Florida continues to rank as one of the top retirement destinations in the U.S. For those seeking vibrant, active lifestyles, 55+ communities in Sanford, FL offer the perfect blend of resort-style amenities, beautiful homes, and year-round sunshine. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Sanford combines affordability, convenience, and charm.
If you’re searching for the best of the best, Sanford deserves a place at the top of your list. Perfectly positioned between Orlando and Daytona Beach, this growing city is emerging as a top contender among Florida’s most desirable retirement hotspots. With its walkable historic district, lakeside parks, and thriving arts scene, Sanford rivals popular destinations like Sarasota and Naples, often with a more attractive price point.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Sanford such a compelling choice for active adults.
The Benefits of Retiring in Florida
No Bad Days in the Sunshine State
Florida’s hospitable climate is a big reason why many active retirees choose to live in Sanford. With over 230 sunny days each year on average, residents can enjoy outdoor hobbies and recreation year-round. In Sanford, you’ll find an abundance of community activities like outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets.
If you’re more interested in getting out on the water, Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are a short drive away. These beaches are famous for warm water and mild waves, making them perfect spots for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, or sunbathing.
Tax-Friendly, High Quality of Living
Another advantage to retiring in Florida is the cost of living. Florida has retiree-friendly tax policies, including no state income tax and no tax on Social Security benefits. The state also boasts low property taxes, which creates an affordable housing market. Looking at Sanford in particular, residents will find far more “bang for their buck” in these luxurious 55+ communities. Central Florida offers a high quality of living at a lower cost than many competing retirement destinations.
Historic Downtown Sanford: Walkable, Friendly, Vibrant
Sanford’s downtown community brings old-world charm and contemporary culture to Central Florida. Walk under the ancient oak trees, down winding brick streets, and enjoy the historic architecture of several vintage shops and buildings. You’ll find art galleries alongside culinary delights at various local cafes, restaurants, and craft breweries. Downtown Sanford’s community street fairs, art walks, and festivals create a lively social scene for neighbors to come together and enjoy the local culture.
If you’re interested in living near Downtown Sanford, check out a few premier communities:
Cresswind at Victoria Gardens – DeLand, FL
Mid $300ks – High $600ks
Cresswind at Victoria Gardens is a gated, active adult community—the only age-restricted community in the Victoria Park development. In addition to onsite amenities such as an 18-hole golf course and 400 acres of conservation space, the Cresswind community is near Sanford’s main downtown block.
This community features a private clubhouse, full-time lifestyle director, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a wide array of social clubs and activities. Homes are thoughtfully designed with modern, open layouts perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Residents also enjoy access to nearby golf, shopping, and medical facilities.
Sullivan Ranch – Mount Dora, FL
Low $200ks – Low $600ks
Sullivan Ranch offers a peaceful, picturesque lifestyle in the rolling hills of Mount Dora, combining small-town charm with modern amenities in a gated setting. The 55+ section of this master-planned community features low-maintenance homes and a private clubhouse exclusively for active adult residents.
This community embodies the same old town charm of Sanford’s downtown block with its unique sense of character. Cobblestone-accented streets, rolling hills, and ancient oaks make this community a welcome oasis for active adults and retirees.
Cresswind DeLand – DeLand, FL
Mid $300ks – High $500ks
Located just a short drive from Florida’s beaches, this Kolter Homes community offers a clubhouse, a fitness center, walking trails, pickleball, and more. With energy-efficient home designs and a focus on outdoor living, residents can embrace a low-maintenance lifestyle. Cresswind DeLand is where active adults can thrive in a welcoming environment and the Florida sunshine.
Alhambra Villas Condominiums – DeLand, FL
Mid $100ks – Mid $200ks
Alhambra Villas Condominiums offers an affordable, low-maintenance 55+ lifestyle, just minutes from shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. This cozy community features single-story villas as well as a clubhouse and a pool where neighbors become friends. Also, with HOA-covered exterior maintenance, Alhambra Villas is ideal for those looking to simplify their life without sacrificing comfort or community.
Peaceful Nature and Waterfront Living Near Sanford, FL
The greater Sanford area is beautiful and secluded compared to bustling hubs like Orlando. Residents enjoy being just a day trip from major cities while having the serenity of a quiet lifestyle. Sanford is home to multiple hiking trails and wildlife habitat preserves, such as the Black Bear Wilderness Area and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Sanford sits along the southern shore of Lake Monroe, a vast conservation area that connects with the RiverWalk Trail for biking, jogging, and strolling.
