Since 2016, 55places has announced the 50 best-selling 55+ communities for the previous 12 months. Until now, that annual list has been based solely on internal sales made through 55places.com.
This year, for the first time, 55places is happy to include not just our own sales data, but external sales data from listing services across the country. With the addition of this new data, we compiled our 2020 list by combining both internal and external sales data and weighting the results by each community’s active listings and total home count.
The results gave us our most unique best-selling list to date, with juggernaut communities we’ve come to expect as well as some that have never made the list before. They’re located in traditional states like Florida, Arizona, and North and South Carolina, but also less traditional options like Colorado and California.
With that being said, let’s take a look at 2020’s list of the best-selling active adult communities in the country.
1. Century Village East – Deerfield Beach, FL
Below $100k – Mid $200s
This year marks the first time a condo community has taken the top spot on our best-selling list. Century Village East has over 8,000 condos built between 1970 and 1995, but this community is distinct because of its low price points. Of the homes for sale currently, there are plenty under $100k and even quite a few around the $50k mark.
Regardless of the low home prices, the community doesn’t skimp on amenities. The 145,000-square-foot clubhouse has everything from an indoor pool to a 1,600-seat theater to an 800-person ballroom. Enjoying the Florida sunshine is easy with tennis, bocce ball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. The community also offers transit to help residents easily run errands.
Request more information about Century Village East here.
2. Wynmoor Village – Coconut Creek, FL
Below $100k – High $200s
Wynmoor Village follows in the footsteps of Century Village East in many ways. Both are located in Broward County, both are condo communities, and both blend low-priced homes with expansive amenities. Built from 1978 to 1999, these condos are great for homebuyers looking to downsize and reduce housework.
The 50,000-square-foot clubhouse has dozens of hobby rooms, three ballrooms, and a theater. Also, throughout the community, homeowners can enjoy 19 satellite pools as well as courts for shuffleboard, tennis, and pickleball.
Request more information about Wynmoor Village here.
3. Kings Point – Delray Beach, FL
Below $100k – Mid $100s
Sticking to the theme, Kings Point is another condo community in Southeast Florida. Like our previous two communities, King Point is home to thousands of low-priced condos and an expansive list of amenities. Prospective homeowners can find plenty of units for under $100k, with homes having one to two bedrooms and one-and-a-half to two bathrooms.
Amenities include a 100,000-square-foot main clubhouse as well as two smaller clubhouses available to all residents. Between the three amenity centers, residents have access to fitness centers, golf courses, tennis courts, outdoor pools, multipurpose rooms, and much more.
Request more information about Kings Point here.
4. Robson Ranch – Denton, TX
Mid $200s – High $700s
The first community outside of Florida to make the list is the resort-style Robson Ranch just outside of Dallas. This large community of 7,200 attached and single-family homes in an idyllic suburb with plenty to do inside and out of the neighborhood.
The amenities include four amenity centers as well as the Wildhorse Grill. There’s also a tennis complex, 16 pickleball courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, a community garden, and much more to really give residents the feel of living in a resort.
Request more information about Robson Ranch here.
5. Windsor Gardens – Denver, CO
High $100s – High $300s
With the Denver area booming, there’s never been a better time to purchase in Windsor Gardens. This neighborhood is one of the few 55+ communities in a large, urban city, and it offers comparatively lower home prices while still being near all the fun in the city. Windsor Gardens has 2,689 attached homes and condos, many of which have been recently updated.
The community has a 9-hole golf course and practice area as well as courts for bocce and shuffleboard. Indoors, residents enjoy the pool, billiards room, woodworking shop, and several other hobby and craft rooms.
Request more information about Windsor Gardens here.
6. Century Village at Pembroke Pines – Pembroke Pines, FL
Below $100k – Low $200s
The second Century Village community to make the list is Century Village at Pembroke Pines. Located in Broward County, the community has 7,700 resale condominiums at affordable prices, including many below $100k.
With a large clubhouse and satellite amenities spread throughout the community, Century Village at Pembroke Pines offers 23 pools, 15 tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course. Homeowners also have access to a performance theater, a ballroom, community transit, and an on-site pharmacy.
Request more information about Century Village at Pembroke Pines here.
7. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
Below $100k – Low $400s
Last year’s No. 1 best-seller and the Community of the Year comes in at No. 7 on 2020’s reconfigured list. On Top of the World has been one of the most popular age-restricted communities in the country for a few years now, but last year, it all came together. With plans for 10,000 homes, On Top of the World is ideally located in Central Florida, and it’s home to one of the best amenity sets in the country.
On Top of the World offers seven amenity centers, the main one being the Recreation Building, where residents can have a meal, get in a workout, or enjoy a little mini-golf. Residents can also swim in the indoor or outdoor pools, play a game of tennis, grab some ice cream, or get some gardening done.
Request more information about On Top of the World here.
