Best Retirement and 55+ Communities in Florida - SmartAsset

Retirement communities in Florida have plenty to offer. From luxury homes to state-of-the-art fitness centers and amenities, you can spend your golden years in style while staying in the Sunshine State. Read on to learn more about the best retirement communities and what you can expect to find. Each community is listed based on general home prices, from low to high. You can also find a financial advisor to help you make a decision on where you want to retire.

Century Village at Deerfield Beach

Price Range: Low to high $100ks
Number of homes: 8,508
Age Restrictions: 55+

The Century Village in Deerfield Beach has more than 8,000 homes. But its main attraction is the 145,000 square-foot clubhouse that offers a fitness center, pool, sauna and more. And you can also check out a show at the theater that can seat 1,600 people. Other popular attractions include the Century Village beach.

As far as living arrangements go, you can choose from more than 7,000 condominium units. Each ranges in size from 600 to 1,500 square feet. Most offer scenic water views. Plus, most homes are very low maintenance.

The community is also home to the Everglades National Park. You can do everything from fishing to hiking in this massive wildlife area.

Century Village at Boca Raton

Price Range: Low $100ks – $200ks
Number of homes: 7,500
Age Restrictions: 55+

This 55+ community has plenty to offer starting with its massive 125,000 square-foot clubhouse. It has a fitness center and a party room that frequently hosts events. In addition, it houses a pool room and a library to keep your mind active.

Most condo units in the Century Village at Boca Raton range in size from 601 to 1,563 square feet. But if you need a break, you’ll be by the Florida Turnpike. And of course, you have plenty of golf courses to frequent. There’s also an on-site activity director to make sure you’re comfortable and enjoying the community. Moreover, you can check out the various organizations the town hosts including a book club. The theater runs performances on a regular basis and its holiday parties are a hit with the locals.

Kings Point in Delray Beach

Price Range: Low $100ks – Mid $100ks
Number of Homes: 7,200
Age Restrictions: 55+

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle, you may be interested in Kings Point in Delray Beach. It also offers plenty to do. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by shopping malls, healthcare facilities and golf courses.

You life here will likely center around activities at the Flanders Clubhouse. And if you really want to lean into your golf game, you can check out the exclusive 18-hole golf course. Residents also frequent several clubs including a glee club. Several people take advantage of the Kings Point’s proximity to the Atlantic Coast line and make frequent trips to the local beaches.

Homebuyers are restricted to resale homes. Each offers around 601 to 1,563 square feet of living space.

Century Village at West Palm Beach

Price Range: Below $100ks – High $100ks
Number of Homes: 6,500
Age Restriction: 55+

With several homes selling for less than $100,000, it’s no surprise that Century Village at West Palm beach is a popular destination. Homes are available on a resale basis only. However, this age-restricted community offers a range of amenities.

The 92,000-square-foot clubhouse houses everything you need to stay active, from a fitness center to an indoor resistance pool. You can also enjoy a game room and a party room where a number of clubs get together. And to meet your entertainment needs, the clubhouse also hosts a 1,221-seat theater. But there’s even more. The place also houses four tennis courts and 39 shuffleboard courts. In addition, you can visit one of several public and private golf courses in the area.

And you have plenty of condominiums to choose from. Dimensions typically range from about 600 to about 1,500 square feet of living space.

King’s Point

Price Range: Low $100ks – $300ks
Number of Homes: 5,277
Age Restrictions: 55+

The Kings Point gated community is restricted to those who are at least 55-years-old. Most units are attached villas. You’d also be surrounded by world-famous beaches. And if you enjoy the summer, King’s Point basks in sunshine around 300 days a year.

Its main attraction is the 90,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers two pools, exercise rooms, a bingo hall and a computer room. In addition, you can access tennis courts and a softball field at the nearby Sun City Center. You can also enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course right next to the South Clubhouse.

The region offers a wide variety of shopping and dining centers, including the Super Walmart. And if you want to stay close to your faith, you can do it at King’s Point. It houses ten worship centers.

