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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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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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PGA Village Verano

Port St. Lucie, FL
Homes from the $300s to $800s

PGA Village Verano by Kolter Homes is a gated, new home community in Port St. Lucie, FL. The central location is in the heart of Florida’s Treasure Coast and offers easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment in Tradition Village Square, PGA Golf Courses and nearby beaches like Hutchinson Island. From PGA Village Verano you are less than two hours to Orlando and Miami, with even quicker drives to the Palm Beaches and Space Coast.

This neighborhood features thirteen unique floorplans ranging from 2- to 4 Bedrooms and a wide range of personalization options. Kolter Homes’ Built Around You approach provides hundreds of structural and design personalization options to create your ideal home, including flex spaces, second-floor bonus rooms and more.

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, art studio and ballroom with catering kitchen. A full-time Lifestyle Director keeps the social calendar full of activities and events.

Verano’s new SmartFIT Training Center also offers PGA Village Verano residents a cutting-edge, easy-to-use circuit training system as part of Kolter’s exclusive partnership with global fitness leader EGYM.

Requesting more information below is your first step towards enjoying the sunny Florida lifestyle offered by PGA Village Verano.

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Get Started

Finding and choosing the right golf community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation guide, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the best golf 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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