by Robert Borges on March 25, 2024
Embarking on the journey of retirement often involves finding the perfect community that caters to an active and fulfilling lifestyle. And for many, there’s no better place to spend those golden years than Florida. From scenic coastal retreats to bustling urban havens, the state offers retirees the finest destinations tailored to the needs and desires of today's active adults.
In this article, we’ll spotlight seven of the best Florida 55-plus communities of 2024. Join us as we delve into The Sunshine State’s top-rated age-restricted communities and explore the perfect blend of luxury living, resort-style amenities, and an abundance of social and recreational opportunities.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach- Daytona Beach, FL
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach is an award-winning 55+ community in Florida inspired by Jimmy Buffett's lifestyle. It offers a range of recreational amenities, dining options, and live entertainment, all conveniently located near the world-famous attractions of Daytona Beach. Amenities include a town square, fitness center, live entertainment venue, restaurant, pool, bar, and dog park, with additional planned facilities like a theater, pet spa, and business center. The community provides free shuttle rides to a private beach club. Homes are specifically designed for buyers 55 and over, featuring Key West-style architecture, energy-efficient designs, and premium finishes, catering to a low-maintenance lifestyle for residents.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound- Panama City Beach, FL
With the massive (and still growing) popularity of Margaritaville communities, it’s no surprise we’re featuring another in our “best of Florida 55+ communities" list. This one is Latitude Margaritaville Watersound—an active adult community in Florida's Panhandle, situated between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. Developed by Minto Communities USA, Margaritaville Holdings, and the St. Joe Company, it offers approximately 3,500 homes inspired by Jimmy Buffett's lifestyle. The community boasts four distinct home collections, ranging from cozy cottages to spacious single-family homes, with floor plans ranging from 1,210 to 2,568 square feet. It's set amidst stunning Gulf of Mexico views and has been recognized as Tripadvisor's #2 emerging destination globally.
On Top of the World Communities- Ocala, FL
On Top of the World Communities is a leading 55-plus community for active adults in Central Florida, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It offers a wide array of amenities including golf, tennis, pickleball, and swimming, along with opportunities for lifelong learning, fitness programs, and social clubs. The community also features unique facilities like a radio-controlled flying field, drone course, and race car track. Homes are built with high-quality materials and incorporate the latest advancements in energy efficiency and sound construction.
PGA Village Verano- Port St. Lucie, FL
PGA Village Verano is a premier golf community in Florida's Treasure Coast, adjacent to the renowned PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. The renowned 55-plus Florida community offers a range of amenities, including a junior Olympic-sized lap pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a massive pickleball center. The community boasts a vibrant social scene with a 27,000 sq. ft. Social Center hosting various clubs and activities overseen by a dedicated Lifestyle Director. Residents also have exclusive access to the PGA Golf Club, featuring championship courses designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The community offers single-family and villa homes with options for customization to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability.
The Villages- The Villages, FL
The Villages is a vast age-restricted community spanning three Florida counties, covering over 20,000 acres. It's a self-sustaining town attracting retirees nationwide. Connected by over 100 miles of golf-cart legal streets, residents enjoy easy access to amenities like retail shops, restaurants, healthcare centers, and recreational facilities including golf courses, Town Squares, and Amenity Centers. This 55-and-over community promotes a healthy lifestyle with fitness facilities, sports courts, dining options, entertainment, and numerous social clubs. With charming neighborhoods offering various home styles, The Villages is not just a retirement community but a vibrant lifestyle destination.
Sun City Center- Sun City, FL
Near Tampa/St. Petersburg, Sun City Center is a top active adult 55-plus community offering a self-contained town experience with access to essential services and amenities. Residents enjoy resort-style living with eight golf courses, swimming and fitness facilities, pickleball and tennis courts, and numerous clubs and interest groups. Situated just 30 miles from Gulf Coast beaches and cultural hubs like Tampa and St. Petersburg, the community offers a diverse selection of homes, condos, and villas catering to active adults and retirees.
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch- Lakewood Ranch, FL
Cresswind Lakewood Ranch is a vibrant 55+ community situated in the master-planned area of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Developed by Kolter Homes, it emphasizes fitness, relationships, education, and entertainment for the next generation of active adults. Residents enjoy exclusive access to amenities like a clubhouse, fitness center, arts and crafts room, sports courts, and swimming pools. They also have convenient access to Lakewood Ranch's golf courses, sports campus, shops, and hospital. The community offers contemporary single-family homes with customizable floorplans and energy-efficient designs. With quick access to Sarasota's beaches and cultural attractions, it's an ideal location for coastal living.
These are just some of the best and most popular 55-plus communities in Florida. From The Panhandle to Central Florida, the Palm Coast, Gulf Coast, Southeast Florida, and more—PCR features dozens of Florida 55-Plus Communities. Explore more here!
