Some of my readers have recently become residents of WaterSong at RiverTown – one of the newest active 55+ communities in Northeast Florida. In this testimonial video, you’ll hear why WaterSong residents love calling this community their dream home destination. Situated almost equidistant between Jacksonville and St. Augustine, the RiverTown master-planned community is located along the banks of … Continue Reading » about WaterSong at RiverTown Reviews
Other Places in Florida that Might Be Safe From Hurricanes
After publishing the article Where to Live in Florida to Avoid Hurricane Winds and Flooding which named Ocala the most “hurricane resilient” place in Florida, we heard from many readers who feel like their part of Florida is pretty safe too. I agree with a lot of them, so based on reader input here are … Continue Reading » about Other Places in Florida that Might Be Safe From Hurricanes
Best Places to Retire in Fort Myers
Today we are looking at the best 55+ and active adult communities in Fort Myers. 19.44% of our reader survey respondents say Fort Myers is the place they are MOST interested in retiring to in Florida, and it’s easy to see why. We like it because it has: Here are some of our favorite communities … Continue Reading » about Best Places to Retire in Fort Myers
48 Hours in Venice
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Venice is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by anyone seeking a relaxing and charming escape. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the parts of Venice you won’t want to miss, offering a curated list of places to visit, things to do, and where to … Continue Reading » about 48 Hours in Venice
TerraWalk at Babcock Ranch
TerraWalk is a new community that opened in late 2023 at the solar-powered Babcock Ranch community in Southwest Florida. I wrote about TerraWalk before it opened, but after two different readers bought homes there last month, I felt it deserved another update. The roughly 1,000 home community is being built by DiVosta, a division of … Continue Reading » about TerraWalk at Babcock Ranch
Developer Spotlight: Neal Communities in Florida
We’ve written a lot about the different developers building communities for retirees here in Florida like Del Webb, Taylor Morrison, and GL Homes, but one we have not covered quite as extensively is Neal Communities. A 50+ Year Track Record The founders of Neal Communities launched their first Florida project in 1970 at Whitney Beach, … Continue Reading » about Developer Spotlight: Neal Communities in Florida
Del Webb at Viera Community Review
Del Webb Viera is one of the newest Del Webb 55+ communities in Florida, and the first community Del Webb’s parent company has developed in the “Space Coast” region of Florida in more than 20 years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look using the Location + Community + Home methodology that forms the … Continue Reading » about Del Webb at Viera Community Review
Where to Live in Florida to Avoid Hurricane Winds and Flooding
Readers often ask me some variation of “what part of Florida has the lowest risk of hurricanes”. My answer is usually “anywhere in the middle of the state” which would include popular retirement places like any of the cities in the Orlando area, Clermont, The Villages, Leesburg, and Ocala. Now, thanks to the Wall Street … Continue Reading » about Where to Live in Florida to Avoid Hurricane Winds and Flooding
Ocala Preserve Community Review
Ocala Preserve is a resort-style community in Ocala that has been through a handful of iterations and changes over the years, but I still consider it one of the 3 main communities people should definitely check out when considering the Ocala area. The other two of course being On Top of the World and Del … Continue Reading » about Ocala Preserve Community Review
The White Star at Boca Royale in Englewood
The White Star is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club In Englewood, FL which is just south of Sarasota and Venice. Check out this video for a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,064 sq. ft. of … Continue Reading » about The White Star at Boca Royale in Englewood
The Villages vs. Port St. Lucie
In previous articles I’ve compared The Villages to several other popular communities such as On Top of the World, Latitude Margaritaville, the Villages of Citrus Hills, and others, but the more I think about it, as big as The Villages is getting, it’s almost not really fair to The Villages or these other communities to … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Port St. Lucie
The Currant Model at Calesa Township
The Currant is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at Calesa Township in Ocala, FL. With 1,874 sq. ft. of living area, the Currant is one of the smallest homes available in Calesa, where homes start in the high $200k’s. Let’s take a look inside: Here’s a look at how … Continue Reading » about The Currant Model at Calesa Township
55+ Homes for Sale in Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach is a popular retirement destination in Palm Beach County, and there are a lot of 55+ communities there. The only one I know of that is still currently building/selling new homes is Valencia Grand: Valencia Del Mar elevates the renowned Valencia 55+ living experience in Boynton Beach, Florida. This luxurious new community offers … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Boynton Beach
