Every winter, countless retirees wish they could become snowbirds. They hear and see tales about friends and relatives having fun in warmer places like Florida and feel like they’re missing out. If you’re ready to trade snow shovels for sunshine and explore housing options for snowbirds, you’re in the right place.
Imagine waking up to mild mornings, walking along the beach or through scenic desert landscapes, and spending afternoons golfing, dining outdoors, or playing pickleball. But transitioning to a snowbird lifestyle involves more than just packing a suitcase.
Florida and select areas of Pennsylvania provide welcoming environments for snowbirds that are ideal for active adults. Finding the right match is key to escaping the harsh weather. These communities typically have resort-style amenities, social clubs, and comfortable homes. So, what makes a community ideal for seasonal living?
What Makes a Great Snowbird Community?
These are the main features to look for in a snowbird community:
- Proximity to at least one international airport.
- A variety of floor plans.
- On-site amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools.
- Social opportunities, including clubs, activities, and events.
- Access to beaches, golf courses, and entertainment.
- Low-maintenance housing options with property management services.
- Proximity to shopping and healthcare.
- A homeowners’ association that covers exterior maintenance and other services.
Spending the colder months in a mild climate allows retirees to enjoy rewarding indoor and outdoor activities. You’ll also find that many snowbird-friendly communities offer on-site recreational opportunities, cultural events, and fitness programs for retirees. Research their offerings because a strong sense of community helps seasonal residents build lasting friendships. And remember, not all retirees golf—many active adult snowbird communities don’t focus on that. Some have golf courses, and others have golf practice facilities, but you can choose to use them or pursue other hobbies. And many of these homes are surprisingly affordable.
Palm Beach County, Florida
Palm Beach County is a major draw for retirees looking to snowbird. The region offers warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant 55+ communities with extensive amenities. Residents access golf courses, waterfront activities, and cultural attractions year-round. Access to top-rated healthcare, upscale shopping, and fine dining also make Palm Beach County an attractive choice. Housing options for snowbirds here range from oceanfront condominiums to private gated communities with resort-style features.
Villaggio – Lake Worth, FL
High $400ks – Low $700ks
Known for its resort-style amenities and active social calendar, Villaggio is a gated property with 538 single-family resale residences completed in 2009 by Ansca Homes. The 11-floor plans range from 1,790 to 3,623 square feet, with two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Each home within the community includes many high-end finishes and features. This community’s hub is the 35,000-square-foot Villaggio Social Club and 13,000-square-foot fitness center. Additional amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, on-site retail shopping, and a performance/movie theater.
Venetian Isles – Boynton Beach, FL
Low $300ks – Mid $600ks
This 55+ community’s lovely name reflects the Mediterranean-style architecture of its homes, clubhouse, and pools. Centex Homes, Lennar Homes, and Westbrooke built it from 2000 to 2003, with 1,060 attached and single-family resale homes. The single-family models range from 1,526 to 2,316 square feet, while the townhomes are 1,276 to 1,480 square feet. The floor plans offer two to four bedrooms and two to three baths. The Venetian Isles clubhouse/amenity center provides luxury amenities, like a stunning swimming pool, a fitness center, and hobby studios.
Huntington Pointe – Delray Beach, FL
Low $200ks – Low $500ks
Designed for downsizing, Huntington Pointe was finished in 2006 by Oriole Homes. Its 1,096 resale condos and attached home floor plans offer two bedrooms, two baths, and oversized garages. The condos are housed in four-story buildings, and some models offer a third bedroom. Huntington Pointe is a gated community focusing on arts and fitness, with an exercise center, a ceramics studio, a performance theater, and an arts & crafts studio. It also has a Snowbird Club that allows opportunities to make new friends.
Valencia Isles – Boynton Beach, FL
Mid $400ks – High $900ks
This gated active adult neighborhood also has a Snowbird Club and luxury 55+ living amenities. Built from 1999 to 2004 by GL Homes, Valencia Isles has 793 resale single-family homes ranging from 1,605 to 2,861 square feet and endless opportunities for social engagement. Its modern clubhouse has an outdoor pool, sports courts, a fitness center, and an arts & crafts studio. There’s also a restaurant, fishing lakes, and nearby golf courses.
