The 100 Most Popular 55+ Communities of 2021

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For active adult homebuyers unsure of where to start their home search, it may help to take a look at where so many other retirees have found their dream home. These popular communities offer attractive home models, top-notch amenities for a variety of interests, and prime locations all across the country. To find the most popular communities,…

In This Article

For active adult homebuyers unsure of where to start their home search, it may help to take a look at where so many other retirees have found their dream home. These popular communities offer attractive home models, top-notch amenities for a variety of interests, and prime locations all across the country.

To find the most popular communities, we leveraged our own internal data as well as worldwide search statistics. From 55places, we referenced how many times a community has been viewed, favorited, and reviewed. We then took that data and weighed it against the average monthly search data provided by Ahrefs. The results provided us with this list of the 100 most popular 55+ communities for 2021.

1. On Top Of The WorldOcala, FL

Low $100s – Low $400s

"The 100 Most Popular 55+ Communities" badge over a public square in On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida
Once fully complete, On Top of the World will have 10,000 homes.

As the second best-selling community this year and our Community of the Year for two years in a row, it’s hardly a surprise that On Top Of The World in Ocala is the most popular 55+ community of 2021. This icon of active adult living has been providing attractive floor plans and resort-style amenities for decades, yet it continues to innovate and update for the needs of today’s homebuyers.

Located in Central Florida, On Top of the World offers world-class amenities such as three golf courses, several clubhouses, and multiple fitness centers, swimming pools, and sports courts. Some of the more unique amenities include an R/C airplane field, an R/C car track, a hobby building, and an on-site conference center. Once fully complete, On Top of the World will have 10,000 homes. Currently, the community has both new and resale homes for sale in both single-family and attached models.

Request more information about On Top of the World.

2. The VillagesThe Villages, FL

Mid $100s – High $1Ms

Palm trees surrounding a community plaza in The Villages in Florida
The Villages spans three counties, three zip codes, and over 20,000 acres.

Much like On Top of the World, our second most popular community needs no introduction. The Villages is a massive 55+ development, spanning three counties, three zip codes, and over 20,000 acres. Alongside its numerous resort-style amenities, the community has over 100 miles of golf cart-friendly streets and trails. Also, The Villages is completely self-sustaining, offering residents easy access to retail establishments, restaurants, banks, post offices, health care centers, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

With a wide variety of housing options, active adult homebuyers can find everything from low-maintenance villas to single-family homes with golf course views. There are plenty of home sizes, prices, and floor plans to fit an array of tastes and budgets, whether it be a new construction home or a resale property.

Request more information about The Villages.

3. Pelican PreserveFort Myers, FL

Mid $100s – High $500s

Exterior view of a community building in Pelican Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida
Built between 2001 and 2020, Pelican Preserve has a total of 2,500 homes.

Pelican Preserve is a master-planned community just 15 miles from Downtown Fort Myers in Southwest Florida. This community offers an abundance of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a 70,000-square-foot clubhouse. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center, a hobby shop, a 100-seat movie theater, an on-site restaurant, a resort-style pool, and an outdoor amphitheater as well as a 38-acre nature preserve, a garden area, and a fishing pier.

Built between 2001 and 2020, Pelican Preserve has a total of 2,500 homes. Homebuyers can choose from condos, carriage homes, attached villas, and single-family homes in a variety of floor plans. Homes sizes start at 1,229 square feet for condos and go all the way up to 3,093 square feet for an estate home.

Request more information about Pelican Preserve.

4. Latitude MargaritavilleDaytona Beach, FL

Low $200s – Low $500s

Exterior view of The Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant at Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, Florida
Latitude Margaritaville is now a cornerstone of active adult living.

Inspired by the music and lifestyle of musician Jimmy Buffett, Latitude Margaritaville is now a cornerstone of active adult living. Located in Daytona Beach, this massive community offers charming floor plans and amenities that rival even the most picturesque vacation resorts. Some of the highlights include the state-of-the-art Fins Up! Fitness Center, The Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, the Last Mango Theater, The Workin’ ‘N’ Playin’ Center, and the Barkaritaville Pet Spa.

Offering both new and resale single-family and attached homes for sale, Latitude Margaritaville has a lot for homebuyers to choose from. Active adults will find energy-efficient homes in a wide range of styles and options, with 25 floor plans available.

Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville.