The Tidewinds Villa at Grand Palm in Venice
The Tidewinds is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage villa, available to build at Grand Palm in Venice, FL. Take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: The Tidewinds offers 1,638 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. The beautifully-equipped kitchen featuring an island and walk-in pantry, is open to … Continue Reading » about The Tidewinds Villa at Grand Palm in Venice
Valencia Trails Clubhouse Walkthrough Video
The clubhouse at Valencia Trails in Naples opened in the summer of 2023 to rave reviews from residents. Check out this video tour to see what all the fuss is about: Valencia Trails in Naples offers the best resort lifestyle with a magnificent 42,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse where every day new events, clubs, and entertainment … Continue Reading » about Valencia Trails Clubhouse Walkthrough Video
Charming Small Towns Near The Villages Florida
The Villages is great, but as much as it’s growing it no longer has that small-town feel that attracted so many early residents. But if you like the location, here are some places nearby to consider. These towns offer their own unique charms and amenities, making them potential retirement destinations near The Villages. Tavares Located … Continue Reading » about Charming Small Towns Near The Villages Florida
48 Hours in Naples
Naples, often described as the “Crown Jewel” of Southwest Florida, is a paradise for beach lovers, food enthusiasts, and those with a penchant for luxury. With great beaches, upscale shopping, and a plethora of dining options, Naples offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. If you have just 48 hours to explore this coastal … Continue Reading » about 48 Hours in Naples
Vitalia at Tradition Home Sells for $387K
Earlier this month one of my readers, with the assistance of one of my local real estate partners, completed the purchase of a home in the 55+ Vitalia at Tradition neighborhood in Port St. Lucie. The Home Built in 2013, the 1,724 sq. ft. living area home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, PLUS an Office/Den … Continue Reading » about Vitalia at Tradition Home Sells for $387K
48 Hours in Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a sun-soaked paradise that offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a lover of art, a foodie, or someone looking to relax by the beach, Palm Beach has something for everyone. If you’ve got just 48 hours to spare in this coastal haven, here’s how to make … Continue Reading » about 48 Hours in Palm Beach
55+ Homes for Sale in Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte is a popular retirement destination in Southwest Florida, and there are a handful of 55+ communities there. One that is still currently building/selling new homes is Kings Gate: Located in the popular Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area of Florida, Kings Gate offers easy access to beaches, marinas, wildlife sanctuaries, airports, and more, many within … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Port Charlotte
The Magnolia at On Top of The World
The Magnolia is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2-car + golf cart garage home, 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 “Most Wanted Monday” video series: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: … Continue Reading » about The Magnolia at On Top of The World
55+ Homes for Sale in Venice
Venice is a very popular west coast retirement town, and one thing you’ll notice when looking at the 55+ listings down below is that there are a lot of condos. But if you are looking for single-family homes or attached villas one community in Venice you should definitely check out is Grand Palm. Grand Palm … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Venice
North River Ranch in Parrish, FL
North River Ranch is a master-planned community in Parrish, FL, featuring homes from a variety of builders including Pulte, David Weekly, Neal Communities and more. Walk or bike through tree-lined neighborhoods, explore miles of trails, visit the bustling Village Center, relax poolside or gaze at Florida’s starry skies. Lightning-fast one gigabit of internet connects the whole … Continue Reading » about North River Ranch in Parrish, FL
Prosperity Lakes 55+ Community in Parrish, FL
Prosperity Lakes is a master-planned community by Lennar with collections of villas and single-family homes designed for active adults 55+ in Parrish, FL. In addition to an all-ages main amenity center with a clubhouse, sports courts and more, there is a gated amenity center exclusively for active adults 55+. Amenities include a resort-style pool, clubhouse, … Continue Reading » about Prosperity Lakes 55+ Community in Parrish, FL
Parrish Florida Retirement Guide
Parrish is a growing community located in Manatee County. Parrish is located about halfway between Tampa and Sarasota (roughly a 30-minute drive to each) and about 25 minutes (much of it on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge) to St. Petersburg. Parrish offers a blend of rural charm and easy access to modern conveniences, making it an attractive option for retirees. … Continue Reading » about Parrish Florida Retirement Guide
