WaterSound is a master-planned community on Florida’s Gulf Coast that you are going to hear A LOT about in the coming years. That’s because it is the 3rd Latitude Margaritaville location, behind Daytona Beach (1st location) and Hilton Head (2nd location). While you might be hearing about Watersound for the first time because Latitude Margaritaville … Continue Reading » about The Ultimate Guide to WaterSound Florida
The Bellagio Model in Valencia Grove at Riverland
The Bellagio Model is part of the “Crown Collection” available in Valencia Grove at Riverland, a 55+ community in Port St. Lucie on Florida’s east coast. This 2,645 sq. ft. living area home offers impact-resistant windows and doors, tile roof, brick pavers and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops as standard features. Here’s a look … Continue Reading » about The Bellagio Model in Valencia Grove at Riverland
The Dreamsicle at Latitude Margaritaville
The Dreamsicle model is part of the Conch Cottages Collection of floorplans at Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach (completed in 2025) and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound in the Florida Panhandle. The Conch Cottages are the smallest floorplans available at Latitude Margaritaville, but as you’ll see in the video below, there’s still plenty of space for most … Continue Reading » about The Dreamsicle at Latitude Margaritaville
Tampa Retirement Guide
Tampa and the surrounding areas are exploding with new 55-plus communities. And for good reason. First off, what’s not to like about Florida’s West Coast, and Tampa is in the heart of it. It’s got great weather year-round, is easily accessible from most other parts of the country, particularly the Northeast where most retirees are … Continue Reading » about Tampa Retirement Guide
The Denton Model in Lakes at Harmony
The Denton is one of the floorplans on display in the Lakes at Harmony, a 55+ community in St. Cloud which is in Central Florida. With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms inside of 1,423 sq. ft. of living space, The Denton is one of the smallest homes available in the Lakes at Harmony. Let’s go inside … Continue Reading » about The Denton Model in Lakes at Harmony
Living the 55+ Lifestyle at Valencia Bonita
Located in Bonita Springs, between Fort Myers and Naples, Valencia Bonita offers easy access to everything Southwest Florida is famous for. This “lifestyle video” captures the essence of what life at Valencia Bonita is like for residents: With an exciting vacation-inspired lifestyle that rivals the finest resorts, Valencia Bonita by GL Homes features an opulent … Continue Reading » about Living the 55+ Lifestyle at Valencia Bonita
Best Places to Retire in Naples
Naples comes up quite frequently in discussions of the best places to retire in Florida, and for good reason. Like most cities on the west coast of Florida, Naples is a popular vacation spot with people from the midwest, and many of them simply decide that this is where they want to move after they … Continue Reading » about Best Places to Retire in Naples
Valencia Del Sol Clubhouse Video
Valencia Del Sol is a Tampa area 55+ community, which makes it easy to enjoy having fun in the sun along Florida’s Gulf Coast. They recently completed their incredible 25,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, and man, is it something to see. Check it out: The 25,000 square foot Clubhouse offers an array of resort-style amenities including a … Continue Reading » about Valencia Del Sol Clubhouse Video
The Complete Guide to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is the 2nd Jimmy Buffett inspired 55+ community in Florida, and the 3rd one overall when you include Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head. It is located near the famed State Road 30A, a scenic stretch of road in the Florida Panhandle, between Panama City Beach and Destin. If you’ve done any research on … Continue Reading » about The Complete Guide to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Best Places to Retire in Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie sits in the northern part of what most people consider South Florida, but home prices here are not quite as high as those you will find in places like Palm Beach County. Because of this, Port St. Lucie is very attractive to retirees right now, and developers are building several 55+ communities … Continue Reading » about Best Places to Retire in Port St. Lucie
New 55+ Communities in Palm Beach County, FL
It’s rare for readers to ask me about communities in specific counties in Florida, but for whatever reason, Palm Beach County is an exception to that rule. Some of the most popular towns and cities in Palm Beach County include Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton. Palm … Continue Reading » about New 55+ Communities in Palm Beach County, FL
List of All Cresswind Florida 55+ Communities
Headquartered in Palm Beach County, Kolter Homes builds homes and communities in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Cresswind is their brand of communities for those 55 or better. Similar to Pulte Homes’ “Del Webb“, GL Homes’ “Valencia“, D.R. Horton’s “Freedom”, Shea Homes’ “Trilogy”, and Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade brand, Cresswind is geared toward those seeking the best … Continue Reading » about List of All Cresswind Florida 55+ Communities
Best Golf Retirement Communities in Florida
Golf may not hold the allure it once did for some retirees, but golf courses are still a popular amenity in some of the best Florida retirement communities.
