Nestled along Florida’s stunning Nature Coast, the Villages of Citrus Hills offers a lifestyle that many dream of but few find – the perfect harmony between modern convenience and natural serenity. This video makes a pretty compelling case for why their location is perfect for retirement: Strategic Location, Unmatched Accessibility One of the most compelling … Continue Reading » about Is This Florida’s Perfect Retirement Location?
Top Selling Florida Communities of 2024
Two real estate consulting powerhouses, RCLCO and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, regularly release their lists of the country’s 50 top-selling master-planned communities. It should come as no surprise that many of these top-selling communities are located in or near some of Florida’s best places to retire. 2024 Fast Facts: Keep in mind that some … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities of 2024
The Amethyst at Valencia Ridge
The Amethyst is a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom model with 2,788 sq. ft. of living area available to build at Valencia Ridge, the Tampa area’s newest 55+ community. It also includes a den, a great room, and a 3-car garage. Here’s what it looks like inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: … Continue Reading » about The Amethyst at Valencia Ridge
Venice to Naples: Part 2 of The Great Florida Retirement Trail
Maybe you’ve read our Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail article, but you had to know we couldn’t stop there. While the Sarasota area covered in that article is the most requested area by our readers, Southwest Florida which we are defining here as the roughly 100-mile stretch from Venice to Naples is … Continue Reading » about Venice to Naples: Part 2 of The Great Florida Retirement Trail
Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail
“Parrish to Venice” sounds like it could be a classic European novel, or maybe even a Rick Steve’s guidebook, but as it relates to Florida retirement, our Parrish has two “R’s” and an “H” on the end. Nevertheless, with Sarasota right in the middle, the 40-mile stretch of road from Parrish to Venice could be … Continue Reading » about Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail
The Sarah Model at Woodland Preserve in Sarasota
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community Woodland Preserve in the Sarasota area is called the Sarah. This 2,776 sq. ft. home has 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, a “Flex” room, and a 3-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: Woodland … Continue Reading » about The Sarah Model at Woodland Preserve in Sarasota
Why Todd and Kate Chose Grand Palm for Retirement
Grand Palm is a resort-style-living community in the Sarasota/Venice area. In this video, you’ll learn why new residents Todd and Kate chose Grand Palm for their new community: Among the things they mentioned they like about Grand Palm were: If you are considering the Sarasota area and Grand Palm sounds like it might be a … Continue Reading » about Why Todd and Kate Chose Grand Palm for Retirement
The 10 Most Popular Communities of 2024
In 2024 our readers requested information from and connected with the communities featured on our site in record numbers. Here were the 10 most popular ones: 1. The Villages of Citrus Hills 2. On Top of the World 3. Valencia at Riverland 4. Kings Gate 5. Valencia Trails 6. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound 7. Boca Royale … Continue Reading » about The 10 Most Popular Communities of 2024
Wellen Park Joins the 25 Best Places List for 2025
Wellen Park is a master-planned community that is home to several different neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and lots of amenities for residents (and non-residents) to enjoy. The Venice area on Florida’s west coast has seen a lot of demand and growth in recent years and that’s thanks in large part to the development of Wellen Park. … Continue Reading » about Wellen Park Joins the 25 Best Places List for 2025
Valencia Sky’s Naples Clubhouse First Look
Valencia Sky combines the best of the world-famous Valencia and Naples lifestyles to offer an unparalleled 55+ community experience in Florida. They recently released a video animation of what the clubhouse will look like when it is complete: I think it’s safe to say that will be the nicest 55+ clubhouse in the Naples area … Continue Reading » about Valencia Sky’s Naples Clubhouse First Look
Parrish Joins Our 25 Best Places List 🎉
The Central West Coast city of Parrish, FL is HOT right now. It is so hot that it has earned a spot on our soon-to-be-released list of the 25 Best Places to Retire in 2025. A handful of 55+ communities are in the pipeline there, ensuring it will be a retirement hot spot for years … Continue Reading » about Parrish Joins Our 25 Best Places List 🎉
New 55+ Community Just 3 Miles from The Villages
Located in Lady Lake, Cresswind at Hammock Oaks will be Kolter Homes’ second 55+ community in Lake County, and one of four in Central Florida. Cresswind at Hammock Oaks will feature a new collection of floorplans designed specifically for active adults. An on-site Design Studio offers hundreds of structural and design options to personalize your … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Community Just 3 Miles from The Villages
Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake Community Tour
Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake is an active adult, new home community in Westlake, Florida, between Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens. This 55+ community is designed for active adults with resort-style amenities and convenient access to beaches, shopping, dining, healthcare and the attractions of downtown West Palm Beach. They’ve just released this overview video that … Continue Reading » about Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake Community Tour
Florida Cities on the 2025 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual list of what they think are the best cities for people to retire in, and as I’ve mentioned before, sometimes it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Last year they had SEVEN Pennsylvania cities in the Top 10, but only one Florida city (Daytona Beach) … Continue Reading » about Florida Cities on the 2025 US News & World Report Best Cities to Retire List
New 55+ Communities Added in Fall 2024
It’s been a while since we’ve done a roundup of all the new 55+ communities we’ve recently added to the site, so without further delay, here are the latest additions: Introducing the newest GL Homes Valencia 55+ community, Valencia Sky! Valencia Sky combines the best of the world-famous Valencia and Naples lifestyles to offer an … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities Added in Fall 2024
The Terra Rosa in Brightmore at Wellen Park
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is called the Terra Rosa. This 2,478 sq. ft. home has 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, a “Flex” room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: … Continue Reading » about The Terra Rosa in Brightmore at Wellen Park
The Lido Model at 55+ Cresswind Lakewood Ranch
The Lido model is a 1,675 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home available to build at the Cresswind Lakewood Ranch 55+ community. Let’s take a look inside: Here’s how the floorplan comes together: If the Lido is not the right size/style for you, that’s ok because they have about 20 different floorplans available here. … Continue Reading » about The Lido Model at 55+ Cresswind Lakewood Ranch
Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake Photo Gallery
Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake is a 55+ community offering resort-style amenities, including Club Cresswind with pools, fitness facilities, arts studios, and sports courts. Take a look at these photos and request more information below: Located between Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens, residents enjoy easy access to beaches, shopping, and West Palm Beach attractions. Kolter … Continue Reading » about Cresswind Palm Beach at Westlake Photo Gallery
The Sandcastle 2 Villa at Grand Palm in Venice
The Sandcastle is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage villa available to build at Grand Palm in Venice. I’ve mentioned several times how much I love the lock and leave convenience that attached villas offer, especially for retirees who plan to travel a lot in retirement. But oftentimes going with an attached villa means … Continue Reading » about The Sandcastle 2 Villa at Grand Palm in Venice
Stay & Play in Naples for Just $99
As I’ve said before, Stay & Play programs are a great way to learn what living in a Florida 55+ community might be like before you shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for the privilege. The problem is that so few communities offer stay-and-play deals these days. But one of the newest and most … Continue Reading » about Stay & Play in Naples for Just $99
The Annabelle at Valencia Ridge
Valencia Ridge is the newest 55+ community in the Tampa area, and today I’ve got a sneak peek at one model you will see when you visit there, the Annabelle. The Annabelle is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom model with 2,209 sq. ft. of living area. It also includes a den, a great room, a … Continue Reading » about The Annabelle at Valencia Ridge
Highlights from the Cresswind DeLand Grand Opening
Over 500 guests toured the new model homes at Cresswind DeLand during the Grand Opening weekend. Hear guest reactions and preview Cresswind DeLand’s new model park in this video. Cresswind DeLand features a new collection of floorplans designed specifically for active adults. Kolter Homes’ onsite Design Studio offers hundreds of structural and design options to … Continue Reading » about Highlights from the Cresswind DeLand Grand Opening
Kings Gate Amenities Tour
The heart of the 55+ Kings Gate community in Port Charlotte is its 30,000-square-foot resort-style recreation center. Here you will find your friends and neighbors filling their days with tennis, fitness, water aerobics, billiards, lawn bowling, bocce, bingo, shuffleboard and so much more! There is something for everyone at Kings Gate and the on-site Activities … Continue Reading » about Kings Gate Amenities Tour
Stay & Play in Port St. Lucie for Just $99
Stay & Play programs are a great way to get to know what living in a Florida 55+ community might be like before you shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for the privilege. The problem is that so few communities offer stay and play deals these days. But one of the newest and most … Continue Reading » about Stay & Play in Port St. Lucie for Just $99
The Merigold Floorplan in Brightmore at Wellen Park
