If you dream of enjoying retirement on Florida’s sunny Gulf Coast, you’re not alone. Powdery white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters beckon thousands of tourists each year, encouraging many to make the area their permanent home. Still, affordability can be an issue when your heart is set on such a popular region.
Luckily, finding reasonably priced real estate on Florida’s Gulf Coast isn’t difficult, especially for buyers seeking a 55+ community with access to amenities and popular golf courses. Dozens of beach towns and larger cities populate the Gulf Coast. Many of them offer affordable homes and 55+ communities with amenities, social activities, and a low-maintenance lifestyle. On top of the many amenities these communities offer, they’re typically located near highly acclaimed beaches, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
If you’re searching for a 55+ community in the Gulf Coast area with a range of amenities to enhance your retirement, we’re here to help. Our list features some of the best, low-priced communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Seven Lakes – Fort Myers
Mid $100s – High $300s
Established in the 1970s, Seven Lakes is a gated community featuring a range of low-maintenance condominiums and attached villas. Situated on 180 acres of scenic landscapes, the community provides the ideal environment for active adults. Residents have free access to an 18-hole executive golf course, putting green, and a range of other outdoor activities. Options include six Har-Tru courts, nine shuffleboard courts, and two bocce ball courts. When you’re ready to relax, swim and lounge by one of the community’s six heated pools. Or enjoy your favorite al fresco meal at the barbeque and grill areas near the Pavillion.
Amenities specifically designed for the 55+ community ensure there is something available to match every interest. The Pavilion Clubhouse features three card rooms, a library, a woodworking shop, and a large auditorium. Residents can also enjoy time in the billiards room, arts and crafts studio, catering kitchen, ceramics studio, on-site travel agency, and golf pro shop.
Seven Lakes is home to 1,096 condos and attached villas with numerous floor plans. Residents can choose from smaller condos with one bedroom and one bath or larger units with two or three bedrooms and two baths.
El Rio Condominiums – North Fort Myers
Low $100s – High $100s
Only minutes from the Caloosahatchee River, multiple green spaces, and golf courses (including the El Rio Golf Club), El Rio Condominiums offer a range of amenities for active adults. Residents have access to a community room, outdoor swimming pool, patio, and tennis courts. Beyond onsite amenities, Fort Myers’s most popular entertainment attractions are only a half hour away.
Constructed from 1969 to 1975, condos in El Rio Condominiums range from 1,307 to 1,380 square feet and feature various floor plans. Additionally, many spacious living areas overlook El Rio Golf Course and nearby scenic landscapes. Features like luxury vinyl flooring, granite countertops, and furnished balconies enhance the retirement lifestyle.
Moorings – Naples-Bonita Springs
Mid $100s – $6Ms
A sprawling active adult community in Naples, Moorings offers new and resale single-family homes and condos for retirees. Additionally, there are numerous activities to choose from. Those wishing to spend time outdoors will enjoy amenities like a community beach, a country club, parks, recreational facilities, and an 18-hole golf course.
Various boat docks are also situated throughout the community for easy access to boating or fishing. The Moorings Country Club also maintains an active social calendar. Activities include group meetings for bocce, mah jongg, bridge, poker, and clubs like the Investment Club and Car Club. Additionally, special events are regularly scheduled, including community barbeques, cocktail parties, and beach events.
With over 4,000 single-family homes and condominiums in the community, residents have a range of choices for their perfect home. Smaller homes with one to two bedrooms offer ample space of 798 to 1,000 square feet, while large condos or homes can feature as many as 4 to 6 rooms and 4,000 to 6,000 square feet. However, prices increase significantly with size.
Popular home interior features include updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite or marble countertops. Some homes feature attached garages, outdoor swimming pools, and patios. Many homes are located along the coast, providing beachfront access and ocean views.
While there is much to do in the community, residents can find additional entertainment, outdoor activities, and dining opportunities in the nearby areas. In addition, residents can enjoy visiting popular restaurants and bars, green spaces and parks, golf courses, and popular cultural attractions.