Starkey Ranch: Tampa Area Master-Planned Community Review
Starkey Ranch is a Tampa area master-planned community in Odessa, FL. This new residential development has homes for purchase with prices from the $400k’s to over $900,000 and offers lots of amenities like a community pool, clubhouse and walking trails. In 2020, Starkey Ranch sold 535 new homes, landing them at #35 on the list … Continue Reading » about Starkey Ranch: Tampa Area Master-Planned Community Review
Oak Run in Ocala 55+ Community Review
Oak Run is a gated, active adult community in the Ocala area that offers reasonably priced homes for resale and a variety of opportunities to engage with other retirees. While we tend to focus on communities that are still building and selling new homes, we make the occasional exception for notable communities that have sold … Continue Reading » about Oak Run in Ocala 55+ Community Review
Taylor Morrison Esplanade Communities in Florida
Esplanade is Taylor Morrison’s active lifestyle community brand. Similar to Pulte Homes’ “Del Webb“, GL Homes’ “Valencia“, D.R. Horton’s “Freedom”, and Shea Homes’ “Trilogy” brands, Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade brand is geared toward those seeking the best communities for active adult living. This video provides a good overview of the “Esplanade” concept: Some Esplanade communities are … Continue Reading » about Taylor Morrison Esplanade Communities in Florida
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch Clubhouse Nears Completion
Lakewood Ranch is the #2 best-selling community in the country behind The Villages. Unlike The Villages it is not all 55+ but there are some 55+ neighborhoods within it, one being Cresswind Lakewood Ranch. Homes start in the $400k’s to $600k’s at Cresswind Lakwood Ranch. Their clubhouse is slated to open this summer (2021) and … Continue Reading » about Cresswind Lakewood Ranch Clubhouse Nears Completion
Inside Latitude Margaritaville Daytona’s Private Beach Club
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach opened the doors to their Private Beach Club, which is actually located in Ormond Beach, in early 2021. In this article, we’ll explain what the rules for access are like, and how residents and their guests can take advantage of this fantastic (and rare) retirement community amenity. Looks pretty great in … Continue Reading » about Inside Latitude Margaritaville Daytona’s Private Beach Club
The Villages of Citrus Hills Video Tour
In 2021 I visited the Villages of Citrus Hills over in West Central Florida. Florida Retirement Insider members can watch the full 50-minute video in our member’s center, but if you aren’t a member yet, here’s an 8-minute preview that you can still learn a lot from: Here are a few key takeaways from my … Continue Reading » about The Villages of Citrus Hills Video Tour
12 Models on Display at Valencia Trails in Naples
There are 12 new models available to tour when you visit Valencia Trails 55+ community in Naples. Here’s a sneak peek at just one of those models, The Estero: Valencia Trails residents get to enjoy the famous 55+ Valencia lifestyle with exceptional resort-style amenities, events and activities included. A spectacular Clubhouse spanning more than 43,000 sq. ft. … Continue Reading » about 12 Models on Display at Valencia Trails in Naples
On Top of the World Video Tour
I recently made the trip up to On Top of the World in Ocala. If the Central Florida area is at all on your radar, put this one on your list to go and visit.
