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Guide to the Top Resort Communities in Florida



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Guide to the Top Resort Communities in Florida

Resort communities offer the comfort of home with the luxury amenities of a vacation destination. Features such as on-site restaurants, pools, tennis courts, and pickleball courts are available for residents. Clubhouses are always busy with scheduled events and activities for residents and their guests. Neighbors become friends through interest clubs and socials hosted throughout the year.

There are a variety of resort communities to choose from. For example, those who love to hit the links may find their perfect home in a golf community, while those who prefer the sand and sea can find their haven in a coastal community.

Aside from amenities and lifestyle offerings, important considerations when selecting a new home destination include factors such as preferred climate, cost of living, and tax considerations.

Social activities

Being part of an exclusive community means that neighbors get to know each other well. Onsite amenities, such as clubhouses and pools, foster these close relationships. Staff members also organize themed dinners, holiday events, and special interest groups.

Top-Notch Amenities

Resort communities offer updated facilities. Pools, fitness rooms, and tennis courts are generally found onsite. Those who have particular interests such as golf or sailing can find resort communities that cater specifically to those activities.

Family-Friendly Environment

Resort communities are diverse. They may also be gated communities, active adult communities and/or coastal communities. They can be a sanctuary to young families and empty-nesters alike. From playgrounds to lounges, these communities offer amenities to entertain residents of any age. 

Further, these amenities add value to the neighborhood, which benefit homeowners in these communities.

Sample Communities to Discover

Wildlight

Wildlight, FL
Homes from the $300s - $700s

Welcome to Wildlight

A town in nature  

How do you describe a community that has so much to do, it’s become a destination in its own right? Wildlight calls it “a town in nature.” Where walkability and wellness make everyday life feel healthier, easier and more connected — whether you’re strolling to the supermarket or salon, taking a class at the Wildlight YMCA or scheduling appointments at UF Health, all right in the community. As for the nature part? You’ll find it in the 12+ miles of trailways weaving through the neighborhoods. The acres of preserved wetlands. And soon, access to the bluffs along the St. Marys River.

A place to call home 

Wildlight offers multiple neighborhoods, each with a variety of single-family homes and townhomes. Of these, one is exclusive to 55+ active adults. Del Webb Wildlight is a gated 55+ enclave of thoughtfully designed single-story homes — all featuring luxurious details like chef-inspired kitchens, upgraded finishes and covered lanais. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to live close to Wildlight’s Village Center (or near family in the community’s other neighborhoods), while enjoying exclusive resident-only amenities. The hub of it all is the Horizon Club, where every day feels like a staycation, thanks to a resort-style pool (including lap lanes), pickleball courts, craft room, fitness and movement studio, dog park and more — there’s even an onsite restaurant. (“This is the life” might be a phrase you find yourself using frequently.)

An ideal location

Located in northeast Florida, Wildlight sits halfway between Amelia Island and Jacksonville — both under 30 minutes in either direction. Which means a day at the beach, a sporting event or the golf course is an easy drive. Making your schedule a question of “where to go” instead of “how to get there.”

A “try it first” opportunity

Relocating — or just moving in general — is a big decision. That’s why the Experience Del Webb program lets you try life in the neighborhood before making the leap. Spend three days and two nights in a beautifully furnished Del Webb Wildlight home. Get a guided tour of the homes and community. Then spend the rest of your time at Horizon Club, in the parks, on the trailways and pickleball courts, or at the Village Center.

Del Webb Wildlight features 16 floorplans priced from the $350s, with many homes available for move-in now.

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Aerial view of lakefront homes and waterfront property at The Shores at Brightwater master-planned community

The Shores at Brightwater

North Fort Myers, FL
From the low $300's to the low $400's

 

 

The Shores at Brightwater – 55+ Active Adult Living in North Fort Myers, FL

Discover a vibrant new way to enjoy Florida living at The Shores at Brightwater, a premier 55+ active adult community by D.R. Horton in North Fort Myers. Designed for those who want an exciting, low-maintenance lifestyle, The Shores at Brightwater combines beautiful new construction homes with resort-style amenities, social activities, and a private community atmosphere.

At the heart of the community is a stunning lagoon, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Residents can take advantage of the community’s private amenities, designed exclusively for homeowners of The Shores at Brightwater, offering opportunities for recreation, fitness, relaxation, and socializing—all close to home.

Choose from thoughtfully designed single-story homes featuring open-concept living spaces, modern kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and highly desirable finishes throughout. Many homes are designed with entertaining and everyday comfort in mind, making it easy to enjoy everything from quiet mornings at home to gatherings with friends and family.

Life at The Shores at Brightwater is about more than just a beautiful home. It’s about having a built-in lifestyle and a community where there is always something to do. Spend the day by the lagoon, stay active with resort-style amenities, meet friends for a social event, or simply enjoy the laid-back Florida lifestyle.

Located in North Fort Myers, The Shores at Brightwater puts residents within convenient reach of Southwest Florida’s beaches, dining, shopping, entertainment, golf, and outdoor recreation. Enjoy easy access to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the Gulf Coast while coming home to a community designed specifically for 55+, active adults.

If you’re searching for new homes in a 55+ active adult community in North Fort Myers, The Shores at Brightwater offers the perfect blend of new construction, private resort-style amenities, a beautiful lagoon, and an active Florida lifestyle.

Come discover The Shores at Brightwater and find your place in this exciting new 55+ community by D.R. Horton.

What amenities are included in The Shores at Brightwater?

  • The Shores at Brightwater is an active adult, 55-plus resort-style gated community built by a premier builder, featuring top-tier amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts, dog park, fishing opportunities, and scenic nature trails.

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FEATURED

WaterSong at RiverTown

St. Johns, FL
New homes from $350K

WaterSong offers a truly unique take on active 55+ living. As a charmingly styled and self-contained neighborhood, WaterSong is designed in harmony with the rest of master-planned RiverTown. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind setting on the banks of the St. Johns River, with gently lapping waves and ancient oaks beckoning you for a kayak ride, pier fishing session or amphitheater concert.

Two separate amenity complexes — RiverHouse and RiverClub — offer fitness, dining, social and recreational options, with pools, playgrounds, parks and trails galore. WaterSong also has its own exclusive, resort-style amenity center featuring a fitness center, social room, pool, hot tub, fire put, pickleball court, events lawn and more — plus a full-time activities director to lead the fun.

Within this gated, low-maintenance community, you can choose from thoughtfully designed villas or single-family homes. Our splendid variety of exterior styles and convenient features make everyday living more spacious, stylish and fun.

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Get Started

Finding and choosing the right resort community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation guide, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the best resort communities in Florida, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.Free Package includes:

 

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