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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
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.
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.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound
**Ask about the new $10,000 Limited-Time Options Incentive!**
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.
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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