Lakes – Weeki Wachee
Del Webb Naples at Ave Maria 55+ Community Review
Del Webb brings their proven active adult formula to Ave Maria, offering 55+ buyers a resort-style lifestyle in Southwest Florida with easy access to both Naples and Fort Myers. The real appeal here is getting Del Webb’s signature amenities and social programming in a master-planned community that’s close enough to major cities for convenience but … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Naples at Ave Maria 55+ Community Review
Lakes of Mt. Dora Review
With its proximity to one of the most charming small towns in the state of Florida, Lakes of Mount Dora is an excellent active-adult community to consider. It’s in Lake County, which is smack-dab in the middle of central Florida, so you can get to many other parts of the state with relative ease. The … Continue Reading » about Lakes of Mt. Dora Review
Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra
Del Webb Ponte Vedra, previously known as Riverwood by Del Webb at Nocatee, is one of two Jacksonville retirement communities by Del Webb. Del Webb Ponte Vedra is a somewhat rare find in a 55-plus community because of its proximity to the ocean. Del Webb Ponte Vedra is a gated, active-adult community in northeast Florida. … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra
Cascades at World Golf Village Review
The Cascades at World Golf Village is a Jacksonville retirement community which just happens to be located in the same community as the World Golf Hall of Fame. Cascades at World Golf Village is a premium choice for people who expect the very best. As the name and location of this community suggests, it largely … Continue Reading » about Cascades at World Golf Village Review
Summer Glen – Ocala
SummerGlen is a gated 55+ central Florida retirement community in Ocala, FL, just a short drive from Orlando as well as the beaches of Florida’s east coast. SummerGlen is one of only five retirement communities in the U.S. to be named to “Where To Retire” magazine’s Hall Of Fame, as one of the top over-55 … Continue Reading » about Summer Glen – Ocala
PGA Village Verano – Port St. Lucie
There are plenty of planned communities on Florida’s Atlantic coast, but few generate as much excitement among golf enthusiasts as PGA Village Verano. As the name of this community implies, it is located within easy walking distance of three phenomenal courses. With its location in Port St. Lucie, which is in the heart of St. … Continue Reading » about PGA Village Verano – Port St. Lucie
Sailfish Point – Hutchinson Island, FL
When it comes to upscale, luxury living in Florida, it’s tough to beat Sailfish Point. This remarkable community is just as popular with growing families as it is with retirees. People who live at Sailfish Point are basically on vacation all the time. After all, the community has it all: luxurious homes, a Jack Nicklaus-designed … Continue Reading » about Sailfish Point – Hutchinson Island, FL
Day Trip: St. Augustine
With its mix of historic buildings, fun events and old-world charm, St. Augustine is a great destination for a day trip. The Ancient City or Old City, as it is nicknamed, is steeped in culture and history. From quaint shops to fascinating, historic streets, St. Augustine has it all. St. Augustine is the oldest European … Continue Reading » about Day Trip: St. Augustine
5 Questions You’ve Asked About The Villages
As you probably know, The Villages is a “quaint” little hometown in Central Florida that is currently home to about 125,000 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 … Continue Reading » about 5 Questions You’ve Asked About The Villages
What I Like About Oceanfront Condo Living
Last week I wrote about the downsides of oceanfront condo living, so this week I thought I’d give the upside its due. 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 … Continue Reading » about What I Like About Oceanfront Condo Living
The Downsides of Oceanfront Condo Living
Some people will ultimately decide that life in a Florida retirement community is not for them. While I am a big fan of many communities, I have one big problem. I love the ocean and get the shakes if I go too long without smelling the salty air. In 2012 we moved into a Florida … Continue Reading » about The Downsides of Oceanfront Condo Living
7 Florida Communities Make 2011 Top-Selling List
Seven Florida communities have made the 50 Top-Selling Master Planned Communities for 2011 list put out by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. You probably won’t be surprised by the community holding the top spot: The Villages, FL. The Villages leads all Florida communities, but not only that, they top the entire list with 2,307 homes … Continue Reading » about 7 Florida Communities Make 2011 Top-Selling List
Florida CDD Fees: What You Need To Know
A community development district (or CDD for short) is a special purpose government framework permitted by Florida Statutes and used by local governments and developers to shift the burden of developing infrastructure, maintaining roads and landscaping, building clubhouses, and other improvements to the homeowners in that district or area. In this article, we’re going to … Continue Reading » about Florida CDD Fees: What You Need To Know
Retirement Living in the Florida Keys
There are some places that are nice to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there. The Florida Keys is perfect whether visiting for a weekend or deciding to make it a permanent home. An idyllic tropical setting at the tip of the United States combined with a myriad of recreation, entertainment, and cultural opportunities … Continue Reading » about Retirement Living in the Florida Keys
Amelia Island for Retirement
Amelia Island, situated just off the East Coast of Florida and about 45 minutes away from Jacksonville, has been a popular vacation and 2nd home destination for years. Baby boomers are also now considering it as a potential retirement community destination. Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags”, Amelia Island has a rich history. It … Continue Reading » about Amelia Island for Retirement
Are You Ready for Some Florida Seafood?