5. Latitude Margaritaville WatersoundWatersound, FL

Low $200s

Aerial view of the build site for Latitude Margaritaville Watersound in Watersound, Florida
Many homebuyers have been watching the progression of Latitude Margaritaville Watersound.

Recent news has only increased the interest and enthusiasm for the newest Latitude Margaritaville community. Many homebuyers have been watching the progression of Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, and the developers recently announced the amenities and floor plans for this Northwest Florida community.

Situated near miles of white sand beaches, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound will offer its residents year-round warm weather, innovative floor plans, and abundant amenities. Upholding the resort-style standard of a Latitude 55+ community, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound will offer on-site retail and dining options, a pet spa, an indoor/outdoor bar, a resort-style pool and patio, a scenic marina, an outdoor amphitheater, and more.

Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville Watersound.

6. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL

Mid $100s – Mid $500s

Palm trees surrounding the outdoor pool at Solivita in Kissimmee, Florida
Solivita caters to a variety of hobbies and interests.

A master-planned community in Central Florida, Solivita spans 4,300 acres and has 5,900 homes in over 20 home collections. For interested homebuyers, there are attached and single-family homes available on a new and resale basis. Homes sizes start at 1,361 square feet and go all the way up to 3,057 square feet.

This gated community has over 150,000 square feet of amenities as well as plenty of greenspace, lakes, and waterways. With eight distinct amenity complexes and neighborhood centers, Solivita caters to a variety of hobbies and interests. Also, the community’s location puts residents close to both outdoor recreation and Downtown Orlando.

Request more information about Solivita.

7. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC

Low $200s – Mid $1Ms

A wooden boardwalk over the water at Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, Florida
Sun City Hilton Head is nestled in the low country of South Carolina.

As the largest active adult community in South Carolina, Sun City Hilton Head has remained a popular option among homebuyers for many years. This community is home to 9,000 homes, world-class amenities, and 54 holes of golf.

Sun City Hilton Head is nestled in the low country of South Carolina, enjoying a mild climate and an impressive lineup of amenities centered around a 45-acre Village Center. At one end of the square is The Pinckney Social Hall, and at the other end of the square is The Purrysburg Fitness Center. Also, The Yemassee Crafts Center offers studios for ceramics, arts and crafts, sewing, and photography. There are plenty of home styles and floor plans available, as well, for active adults who want low-maintenance living during their retirement.

Request more information about Sun City Hilton Head.

8. Stone Creek – Ocala, FL

Low $200s – Mid $500s

Palm trees surrounding the outdoor whirlpool spa at Stone Creek in Ocala, Florida
Stone Creek is a gated 55+ community with plans for 3,800 homes.

With appealing home designs, attractive amenities, and an active social scene, Stone Creek is a gated 55+ community with plans for 3,800 homes. Offering spacious floor plans and ample outdoor living spaces, the homes for sale in Stone Creek range from 1,133 to 2,634 square feet. Interested homebuyers can select either an attached villa or a single-family home.

Located in the ever-popular Ocala area, Stone Creek is renowned for its large oak trees, horse farms, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. Also, the community is just 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 90 minutes from popular destinations such as Disney World, Daytona Beach, and the Kennedy Space Center.

Request more information about Stone Creek.

9. Laguna Woods Village – Laguna Woods, CA

Mid $100s – Mid $1Ms

Exterior view of the clubhouse at night at Laguna Woods Village in Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods Village is only 10 minutes from the beach.

Our first most popular community in California, Laguna Woods Village in Orange County is the largest 55+ active adult community on the West Coast. Boasting an impressive lineup of resort-style amenities, this community has seven clubhouses, five swimming pools, an equestrian center, 36 holes of golf, and over 250 clubs.

Situated on 2,100 acres of rolling hillsides, Laguna Woods Village is only 10 minutes from the beach. Also, this 55+ development is a gated community with 24-hour security and a private bus system. Laguna Woods Village offers a variety of floor plans, ranging from single-family homes and high-rise condominiums to single-level condos and carefree co-ops.

Request more information about Laguna Woods Village.

10. Sun City Center – Sun City Center, FL

Below $100k – Mid $500s

A community building at Sun City Center in Sun City Center, Florida
Sun City Center residents can fully enjoy all the amenities the community has to offer.

