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 HOA fees, and the overall cost of living.
Sun City Center is located about 30 minutes south of Tampa, 30 minutes north of Sarasota, and 30 minutes to the Gulf Beaches. Three airports are less than an hour away, and professional football, baseball, and hockey are also less than an hour away.
According to Realtor.com, the median list price in Sun City Center is $315,000, which is about $100k below the national average.
The fees in Sun City Center are $290 per month, which covers grounds maintenance. There is a Master Association fee of $333 per year, plus $307 per person per year for use of all amenities.
Some neighborhoods within Sun City Center provide more services to residents like taking care of all exterior maintenance, insurance, water, cable TV and internet, funding for reserves, and more, and those neighborhoods charge higher monthly fees to cover those costs, but you certainly get what you pay for.
The Realtor.com article notes that Sun City Center boasts lower homeowners association dues than many other places in the state, which lowers the overall cost of living for its residents.
The article has a great quote from local agent who says:
“A lot of people are moving up from Southern Florida because of the price of the HOAs down there. The senior community here at Sun City Center has better control over HOA fees, which they are able to keep lower.”
Sun City Center has been developed over several decades and new construction is winding down.
Only one neighborhood in Sun City Center is still building and selling new homes, and that is called The Preserve at La Paloma.

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 the beautiful Cypress Creek Golf Club or ponds. This intimate neighborhood is centered around resort-style amenities that include a clubhouse, pool with sundeck and spa, pickleball court, firepit gathering area, and more. Activities and events take place monthly so residents can connect and socialize.
Home prices start in the low/mid $300ks.
Want more information about The Preserve at La Paloma in Sun City Center? Submit your request and someone from the community will follow up with you soon.
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