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is called the Merigold. This 1,991 sq. ft. home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a “Flex” room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: Brightmore … Continue Reading » about The Merigold Floorplan in Brightmore at Wellen Park
The Most Affordable Florida Retirement Community
The number crunchers at Realtor.com have spoken, and Florida’s most affordable retirement community has been named. And no, it’s not The Villages, though it is pretty affordable as well. Sun City Center, which was one of first retirement communities in Florida, has earned this distinction based on a number of factors like home affordability, low … Continue Reading » about The Most Affordable Florida Retirement Community
Photo Gallery: Valencia Grand
Located in Boynton Beach on Florida’s East Coast, Valencia Grand redefines premium 55+ living in South Florida with its sophisticated clubhouse, and contemporary home designs and prime location. Take a look at these photos: At the heart of Valencia Grand is its expansive 44,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, offering top-of-the-line amenities and indoor pickleball courts for the … Continue Reading » about Photo Gallery: Valencia Grand
DeLand Florida Retirement Video
This video is a great overview of what it’s like to retire in DeLand, FL. Personally, I like DeLand because it’s far enough away from the East Coast to avoid the most inclement coastal weather, yet close enough to New Smyrna Beach (22 mins drive) that you don’t have to spend half a day getting … Continue Reading » about DeLand Florida Retirement Video
Valencia Parc at Riverland Community Tour
Today’s video is the next best thing to visiting Valencia at Riverland in Port St. Lucie and doing an in-person tour. You’ll see how GL Homes has taken 30 years of experience in Florida’s 55+ market and built it directly into everything Riverland residents get to enjoy on a daily basis. Take a look: A … Continue Reading » about Valencia Parc at Riverland Community Tour
Post Hurricane Milton Roll Call
The number one question I get after every hurricane is something along the lines of “How did the communities listed on your site do?” So I thought this time around I’d ask the question and let the communities speak for themselves. I’ll be updating this article as I hear back from others, but the long … Continue Reading » about Post Hurricane Milton Roll Call
The Villages vs. Lakewood Ranch
Located just two hours away from each other, The Villages and Lakewood Ranch are usually the top two best-selling communities (retirement or otherwise) in the country. In 2024 The Villages had 3,208 new home sales and Lakewood Ranch had 2,210 new home sales. If we count home sales as votes, it’s clear that both of … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Lakewood Ranch
55+ Homes For Sale in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County is home to more 55+ communities than any other county in Florida, so it’s no wonder there are a lot of 55+ homes listed for sale there at any given time. Below you will see everything from 1-bedroom condos for under $100k to 4+ bedroom single-family homes for more than $1 million … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes For Sale in Palm Beach County
The Camelia at Valencia Ridge
One model you’ll see at Valencia Ridge, the newest 55+ community in the Tampa area, is the Camelia. The Camelia is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom model with 1,674 sq. ft. of living area. It also includes a den, a great room, and a two-car garage. Here’s what it looks like inside: Here’s a look at how … Continue Reading » about The Camelia at Valencia Ridge
The 55+ Topsail Villa in Preserve at La Paloma
The Topsail Villa is one of the new floorplans available at The Preserve at La Paloma 55+ community in Sun City Center. This 1,765 sq. ft. home has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a Flex Room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: … Continue Reading » about The 55+ Topsail Villa in Preserve at La Paloma
The Sandstone Model in Brightmore at Wellen Park
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is called the Sandstone. This 1,916 sq. ft. home has 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, a “Flex” room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: Brightmore … Continue Reading » about The Sandstone Model in Brightmore at Wellen Park
The Claire Model at 55+ Cresswind DeLand
The Claire model is a 1,724 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home available to build at the Cresswind DeLand 55+ community. DeLand is located between Daytona Beach and Orlando, giving residents easy access to both the coast and the amenities offered by one of the biggest cities in Florida. Let’s take a look inside: … Continue Reading » about The Claire Model at 55+ Cresswind DeLand
Parkway Preserve in Fort Myers
Parkway Preserve offers stylish 1-story villas and spacious 2-story townhomes designed for comfort and convenience. Parkway Preserve combines luxury living with low-maintenance ease in a community rich with resort-style amenities and a prime Fort Myers location. At the heart of Parkway Preserve a modern community clubhouse with heated pool, spa, fitness center and social lounge … Continue Reading » about Parkway Preserve in Fort Myers
The Triumph Model at SkySail in Naples
