From Jacksonville to Naples, Florida retirement communities are not difficult to find. Active adults looking for a lifestyle community with encouraging amenities and comfortable homes have a lot of neighborhoods to choose from in the Sunshine state.
But, how do you know you’re getting the best value? We took a look at all the options and measured some key criteria. Our standards included home price per square foot, HOA involvement, local recreational opportunities, taxes, amenities, and construction upgrades and building dates.
We narrowed the extensive list to these 10 best value communities in Florida.
1. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL
Mid $100s – Low $400s
One of the most impressive new 55+ communities in Florida and by far the best value is Solivita, which covers 4,300 acres of scenic landscaping and intentional development in Kissimmee, just outside of Orlando. With nearly 6,000 modestly priced single-family homes and attached villas, buyers can find a new or resale home with between 891 and 3,057 square feet.
Amenities include the Stonegate Golf Club, where residents can play either of the 18-hole courses or use the practice facilities. There are also pools, fitness centers, a business center, pickleball, and tennis. A full-time activities director manages club functions and social events.
2. Magnolia Landing – North Fort Myers, FL
Low $200s – High $300s
New construction and resale homes are available at Magnolia Landing, a 55+ community just outside of Fort Myers and close to remarkable beaches and golf courses. There’s an 18-hole Gordon Lewis championship course in the community as well as a modern fitness center, an outdoor pool, and plenty of trails and paths for walking, jogging, or biking.
There are no age restrictions, making this an excellent value for buyers who want to live with extended family members or take advantage of multi-generational living. More than 25 floor plans are available.
3. Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL
Mid $200s – Mid $400s
For value and a lot of fun, buyers are flocking to Latitude Margaritaville, a 55+ community in Daytona Beach that’s based on Jimmy Buffett’s famous song and enviable lifestyle. Residents here aren’t “wastin’ away again in Margaritaville,” however, they are embracing everything their community has to offer.
New and resale homes are available as either single-family properties or attached homes. There’s a Town Center with a fitness center, an indoor lap pool, an outdoor pool, pickleball, and tennis. Residents also have a shuttle available that takes them to a private beach club.
4. Cascades at River Hall – Alva, FL
High $100s – Mid $300s
New construction homes are still being built at Cascades at River Hall, a 55+ community in Alva, which is right outside Fort Myers. The value isn’t only found in the affordable homes, which are between 1,528 and 2,638 square feet, but also in the long list of available amenities.
Residents enjoy the 18-hole Davis Love II golf course, two fitness centers, a pool, tennis courts, and plenty of clubhouse space for the array of clubs, social activities, and special events. Neighbors often meet up for aerobics classes and happy hours.
5. Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes – Saint Augustine, FL
High $200s – Mid $300s
Luxury living at a great value can be found in Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes, one of the most affordable and desirable 55+ communities in historic Saint Augustine.
It’s an intimate community with only 167 single-family and attached homes available in new construction only. The four models have two to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. There’s a kayak launch, tennis and pickleball courts, and an outdoor pool overlooking the lake.
6. Alamanda Key – Melbourne, FL
High $100s – Mid $200s
There are 300 new and resale homes at Alamanda Key, and buyers can choose a single-family home or a duplex. With floor plans ranging from 1,468 to 1,882 square feet and offering two to three bedrooms, there’s a lot of value in this 55+ community, especially for anyone looking to downsize or simplify their lives during retirement.
Amenities include a clubhouse with an activities room, a library, a pool, tennis courts, and a scenic veranda which makes for a great community gathering spot during potlucks and other social activities.
7. Lake James – Lakeland, FL
Low $200s – Low $300s
One of the best VALUES
( in central Florida is Lake James, a 55+ community in Lakeland where buyers can find 216 new and resale single-family homes. They have two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Many of them have dens, and there are more than a dozen models to consider.
The community is set on an eight-acre lake, contributing to a pleasant quality of life. There’s also a clubhouse with a fitness center, lounge, and multi-purpose rooms for meetings and events.
8. Oak Run – Ocala, FL
Below $100k – Mid $300s
Ocala is quickly becoming one of the best areas for active adults, and buyers looking for Ocala real estate that’s a great value should check out Oak Run. This 55+ community is heavy on amenities, with a golf course, an aquatic club, fitness centers, and tennis courts. There are also shuffleboard courts, pickleball courts, and a beach volleyball court.
Most of the resale single-family and attached homes have been updated and include upgrades like stainless appliances and tile flooring. Over 100 clubs are available to residents, and there’s always something to do.
9. Bridgewater at Viera – Melbourne, FL
Low $200s – High $400s
One of the newest 55+ communities on the Atlantic coast is Bridgewater at Viera, where residents will find a lot of value in the homes and in the neighborhood. Construction began in 2017, and buyers can find 870 single-family and attached homes in dozens of models and floor plans. They’ll have between two and four bedrooms and 1,557 to 2,725 square feet.
There’s a Town Center coming soon, which will include a fitness center, cafe, card room, and theater. There’s also a pool, tennis courts, and pickleball planned.
10. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Below $100K – Low $400s
Sometimes size matters to people looking for value, and if that’s the case, On Top of the World in Ocala is the place to be. There are 10,000 single-family and attached homes available as new or resale options in a wide range of floor plans.
Amenities are also impressive, with three golf courses, several fitness centers and pools, a Recreation Center, a Hobby Center, and a Community Center. Clubs and activities include karaoke, kickboxing, bowling, and casino nights. Golf cart living and traveling is embraced at On Top of the World, which makes it easy for residents to run errands without moving the car.