Heading back to Florida, Sun City Center earns a spot in the top 10 of this most popular communities list, and for good reason. As a self-contained village, this 55+ community has golf cart permissible streets, providing residents with easy access to local shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For interested homebuyers, this community offers resale attached and single-family homes.

aWith over 300 days of sunshine in the Tampa Bay area, Sun City Center residents can fully enjoy all the amenities the community has to offer, including lawn bowling courts, shuffleboard courts, and an outdoor pool. There’s also a library, a woodworking shop, art studios, a 10,000-square-foot Community Hall, two dog parks, and more.

Request more information about Sun City Center.

11. Oak Run – Ocala, FL

Low $100s – Mid $200s

Palm trees outside the Palm Grove Club at Oak Run in Ocala, Florida
Oak Run offers its residents a variety of resort-style amenities.

As Ocala’s third (but not final) entry on this list, Oak Run is a gated 55+ community that’s gained quite a bit of popularity over the years. Built from 1985 to 2007, this community has resale homes available, ranging from 1,049-square-foot duplexes to 2,275-square-foot single-family homes.

But it’s not just the low-maintenance homes that make this community so popular. Oak Run offers its residents a variety of resort-style amenities, including five clubhouses that host many social and fitness activities. Spanning the five clubhouses, there are multiple pools, sports courts, fitness centers, meeting rooms, and more. For active adults who want to explore the surrounding area, Oak Run is near plenty of daily conveniences and local attractions.

Request more information about Oak Run.

12. Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head – Hardeeville, SC

Mid $200s – Mid $600s

Interior view of a model home at Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head in Hardeeville, South Carolina
Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head will have 3,000 homes upon completion.

Our third Latitude Margaritaville community on this list upholds all the same resort-style standards of active adult living as its sister communities in Florida. Situated in the Hilton Head area of South Carolina, Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head offers its residents easy access to picturesque golf courses and warm, coastal waters.

Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head will have 3,000 homes upon completion; all of which feature the latest in energy-efficient construction and appliances as well as first-floor master suites and landscaped outdoor areas. Interested homebuyers seeking a new or resale single-family home have a number of floor plans to consider, ranging from 1,503 to 2,564 square feet. There are also plenty of amenities that provide residents with that well-known Margaritaville flare for fun and relaxation.

Request more information about Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.

13. Kings Point – Sun City Center, FL

Below $100k – Low $300s

Sand dunes at dusk on Clearwater Beach in Florida
Kings Point has separate legal boundaries and over 100 condo associations.

A gated active adult neighborhood along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, Kings Point provides golf cart access to the retail and dining establishments in Sun City Center. With two private clubhouses, golf courses, and plenty of social activities, this community is popular among active adults seeking a classic Florida retirement.

Though this community is located in the greater Sun City Center area, it’s not affiliated with the Sun City Center Community Association. Kings Point has separate legal boundaries and over 100 condo associations. Consisting almost entirely of attached villa condos arranged in duplex configurations, this community offers interested homebuyers affordable properties that require very little maintenance. The homeowners’ association (HOA) fees cover the amenities, exterior building maintenance, insurance, basic cable, landscaping, trash removal, security patrol, and water service.

Request more information about Kings Point.

14. Holiday City at Berkeley – Toms River, NJ

Below $100k – Low $300s

Outdoor bocce ball courts at Holiday City at Berkeley in Toms River, New Jersey
Holiday City at Berkeley is popular among active adults who want to retire in desirable Ocean County.

Our first representative from the Garden State, Holiday City at Berkeley is an exceedingly popular option among active adults who want to retire in desirable Ocean County. Fueling its popularity, this community provides easy access to nearby conveniences and attractions as well as Atlantic City, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Holiday City is made up of five associations: Holiday City at Berkeley I & II, Holiday City Carefree, Holiday City West, Holiday City South, and Holiday City Heights. Homes across these five parts of the community vary in price, style, and size. There are over 20 floor plans offered from 757 to over 1,850 square feet, and most homes feature two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and a one- or two-car garage. There’s also a diverse lineup of amenities that encourage an active and social lifestyle among neighbors.

Request more information about Holiday City at Berkeley.

15. Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra, FL

Mid $200s – Low $600s

A paved path beside a gazebo and pond at Del Webb Ponte Vedra in Ponte Vedra, Florida
This community provides access to both daily necessities and big-city attractions.

Located just minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean, Del Webb Ponte Vedra is a gated, 55+ community that’s part of the Nocatee master-planned community. Del Webb Ponte Vedra is a quiet enclave with a 37,800-square-foot clubhouse and a state-of-the-art fitness center with an indoor pool, whirlpool spa, steam room, and sauna. Other amenities include an arts and crafts studio, a lounge, a cafe, a library, a grand ballroom, a catering kitchen, a resort-style pool, an outdoor whirlpool spa, two event
lawns, six tennis courts, six bocce ball courts, eight pickleball courts, and a six-mile nature trail.

