After a decade of gentle persuasion from her husband, Rhonda Evans finally agreed to leave San Francisco for the Sunshine State. Now, she only wishes she’d made the move sooner. “My husband’s been begging me to move to Florida for 10 years and I finally acquiesced,” Rhonda shares with a smile. “I wish I decided … Continue Reading » about Moving from California to Florida for Retirement
Florida Retirement
Venice to Naples: Part 2 of The Great Florida Retirement Trail
Maybe you’ve read our Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail article, but you had to know we couldn’t stop there. While the Sarasota area covered in that article is the most requested area by our readers, Southwest Florida which we are defining here as the roughly 100-mile stretch from Venice to Naples is … Continue Reading » about Venice to Naples: Part 2 of The Great Florida Retirement Trail
Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail
“Parrish to Venice” sounds like it could be a classic European novel, or maybe even a Rick Steve’s guidebook, but as it relates to Florida retirement, our Parrish has two “R’s” and an “H” on the end. Nevertheless, with Sarasota right in the middle, the 40-mile stretch of road from Parrish to Venice could be … Continue Reading » about Parrish to Venice: The Great Florida Retirement Trail
The Villages Is Top Selling Community Halfway Through 2024
The Villages has sold an “estimated” 1,515 new homes at the halfway point of 2024 according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The figure is only an estimate because The Villages does not release official mid-year sales numbers. Last year The Villages sold a total of 3,029 new homes. 13 Florida communities made the mid-year … Continue Reading » about The Villages Is Top Selling Community Halfway Through 2024
Lakes at Harmony 55+ Community Video
The Lakes at Harmony is the newest 55+ community from Jones Homes USA in St. Cloud, FL. Experience active adult living at its best, with an exclusive clubhouse and pool for Lakes at Harmony residents, as well as Harmony’s signature golf course and clubhouse, Town Center, community events, walking trails, and more. Harmony is more … Continue Reading » about Lakes at Harmony 55+ Community Video
New 2023 and Coming Soon 2024 Florida 55+ Communities
There are a handful of new Florida 55+ communities that opened in 2023, and a few more that we are looking forward to opening in 2024. Here are the ones we’re most excited to check out. Opened in 2023 Regency at Babcock Ranch is the first 55+ neighborhood to open in this solar-powered Southwest Florida … Continue Reading » about New 2023 and Coming Soon 2024 Florida 55+ Communities
New Florida 55+ Communities with Attached Villas
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times. I simply LOVE the concept of attached villas for Florida retirement living. Why? The only problem is not every Florida 55+ community has attached villas 🙁 So I’ve done the legwork for you and compiled this list of several new Florida 55+ communities that do … Continue Reading » about New Florida 55+ Communities with Attached Villas
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
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
Punta Gorda Retirement Guide
Punta Gorda is a small city in southwest Florida. It is best known for its ideal Florida climate, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels relaxed even for Florida. If you are looking for a retirement destination that combines all of the best aspects of Florida living in a small-town environment, this is the place. Getting … Continue Reading » about Punta Gorda Retirement Guide
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
Pennsylvania vs. Florida for Retirement
A recent report listed 5 Pennsylvania cities among the Top 10 best places to retire. Our writer, a native Pennsylvanian, say’s not so fast.
The Villages Leads Nation in New Home Sales Mid-Year 2022
The Villages has sold an “estimated” 1,500 new homes at the halfway point of 2022 according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO. The figure is only an estimate because The Villages does not release official mid-year sales numbers. If that figure is accurate though, it would mean The Villages is on pace for a 25% … Continue Reading » about The Villages Leads Nation in New Home Sales Mid-Year 2022
The 5 Best-Selling Florida Communities So Far in 2021
As you might know, the Florida real estate market has been going gangbusters so far this year. There are a couple of real estate consulting companies that track sales and compile annual lists of the top selling communities, and one of them, RCLCO, also does a “Mid-Year” list. Below are 5 of the 13 Florida … Continue Reading » about The 5 Best-Selling Florida Communities So Far in 2021
Best 55+ Communities in Tampa for 2025
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 Best 55+ Communities in Tampa for 2025
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.