Bayshore on the Lake Condominiums – Bradenton
Below $100s – High $100s
Situated in one of Florida’s Gulf Coast’s most desirable areas, Bayshore on the Lake Condominiums puts residents within minutes of Bradenton, Sarasota, and the Gulf of Mexico. This well-established age-restricted community is designed to provide a maintenance-free lifestyle and a range of amenities for an enjoyable and laid-back retirement.
Spend your sun-soaked afternoons at the community’s two resort-style pools with spacious patios and a spa. Or, get active at the shuffleboard courts or spend your day fishing at the on-site lake with a fishing pier. Bayshore is also home to a clubhouse with a library and multipurpose gathering spaces that host social events and activities. Additionally, the community picnic and barbeque areas make it easy for residents to enjoy their favorite meals between activities.
Built between 1974 and 1983, the community is home to over 1,000 resale condos ranging from 738 to over 1,000 sq ft. Homes feature various floor plans with one to two bedrooms, ample storage space, and spacious living areas. Many condos also offer luxurious features like updated kitchens, primary bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and balconies. Units typically have one to two bedrooms and one or two baths.
Bayshore on the Lake Condominiums is in a desirable location near some of Florida’s most popular coastal cities. That means entertainment is never far away. Residents are only three miles from Downtown Bradenton and only minutes from popular attractions in Sarasota. As a result, enjoyable cultural, entertainment, and dining opportunities are always readily available, and outdoor activities at local beaches, golf, courses, and parks enhance active adult lifestyles.
Burgandy Condominiums – Bradenton
Below $100k – Mid $100s
Only 10 miles from tranquil Gulf of Mexico beaches, Burgandy Condominiums provides a low-maintenance lifestyle with a range of amenities and proximity to popular local attractions. Those looking to pursue an active lifestyle can enjoy time spent on shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and community green spaces. The community is also home to an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool spa surrounded by a spacious patio. Several barbeque grills and picnic areas throughout the community make it easy to enjoy meals outdoors anytime.
Resale homes built between 1973 and 1975 range in size from 660 to 1,066 square feet and feature luxurious updated interiors. Many kitchens feature ceramic tile floors and new countertops, and several homes have an enclosed porch for added living space. Communal balconies and patio courtyards make it easy for neighbors to socialize and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Since the HOA takes of exterior maintenance, groundskeeping, and upkeep of common areas, living in Burgandy Condominiums is truly low maintenance, providing residents with ample free time to pursue their passions.
The community’s location in the city of Bradenton means necessities and entertainment are never far away. Residents can travel to Riverwalk to visit popular restaurants, shopping, bars, bakeries, and cultural attractions. Multiple nearby green spaces, parks, and golf courses are ideal for supporting active lifestyles.
Glory Gardens at Christian Retreat – Bradenton
Low $100s – High $100s
A range of amenities, a low-maintenance lifestyle, and spacious condo homes make Glory Gardens at Christian Retreat a sought-after 55+ community in Bradenton. Residents can pursue an active lifestyle in the Florida sunshine with access to an on-site heated pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard, canoes, and easy access to the Manatee River.
Originally built in 1980, the community features spacious resale condo homes with square footage ranging from 1,232 to 1,552. Open floor plans provide roomy living areas and kitchens, two to three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Popular interior features include updated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and posh living areas with wood-look flooring.
Some homes are even turnkey furnished, making moving easy. Since the HOA takes care of exterior, common ground, and pool maintenance, as well as neighborhood security, residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with ample free time.
The community’s location in Bradenton provides residents with easy access to daily needs and entertainment opportunities. Residents can find a range of dining opportunities, shopping, cultural, and entertainment options. Local parks and golf clubs offer ideal opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and pursue an active lifestyle. Popular metropolitan areas are only a short drive away as Glory Gardens at Christian Retreat is only 20 minutes away from Saint Petersburg and a little over a half hour from Tampa.
