Explore Florida’s Best Communities
Oh, Florida: Sunshine, sea, and plenty to see and do. Florida might be known as the go-to retirement state, but there’s a reason for it. Why not spend the best years of your life in an incredible place to live? Read on for why people relocate and retire in Florida to learn if it might be the right place for you.
Why live in a Florida community?
Florida is famous as a beach destination and a retirement location—but it’s more than meets the eye. Florida offers unbeatable nature access, year-round short-sleeve weather, and a pace of living that’s comfortable and accessible for families and retirees alike.
What are the benefits of living in Florida?
There are many reasons people choose to relocate to or retire in Florida. For one, the cost of living is hard to beat. There’s no state income tax, and property prices are notably reasonable.
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- Relaxed pace of life: Florida isn’t an island, but it’s a-okay to operate on island time here. The sunshine and friendly demeanor of Floridians means that you’re free to take your time, enjoy yourself, and live life in the present.
- Warm weather: Sunshine is abundant in Florida, so no matter what city you choose, you’re sure to get your dose of Vitamin D and feel comfortable, all year long. No snow shovels in sight, no heavy jackets and gloves. Just you and mild weather.
- Low taxes and cost of living: Florida has no state income tax, which is a major draw for many who are relocating here. But beyond taxes, Florida is also known for a low and reasonable cost of living.
- Entertainment and arts: Hello, Disney World! Of course, there’s much more to the state than “The Most Magical Place On Earth.” Florida is filled with entertainment for all ages. Visit Art Basel in Miami each year to see fine art from around the world. Attend concerts outside. See art deco design speckled throughout town. Florida isn’t short on vibrant color and fun.
- Outdoor activities: Florida’s coastlines provide opportunity for endless water activity—and the views aren’t bad either. Go kayaking at first light in Naples, stroll along the beach in the Keys, or take a hike while spotting wildlife in the Everglades.
- National and state parks: Speaking of the Everglades, Florida is home to many national and state parks. Have you visited Dry Tortugas National Park, the only national park made mostly of water? Or lounged on the white sandy beaches of Key Biscayne? These destinations, which many consider once-in-a-lifetime vacations, are a long weekend for Florida residents.
Ready to live the Florida lifestyle?
There are so many communities to choose from in Florida—but don’t let the options intimidate you in your search. Browse the options below to learn more and get a taste of what Florida communities have to offer. You might opt for a larger city like Orlando or Miami, or you could choose a smaller location like Venice or Pembroke Pines.
When you see some Florida communities that look interesting to you, use the information request form to contact a local expert from each. You can ask questions about the community, chat with someone living there, and get a feel for the lifestyle. You can even get the nitty gritty details, like nearby health care facilities, clubs and activities offered, and other details a local real estate representative can help you with.
If you’re seeking a certain town or area, try using the filtering options to see your options and find the Florida community that suits your ideal lifestyle.
Research and Explore the Best Communities in Florida
Search Filters:
Click to explore the following Florida communities. Request information from multiple communities by selecting the checkboxes to the right and completing the form below.
Villages of Citrus Hills
Terra Vista is Florida’s premier master-planned community featuring incredible resort-style retirement living just minutes from the spectacular Gulf Coast. This amenity-rich community is set in unique surroundings characterized by rolling hills, towering oaks, and moderating Gulf breezes.
The Villages of Citrus Hills stands as a truly unique departure from the traditional Florida lifestyle experience. Citrus Hills is amenity-rich, resort- style living, at its finest. The community is set in unique surroundings characterized by rolling hills, with an elevation up to 260 feet, towering oaks, and incredible landscaping. While one of the highest elevations in Florida the community is just miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Terra Vista at Citrus Hills offers a beautiful selection of customizable, single-family homes with a wide variety of world-class amenities just minutes from your door including: championship golf, first-class tennis, private dining and a spectacular spa and fitness complex.
At Citrus Hills you’ll discover Skyview, the region’s most elaborate country club, along with two other challenging 18-hole golf courses, two tennis centers, private restaurants and a 50,000-square- foot Spa and Fitness Center. Best of all Citrus Hills blends suburban charm with easy access to cosmopolitan Tampa Bay, Orlando and Ocala, so you are close to everything you want, yet far enough away from what you don’t want.
The Villages of Citrus Hills offers customizable single-family homes and detached villas from $400,000 – $1.5 million in a choice of beautiful neighborhoods designed to accommodate a wide variety of tastes and needs.
The Villages of Citrus Hills unquestionably is one of the Southeast’s most exciting resort-lifestyle opportunities. You must see it to believe it.
