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
What We Know So Far About Del Webb Minneola
There’s now another Del Webb 55+ community to explore in the Orlando area. In 2023 Del Webb Minneola joined Del Webb Oasis and Del Webb Sunbridge in the new Orlando area Del Webb community lineup. Here’s the latest overview video from the developer: Location What’s unique about Del Webb Minneola is owed to its location. … Continue Reading » about What We Know So Far About Del Webb Minneola
The Bright Meadow at Boca Royale
The Bright Meadow is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3-car garage home, available to build at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club, just south of Venice. Take a look inside: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,309 sq. ft. of living space, the Bright Meadow is part of the “Cove Home … Continue Reading » about The Bright Meadow at Boca Royale
Calesa Township: A Community for All Ages in Ocala
Despite being a website geared mostly towards Florida 55+ communities, I get readers all the time writing in and asking about communities that are not age restricted. If you are open to learning more about communities like that, Calesa Township in Ocala is a great option to explore. Interestingly, it is being developed by the … Continue Reading » about Calesa Township: A Community for All Ages in Ocala
Start Living Simply at Lakeshore in Oxford, FL
Lakeshore by Simple Life is a cottage home community in Oxford, FL (less than 10 minutes from The Villages) designed for those looking to downsize and simplify their lives. Lifestyle is a key component to Simple Life Communities, and at Lakeshore, the options are endless. This video from the developer is a great overview: At … Continue Reading » about Start Living Simply at Lakeshore in Oxford, FL
The Ariana at On Top of The World
The Ariana is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2-car garage with golf cart space 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 “Model Monday” video series: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: … Continue Reading » about The Ariana at On Top of The World
Valencia del Sol 55+ Community Review
Valencia del Sol is a 55+ community developed by GL Homes, located in the city of Wimauma which is in the Tampa area. The community began selling around 2017 and should wrap up development with a little over 550 homes in 2023. GL Homes is responsible for more than a dozen 55+ communities here in … Continue Reading » about Valencia del Sol 55+ Community Review
Del Webb Sunbridge 55+ Community Review
Del Webb Sunbridge is an Orlando area 55+ community located in St. Cloud, FL that held its grand opening in early 2020, about a week before the world stopped spinning for a while due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Once businesses were able to reopen a few months later, the community benefited from all of the … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Sunbridge 55+ Community Review
The Palmary Model by Del Webb
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, which is now complete, were built using concrete block construction while the homes at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are being built … 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: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 2,297 sq. ft. of living space, the Aurelia is part of the “Premier Series” of homes at On Top of … 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 in Valencia at Riverland
The Sanderling is one of the brand new models on display in the Valencia 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 and … Continue Reading » about The Sanderling in Valencia at Riverland
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
Since it opened in late 2023, I’ve had several readers sign contracts for new homes in solar-powered community Babcock Ranch’s first 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 … Continue Reading » about Regency at Babcock Ranch 55+ Community
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 Model in Valencia at Riverland
The Abaco is one of the models on display at the Valencia 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 inside and take a … Continue Reading » about The Abaco Model in Valencia at Riverland
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 less than optimal job explaining what their … Continue Reading » about Villages of Citrus Hills Location Overview Video
Watch The Villages Documentary “The Bubble” 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 Villages Documentary “The Bubble” 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
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 Oasis at On Top of The World
The Oasis is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. You can find attached villas in the $200k’s a lot of places, but this is one of the few remaining new single-family home models I know of in any of Florida’s 55+ communities that … Continue Reading » about The Oasis 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 at Riverland
The Tribeca is part of the Regal Collection by GL Homes, available in their new 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 … Continue Reading » about The Tribeca Model in Valencia 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