Vendome Village – Tampa Bay
Mid $100s – Low $200s
Located in the vibrant city of Pinellas Park on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Vendome Village is a welcoming 55+ community that provides residents with a low-maintenance lifestyle, attractive amenities, and a prime location in the Tampa Bay area. Active adults can participate in outdoor and social activities in various common areas and enjoy a range of popular nearby attractions. Within the community, residents have access to a community clubhouse with a multipurpose room with ample meeting space for various groups and a catering kitchen for parties and special events.
Outdoors, homeowners can enjoy a pool and patio, bocce ball, and shuffleboard. The homeowner’s association takes care of exterior and common area maintenance, road repairs, cable TV, internet, and trash collection, providing residents with a low-maintenance lifestyle.
The Village features 304 attached homes built between 1970 and 1974, ranging in size from 902 – 1,118 square feet. Most homes feature an open layout with one or two bedrooms and one to one and a half baths. Popular features include master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, attached garages, walk-in closets, patios, hurricane-impact windows, and office space. Many homes have updated kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and laminate vinyl or wood flooring.
While there is ample entertainment in the community, Vendome Village’s desirable location in Pinellas Park is only 10 minutes away from popular beaches and shops, putting residents within easy reach of entertainment and daily needs. A quick drive down Highway 19 offers a variety of dining options, bars, shopping opportunities, golf courses, and green spaces to enjoy. Nearby metropolitan areas are less than an hour away as residents can reach Saint Petersburg in 15 minutes and Tampa in a half hour.
Terrace Park of Five Towns – St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay
Below $100k – High $400s
Only five miles from the Gulf shores and 10 miles west of downtown St. Petersburg, Terrace Park of Five Towns is a well-established 55+ community in a highly desirable location. The community consists of several condominium buildings and provides residents with various indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities. Two community clubhouses feature libraries, fitness centers, billiards rooms, card rooms, and multipurpose gathering spaces for activities, clubs, and classes.
Outdoors, residents can enjoy tennis, bocce ball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and six swimming pools with patios and spas. Picnic areas make the ideal spot to enjoy meals between activities.
The community on Florida’s Gulf Coast is made up of several four-, five-, and six-story condominium buildings spread across two distinct neighborhoods. Condos range from 610 to 1,876 square feet with one to two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. Popular interior home features include open floor plans, upgraded kitchens, master suites with en-suite bathrooms, walk-in closets, and screened-in porches or patios.
Located in Saint Petersburg, Terrace Park of Five Towns is close to daily conveniences and popular entertainment options. Residents can find their favorite meals and drinks at a range of local restaurants and bars. Shopping, culture, and entertainment are easy to find along the Gulf shores and in Downtown Saint Petersburg. Multiple green spaces, golf courses, and parks are also nearby, making it easy to support an active lifestyle.
Paradise Shores – Tampa Bay
Below $100k – High $100s
Located in close proximity to Tampa Bay’s most desirable attractions, Paradise Shores is a 55+ community in Saint Petersburg. The community features a range of amenities, low-maintenance living, and a range of condos to choose from.
Outdoors, residents can enjoy afternoons spent by the community pool and patio, bocce ball courts, shuffleboard courts, and a horseshoe pitch area. The community is also home to a clubhouse with several multipurpose rooms for clubs, gatherings, and special events. Between activities, residents can enjoy their favorite al fresco meals at the Tiki Hut Barbecue Area. Community events are common throughout the year, providing residents with frequent social interactions.
Constructed from 1971 to 1973, condos in Paradise Shores range from 640 to 1,210 square feet and have one or two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. Homes feature open floor plans, upgraded kitchens with ample cabinet space, and walk-in closets. The HOA takes care of common area and exterior maintenance, providing residents with a low-maintenance lifestyle and ample free time.
The community’s convenient location in Saint Petersburg puts residents in easy reach of the many entertainment options in Tampa Bay. Residents can choose from a range of dining options at several restaurants and cafes, and enjoy highly acclaimed entertainment venues. Local green spaces, parks, and golf courses are ideal for supporting active adult lifestyles.
