Active adults looking for luxury retirement communities in Florida have many attention-grabbing options along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. These communities focus on providing an upscale experience for homeowners seeking resort-style amenities, ocean access, and golf course views. These communities often come with country club memberships and sometimes concierge services that offer A-list social events and activities such as wine tastings and visits to Michelin-star restaurants.
Elevating one’s lifestyle is a little easier in Florida. It helps that there’s no state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Maintaining a luxury lifestyle is easier when residents can keep more of their money. Property taxes are also relatively lower, at least compared to more expensive real estate markets further up the Atlantic seaboard.
Also, the climate in Florida contributes to a life of luxury. Imagine oysters and champagne on the patio in the middle of February while neighbors to the north are waiting for the snow to melt. A round of golf on a marquee course before the sun sets on a late afternoon in January is perfectly within reach.
What Does a Luxury Retirement Look Like in Florida?
The reasons to retire in Florida are, of course, well-known. There’s the warm weather and the abundance of water. There’s the recreation and the entertainment and the ease of finding an airport or a cruise port. For many retirees who land here, it’s the pursuit of a certain way of life that sends them in search of sunshine and space. It’s boating, great art, and good food. It’s new social circles and the pursuit of personal passions.
Luxury living in Florida’s active adult and lifestyle communities often means:
- Custom-built or new construction homes
- Golf course(s) in the neighborhood
- Waterfront views
- High-end amenities like spas and wellness centers
- A neighborhood with fine dining and excellent shopping
Luxury is not only about wealth and resources, but also about the freedom and privacy that affords the ability to live life on your own terms. These Florida communities have that too. Take a look at this curated guide to Florida’s most upscale 55+ and active adult lifestyle communities. You’ll find luxury combined with accessibility and ease.
Pelican Bay – Naples, FL
High $500ks – Mid $10Ms
Naples is one of the more affluent cities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Pelican Bay is in the desirable north part of the city, surrounded by a coastal preserve. This puts residents right on the water, with amenities that include beach clubs and restaurants.
Many homes are spacious single-family models with private outdoor space, but there are also condos available in high-rise buildings with astonishing views. Onsite amenities include two tennis facilities, beachfront restaurants, and access to two boardwalks. There’s also a fitness and wellness center, and the 27-hole golf course is a major draw for people working on their game. Additionally, the entire master-planned community operates on a tram system, allowing for easy access between residential neighborhoods, amenities, and retail areas.
Sabal Ridge – Boca Raton, FL
Mid $1Ms – Low $3Ms
Sabal Ridge offers luxury high-rise condo living in Boca Raton, a city known for its high-end shopping at Mizner Park and the Town Center at Boca Raton. This is an area also popular for beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, where people gather for tennis, golf, and brunch.
This gated 55+ community of condos is intimate. On the 17 floors, there are only 31 condos. Upgraded homes have details such as hurricane-impact glass windows, Grecian marble floors, custom kitchens, and wet bars. Residents have direct beach access, a pool and sundeck overlooking the water, and a 24-hour attendant in the lobby of the building. Each home comes with multiple private balconies.
Vacancies are understandably rare. Be sure to make an offer quickly if you’re interested in retiring to this exclusive community. Also, this building is in a neighborhood of other luxury buildings.
Bonita Bay – Bonita Springs, FL
High $200ks – Low $6Ms
Active adults who feel most luxurious when surrounded by nature will want to explore Bonita Bay. This is a gated 55+ community of single-family homes, condos, and attached homes surrounded by preserves and lakes with a view of the Gulf. Additionally, the Bonita Bay Club offers world-class golf, and there are 12 miles of walking and biking trails throughout the community.
This community is located in Bonita Springs, known for its canals and waterfront homes. Homes have up to 6,500 square feet and as many as six bedrooms. Some homes have private pools, and many of the high-rise condos offer floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views. Details, including marble floors and wine refrigerators, are fairly standard in this community, allowing buyers an opportunity to surround themselves with elegance.
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club – Ormond Beach, FL
Mid $200ks – High $4Ms
A prestigious gated lifestyle community for active adults, Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club provides everything that a deluxe retirement demands. There’s the 45 holes of championship golf on private courses, the expansive network of pickleball courts, 10 Har-Tru tennis courts with lights, and a splendid pool with a cabana bar.
The Atlantic Ocean is just a few minutes away, and Ormond Beach is full of boutiques, great restaurants, and live entertainment. It’s also close to Daytona Beach and its famous speedway. Homeowners can join the country club at any level that they’d like, whether it’s simply a social membership or a full golf membership. Social events are well-attended, from happy hours to wine tastings to fitness classes to educational classes and lectures. There’s a guard gate staffed 24 hours a day, ensuring privacy and protection for residents and club guests.
Watersound Origins – Panama City, FL
Low $500ks – High $3Ms
In Florida’s Panhandle, there’s a new level of luxury. That’s where active adults will find Watersound Origins, a master-planned lifestyle community that offers tranquility, space, and a lot of natural surroundings. New construction home sites are still available, but buyers also have the option of choosing from move-in-ready, single-family homes and attached townhomes.
There’s golf, nature trails, a resort-style pool, private dining, and water sports. Additionally, the community’s town center features retail and dining options. Some homes include private pools and fire pits. Residents are surrounded by pine trees and close to Lake Powell, a popular spot for outdoor recreation and a great place to launch a boat or a canoe.
Esplanade Lake Club – Fort Myers, FL
Low $400ks – High $2Ms
For a luxury boating lifestyle, active adult residents can enjoy a private marina with a boat ramp and kayak launch on 352-acre Lake Como at Esplanade Lake Club. This is a gated active lifestyle community of new construction single-family and attached villa homes in Fort Myers.
