On this page you'll find what we feel are the best Florida retirement communities to consider in 2023.
Of course, you'll find well-known communities like The Villages and Latitude Margaritaville, but you'll also discover a bunch of other Florida retirement communities people are choosing that just haven't made national headlines…yet.
To make your life even easier, you can request brochures, videos and more information about all of the following communities without even leaving our site.
If you prefer to sift and sort through all the communities we've looked at yourself, you might also enjoy our list of all 55+ communities in Florida.
Villages of Citrus Hills
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 villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities. Villages of Citrus Hills offers a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from.
On Top of the World
At On Top of the World Communities, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. Located in beautiful Ocala Florida, On Top of the World residents can enjoy any schedule that suits their tastes – from activity packed to unhurried.
Leisure amenities include 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a private R/C flying field, bocce, racquetball and basketball courts, fitness center, health club and spa, restaurants, cultural venues, and much more.
Residents can also participate in over 175 clubs, leagues, hobbies, and lifelong learning opportunities.
New homes are of quality construction, often exceeding ENERGY STAR criteria while offering comfort, convenience, and a wide variety of design elements.
There are 23 floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting from the $200k's.
Valencia Trails
Valencia Trails in Naples, FL offers the best resort lifestyle with a magnificent 42,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse where every day new events, clubs, and entertainment abound. Relax by the pool, grab a bite at the restaurant, catch a show in the social hall, or take a relaxing stroll or jog along the community’s iconic trails. The options are endless!
Designed for 55+ living, the gorgeous contemporary style single-family homes at Valencia Trails offer the ultimate in style, convenience, and luxury with spacious living areas, impressive gourmet kitchens, and screened and covered patios to make the most of Florida’s beautiful weather year-round. Come home to luxurious standard features including tile roof, brick pavers, stainless steel and gas appliances, designer tile flooring throughout main areas, rich stone exterior finishes and so much more. Homes from the $700k's – $1.3 million.
Valencia Walk at Riverland
Valencia Walk at Riverland is one of the newest 55+ communities on Florida’s East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Walk brings together GL Homes’ famous 55+ resort-style living with an amazing master site plan to create a Florida lifestyle that’s second-to-none! At this new community, you’ll find a million ways to have fun. Walk to nearby shops and restaurants, spend the day at the beach or simply enjoy all the amenities right within your own neighborhood. Homes from the $400k's – $900k's.
Valencia Grand
Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach offers truly premium 55+ living unlike anywhere else, with a prime South Florida location, sophisticated country-club lifestyle, and all-new unmatched amenities. Valencia Grand takes sophisticated living to the next level with one-story home designs made for 55+ living with stand-out features including expansive high ceilings, transom windows that let in even more Florida sunshine, impressive gourmet kitchens, spa-like baths, spacious outdoor living areas and more. Homes from the $900k's – $1.5 million.
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club
Located just south of Venice in Sarasota County, Boca Royale Golf & Country Club offers a rare lifestyle that feels more like a vacation than the everyday. Residents of the gated 1,000-acre community enjoy a full line of fun and fitness amenities, including an 18-hole par 72 golf course. A beautiful amenity center and clubhouse round out the community. The community offers both single-family homes and attached villas starting in the $400k's.
Grand Palm
Grand Palm is truly a one-of-a-kind community! This beautiful, amenity-rich, nature-focused community in Venice, Florida 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 coordinator, state-of-the-art fitness facility, and large, resort-style pool with water slide. Single-family homes and villas start in the $400k's.
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 a 15-minute drive or less. A friendly, gated neighborhood community for residents age 55 and up, Kings Gate homeowners enjoy access to a recreation center, Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, on-site activities director, and a variety of resident clubs and social events. Membership to the 18-hole golf course and facilities are additionally available. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Verandah
Verandah is a beautiful, private, guard-gated golf course community in Fort Myers. Enjoy life among mature oak trees, meandering bike paths and walking trails, and breathtaking views of the Orange River. Verandah offers residents full-service dining options, social events and activities, fitness and recreation options, and 2 spectacular 18-hole championship golf courses: Old Orange, designed by Bob Cupp and Whispering Oak, designed by Jack Nicklaus. Prices start in the $400k’s.
Calesa Township
Calesa Township is the first community of its kind in Ocala, Florida. The master-planned community offers a mix of home styles perfect for families of all ages, including one and two-story single-family detached homes and, in future development, multi-family attached homes.
