D.R. Horton is quickly expanding in the 55+ market, artfully balancing affordability, contemporary design, and high quality. Read on to learn more about D.R. Horton 55+ communities, specifically their popular Freedom Homes line.
If you’ve shopped for a home in the last five decades, you’ve likely heard of D.R. Horton. Since the late 70s, they’ve been building quality homes and communities across the United States, and they’re still growing today. Part of that growth includes their Freedom communities, created with active adults in mind.
A Look at D.R. Horton’s History
Donald “D.R.” Horton’s legacy began in 1978 when he constructed his first house in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite difficult economic conditions, including high mortgage interest rates, Horton quickly expanded the company from a local builder to a nationwide contender. D.R. Horton, Inc.(DHI) went public in 1992, positioning the company to acquire developers in various regions of the United States. They became the largest U.S. homebuilder by volume in 2002 and have remained so ever since.
In recent years, D.R. Horton has added title services, mortgage financing, and insurance services to its offerings, streamlining the purchase process for home buyers.
Sadly, Mr. Horton passed away in May 2024, though his company remains the nation’s leader under the guidance of CEO Paul J. Romanowski and Chairman of the Board David V. Auld.
Freedom Homes: D.R. Horton 55+ Communities for Active Adults
In 2016, the company realized there was a growing market for active adults when smaller, easy-to-maintain “starter homes” intended for Millennials were quickly snapped up by Boomer and Gen X buyers. That’s when they launched their Freedom Homes brand, targeting those in the market for turn-key homes in which they can comfortably age-in-place without sacrificing aesthetics and amenities. Homes include intuitive smart home systems, fixtures that are durable in both quality and style as well as floor plans designed to be as maneuverable as they are easy to maintain.
These D.R. Horton 55+ communities offer quality and affordability, often in age-restricted developments. Freedom Homes typically feature HOA-managed landscaping, fitness centers, pools, walking trails, dog parks, clubhouses, and social activities designed to promote a sense of belonging.
Seacrest Pines in Barnegat – Barnegat, NJ
High $500ks – High $600ks
Built between 2017 and 2023, this 55+ Dr. Horton development offers six Cape Cod-style models. Amenities include a clubhouse, outdoor pool, and tennis, bocce, and pickleball courts. Barnegat is a small city situated on the Jersey Shore, less than 45 minutes from Atlantic City and fewer than 60 miles from Philadelphia.
The Orchards at Valley Ranch – San Antonio, TX
Mid $300ks – Low $400ks
This intimate gated community includes 88 single-family homes. New construction (2017 to 2022) sold quickly, and homes remain in high demand. The Orchards at Valley Ranch is situated on the spacious outskirts of San Antonio, yet less than 30 miles from downtown.
Palms at Serenoa – Clermont, FL
High $300ks – Mid $400ks
D.R. Horton knows how to bring out the best of Florida in their stunning communities. Palms at Serenoa offers eight models. Newly built homes are available among the 570 residences in this gated community. Lauded for its parks, trails, and open spaces, you’ll find the amenities you’d expect from a first-class D.R. Horton 55+ community. Less than 20 miles west of Disney World and with spacious floor plans, there are many reasons for families to visit.
Other Notable D.R. Horton Communities
While the company created the Freedom design series with active adults in mind, potential buyers in that market have other opportunities to enjoy the quality and aesthetics for which D.R. Horton is known. Here are three of our favorites, which may become yours after a visit.
Lakes at Laurel Highlands – Lakeland, FL
Low $300ks – High $300ks
If you’re looking for a Florida community without age restrictions, this one may pique your interest. Four Tradition Series floor plans include one- and two-story models with up to five bedrooms. With prices starting at just below $350,000, these block-and-stucco homes have open floor plans, stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, and smart home features to enhance convenience and livability.
Residents enjoy amenities such as open spaces, walking trails, a pool, and a clubhouse, and the community is situated close to entertainment and shopping centers with easy access to highways. You’ll only be 66 miles from Orlando to the east and 35 miles from Tampa to the west.