55+ Homes for Sale in Parrish
Parrish is on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, and St. Pete. Retirees are gravitating there because of the lower home prices and proximity to everything those bigger cities have to offer. You can take a look at some of the homes currently on the market below, but one of the newest 55+ communities … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Parrish
The Savannah Model at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Savannah. It has 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, a Den/Optional 5th Bedroom, a Great Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 3-Car Garage. If you need a ton of space, this one’s for you! Get the Valencia … Continue Reading » about The Savannah Model at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
55+ Homes for Sale in Sarasota
Sarasota is one of the most popular places to retire in Florida, and one of the main reasons is the wide variety of homes available in 55+ communities there. One brand-new 55+ community in this area is Woodland Preserve. Woodland Preserve is Kolter Homes’ latest new home community in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. This gated, 55+ … Continue Reading » about 55+ Homes for Sale in Sarasota
Top Selling Florida Communities Halfway Through 2023
The Villages has sold an “estimated” 1,960 new homes at the halfway point of 2023 according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The figure is only an estimate because The Villages does not release official mid-year sales numbers. In fact, it looks like RCLCO believes The Villages is on pace for a similar year as … Continue Reading » about Top Selling Florida Communities Halfway Through 2023
The Endless Summer at Boca Royale in Englewood
The Endless Summer is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club In Englewood, FL which is just south of Sarasota and Venice. Check out this video for a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,207 sq. ft. of … Continue Reading » about The Endless Summer at Boca Royale in Englewood
The Augusta Attached Villa at Kings Gate
The Augusta is 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage attached villa at the Kings Gate 55+ community in the popular Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area of Florida. Longtime readers here have heard me profess my love for the attached villa concept many times before. In my opinion, attached villas are an excellent option for anyone looking … Continue Reading » about The Augusta Attached Villa at Kings Gate
Del Webb Nocatee 55+ Community Review
Del Webb Nocatee, located in Ponte Vedra, is one of the most popular 55+ communities in Northeast Florida. This gated community has pretty much everything a retiree could dream of including a great location, terrific amenities, and a wide selection of homes to fit just about anyone’s needs. Let’s take a closer look! Location Del … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Nocatee 55+ Community Review
The Fresh Spring at Verandah in Fort Myers
The Fresh Spring is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at Verandah in Fort Myers. It’s the smallest model they build there, and because it’s the perfect size for many retirees, it is one of their most popular plans. Let’s take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the … Continue Reading » about The Fresh Spring at Verandah in Fort Myers
Why Some Model Homes Have Landscaping Instead of a Driveway
You may have seen some of the model homes I’ve featured here on the blog and wondered… What were they thinking? Where’s the driveway? How do you get into the garage? Well, you’re not crazy to ask those questions, but I promise you the builders aren’t crazy either! It is common practice here in Florida … Continue Reading » about Why Some Model Homes Have Landscaping Instead of a Driveway
The Waterford at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Waterford is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, plus an office/study with 2,182 square feet of living space and 3,196 total square feet. Let’s take a look: Here’s a look at the overall floorplan: Located less than an hour from The Villages, the Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single-family homes and maintenance-free … Continue Reading » about The Waterford at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Dunbar at On Top of The World
The Dunbar is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, split 3-car garage home, 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 “Most Wanted Monday” video series: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,373 … Continue Reading » about The Dunbar at On Top of The World
The “Venice” Model at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the “Venice”. 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 “Venice” Model at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
The Sea Mist at Grand Palm in Venice
The Sea Mist is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 3-car garage home, available to build at Grand Palm in Venice. The interesting thing is that you can add an additional master suite and bonus room/loft if you want. Dual master suites are growing in popularity, and I seem to have more and more readers asking … Continue Reading » about The Sea Mist at Grand Palm in Venice