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
Best 55+ Communities in Ocala for 2025
There are a number of 55+ communities in Ocala, FL and on this page we offer information about some of the best ones selling new homes in Ocala today. If you are seriously considering making the Ocala area your home in retirement, be sure to check out our Ocala Retirement Guide. And, if you are … Continue Reading » about Best 55+ Communities in Ocala for 2025
Del Webb Communities in Florida – Updated for 2024
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, … Continue Reading » about Del Webb Communities in Florida – Updated for 2024
Enjoy a Special “Homecoming Weekend” at On Top of the World
Remember back to your high school or college days the excitement of Homecoming Weekend? Well at On Top of the World in Ocala, there are now two special Homecoming Weekends available for prospective buyers. Whether you are just exploring your options here in Florida or you are already sold on On Top of the World, … Continue Reading » about Enjoy a Special “Homecoming Weekend” at On Top of the World
Why Tampa is Arguably the Greatest Town for Retiring Sports Fans
In addition to being a fabulous place to retire for reasons like great weather, no state income tax, and a reasonable cost of living, the Tampa area also boasts a passionate sports community that makes it a perfect destination for retiring sports fans. In fact, we think it might be the best option out there … Continue Reading » about Why Tampa is Arguably the Greatest Town for Retiring Sports Fans
Florida 55+ Retirement Community Rentals
Don’t want to buy a home? Just want to enjoy Florida, without the obligations, time, and hard work involved in owning a home? Then this page is for you! Why Rent? I’ve covered how to find a winter rental here before, but finding a long-term rental in Florida has some slight differences that I think … Continue Reading » about Florida 55+ Retirement Community Rentals
Cape Coral, Clermont, Largo and The Villages Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Four Florida cities made this year’s Forbes List of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire List, up from just two cities last year. Cape Coral made a return appearance on the list and is joined by Clermont, Largo, and The Villages. The list is comprised of 25 places across the country, but their order … Continue Reading » about Cape Coral, Clermont, Largo and The Villages Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Overview of Florida’s 8 Diverse Regions
Each region of Florida has its own unique charms. Before deciding on a retirement community, you should really spend some time thinking about which part of Florida you might like best. I like to think of the decision process as: Location —> Community —> Home Here are links to a few of the popular Florida … Continue Reading » about Overview of Florida’s 8 Diverse Regions
Three Unique Experiences Courtesy of Florida’s Nature Coast
For nature loving Boomers, Florida’s Nature Coast region is just a natural fit for retirement. The places to explore and things to do are nearly endless, but some experiences are more unique than others. Below we’ve shared information on three of these experiences. Scalloping Florida’s scalloping season for the Nature Coast counties of Levy, Citrus, … Continue Reading » about Three Unique Experiences Courtesy of Florida’s Nature Coast
Cape Coral and Port Charlotte Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Each year, Forbes comes out with a list of Best Places to retire in the U.S. This year, two Florida cities made the Forbes list, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte. Cape Coral Cape Coral, on the Gulf of Mexico, was founded in 1957 as a master-planned community and currently has a population around 160,000 people. … Continue Reading » about Cape Coral and Port Charlotte Make Forbes Best Places to Retire List
Kings Point Explores The Dark Side of Retirement Life
The HBO Documentary Kings Point follows the lives of several residents of a 55+ retirement community in Delray Beach, FL called Kings Point. The main topics explored are love, loss, and self-preservation. Here’s the trailer: Though most people I’ve discussed the movie with called it “depressing”, and fair warning…it can be if you view it … Continue Reading » about Kings Point Explores The Dark Side of Retirement Life
Where Will the Next Florida Mega-Retirement Community Be Built?
Florida’s most popular retirement community, The Villages, is nearing completion and the developers have said they aren’t planning to build another community like it anywhere else. But that’s not going to stop someone else from trying. The St. Joe Company is one of Florida’s largest landowners, and they are planning a community in Florida’s Panhandle … Continue Reading » about Where Will the Next Florida Mega-Retirement Community Be Built?
Why Tony Robbins Moved to Florida
I’m a huge fan of peak-performance coach Tony Robbins’ work and though I haven’t made it to one of his live events yet, I’m hoping that changes soon now that he is based in Florida and seems to be holding events here more regularly. In his new book, Money: Master the Game, Robbins reveals why … Continue Reading » about Why Tony Robbins Moved to Florida
The Villages vs. Sun City Center
Today let’s take a head-to-head look at two of the biggest 55+ communities in Florida, The Villages and Sun City Center. History While The Villages is bigger, more popular, and more famous, Sun City Center has actually been around longer than The Villages. Del Webb began Sun City Center in the early 1960’s, about a … Continue Reading » about The Villages vs. Sun City Center
Amenities Galore at On Top of the World
One of my favorite things about the On Top of the World 55+ community in Ocala, FL is the sheer number of amenities available to residents. How could you ever get bored here? Let’s take a closer look at some of my favorites… Master the Possibilities is On Top of the World’s lifelong learning program … Continue Reading » about Amenities Galore at On Top of the World
The Panhandle: Florida’s Final Frontier
When considering moving to Florida, many retirees immediately gravitate to some of the popular communities in the central, southwest, and southeast parts of the state. While these areas are filled with many wonderful communities, there is another area of Florida that tends to get overlooked by potential new residents. The Panhandle is the northwest region … Continue Reading » about The Panhandle: Florida’s Final Frontier
3 Reasons Why Boomers Are Fueling the Florida Housing Market
