When you decide that living in Florida is more than just a dream and you begin looking for affordable retirement communities for a part-time or full-time home, the Atlantic Coast is an advantageous place to consider. You can find homes under $150,000 on the central part of the coast, especially in areas such as the Treasure Coast or near Palm Beach County.
For a lot of conveniences and spacious properties even on a budget, consider one of these 55+ communities that are ideal for active adults who love a bargain and a beach.
Coral Ridge Towers – Fort Lauderdale
Low $100s – Mid $300s
High-rise condo living can be fun and feel glamorous, but it doesn’t have to break the bank, even in Fort Lauderdale, one of the most desirable places to live on the Atlantic coast. Coral Ridge Towers offers affordable Fort Lauderdale homes for sale, and many of them come with outstanding views.
There are 1,266 units available in four 16-story buildings, offering residents a view of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. Studios are 500 square feet, but there are also homes from 800 to 1,400 square feet with one to three bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. There’s assigned parking, elevator access in each building, and private balconies.
Each building has its own clubhouse, fitness center, pool, patio, and library. There are also game rooms, shuffleboard courts, bocce ball courts, and a putting green. Buildings have plenty of storage for bikes, and there are trails throughout the community that bikers and walkers enjoy. Dance parties and day trips are frequently held at Coral Ridge Towers, and residents also enjoy yard sales, live music, jazz brunches, and holiday events.
Colonnades at Fort Pierce – Fort Pierce
Below $100k – Mid $200s
The Colonnades at Fort Pierce are a collection of resale condominium homes that are appealing to buyers on a budget. The community is on the water, providing residents with a fishing dock and boat slips as well as lovely sunset views.
Other amenities include a clubhouse that’s usually brimming with social events, a library, a billiards room, and a game room. There’s an outdoor pool and a sauna, as well as shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and storage for boats and R.V.s. Kayaking, canoeing, and all manner of boating activities are very popular at Colonnades at Fort Pierce.
It never feels overcrowded in this 55+ community. There are only 250 condo homes, and new residents are quickly welcomed and made to feel part of the neighborhood. Homes are between 564 and 1,316 square feet with one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. There’s assigned parking, an outdoor patio or balcony, and some resale condos have upgrades like granite counters and tile floors.
Fort Pierce is a historic part of the Treasure Coast and a great place for active adults who like the outdoors. The community is close to grocery stores, hospitals, and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, a windswept spot that’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
Lakes of Delray – Delray Beach
Low $100s – High $100s
Close to the coast and affordably priced, condo homes at Lakes of Delray are well-located and low-maintenance. The buildings are two or three stories, and they all have elevators and balconies. Homes range from 800 to 1,500 square feet, allowing for as much or as little space as you’d like. They have one or two bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, and an assigned parking space. Walk-in closets are standard and many of the properties currently on the market have been upgraded and updated.
It’s a 55+ community with a ton of amenities, including saunas, locker rooms, and plenty of space for exercise. There’s a ceramics studio, a conference room, and a large ballroom with a stage that hosts performances and concerts. Residents relax around the pool and spa, and enjoy six shuffleboard courts and four tennis courts. There’s a racquetball court, a horseshoe pit, and a place for table tennis.
When driving into town just seems like too much to bother with, community transit will take residents to the grocery store, the pharmacy, or downtown to stroll through shops and eat at one of the local restaurants like Le Sorelle, well-known for its homemade ravioli.
Snug Harbor Condominiums – Boynton Beach
Below $100k – High $200s
It’s hard not to be drawn to a community with a name like Snug Harbor Condominiums, and this 55+ neighborhood lives up to its comfortable-sounding name. It’s intimate and neighborly, with fewer than 200 condo units and a great location right near the Intracoastal Waterway.
Homes have one or two bedrooms and are between 637 and 1,200 square feet, which means residents spend less time on cleaning and maintenance and more time on beach activities, golf, and any other recreational pursuits.
Amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center, a pool and a patio, shuffleboard courts, and a multi-purpose room for club activities and social events. Buyers looking for proximity to the beach can’t do much better than Snug Harbor. It’s just minutes from Gulfstream Park, a popular local beach that’s great for swimming and picnics. At the marina, you can launch or rent a boat and stock up on snorkel gear.
Whisper Walk – Boca Raton
Below $100k – Mid $200s
Attached homes are well within budget at Whisper Walk, a 55+ community known for its five clubhouses and abundant activities. There are four handball courts, a dozen shuffleboard courts, pickleball, tennis, and five outdoor pools and patios. There’s also a fitness center and a gazebo that provides stunning water views over the well-landscaped ponds. This community provides paths for jogging, walking, biking, or simply meditating.
Attached villas are available on a resale basis in sizes that start at 1,000 square feet and go up to 1,667 square feet. Homes are available with two or three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with an attached one-car garage. The master suites in these homes are large and comfortable, and most homes have screened balconies or patios. The community is close to Mizner Park, one of Boca Raton’s best places for shopping, eating out, and just gathering with locals for a coffee or a drink.
