Once you retire you’re going to have a lot more time in the day to fill up, now that you don’t have to go into the office. Have you ever thought of how you’re going to spend your free time? If you already know your answer is fishing and you’ve been counting down the days until you can spend all your time on a boat with a rod and reel in hand—you may want to consider settling down in an active adult community with a fishing club.
A fishing-friendly community not only provides the proper amenities to help make enjoying your favorite hobby even easier, but it will also provide a built-in social circle of like-minded people. If this kind of community sounds like your desired lifestyle, we’ve put together a list of top active adult communities with fishing clubs and amenities geared toward fishing.
How to Find an Active Adult Community With a Fishing Club
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider while looking for your ideal community. First is location, location, location. You’ll want to find out how close in proximity the community is to bodies of water that will give you easy access to desirable fishing holes without having to go too far. If you like deep-sea fishing you’ll want to start your search in areas with 55+ communities close to the coast, while those who prefer freshwater fishing will want to focus on places with lakes, rivers, or other waterways nearby.
Once you’ve got an idea of potential areas where you might want to settle down, there are a few other factors you’ll want to take into consideration while on the hunt for the right community. Factors like budget, housing options, access to healthcare, and the fishing amenities available to residents. You’ll want to pay close attention to communities that have added amenities like fishing piers and docks, public boat launches, and on-site boat storage if you own your own boat.
During your search remember to keep an open mind. While communities that have their own fishing ponds and direct access to water may seem ideal, don’t completely rule out an attractive community just because they don’t have direct access to water or a ton of fishing amenities. There are many 55+ communities that aren’t located right on the water, but they still have their own organized fishing clubs that are extremely active, giving residents plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and swap their best fishing stories with neighbors.
Florida
Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club – Fort Myers, FL
Mid $200ks – Mid $2Ms
It’s no surprise that Sunshine State is home to plenty of active adult communities that are perfect for fishing enthusiasts. The Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club is one you’ll certainly want to consider if you’re looking for a low-maintenance home right on the water. Situated right on the shores of the Caloosahatchee River, this community offers a wide variety of housing options, including attached and single-family homes as well as an assortment of condominiums. The gated community has direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway as well as a full-service marina, close to 200 deep-water boat slips, and boat storage facilities. Gulf Harbour is also less than five nautical miles from the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its fishing, giving fishermen endless opportunities to reel in the catch of a lifetime.
Villas of Lake Arbor – Clearwater, FL
Mid $200ks – Mid $300ks
The Villas of Lake Arbor is another Florida fishing community that’s ideal for retirees who want to downsize or snowbirds who just want a place to escape harsh winters. The age-restricted lakefront community is small, boasting a combination of 121 condos and attached villas. Residents don’t have to go far to soak up the famous Florida sun or cast a line with a community fishing pier that extends into the lake. Residents can also reach popular fishing destinations like the Clearwater Beach Fishing Pier in less than a 30-minute drive.
Georgia
Cresswind at Lake Lanier – Gainesville, GA
Low $500ks – Low $800ks
Situated on a peninsula that extends into Lake Lanier, Cresswind at Lake Lanier is an ideal 55+ community for retirees who love to fish and want direct access to water. The large lakeside neighborhood has 934 single-family homes and its very own marina where residents can purchase a boat slip, making it exceedingly easy to spend a day out on the water without ever having to load up your boat or drive anywhere.
Del Webb at Lake Oconee – Greensboro, GA
Low $300ks – Low $700ks
Del Webb at Lake Oconee offers homeowners resort-style living with generous lots that are surrounded by nature. Fishing enthusiasts will particularly like that the community sits along the scenic shorelines of Georgia’s second-largest lake, Lake Oconee, which spans 19,000 acres of navigable water. Del Webb at Lake Oconee residents can take full advantage of the neighborhood’s 1,400 feet of direct lake access, its boat launch, and 38 boat slips. The community also has a boat storage facility for residents to safely store their boats during the winter months.