Baby Boomers around the country are feeling more confident in the economy, and that confidence is showing up in the Florida housing market. The Villages is regularly highlighted at the fastest growing metro area in the entire United States by the US Census Bureau. In addition to The Villages, many other communities designed for boomers … Continue Reading » about 3 Reasons Why Boomers Are Fueling the Florida Housing Market
How to Calculate Your Florida CDD Assessment
You thought retiring to Florida would be all about fun and relaxation. Nobody told you there’d be this much math involved did they? I’ll try to make it as easy as possible for you though 🙂 Community Development Districts (CDD’s) are local, special purpose government frameworks for managing and financing infrastructure required to support the … Continue Reading » about How to Calculate Your Florida CDD Assessment
9 Best Selling Florida Communities of 2013
Last year 9 Florida communities sold enough homes to make the annual Top 50 Master-Planned Communities list compiled by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. (Interestingly that’s the exact same number of Florida communities to make the list last year.) It should come as no surprise to see that The Villages again claimed the top spot … Continue Reading » about 9 Best Selling Florida Communities of 2013
Florida CDD Fees: What You Need To Know
A community development district (or CDD for short) is a special purpose government framework permitted by Florida Statutes and used by local governments and developers to shift the burden of developing infrastructure, maintaining roads and landscaping, building clubhouses, and other improvements to the homeowners in that district or area. In this article, we’re going to … Continue Reading » about Florida CDD Fees: What You Need To Know
Retirement Living in the Florida Keys
There are some places that are nice to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there. The Florida Keys is perfect whether visiting for a weekend or deciding to make it a permanent home. An idyllic tropical setting at the tip of the United States combined with a myriad of recreation, entertainment, and cultural opportunities … Continue Reading » about Retirement Living in the Florida Keys
Amelia Island for Retirement
Amelia Island, situated just off the East Coast of Florida and about 45 minutes away from Jacksonville, has been a popular vacation and 2nd home destination for years. Baby boomers are also now considering it as a potential retirement community destination. Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags”, Amelia Island has a rich history. It … Continue Reading » about Amelia Island for Retirement
Are You Ready for Some Florida Seafood?
While our site focuses primarily on Florida retirement communities, everybody still has to eat, right? With the second largest coastline in the U.S., it’s no wonder many folks associate Florida with seafood. Floridians, on average, consume more than twice the amount of seafood than other people in the U.S. Also, more than 80 different varieties … Continue Reading » about Are You Ready for Some Florida Seafood?
Florida Mosquitos: What you need to know
If you’ve been in Florida looking around at the various retirement communities for more than 15 minutes, you have encountered the mosquito. Dubbed “little fly” by early Spanish explorers, this flying pest can be found throughout the state. In fact, Florida has more species of mosquitoes than any other state. Currently, researchers at the University … Continue Reading » about Florida Mosquitos: What you need to know
Most Bike Friendly Florida Cities
We wrote a few days ago how some active adults communities are targeting motorcycle enthusiasts. But Florida is also very conducive to another activity on two wheels, bicycling. Bicycling Magazine recently came out with their list of America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities and two Florida cities made the list. Gainesville which is a college town … Continue Reading » about Most Bike Friendly Florida Cities
55+ Community Marketing Not Just About Golf Anymore
When you think about most retirement communities in Florida and the amenities and activities they offer, you usually think about golf. It’s no secret that Florida golf retirement communities prevail, at least in terms of popularity. But these days, as baby boomers are so diverse in the types of activities they enjoy, over 55 communities … Continue Reading » about 55+ Community Marketing Not Just About Golf Anymore
Zero Lot Line Homes
You may notice that in some communities here in Florida, the houses are extremely close together, sometimes a few feet or less apart. What you are probably looking at is a zero lot line community. Zero lot line means that the house is placed either on or very close to one side of the lot, … Continue Reading » about Zero Lot Line Homes
Florida Home Builder Contract Clauses
As opposed to using the standard Florida real estate contract like in the resale side of real estate, most Florida home builders use their own contracts, and they usually err on the side of protecting the builder rather than the buyer. By making you aware of the contract clauses you might see in builder contracts, … Continue Reading » about Florida Home Builder Contract Clauses
3 Reasons Why Florida Will Ultimately Remain The King Of Retirement
Everywhere you turn newspapers, magazines, and other websites are relishing in the fact that Florida is no longer growing as fast as it once was. In fact, most data indicates that Florida’s population actually shrank last year. While this may be true right now, its most likely a temporary blip in Florida’s long history as … Continue Reading » about 3 Reasons Why Florida Will Ultimately Remain The King Of Retirement
Florida Flood Zones Explained
Editor’s Note: Every time a hurricane threatens Florida, this webpage sees an uptick in traffic, however this page is about FEMA Flood Zones, NOT Hurricane Evacuation Zones. Information about Florida Hurricane Evacuation Zones can be found at the Florida Division of Emergency website. There are two facts that most people do not know. First, flooding … Continue Reading » about Florida Flood Zones Explained
Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando
Today we’re comparing two very different communities situated less that 45 minutes from each other, The Villages and Trilogy® Orlando. You all know The Villages as the most popular retirement community in the country right now. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than any of the other communities we compare it to, including Trilogy®. … Continue Reading » about Community Toss-Up: The Villages® vs. Trilogy® Orlando