by Robert Borges on November 17, 2022

At Private Communities Registry (PCR), we connect homebuyers searching for a lifestyle with master-planned communities around the country. Whether you’re looking to settle down in a 55+ community, a golf community, a boating community, an equestrian community, or desire other amenities like pickleball, fitness centers, and dog parks—PCR can connect you with communities that meet your unique needs.  

In this article, we’ll focus on active adult communities. These types of communities are usually defined as real estate developments that offer relaxed and autonomous living to residents (usually retirees and pre-retirees). Often (but not always) age-restricted, they provide low-maintenance, independent living with a variety of amenities that encourage a social, healthy, and dynamic lifestyle.

Based on user interaction, page views, and information requests through the PCR site this past year, here are 10 of the most popular active adult communities in 2022.

Latitude Margaritaville Communities

Latitude Margaritaville Active Adult Communities

Daytona Beach, FL; Hilton Head, SC; Panama City Beach, FL

Known for their tranquil laid-back beach vibes, these Jimmy Buffet inspired communities attract active adult and retirees from all over the world. Always among the most viewed and requested properties on PCR, it’s not hard to see why Latitude Margaritavilles are extremely popular active adult communities year after year. With each Latitude Margaritaville location offering balmy year-round weather, the community amenities were carefully planned to encourage a social recreational atmosphere. Onsite bars, restaurants, pools, fitness centers, and theatres are just some of the perks that come with residence in these unique and desirable communities.

Savannah Lakes Village

Savannah Lakes Village Active Adult Community

McCormick, SC

Wrapped around the massive 71,000-acre Lake Thurmond on the freshwater coast of South Carolina, this popular active adult community spans over 4,300 acres of rolling terrain nestled between three state parks and a national forest. Within the community’s hills and waterways are an impressive list of amenities including two golf courses, a fitness and sports complex, and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Tellico Village

Tellico Village Active Adult Commuity

Loudon, TN

With an abundance of recreational facilities and amenities including a yacht and country club for social activities and dining, recreation and fitness centers, boating and fishing on the community lake, and dozens of social, sports, and community clubs, Eastern Tennessee’s Tellico Village is an easy choice for top active adult community of the year. Forty miles of shoreline and three championship golf courses provide nearly endless recreation opportunities, and residents also love the 27,000 square foot community wellness center.

Ave Maria

Ave Maria Active Adult Community

Ave Maria, FL

Ave Maria is an award-winning master-planned community that combines an active lifestyle with the charm and friendliness of a small town in the Gulf Coast region of southwestern Florida. Among the best-selling communities in the nation, amenities for active adults and families include a resort-style water park and two expansive community parks with picnic areas, sports fields, playgrounds, tennis, bocce and pickleball courts, 100 miles of nature, hiking and biking paths, a dog park, a fitness center, 2 championship 18-hole golf courses, and much more.

Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation

Magnolia Greens Active Adult Community

Leland, NC

Surrounded by five soft sandy beaches, this popular active adult community is minutes from the historic waterfront town of Wilmington, NC—recently named one of the “Top 6 Charming Cities in America.” The community boasts 27 holes of championship golf, indoor and outdoor pools, a pro shop and restaurant, a brand-new fitness and wellness center, tennis, sidewalks, and an active community lifestyle.

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead Active Adult Community

Waleska, GA

Mountains, lakes, and golf highlight this active adult community just 40 minutes from Atlanta. Situated around a 540-acre spring-fed lake in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with 8,000+ acres of lush woodland, residents enjoy an active, lakefront lifestyle. In addition to world-class golf and an abundance of lake activities, a full range of recreational amenities includes two swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, 14+ miles of nature trails, community parks, a sandy beach, a private marina, and disc golf to name a few.

Heritage Shores

Heritage Shores Active Adult Community

Bridgeville, DE

Heritage Shores has been honored as one of the Best 55+ Active Adult Communities, and is a repeat winner of the Best Retirement Community by Metropolitan Magazine. Members enjoy an award-winning clubhouse, a health and wellness center, swimming pools, tennis, and three restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Perfectly situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Heritage Shores combines the convenience of an Eastern Shore location with a year-round resort lifestyle and Delaware tax savings.

Hot Springs Village

Hot Springs Village Active Adult Commuity

Hot Springs Village, AR

Encompassing 26,000 acres in West Central Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Village is the nation’s largest gated community. And with natural beauty of sweeping vistas, lush forests and sparkling lakes, it’s not hard to see why it’s also among the most popular for active adults. Residents have access to nine signature golf courses, a 13-court tennis center, a 14-court pickleball facility, 11 lakes and two beaches for swimming, boating and fishing, 30 miles of hiking trails, a fitness center, numerous club sports and over 200 clubs and civic organizations. Amenities also include a 650-seat performing arts center, recreational library, and community centers.

Encanterra®, a Trilogy® Resort Community

Encanterra Active Adult Community

Queen Creek, AZ

Residents of this popular active adult community in Arizona gain access to an array of resort amenities that includes an award-winning desert golf course designed by PGA Tour legend Tom Lehman. La Casa— the 60,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse and recreation center also features private tennis, fitness and spa facilities, plus three swimming pools, four restaurants, a large outdoor amphitheater and a full suite of resort services. Also onsite is The Algarve—a second, 8,000 square foot clubhouse with a resort pool with poolside dining, demonstration kitchen, artisan studio, indoor and outdoor concert area, eight pickleball courts, and bocce ball.

Colonial Heritage

Colonial Heritage Active Adult Community

Williamsburg, VA

With a spacious clubhouse, a deluxe athletic club, indoor and outdoor pools and a community-oriented activities program, residents of this Virginia active adult community enjoy an engaging social calendar with a year-round schedule of events. A 170-acre Arthur Hills championship golf course is the centerpiece of a community that’s just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and the many other cultural and historical attractions of eastern Virginia's coastal region.

Discover More Active Adult Communities

This article showcased just some of 2022’s most popular active adult communities, according to PCR’s website users. There are hundreds more active adult communities featured on our site, spanning the entire country. Explore even more popular active adult communities to learn about amenities, real estate, and request more information.