Valencia Palms – Delray Beach, FL
High $400ks – Low $1Ms
Also built by GL Homes, Valencia Palms is a gated 55+ community with 612 resale single-family homes. We like its upscale amenities and strong sense of community; there’s a Snowbird Club, a Singles Club, and other social groups to join. These contemporary homes range from 1,682 to 3,738 square feet, offering two to four bedrooms, two to four-and-a-half baths, and attached two or three-car garages. Residents spend quality time at the fitness center, outdoor pool and day spa, or relax by the scenic lakes and ponds on the property.
Cascade Lakes – Boynton Beach, FL
Low $400ks-High $600ks
This smaller, tight-knit community with plenty of activities was completed in 2002 and has 600 resale homes. Its elegant floor plans range from 1,525 to over 3,206 square feet, with three home series. They offer two to three bedrooms and bathrooms and two-car garages. Cascade Lakes’ clubhouse has an indoor and outdoor pool, a ballroom, hobby rooms, and a fitness center. Its other outdoor perks include scenic lakes and ponds, a patio, and tennis courts.
Majestic Isles – Boynton Beach, FL
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
Oriole Homes built this established, gated, age-restricted community on the somewhat smaller side. They completed it in 1998 with 450 attached and single-family homes. The attached home floor plans range from 1,448 to 1,791 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one or two-car garages. The single-family models offer 1,738 to 2,284 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. These homes are all single-story, with lake views. Retirees here benefit from affordable home prices and resort-style amenities—the Majestic Isles clubhouse has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and activity rooms.
Lakes of Delray – Delray Beach, FL
Low $200ks – High $200ks
Snowbirds who love condo living and reasonable home prices are the perfect Lakes of Delray homeowners. This gated, established 55+ condo community was finished in 1994 by Lennar Homes and has 1,400 resale condos. Residents appreciate its vibrant social scene, with fun clubs for fishing, painting, Zumba, cooking, and snowbirding. Lakes of Delray’s impressive amenities include a clubhouse with an outdoor pool, a fitness center, sports courts, and an arts & crafts studio. There’s even a community transit service and a business center.
Las Verdes – Delray Beach, FL
Mid $100ks – Mid $300ks
This budget-friendly option for snowbirds can be just the ticket for retirees owning two homes. Las Verdes is an established, age-restricted community offering 1,232 resale condos and attached homes. It has a welcoming clubhouse with a pool, fitness center, and tennis courts, plus there’s also a Snowbird Club here. The property has 10 condo buildings with units ranging from 676 to 1,200 square feet, with one to three bedrooms, one to two baths, private balconies, screened-in patios, and assigned parking. The Las Verdes attached homes are one-story floor plans ranging from 680 to 1,696 square feet, with one to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one-car garages.
Broward County, Florida
Just south of Palm Beach, Broward County is a great choice for retirees who appreciate a mix of coastal living and urban convenience. Fort Lauderdale’s cultural events, restaurants, and marinas make the area dynamic for this age group. Waterfront properties and low-maintenance housing options for snowbirds are widely available, providing a variety of choices for those seeking a South Florida part-time home.
Kings Point in Tamarac – Tamarac, FL
Below $100k – Mid $400ks
Kings Point in Tamarac is a well-established 55+ community with tons of amenities located about an hour north of Miami. And with 4,869 resale condos, villas, and coach homes, this gated community has something for everyone, including its popular Snowbird Club. The condos offer one to three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and lot parking. The attached floor plans have one to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. If you need more space, the coach homes have two to four bedrooms, two- to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached one- to two-car garages. Kings Point homeowners enjoy exclusive amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a ballroom, and community transit.
Tampa Bay Area, Florida
The Gulf Coast’s mild winters and diverse communities make the Tampa Bay area a top pick for Florida West Coast snowbirds. The location is also known for beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and exciting entertainment options. You’ll find a spot that agrees with your sensibilities, from urban centers like Tampa and St. Petersburg to quiet coastal towns. The housing options for snowbirds include condominiums, townhomes, and seasonal rentals near waterfront areas.
Timber Pines – Spring Hill, FL
High $100ks – Mid $400ks
Houses sell quickly in this established, gated golf community because of its resort-style amenities and affordable homes. Completed by multiple builders, it has 3,452 resale attached and single-family properties. The attached villa floor plans have one to two bedrooms and bathrooms, and either an attached one- or two-car garage or covered parking space. The single families feature two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and two- or three-car garages. Timber Pines offers true golf course community living, with two 18-hole executive courses and a 9-hole par-3 pitch and putt course. There are also lighted tennis courts, a Resident Activities Center, and a country club with a sophisticated restaurant.
