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Guide to Top Gated Communities in Florida



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Guide to Top Gated Communities in Florida

When it comes to privacy, security, and a close-knit neighborhood, gated communities are unmatched. With over 25,000 gated communities in the United States alone, there’s a perfect location for everyone100 Best Place to Live

Privacy and Security

Peace of mind is the top priority of these communities. Gated entrances, private roads, and security systems keep neighborhoods safe year-round. Many places even have security personnel that patrols the streets. 

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

Gated 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 gated communities that cater specifically to those activities.

Family-Friendly Environment

Gated communities are diverse—they are 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

Esprit at Avenir

Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Homes from the $800s to $1M+

Esprit at Avenir by Kolter Homes is a 55+ community for active adults seeking a refined South Florida lifestyle in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens. Residents are just minutes from pristine Atlantic beaches, championship golf, including the iconic PGA NationalResort & Spa, luxury shopping at The Gardens Mall, al fresco dining, cultural attractions and live entertainment. With Palm Beach International Airport less than 20 miles away, travel and weekend getaways are always within easy reach. Designed for those who value both sophistication and connection, Esprit blends contemporary living with resort- inspired experiences in one of the area’s most desirable locations.

Homes at Esprit at Avenir feature modern designs created for today’s active adults, offering comfortable, stylish spaces that support both everyday living and entertaining. The community features six unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 5 Bedrooms, with a wide range of personalization options. Thoughtful layouts and high-end finishes provide a fresh take on low-maintenance living, allowing homeowners to focus more on lifestyle and less on upkeep.

The lifestyle at Esprit at Avenir is crafted to elevate every day. Residents enjoy full country club living with resort-style pools, a full-service restaurant and bar serving craft cocktails and refined wines, and a cutting-edge fitness experience powered by EGYM, including recovery features like a cold plunge. A dedicated Lifestyle Director curates a robust calendar of social events, fitness programs and clubs, fostering connection and an active, engaging community.

Request more information today to discover an active adult lifestyle defined by comfort, connection and effortless luxury.

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Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch, FL
Homes, Townhomes, Villas, Condos: $300K - over $1M

Live the Florida lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of—with 30+ 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 48% 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 multi-generational best-selling master-planned community since 2018.

Come explore Florida’s favorite place to call home. LakewoodRanch.com

What to expect at The Ranch:
• 30+ 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
• 13 community parks
• 192 holes of golf
• 32 courts for racquet sports
• A-rated schools & higher education campuses
• Sarasota Polo Club
• Farmers’ Market voted #1 in Florida
• Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club
• 22 fields at Premier Sports Campus
• Sights and Sounds Performing and Fine Arts Series

Ready to discover it? Great. Request more information below to receive discovery tour packages
and specials. You won’t know until you go!

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Latitude Margaritaville Watersound

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

**Turn the Key to Paradise, Make the Move Today! Why delay the fun? Limited-time offers make it easy to start now!**

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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Get Started

Finding and choosing the right gated 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 top gated 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:

 

  • ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
    The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
  • ideal-LIVING Magazine
    Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
  • ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
    Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
  • Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
    The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.

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