RCLCO is a real estate advisory company that provides planning, development, and property investment services to real estate investors, developers, and other groups. Each year, they conduct a survey that lists the top-selling master-planned communities (MPCs) in the United States.
Their 25th annual report shows 50 MPCs, many of which include age-restricted neighborhoods. The majority are located in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas, but there are other states represented as well.
Master plan communities differ from other developments, because they are like small towns, with their own retail stores, grocery shops, a library, offices, golf courses, walking trails, parks, and other features. These perks can serve as meeting places, and foster a nice sense of community among the residents. The homes themselves are thoughtfully designed, with more attention to detail than you might find in other subdivisions.
Homeowners often work together to create planned events that the neighbors can participate in. These can include festivals, blood drives, holiday parties, and yard sales. Basically, MPCs are geared for living, working, and playing, all in the same community. If this active adult lifestyle sounds appealing, read on to learn more about some of the best MPC communities for 55+ homebuyers.
The Villages – Florida
The Villages has earned the number-one spot on this list for several years in a row. With 56,268 attached, manufactured, and single-family new and resale homes, this expansive, gated MPC fits every lifestyle. Construction started in 1978, and it has grown to encompass over 20,000 acres in three counties! Over 100 miles of golf cart-legal streets and paths connect this development. Homeowners do not even need to leave The Villages since it has its own healthcare centers, post offices, shops, restaurants, banks, golf courses, and more. P.S. Active adult homeowners at The Villages® receive free golf for life and have 48 community courses to play on.
Lakewood Ranch – Florida
Lakewood Ranch is a group of master-planned villages that are located about 10 miles from Sarasota on Florida’s west coast. It has five different active adult sections. Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, Indigo, and Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch, all offer new and resale homes.
The newest communities, Cresswind Lakewood Ranch and Lakewood National, both have new home construction. Del Webb is the largest section, with 1,300 homes. All five have highly desirable amenities, such as outdoor heated pools and spas, and golf courses. Lakewood’s property also has a great mix of shops, restaurants, and other outdoor activities.
West Villages – Florida
Though its name is similar to The Villages®, West Villages is about 150 miles south, closer to the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota. Its eight neighborhoods were built on a former agricultural center, and it has two neighborhoods that are perfect for active adults.
With plans for 1,869 new and resale attached and single-family homes, IslandWalk at West Villages is affordably priced, from the mid $200s to the mid $400s. Renaissance at West Villages has 120 new, affordable single-family homes from the mid $200s to the high $300s.
Nocatee – Florida
Located near Florida’s east coast near Jacksonville, Nocatee is a large master-planned community in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Plans call for a total of 12,000 homes on 14,000 pristine acres. There are over a dozen neighborhoods, two of which are age-restricted. Del Webb Ponte Vedra has close to 2,000 new and resale attached, condo, and single families, and lovely Artisan Lakes offers 196 new, single-family homes. Nocatee and Del Webb have plans to add a third 55+ community in the neighborhood in the name of Deep Creek Landing.
Summerlin – Nevada
Just 10 miles west of Las Vegas, Summerlin is perfectly poised to offer low-maintenance living just minutes from big-city excitement. Covering 22,500 acres, this MPC has 30 neighborhoods, with several active adult communities. Built by Del Webb, Sun City Summerlin has 7,779 attached and single-family resale homes, priced from the mid $200s to the low $1M.
Regency is smaller, with 434 single families, from the high $400s to the high $900s. The newest section, Trilogy at Summerlin, will have 354 attached homes, priced from the mid $400s to the high $600s. There’s also Siena, which has over 2,000 homes priced beginning in the mid $200s. Summerlin residents enjoy resort-like amenities in this popular, desert oasis. Nearby attractions include Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Wet N Wild Waterpark.
Rancho Mission Viejo – California
If you’ve dreamed of living in Southern California, here is your chance. Rancho Mission Viejo is a new master-planned community being developed and has its own active adult community, Gavilan.
Priced from the high $600s to the low $1Ms, this desirable neighborhood will have 1,200 new attached and single-family homes when completed. Its exclusive Hacienda clubhouse features a modern fitness center, activity rooms, and a gorgeous outdoor pool and spa.
Irvine Ranch – California
The master-planned community of Irvine was one of the first in the country. It is also in a prime location in Southern California and is spread out over 66 miles. There are close to 50 neighborhoods here.
One of its newest is Travata, a gated, 55+ community that will be the first age-restricted community in the popular MPC. It will have 243 attached and single-family homes upon completion. These spectacular new homes are priced from the high $700s to the low $1Ms. Homeowners can enjoy private amenities, like a saltwater pool, and an exclusive clubhouse, in addition to the many conveniences that come with living in this MPC.
Daybreak – Utah
This master-planned community is off the beaten path, set about 18 miles south of Salt Lake City. Its jaw-dropping setting at the banks of the Jordan River provides a stunning backdrop for its active adult community, Garden Park at Daybreak.
When completed, this unique property will have 500 attached, condo, and single-family homes, priced from the mid $200s to the mid $500s. Homeowners can enjoy Garden Park’s luxurious amenities as well as the many activities and resources available throughout the Daybreak property.
Verrado – Arizona
This master-planned community is less than 30 miles west of Phoenix and is home to residents of all different ages. Verrado has 75 parks, along with a vibrant Main Street area that has restaurants and shops.
Its active adult community, Victory at Verrado, features 3,500 new, single-family homes. Victory’s clubhouse has a fitness center, three pools, and an outdoor spa. There is also a golf course, an outdoor yoga lawn, a vineyard, and an olive grove.
