Join the best over 55 communities in Florida. My sister and I 56 and 61 want to buy in a 55 plus where there’s not much to do. We looked at the best-selling, most popular, and highest-rated communities in Florida to put together this comprehensive list. Many of the better communities will tend to be crowded at times, especially during the winter months. 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. At one time, there was little to Florida except what is now called the Panhandle. Sun City Center is a self-sustained village with every necessity right on the premises. What are the best 55+ communities in Florida? It makes it seem like you have to go to Venice to shop. There are an increasingly vocal number of full-time residents who complain about being cooped up most of the year seeking refuge from the humidity, but when winter comes and the weather turns fantastic, the roads get clogged, there’s no parking, you have to endure long lines to do anything. Florida and Texas grew the largest numerically. Each community has all the amenities, activities, and fine finishes that let you live a maintenance-free, luxury lifestyle. Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers is spread across 1,100 acres and will host 2,500 homes upon completion. Buyer beware!!! We are a unique 55+ community providing modern one and two-bedroom apartments for you to feel right at home. Like all of my best places lists, a higher number of available amenities in that town (or in this case the town the retirement community is located is located) is always a requirement because it’s an important quality of life factor. Hello Jim, That’s why knowing what the closest city or town outside of the retirement community is like, is critical. Click on the town to learn more about what is like to retire there. This lively community boasts over 100 clubs and interest groups as well as a diverse lineup of amenities that include multiple pools and spas, a fitness room, a ballroom, and outdoor game courts. Golfers at Pelican Preserve love the 27-hole championship golf course and its 24,485-square-foot clubhouse. You would probably be better trying to purchase a small home without an HOA. _____ Some of the standout amenities at this sprawling community include three golf courses, multiple swimming pools and clubhouses, two on-site restaurants, and even an R/C airplane field and an R/C car track. The crime rate in North Port Florida is considerably lower than the national average. This established community is comprised of 5,277 attached and single-family homes, ranging from 800-square-foot condos to 2,00-square-foot homes. Can not get a straight answer on how much it would cost a month to live there. You can be frugal or spend a lot, but it will never be cheap because of all you’re getting. We're changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville here. _____ Community Size: 56,000+ Homes Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”. Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”. Nearby, plenty of greenspace and parks offer outdoor recreation and natural beauty, and Downtown Ocala offers wonderful shopping and restaurants. A guy wrote a book about that place and said its can be as much as $4000. Florida is one of the most popular states to retire to. All of the places on all of our lists meet our strict best place requirements so they are more likely to remain a best place longer into the future. I have looked at the villages and not impressed with overload of people. We found that there were many communities open to all ages that met our top four criteria and were perfect for an active retirement. Because the Villages in Florida has “mini towns” located right inside it’s gates that offer almost anything you could ever need, so residents rarely have to leave this retirement “city”. Pelican Preserve has recently become one of the best 55+ communities in Florida. Community Size: 700+ Homes Residents can also join the nearby Royal Oaks Golf Club for plenty of quality green time. Little by little a database is being generated that lists “pet friendly” communities (pet friendly meaning open to all breeds/sizes/weights). At Cypress Falls you can because they’ll provide you with a garden plot. Request more information about Oak Run here. Any feedback would be appreciated. 10-2019 Monthly fees of $500.00 are not unusual and keep in mind that if there is severe weather or hurricane you may be mandated to evacuate. The point of that paragraph in the article was that being so close to Venice adds to the positive experience that North Port residents have. This is also where residents can use the fitness center equipment or take a dip in the indoor pool to get or stay in shape. Remember it gets insanely, intolerably hot & humid in Florida even more so than before, houses are built close together and not always built well (before I moved a builder was pouring a slab foundation in the rain and then starting the block building process before the concrete had fully cured because of ongoing rain); Orlando ranks at one of the least affordable areas in the country including rents (and Oviedo, FL just recently was listed as most expensive in Florida I believe). With too many amenities to list, some of the more noteworthy include two dog parks, a floating fishing dock, a wine cabinet for club members, and a “Mind and Body Studio.”. In the beginning of the article, I explain what criteria I used to choose these particular 55+ communities. Be forewarned that if one falls behind in HOA fees the association CAN & WILL start foreclosure. © 2007 - 2021 55places.com, a division of Neighborhoods.com. While these communities may call themselves pet friendly they ARE NOT when they implement breed/size restrictions. Two things that scare me though is; the Villages population has TRIPLED in SEVEN years. In many communities the homeowner IS MANDATED to keep lawns at a certain height or not to exceed a certain height; go to the HOA for selection of house color before painting. Well documented/researched studies indicate, without exception, there is no need for this type of discrimination. I believe the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA has brochures with regard to breed/size restrictions. The “snowbirds” don’t mind though. Hello R Muollo, An increasing problem for all the homeowners, where amenities are outstanding and the roads are gated. The Cascades in Port St. Lucie West sits about 9.1 miles from the St Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. Home Prices: Less than $150,000 to $300,000 Visit 55Places.com to see 55+ communities in Florida by home type, price or amenities. 