We’re sharing the most popular active adult communities in Florida, which isn’t easy to do considering it’s such a desirable place to live and more people than ever are moving down to The Sunshine State.
We looked at recent sales and homebuyer interest to compile this list, which starts with a community that’s long been one of the most attractive to active adults from within and outside of Florida.
1. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Low $100s – Low $400s
It’s no surprise that On Top of the World is the most popular community in Florida. It has been at the top of every list ever since ground broke in 1981. They’re still building; this 55+ community in dreamy Ocala will have 10,000 single-family and attached homes before the work is complete. Buyers can choose new construction or resale homes.
The amenities don’t stop at a clubhouse and a swimming pool. On Top of the World has three golf courses, a number of recreation and community centers, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, restaurants, and an R/C airplane field and car track. There’s also a conference center, gardening plots, and Circle Square Commons, which serves as the community’s entertainment and social center. It’s also open to the public.
Request more information about On Top of the World.
2. The Villages – The Villages, FL
Mid $100s – High $1Ms
The Villages is the largest 55+ community in the country. With 70,000 new and resale homes, this community spreads itself over three Central Florida counties and just as many zip codes. Golf carts are the preferred method of travel, and homeowners enjoy a number of amenities. Imagine 80 pools, 41 executive golf courses, and 35 community centers. Everything is bigger and bolder at The Villages.
Homes are diverse and can be as small as a two-bedroom bungalow with 1,157 square feet or as large as a 4,705 square-foot single-family home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a lot of extra space. Buyers can choose between single-family or attached homes with a number of unique attributes. Manufactured homes are also available.
Request more information about The Villages.
3. Pelican Preserve – Fort Myers, FL
Mid $100s – High $500s
Active adults looking at homes for sale in Fort Myers or along the Gulf Coast will want to consider Pelican Preserve. The Pelican Preserve Golf Club is one of the most popular amenities in this 55+ community, and there’s a lot more to enjoy, such as the fitness center, 100-seat movie theater, and on-site Destinations Restaurant. Residents are social, getting together for movie nights, holiday parties, weekend brunches, and fitness classes.
Smaller than the two communities ahead of it, Pelican Preserve has 2,500 homes. Attached villas, condos, and single-family homes are available in more than 50 models and floor plans. The Fort Myers area provides great beaches, spring training baseball, and a number of renowned seafood restaurants.
Request more information about Pelican Preserve.
4. Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach, FL
Low $200s – Low $500s
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach is a 55+ community in Florida that’s only gaining popularity. This has become the place to be on Florida’s Central Atlantic Coast. Residents are social, fun-loving, and happy to relax into new and resale homes in a community designed after Jimmy Buffett and his famous laid-back lifestyle.
It doesn’t hurt that there’s a private beach club, with a shuttle taking residents from the community to the beach and back again. There’s also a nearby retail center and a number of unique amenities including a pet spa and a theater. Modern floor plans are available in four collections. Buyers can select a single-family home or an attached villa with 1,204 to 2,564 square feet.
Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach.
5. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound – Watersound, FL
Mid $200s
But we’re not done with Jimmy Buffet yet. Fifth in popularity and right behind the Daytona Beach location is Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, a newer 55+ community with the same Buffet theme in Florida’s Panhandle. It’s close to Panama City and minutes from the water.
There are 3,500 single-family and attached homes planned for this community, with four design collections and 23 floor plans. All of the available homes are new construction. Most two and three-bedroom models come with a den or an office space. Amenities include a Town Center, which has an indoor pool and a fitness center.
Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville Watersound.
6. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL
Mid $100s – Mid $500s
Active adults who want to be close to Orlando will do well at Solivita, a 55+ community that’s extremely popular with residents. They love the security and the privacy of their neighborhood, as well as the diversity of amenities and social events. There are 5,900 new construction and resale homes on 4,300 acres.
Two championship golf courses are available at Solivita, with practice facilities, a pro shop, and an aquatic driving range. The Stonegate Grille serves drinks and food and so do two other restaurants in the community. Additional amenities include everything from pools and a fitness center to pickleball and tennis courts.
Request more information about Solivita.
7. Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
Low $200s – Mid $500s
Another popular Ocala 55+ community is Stone Creek. It’s especially popular for its well-designed models and floor plans, which include attached homes as twin villas and single-family homes ranging from 1,133 to 2,634 square feet. Both new construction and resale homes are available, and about 3,800 homes will be completed in total.
Residents love the Stone Creek Golf Club, and there’s also the Elan Spa & Resort Pool, where homeowners can relax under the Florida sunshine or swim in the indoor pool. Massage services are also available. There’s a fishing lake, event lawn, and plenty of opportunities to stay active on the pickleball courts, tennis courts, softball field, bocce courts, and horseshoe pits.
Request more information about Stone Creek.
8. Sun City Center – Sun City Center, FL
Below $100k – Mid $500s
Just south of Tampa is Sun City Center, a large and popular 55+ community that’s well-located for active adults who love shopping, golf, and beach activities. The community is huge and established, with 9,500 single-family and attached homes available in dozens of models and floor plans. Golf carts are the preferred method of travel in Sun City, and the 15mph speed limit is strictly enforced.
Amenities include several clubhouses and recreation centers. Residents can swim, play tennis, enjoy a game of shuffleboard, walk to the dog park, or enjoy a treatment at the spa. There’s also an art gallery and a woodworking shop.
Request more information about Sun City Center.
9. Oak Run – Ocala, FL
Low $100s – Mid $200s
Oak Run is a gated 55+ community known for its affordability and its ongoing schedule of social events. Residents enjoy a number of clubs, including a science fiction association, singles club, canine club, and bowling league. There are Super Bowl parties, golf outings, and yoga classes.
Homes at Oak Run are available as attached duplexes or single-family models. Most homes are low-maintenance and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage. Amenities include pools, fitness centers, card rooms, and an 18-hole golf course within the larger master-planned community.
Request more information about Oak Run.
10. Kings Point – Sun City Center, FL
Below $100k – Low $300s
Right across the street from Sun City Center is Kings Point, a 55+ community that’s just as popular, mostly for its outings and events. Residents routinely board buses and vans to visit local restaurants in Tampa and St. Pete, have some fun at the Hard Rock Casino, and head to Orlando for holiday lights and shows.
Resale homes are moderately priced and come in single-family and attached models. Multiple builders have contributed to the dozens of floor plans, many of which include bonus rooms and extra storage space. An active HOA means there’s very little maintenance or landscaping for homeowners to worry about.
Request more information about Kings Point.