The Sandcastle Attached Villa at Boca Royale
The Sandcastle attached villa is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage home, available to build at Boca Royale, just south of Venice, FL. Take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 1,848 sq. ft. of living space, the Sandcastle is part of the “Coral Villa Home Series” at … Continue Reading » about The Sandcastle Attached Villa at Boca Royale
5 Underrated Places to Retire in Florida
Florida has so many great retirement destinations, and while popular cities like Sarasota, Naples, and Orlando may come to mind, there are lots of underrated places that don’t get nearly as much media coverage that are worth considering. Here are five underrated places to retire in Florida: St. Augustine Located on Florida’s northeastern coast, St. … Continue Reading » about 5 Underrated Places to Retire in Florida
Best Things to See and Do in Ocala
There are plenty of things to see and do when visiting or living in the Ocala area. One of my favorite travel bloggers put together this video with his top choices for things to do in Ocala, and I thought many of you would find it valuable: A few of the places mentioned in this … Continue Reading » about Best Things to See and Do in Ocala
The Venetian Attached Villa at Kings Gate
The Venetian is 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom attached villa at the Kings Gate 55+ community in the popular Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area of Florida. If you’ve not heard me talk about my love for the attached villa concept before, then you must not have been a reader here for very long! Attached villas are a … Continue Reading » about The Venetian Attached Villa at Kings Gate
10 Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
Florida offers a variety of coastal towns that are popular choices for retirement. Here are ten great coastal retirement towns in Florida. Naples Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and golf courses. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a vibrant cultural scene. One nearby retirement option: Sarasota … Continue Reading » about 10 Great Coastal Retirement Towns in Florida
Discovering the Natural Wonders of Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a gem for nature-loving retirees who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. With its diverse ecosystems, stunning parks, wildlife preserves, and enchanting hiking trails, Port St. Lucie offers a true paradise for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Here are a few of the … Continue Reading » about Discovering the Natural Wonders of Port St. Lucie
Coastal Retirement Living at its Finest in Englewood
Englewood is a popular retirement destination located in Southwest Florida. Retirees like it because they can enjoy a coastal retirement location but the home prices and cost of living tend to be a little lower than they are in places like Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples. Let’s take a look at some other factors that … Continue Reading » about Coastal Retirement Living at its Finest in Englewood
The Monacello in Valencia at Riverland
The Monacello is part of the Regal Collection by GL Homes, available in their Valencia at Riverland 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. In Valencia at Riverland, 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 2,136 … Continue Reading » about The Monacello in Valencia at Riverland
Review of PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie
PGA Village Verano is a gated, golf resort community in Port St. Lucie. While not exclusively 55+, there is a 55+ neighborhood within PGA Village Verano called Cresswind at PGA Village Verano. Here is a terrific video detailing what living in PGA Village Verano is like: Location PGA Village Verano has a great location in Port St. Lucie. … Continue Reading » about Review of PGA Village Verano in Port St. Lucie
Verandah Fort Myers Community Review
Located in Fort Myers, Verandah is a private, guard-gated golf course community. Verandah residents get to enjoy retirement life among mature oak trees, meandering bike paths and walking trails, and breathtaking views of the Orange River. Verandah offers the convenience of being close to everything while still being surrounded by nature, making it an ideal … Continue Reading » about Verandah Fort Myers Community Review
Regency at Babcock Ranch 55+ Amenities Just Announced
Regency at Babcock Ranch will be the first 55+ neighborhood in solar-powered Babcock Ranch in southwest Florida. When we first shared the news that the community was even happening, the developer, Toll Brothers, was still tight-lipped regarding what the amenities would be here. Now we can report what those will be. No surprise, Regency at … Continue Reading » about Regency at Babcock Ranch 55+ Amenities Just Announced
Grand Palm in Venice Community Video Tour
Located in Venice, Grand Palm is a resort-style-living community from popular Southwest Florida Builder/Developer, Neal Communities. This beautiful, amenity-rich, nature-focused community is exactly what resort living should be like. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Venice and beaches (20 minutes away) and a multitude of activities right in their own backyard with an on-site activities … Continue Reading » about Grand Palm in Venice Community Video Tour