The 100 Most Popular 55+ Communities for 2020

The 55+ community as we know it today started over 60 years ago and every successive decade has brought new changes to what the retirees of the day want in a community. Now, with the 55+ market bigger than ever, those changes are happening fast.

While things like shuffleboard and bingo are still popular, many communities are now focusing on large gatherings, volunteering events, pickleball, and resort-style amenities. This year’s list of the most popular communities is a quality representation of the long-standing 55+ communities that continue to dominate the market, but the up-and-comers are also looking to change the way retirees live.

Here are the 100 most popular 55+ communities for 2020 based on 55places.com pageviews and saved communities through user accounts.

1. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL

Below $100k – Low $400s

Those following our annual awards won’t find this year’s most popular community that surprising. On Top of the World took home every major award from 55places, including our 2019 Community of the Year.

Sales continue to tick along in this popular community, and it’s easy to see why. Over the past few years, On Top of the World has modernized several amenities, including the golf club and a fitness center, adding to an already expansive set. The low home prices, diversity of home styles and floor plans, ideal location, and thorough social calendar will continue to make this community a top pick for years to come.

Request more information about On Top of the World here.

2. Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL

Low $200s – Low $600s

A perennial contender at the top of this list since it was first announced, Latitude Margaritaville continues to capture the hearts of those over 55. Based on the lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, this community already transcends many ideas about what a 55+ community can be.

Most amenities are open now, including a fitness center, a bar and grill, and a nearby shopping center, while the private beach club isn’t far behind. This year, the community also added three new floor plans, giving homebuyers looking to downsize some even better options.

Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville here.

3. The Villages – The Villages, FL

Mid $100s – High $1Ms

The world’s largest 55+ community remains one of the most popular. The Villages in Florida took what Del E. Webb created a decade before and doubled it in size. The community is a census-designated place spread across three counties and several zip codes, and it’s still growing today.

If you want your 55+ community to be more like a city, The Villages might be worth a look. In this massive community, you can go for a routine physical, get in a round of golf, check out a book at the library, and meet with friends for dinner all in one day. And don’t forget: The entire city is golf cart accessible.

Request more information about The Villages here.

4. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC

High $100s – Mid $1Ms

Recently, Sun City Hilton Head has become one of the most popular Sun City communities in the country. Aided by an increase in South Carolina’s popularity as a retirement state, an ideal coastal location near Hilton Head Island, and plenty of resort-style communities, it’s no surprise retirees are flocking here.

Its crown jewel is the 48-acre town center and amenity complex, which encompasses pretty much anything a person needs to stay active and social in retirement. There are several sports courts, restaurants, a model railroad, and even a nearby fishing lake.

Request more information about Sun City Hilton Head here.

5. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL

Mid $100s – Mid $500s

Solivita has long been the Orlando area’s premier 55+ community, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. While there’s plenty to enjoy about the community, its amenity list rivals any other in the state.

Solivita’s amenities span eight complexes and include an 18-acre park with courts for pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, and bocce as well as a softball diamond, horseshoe pits, and a dog park. All of this is just a short drive from the fun of Orlando, making Solivita a great community for visiting family.

Request more information about Solivita here.

6. Pelican Preserve – Fort Myers, FL

High $100s – High $500s

Construction on Pelican Preserve began back in 2001, but it wasn’t until recently that this Gulf Coast 55+ community vaulted to the top of our awards list. Since then, it’s remained one of the most popular and best-selling communities in the country.

Not only does Pelican Preserve have an ideal location near the ocean and fun of Fort Myers, but it also has an expansive social calendar that takes advantage of the community’s resort-style amenities and scenic grounds.

Request more information about Pelican Preserve here.

7. Sun City Center – Sun City Center, FL

Below $100k – Mid $500s

Sun City Center remains the premier Tampa area 55+ community. Like other Sun City communities, it acts more like a city than a neighborhood.

The golf-cart friendly community allows residents to enjoy a spa day, sip a drink on an outdoor patio, partake in some pottery, or get in a game of shuffleboard. And that’s just a sample of all the fun to be had in this community. For even more entertainment opportunities, Tampa and St. Petersburg are just a short drive away.

Request more information about Sun City Center here.

8. Stone Creek – Ocala, FL

Low $100 – Mid $500s

With the introduction of a second (but not the last) Ocala community on the list, it’s clear that the Central Florida city is becoming a new retirement paradise. One of the most popular communities in Ocala is Stone Creek, which hosts just under 4,000 attached and single-family homes.

The community matches that large inventory of homes with a long list of amenities, including the Stone Creek Golf Club, which is home to the 18-hole Terry Doss Championship Course, a putting green, a driving range, and a golf club.

Request more information about Stone Creek here.