8. On Top of the World – Clearwater, FL
Below $100k – Mid $200s
The sister community of our previous entrant, On Top of the World in Clearwater is less well-known than its Ocala counterpart, but it does offer plenty of the same attractive elements, including an ideal location in the Tampa area. One key difference between the two is that the Clearwater location offers only condos, with just under 5,000 built between 1960 and 1993.
There are two recreation centers in the community, East and West. East is the larger complex, and it includes a fitness center, a cafe, a catering kitchen, hobby rooms, and plenty to do outside, including two golf courses, a heated outdoor pool, and sport courts. The West Recreation Center also has a fitness center, hobby rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fishing pier.
Request more information about On Top of the World here.
9. Sun City Palm Desert – Palm Desert, CA
Low $200s – Low $800s
The first Sun City community on the list is Sun City Palm Desert located in Southern California’s desirable Palm Springs area. Like others under the brand’s umbrella, Sun City Palm Desert has resort-style amenities, dozens of floor plans, and an active lifestyle.
The amenities are spread throughout three clubhouses: Mountain View, Sunset View, and Lakeview. All three have dozens of meeting and hobby rooms, pubs and restaurants, pools, fitness centers, and two 18-hole golf courses. There’s even a fishing lake and on-site RV parking.
Request more information about Sun City Palm Desert here.
10. Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch – Florence, AZ
Low $200s – Low $500s
Next up—and Arizona’s first community on the list—is Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch. Located close enough to Phoenix but far enough away for seclusion, the community is a scenic, resort-style option for homebuyers seeking tranquility and Arizona sunshine. With 3,800 single-family homes and a variety of floor plans, prospective homeowners have the option of downsizing to cut down on household chores.
Homeowners have access to two sets of amenities: those available to just residents of Sun City Anthem and those available to everyone in the Merrill Ranch master-planned community. The 48,000-square-foot Union Center Clubhouse is for those 55+, and it has a fitness center, a continuing education center, hobby rooms, and several outdoor amenities for maintaining an active lifestyle.
Request more information about Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch here.
11. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC
High $100s – Mid $1Ms
Another reoccurring recipient of 55places’ awards, Sun City Hilton Head is the premier Coastal South Carolina 55+ community. Located just off of Hilton Head Island, the community has over 8,000 attached and single-family homes in a variety of sizes and prices.
The amenities at Sun City Hilton Head really help the community stick out from the crowd. Homeowners have access to three 18-hole golf courses, a 20-acre fishing lake, a fitness trail with various exercise stations, and a 540-seat performing arts center. All of that compliments the more traditional amenities like fitness centers, sport courts, hobby rooms, and more.
Request more information about Sun City Hilton Head here.
12. Oak Run – Ocala, FL
Below $100k – Mid $300s
The second Ocala community to make the list is Oak Run, an expansive community with approximately 3,500 affordable homes. Much like its neighbor On Top of the World, Oak Run boasts plenty of fun amenities alongside its thousands of homes.
Oak Run offers four clubs with fitness centers and outdoor pools as well as bocce ball, pickleball, tennis, and shuffleboard courts. The Royal Oaks Golf Club has a pro shop, restaurants, and an 18-hole course.
Request more information about Oak Run here.
13. Westbrook Village – Peoria, AZ
High $100s – Low $500s
The first 40+ community on this list is Westbrook Village near Phoenix. The community is known for its variety, offering condos, attached, and single-family homes in a range of prices. Throughout those 3,910 homes, there are many floor plans for interested homebuyers to consider.
Amenities in the ideally located community include three clubhouses, plenty of outdoor-focused amenities, a photography studio, and two restaurants. Westbrook Village is also home to two 18-hole golf courses.
Request more information about Westbrook Village here.
14. Century Village at Boca Raton – Boca Raton, FL
Below $100k – High $200s
The third and final Century Village community to make the list is Century Village at Boca Raton. Like the others, it’s known for offering affordable prices, promoting downsizing, and providing a laid-back lifestyle. There are 7,500 condos in this community, and many of them are priced below $100k. It’s also ideally located in Palm Beach County, and there’s plenty to do around the area.
The amenities in this community are similar to those in other Century Village communities. The 125,000-square-foot clubhouse has plenty of ways to stay fit, enjoy a game, or make a craft. Outdoors, residents have access to 12 tennis, shuffleboard, and bocce ball courts as well as 13 satellite pools.
Request more information about Century Village at Boca Raton here.
15. Robson Ranch – Eloy, AZ
Low $200s – High $400s
Sun City and Century Village aren’t the only brands to show up twice on our 2020 list. Robson Ranch’s Arizona location also cracked the top 20. Much like it’s sister community, Robson Ranch is known for resort-style amenities, scenic views, and modern homes. Its location in Eloy means its tucked away from the city, but Phoenix and Tucson are both easily accessible.
