The appeal of golf cart communities in Florida is easy to see. Think of them as social networks powered by sunshine, leisure, and—yes—batteries. Each morning, retirees grab a cup of coffee, hop into their carts, and head out to meet up with friends. No traffic lights, no parking headaches, no stress. Just a breezy ride along palm-lined paths where neighbors wave from their own carts.
For countless 55+ adults in Florida, this isn’t a vacation. It’s everyday life. Golf carts aren’t just vehicles; they’re the heart of a relaxed, resort-style lifestyle that continues to attract homebuyers from across the country.
Benefits of Golf Cart Communities
But the appeal of a Florida retirement isn’t only about socializing and avoiding traffic. These communities create a unique culture where the pace slows down and daily life feels like a perpetual vacation. Golf carts also eliminate barriers that slow down active adult lifestyles:
- Skip the hassle of traffic lights – just hop in your cart and head to a neighbor’s house
- Avoid driving on busy streets at night – carts make short trips safer and simpler
- Enjoy built-in camaraderie – golf cart ownership instantly brings neighbors together and fosters a tight-knit community
- Discover larger golf cart communities – they feel like self-contained towns, complete with shops, recreation, and everyday essentials
These 55+ homeowners spend less time running errands, don’t shovel snow, and have more free time to pursue their passions. Some golf cart communities have gained particular recognition for their exceptional golf cart infrastructures, golf courses, and other amenities. The six we’ve chosen below have perfected the art of golf cart living.
On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Low $100ks – High $600ks
On Top of the World sits about 80 miles northwest of Orlando and just south of Ocala National Forest. This Central Florida location places residents within easy reach of urban amenities and natural attractions, while maintaining a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
This gated 55+ community has 10,000 attached and single-family homes spanning over 5,500 acres of rolling hills and mature oak trees. Its golf cart infrastructure is comprehensive, with dedicated cart paths connecting every neighborhood to the central amenities.
On Top of the World Ocala offers retirees everything they need for an active lifestyle. Three championship golf courses provide options for every skill level, from the semi-private Candler Hills, designed by Gordon Lewis, to two exclusive resident-only courses. Additionally, the community centers around Circle Square Commons, which features a cultural center with an 830-seat theater that hosts concerts and shows, as well as The Ranch Fitness Center and Spa.
Dining options include The Pub and The Club at Candler Hills restaurant. Also, the Master the Possibilities learning center offers hundreds of classes in various subjects, ranging from the arts to computers. Weekend entertainment at Town Square, along with welcoming amenities like an ice cream shop and farmers market, creates a resort-like atmosphere where neighbors quickly become friends.
Kings Point – Sun City Center, FL
Below $100k – Low $400ks
Located in Hillsborough County, Kings Point occupies a prime position in Sun City Center, about 30 miles south of Tampa and 45 miles east of St. Petersburg. Kings Point is situated within the larger Sun City Center area, but it maintains separate legal boundaries and operates its own condominium associations.
Kings Point is a gated property with 5,277 attached and single-family homes. This community’s golf cart network is extensive, with well-cared-for paths that connect to all the major amenities. The flat terrain makes golf cart travel safe and enjoyable, with clearly marked paths and designated parking areas.
This active adult community delivers exciting amenities centered around its 90,000-square-foot clubhouse. Residents enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, fitness rooms, the Borini Theater (featuring Broadway shows and renowned performers), game rooms, and a variety of dining options. The newer South Clubhouse adds 28,000 square feet of resort-style amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and an additional pool.
The sporting life is big here, with tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, and lawn bowling courts. Golfers have exceptional options with three onsite courses, including the original 18-hole executive course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Access to neighboring Sun City Center facilities expands amenity choices even further with additional courts, pools, and recreational spaces.
Vitalia at Tradition – Port St. Lucie, FL
Low $300ks – Low $700ks
Crossing the state to Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vitalia at Tradition is a gated 55+ Port St. Lucie neighborhood approximately 50 miles north of West Palm Beach and about 120 miles north of Miami. This sought-after coastal location means closer access to Atlantic Ocean beaches and high-end shopping. Vitalia at Tradition is also a more affordable alternative to some of Florida’s higher-priced coastal 55+ communities.