The Brighton at On Top of The World
The Brighton is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. It also has a flex room, great room, a covered lanai, and more. Let’s take a look via this video from On Top of the World’s “#MoveInReadyMonday” series on Facebook : Here’s a look … Continue Reading » about The Brighton at On Top of The World
The Vienna at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
One of the new floorplans available at the 55+ community Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach is called the Vienna. 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 how … Continue Reading » about The Vienna at Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach
The Wilford Model in Lakes at Harmony
The Wilford is one of the floorplans on display at the 55+ Lakes at Harmony community in St. Cloud which is in Central Florida. With 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms inside of 2,344 sq. ft. of living space, The Wilford is one of the biggest homes available in the Lakes at Harmony. Let’s go inside and … Continue Reading » about The Wilford Model in Lakes at Harmony
Del Webb eTown in Jacksonville
Del Webb eTown is a new, smart-living, 55+ gated community in Jacksonville centrally located near the St. Johns Town Center. Del Webb eTown offers a 5-acre amenity center including a private community Clubhouse. Take a look: The 13,000 sf state-of-the-art clubhouse is the health and social hub of this active adult community. Meet with friends at the … Continue Reading » about Del Webb eTown in Jacksonville
The Smyrna at Twin Lakes
The Smyrna is a popular 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 full-time … Continue Reading » about The Smyrna at Twin Lakes
The Lucia in Valencia Parc at Riverland
The Lucia 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 Lucia in Valencia Parc at Riverland
The Bimini Grande at Valencia Del Mar in Boynton Beach
One of the models on display at 55+ community Valencia Del Mar in Boynton Beach is called the Bimini Grande. It has 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Den/Optional 4th 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 how the floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Bimini Grande at Valencia Del Mar in Boynton Beach
The Tribeca at Valencia Bonita
The Tribeca is part of the Regal collection of homes available at the 55+ community of Valencia Bonita in Bonita Springs, about halfway between Naples and Fort Myers. While it’s certainly not the biggest home available at Valencia Bonita, this more than 2,200 sq. ft. of living space home exudes luxury at every turn. Here’s … Continue Reading » about The Tribeca at Valencia Bonita
Important Things to Know About Florida HOA Fees
When comparing Florida retirement communities, one thing everyone is anxious to get a handle on is what their HOA fees will be. That’s understandable because even though these fees won’t be as high as things like your mortgage (assuming you don’t pay cash, some people do of course) or your property taxes, they can amount … Continue Reading » about Important Things to Know About Florida HOA Fees
Del Webb Stone Creek Ocala 55+ Community Review
Del Webb Stone Creek is a gated, 55+ active adult community located in the horse capital of the world, Ocala, FL. For buyers seeking a Del Webb community with golf but wanting to stay under $300k, Stone Creek is worth a look. The Ocala location provides good access to both coasts while avoiding their higher … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Stone Creek Ocala 55+ Community Review
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach Visit and Tour
Here is a video of my trip over to Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach. I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about, and how this community became one of the best-selling communities in the state. A quick note about the timing, this video was shot in November of 2020 so you’ll see … Continue Reading » about Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach Visit and Tour
The Canopy Club at Del Webb Nocatee
Located in Ponte Vedra (between Jacksonville and St. Augustine), Nocatee is one of Florida’s best-selling all ages communities. But, it also has a 55+ component called Del Webb Nocatee. In the Fall of 2021, the 22,000 sq. ft. Amenity Center called the Canopy Club opened, and it looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Take a look: This 22,000 sf … Continue Reading » about The Canopy Club at Del Webb Nocatee
The Hudson at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Hudson model is available to build at the Villages of Citrus Hills, located along Florida’s gorgeous Nature Coast. It has 3 bedrooms plus a Study, 4 bathrooms, and a total of 3,239 sq. ft. of living space. Citrus Hills builds homes from about 1,700 sq. ft. of living space to homes that are more … Continue Reading » about The Hudson at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Ruby at Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach
One of the models at 55+ community Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach is called the Ruby. It has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 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 how the floorplan comes together: With 1,674 … Continue Reading » about The Ruby at Valencia Sound in Boynton Beach
Del Webb Sunbridge Clubhouse Video
Several of your fellow Florida for Boomers readers have bought homes at Del Webb Sunbridge, a 55+ community located in St. Cloud. That’s in Central Florida, just minutes from Lake Nona and Orlando. After seeing the clubhouse at Del Webb Sunbridge in person, it’s easy to see why my readers were so excited! See for … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Sunbridge Clubhouse Video
List of All GL Homes Valencia 55+ Communities
