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 coming from, and let's not forget about all of those great sports teams.
Here are a few great options to explore, most within an hour of Tampa city limits:
Valencia Ridge, the all-new community in the greater Tampa area, will offer contemporary home designs and world-class amenities for the ultimate 55+ luxury living. Nothing compares to the incredible 55+ lifestyle, as the world-class clubhouse will feature multiple pools, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center, restaurant and bar, sports lounge, social hall and much more.
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch is a 55+ new home community in Lakewood Ranch, located east of Sarasota and Bradenton and named the #1 multigenerational neighborhood in the nation.
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch offers a variety of amenities including a fitness center, art studio, tennis and pickleball courts, resort-style swimming pool, resistance pool and more. Residents also have quick access to Lakewood Ranch’s golf courses, polo club, 75-acre sports campus, schools, shops, restaurants and hospital. Plus, the white sand beaches and cultural attractions of Sarasota are within a 30-minute drive.
Homebuyers can choose from nineteen spacious home plans, specifically designed for active adults and offering open floorplans and energy-efficient designs.
Woodland Preserve is Kolter Homes' latest new home community in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. This gated, 55+ neighborhood will feature a contemporary collection of flexible floorplans that range from 2- up to 5-Bedrooms with structural and design options.
Woodland Preserve residents will also have full access to their own community clubhouse and amenities including a fitness center, pickleball courts, pool with lap lanes, indoor and outdoor social spaces and much more. Plus, the community’s natural beauty is a crucial part of the lifestyle. Join the VIP List today to be among the first to receive community details.
Del Webb BayView – Parrish, FL
Del Webb Bay View is located in Parrish, which is in Manatee County, about 30 minutes away from downtown Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Like most Del Webb communities, residents can expect resort-style amenities hosted by a full-time lifestyle director. Even though this community only just recently opened, I’ve already had a few readers purchase homes there. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Manors at Angeline – Land O’ Lakes, FL
The Manors is a collection of new single-family homes exclusively for active adults 55 and better at the Angeline masterplan community in Land O’ Lakes, FL.
Residents will enjoy a private amenity center and clubhouse with a resort-style pool, fitness center and multiple sports courts. Spanning 6,200+ acres, Angeline will include a 750-acre Moffitt life sciences research park, community farm, up to 100 miles of trails and paved pathways, 3,600 acres of green space, Pasco County park, a MetroLagoon, and more.
Homes range in size from about 1,600 to 2,300 sq. ft. of living space and start in the $300k’s.
Mirada – San Antonio, FL
Located in the larger master-planned community of Mirada, Medley at Mirada is a gated community of 858 attached and single-family homes in San Antonio, Florida. Residents here have access to their own private amenities like a community clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool. Then they can also enjoy the impressive selection of amenities in the larger Mirada community.
Medley at Mirada offers attached homes that range in size from 1,396 to 1,731 square feet. The single-family homes start at 1,683 square feet and can get as big as 2,775 square feet. Prices start in the high $200k’s.
Villages of Citrus Hills – Citrus Hills, FL
Another nearby favorite among my readers is the Villages of Citrus Hills. With both 55+ and non-55+ neighborhoods within, the Villages of Citrus Hills has both single-family homes and maintenance-free villas 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. A wide variety of homes and homesite packages are available.
Request more information about the Villages of Citrus Hills here.
As the third largest city in the state of Florida, Tampa offers residents all of the big city amenities they are looking for combined with the fantastic climate that draws people to the Sunshine State in the first place. In addition to tons of amenities and great weather, Tampa is also located right on the water and filled with outstanding shopping and dining options.
Tampa History
The name Tampa comes from the Native American tribe that originally called this area home. Its literal translation is “sticks of fire.” The name was a reference to the many lightning storms that occur here during the summer months.
Before the 1880s, the town of Tampa was just a small fishing outpost. However, the discovery of phosphate in the area combined with the arrival of railroad transportation turned Tampa into a boomtown overnight, and it was one of Florida's largest cities by 1900.
Getting to Tampa
Tampa is located on Florida's west coast, basically at the intersection of I-4 and I-75, so getting there by car is pretty simple.
If you are flying in, your best bet will probably be Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Tampa Healthcare
Tampa General Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country. Moffitt Cancer Center is known around the world, and just so happens to be based in Tampa. Other hospitals in the area include Bayfront Health in nearby St. Pete, St. Joseph's Hospital, and more.
Tampa Cost of Living
With a cost of living index of 100.1, Tampa is right at the national average for cost of living, and slightly lower than the average cost of living in Florida. We recently looked more in-depth at the cost of living in Tampa here, including home prices, property taxes, and more.
Tampa Weather
Here’s a look at the average low and high temperatures in Tampa throughout the year:
| Month | Avg. Low | Avg. High |
| January | 52 | 70 |
| February | 54 | 73 |
| March | 58 | 76 |
| April | 63 | 81 |
| May | 70 | 87 |
| June | 75 | 90 |
| July | 76 | 90 |
| August | 76 | 90 |
| September | 74 | 89 |
| October | 68 | 84 |
| November | 60 | 78 |
| December | 54 | 72 |
Tampa Lifestyle
No matter what you are passionate about, you can find a way to pursue those passions all over this large city. Some of the best lifestyle benefits you will find here include experiences like visiting Busch Gardens Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, and Zoo Tampa.
In addition to those major attractions, residents also love kicking back and relaxing at places like Lettuce Lake Regional Park or Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. And if that still isn't enough, you can follow the city's three professional sports teams all year round.
Tampa Culture
As with any major city, there is an endless amount of cultural opportunities to explore throughout Tampa. The Henry B. Plant Museum is a fascinating experience that explains the significance of Plant's famous railroad coming to town. Then there are the amazing museum experiences at the Tampa Bay History Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Tampa Museum of Art.
If your cultural desires are more theatrical, you will appreciate the beautiful Tampa Theatre and The Straz Performing Arts Center. Both provide amazing settings for your favorite plays, musicals, and operas.
Tampa Shopping
Shopping in Tampa can be an overwhelming experience, but your best bet is to start at the most popular destinations like Hyde Park Village or International Plaza and Bay Street for the classic outdoor mall experience.
When you are ready to expand your shopping destinations, you might want to venture a bit south to the Ellenton Premium Outlets.
Tampa Restaurants
Like everything else in Tampa, the name of the game when it comes to dining is VARIETY!
For those who are looking for a high-end dining experience, you simply can't go wrong with Bern's Steak House, Eddie V's Prime Seafood and Steak, or Mise En Place. Each of these restaurants offers a slightly different take on classy dining, but they will all blow your mind with their unique combinations of food, service, and atmosphere.
If you are trying to keep it a little more low-key, Chicago Paulie's for the best hot dogs in town.
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