Briarwood
Step into this active 55+ community just minutes from the beach in Port Orange, Florida and be amazed at how affordable a resort lifestyle can be! You?ll discover friendly people, luxury amenities and homes for sale and rent. Our community offers a year-round calendar of social events planned by our Activity Director, two beautiful clubhouses, heated pool, lake for fishing, and so much more. Briarwood is among the award-winning family of Thesman Communities proudly offering affordable resort living since 1980.
Management and Sales offices are still open 7 days a week, 8-5. Please contact us for more information.
Virtual Tours now available! Feel free to watch our video playlist below. You can navigate to the next video by simply clicking the button to the right of the “share” icon.
Homes are shown by appointment only and social distancing and hygiene guidelines are strictly adhered to. Safety is our priority.
Also check out our other Thesman Communities:
Briarwood
Las Palmas
Las Palmas Grand
Las Vegas Meadows
Palmas Del Sol
Palmas Del Sol East
Sunrise Village
Village Green
The Preserve at La Paloma
The Preserve at La Paloma is the perfect place to relax or play in year-round sun, leaving cold winters behind. Move to the climate that never comes between you and a round of golf — and where your snow shovel will never be needed again.
This exclusive 55+ enclave of just 104 homesites is ideally situated in vibrant Sun City Center, Florida. It’s a securely gated community with lawn maintenance included where you can enjoy resort-style amenities like pool, spa, clubhouse, pickleball and more. Residents can choose from Mattamy Homes’ collection of versatile, space-efficient single-family or attached villa floorplans. Each design offers style and convenience via flowing space and useful features.
The Preserve is near a thriving, golf cart-friendly town full of social activities, conveniences, dining, shopping and medical care. Nearby highways lead to more adventure. Spend weekends exploring award-winning beaches, the arts of Sarasota and the championship sports action of Tampa — plus all the cultural, culinary and recreational delights in between.
Join Mattamy’s Community Insider list to receive the latest updates about this community.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona
With 23 miles of sun-soaked shoreline and endless entertainment, Daytona Beach is a place where every day feels like an escape. Now you can claim a piece of paradise at Latitude Margaritaville-Daytona Beach, the 55-and-better community where fun and relaxation meet.
Just seven miles from the shore, Latitude Margaritaville-Daytona Beach is a master planned community that allows you to make the most of your time. Enjoy the cabanas at the expansive Paradise Pool, with a poolside bar and grill, or take the free shuttle to the private beach club, with front row seats to the Atlantic Ocean. At Latitude Town Center, you’ll find the fully outfitted fitness center, a relaxed restaurant and bar, a theater, and a bandshell in the middle of the town square, where live music and dancing is a fixture of the night life. And just outside the community gates is a 200,000-square-foot retail space for all your shopping needs.
There are three different home collections at Latitude Margaritaville-Daytona Beach; the new construction, single-level cottages, villas, and single-family homes each come in a variety of floor plans to give you the space you’re looking for. Villas and single-family homes come with a large lanai, where you have the option of installing a pool, whereas cottages have porches that can be screened in.
Life in Daytona Beach is as vibrant and fun as the residents at Latitude Margaritaville. The Daytona International Speedway keeps your adrenaline pumping, while the myriad of festivals, celebrating everything from art and music to motorcycles and Jeeps, create a real sense of community. At Latitude Margaritaville-Daytona Beach, life is easy, neighbors are friends, and the party never ends.
Active 55+ Resort Village Green
Affordable 55+ Luxury Living
Welcome to Village Green, where you’ll find luxury living at an affordable price. Village Green is an active 55+ adult community with a wide selection of pre-owned homes from the $30’s, a multi-million dollar clubhouse, a full-time Activities Director, friendly people, and the finest in resort amenities. Whether you’re looking for the best value in retirement, or simply a place to live life a little easier near the water, you’ll find it a Village Green. Visit us and see why so many of our residents say it’s like being on vacation all year long.
Village Green is among the award-winning family of Thesman Communities proudly offering affordable resort living since 1980.
Additional Amenities Include:
Full-Time Activities Director, Year-Round Activities, Fitness Center, Ballroom, Billiards, Arts and Crafts, Courtesy Shuttle Bus, Pet Park, and Bike to Bay.
Management and Sales offices are still open 7 days a week, 8-5. Please contact us for more information.
Virtual Tours now available! Feel free to watch our video playlist below. You can navigate to the next video by simply clicking the button to the right of the “share” icon.
Homes are shown by appointment only and social distancing and hygiene guidelines are strictly adhered to. Safety is our priority.
Also check out our other Thesman Communities:
Briarwood
Las Palmas
Las Palmas Grand
Las Vegas Meadows
Palmas Del Sol
Palmas Del Sol East
Sunrise Village
Village Green
PGA Village Verano
PGA Village Verano is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. This neighborhood features nineteen unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 4-Bedrooms and a wide range of personalization options.
