Guide to 55+ Communities in Florida



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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.Ā 

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

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound

Panama City Beach, FL
Homes starting at the $300s.

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Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City. It is just off of the Scenic Highway 30A corridor that runs along 20 miles of coastline with views of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound offers a unique living environment with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. This area, with its many small coastal towns, is the embodiment of the relaxed, beachy vibe that is at the heart of the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle. There also are many outdoor recreational activities, ranging from boating and deep-sea fishing to hiking, biking, golfing and more. A full range of lifestyle components is nearby, including an enticing array of dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities as well as service businesses, medical offices, hospitals and more. The community’s initial phase is anticipated to include approximately 3,500 homes. The master-planned community, inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, features four distinct home collections – the Conch Cottage Collection, Caribbean Villas Collection, and the Beach and Island Collections of single-family homes.

Floor plans range from 1,210 to 2,568 square feet under air.The casual-luxe Vista Collection was recently added to the single family collection. These homes feature two floors and are exclusively situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. Floor plans range from 3,095 to 4,048 square feet under air.

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Cresswind at Lake Harris

Tavares, FL
Homes from the $400s

Cresswind at Lake Harris by Kolter Homes is a resort-style, 55+ community in Tavares, Florida, also known as ā€œAmerica’s Seaplane Cityā€. This Central Florida new-home community offers convenient access to the Florida Harris Chain of Lakes, by boat and land. Nearby, residents have short drives to Downtown Tavares and Mount Dora, plus just 45 minutes to Orlando. New homes are designed for active adults featuring a collection of flexible floorplans with hundreds of design and structural personalization options.

Cresswind at Lake Harris is the only new 55+ community on the Harris Chain of Lakes and gives residents access to a variety of water activities and recreational opportunities. The future resident-exclusive clubhouse will feature a state-of-the-art Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center equipped with EGYM technology, 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, dog park and community garden.

Homebuyers can choose from various floorplans designed for optimal flexibility to create a home Built Around You. Cresswind at Lake Harris features three collections of 13 floorplans, ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms. Kolter Homes offers a minimum of 25 structural options per plan, so you can have the ability to add bedrooms, expand garages, fitness or study spaces and more. Plus, choose from hundreds of design personalization opportunities.

KOLTERHOMES created the Go Guide to Active Adult Living and Homebuying to help put buyers in control of the homebuying experience. After gathering suggestions from homebuyers, and with guidance from industry experts, KOLTERHOMES developed this comprehensive online guide with the best active adult locations, insider tips, insights, and driving tours. View the FREE guide at www.cresswind.com

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On Top of the World Communities

Ocala, FL
Homes: $250,490 - $513,490

Renowned for its beautifully crafted homes and vibrant, amenity-rich lifestyle, On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida, continues to set the standard for active adult living.

At On Top of the World, every day offers new ways to relax, connect, and stay engaged—whether that means prioritizing wellness, exploring lifelong learning, or enjoying a full calendar of social and recreational opportunities designed to keep both body and mind active.

Spanning more than 13,000 acres, this award-winning, master-planned community has been consistently recognized as one of the best places in the country to live. It appeals to active adults seeking thoughtfully designed homes, resort-style amenities, and a true sense of community. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s renowned horse country and near crystal-clear natural springs, On Top of the World offers the perfect balance of convenience and escape—close to everything, yet refreshingly different.

A glimpse of life at On Top of the World includes:
• Energy-efficient, concrete-block homes built for comfort, durability, and peace of mind
• Multiple neighborhoods offering single-family, maintenance-free, and luxury estate homes, including golf-front and preserve homesites
• Three championship, par-72 golf courses with professional instruction available
• More than 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities dedicated to wellness, recreation, and social connection
• A lively community town square featuring entertainment, fitness, dining, and lifelong learning opportunities
• And so much more to explore, experience, and enjoy

On Top of the World isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.

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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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