Southwest Florida 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

22 Active Adult Communities in Southwest Florida

The Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida runs from just south of Tampa to the southern tip of Florida. It includes the cities of Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Marco Island and Naples, as well as Charlotte County, Lee County and Collier County. The area is known as the "Golf Capital of the World" as it is home to more golf holes per capita than anywhere else in the world. Over the years, many retirees have flocked to the region to take advantage of the great weather, recreational opportunities and affordable prices. In fact, 34 percent of Charlotte Countys population is over the age of 65 - the highest ratio in the state.

Many feel this area is less congested and more appealing than the busier and more expensive Atlantic Coast of Florida. As a result, the area is a favorite among many Midwesterners. Many uproot from their homes in the North and make the region their permanent residence, but there are also a large number of "snowbirds" that flock to the region from states further north in the winter to escape the cold. The area is home to more than one million people, but the population is known to increase dramatically between November and April.

Real Estate prices throughout most of the Southwest Gulf Coast region are more affordable than much of the rest of Florida. In Charlotte County and Lee County, real estate prices average about 5 to 10 percent lower than the Florida state average. However, Collier County (including places like Marco Island and Naples) is considerably more expensive. Expect real estate prices in Naples to be at least 5 to 10 percent higher than the Florida state average, although it is not unheard of to see mansions priced over $10 million along the Gulf coast. However, further inland, prices are generally much more affordable.

Because the area is so popular with retirees, there are numerous age-restricted active retirement communities and active adult communities. Options for 55+ housing are endless and range from luxurious gated active adult communities in Naples to modest golf course active retirement communities in Bonita Springs to reasonably priced age-restricted mobile home retirement communities in Fort Myers. In addition, several active retirement communities in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda have popped up in recent years. Whether you prefer age-restricted communities or all-ages communities, there are numerous wonderful options for the 55+ crowd throughout the region.

Driving south from Tampa, there is a considerable change in scenery around Fort Myers. Here, the forest becomes greener and more lush and there is an abundance of flowering vegetation. Palm trees soon outnumber the oaks and it becomes evident that this is tropical Florida. Temperatures in the region rise to an average of 92 in July and 75 in January. Lows rarely drop out of the 70s in the summer and average around 55 degrees in January. Temperatures further inland from the Gulf can vary slightly. The Southwest Gulf Coast experiences approximately 54 inches of rain annually.

In addition to the many golf courses offered in the region, there is an abundance of recreational opportunity for non-golfers as well. The areas rivers, lakes and waterways provide a great place for water activity. There are numerous marinas and fishing is a popular sport throughout the region. In addition, other favorite pastimes like lounging on the beach, snorkeling and diving are among the favorites of the regions residents.

For residents looking to get their fix of culture, the area is alive with museums, galleries and performing arts centers. Many of the venues in the region provide entertainment that is geared towards the 55+ crowd. Naples, for example, has the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (the "Phil"). This elegant $43 million dollar venue was almost entirely funded by private and corporate sources and is a true masterpiece for those who enjoy visual and performing arts.

Several community colleges in the area offer continuing education classes for retirees. For example, the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, known as "Port Charlotte U," has an educational center that is open to all ages, but has a clear emphasis on continuing adult education. There are a number of part-time jobs for retirement-aged individuals, but due to the lack of large cities in the area, full-time work may be more difficult to find. Healthcare is readily available as the region is home to approximately ten well-respected hospitals.