The Best Large 55+ Communities

8 minute read

After reaching retirement, many homebuyers find themselves seeking a community that caters to their unique needs, desires, and aspirations. In the realm of active adult living, large 55+ communities offer comfort, companionship, and tailored amenities. These vibrant enclaves are more than just housing; They provide a lifestyle that fosters social connections, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

At this time, we’ll delve into the essence of the best large 55+ communities. From state-of-the-art facilities to an array of engaging activities, these communities not only redefine retirement living but prove that life after 55 can be a splendid chapter filled with purpose and camaraderie.

Join us on a journey to uncover the gems among the largest 55+ communities. These fifteen attractive neighborhoods all offer 1,000 homes or more.

1. On Top of the World – Ocala, FL

High $100ks – Mid $600ks

On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida claims the top spot on our list as The Best Large 55+ Community! This popular community offers a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and attached villas. Also renowned for its resort-style amenities, On Top of the World has golf courses, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, and walking trails.

Additionally, this community provides an array of clubs and activities. These include social clubs, hobby groups, fitness classes, and organized outings that foster a sense of community and social engagement among residents. The gated entrance also adds an extra layer of security. Ocala’s favorable climate, coupled with its relatively affordable cost of living, makes it an attractive location for retirees.

2. Laguna Woods Village – Laguna Woods, CA

Low $200ks – High $1Ms

Next on our list, Laguna Woods Village is a renowned community designed for active adults aged 55 and older. Formerly known as Leisure World, this expansive community offers a range of condominiums, co-ops, and detached single-family homes, all within a beautifully landscaped environment.

Celebrated for its extensive amenities, Laguna Woods Village features several golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers, providing residents with opportunities to stay active and engaged. Additionally, there are numerous clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to social and educational pursuits.

Located in Southern California, Laguna Woods Village benefits from a mild climate. It’s situated near cultural attractions, shopping centers, and recreational opportunities. Also, the community is gated, providing a secure and tranquil environment for its residents.

3. Solivita – Kissimmee, FL

Low $300ks – Low $700ks

Heading back to Central Florida for the third spot on our list, Solivita is another distinguished 55+ community known for its resort-style living. It offers amenities like golf courses, fitness centers, and social clubs, fostering a vibrant and healthy environment. Nestled in scenic surroundings with lakes and conservation areas, Solivita provides tranquility within a gated setting. Also, its proximity to Orlando offers easy access to world-class attractions. With diverse housing options, including single-family homes and condos, Solivita caters to retirees seeking an active lifestyle.

4. Sun City Hilton Head – Bluffton, SC

Mid $300ks – Mid $1Ms

The Palmetto State earned a top spot on this list with Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, South Carolina. Offering single-family homes and villas, this community caters to retirees seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. With onsite golf courses, fitness centers, and social clubs, Sun City Hilton Head is also the perfect choice for resort-style living in the Carolinas. Additionally, the well-maintained natural surroundings add to the appeal, and Bluffton’s location in the Lowcountry region offers convenient access to coastal attractions.

5. Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL

Mid $300ks – Low $800ks

Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list, Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a famous 55+ community inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s lifestyle. Interested homebuyers can choose from single-family homes and villas. Also, the community truly captures a tropical paradise atmosphere.

Residents enjoy amenities like a beach-inspired pool, a fitness center, and a lively clubhouse for social activities. Themed parties, live entertainment, and organized outings contribute to the laid-back and festive atmosphere. Located in Daytona Beach, the community also makes it easy to enjoy everything that Florida’s Atlantic Coast has to offer.

6. Sun City Center – Sun City Center, FL

Mid $100ks – Low $800ks

Sun City Center is a renowned 55+ community situated in the Tampa Bay Area. Boasting an array of amenities, Sun City Center offers golf courses, fitness centers, swimming pools, and recreational facilities. Residents can also engage in various clubs and social organizations.

Housing options within this community include single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments, with designs often tailored to accommodate the specific needs of retirees. Conveniently situated near major highways, the community also provides easy access to nearby cities like Tampa and Sarasota, ensuring residents can access shopping, dining, entertainment, and health care services.

7. Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX

Low $300ks – Low $1Ms

Sun City Texas is a highly regarded active adult community. Developed by Del Webb, the master-planned community offers a diverse array of housing options, including single-family homes and duplexes. Known for its commitment to promoting an active and social lifestyle, Sun City Texas features extensive amenities such as golf courses, fitness centers, swimming pools, walking trails, and recreational facilities.

With a vibrant social calendar that includes events, themed parties, and organized outings, Sun City Texas also offers residents an engaging and fulfilling lifestyle. Nestled in Georgetown, residents enjoy access to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a charming downtown area, all within a region known for its favorable climate.

8. Holiday City at Berkeley – Toms River, NJ

High $100ks – High $300ks

Located in Toms River, Holiday City at Berkeley is a well-established active adult community designed for residents aged 55 and older. Offering a mix of single-family homes and attached residences, this community promotes an active lifestyle. Holiday City at Berkeley also features clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, and recreational spaces, allowing residents to engage in various activities.

With its Ocean County location, residents have convenient access to nearby beaches, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, often complemented by a pleasant regional climate. Community events and social gatherings further contribute to the vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle offered by Holiday City at Berkeley.

9. Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head – Hardeeville, SC

Mid $300ks – Mid $400ks

Featuring another Latitude Margaritaville development on our list, this one is situated in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head is just as vibrant as its Florida counterpart and equally inspired by the lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett. Additionally, Hardeeville’s location in South Carolina provides residents with proximity to coastal attractions and various outdoor activities.

Known for its resort-style amenities, Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head features a town center with dining options, fitness facilities, pools, and social spaces, all aimed at promoting a laid-back lifestyle. Residents can connect through a range of clubs and organized activities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Also, the community’s tropical atmosphere creates a relaxed and enjoyable living experience.

10. Rossmoor – Walnut Creek, CA

High $300ks – Low $2Ms

Heading back to The Golden State for the next entry on this list, Rossmoor caters to the diverse preferences and needs of its residents. Renowned for its extensive amenities, the community features golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and clubhouses, all crafted to support an active and social lifestyle.

Additionally, Rossmoor provides a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment with its picturesque setting, lush landscaping, and scenic views. Positioned in Walnut Creek in the San Francisco Bay Area, residents also enjoy convenient access to cultural attractions, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it an ideal location for those seeking a harmonious blend of serene living and urban amenities.

11. Sun City Anthem – Henderson, NV

High $300ks – High $1Ms

Sun City Anthem in Henderson, Nevada features fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and clubhouses, all designed to promote an active and social lifestyle. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the community’s golf courses, adding to the recreational options available.

Offering single-family homes, attached villas, and condominiums, Sun City Anthem provides a range of choices for homebuyers. Additionally, residents have the opportunity to engage in various clubs and organized activities. Positioned within the Las Vegas area, residents of Sun City Anthem also benefit from access to diverse entertainment options, cultural events, dining establishments, and outdoor activities.

12. Sun City Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV

Low $300ks – Mid $1Ms

Sun City Summerlin, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is another well-established active adult community. This community is distinguished for its extensive amenities, featuring fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and clubhouses, all crafted to foster an active lifestyle. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the community’s well-maintained golf courses.

13. PebbleCreek – Goodyear, AZ

Mid $300ks – Low $1Ms

Located in Goodyear, Arizona, PebbleCreek offers single-family homes, attached villas, and customizable floor plans. The community amenities include golf courses, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and clubhouses. Additionally, PebbleCreek offers residents convenient access to the broader Phoenix area, encouraging the exploration of cultural attractions, dining options, shopping, and outdoor activities.

14. Sun City Lincoln Hills – Lincoln, CA

High $300ks – Mid $1Ms

Positioned in Lincoln in Northern California, Sun City Lincoln Hills offers residents convenient access to nearby natural attractions, cultural events, and recreational opportunities. Additionally, residents can choose a home that suits their preferences and lifestyle. Housing options include single-family homes, duplexes, and attached villas, while onsite amenities include golf courses, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and clubhouses.

15. Province – Maricopa, AZ

High $200ks – High $600ks

Last but not least, our final community is Province in Maricopa, Arizona. The community is notable for its clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and social spaces, all designed to promote an active and social lifestyle. Covering a range of interests, there are also numerous onsite clubs and organized activities. Additionally, residents can enjoy convenient access to all the attractions within the Greater Phoenix area.