Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent chronic illness, heart disease, and weight problems. It’s also a lot of fun.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to deliver health benefits. Even gardening or walking can keep you healthy. If Jacksonville is your target location, there are several 55+ communities that do an especially impressive job of helping residents stay fit and active.
Sweetwater – Jacksonville, FL
High $200s – Low $400s
Sweetwater in Jacksonville is a gorgeous and convenient place to live, and it also offers some great opportunities for exercise and fresh air. This gated community of 950 single-family homes, attached villas, and condos has a state-of-the-art fitness center that provides the latest equipment for cardio and strength training. There’s also a movement studio where residents can practice their yoga, dance, or just do some stretching.
The outdoor pool offers a chance to swim as does the indoor lap pool. Active adults can get their steps in on the walking trails, bike through the scenic landscape, or volley back and forth on the tennis court. If you’re looking for support in your active endeavors, you’ll get it at Sweetwater. There’s a Jogging Club, a Golf Club, and a Meatless Mondays Group for health-conscious eaters. Current homes for sale range from the low to high $400s.
Cascades at World Golf Village – St. Augustine, FL
Mid $300s – Mid $500s
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and homebuyers looking to retire in this historic city will enjoy the indoor and outdoor amenities at Cascades at World Golf Village. Current homes for sale range from the high $300s to the high $400s. In this gated 55+ community, residents can choose from a number of health and fitness classes, including water aerobics, yoga, and Zumba.
Indoor and outdoor pools are available for swimming and soaking, and there are lighted shuffleboard, tennis, and bocce ball courts. A modern fitness center with an aerobics room is right outside the 22,000-square-foot clubhouse. On days that you don’t feel like working out, you can take a long walk along the nature trails winding through the community. As the community’s name suggests, there are multiple opportunities to get your exercise on the fairway. Join one of the golf clubs or sign up for lessons.
Del Webb Ponte Vedra – Ponte Vedra, FL
High $300s – Mid $800s
Just outside of downtown Jacksonville is the charming community of Ponte Vedra, where residents can enjoy the feel of a small town while still being close to the art, culture, and recreational opportunities of a big city. Del Webb Ponte Vedra is one of the largest and most sought-after 55+ communities in Northeast Florida.
One of the reasons active adults love living at Del Webb Ponte Vedra is its long list of activities and fitness opportunities. It even has a zip line for thrill-seeking active adults. More traditional amenities include the Plantation Fitness Room, which has state-of-the-art equipment, and the Magnolia Movement Studio where residents can practice yoga or do aerobics. There’s also an indoor lap pool, an outdoor pool and spa, and six miles of nature trails to walk or bike. For extra support and accountability with your fitness goals, the community has a Weight Watchers Club.
Del Webb Ponte Vedra will have nearly 2,000 single-family homes, attached homes, and condos upon competition. Current homes for sale range from the high $300s to the high $600s.