PGA Village Verano’s clubhouse, Club Talavera, is the centerpiece of the community. Residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities that include South Florida’s largest, private Pickleball Center featuring 27 courts. The Talavera Fitness Center includes an Indoor Pool with Lap Lanes & Spa; Locker Rooms with Saunas; Cardio Studio; full strength training & cardio center; Tennis, Bocce and Basketball courts; and a resort-style outdoor pool with cabanas and sundeck. As the only master-planned, new home community affiliated with the PGA Golf Club, our residents enjoy golf cart access and special privileges to our award-winning neighbor. The Talavera Social Club is the perfect place to gather, and features Billiards & Card rooms, Lounge, Library, Demonstration Kitchen, Arts & Crafts Studio and Ballroom with Catering Kitchen. Our full-time Lifestyle Director keeps the social calendar full of activities and events.
Babcock Ranch
All towns aren’t created equal. In fact, most towns aren’t created at all. They just happen. The decade of careful planning that preceded the first turn of a shovel at Babcock Ranch is just one of the countless ways Babcock Ranch sets itself apart. With a seamless melding of modern technology and timeless hometown charm – all nestled within expansive natural spaces – America’s first solar-powered town provides a whole new way of life.
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!
Aspire at Marion Oaks
Aspire at Marion Oaks will differ from traditional new-home communities by featuring multiple single-family homesites across a wide expanse of Ocala, FL. Enjoy all the benefits of beautiful new construction homes. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks, Farmhouse, Loft or Elements for on-trend style in your new home. Marion Oaks homeowners also enjoy having access to amenities, district schools, and the Marion Oaks Public Library. Situated within 10 minutes of dining and shopping options, residents don’t have to travel far from home for basic necessities. With major modes of transportation nearby like Interstate 75, residents are close to nearby cities and communities like Gainesville and The Villages. With proximity to Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, homeowners can travel out of state with ease.
WaterSong at RiverTown
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.
K. Hovnanians Four Seasons at Orlando
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Orlando is a 55+ community in Kissimmee, Florida. This active adult community is situated within the 600-acre Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, offering a championship golf course, recreation, and an array of amenities and activities.
Residents of K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Orlando enjoy exclusive amenities and resort-style living year-round. Planned amenities include a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with a swimming pool, fitness center, a card room, arts & crafts room, and more. There are plenty of ways to stay active outdoors, with an abundance of sidewalks for walking, tennis, and pickleball courts.
This ideal location offers easy access to major roadways, shopping, dining, theme parks, and the entertainment attractions of Orlando. Everyday conveniences such as grocery stores, cafes, and healthcare facilities are just down the street in the prestigious town of Celebration. Homebuyers may select from 5 low-maintenance home designs with up to 2,445 square feet.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Parkland
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Parkland, a new active adult 55+ community in South Florida offering 14 unique ranch-style home designs. Enjoy an all-inclusive, resort-at-home lifestyle with access to countless amenities and activities.
Residents can take advantage of the community’s 24,000 sq-ft. clubhouse, fondly known as The Club, which features a state-of-the-art fitness center, multiple rooms for cards, billiards, and ping-pong, and full-size ballroom for events, complete with a catering kitchen.
Located in sunny Parkland, Florida, residents can also enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Take a dip in the tropical beach-entry pool or experience the heated spa. Get a great session of exercise on one of five lighted tennis courts and three pickleball courts. Plus, with a full-time lifestyle director on-site, there are always social events and outings so you can get to know your neighbors and enjoy the fun together. Experience the best of active adult 55+ living together with South Florida’s natural beauty.
Oakland Park
Oakland Park is everything Florida living should be. With picturesque scenery and close proximity to Winter Garden, it is the perfect balance of modern conveniences and old Florida charm. Our preservation of the natural surroundings and the area’s history, character, and craftsmanship create a stunning sanctuary that you’ll want to call home.
Located just off the West Orange Trail and minutes from downtown Winter Garden, Oakland Park is Florida the way it should be – a blending of water, majestic trees, and a classic, small-town feel. It’s hard to imagine that a place so quaint is just minutes from Winter Garden and the excitement of Orlando. You truly can have the best of many worlds here at Oakland Park.
No matter where you are in Oakland Park, you are not far from a park, pool, or trail. Oakland Park amenities beckon families and friends to gather and enjoy the great outdoors, take in the vast shoreline or relax in the afternoon breeze. For those seeking shelter, the Oakland Park Clubhouse can be thought of as an extension of their own living room, a quiet nook for reading, or a festive setting for family and friends.
Oakland Park homes are inspired by historic styles and old-Florida charm and built by highly regarded regional builders. Design features such as outward-facing interiors and rear-facing garages provide a pedestrian-friendly feel, while large front porches encourage interaction between neighbors and create an organic feeling as if the community developed over several decades. And if you desire something different, our available homesites and options allow you the variety to satisfy your own personal tastes and practical needs.