Sun City Center

Price Range: $100ks – $400ks
Number of Homes: 9,500
Age Restrictions: 55+

With more than 9,000 homes in this 55+ community, it’s no surprise that Sun City Center is among the best places to retire in Florida. Home prices range from $100,000 to $400,000. This self-sustained village is completely run by volunteers. Streets are golf cart permissible, so it’s very easy to get around. Most homes are owned by one of the more than 100 homeowners associations that charge monthly fees to cover operating costs.

The community is known for the arts. In fact, you can visit the Arts and Crafts Center, which offers bowling courts and a 10,000 square-foot Community Hall on the South Campus. You can also find pickleball courts, tennis courts and a dog park.

Sun City Center has been serving retirees since the 1960s. Most units are single-family homes, but there are also duplex villas as well as condominiums. And with more than 200 active clubs, there’s always something to do. These include ones that cover everything from sports and cards to continuing education. You may find some of their financial courses useful especially the ones that deal with retirement planning. And for those who want to stay connected spiritually, the town hosts ten worship centers.

On Top of the World

Price Range: $100ks – $400ks
Number of Homes: 10,000
Age Restrictions: 55+

If you’re looking for something a bit less expensive but just as pristine, check out On Top of the World. This age-restricted community houses more than 10,000 homes making it one of the largest retirement communities in the state. And it’s hard to get bored here. The community offers three golf courses, a number of club houses and fitness centers with tennis courts and pools.

And if you need a break from all the golfing, there’s an exclusive bar for members. Or you can check out the Circle Square Commons which hosts frequent concerts. And Downtown Ocala has several places to shop. In addition, you’ll be very close to airports. Surrounding attractions include Seaworld and Universal Studios as well as the Kennedy Space Center.

Latitude Margaritaville

Price Range: Mid $200ks – Mid $300ks
Number of Homes: 6,900
Age Restrictions: 55+

If you want to kick back in style, check out Latitude Margaritaville. The residents have plenty to explore in this newly established community for people age 55 and older. And you can stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center complete with aerobics studio and indoor lap pool. Plus, the clubhouse boasts an arts and crafts studio. And a shuttle will transport you to an exclusive beach.

And of course, you’ll be by the famous Daytona International Speedway. It’s also home to the Washington Oaks State Gardens and the Deland Naval Air Station Museum. You can also visit the Ormond Memorial Art Museum.

Solivita

Price Range: Mid $100ks – Low $400ks
Number of Homes: 5,900
Age Restrictions: 55+

Homes in Solivita range from about $100,000 to $400,000. This award-winning gated community offers a range of amenities, which you can get around in golf carts. You can also enjoy a variety of classes such as Zumba and yoga at the fitness center. And if you really want to take your exercise to the next level, you can take one of the exclusive FIT classes.

In fact, personal trainers are on site all year to help you meet your personal fitness goals. So it’s safe to say, Solivita is an active community with little room for boredom. You can enjoy two heated whirlpool spas and a fireplace piazza. As far as outdoor amenities go, you have access to four lighted pickleball courts and two lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. In addition, you can host parties at the popular Starlite Ballroom.

Most homes reflect a Tuscan-inspired model. In addition, several homes include spa-like bathrooms and luxury kitchens. And if that’s not enough for you, you’d be within close proximity to attractions like Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center.

Kings Point in Tamarac

Price Range: Below $100ks – Mid $300ks
Number of Homes: 4,869 homes
Age Restrictions: 55+

At Kings Point in Tamarac, you can choose from nearly 5,000 condominiums, coach homes and villas. However, these units are available on a release basis only. You can get a condo in a secure two-to-four floor building with elevator access.

One of its main attractions is the main clubhouse which houses a fitness center and a billiards room. But that’s not all. Residents also have access to a secondary clubhouse complete with swimming pools and five tennis courts.

Popular clubs active in the community include the Red Hatters club, book club and an investment club. As far as physical activities go, residents can engage in Zumba, yoga and an aerobic dance club. Down the street from Kings Point, lies the Florida Everglades Wildlife Area. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will feel right at home here. You can also visit one of several white sand beaches scattered about less than 10 miles from Kings Point.