While our site focuses primarily on Florida retirement communities, everybody still has to eat, right? With the second largest coastline in the U.S., it’s no wonder many folks associate Florida with seafood. Floridians, on average, consume more than twice the amount of seafood than other people in the U.S. Also, more than 80 different varieties … Continue Reading » about Are You Ready for Some Florida Seafood?
Florida Mosquitos: What you need to know
If you’ve been in Florida looking around at the various retirement communities for more than 15 minutes, you have encountered the mosquito. Dubbed “little fly” by early Spanish explorers, this flying pest can be found throughout the state. In fact, Florida has more species of mosquitoes than any other state. Currently, researchers at the University … Continue Reading » about Florida Mosquitos: What you need to know
Lakewood Ranch – Lakewood Ranch, FL
If you are looking for a great waterfront environment that just happens to have everything that you need in one area, the Lakewood Ranch community is certainly a great place to start. This 8,500 acre master-planned community is phenomenal with seven villages to choose from for your living preferences. Located on Florida’s Gulf coast in … Continue Reading » about Lakewood Ranch – Lakewood Ranch, FL
Most Bike Friendly Florida Cities
We wrote a few days ago how some active adults communities are targeting motorcycle enthusiasts. But Florida is also very conducive to another activity on two wheels, bicycling. Bicycling Magazine recently came out with their list of America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities and two Florida cities made the list. Gainesville which is a college town … Continue Reading » about Most Bike Friendly Florida Cities
55+ Community Marketing Not Just About Golf Anymore
When you think about most retirement communities in Florida and the amenities and activities they offer, you usually think about golf. It’s no secret that Florida golf retirement communities prevail, at least in terms of popularity. But these days, as baby boomers are so diverse in the types of activities they enjoy, over 55 communities … Continue Reading » about 55+ Community Marketing Not Just About Golf Anymore
Solivita – Poinciana, FL
Solivita is a gated, 55-plus central Florida retirement community located just 20 miles south of Walt Disney World in Poinciana, FL. Developed by Avatar Homes, there are currently 17 furnished model homes to see there and 23 floor plans to choose from. If amenities is high on your list when considering a central Florida retirement … Continue Reading » about Solivita – Poinciana, FL
Tall Oaks – Naples, FL
Tall Oaks is a gated, 55-plus manufactured home retirement community in Naples, FL. One thing that you will notice immediately when compared to many other Florida retirement communities is that there is not a golf course within the community. This is actually not a bad thing, because if you do play golf there are plenty … Continue Reading » about Tall Oaks – Naples, FL
Zero Lot Line Homes
You may notice that in some communities here in Florida, the houses are extremely close together, sometimes a few feet or less apart. What you are probably looking at is a zero lot line community. Zero lot line means that the house is placed either on or very close to one side of the lot, … Continue Reading » about Zero Lot Line Homes
Florida Home Builder Contract Clauses
As opposed to using the standard Florida real estate contract like in the resale side of real estate, most Florida home builders use their own contracts, and they usually err on the side of protecting the builder rather than the buyer. By making you aware of the contract clauses you might see in builder contracts, … Continue Reading » about Florida Home Builder Contract Clauses
3 Reasons Why Florida Will Ultimately Remain The King Of Retirement
Everywhere you turn newspapers, magazines, and other websites are relishing in the fact that Florida is no longer growing as fast as it once was. In fact, most data indicates that Florida’s population actually shrank last year. While this may be true right now, its most likely a temporary blip in Florida’s long history as … Continue Reading » about 3 Reasons Why Florida Will Ultimately Remain The King Of Retirement
Florida Flood Zones Explained
Editor’s Note: Every time a hurricane threatens Florida, this webpage sees an uptick in traffic, however this page is about FEMA Flood Zones, NOT Hurricane Evacuation Zones. Information about Florida Hurricane Evacuation Zones can be found at the Florida Division of Emergency website. There are two facts that most people do not know. First, flooding … Continue Reading » about Florida Flood Zones Explained
Halifax Plantation – Ormond Beach, FL
Halifax Plantation is located in historic town of Ormond Beach off of Old Dixie Highway, one of the most beautiful stretches of roadway in the state of Florida. Halifax Plantation is a little over 10 years old and has over 1,000 homes, townhomes and condos. Boomers will find every amenity imaginable to create the retirement … Continue Reading » about Halifax Plantation – Ormond Beach, FL
Plantation Bay – Ormond Beach, FL
Plantation Bay is a well established community in the town of Ormond Beach, a popular retirement destination on the east coast of Florida. Plantation Bay has been around for several years, and at time has been developed by several different builders. Today the community is being expanded and new homes are being built by ICI … Continue Reading » about Plantation Bay – Ormond Beach, FL
Sun City Florida
One of the first Florida retirement communities, Sun City Center is an active adult (55 and over) community located between Tampa and Sarasota along the I-75 corridor. Sun City Center, originally developed by Del Webb as a clone of its successful Sun City retirement communities in Arizona and California, first opened its doors in 1962. … Continue Reading » about Sun City Florida
Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando
Today we’re comparing two very different communities situated less that 45 minutes from each other, The Villages and Trilogy® Orlando. You all know The Villages as the most popular retirement community in the country right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than any of the other communities we compare it to, including Trilogy®. … Continue Reading » about Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando