A scenic nature preserve at the center of a community is always a desirable amenity. It provides a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation, and it’s also beneficial to the environment. If you’re a nature lover, here are active lifestyle communities from all over the country where you can embrace the great outdoors during your retirement.
Pelican Preserve – Fort Myers, FL
High $200s – Low $900s
An observation boardwalk makes its way through a 38-acre nature preserve at Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida. The preserve showcases the best of the diverse flora and fauna in the state’s southwestern region. The area is ideal for birdwatching, and the well-maintained boardwalk offers ample space for a casual stroll. Also, there are several benches for enjoying the scenery.
Perfect for nature lovers, this was among the first residential communities in the world to receive Audubon International’s Gold Seal of Sustainability. Pelican Preserve’s Chip Powell-designed golf course also received the Audubon International Gold Signature Certification.
MiraBay – Apollo Beach, FL
Low $300s – Mid $1Ms
Open to all ages, MiraBay is located in the Tampa Bay area, offering easy access to the 1,400-square-foot Wolf Branch Creek Nature Preserve. Perfect for hiking, bird watching, fishing, and nature study, this preserve features cabbage palm hammocks, natural mangrove shoreline, and offshore seagrass beds. It’s considered a premier example of coastal habitat restoration.
Regency at Palisades – Charlotte, NC
Mid $600s – High $800s
This non-age-restricted community in Charlotte, North Carolina, opens up to the McDowell Nature Preserve, miles of trails, and Lake Wylie for boating. McDowell provides habitat for many types of animals and reptiles and over 100 species of birds. Set on 1,107 acres, the preserve features a nature center, nature trails (in addition to the trails within the community), wildlife viewing, and picnic areas.
Carillon at The Ponds – Summerville, SC
High $200s – High $300s
A 55+ neighborhood situated within a master-planned community, Carillon at The Ponds offers residents convenient access to 21 miles of scenic nature trails, parks, and open space. The entire neighborhood is nature-friendly with onsite ponds, a 20-acre lake, and the 4,000-square-foot Farmhouse, which features community garden plots.
The Patios at The Meadows – Castle Rock, CO
Low $700s – High $900s
In Castle Rock, The Patios at Meadows offers proximity to an array of nature parks and open greenspaces. Ridgeline Open Space features 370 acres of parkland as well as a seven-mile trail for hiking and biking. Visitors are invited to bring four-footed friends along, provided they’re on a leash.
Paintbrush Park has a little something for everyone with baseball fields, a rock climbing wall, a dog park, a picnic shelter, and the East Plum Creek Trail. Native Legend Open Space contains miles of trails surrounded by 100 acres of parkland. Leashed dogs are welcome, and both easy and moderate trails are available. The 28-acre Butterfield Crossing Park is a destination for outdoor concerts and also includes a basketball court, baseball field, tennis courts, and a 25-meter outdoor pool.
Biltmore Lake – Asheville, NC
Mid $600s – Mid $2Ms
The Asheville area is well known for its mountainous beauty and artistic vibe. At Biltmore Lake, residents of all ages enjoy water-based activities at the 62-acre lake as well as spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Additional outdoor recreation opportunities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and four miles of walking and biking trails.
Claremont – Portland, OR
High $400s – Low $1Ms
Active adults appreciate the small-town charm and natural beauty at Claremont. This 556-home community offers a prime location in scenic Portland. In addition to its 12,000-square-foot clubhouse, Claremont’s grounds include two golf courses, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, lawn bowling, and a croquet lawn.
Jubilee – Lacey, WA
High $400s – hIGH $700s
Majestic views of Mount Rainier welcome active adults to Jubilee at Hawks Prairie. The community is within two miles of the Puget Sound and within easy access of preserved forests. Its onsite amenities include golf courses, nature trails, and sports courts for tennis, bocce ball, basketball, and pickleball.
Sierra Canyon – Reno, NV
High $400s – Mid $800s
Set on the south slope of the Peavine Mountains, Sierra Canyon has 1,226 single-family homes. Its spacious Aspen Lodge clubhouse provides an exciting lineup of resort-style amenities and outdoor activities. Residents can also enjoy spectacular mountain views while socializing on the large clubhouse patio.
Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
Low $300s – Low $1Ms
Spread across 5,300 areas of gorgeous Texas Hill Country, Sun City Texas is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to over 86,000 square feet of indoor amenities, the community’s Legacy Hills Pavilion is an open-air facility which overlooks Berry Creek Lake. This recreation area features nine miles of trails, sports courts, gardening plots, a dog park, and nature preserves.
Rossmoor – Walnut Creek, CA
High $300s – High $2Ms
In Northern California, Rossmoor offers active adults over 6,600 homes nestled amid rolling hillsides and mature landscaping. Beyond its natural beauty and appealing homes, Rossmoor features multiple clubhouses and outdoor recreation options including tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, and picnic areas.
Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village, AR
Mid $100s – High $1Ms
With plans for approximately 9,500 homes, Hot Springs Village is an impressive active adult community in the heart of Central Arkansas. Residents enjoy amenities spread across several recreation centers as well as nine golf courses, eleven lakes, sports courts, and about 26 miles of walking and biking trails.
Del Webb Lake Providence – Mt. Juliet, TN
Mid $400s – High $700s
Overlooking a 15-acre lake, the clubhouse at Lake Providence provides an exciting lineup of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The beautiful lake is stocked for fishing and has a Canoe and Kayak Center for resident boaters. Other outdoor amenities include sports courts, five miles of walking and biking trails, and an amphitheater for performances under the stars.
Del Webb at Lake Oconee – Greensboro, GA
High $200s – Mid $700s
Just 75 miles east of Atlanta, Del Webb at Lake Oconee has the distinction of being one of Del Webb’s few communities set on a navigable lake. This rural community features lush grounds with rolling hills and towering trees. Homes are set on large sites with natural landscaping, while recreation options include boating, fishing, tennis, pickleball, softball, and more.
Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
High $200s – High $2Ms
Active adults who settle at Hilton Head Plantation can enjoy an active lifestyle in one of the state’s premiere resort destinations. This Del Webb community features a semi-tropical setting with unspoiled sea marshes, ancient oaks, and mature landscaping. Residents can also enjoy an impressive lineup of outdoor activities, including golf, fishing, swimming, tennis, pickleball, gardening, and croquet.