If you’re interested in waterfront living near Sanford, here are our top recommendations:
Venetian Bay – New Smyrna Beach, FL
High $200ks – High $1Ms
Venetian Bay is a master-planned oasis with resort-style sophistication in coastal New Smyrna Beach. Known for its golf course, town center, scenic trails, and sparkling lakes, this vibrant community offers a variety of neighborhoods, including options tailored for 55+ living.
Residents enjoy access to championship golf, a clubhouse, a fitness center, and a range of dining and retail conveniences right within the community. With beautiful Florida beaches and charming downtown areas just minutes away, Venetian Bay blends the best of coastal relaxation and upscale living.
Summer Trees – Port Orange, FL
High $100ks – Mid $600ks
Summer Trees is a tree-lined 55+ community located in the heart of Port Orange, Florida. Designed for easy, low-maintenance living, this established neighborhood features single-story homes surrounded by nature preserves and walking trails. Residents enjoy a quiet, friendly atmosphere with access to a community clubhouse, a pool, and social activities. With affordable homes and a serene, wooded setting just minutes from the beach, Summer Trees is an ideal choice for retirees seeking natural beauty.
Royal Palm – Port Orange, FL
Low $200ks – High $400ks
Royal Palm is a gated 55+ community that offers an elegant, resort-style experience in sunny Port Orange. Residents enjoy a vibrant social life alongside luxury amenities, including a grand clubhouse, fitness center, pools, tennis, and walking paths. The community features spacious homes designed with comfort and style in mind. Conveniently located near shopping, health care, and just a short drive to Daytona Beach, Royal Palm delivers the best of Florida living.
Pelican Bay – Daytona Beach, FL
Below $100k – High $600ks
Pelican Bay in Daytona Beach is a gated, golf course community that combines natural beauty with an active lifestyle. Though not exclusively 55+, it appeals to active adults with its tranquil lakes, scenic views, and access to two semi-private golf courses.
The community features a mix of condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, plus a clubhouse, tennis courts, and walking paths. Just minutes from the beach and cultural attractions, Pelican Bay offers a convenient setting for those ready to enjoy the best of coastal Florida living.
The Best Place to Stay and Play Near Sanford, FL
Not ready to take the plunge just yet? No problem! We have some suggestions of 55+ communities where you can try out the Sanford, Florida area without the full commitment to a home purchase. Just a short drive northeast of Sanford and Orlando, these premier 55+ communities combine resort‑style amenities with easy access to local health care, cultural venues, and Orlando International Airport.
Both Del Webb Sunbridge and Plantation Bay offer immersive “test‑drive” stay packages, giving prospective homebuyers firsthand experience of daily life in Central Florida’s vibrant retirement landscape.
Del Webb Sunbridge – St. Cloud, FL
Mid $300ks – Low $1Ms
Located within the sprawling Sunbridge master‑planned community just south of Lake Nona, Del Webb Sunbridge offers a dynamic active adult environment. This community features the 27,000-square-foot Hammock Club, which includes a resort pool, a fitness studio, a tavern, pickleball, bocce, craft spaces, and more.
Stay‑and‑Play Experience: Through Del Webb’s “Experience Del Webb” program, you can book a two-night pass for $300. You will stay in a fully furnished Hallmark or Contour home, enjoy a complimentary meal at the onsite Sabal Tavern, and receive guest access to the Hammock Club. It’s a relaxed yet immersive way to explore the Florida lifestyle just minutes from Sanford and Orlando.
Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club – Ormond Beach, FL
Below $100k – High $4Ms
Set just east of Sanford’s coastal stretch, Plantation Bay is a gated golf community embraced by natural landscapes. The community features three championship golf courses, two clubhouses, extensive tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, pools, trails, and a cabana bar.
Discovery Tours: Plantation Bay offers multi‑day stay packages designed to reveal the full lifestyle experience. Options include:
- Gold Package ($699 + tax per couple): 3 days/2 nights in a furnished club villa, $100 dining credit, full clubhouse/amenity access, a private golf cart, a tennis or pickleball lesson, fitness classes, and a personalized tour of the community.
- Diamond Package ($1,099 + tax per couple): All Gold features plus 2 rounds of golf per person on championship courses.
Moving to Sanford, FL: What’s Next?
Deciding where to retire in Florida is the first step to living your dreams. Whether you’re planning to make Sanford your permanent home or thinking of embracing the snowbird lifestyle, there are a variety of properties available in Central Florida’s rising 55+ communities. If you’d like a closer look at any of the communities highlighted in this article, reach out to our team for more info.
We can help with every step of the retirement journey, from selling your current home to matching you with the ideal retirement destination and future home in an active 55+ community. We’ll make the process easy so you can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle. Let’s get moving!
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