Florida's Panhandle has a number of gorgeous, natural beaches to be proud of, as well as acres of nature preserves, fine dining and shopping, a growing economy, and good schools. One thing Panama City had been missing is active adult or low-maintenance communities. Fortunately, Watersound Origins, lifestyle community, is helping change that.

When Latitude Margaritaville arrived in 2017, it felt like the active adult community landscape had shifted. 55places.com spoke with Minto Communities' William Bullock to find out how the communities are performing, why non-Parrotheads should be interested, and how many more are coming soon.

Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings announced the location of their third Latitude Margaritaville active adult community. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound will be built in Bay County near Panama City Beach in Florida's Panhandle and is expected to be open by 2020.

The Florida Panhandle is the state's most northwestern region and a lovely spot for a beach vacation or a coastal retirement. This long, narrow area stretches across approximately 200 miles and is between 50 and 100 miles wide. Known for its sunny, white beaches, the Florida Panhandle is bordered by Alabama and Georgia in the north and west, and the Gulf of Mexico on the south.