As a newer addition to the active adult community landscape, Vitalia at Tradition is designed from the ground up with golf cart living in mind. It’s also on the smaller side, with 1,200 single-family homes. Its golf cart infrastructure is impressive, with well-lit paths connecting residential areas to the clubhouse, fitness facilities, and recreational areas. The community’s relatively compact design means that most destinations are within a short golf cart ride, making it easy for residents to get where they need to go.
Vitalia at Tradition residents also enjoy an exceptional amenity package. Its 24,000-square-foot Captiva Club serves as the community’s social hub: Inside, you’ll find a spacious ballroom, a modern fitness center, a creative arts and crafts studio, an aerobics room, a billiards area, and a catering kitchen for special events.
The outdoor amenities at Vitalia create a true resort atmosphere. There’s a pool surrounded by comfortable cabanas, eight pickleball courts, five tennis courts, and two bocce ball courts. Also, a lakeside pavilion offers peaceful water views, and the event lawn with cozy firepits is perfect for evening socializing.
Solivita – Kissimmee, FL
High $100ks – Mid $700ks
Located in Osceola County, Solivita sits in Kissimmee, about 25 miles southwest of Orlando and close to many of Central Florida’s major attractions. This gated, master-planned community’s proximity to Disney World, Universal Studios, and other entertainment destinations is a big plus. It’s a big draw for active adults who want to stay connected to their families and visit those well-loved theme parks frequently.
The golf cart culture at Solivita reflects the community’s emphasis on accessibility and an active lifestyle. Every amenity has golf cart parking, and the carts are allowed on designated paths and all Solivita roadways.
Residents enjoy eight amenity complexes on this property, including the 32,000-square-foot Riviera Spa & Fitness Center, with its indoor walking track, heated lap pool, and professional trainers. The 19,000-square-foot Palms Complex has state-of-the-art gym facilities, group fitness classes, heated pools, tennis courts, and pickleball facilities. Solivita’s Starlite Ballroom hosts community events, and the Waterfront Galleries offers stunning lake views, art studios, ceramics workshops, and a library.
Also, there’s the semi-private Stonegate Golf Club, with two championship 18-hole courses. The Oaks, designed by Ron Garl, winds through century-old oak trees, while The Cypress challenges players of all skill levels. The community also welcomes pets with a dedicated dog park. Its dining options include the elegant Stonegate Grille overlooking the golf course, as well as casual spots like Marketplace Bistro and Mosaics restaurant.
Sun City Center – Sun City Center, FL
Below $100k – Low $600ks
The original Sun City Center, located in Hillsborough County about 25 miles south of Tampa, was one of the first communities specifically designed for active adults. Back in 1961, it established the template for golf cart communities in Florida.
Sun City Center covers about 16.6 square miles and has 9,500 resale attached and single-family homes. There are multiple subdivisions and community associations here. The community’s golf cart infrastructure has evolved over decades, resulting in one of Florida’s most impressive cart path systems. Residents travel throughout the property in their golf carts, with paths connecting residential areas, amenities, and shopping centers.
This self-contained community, catering to residents aged 55 and above, features three amenity campuses designed for active retirement living. The Central Campus features The Atrium, where neighbors gather daily. Here, you’ll find fitness facilities, indoor pools, walking tracks, and hobby studios for woodworking, ceramics, and art. The Old Town Hall houses a photography studio, billiards, and a small performance theater.
The South Campus offers a 10,000-square-foot Community Hall with a full auditorium for dinners, dances, and stage shows. Other outdoor facilities include ten tennis courts, four pickleball courts, volleyball, softball, and dog parks. The West Campus even has gardening plots for green thumbs.
Beyond the main campuses, exclusive clubhouses serve Kings Point and Renaissance Club neighborhoods. Golfers have eight courses to choose from, ranging from championship layouts to executive courses. Residents also take classes at the acclaimed Ben Sutton Golf School.