The Triumph Model is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at SkySail in Naples. With 2,332 sq. ft. of living space, it’s part of the “Celebration” Home Series at SkySail. Let’s take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: There are 12 different floorplans in … Continue Reading » about The Triumph Model at SkySail in Naples
Brightmore at Wellen Park 55+ Vacation-style Amenities
Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is a new gated 55+ community nestled within popular Wellen Park, one the nation’s premier master-planned communities. Their amenity center is currently under construction, but they recently released a video that shows what it will be like when complete: Inside you’ll find: Outside you’ll find: The 11 acres of … Continue Reading » about Brightmore at Wellen Park 55+ Vacation-style Amenities
The Egmont Model in 55+ Sun City Center
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community The Preserve at La Paloma in Sun City Center is called the Egmont. This 1,506 sq. ft. home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a Flex room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Egmont Model in 55+ Sun City Center
The Villages Is Top Selling Community Halfway Through 2024
The Villages has sold an “estimated” 1,515 new homes at the halfway point of 2024 according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The figure is only an estimate because The Villages does not release official mid-year sales numbers. Last year The Villages sold a total of 3,029 new homes. 13 Florida communities made the mid-year … Continue Reading » about The Villages Is Top Selling Community Halfway Through 2024
The Imagination Model at SkySail in Naples
The Imagination Model is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at SkySail in Naples. With 1,778 sq. ft. of living space, it’s part of the “Cruise” Home Series at SkySail. Let’s take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: There are 12 different floorplans in … Continue Reading » about The Imagination Model at SkySail in Naples
The Anclote Villa Model in 55+ Sun City Center
One of the new villa floorplans available at the 55+ community The Preserve at La Paloma in Sun City Center is called the Anclote. This 1,501 sq. ft. home has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: The … Continue Reading » about The Anclote Villa Model in 55+ Sun City Center
The Preserve at La Paloma in Sun City Center
In the heart of Sun City Center, Florida, you will find a gated enclave, The Preserve at La Paloma. This new 55+ community offers stylish, low-maintenance attached villas, single-family homes and fun-filled amenities. This new 55+ community offers stylish, low-maintenance attached villas, single-family homes and fun-filled amenities. A select number of homesites have views of … Continue Reading » about The Preserve at La Paloma in Sun City Center
Cost of Living in Venice Florida
Venice is located just south of Sarasota, which puts it in a sweet spot along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s the perfect destination for retirees looking to make the most of a laid-back Florida lifestyle and 14 miles of stunning white sand beaches. But how affordable is Venice for retirement? Let’s take a closer look! Home … Continue Reading » about Cost of Living in Venice Florida
55+ Homes For Sale in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is a regular on our list of the 25 Best Places to Retire in Florida, and there are a few 55+ communities there. It has an attractive cost of living and is known for its ideal Florida climate and a laid-back lifestyle that feels relaxed even for Florida. One community building and selling … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes For Sale in Punta Gorda
The Lapis in 55+ Brightmore at Wellen Park
One of the new single-family floorplans available at the 55+ community Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is called the Lapis. This 1,687 sq. ft. home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, a “Flex” room, and a 2-car garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: Discover … Continue Reading » about The Lapis in 55+ Brightmore at Wellen Park
The Jasmine at Valencia Ridge
Valencia Ridge is the newest 55+ community in the Tampa area, and the floorplan I’m sharing with you today has quickly become one of the top-selling models here. The Jasmine is a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom model with 1,954 sq. ft. of living area. It also includes a den, a great room, and a two-car garage. Here’s … Continue Reading » about The Jasmine at Valencia Ridge
Brightmore at Wellen Park Lifestyle Video
Brightmore at Wellen Park in Venice is a new gated 55+ community nestled within popular Wellen Park, one the nation’s premier master-planned communities. They recently released a lifestyle video that shows what living here will be like for residents: Here’s a little more information about the community: Brightmore radiates with a vibrant spirit and a … Continue Reading » about Brightmore at Wellen Park Lifestyle Video
The Daytona Model at Twin Lakes
The Daytona is a popular villa floorplan at the 55+ Twin Lakes community in St. Cloud on the tranquil shores of Live Oak Lake. With an incredible community clubhouse, lakefront resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple heated swimming pools, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, putting green, community boat and dock, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and a … Continue Reading » about The Daytona Model at Twin Lakes