With top-notch amenities you enjoy at premier resorts, living at Calesa Township feels like being on vacation. From community pools, picnic & BBQ areas to playgrounds, basketball courts, and soccer fields, you’ll appreciate the myriad of recreational activities that are afforded to you. The extensive trail system at Calesa Township leads to Ina A. Colen Academy, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST), and a wide array of amenities.
Offering 15 Single-Family Home floor plans starting from the $300s.
Lakeshore by Simple Life
Lakeshore is a cottage home community designed for those looking to downsize and simplify their lives. We offer quality constructed site-built homes, with thoughtfully chosen fixtures and finishes. In addition, select homes are available with a garage or guest cottage upgrade. Our homes are smaller, ranging from 725 to 1085 sq ft. With less to maintain, residents can step outside each day and take advantage of the many amenities within the community, including the clubhouse, pickleball courts, resort-style pool, walking trails, dog park and more, all maintained by our on-site team.
At Lakeshore, residents own their home and lease their land, for as little as $300 a month- a concept designed to help them to save money without sacrificing on the rights of traditional homeownership. Homeowners have a lower mortgage payment, saving money for travel, investment or retirement. Living on leased land alleviates the burden of lawn care and maintenance and frees residents from traditional monthly costs like HOA and CDD fees. It also allows for bundled utilities at a lower rate, providing residents with one predictable monthly cost, rather than never ending bill payments.
The unique offering at Lakeshore gives residents the opportunity to live a simpler life, letting go of time-consuming burdens and getting more out of each day in a community where they feel right at home.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach
Latitude Margaritaville is a 55+ community in Daytona Beach, inspired by the lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett.
Amenities include a fully outfitted gym / Spin Room, aerobics room with virtual personal trainer, indoor whirlpool spa and lap pool, Latitude Town Square where you’ll find the Bandshell with live music, The Last Mango Theater includes a banquet hall with stage for performances and dancing, Barkaritaville Pet Spa, Coconut Telegraph Business Center, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, Changes in Attitude Bar, Paradise Pool with beach entry, cabanas, and tiki huts, plus, an amenity that you don’t see every day…your very own private beach club!
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
Located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola & Panama City, 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.
The list of amenities coming to Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is very similar to what we’ve seen in other Latitude Margaritaville communities. Home prices start in the $300k’s.
The Villages
Located about an hour north of Orlando, The Villages is the most popular retirement community in the country, regularly selling more than 2,000 new homes per year.
Now home to more than 130,000 residents, people are attracted to The Villages because of its many golf courses, activities, amenities, and the convenience of having almost everything be golf cart accessible.
Home prices start in the $200k's.
Venetian Bay
Perfectly situated in Central Florida’s favorite beach town, New Smyrna Beach, Venetian Bay (A Geosam Capital development) offers World Class Resort-Style amenities to its residents. Play a round of golf on the 18-Hole Championship golf course, spend a day with your family at the Beach and Swim Club, enjoy a relaxing day at the World Class Spa, stay active by joining the on-site fitness center or walking and biking on the miles of beautiful trails.
Residents also enjoy dining at the onsite restaurants. Residents sense a feeling of belonging. Variety is well defined at Venetian Bay with wide spread appeal. You’ll discover luxury estates in gated private communities; semi-custom homes; mid-sized single family homes and duplexes; maintenance free luxury townhomes and apartment homes. With prices ranging from the $300k's to over $1 million, there really is something for everyone at Venetian Bay.
Lakewood Ranch
Just minutes from the beaches of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is the #1 best-selling multigenerational master-planned community in the country.
With everything from low-maintenance condominiums to single-family houses starting in the $400k's, Lakewood Ranch offers a neighborhood option for just about every type of family and budget. There are also a few 55+ community options available, including Del Webb Lakewood Ranch and Cresswind Lakewood Ranch.
Babcock Ranch
Located in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch has been designed to help residents live their happiest, healthiest life. Situated on 18,000 acres, adjacent to an extensive wilderness preserve, Babcock Ranch features hiking and biking paths, greenways, and lakes perfect for outdoor adventures.
America’s first solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch houses an 870-acre solar farm operated by Florida Power & Light, and the entire town is outfitted with fiber optic internet for a fully connected lifestyle.
Babcock Ranch features a variety of neighborhoods and home builders, and prices range from the $300's to over $2M.
