by Robert Borges on January 16, 2024
Southwest Florida is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and a lifestyle that caters to those seeking an active and enriching retirement. As more individuals embrace the idea of maintaining an active and social lifestyle during their golden years, the demand for exceptional active adult communities has soared.
This article delves into the best active adult communities in Southwest Florida, where residents can enjoy not only the beauty of the Gulf Coast but also a diverse range of amenities and activities designed to enhance their overall well-being. From picturesque locations to top-notch recreational facilities, these communities are redefining the concept of retirement living in one of Florida's most sought-after regions. Join us as we explore the features that make these communities stand out, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.
Ave Maria is an acclaimed master-planned community in southwestern Florida, offering a vibrant lifestyle in a small-town setting. Located in Collier County, it includes various residential neighborhoods, schools, a town center with shopping and dining, office spaces, business parks, and recreational amenities. Situated 20 minutes east of Interstate 75 near Naples, Immokalee, and Bonita Springs, Ave Maria is among the top-selling communities nationally. It boasts a resort-style water park, two expansive community parks with various sports facilities, quality K-12 education, extensive nature paths, a dog park, fitness center, and championship golf courses.
Del Webb Lakewood Ranch- Lakewood Ranch, FL
This all-inclusive 55-plus community is situated within Southwest Florida’s award-winning and super-popular Lakewood Ranch master plan. Catering to an active adult lifestyle, it features a 21,000-square-foot clubhouse serving as the social center, complete with a full-time lifestyle director. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities such as a heated swimming pool, bar and grill, fitness center, WiFi café, arts and crafts studio, game room, fire pit, and more. The community also offers walking and biking trails, BBQ grill areas, and courts for tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball. Beyond Del Webb's exclusive age-appropriate amenities, residents have access to Lakewood Ranch's championship golf courses, shopping and dining district, on-site medical center, and a range of additional facilities. The location is conveniently close to Gulf Coast beaches, upscale shopping and dining, theaters, and museums in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
The Islands on the Manatee River- Sarasota/Bradenton, FL
A scenic island community on Florida's Gulf Coast, The Islands boasts waterfront homes and homesites with views of natural preserves, harbors, lakes, and the Manatee River. The alluring 225-acre gated community is ideal for nature lovers, golfers, and boaters. Of its 178 homesites, 157 provide private docks for direct access to the Manatee River and Gulf of Mexico without boatlifts. The development prioritizes environmental stewardship, preserving hundreds of acres with conservation easements and incorporating boardwalks and nature trails for residents to engage with the stunning surroundings of SW Florida. Residents can also join The Club at River Wilderness, offering a top-rated golf course, tennis courts, fitness center, swimming pool, and upscale dining facilities.
Mediterra is a prestigious country club community in North Naples, offering two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, a private beach club at Bonita Beach, a Mediterranean-style clubhouse, and a versatile sports club. Located approximately 20 minutes from the beach, the 1,697-acre active adult community in Florida’s southwest region features 950 homesites amidst over 1,000 acres of open space, lakes, parks, and nature preserves. Recreational amenities include swimming and fitness facilities, clubhouse dining, tennis courts, and walking/biking trails. With a range of two- to five-bedroom home plans, including villa homes with exterior maintenance and grand estate homes with custom options, Mediterra provides luxurious living convenient to Naples-area attractions.
Kings Gate- Port Charlotte, FL
An established active adult community for those 55 and over, Kings Gate in Port Charlotte, FL, provides a low-maintenance lifestyle and diverse amenities for active adults. Surrounded by lakes and preserves, the gated retirement community includes a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse with a restaurant, fitness center, billiards and games, arts and crafts rooms, ballroom, theater, and a full-time activities coordinator. Other lifestyle amenities to keep residents active and healthy are an 18-hole executive golf course, resort-style swimming pool, walking and biking trails, tennis, bocce ball, and shuffleboard. New villa homes by Neal Communities range from 1,395 to 1,709 square feet with two-car garages and designer upgrades, and the pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods encourage residents to use golf carts for convenient navigation. Positioned between Sarasota and Fort Myers, the ideal location in Southwest Florida provides quick access to Gulf Coast beaches, marinas, fishing, boating, wildlife sanctuaries, airports, and the cultural attractions of Southwest Florida.
These are just a few of the popular active adult communities in Southwest Florida featured on PCR. Explore more here.
