Retiring to an active adult community is living the dream at its finest! These are top-tier 55+ communities designed around a lifestyle that strikes a balance between leisure and recreation. Imagine the best aspects of your favorite resort destination rolled into a vibrant community. You’ll find active adult communities commonly centered in the heart of nature, designed around world-class golf courses, replete with bike paths, and featuring state-of-the-art fitness centers.
All of these amenities, along with many more, can be found throughout the country’s most popular retirement destinations. Best of all, many of these planned communities are budget-friendly. There are options to suit every price point and preference.
Let’s explore the 10 largest active adult communities in the U.S. and begin planning your next move today!
1. The Villages – The Villages, FL
70,000 homes
A well-known hotspot for active adults in Florida, The Villages is the largest age-restricted community in the country. If you’re looking for variety during your retirement, this active adult development will eventually be home to an estimated 70,000 households. It currently spans three counties, three zip codes, and over 30,000 acres. You’ll discover a diverse community of neighbors from across the U.S. and even across the globe!
The Villages boasts world-renowned luxuries, including fishing lakes, numerous recreation opportunities, and a well-maintained sports complex. Additionally, interested homebuyers can explore onsite dining, a polo field, a theater and performing arts center, a writer’s workshop, a craft studio, a library, and plentiful running, walking, and biking trails.
2. Sun City – Sun City, AZ
28,257 homes
Bask in year-round sunshine in the very first 55+ community in the U.S. Sun City, the second largest active adult community in the country, was established in 1960 and has only continued to grow since then. With over 28,000 homes, eight golf courses, and countless amenities and social clubs, Del Webb’s Sun City is an active retirement gem.
This beautiful community is entirely self-contained with convenient access to stores, health care facilities, shopping, and dining. Best of all, Sun City offers great home values, low property taxes, and minimal association fees.
3. Sun City West – Sun City West, AZ
16,900 homes
Sun City West is another impressive community by Del Webb, the premier name in active adult communities. This retirement paradise offers a diverse array of home plans, alongside lively recreation centers, as well as events and clubs designed for active residents. Onsite retail outlets and shops complete this self-contained community. Many residents prefer to travel by golf cart and enjoy a blend of leisure and recreation in sunny Arizona.
4. Villages of Oriole – Delray Beach, FL
13,280 homes
Looking for an active community on the coast? Located in Delray Beach, Villages of Oriole is one of Florida’s largest and best retirement communities. New residents will find a variety of home designs at various price points as well as a lively clubhouse, sports facilities, and adjacent parks and trails. Conveniently near both Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, Villages of Oriole is a welcoming place to call home.
5. Green Valley Recreation – Green Valley, AZ
13,200 homes
Explore the best of scenic Arizona at Green Valley Recreation—a collection of 55+ active adult neighborhoods south of Tucson. Green Valley Recreation (GVR) unites over a dozen subdivisions, providing all members with access to its amenities and clubhouses, regardless of their specific community affiliation. This inclusive model fosters a vibrant and well-rounded community experience.
If you’re seeking a nature-centered retirement with mild weather and plenty of activities, Green Valley is an excellent choice. There’s also an array of housing styles and prices for every 55+ homebuyer in this low-maintenance, laid-back community.
6. Laguna Woods Village – Laguna Woods, CA
12,736 homes
Laguna Woods Village is the largest active adult community on the West Coast. When it comes to touring the best California retirement communities, Laguna Woods is a must-see. This 55+ community has 12,736 homes, seven clubhouses, 36 holes of golf, five swimming pools, an equestrian center, and over 250 clubs and organizations. Additionally, Laguna Woods is gated with 24-hour patrols and a private bus system, offering enhanced security and convenience.
7. Holiday City at Berkeley – Toms River, NJ
10,636 homes
Enjoy holiday time all the time at the leisurely community of Holiday City at Berkeley in New Jersey. Don’t mistake this laid-back beach town for slow-paced. Over 10,000 residents prioritize an active lifestyle of beach hopping, sailing, fishing, hiking, sports, golf, and more.
This master-planned community houses multiple neighborhoods, including Holiday City South, Holiday City Carefree, Holiday City West, and Holiday City Heights. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and a thriving social scene that makes it easy to settle into Holiday City.
8. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
10,100 homes
Sun City Hilton Head is South Carolina’s largest age-restricted community designed for active adults. With over 10,000 homes in this community, new residents have an array of options and floor plans to choose from. Some highlights of Sun City Hilton Head include its 54-hole golf course, resort-style indoor and outdoor pools, and fitness center. Located at the heart of South Carolina’s exclusive resort district, residents of Sun City can live every day like a vacation.
9. The Villages of Citrus Hills – Hernando, FL
10,005 homes
Luxurious living is a standard at The Villages of Citrus Hills in Hernando, Florida. Alongside 10,000 spacious, high-end homes, you’ll find distinctive neighborhoods, each with unique recreation opportunities. A favorite activity among residents of this community is exploring the numerous interconnected biking and walking trails between each neighborhood. Of course, if you’d prefer to stay closer to home, you’ll find a library, a book club, an aerobics studio, a fitness center, tennis courts, and more—all right outside your front door!
10. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
10,000 homes
Rounding out our list of the largest active adult communities in the country is On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida! This community is an impressive 55+ haven, and it’s the most popular active adult community of 2024. Residents enjoy a luxurious lifestyle with top-notch amenities. A few of the highlights include a full-length ballroom with performances and classes available for residents, garden plots and a gardening club, a modern fitness center, and acres of plentiful greenspace. Also, the Sunshine State is an affordable retirement location where residents can truly make the most of their next chapter.
FAQ: The Largest Active Adult Communities in the U.S.
1. What is the largest active adult community in the United States?
The largest active adult community in the U.S. is The Villages in Florida, which spans over 30,000 acres across three counties and includes more than 70,000 homes.
2. Which state has the most large active adult communities?
Florida leads the nation in large active adult communities, followed by Arizona and California. These states are popular because of their warm climates, tax-friendly policies, and abundance of amenities tailored to 55+ living.
3. What is the difference between an active adult community and a retirement community?
An active adult community focuses on lifestyle and recreation for adults aged 55 and older who live independently. In contrast, a retirement or senior living community typically offers services such as dining, housekeeping, and medical support.
4. How large are the biggest 55+ communities?
Large active adult communities can range from 10,000 to over 70,000 homes, with amenities such as golf courses, fitness centers, pools, and town squares. These communities often feel like small cities with everything residents need within walking or golf-cart distance.
5. Are large 55+ communities only for people who are retired?
Not necessarily. While most residents are retired or semi-retired, many continue to work or run businesses remotely. The focus is on the 55+ lifestyle, not full retirement.
6. What are the benefits of living in a large active adult community?
Benefits include low-maintenance living, endless social opportunities, resort-style amenities, and built-in friendships. Large communities also provide a sense of security and convenience, as everything you need is close by.
7. Are large active adult communities safe?
Yes. Many of these communities are gated or have security patrols, providing residents with peace of mind. They also foster close-knit neighborhoods where neighbors look out for one another.
8. Which large 55+ communities are best for golf lovers?
Communities such as Sun City (AZ), On Top of the World (FL), and Sun City Hilton Head (SC) are famous for their multiple championship golf courses, pro shops, and golf-cart-friendly layouts.
9. Are there social clubs and activities in these large communities?
Yes, most large active adult communities host hundreds of clubs, interest groups, and social events ranging from fitness classes and dance nights to travel groups and hobby workshops.
10. How do I choose the right large active adult community for me?
Consider your budget, preferred climate, lifestyle goals, and proximity to family and friends. Explore communities online through 55places.com, where you can compare amenities, home types, and locations to find the perfect fit. Touring a few in person can also help you find the perfect fit.
55places Can Find the Right-Sized Community For You!
Living your best active lifestyle is just a move away! America’s premier 55+ communities have everything you need to enjoy retirement to the fullest. From golf courses and hiking trails to spas and country clubs, amenities are luxurious and plentiful within these large active adult communities.
Found a community on our list that you’d like to learn more about? Our team of local real estate experts specializes in 55+ properties and lifestyles. We’ll help you sell your current home, plan your next big move, and help you settle into the right active adult community. Reach out to us today to get started!
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