The 10 Best New 55+ Communities of 2018

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New active adult communities opened their doors in 2018 to residents. 55places.com measured each of them based on amenities, location, lifestyle, and resident feedback in order to figure out the 10 best new 55+ communities of 2018. Take a look at which communities ended up making the list.

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You probably notice some of the same community names pop up routinely here on 55places.com. Stalwarts such as Sun City, On Top of the World, and Solivita always seem to keep coming up (and with good reason). However, we also like to shout out some of the best new active adult communities every year to make sure you know about the next round of great places to consider calling home.

In order to figure out the ten best new 55+ communities of 2018, we looked at active adult communities across the U.S. that began welcoming new residents this calendar year and then measured each one based on amenities, location, lifestyle, resident feedback and other factors (you can read more about our methodology here). Now, without further ado, we give you the ten communities that stood out from the crowd and impressed us as the best of the bunch.

1. Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL

It’s been quite the year for the original Latitude Margaritaville community in Daytona. It was among the best-selling communities of the year and we named it the most popular community of 2018 based on interest from readers and potential buyers. There’s not much left to say about this Jimmy Buffett lifestyle-themed community that we haven’t already covered except to say the excitement and anticipation of what’s still to come (amenity centers, beach club, nearby retail centers) has kept buyers interested and making current residents feel good about being the early birds (parrots?).

2. Del Webb Tradition – Port St. Lucie, FL

Del Webb Tradition, one of the most anticipated 55+ communities to come to Florida in 2018, held its grand opening in March. Potential buyers were not disappointed by the Port St. Lucie community as quite a few of the first round of homes went quickly. There are plans for around 900 single-family and attached residences priced from the mid $200s to the mid $300s still to come.

The community benefits from its inclusion in the larger Tradition master plan but will eventually offer some fantastic amenities unique to its 55+ residents, including a resort-like clubhouse staffed by an on-site lifestyle director, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated pool, dog park, and multiple sports courts. Couple all of that with the extremely trendy Port St. Lucie location (No. 12 on our Best Places to Retire list) and you’ve got the makings of a great new pick for 2018.

3. Del Webb at Chateau Elan – Braselton, GA

Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Del Webb at Chateau Elan has seen huge interest from its initial round of residents with over 100 homes already sold. Plans call for 782 homes priced the mid $200s and mid $400s at build-out.

It’s no surprise why buyers are flocking to Braselton as planned amenities call for an 18,000 square-foot clubhouse, heated indoor lap pool, arts and crafts studio, multiple sports courts, and walking trails. A real bonus is its location adjacent to Chateau Elan Resort, which allows access to a championship golf course, health spa, vineyards, and winery. The community is also just 40 minutes north of everything Atlanta has to offer.

4. Valencia Bonita – Bonita Springs, FL

Southwest Florida’s Bonita Springs is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to active adult living and Valencia Bonita wants to be the gem in the middle of it all. This recently opened 55+ community will eventually include 997 residences priced from the low $300s to the high $400s.

Between the locations and the amenities, there’s so much going on here that we had to take notice. Most exciting are the amenity plans, which include a 45,000-square-foot waterfront clubhouse, an indoor/outdoor cafe, multiple bars, a variety of types of pools, walking and biking trails, and courts for just about every sport you can imagine. The location on Florida’s Gulf Coast puts everything over the top.

5. Valencia del Sol – Wimauma, FL

Valencia del Sol opened the gates to its 55+ community in Wimauma earlier this year, boasting an impressive collection of amenities. Plans call for 565 residences split between single-family and attached options priced from the mid $200s to the high $600s.

Those amenities include a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, which is the home of a fully-equipped fitness center and exercise studio, arts and crafts studio, sports lounge, and restaurant. Outside, residents get to enjoy a resort-style pool area complete with a beach entry and whirlpool spa. There are also five clay tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts, a dog park, and an event lawn. The location also puts residents in the shadow of Tampa and close to Gulf Coast beaches.

6. Hunterdon Creekside – Raritan, NJ

Move-in is underway at the recently constructed Hunterdon Creekside, a 55+ community in Raritan Township, New Jersey. Sales have already been brisk at this cozy gated community of 246 homes (mid $300s to the low $500s) and a quick look around makes it clear why.

The 4,900-square-foot clubhouse is the central hub of Hunterdon Creekside, featuring a game room, activity center, fitness center, and more. Outdoors, homeowners will be able to enjoy the pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, pickleball courts, walking trails, and a playground for visiting grandkids. We think nature lovers will appreciate the lifestyle here as the community is surrounded by five municipal parks, including the prominent Lenape Park. Plus, you’re a short train ride or drive to New York City and Philadelphia.

7. Domani – Palm Desert, CA

Nature explorers and outdoor lovers are rejoicing over the possibilities at Domani, the newest 55+ community in Palm Desert, CA. Upon completion, this neighborhood will consist of 202 single-family homes (low $300s to mid $300s) as well as a ton of amenities and activities for residents to enjoy daily.

The 5,000-square-foot clubhouse features a state-of-the-art fitness center and amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Outside, residents can relax in the pool or on the patio, challenge neighbors on the pickleball and bocce courts, or party on the recreation lawn. Plus, the location puts you in the heart of everything the Palm Springs area has to offer, including golf courses, spas, shopping, and much more.

8. Four Seasons at Parkland – Parkland, FL

Four Seasons at Parkland is the newest 55+ community to arrive in Broward County, Florida, a trendy destination for those who want South Florida living at a little slower pace. This gated 55+ community will top out at 538 homes priced from the high $400s to the high $700s. It will also include a wide range of amenities, including a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a grand ballroom, virtual sports studio, card and billiard rooms, arts and crafts studio, and demonstration kitchen.

Outside, residents have access to two resort-style pools, cabanas, a putting green, a tennis pro shop, and walking and biking trails. The location gives homeowners great access to all of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

9. Hatter’s Point – Amesbury, MA

Hatter’s Point is a unique 55+ community to many of the others on this list in that it’s a condo community in the Northeast. But once you see the views from these single-level and two-story residences (high $400s to high $700s), you’ll understand why we had to put it on the list.

Hatter’s Point has an ideal location overlooking the Merrimack River, providing residents with scenic views of the water and a 135-slip marina. The beaches and boardwalks at Salisbury Beach State Reservation are just eight miles away and residents have plenty of great amenities on site, including a library, meeting room, garden courtyard, and professionally landscaped river walk. Residents will also find plenty of quaint shops and restaurants waiting in downtown Amesbury nearby.

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Sean Keeley

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