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Guide to 55+ Communities in Florida
Guide to 55+ Communities in Florida
Retirees and seniors who prefer an active lifestyle may want to consider 55+ communities. With resort amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and social clubs, the biggest problem residents may face is fitting all this fun into the daily schedule. These communities are a great place to make new friends who share your desire to be active and social in retirement.
Resort Living
Residents of 55+ living communities enjoy a resort lifestyle every day. Clubhouses with spa and fitness facilities are available for daily use. Onsite restaurants and bars give residents a night on the town without having to leave their neighborhood.
Houses within these communities provide a mix of comfort and luxury. Generally, these single-family homes can be updated and customized. Newly constructed houses are outfitted with energy-efficient appliances. In some communities, landscaping and lawn care are also included in HOA dues so residents don’t have to spend hours trimming the lawn and shrubs.
Common areas within the neighborhood are also maintained. Residents will find manicured lawns, clean clubhouses, and trimmed pathways.
Safety and Privacy
Entry gates allow only residents and their guests into the neighborhood. There may also be extra security systems or patrolling units that make sure streets are safe.
Active Social Calendars
Holiday parties, themed dinners, golf tournaments, and tennis mixers are just a few events that are often on the calendar. Clubs for special interests, such as gardening and woodworking, are available so like-minded residents can gather and share their love for their hobbies.
Sample Communities to Discover
On Top of the World Communities
Renowned for beautiful homes and unrivaled active and social amenities, On Top of the World in Ocala, FL, is truly a leader in creating quality lifestyles.
A world of opportunities to relax and enjoy life-while staying active with both body and mind-is waiting for you at On Top of the World.
Repeatedly named one of the best places in the country to live by Where to Retire magazine, this 13,000 acre master-planned community appeals to active adults looking for a fabulous lifestyle and well-designed, beautifully appointed homes. Surrounded by central Florida’s celebrated horse country and crystal clear springs, On Top of the World is close to everything, yet far from the ordinary.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at On Top of the World:
• Concrete-block, energy-efficient home designs
• Several different communities and neighborhoods available featuring single family, maintenance-free and luxury estate homes, many with golf or preserve homesites
• Three, par-72 golf courses with PGA and LPGA professionals on staff
• Over 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities
• Community Town Square with indoor entertainment venue, fitness center and lifelong learning programming at Master the Possibilities Education Center.
• And much more!
Wildlight
A new kind of Lowcountry Living
You might say that Wildlight is where the beachy vibe of Amelia Island and the culture of Jacksonville meet in the middle—with each destination a mere 20 minutes in either direction. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a community that focuses on both walkability and wellness—where a short stroll or bike ride can lead you to your favorite ice cream shop, hair salon, burger spot, or Publix supermarket. And a UF Health and YMCA are right in the neighborhood.
With a variety of home types, from low-maintenance living townhomes to spacious single-family homes and a 55+ active adult neighborhood with resort-style amenities, there is something for every life stage. All located in neighborhoods that are surrounded by nature and connected by trails. (And a new neighborhood with more home types opening late 2025!)
A town, in nature
You’ll find that what has been preserved at Wildlight is every bit as important to the community as what has been developed. Over 12 miles of scenic nature trails wind through neighborhoods and take you into our Village Center. And hundreds of acres of the community have been set aside for permanent conservation—with wetlands, parks, and trails putting the great outdoors steps from your front door.
Brightmore at Wellen Park
Seven decorated models are open daily! Brightmore brings Mattamy Homes’ thoughtful brand of active and spirited 55+ living to the top master-planned community of Wellen Park. This fresh, new 55+ community in Venice, Florida, offers a unique lifestyle that is rooted in well-being, fun, and a sense of adventure.
Stylish paired villas and single-family homes in this low-maintenance, gated setting are complemented by an 11-acre resort-style amenity campus for you to stay and play all day. These vibrant, vacation-style amenities are under construction and will include a clubhouse with a fitness center, resort-style pool, lap pool, café and bar, 9 pickleball courts including a stadium competition court, paw parks, and more. Brightmore’s premier location is just around the corner from popular Downtown Wellen with waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment and a short drive from world-class beaches, golf courses, parks, recreation, trails, and endless experiences.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right 55+ community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the best 55+ 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.
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