Amenities are split between the Ranch House, Sports Club, Creative Arts Center, and outdoor options. Between these, there’s a dining room, a coffee bar, a grill and bar, a lounge, a resort-style pool, and a pickleball complex. The community also has its own 18-hole golf course.
Request more information about Robson Ranch here.
16. Sun City Festival – Buckeye, AZ
Mid $200s – High $500s
Among total sales, perhaps no Arizona community grew more in the last year than Sun City Festival. Construction began in 2006, but homes are still being built with plans to reach 7,200. These single-family homes come in several models with modern concepts like open floor plans.
Amenities in this community center around the 31,000-square-foot Sage Recreation Center. There, residents can participate in educational courses, get in a workout, take in a show, or relax by the resort-style pool. The community also has a 9,000-square-foot Wood Shop and Craft Studio, and the Copper Canyon Golf Club is home to a pro shop, practice facilities, and a restaurant.
Request more information about Sun City Festival here.
17. Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
Low $100s – Mid $500s
Heading back to Ocala, No. 17 on our list is Stone Creek, a Del Webb community in a popular area for retirement. Upon completion, Stone Creek will have 3,800 attached and single-family homes and plenty of amenities. There are dozens of floor plans available in six model collections, giving homebuyers plenty of choices.
Residents can spend their free time in one of three amenity complexes. Reflection Bay is the largest complex, and it has indoor and outdoor amenities for working out, playing tennis, enjoying a show, and even fishing. The Elan Spa and Resort Pool offers exercise facilities and massage services, and the Stone Creek Golf Club has everything a golfer needs to finetune their game.
Request more information about Stone Creek here.
18. Highland Lakes on Lake Tarpon – Palm Harbor, FL
Below $100k – Low $300s
One of the largest 55+ communities in the Tampa area is Highland Lakes on Lake Tarpon, and it was also one of the best-selling in the last 12 months. The community consists of over 2,000 attached and single-family homes in an amenity-rich environment with an ideal location.
Just some of the amenities include a 27-hole executive golf course, four pickleball courts, a lapidary studio, an outdoor pool, and several hobby rooms. The Lake Tarpon Lodge hosts community gatherings and can even be rented out if needed.
Request more information about Highland Lakes on Lake Tarpon here.
19. Trilogy at Vistancia – Peoria, AZ
High $200s – Low $1Ms
Trilogy communities are known for their resort-style amenities, and Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria doesn’t disappoint. Plans call for 3,300 single-family homes, all with modern floor plans, to be built just outside of Phoenix.
The two main amenity centers are the 35,000 square-foot Kiva Club and the 17,000-square-foot Mita Club. Between the two, there’s a spa, a state-of-the art fitness center, two restaurants, a taproom, and two resort-style pools. The luxury continues outdoors with an 18-hole golf course, four pickleball courts, and three-and-a-half miles of walking trails.
Request more information about Trilogy at Vistancia here.
20. Sun City Oro Valley – Oro Valley, AZ
Low $200s – Mid $400s
The first Tucson-area community to make the list is Sun City Oro Valley. This resort-style community has 2,488 attached and single-family homes that were built between 1986 and 1996. It’s a 45+ community, an outlier among many other Sun City and Del Webb neighborhoods.
Amenities in Sun City Oro Valley are spread out across specialized centers, including one for arts and crafts, two for meetings and events, one for fitness, and one which serve as the welcome center. On top of those, the community has its own 18-hole golf course and driving range as well as a cafe and horseshoe pits.
Request more information about Sun City Oro Valley here.
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Sun Lakes Country Club – Banning, CA
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Kings Ridge – Clermont, FL
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Pelican Landing – Bonita Springs, FL
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Trilogy At Glen Ivy – Corona, CA
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Heather Gardens – Aurora, CO
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Sun City Aliante – North Las Vegas, NV
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Ventana Lakes – Peoria, AZ
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Palm Greens – Delray Beach, FL
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Leisure Village – Camarillo, CA
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Ocean Hills Country Club – Oceanside, CA
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Summerset – Brentwood, CA
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Las Verdes – Delray Beach, FL
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Ahwatukee Retirement Village – Phoenix, AZ
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Hollybrook Golf and Tennis Club – Pembroke Pines, FL
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Sun City Apple Valley – Apple Valley, CA
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Four Seasons at Beaumont – Beaumont, CA
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Whisper Walk – Boca Raton, FL
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Indian Spring – Boynton Beach, FL
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Oceana – Oceanside, CA
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Carolina Arbors – Durham, NC
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Sun City – Menifee, CA
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Boca Lago – Boca Raton, FL
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Lakes Of Delray – Delray Beach, FL
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Huntington Pointe – Delray Beach, FL
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Saddlebrooke Ranch – Oracle, AZ
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Heritage Ranch – Fairview, TX
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Jess Ranch – Apple Valley, CA
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Mission Royale – Casa Grande, AZ
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Carillon Lakes – Crest Hill, IL
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Homestead at Mansfield – Columbus, NJ