Lakewood Ranch
Live the Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—with 20+ villages, each featuring distinctive homes, amenities, and features, Lakewood Ranch is designed to support every aspect of your life. New homes include townhomes, condos, attached villas, single-family homes and estates, with prices from the $300s to over $1 million.
We set out to build a community that is more than just the homes it’s made up of. Here you’ll find all the shopping, dining, entertainment, education, healthcare, nature, and recreational options you could want to make the most out of every day. And the best part is that it’s all already here. You don’t have to envision it—you can simply start living it.
Our 40% open space plan and mixed-use component work together to provide each village on The Ranch with easy access to parks, trails, and recreational opportunities like three town centers, a sports campus featuring pickleball, Sarasota Polo Club and The Farmers’ Market.
Just beyond our backyard you can enjoy Sarasota's white sand beaches and arts scene, Tampa’s sports teams, and quick access to four airports.
ideal-LIVING has named Lakewood Ranch Best Health and Fitness Community and Best Golf Community. Lakewood Ranch has also earned the spot as the #1 best-selling community in the U.S. for all ages for five years running.
Come explore Florida’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com
What to expect at The Ranch:
• More than 20 villages (2 are 55+)
• 3 town centers & 8 neighborhood shopping plazas with Publix Grocery stores
• 150 miles of multi-surface trails
• 10,000+ acres of lakes, parks, and preserves
• 60+ clubs and groups
• Over 200 shops and eateries
• 9 community parks
• 162 holes of golf
• 32 courts for racquet sports
• A-rated schools & higher education campuses
• Sarasota Polo Club
• Farmers’ market
• Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
• 22 fields at Premier Sports Campus
Ready to discover it? Great. Request more information below to receive discovery tour packages
and specials. You won’t know until you go!
Cresswind DeLand
Cresswind DeLand is a new, 55+ community in DeLand, Florida. Near Orlando, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona, this new Central Florida community is designed for active adults with resort-style amenities and convenient access to beaches, shopping and dining, golf, and healthcare.
The community overlooks scenic Lake Winnemisett and gives residents access to a variety of water activities and recreational opportunities. The resident-exclusive clubhouse features a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center, art studio, event area, and several indoor and outdoor gathering spots. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool with sundeck, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, a dog park, and a community garden.
As Kolter Homes second Cresswind active adult new home community in the area, homebuyers can choose from various floorplans designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Cresswind DeLand features three collections of 13 all-new floorplans, ranging from 2- to 5 bedrooms. Kolter Homes offers dozens of structural options, so homebuyers have the ability to add bedrooms, expanded garages, fitness or study spaces, and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of personalization opportunities in the on-site Design Studio.
Wellen Park
Imagine more fun times at Wellen Park. From boutique shops to live music, all-day eateries to stunning sunsets, there are hundreds of ways to brighten your days. With beautiful residences and awesome amenities – not to mention amazing residents – each neighborhood is crafted so that the well life reigns supreme. Wellen Park is a vibrant community where everyday fun flourishes and the spirit of wellness thrives. That’s why living at Wellen Park truly feels like your best day ever, every day.
We invite you to stop by the Wellen Park Welcome Center to learn more about the community. One of our brand ambassadors will meet with you to answer questions and guide you through interactive touchscreen kiosks that display neighborhood amenities, home plans, Downtown Wellen shopping and dining, and regional attractions.
The Isles of Collier Preserve
Nestled within a pristine natural setting just minutes from Downtown Naples, Florida’s preeminent new home builder is creating a colorful update of classic coastal living. Inspired by the timeless architecture and traditions of Old Naples, elegant new Minto homes overlook miles of scenic kayak and hiking trails. With over half of the 2,400-acres dedicated to lakes, nature preserves and natural habitat, combined with outdoor-inspired amenities, The Isles of Collier Preserve is an extraordinary new active adult gated community where the magic of Old Naples and unspoiled nature still coexist.
Enjoy all aspects of an active lifestyle influenced by wellness at The Isles Club, featuring resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and a yoga lawn. After a scenic day exploring this beautiful community, sip on cocktails and savor coastal Florida flavors with family and neighbors at the resident-exclusive Overlook Bar & Grill, overlooking the Cypress Waterway.
The Isles is a master-planned community boasting 1,600 unique coastal themed new construction residences for sale, including maintenance-included cottages, villas and single-family homes from the $500s to over $1.5 million, many with stunning water and nature views.
Ready to live the Florida lifestyle?
Plan your Florida trip
Florida is the Sunshine State—so pack your sun hat! When you’ve picked some Florida communities you’re interested in, plan your visit. Experiencing it for real is the best way to see if it’s truly right for you. Select a few communities, schedule a tour, and get to know the place you could soon call home.