Spacious floor plans across 15 models are available, and buyers can be selective when it comes to finishes, options, and features. Within the community, amenities include a fitness center complemented by a spa and wellness center, pickleball courts, a stunning pool and sundeck, and a variety of activities that include wine tastings and culinary excursions. Dining options include The Bahama Bar and the Toasted Cafe.
The Isles of Collier Preserve – Naples, FL
Low $800ks – Mid $2Ms
An unspoiled natural habitat is available for luxury homebuyers at The Isles of Collier Preserve, which is an exclusive and gated lifestyle community in Naples. Eight miles of scenic kayak waterways can be found in this neighborhood, as well as prime water views, a boathouse, and a dock. The newly constructed clubhouse includes a fitness center and locker rooms as well as a gallery, lounge, and private office spaces. There’s also a lap pool as well as a resort-style pool, tennis courts and pickleball courts, and an event lawn near The Overlook Bar & Grill.
The Fifth Avenue shopping and dining district of Downtown Naples is just four miles away from the community. Homes are available in a variety of models and floor plans. Single-story luxury villas are available in two and three-bedroom models.
Esplanade on Palmer Ranch – Sarasota, FL
Mid $400ks – Low $2Ms
Esplanade on Palmer Ranch is a gated lifestyle community in Sarasota that offers single-family homes and attached villas. For many active adults seeking an upscale retirement destination, Sarasota stands out among Gulf Coast cities.
The community features homes with modern upgrades, stylish finishes, and a variety of luxury options, all within easy reach of Sarasota’s premier attractions, including St. Armands Circle and Siesta Key. Residents can choose from a wide selection of new construction floor plans and enjoy resort-style amenities such as a spa, a fitness center, a pool with cabanas, and courts for tennis and pickleball.
Pelican Landing – Bonita Springs, FL
High $300ks – Mid $4Ms
Cozy attached cottages on the golf course or luxury high-rise condos are available at Pelican Landing, a lush and leafy 55+ community near the Gulf. There are also single-family homes with plenty of space and privacy. Most floor plans include at least three or four bedrooms and over 3,000 square feet. Condos include attached two-car garages.
Outside of the upscale and well-designed homes are the abundant amenities. Lakes and preserves make up several acres around the neighborhood, and there are also championship golf courses, kayaking and canoeing, tennis, and sun-filled swimming pools. Community events include Trivia Night, book clubs, and dinner dances. Boat slips are available at the marina. Also, there’s a wellness center and a butterfly garden.
Moorings – Naples, FL
Low $100ks – High $9Ms
At Moorings, residents enjoy a private community beach, waterways for boating and fishing, and access to the exclusive Moorings Country Club. Membership is not mandatory, but joining the club will give residents access to premier amenities including a clubhouse, dining options, and an 18-hole golf course.
Single-family homes with spacious floor plans between 1,419 and 6,107 square feet and up to six bedrooms are available as well as luxury condos with up to 4,693 square feet and four bedrooms. The neighborhood has boat docks and parks. Also, hosted activities such as cocktail parties and beach events are common.
Discover Luxury Active Adult Living in Florida
For homeowners planning their retirement years, today’s active adult communities offer much more than just a place to live. Residents can enjoy golf and country club memberships, scenic water views, curated lifestyle activities and events, and beautifully designed homes that blend fine details with modern elements. These communities are often located in cities known for upscale shopping and dining, as well as easy access to waterfront living and popular pastimes such as golf, pickleball, tennis, and cultural attractions.
In retirement, priorities shift. Many active adults seek the security of a gated community, the comfort of living among like-minded neighbors, and the exclusivity of a lifestyle tailored to their needs and interests. If you’re looking for a retirement experience that’s both active and serene, these luxury communities in Florida are an excellent place to start your search.
Explore these elite options at your own pace, and when you’re ready to match your preferences with the perfect community, 55places.com can connect you with a Florida real estate expert who will help you find your ideal retirement destination. Contact us today!
Luxury Retirement Communities in Florida FAQ
1. What are luxury retirement communities in Florida?
They are age-restricted or lifestyle communities that offer upscale homes, resort-style amenities, golf courses, wellness centers, and often waterfront or golf course views.
2. How much do homes cost in Florida’s luxury retirement communities?
Prices vary widely. Condos can start in the $200ks, while high-end homes often range from $1M to $10M+, depending on location, amenities, and exclusivity.
3. Where are the best luxury retirement communities in Florida located?
Top destinations include Naples, Boca Raton, Sarasota, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Palm Beach County, all known for upscale living and waterfront access.
4. Do luxury retirement communities in Florida include golf courses?
Yes. Many of Florida’s luxury 55+ communities feature championship golf courses, country club memberships, and exclusive golf events.
5. What amenities do luxury retirement communities usually have?
Common amenities include spas, fitness centers, pickleball and tennis courts, private beaches, marinas, fine dining, wine tastings, and full social calendars.
6. Are there waterfront luxury retirement communities in Florida?
Yes. Many high-end communities are located on the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean, offering beach clubs, boating access, and marina facilities.
7. Do Florida luxury retirement communities offer concierge services?
Some of the most exclusive communities provide concierge services, private event planning, and even partnerships with high-end restaurants and clubs.
8. Are pets allowed in Florida luxury retirement communities?
Yes, most are pet-friendly, though restrictions may apply depending on the community and property type.
9. What is the difference between a standard 55+ community and a luxury 55+ community?
Luxury communities offer more upscale homes, premium finishes, exclusive amenities (like marinas or spas), and a higher level of services and privacy.
10. Do luxury retirement communities have gated security?
Most do. Gated entrances, 24/7 security, and private patrols are common features in Florida’s upscale retirement neighborhoods.
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