Pelican Bay

Price Range: Mid $300ks – Mid $500ks
Number of Homes: 6,500
Age Restrictions: None

Homes at Pelican Bay tend to range from $300,000 to $500,000. But the area offers plenty of activities to engage in. For starters, the community surrounds 43 acres of parks and recreation areas, two tennis facilities and a golf course designed by Arthur Hills. Like many communities on our list, it can serve as a great getaway for outdoors enthusiasts.

And don’t worry about driving around. Pelican Bay is known for its mass transit. Or you can take a scenic walk or bike trip through the mangrove preserve.

In addition, you have more than 6,000 homes to choose from. One of its most famous attractions, however, is the Naples Grande Resort and the Ritz-Caldron Resort. Pelican Bay also boasts several luxury dining establishments.

The Villages

Price Range: Low $100ks to $1 million
Number of Homes: 56,268
Age Restrictions: 55+

Launched in 1978, the Villages community in Florida stands as one of the largest age-restricted communities in the country. It spans more than 20,000 acres, including more than 100 miles of golf fields. The community, which limits its population to those 55 and older, boasts everything you’d expect from a small town. Banks, movie theaters, restaurants – you’ll find them all here.

And if you’re thinking about how to spend the time, the community has its own 50-page newsletter and activity guide. And according to the community’s website, it hosts more amenities per capita than any city or age-restricted neighborhood in the country. Attractions include Spanish Springs Town Square and Brownwood Paddock Square.

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club

Price Range: Mid $100ks – $1.5 million
Number of Homes: 5,000 homes
Age Restrictions: None

Homes at the Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club can sell for upwards of $1 million. But rest assured, you’ll be living in luxury. Memberships come at three different levels. You will need one to access all the amenities as well as the various dining options in Club de Bonmont and the Prestwick Clubhouse.

With a Fitness Membership, for example, you’d have access to the fitness center and pool as well as all the social and dining options available. Activities you can engage in include swimming, tennis and golf.

Potential homebuyers can explore condominiums offering about 1,600 square feet of living space.

Lely Resort

Price Range: High $100ks – $1.75 million
Number of Homes: 4,506
Age Restrictions: None

Nestled in Florida’s southwest coast and surrounded by pristine preserves, the Lely Resort offers its residents plenty to do. For instance, you can visit a clubhouse and three championship golf courses.

And you can choose from more than 4,000 homes, condominiums, villas and more. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to get bored in this community. One of its main attractions is the Players Club & Spa. This nine-acre clubhouse packs 20,000 square feet of amenities. Inside, you can find a modern fitness center with the latest equipment and a full staff of personal trainers. You can also engage in yoga, spin and Pilates classes. And when you don’t feel like breaking a sweat, you can relax at the Lely Resort spa.

Or you can chill out at the Tiki Bar by the poolside. And if you’ve had one too many, you can sober up at one of the resort’s fine dining establishments in the Village. If you live in the Ole neighborhood, you’re automatically a member of the Village Center.

The Pelican Landing

Price Range: Mid $100ks – $2 million
Number of Homes: 3,068
Age Restrictions: None

Situated in Bonita Springs, the luxurious Pelican Landing community is a great spot for those who want to stay active. You can choose from more than 3,000 homes and most offer scenic water and nature views. Residents spend their days at the Beach Park, tennis center, butterfly garden and other attractions. For instance, the 14,900-square-foot clubhouse houses a fitness center. You can also stay active in one of the Pelican Landing’s 18 tennis courts. Or you can rent a canoe or kayak. No worries if you’re not familiar with these. An experienced paddler is on site to help.

And if you’re hungry, you can visit one of several fine dining establishments including the popular Thirsty Pelican Grill Room. In addition, the Beach Park offers two bocce courts, picnic pavilions and a nature library.

Your home options include single-family homes, coach homes, villas and high rises. Several offer sunrooms with private pools. And for those who love the water, you’ll be just a few miles away from the Gulf of Mexico. Or you can visit Fort Myers where you can check out the Art of Olympians Museum and Gallery. The nearby Murphy-Burroughs House is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Tips on Planning a Healthy Retirement

If you’re making serious retirement planning decisions, a financial advisor can help. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors in your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
If you’re looking at retirement communities, you may want to take a look at your 401(k), individual retirement account (IRA) or other retirement plan. Make sure it’s in good health.