On Top of the World Clearwater – Clearwater, FL
Mid $100ks – High $300ks
A popular choice for 55+ resort-style living, this established, gated condo community offers 4,959 resale homes built by On Top of the World Communities and two golf courses. The units are sized from 850 to 1,750 square feet, with one or two bedrooms and bathrooms, plus parking lot spaces. Its main clubhouse houses a fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, a cafe, and craft rooms. There’s a second amenity center with another fitness center and outdoor pool; this community also has a dog park and a lakeside pier where residents can fish, canoe, or kayak. The On Top of the World Clearwater Snowbird Club welcomes new members with open arms.
Ocala Area, Florida
Located in Central Florida, the Ocala area is well-suited for retirees looking to stretch their budget while enjoying mild winters. The part of the state is well known for its equestrian lifestyle, scenic trails, and state parks. With lower home prices than coastal cities, Many of Ocala’s 55+ communities have golf courses, walking trails, and social events. Housing options for snowbirds in Ocala include single-family homes, villas, and condominiums with community maintenance services.
On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Low $100ks – High $600ks
As one of Central Florida’s more significant retirement developments, On Top of the World in Ocala is a master-planned 55+ community with golf and fitness options. It offers 10,000 new and resale attached and single-family homes on a property about 38 miles south of Gainesville. The new construction homes here range from 1,000 to over 3,000 square feet. Resale models range from 1,092 to 3,039, with well over 100 floor plans. Some of those have attached garages and dens. There are three 18-hole golf courses here, several clubhouses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and sports courts. Circle Square Commons is the community’s entertainment venue. On Top of the World Ocala also has a not-for-profit learning center, a world-class spa, and a Snowbird Club.
Clermont-Leesburg-Mount Dora Area, Florida
This part of Florida is about 90 minutes northwest of Orlando, with rolling hills and lakefront views providing a quieter alternative to Florida’s busier coastal cities. Snowbirds looking for a relaxed lifestyle with access to golf courses, nature parks, and historic downtowns love this region. You’ll find a variety of age-restricted communities and gated neighborhoods, allowing seasonal residents plenty of choices for comfortable living. Housing options for snowbirds here include townhomes, condominiums, and single-family homes designed for easy seasonal transitions.
Kings Ridge – Clermont, FL
High $200ks – Low $600ks
Lennar Homes completed Kings Ridge in 2000 with 2,088 resale single-family homes and two 18-hole golf courses. This could be the right choice if you’re in the market for an active adult golf community with social clubs. The floor plans range from 980 to 2,560 square feet, with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms and many have three-car garages and golf course views. The resort-style clubhouse has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and pickleball courts. Kings Ridge has too many social clubs and events to list here, but some of the most-liked ones include the Crown Performers, men’s golf, the women’s club, and the Snowbird Socials.
Philadelphia Area, Pennsylvania
Many snowbirds return to Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania for the warmer months to be near family and take advantage of cultural attractions and sports events. Local retirees have excellent access to theaters, museums, and outdoor recreation here, and many 55+ communities in the area cater to retirees who spend part of the year in a different location.
Snowbirds seeking the best of both worlds (the perfect winter and summer homes) can find Philly-area housing options like low-maintenance homes and condominium communities designed for active adults.
Lions Gate – Souderton, PA
High $400ks – High $400ks
With just 145 attached resale homes, Lions Gate is the perfect flip side to a Florida active adult community. It’s ideal for snowbirds who split their time between warmer states and the Northeast. These floor plans range from 1,400 to 2,200 square feet, with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms and one- or two-car garages. The on-site amenities include a clubhouse with meeting rooms and a catering kitchen so residents can host pirates. The Lions Gate Activities Center has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center—all about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia.
Your Next Steps
You don’t need to spend another winter season living somewhere you don’t want to be. Now is the time to compare housing options for snowbirds, whether you want easy beach access, a quiet lakeside town, or a golf cart community. And if you’re not ready to purchase, finding rentals isn’t difficult. After all, you deserve a stress-free lifestyle with social and recreational opportunities.