GL Homes is one of the most successful homebuilders in all of Florida. While they build a variety of communities, the focus of this list is their Valencia branded communities for those 55 or better. One of the hardest things about retiring and moving to Florida is trying to pick the right place for you, … Continue Reading » about List of All GL Homes Valencia 55+ Communities
The Sandpiper at Valencia Trails in Naples
One of the new models on display at 55+ community Valencia Trails in Naples is called the Sandpiper. It has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Den/Optional 3rd Bedroom, Screened and Covered Patio, and a 2-Car Garage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 1,674 sq. ft. … Continue Reading » about The Sandpiper at Valencia Trails in Naples
The Nevis at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
The Nevis model is an attached villa, part of the Caribbean Collection of floorplans at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. If you want low upkeep or plan to travel a lot once you move to Florida, you should definitely consider an attached villa like this. The Nevis is one of handful of attached villa plans offered at … Continue Reading » about The Nevis at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Best Florida Non-Age Restricted Communities
While a lot of the communities we talk about on this site are age-restricted 55+ communities, we also talk about a lot of communities that are not age-restricted. Some people call these “all-ages communities” or “multigenerational communities” but no matter what you call them, the idea is the same; residents of all age groups living … Continue Reading » about Best Florida Non-Age Restricted Communities
The Catalina at Valencia Del Sol
Located in the gated, Tampa area 55+ community of Valencia Del Sol, The Catalina is a 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home with the addition of an awesome Den/Office space. Other features include a Great Room, a Screened and Covered Patio, and a 2-Car Garage. It has 1,696 sq. ft.of living area, and just over 2337 … Continue Reading » about The Catalina at Valencia Del Sol
Floridian Club of Sarasota Virtual Community Tour
The Floridian Club of Sarasota is the destination for Sarasota luxury Villa living, located just 6 miles to pristine gulf coast beaches. This modern, single-level Villa home community is for lease only and features nine unique floor plans between $1690-$1920 per month, with spacious, open layouts, modern finishes, and several standard design packages to choose … Continue Reading » about Floridian Club of Sarasota Virtual Community Tour
The Tiffany at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Tiffany is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at the Villages of Citrus Hills, located along Florida’s gorgeous Nature Coast. Citrus Hills builds homes from about 1,700 sq. ft. of living space to homes that are more than 3,000 sq. ft. of living space. With 2,495 sq. ft. of living space, … Continue Reading » about The Tiffany at the Villages of Citrus Hills
The Juliana at On Top of The World
The Juliana is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floorplan available to build at On Top of the World in Ocala, FL. It also has a flex room, great room, a covered lanai, and more. Let’s go inside and take a look: Here’s a look at how the floorplan comes together: With 1,746 sq. ft. of … Continue Reading » about The Juliana at On Top of The World
Here’s What It’s Like to Build a Home in Latitude Margaritaville
A little while back I shared a video about how houses are built here in Florida and how it is likely a little different from how houses are built wherever you live currently. You should also know that how different builders and communities handle the new home construction process will vary throughout Florida. In this … Continue Reading » about Here’s What It’s Like to Build a Home in Latitude Margaritaville
The Nautilus at Valencia Trails in Naples
One of the models on display at 55+ community Valencia Trails in Naples is called the Nautilus. It has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath, Den/Optional 4th Bedroom, Screened and Covered Patio, and a 2-Car Garage PLUS Golf Cart Garage/Storage. Let’s go inside and take a look! Here’s a look at how the floorplan … Continue Reading » about The Nautilus at Valencia Trails in Naples
The Heron in Valencia at Riverland
The Heron is part of the Premier Collection by GL Homes, available to tour at their model center in Valencia at Riverland, a 55+ community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This 1,716 sq. ft. living area home has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and a Den/Optional 3rd Bedroom. Let’s go inside and take a look! And … Continue Reading » about The Heron in Valencia at Riverland
Twin Lakes vs. The Lakes at Harmony
In today’s article, we are taking a closer look at Twin Lakes and The Lakes at Harmony, two Orlando area 55+ communities. How are they similar? How are they different? Which one is better? Let’s jump right into comparing these two great communities on the basis of their respective locations, the features of the communities … Continue Reading » about Twin Lakes vs. The Lakes at Harmony
Riverland Sports and Racquet Club
Decades before spending my mornings sending you these articles about Florida retirement, and before I was even old enough to drive, I would wake up at 5 am most weekend mornings and ride my bike to my neighborhood tennis club to report for duty at my first job. I was responsible for sweeping the clay … Continue Reading » about Riverland Sports and Racquet Club
How Houses are Built in Florida
How houses are built varies from state to state. The construction process used to build the homes where you live now is probably going to be slightly different than it is here in Florida. In this video, the construction team from On Top of the World Communities in Ocala gives us a behind the scenes … Continue Reading » about How Houses are Built in Florida