The Villages – The Villages, FL
Below $100k – Low $2Ms
Perhaps the most famous golf cart community in Florida, if not the world, The Villages spans three counties (Lake, Marion, and Sumter) in Central Florida. Located approximately 60 miles northwest of Orlando and 80 miles northeast of Tampa, this is one of the largest active adult communities in the United States.
The Villages is larger than many Florida cities, covering 33.95 square miles. It features 70,000 condos, manufactured, attached, and single-family homes, catering to a wide range of price points. The golf cart infrastructure is correspondingly extensive, with hundreds of miles of cart paths connecting residential areas to amenities, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
With over 35 community centers, more than 100 outdoor pools, and 53 golf courses, The Villages offers a convenient and hassle-free retirement experience. There are three town squares with nightly entertainment alongside dozens of restaurants, shops, and cafes. That’s in addition to regional recreation centers with fitness facilities, ballrooms, pools, and more.
And talk about a golfer’s paradise: The Villages offers free play on its 41 executive courses and fee-based play on its 12 country club courses. The latter includes the Nancy Lopez Legacy Country Club and Palmer Legends, designed by—you guessed it—Arnold Palmer.
Visit These Golf Cart Communities in Florida
Smart retirees know that life doesn’t have to be lived in the fast lane. Golf cart communities in Florida ease the stress of traffic, encourage daily activity, and make it easy to enjoy spontaneous connections with neighbors. It’s like living in a resort, where every ride is relaxed and every destination is just a short trip away.
Each community has its own character, rules, and amenities, but the common thread is a resort-style lifestyle where golf carts are central to daily living. The six we’ve highlighted stand out for their thoughtful layouts, vibrant cultures, and appealing amenities.
If you’re considering a move to Florida or planning your snowbird lifestyle, we recommend touring these communities in person. Treat your visit like a mini-vacation and discover which one feels like home.
Ready to find the perfect 55+ community? Contact 55places.com today and connect with a local real estate expert who can guide you every step of the way.
Golf Cart Communities in Florida: FAQ
1. What is a golf cart community in Florida?
A golf cart community in Florida is a neighborhood designed with dedicated paths, roadways, and parking areas where residents can use golf carts as their primary mode of local transportation.
2. Why are golf cart communities popular with retirees?
Golf cart communities are popular with retirees because they provide convenience, reduce the need for cars, and foster a strong sense of community where neighbors can easily socialize.
3. Can golf carts be driven on public roads in Florida?
In many areas, golf carts are allowed on public roads with speed limits under 35 mph, but rules vary by county and community. Some areas require street-legal carts equipped with lights, seat belts, and other safety features.
4. Do all golf cart communities in Florida require residents to own a golf cart?
No, most golf cart communities do not require ownership, but many residents choose to have one because it is the easiest way to access amenities and visit neighbors.
5. Are golf carts in these communities electric or gas-powered?
Both electric and gas-powered golf carts are used, although electric carts are more common due to their quiet operation, low maintenance, and eco-friendly design.
6. What amenities are typically included in Florida golf cart communities?
Amenities usually include golf courses, fitness centers, pools, pickleball and tennis courts, clubhouses, restaurants, and shopping areas that can all be accessed by golf cart.
7. Are golf cart communities only for golfers?
No, golf cart communities are not only for golfers. While many have golf courses, they also appeal to residents who enjoy the social activities, fitness programs, clubs, and convenient lifestyle.
8. Are HOA fees higher in golf cart communities?
HOA fees depend on the community and the amenities offered. In many cases, fees cover maintenance of golf cart paths, recreational facilities, and landscaping.
9. Can residents customize their golf carts?
Yes, many residents personalize their golf carts with custom paint, upgraded seating, enclosures, sound systems, and decorative features.
10. How can I find the right golf cart community in Florida for my lifestyle?
The best way to find the right community is to tour several neighborhoods, explore the amenities, talk to residents, and work with a local real estate expert who specializes in 55+ or golf cart-friendly communities.
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