9. Oak Run – Ocala, FL

Below $100k – Mid $300s

At this point, it should be no surprise to see another Ocala community here. Oak Run has a lot of similarities to Stone Creek, including size, home styles, and even some amenities.

Oak Run’s amenities include five clubhouses, all of which have different purposes and themes, from fitness to relaxation to indoor and outdoor hobbies. The Royal Oak Golf Club has a pro shop, a restaurant, and an 18-hole championship course.

Request more information about Oak Run here.

10. Sun City – Sun City, AZ

Below $100k – High $800s

The original 55+ community remains one of the most popular. Decades later, Sun City is still providing residents with an active lifestyle, quality amenities, and well-priced homes in an ideal location in the Phoenix area. Like other communities on this list, it acts more like a city by providing residents with things like first-rate health care.

Other easily accessible amenities include bowling alleys, 11 golf courses, several fitness centers, two fishing lakes, restaurants, and several outdoor pools throughout the community.

Request more information about Sun City here.

11. Sun City Grand – Surprise, AZ

Low $200s – Mid $800s

Next up is Sun City’s sister community, Sun City Grand in nearby Surprise. While not as large, Sun City Grand has just under 9,000 homes, many of which are newer or recently modernized.

This 45+ community is home to four championship golf courses, several sports courts, walking trails, and many other outdoor amenities. Indoors, residents have several ways to stay active with hobbies, clubs, and even the ASU Lifelong Learning Center.

Request more information about Sun City Grand here.

12. Laguna Woods Village – Laguna Woods, CA

Mid $100s – Mid $1Ms

Laguna Woods Village has a lot of the same characteristics as many of the other communities on this list, but what makes it stick out is its location and home prices. In the heart of Orange County, this community has some of the lowest home prices in the area, age-restricted or otherwise.

Besides its prices, variety of home styles, and attractive floor plans, Laguna Woods Village has plenty for homeowners to enjoy. Residents have access to seven clubhouses, a community center, and several other amenities, including a 27-hole golf course.

Request more information about Laguna Woods Village here.

13. Kings Point – Sun City Center, FL

Below $100k – Low $300s

Located next to Sun City, residents in Kings Point receive some of the same benefits as homeowners in the neighboring community as well as low home prices and an active social scene.

Amenities just for Kings Point residents include a 97,000-square-foot clubhouse with a cafe, saunas, a theater, several hobby rooms, and a floating fishing dock as well as community transit.

Request more information about Kings Point here.

14. Sun City West – Sun City West, AZ

Low $100s – High $600s

Back in Phoenix, Sun City West is the second Sun City community and No. 14 on our list. Like its neighboring community, Sun City West has medical facilities, several golf courses, retail space, and several restaurants.

Beyond that, there are several recreation centers throughout the community as well as just under 17,000 homes. With a wide price range and a huge selection of homes, Sun City West provides plenty of options for retirees.

Request more information about Sun City West here.

15. Holiday City at Berkeley – Toms River, NJ

Below $100k – Low $300s

Our first New Jersey community on this list, Holiday City at Berkeley has long been regarded as one of the most popular 55+ communities in the Garden State.

Its location in Toms River means residents are always near the shore while also being not too far from both New York City and Philadelphia. The community’s amenities span several clubhouses and neighborhoods and give homeowners ample opportunity to have fun indoors and out.

Request more information about Holiday City at Berkeley here.

16. Tellico Village – Loudon, TN

Mid $100 – High $1Ms

Tellico Village is the first Tennessee and non-age-restricted community to make this year’s list. What makes it so popular among those 55+ despite it being all ages? The large boating and fishing lake is a good place to start.

Beyond that, there are several large clubhouses, golf courses, a private beach, and many other great ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Request more information about Tellico Village here.

17. Province – Maricopa, AZ

High $100s – High $500s

One of the most popular 55+ communities in the Phoenix area, Province remains at the top of the pack. Homebuyers enjoy the wide selection of attached and single-family homes that come in dozens of floor plans.

However, what really stands out in this community is its resort-style amenities. The 32,000-square-foot clubhouse has a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, and several hobby and club rooms. Outdoors, homeowners can enjoy sports courts, 50 acres of lakes, and 125 acres of natural space.

Request more information about Province here.

18. Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra, FL

Mid $200s – Low $600s

Del Webb Ponte Vedra has been at the forefront of the Jacksonville area’s growth as a retirement destination. Located in the Ponte Vedra master-planned community, Del Webb Ponte Vedra gives homeowners access to amenities in both their own community and the master community.

Those amenities include a large resort-style pool, a day spa, a fitness center, and even a movement studio. Beyond that, there’s the 6-mile nature trail and Nocatee Nature Preserve.

Request more information about Del Webb Ponte Vedra here.

19. Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV

Mid $200s – Low $1Ms

Currently, Las Vegas is one of the hottest markets in the country for 55+ communities, but Sun City Summerlin is the community that started it all. Located in the popular Summerlin master-planned community, Sun City Summerlin offers homeowners access to plenty of amenities inside and out.

Within their own neighborhood, residents can enjoy several clubhouses, golf courses, restaurants, pools, exercise facilities, and even a mini golf course. That’s not to mention the community is also only a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

Request more information about Sun City Summerlin here.

20. Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX

Low $200s – Low $100s

Unsurprisingly, the most popular 55+ community in Texas is its largest. Sun City Texas is full of resort-style amenities and pretty much any club or activity you can imagine.

The Village Center is an 86,000-square-foot amenity complex with a restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and several hobby rooms. There are also three golf courses in the community. Beyond that, Sun City Texas residents enjoy a relatively secluded location while still being near Austin for big-city activities.

Request more information about Sun City Texas here.

21. Sun City Anthem – Henderson, NV

22. Pebblecreek – Goodyear, AZ

23. Sun City Festival – Buckeye, AZ

24. Valencia Lakes – Wimauma, FL

25. Sun City Huntley – Huntley, IL

26. Leisure Village West – Manchester, NJ

27. Fairfield Glade – Crossville, IN

28. Sun City Lincoln Hills – Lincoln, CA

29. Timber Pines – Spring Hill, FL

30. SaddleBrooke – Tucson, AZ

31. Sun City Carolina Lakes – Fort Mill, SC

32. Spruce Creek Country Club – Summerfield, FL

33. Renaissance at Manchester – Manchester, NJ

34. Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head – Hardeeville, SC

35. Century Village at Pembroke Pines – Pembroke Pines, FL

36. Del Webb Lake Providence – Mt. Juliet, TN

37. Kings Point in Delray Beach – Delray Beach, FL

38. On Top of the World – Clearwater, FL

39. Concordia – Monroe, NJ

40. Del Webb at Cane Bay – Summerville, SC

41. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound – Watersound, FL

42. Lakeside Crossing – Conway, SC

43. Plantation at Leesburg – Leesburg, FL

44. Clearbrook – Monroe, NJ

45. Trilogy at Vistancia – Peoria, AZ

46. Greenbriar Woodlands – Toms River, NJ

47. St. James Plantation – Southport, NC

48. Sun City Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA

49. Sun City Peachtree – Griffin, GA

50. Kings Ridge – Clermont, FL

51. Sun Lakes – Sun Lakes, AZ

52. Rossmoor Village – Monroe, NJ

53. Century Village East – Deerfield, FL

54. Robson Ranch – Eloy, AZ

55. Prescott Lakes – Prescott, AZ

56. Carillon – Plainfield, IL

57. Wynmoor Village – Coconut Creek, FL

58. Sun City Roseville – Roseville, CA

59. Leisure World Seal Beach – Seal Beach, CA

60. Ocala Palms – Ocala, FL

61. Stonecrest – Summerfield, FL

62. Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch – Florence, AZ

63. Frisco Lakes – Frisco, TX

64. Rossmoor – Walnut Creek, CA

65. Greenbriar – Monroe, NJ

66. Sweetwater – Jacksonville, FL

67. Century Village Boca Raton – Boca Raton, FL

68. Hill Country Retreat – San Antonio, TX

69. Leisure World – Mesa, AZ

70. Leisure Knoll – Manchester, NJ

71. Lake Ashton – Lake Wales, FL

72. Heritage Shores – Bridgeville, DE

73. Del Webb Orlando – Davenport, FL

74. Carolina Preserve – Cary, NC

75. The Villages of Citrus Hills – Hernando, FL

76. Leisure Village – Lakewood, NJ

77. WaterSong at RiverTown – St. Johns, FL

78. Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC

79. Sun Village – Surprise, AZ

80. Holiday City at Silverton – Toms River, NJ

81. Lely Resort- Naples, FL

82. Trilogy at Power Ranch – Gilbert, AZ

83. Fountain of the Sun – Mesa, AZ

84. Sunland Springs Village – Mesa, AZ

85. Seven Lakes – Fort Myers, FL

86. Greenbriar I – Brick, Nj

87. SaddleBrooke Ranch – Oracle, AZ

88. Holiday Village East – Mt. Laurel, NJ

89. Leisure World of Maryland – Silver Spring, MD

90. Sun City Mesquite – Mesquite, NV

91. Four Seasons at Lakewood – Lakewood, NJ

92. Arizona Traditions – Surprise, AZ

93. Canal Walk – Somerset, NJ

94. Four Seasons at Smithville – Galloway, NJ

95. Quail Creek – Green Valley, AZ

96. Westbrook Village – Peoria, AZ

97. Spruce Creek South – Summerville, FL

98. Brunswick Forest – Leland, NC

99. Royal Highlands – Leesburg, FL