Guide to the Top Golf Communities in Florida



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Guide to the Top Golf Communities in Florida

Golf communities in Florida are among the region’s best retirement communities. Retirees and other seniors who love to play golf can take advantage of top-notch courses and an active social calendar that comes with the country-club lifestyle.

Designed with Play in Mind

The best golf communities feature courses designed by the finest minds in the industry, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson. Acclaimed architects Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Tom Jackson, and Arthur Hills have also created exceptional courses all over the country.

Of course, a great golf community starts with a course that uses the area’s natural features to create a unique experience. Mountain courses challenge players with elevation changes and reward them with sweeping views. Lakeside links are dotted with water features to maneuver around. Tidal wetlands and strong ocean breezes of seaside courses test the most skilled golfers.

Courses are the gems of golf residential communities; thus, upkeep is a priority. From routine maintenance to complete refurbishments, golf communities offer consistently high-quality courses.

Most golf communities have multiple onsite courses—some as many as six! This means convenient tee times and a rotation of different challenges. And even if there is only one course within the community, residents are usually provided complimentary access to other local courses.

Up-To-Par Member Services

Golf community residents experience superior services to help them reach the top of their game. Professional instruction, available as group or private lessons, takes players’ skills to the next level. For those who prefer a tech approach, digital swing analysis may also be available. 

Professional staff help residents book lessons and tee times. They also manage league schedules and member-exclusive tournaments. An onsite pro shop means that residents are always fully equipped to play.

Clubhouse Calendar

New residents and veteran members can mingle at the clubhouse. Restaurants and private dining rooms provide an intimate setting for old friends, while lounges and outdoor decks are great places to make new ones. 

Aside from golf, clubhouses also feature amenities such as state-of-the-art fitness facilities and pool complexes. Those who want to take a break from golf can pick up a racket and play on the tennis courts.

From playgrounds to lounges, these communities offer amenities to entertain residents of any age. Further, these amenities add value to the neighborhood, which benefits homeowners in these great communities. 

Sample Communities to Discover

Davis Reserve at Citrus Hills

Lecanto, FL
Homes from the $400K

Davis Reserve at Citrus Hills — Florida Living, Elevated
Tucked within the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Davis Reserve is a new boutique 55+ community by the Villages of Citrus Hills, where natural beauty meets modern design and connection comes effortlessly. Thoughtfully planned for those seeking both refinement and relaxation, Davis Reserve invites you to experience life that’s elevated, easy, and inspired.

A Boutique Neighborhood with Character
Davis Reserve was created with an intimate sense of place. Every detail—from the tree-lined streets to the open, light-filled homes—encourages connection, wellness, and comfort. Elegant single-family homes feature modern layouts, stylish finishes, and inviting outdoor living areas that blur the line between home and nature. It’s a setting designed for morning coffee, sunset gatherings, and effortless Florida living.

The Heart of Citrus County
Davis Reserve sits in the very center of Citrus County, just nine miles from the Gulf Coast and minutes from Crystal River and Inverness. Here, small-town charm meets everyday convenience. Explore waterfront restaurants, local shops, and scenic trails—or take a short drive to Tampa, Ocala, or Orlando for big-city access with a Nature Coast pace.

Surrounded by Outdoor Beauty
Citrus County is known for its unspoiled landscapes and endless recreation. Residents can kayak in the springs near Crystal River, bike the Withlacoochee State Trail, or fish the Tsala Apopka Lake Chain in nearby Inverness. The Gulf’s calm waters invite boating, scalloping, or simply soaking in the sunshine—where every day feels like a getaway.

Resort-Style Amenities and Community Spirit
As part of the Villages of Citrus Hills, homeowners enjoy full access to world-class amenities: championship golf, a luxurious spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, and vibrant social clubs. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool, joining a wellness class, or meeting friends for dinner, Davis Reserve offers a lifestyle centered on connection and well-being.

A Place Where Life Opens Up
At Davis Reserve, you’ll find more than a home—you’ll discover a community that celebrates neighbors, and new beginnings. Here, life moves at the perfect pace: bright, friendly, and full of possibility.

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Babcock Ranch

Babcock Ranch, FL

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.

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On Top of the World Communities

Ocala, FL
Homes: $167,990 - $327,990

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!

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