The 10 Best New Communities of 2021

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

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Here are the 10 best new communities of 2021.

Why move to a new active adult community? Well, for starters, new construction homes are often customizable. Buyers may have the option to make their home completely their own with additional bedrooms or floors, custom cabinetry, extra storage, or personalized outdoor living space. A new community also gives residents the option to forge their own path by establishing clubs, planning new events, and starting new community traditions.

To determine the best new active adult communities, we looked at over 3,700 communities across the country that were built within the last year and only offer new construction homes. To then determine the best community, we weighed in community lifestyle factors to determine:

  • Is the community age-restricted?
  • Does the community have an active social calendar?
  • Does the community offer a variety of home types?
  • Does the community sell well in the MLS?

Brand new homes, modern amenities for today’s active adult, and a wide selection of lifestyle activities await homebuyers looking to move to a new active adult community. Here are the communities that made this year’s list of The 10 Best New Communities.

1. Del Webb BayViewParrish, FL

High $300s – Mid $500s

"The Best New Community" badge over the "Coming Soon" sign for Del Webb BayView in Parrish, Florida
Del Webb plans to construct 950 single-family and attached homes.

Kicking off our list is the highly anticipated Del Webb BayView. With the groundbreaking in late 2020, this new community puts residents less than 30 minutes from Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and other major cities on Florida’s southwest coast.

Trusted builder Del Webb plans to construct 950 single-family and attached homes in this community, with floor plans ranging from 1,400 to just under 3,000 square feet. Prospective residents can also look forward to world-class amenities, including a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse and an amphitheater.

Request more information about Del Webb BayView.

2. Del Webb Carolina GardensFuquay-Varina, NC

High $300s – High $500s

Exterior view of a new construction home at Del Webb Carolina Gardens in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
This 55+ community brings the Del Webb lifestyle to North Carolina’s Wake County.

Homebuyers looking for new homes for sale near Raleigh should check out Del Webb Carolina Gardens. This 55+ community brings the Del Webb lifestyle to North Carolina’s Wake County, with resort-style amenities and plenty of clubs and activities to keep residents as busy as they’d like.

This community will consist of 800 single-family homes upon completion. Floor plans range from 1,284 to 2,710 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and an attached two- or three-car garage. Amenities include a 25,000-square-foot amenity center, fitness studios, and multiple athletic courts.

Request more information about Del Webb Carolina Gardens.

3. Del Webb at North RanchNorth Las Vegas, NV

High $300s – High $400s

Trees beside a walkway near the Bellagio and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada
Future residents will be near the iconic attractions of the Las Vegas strip.

Hopping over to the western part of the country, Del Webb completes our top three with Del Webb at North Ranch. This community was first announced in 2019 and held its grand opening in March of 2020, drawing the eyes of many active adult homebuyers looking to move to the Vegas area.

The single-family homes of this 55+ community are available in three collections and range from 1,285 to 2,010 square feet. In addition to excellent amenities, residents are also conveniently placed near the iconic attractions of the Las Vegas strip. They can test their luck at the Bellagio or go shopping on Freemont Street.

Request more information about Del Webb at North Ranch.

4. Four Seasons at Carolina OaksBluffton, SC

Mid $200s

Exterior view of a new construction home at Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks in Bluffton, South Carolina
This community of single-family homes puts residents just a short trip from Hilton Head Island.

We return to the east with our fourth community: Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks. This community of single-family homes puts residents in Coastal South Carolina, a short trip from Hilton Head Island, and of course, its gorgeous beaches.

Residents can look forward to a clubhouse with 16,000 square feet of amenities, including a fireplace lounge, kitchen, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Members of the community can also stay active or learn a new skill with multiple classes, clubs, and other activities.

Request more information about Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks.

5. Esplanade at Azario Lakewood RanchLakewood Ranch, FL

Mid $300s – Mid $1Ms

Lounge chairs and umbrellas on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida
Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Finishing off our top five, Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This community features nearly 1,500 single-family and attached homes in 12 floor plans. Homebuyers can choose from models ranging from 1,533 to 3,502 square feet with two to five bedrooms and bathrooms.