Del Webb Ponte Vedra is comprised of multiple neighborhoods and enclaves developed by eight builders. Interested homebuyers have new and resale attached and single-family homes as well as condos to choose from. Located just 20 miles south of Jacksonville, this community provides access to both daily necessities and big-city attractions.

Request more information about Del Webb Ponte Vedra.

16. Tellico Village – Loudon, TN

Low $300s – High $1Ms

A walkway along the water at Tellico Village in Loudon, Tennessee
Homes in Tellico Village offer views of the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Lake, and rolling golf course hills.

Our first community in Tennessee to make this list, Tellico Village is not age-restricted, but it still offers the amenities and lifestyle that cater to active adults. Within the community, there are three recreation centers, three golf courses with their own clubhouses, and a private country club.

For interested homebuyers seeking single-family homes, Tellico Village offers models ranging from charming ranches and townhomes to spacious estate homes. These homes offer views of the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Lake, and rolling golf course hills. Also, because the community is located in Loudon, residents are just 31 miles southwest of Knoxville.

Request more information about Tellico Village.

17. Fairfield GladeCrossville, TN

 Below $100k – Mid $800s

Boats at a dock at Fairfield Glade in Crossville, Tennessee
Fairfield Glade is located on 12,000 sprawling acres in Crossville, TN.

Also in Tennessee, Fairfield Glade is located on 12,000 sprawling acres in Crossville. This master-planned community has no explicit age-restriction, but it offers resort-style amenities and a full calendar of activities, making it easy for neighbors to socialize and make new friends.

Residents particularly enjoy the community’s convenient location, which is just an hour and a half from Nashville and Chattanooga. Fairfield Glade offers a variety of new and resale homes in different styles and sizes, ranging from 938 to 3,041 square feet. Upon completion, the community will have 12,000 residences.

Request more information about Fairfield Glade.

18. Sun City – Sun City, AZ

Below $100k – High $800s

The mini-golf course at Sun City in Sun City, Arizona
Sun City is located just 16 miles northwest of Downtown Phoenix.

Our most popular community in Arizona is the one that started it all; Sun City was not only the first 55+ community in Arizona, it was also the first in the country. Del Webb started this community in 1960, and it now has over 27,000 homes, eleven golf courses, and a stunning variety of amenities and social clubs. Active adults seeking affordable homes, low property taxes, and minimal association fees often find their way to Sun City.

Many of the homes in this community have been remodeled and now incorporate open floor plans, modern kitchens, and desirable finishes. Interested homebuyers can choose from single-family homes, patio homes (duplexes), and garden condos. Also, Sun City is located just 16 miles northwest of Downtown Phoenix and its big-city entertainment. 

Request more information about Sun City.

19. Sun City GrandSurprise, AZ

 Mid $100s – High $900s

Palm trees outside a community building in Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona
Sun City Grand offers plenty of resort-style amenities, social activities, and golf courses.

Also built by Del Webb in Phoenix’s northwest valley, Sun City Grand offers all the resort-style amenities and low-maintenance home options of its predecessor, just on a smaller scale. With only 9,802 homes in the community, Sun City Grand residents cherish their quiet, uncongested location in Central Arizona.

Sun City Grand provides plenty of amenities, social activities, and golf courses. Also, many retirees are attracted to the community’s resale homes with modern floor plans and finishes. From condos and villas to single-family and estate homes, Sun City Grand offers a variety of home styles and sizes for active adult homebuyers to choose from.

Request more information about Sun City Grand.

20. Sun City TexasGeorgetown, TX

 Low $200s – Low $1Ms

Golf carts outside a community building at Sun City Texas in Georgetown, Texas
Sun City Texas has 9,900 homes and three 18-hole golf courses.

Putting the Lone Star State firmly on this list, Sun City Texas offers resort-style amenities and elegant homes in the Texas Hill Country. This 55+ community has the charm of small-town living near the entertainment and culture of Austin, making it especially popular among active adults who want the best of both worlds.

Sprawled across 5,300 acres, this community has 9,900 homes and three 18-hole golf courses. With ideal weather, a low cost of living, and an active social scene, it’s easy to see why this community is at the top of the list for many retiring Texans. There are also both new and resale single-family and attached homes for sale at Sun City Texas.