4) Those savings on taxes, plus some, may have to used to pay a retirement communities HOA (aka “Home Owners Association”) fee, which almost every retirement community in Florida requires residents to pay. 55+ Communities also called 55 Plus Communities are active retirement communities and developments that cater to active adult retirement living. We had friends that just moved there and THEY wont give us a straight answer either. Central Florida offers many mobile home communities from which you can choose. It’s rare for a Florida town to have decent quality of life factors, a low crime rate and lower home prices than most of Florida. To qualify for this list, the city/town (usually the closest) where you’ll have to frequent to get groceries or your prescriptions filled, has to meet all of our stringent quality of life factors. Prefer an outdoor pool? Many communities discriminate on breed and size – but if you are disabled or otherwise need a support dog and your doctor can provide documentation THEY CANNOT DICTATE BREED OR SIZE. On some other points I have to respectfully disagree. There are numerous options for entertainment, indulging in nature, or being indoors with your favorite activity or keeping physically fit. The Villages is no different. Finding an active retirement communities for adults age 55 years can be difficult, but once you find the right one, it can be a good place to spend your latter years. Thanks for taking the time to write and have a nice day. Coming in at number five, Pelican Preserve is a haven for nature lovers who relish tropical flora and botanical beauty. Hi my name is lisa I live in nj. Win-win. This award-winning, gated community is comprised of 5,900 attached and single-family homes. There’s also an internal and external tram service as well as an event bus to ferry residents anywhere they need to go. Any recommendations would help. As you browse through, you will occasionally see places with warnings saying the place no longer qualifies as best for this website. We have found that people are more satisfied with their relocation if both the retirement community itself and the area where you must travel to see a doctor, get your groceries, etc., offer a higher quality of life. Such social communication acts like a tonic for the mind and body. Find your new home today! Wynmoor Village may be ideal for people dreaming of retiring to a condo in Florida, who are looking for a safer place to live near all the excitement that Southeast Florida offers. There’s over 100 miles of streets and cart paths that will take you from your home to banks, post offices, all kinds of shops, pools, pubs, golf, health-care centers and clubhouses. The best course of action may be to browse through our articles to find a specific city/town that is appealing to you and then do a search for retirement communities in that specific town. 3) Finding a place with a low assessment and low taxes won’t be easy but as the Florida Move Guide explains, as a Florida resident if you buy the right home you will qualify for homestead exemptions that will lower your real estate taxes. Florida you’d be lucky to see a specialist in 6 months (if that) – upon return to New England was able to see a top doc @ a top Boston hospital in 2 days. Any advice would be appreciate. Request more information about Solivita here. ). Naturally, there are hundreds of 55+ communities to choose from in the state. Pelican Preserve has been one of the best-selling 55+ communities on 55places.com so far this year. The violent crime rate in Ocala is twice the national average according to the latest FBI reporting so…. It IS VERY nice. The Villages are hot crowded and an hour from civilization. And, vehicle insurance is less in CT than Florida. The 55 and over communities in Central Florida is a paradise for retirees where they can meet their needs and live life as they wish. Can you plant a garden in a retirement community? Two families can go on vacation to the same town for a week and one could easily spend 400% more because of their choices of where to stay, dine, shop, etc. One in five home purchases in Florida is a manufactured home. I hope you you knew about the nuke plant before you moved. It’s been referred to as Disney for Seniors. Good luck Lisa. The problem is, you’ll have to leave that safety for dining, shopping and entertainment, going to the doctor and more. and they are subject to inflation which is tough on folks with a fixed income in retirement! Explore the best Florida master planned communities, including gated, golf, retirement, and 55+ retirement communities. Choosing a community with much higher fees (and home prices) in order to keep courses playable is an option. The retirement communities on our list offer access to a higher number of restaurants, shops and entertainment options per 1000 residents, than most other cities in Florida. This master-planned community is a self-sustained village with every necessity right on the premises, including retail shops, grocery stores, worship centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a hospital. Many 55+ communities allow dogs – but many also have breed restrictions (SHAME ON THEM) or size restrictions. With a fun-loving and social atmosphere, Latitude Margaritaville comes in at number four for its laid-back lifestyle, world-class amenities, and beautiful beach location. 55+ communities in Florida are perfect for active adults. 321-890-2465 | Website. That’s one reason why North Port is on our “Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida” list. If a community does not have age restrictions and isn’t  primarily geared towards the needs of folks 55 and over, then it’s just like any other community and will not qualify for this list. Whether you're interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet. Almost every Florida retirement community is a private development that is walled off from the rest of the world, where you must enter through a gate just to get inside. Embrace the next step in independent and active living at Diamond Oaks Village in peaceful Bonita Springs, FL. The overall crime rate in Ocala is almost twice the national average. Cypress Falls at the Woodlands is certainly worth considering when looking for a retirement community in Florida. The “HOA” is REALLY inexpensive. Sales & Rentals available. Many boast golf course views as well as upgraded fixtures. Then use the clay, paint, stained glass or stone studio the community provides. (20 miles), far less crime, better schools/education systems and for those retired better social services and medical care (some of the best in New England). Ron Stack “That Best Places Guy”. Limiting our list to strictly 55+ communities would have kept the best communities off the list! At the top spot on our list, On Top of the World continues to delight residents with its affordable home prices, great location, and vast assortment of amenities. Chicos Outlet, Skechers, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods to name a few. The towns you asked about, Lake Wales, Citrus Hills and Clermont (and therefore any retirement communities in those areas) don’t qualify for this site. This article should be updated. Inspired by legendary musician Jimmy Buffett, this gated 55+ community was built in the heart of Daytona Beach. Looking for a 55+ gated community with golf prefer 2 courses. This mid-sized community has 3,092 attached and single-family homes, all encircling a lively Town Square where residents enjoy the state-of-the-art Fins Up! Make sure when looking for a home you look for non-HOA communities or communities with optional HOA’S (small yearly fee with funds generally used for children’s activities throughout the year). This self-sustained village is completely run by volunteers. One can start with HABRI (Human Animal Bond Research Institute) and be linked to a wealth of articles. Hello Paula, There is even public transportation with easy access to both I95 and Florida Turnpike. Posted on December 18, 2019 by Garber Communities . They also have a barbecue pit residents can use. It’s located about 20 miles south of Ocala Florida, which is not on any of our best places on Florida lists because it suffers from high crime rates.