The Vineyards on Lake Wylie – Charlotte, NC
High $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Imagine having affordable access to a waterfront resort lifestyle, complete with fishing, boating, green spaces, and more than 10 miles of walking trails. That’s what residents of this all-ages community of 430 homes enjoy and why new construction quickly sold out upon completion in 2017. Still, buyers can be fortunate enough to find listings from among the eight Tradition Series floor plans with the help of a skilled 55places agent.
Tour the community’s two distinct neighborhoods and expansive clubhouse, and find your dream home. The Vineyard is about 10 miles from Downtown Charlotte.
Carillon at the Ponds – Summerville, SC
High $200ks – High $300ks
This community of 53 homes by D.R. Horton and other builders reflects the historical profile of the Summerville area without sacrificing modern comfort and amenities. South Carolina Lowcountry architecture on spacious, rural lots amid wooded open spaces makes this 55+ development a draw for active adults. Few communities this size offer so many resort-class amenities, especially at a price point in the high $200Ks to high $300Ks. You’ll have access to an indoor walking track, clubhouse, sports courts, a playground for visiting grandkids, community garden plots, and a world-class YMCA fitness facility. Historic Charleston is only about 30 minutes away.
We’re Your Home Search Team for D.R. Horton and Beyond
D.R. Horton operates in 36 states and 126 markets, so no matter what region you’d like to live in, there’s something for you. If you’re interested in learning more about D.R. Horton’s communities, contact us. Our agents are selected for their experience in matching buyers like you with active adult developments in your desired location, meeting your desired criteria.
A Complete List of D.R. Horton 55+ Communities on 55places.com
Alabama
Arizona
California
Florida
- Heritage — The Cottages of Sanders Grove – Okahumpka, FL
- The Shores at Brightwater – North Fort Myers, FL
- The Savannahs – West Melbourne, FL
- Heritage Landings – Lakeland, FL
- Preserve at Lakeside Landings – Winter Haven, FL
- Freedom at Azalea Ridge – Middleburg, FL
- Freedom at Arbor Mill – Jacksonville, FL
- Lakes at Laurel Highlands – Lakeland, FL
- Palms at Serenoa – Clermont, FL
- Parkland Preserve – St. Augustine, FL
- Freedom Homes at Grand Reserve – Bunnell, FL
- Firefly at Hammock Bay – Freeport, FL
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
New Jersey
- The Plaza Grande at Garden State Park – Cherry Hill, NJ
- The Village Grande at Camelot – Glassboro, NJ
- Village Grande at Battleground – Manalapan, NJ
- Village Grande at Bear Creek – West Windsor, NJ
- Plaza Grande at Old Bridge – Old Bridge, NJ
- Seacrest Pines – Barnegat, NJ
- Crossings at Delanco Station – Delanco, NJ
- Congressional – Moorestown, NJ
- Coves at Ocean Club – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- The Village Grande at English Mill – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- The Village Grande at Little Mill – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- Village Grande at Crosswicks Creek – Bordentown Township, NJ
North Carolina
- The Vineyards on Lake Wylie – Charlotte, NC
- Avalon – Bolivia, NC
- Lake Walk Freedom Homes – Mooresville, NC
- The Farm at Brunswick – Carolina Shores, NC
- The Glen at Mackintosh – Burlington, NC
- Bridgewater at Sherrills Ford — Ridge – Sherrills Ford, NC
- Meadows At Coddle Creek – Mooresville, NC
- The Farm at Ingleside – Iron Station, NC
- The Landing at Rocklyn – Clemmons, NC
- Wildbrook – Denver, NC
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
- Cross Creek – Lexington, SC
- Carillon at Tuscany – Myrtle Beach, SC
- Carillon at The Ponds – Summerville, SC
- The Ponds at Cobblestone Park – Blythewood, SC
- Myrtle Trace Grande – Conway, SC
- Waters Edge – North Myrtle Beach, SC
- The Reserve at Cypress Ridge – Bluffton, SC
- Cypress Point – Lake Wylie, SC
- Heather Glen – Little River, SC
- Island Green – Myrtle Beach, SC
Tennessee
Texas
- Water Crest on Lake Conroe – Conroe, TX
- Wellspring at Tamarron – Katy, TX
- The Orchards at Valley Ranch – San Antonio, TX
- Cove of Hickory Creek – Red Oak, TX
- Foster’s Ridge Freedom – Conroe, TX
Utah
Virginia