North Carolina
Biltmore Lake – Asheville, NC
High $700ks – High $2Ms
If you’ve dreamed of spending peaceful days on the water surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, take a look into the Biltmore Lake community located in the scenic town of Asheville, North Carolina. The development is home to a 62-acre lake that sits at the heart of the neighborhood, giving residents the perfect excuse to take the boat out and fish every day. In addition to the community’s lake, Biltmore Lake residents also have easy access to a plethora of nearby waterways that snake throughout Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Places like the French Broad River are a short drive away and provide the perfect place for a change of scenery. The Davidson River is also close by and is well-known for top-notch fly fishing.
St. James Plantation – Southport, NC
Mid $200ks – Mid $2Ms
Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway and only five minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the St. James Plantation community is a fisherman’s dream. In addition to its unbeatable location, St. James also offers a full-service marina that’s a one-stop-shop, taking care of everything from storing and washing your boat to fueling it up before you hit the water. The community also offers a wide variety of housing prices that will suit just about any budget.
South Carolina
Hilton Head Plantation – Hilton Head Island, SC
High $600ks – High $1Ms
The upscale Hilton Head Plantation community is truly a fisherman’s dream. The development sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway of the Port Royal Sound as well as Skull Creek, providing residents with premium fishing spots right outside their door. Plus, the Atlantic Ocean is only minutes away, affording even more opportunities to reel in a big catch.
Tennessee
Rarity Bay – Vonore, TN
Low $300ks – High $1Ms
Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, Rarity Bay offers active adults a unique combination of stunning mountain views and serene lakefront living. Surrounded by water on three sides, the award-winning gated community boasts 10 miles of scenic shoreline and has direct access to Tellico Lake. The popular lake spans 15,650 acres and is a well-known fishing destination full of bass, crappy, walleye, and sauger. Each year the lake plays host to several national bass fishing tournaments and is the base for the Tellico Village Fishing Club, which has more than 200 members and holds monthly fishing events for members.
Texas
Frisco Lakes – Frisco, TX
Mid $300ks – High $800ks
Frisco Lakes is ideal for those looking for a fishing community that also offers a low-maintenance lifestyle in a city with a low cost of living. The development sits right on the shores of Lake Lewisville boasting picturesque waterfront properties. Plus, the full-service Hidden Cove Marina is just a mile away. There, boat owners can safely store their boats when they’re not in use. Don’t want the responsibilities of owning a boat, but want to get out on the water and cast a line? No problem. You can rent one from the marina and hit the water anytime.
Virginia
Trilogy at Lake Frederick – Lake Frederick, VA
Mid $400ks – Low $800ks
Home to a 117-acre fishing lake, Trilogy at Lake Frederick residents don’t have to go very far to cast a line. The community’s lake is always well-stocked with large-mouth bass and there are boat docks spread throughout the development, making it convenient for fishermen to spend some time out on the water whenever they want.
Additional Perks of Fishing-Friendly Active Adult Communities
Living in a fishing-friendly community not only makes it a lot easier for you to enjoy your favorite hobby, but there are also many added wellness benefits that may not be so apparent but can help make a huge difference in your overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Fishing offers an almost effortless way to get outside, stay active, and socialize. It’s a great way to engage with neighbors and get involved with the community’s fishing clubs. Along with the social benefits, there are also plenty of health benefits to taking part in the sport.
Fishing provides the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind and relax all while being surrounded by nature’s beauty. Being outside in the fresh air can help reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and provide a healthy dose of Vitamin D. The physical activity of fishing is also greatly beneficial to the 55+ crowd. It’s an easy, low-impact way to stay active and outdoors no matter your fitness level. Having hobbies like fishing also helps with cognitive abilities and keeping the mind sharp as well as mobility.
How to Choose the Right Community for Your Fishing Lifestyle
When choosing the right fishing community for you, it’s important to remember that the community also has to suit every aspect of your lifestyle, not just cater to your favorite hobby. Make sure you consider other essential factors like the state’s tax benefits, the area’s cost of living, and your personal budget to avoid adding any unnecessary financial strain during retirement. If you’re looking to avoid cold, harsh winters or scorching hot summers, you’ll even want to take the location’s climate and typical weather conditions into account before deciding on a community.
One of the best ways to help choose the right community is to see it for yourself. Seeing a place in person will give you a true feel for the area, the development’s housing options, and amenities. If any of the communities we’ve mentioned have piqued your interest, reach out to one of our knowledgeable realtors and schedule a tour to explore the best active adult communities for fishing.