Tradition
Tradition is a master-planned community in Port St. Lucie. The Town Center creates a natural community hub for residents to meet and socialize, where events like a weekly farmers market invite one and all to gather. The extensive Tradition Trail winds through the community connected to over 300 acres of parks, inviting residents to explore the outdoors, meet up with friends, or enjoy a casual stroll and visit the Town Center.
Tradition is comprised of several different neighborhoods. While some neighborhoods are open to residents of all ages, Tradition also includes several 55+ neighborhoods from developers like Del Webb, Mattamy Homes, and Minto. Prices here generally start in the $300k's.
PGA Village Verano
PGA Village Verano is a gated, golf resort community in Port St. Lucie FL. While not exclusively 55+, there is a 55+ neighborhood within PGA Village Verano called Cresswind at PGA Village Verano that features a 27,000 sq ft Social Center with a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 27 court Pickleball center, the largest private complex in South Florida. A full-time Lifestyle Director and Activities Coordinator maintain a year-round calendar of social and fitness activities. Most homes start in the $300k's.
Rose Haven
Rose Haven is a gated community in New Port Richey offering single-family homes in a park-like setting. The community offers a beautiful lakeside boardwalk, community pool and cabana, easy access to Starkey Wilderness Park, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Local semi-custom builder Vitale Homes offer floorplans that range in size from 1,655 to 2,732 sq.ft. of living area and start in the $400k's.
Wellen Park
For retirees seeking an active lifestyle on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Wellen Park in the Venice area is a next-generation community made up of friendly neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown. Wellen Park is currently the third best-selling community in Florida, trailing only The Villages and Lakewood Ranch.
There aren't any 55+ neighborhoods in Wellen Park yet, but the wide range of community amenities, and proximity to great Venice area beaches, great restaurants, and Braves Spring Training baseball more than make up for that fact. Home prices generally start in the $400k's.
Valencia del Sol
Valencia Del Sol’s convenient Tampa area location makes it easy to enjoy having fun in the sun along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Offering a robust and extraordinary 55+ lifestyle, Valencia del Sol caters to residents looking to socialize and stay physically active. Active adults will enjoy the 25,000 square-foot Clubhouse offering an array of resort-style amenities including a fitness center, grand social hall, a relaxing pool and spa, tennis and pickleball courts as well as a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. A full-time, on-site lifestyle director will be dedicated to organizing a wide variety of fun events, clubs and opportunities for making new friends all year-round.
This amazing community features a stunning selection of twin villas and single-family homes that provide the ultimate in 55+ living at an incredible value. Prices start in the $400k's.
Kings Point at Sun City Center
Kings Point, with over 5,200 homes is a snowbird's paradise. Kings Point is centrally located 30 minutes south of Tampa, 30 minutes north of Sarasota, and 30 minutes to the Gulf Beaches. This gated community offers over 200 clubs to keep anyone and everyone entertained. The two large clubhouses contain 3 indoor pools and 2 outdoor resort-style pools. There are also other heated pools sprinkled throughout the community. The community also features fitness rooms, pickleball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball, archery range, horseshoes, and billiard leagues. Kings Point offers its residents free scheduled transportation throughout Sun City Center.
All of the homes are paired villas and the price point can be from mid $100k's to high $400k's.
Solivita
Solivita is an award-winning retirement community in Central Florida’s attraction zone. No matter where you live within this lush gated 55-plus community in Kissimmee, you can easily walk, bike or drive your golf cart to indoor and outdoor dining venues, state-of-the-art spa and fitness complexes, pickleball or tennis courts, and other facilities for sports and games.
With two stunning championship golf courses, intimate neighborhood centers, softball field, miles of green space for walking and biking, and too many classes and clubs to count, you will have many ways to enjoy the Solivita life.
Home prices start in the $200k's.
Del Webb Active Adult Communities
Del Webb is a division of Pulte Homes that focuses on building and developing 55+ active adult communities. Del Webb is one of the original pioneers of the 55-plus community concept, having started their first development, Sun City, more than 50 years ago.
Del Webb currently has several new home communities under development in Florida, with several more on the way.
Cresswind 55+ Communities
Headquartered in Palm Beach County, Kolter Homes builds homes and communities in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, and 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 communities for active adult living.
Taylor Morrison Esplanade Communities
Esplanade is Taylor Morrison’s active lifestyle community brand, geared toward those seeking the best communities for active adult living. They offer multiple communities spread all around the state featuring a variety of amenities and price points.
Do you represent a Florida retirement community you think our readers should know about? Let us put you on the map.