Request more information about Sun City Texas.

21. Century Village at Deerfield Beach – Deerfield Beach, FL

22. Lakeside Crossing – Conway, SC

23. Sun City Anthem – Henderson, NV

24. Savannah Lakes Village – McCormick, SC

25. Province – Maricopa, AZ

26. On Top of the World Clearwater – Clearwater, FL

27. Sun City Carolina Lakes – Indian Land, SC

28. The Villages of Citrus Hills – Hernando, FL

29. Valencia Lakes – Wimauma, FL

30. St. James Plantation – Southport, NC

31. Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV

32. Pebblecreek – Goodyear, AZ

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

34. Timber Pines – Spring Hill, FL

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

36. Del Webb Charleston – Summerville, SC

37. Heritage Shores – Bridgeville, DE

38. Del Webb Sunbridge – St. Cloud, FL

39. Sun City West – Sun City West, AZ

40. Sun City Festival – Buckeye, AZ

41. Sun City Huntley – Huntley, IL

42. WaterSong at RiverTown –  St. Johns, FL

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

44. Four Seasons at The Lakes of Cane Bay – Summerville, NC

45. Del Webb Naples – Ave Maria, FL

46. SaddleBrooke – Tucson, AZ

47. Lely Resort – Naples, FL

48. Leisure Village West – Manchester, NJ

49. Century Village at Boca Raton – Boca Raton, FL

50. Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks – Bluffton, SC

51. Frisco Lakes – Frisco, TX

52. Fiddler’s Creek – Naples, FL

53. Sun City Peachtree – Griffin, GA

54. Trilogy At Vistancia – Peoria, AZ

55. Spruce Creek Country Club – Summerfield, FL

56. Lake Ashton – Lake Wales, FL

57. Renaissance at Manchester – Manchester, NJ

58. Rossmoor Village – Monroe, NJ

59. Robson Ranch – Eloy, AZ

60. Sun City Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA

61. Century Village at West Palm Beach – West Palm Beach, FL

62. Del Webb Orlando – Davenport, FL

63. Hill Country Retreat – San Antonio, TX

64. Leisure World Seal Beach – Seal Beach, CA

65. Robson Ranch – Denton, TX

66. Concordia – Monroe, NJ

67. Trilogy at Encanterra – Queen Creek, AZ

68. Del Webb Bexley – Land O’Lakes, FL

69. Prescott Lakes – Prescott, AZ

70. Plantation at Leesburg – Leesburg, FL

71. Cypress Lakes – Lakeland, FL

72. Clearbrook – Monroe, NJ

73. Wynmoor Village – Coconut Creek, FL

74. Sweetwater – Jacksonville, FL

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

76. Berkshire Forest – Myrtle Beach, SC

77. Brunswick Forest – Leland, NC

78. Sun City Lincoln Hills – Lincoln, CA

79. The Retreat at Westridge –  McDonough, GA

80. Kings Ridge – Clermont, FL

81. Ocala Palms – Ocala, FL

82. Rarity Bay – Vonore, TN

83. Sun City Mesquite – Mesquite, NV

84. Twin Lakes – St. Cloud, FL

85. Carolina Preserve – Cary, NC

86. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch – Lakewood Ranch, FL

87. Hot Springs Village – Hot Springs Village, AR

88. Oceana – Oceanside, CA

89. Del Webb Nocatee – Ponte Vedra, FL

90. Greenbriar Woodlands – Toms River, NJ

91. Del Webb Nexton – Summerville, SC

92. Mountain View – Moreno Valley, CA

93. Greenbriar – Monroe, NJ

94. Seven Lakes – Fort Myers, FL

95. Silver Ridge Park – Toms River, NJ

96. IslandWalk at West Villages – Wellen Park, FL

97. Mira Bay – Apollo Beach, FL

99. Rossmoor – Walnut Creek, CA100. Pelican Landing – Bonita Springs, FL

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Deana Becker
Deana Becker is the Senior Content Strategist at 55places.com. With an extensive editorial background, she has been writing, editing, and researching real estate topics since 2018. Her work has brought her in contact with many subject matter experts in the real estate industry, and she enjoys continually improving her SEO and content marketing skills. As a Chicago native, she's also well-versed in the Midwestern housing market (as well as the best places for deep-dish pizza). View all authors

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