Highland Lakes on Lake Tarpon – Palm Harbor
Mid $100s – High $500s
Palm Harbor is close to Tampa and St. Petersburg and located on the Gulf of Mexico. For active adults who enjoy hitting the links, Highland Lakes on Lake Tarpon offers an affordable and attractive option. Residents can play on the 27-hole executive golf course for free. There’s also a putting green and plenty of green space, including trails and parks as well as the calm waters of Lake Tarpon.
Other amenities include pickleball, shuffleboard, tennis, an outdoor pool and patio, and a library. The Arts and Crafts Building has a woodworking studio, a ceramics studio with kilns, and an area for stained glass creations. The Lake Tarpon Lodge is the hub of social activity and can be rented out for private parties. It includes a banquet room and catering kitchen as well as pontoon boats.
The scenic 55+ community is comprised of single-family homes and attached villas, all between one and three bedrooms with garages and patios. Some resale homes have private pools.
Palm Harbor is close to all of the Tampa Bay beach communities and home to John Chestnut Park, where there’s a lot of biking, hiking, and fishing to be done.
Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club – San Antonio
Mid $200s – Low $500s
Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club is one of the newest and most affordable 55+ communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Just half an hour northeast of downtown Tampa, buyers can find new and resale single-family homes in a variety of sizes and floor plans. Five different builders offer between two and four bedrooms in models that range from 1,200 to 2,600 square feet.
The amenities are hard to beat, with a 27-hole executive golf course, a 15,000 square-foot clubhouse, a fitness center, pools, restaurants, and outdoor space for volleyball, tennis, and shuffleboard. The community center offers multi-purpose rooms where residents can get together for social events and club activities.
Popular groups include creative writing, weight watchers, and scrapbooking. San Antonio is quaint and friendly, with St. Leo University in the neighborhood as well as outlet shopping and great tacos at Pancho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant.
Village in the Pines – Sarasota
High $100s – High $200s
Sarasota homes for sale aren’t always cheap, but at Village in the Pines, 55+ buyers can find single-story attached condo units that are comfortable, low-maintenance, and affordable. There are 192 units with two or three bedrooms and between 1,021 to 1,756 square feet. The homeowners’ association takes care of exterior maintenance, landscaping, and cable and water bills. The community is close to grocery stores, retailers, and even the beach.
Amenities include a clubhouse and a fitness center as well as an outdoor pool and patio. Holiday parties and social functions are frequently held, and with such an intimate community, residents have a unique opportunity to really get to know their neighbors. Village in the Pines is just a few miles from Siesta Key, which is regularly ranked one of the top beaches in the country. Get there early and enjoy free parking.
Riviera Golf Estates – Naples
High $100s – Low $500s
Further down the Gulf Coast from Tampa and Sarasota is Naples, which is known for its swanky shopping and fine dining. However, Riviera Golf Estates does a good job of attracting active adults on a budget.
This 55+ community has an 18-hole golf course that doesn’t require any memberships because residents simply pay when they want to play. Single-family homes and condos offer between 672 and 2,158 square feet with two or three bedrooms and carports or garages. Single-family homes have cathedral ceilings and several resale condos have upgraded kitchens.
Residents gather at the clubhouse for line dancing, art classes, and the computer club. Amenities include a fitness center, catering kitchen, library, and card room with billiards. There are outdoor pools, patios, and courts for tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, and shuffleboard. Plenty of walking and biking trails wind through the community.
Grocery stores like Publix and The Fresh Market are also nearby. When you’re ready to spend some of the money you’re saving on housing costs, visit The Village Shops on Venetian Bay and Waterside Shops for high-end window shopping at Salvatore Ferragamo and Brooks Brothers.
Finding Your Ideal Retirement Home on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Florida’s Gulf Coast is a paradise that beckons tourists to white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. It’s also the ideal place for retirees to enjoy an active lifestyle. Many retirees fear that living in these areas will be unaffordable. However, there are many 55+ communities featuring affordable homes, enjoyable amenities, and a desirable lifestyle on Florida’s popular Gulf Coast. Finding the right 55+ community can help you maximize your budget and enjoy your retirement without financial stress. If you’re looking for the ideal place to retire along the Gulf Coast, the real estate experts at 55Places can help.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you find your ideal 55+ community.