Amenities include a clubhouse, an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor pool, athletic courts, and on-site dining options. Sunny Florida beaches are also a short trip away, with Siesta Key, Lido Key, and more practically around the corner.

Request more information about Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch.

6. Matanzas LakesPalm Coast, FL

Mid $200s – High $200s

A boardwalk at the beach in Palm Coast, Florida
This Palm Coast community will consist of 107 single-family homes.

Matanzas Lakes takes us to Florida’s Atlantic coast. This Palm Coast community will consist of an intimate 107 single-family homes available in seven designs. Buyers can expect features such as two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-concept floor plans, covered lanais, and walk-in closets.

Residents have access to an outdoor pool and patio with a shaded cabana. The community is also a short trip from local attractions, including Florida Agricultural Museum and Marineland Dolphin Adventure.

Request more information about Matanzas Lakes.

7. Cresswind Georgia at Twin LakesHoschton, GA

Mid $300s – Low $700s

Little Mulberry Park in Georgia during the autumn
This community will feature 1,300 single-family homes at completion.

Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes marks our first and only Georgia community on this list. By living here, residents are within an hour of Downtown Atlanta and all the city has to offer. This community will feature 1,300 single-family homes at completion.

Floor plans are available in four collections and range from 1,397 to 2,815 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to four bathrooms, and an attached garage. Amenities include The Club at Cresswind, which houses a fitness center, crafting rooms, and multipurpose spaces. Outdoors, residents can stay active on athletic courts or enjoy live performances in the bandshell.

Request more information about Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes.

8. Valencia TrailsNaples, FL

Low $400s – Low $900s

A pier and blue ocean waves in Naples, Florida
Valencia Trails offers a selection of clubs and activities.

Naples is known for its high-end shopping, local cuisine, and gorgeous beaches, and Valencia Trails puts active adults in quick reach of all that. At completion, this gated 55+ community will feature 1,631 attached and single-family homes ranging from 1,321 to 3,273 square feet.

A quick look at the amenities in this community will show a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse with a ballroom, a fitness center, a restaurant, and about a dozen athletic courts. A closer look reveals unique amenities, including an internet cafe, a resistance pool, and six shaded Har-Tru tennis courts. The benefits at Valencia Trails continue with the selection of clubs and activities. From fitness classes to gaming groups, residents will have no trouble finding friends with similar hobbies or picking up a new hobby of their own.

Request more information about Valencia Trails.

9. The Grove at Cedar Hills – Lenoir City, TN

Mid $300s – Low $500s

An outdoor patio at a new construction home at The Grove at Cedar Hills in Lenoir City, Tennessee
The Grove at Cedar Hills is located about 30 minutes from Knoxville.

The metropolitan areas of Tennessee have seen a steady increase over the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. With excellent barbecue, a rich music history, and affordable housing options, there’s plenty that makes the state so desirable. The Grove at Cedar Hills provides new construction single-family homes for active adults looking to move to the area.

An intimate community of 67 residences, The Grove at Cedar Hills is located about 30 minutes from Knoxville. At completion, residents will enjoy access to a clubhouse, outdoor pool, and a fitness center among other desirable amenities.

Request more information about The Grove at Cedar Hills.

10. Esplanade Lake ClubFort Myers, FL

Mid $300s – Mid $2Ms

Palm trees beside the Edison Bridge in Fort Myers, Florida
Homeowners will have access to a clubhouse, a resort-style pool, and sports courts.

Esplanade Lake Club is rounding off our list, naturally taking us back to The Sunshine State. In total, this community will feature 650 single-family and attached homes that range from 1,543 to 4,123 square feet. Floor plans include two to five bedrooms, two to five bathrooms, and attached garages.

Homeowners will have access to a clubhouse, a resort-style pool with a poolside bar, and tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball courts. Boaters and fishers won’t have to travel far, thanks to the community’s own 352-acre lake with a boat launch, kayak launch, and dock. Residents are also a short trip from conveniences and local attractions, like The Everglades Wonder Gardens.

Request more information about Esplanade Lake Club.

Honorable Mentions:

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

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