Here Are The Top Best Places To Retire In Central Florida
As life goes by and seasons change, many retirees are starting to want to move into an Active 55+ communities to enjoy the rest of their retirement life.
The only problem is, they dont know what community to pick and choose.
Fortunately, here on 55Next.com we have collected the Top?
55Next Answers the age-old Question on Why people retire in Florida.
For seniors, its important to feel settled and enjoy where they live when they choose the right place to retire.
Every Week thousands of retirees are choosing to relocate to Florida.
There are many benefits available to seniors when they choose to move to Florida as they continue to enjoy the Golden Years!
More Info on Why Seniors Move and Retire in Florida can be found our 55Next Informative Blog
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound Watersound Fl
464-4753 | Website | Request more information
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is another Jimmy Buffett-style community that is located about halfway between Panama City Beach and Miramar Beach. In addition to all of the standard Margaritaville amenities, residents here will also enjoy access to some of the best beaches along Floridas Gulf Coast.
The smallest homes at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound are called Cottages that range in size from 1,204 a/c sq. ft. to 1,466 a/c sq. ft.
The next size up are Villas that range in size from 1,503 a/c sq. ft. to 1,862 a/c sq. ft. After that there are two different collections of Single-Family Homes which max out at around 2,500 sq. ft.
At the time of this writing, home prices range from the $200ks to the $400ks
Medley At Southshore Bay Wimauma Fl
800 495-6496 | Website
Medley at Southshore Bay is a community of 655 attached villas and single-family homes that is located in Wimauma, between Tamp and Bradenton. Available amenities here include a community clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor pool, and a large lagoon.
Medley at Southshore Bay offers villas and single-family homes that range in size from 1,396 to 2,775 square feet.
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Del Webb Naples Ave Maria Fl
842-9643 | Website
Del Webb Naples is a massive community of 2,000 attached and single-family homes located in the even larger master-planned community of Ave Maria. Residents here can enjoy amenities like the 12,000 square foot Oasis Club and the Panther Run Golf Club, plus they also have access to a number of additional amenities in the Ave Maria community.
Homes at Del Webb Naples range in size from 1,438 to 2,611 square feet depending on whether you are looking for a smaller attached villa or a larger single-family home.
Villages Of Citrus Hills

Located less than an hour from The Villages, the Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single family homes and maintenance free villas that have been built with todays demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for todays new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities. Villages of Citrus Hills offers a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from.
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Century Village At Deerfield Beach
- Price Range: Low to high $100ks
- Number of homes: 8,508
- Age Restrictions: 55+
The Century Village in Deerfield Beach has more than 8,000 homes. But its main attraction is the 145,000 square-foot clubhouse that offers a fitness center, pool, sauna and more. And you can also check out a show at the theater that can seat 1,600 people. Other popular attractions include the Century Village beach.
As far as living arrangements go, you can choose from more than 7,000 condominium units. Each ranges in size from 600 to 1,500 square feet. Most offer scenic water views. Plus, most homes are very low maintenance.
The community is also home to the Everglades National Park. You can do everything from fishing to hiking in this massive wildlife area.
Ultimate List Of New 55+ Communities In Florida
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It only makes sense that there would be more new 55+ communities in Florida than in any other state, and I believe this is the most up-to-date list around.
If a 55+ community is still building and selling new homes, you’ll find them on this list!
We are constantly updating this list, but if you find a phone number that needs to be updated, a community that’s no longer relevant, or a community that we somehow missed, let us know here.
Because prices change so frequently, please visit the website links for each community to get the most current pricing.
We’re also working on breaking this list down into smaller posts based on what/where people are interested in.
Here’s what we’ve got so far:
But here’s the complete list:
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Ormond Renaissance Ormond Beach Fl
615-6646
Ormond Renaissance is a gated community of 280 condos across ten different buildings that is located in Ormond Beach. Amenities here include a 3,600 square foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style pool, and plenty of community green spaces.
The condos at Ormond Renaissance are available in sizes ranging from 1,248 to 1,515 square feet. Those floorplans can be for two or three bedrooms.
Valencia Cay At Riverland Port St Lucie
With a convenient location between Orlando and Miami, Valencia Cay at Riverland in Port St. Lucie has something for everyone. If you enjoy visiting the local cultural centers, you can head to the Oxbow Eco-Center, Savannas Preserve State Park, or Clover Park to catch some fresh air on a nice day .
For older individuals who like to go to festivals and concerts, living here will be like a dream come true. Living here all year round provides you with the opportunity to head to Oktoberfest in the fall, The FEStival of Lights, New Years Eve celebrations, and the Food Truck Invasions. No wonder U.S. News ranked this city as one of the top three places to retire in 2021!
Within the retirement community itself, residents can enjoy the cafe, community garden, pickleball courts, cultural center, nearby restaurants, and local shopping centers.
Standout Feature: The huge houses and 34,000-square foot clubhouse
Founding Date: 2018
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Recreation Culture & Entertainment
Florida became the 27th of the 50 United States in 1845. During the 1920s, economic prosperity stimulated land development only to be halted by two hurricanes in the late 1920s followed closely by the Great Depression. Today, this southern state is a favorite among active adults looking for a warmer climate or cheaper cost of living and the sunshine state is now ranked 4th in population with approximately 19.5 million residents.
Active adults who call this state home enjoy endless opportunities for entertainment and recreation. There are 161 state parks in the state offering hiking, bird watching, camping, and horseback riding. Many of these parks not only offer recreational opportunities but also educational services geared towards informing people about this state’s unique wildlife.
Some of the larger cities offer great attractions such as Disney World in Orlando, The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, or the famous South Beach in Miami. Sports fans will love the numerous professional sports teams in the state including the Miami Marlins , Jacksonville Jaguars , Orlando Magic , and Tampa Bay Lighting . No matter what your interests or hobbies are, this beautiful state has something for you.
Cascades At River Hall Alva Fl
239-225-2681 | Website
Cascades at River Hall occupies over 2,000 acres of beautiful land just outside of Fort Myers, Florida. The community plan here calls for around 575 single-family homes, as well as a host of amenities like a community clubhouse, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Residents here also have the option of joining the Davis Love III 18-hole golf course for an annual fee.
With multiple builders that each offer a selection of styles and floorplans, the options are nearly unlimited at Cascades at River Hall. Those choices can be as small as 1,500 square feet, or they can range up towards a more comfortable 2,800 square feet.
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Arlington Ridge Central Florida Retirement Community Retirement Homes For Sale
At last, Florida retirement living for YOUR GENERATION. Introducing the NEW Arlington Ridge Florida retirement golf club community.
Here we are creating a new way of Florida retirement living designed especially for todays generation of youthful, energetic over-55 adults who are ready to pursue their dreams for The Best Of Their Lives. The exceptional quality, value and lifestyle of Arlington Ridge retirement living has been recognized by BestRetirementDestinations.com as the #1 community in America under $250,000.
Located in an uncrowded setting in the heart of Central Floridas beautiful Lakes region, Arlington Ridge retirement living is less than an hour from Orlandos resort attractions, dining & entertainment, and international airport. But you may never want to leave home because we offer virtually every amenity you could want right in your neighborhood 18-hole championship golf course, both resort and lap style pools, outstanding fitness facilities, restaurant and pub even a community cinema.
Best of all, Arlington Ridge offers affordable retirement living, with affordable home prices and very reasonable monthly fees. You know it will be just perfect for the lifestyle you want to live at Arlington Ridge.
If youve been looking for the Florida retirement lifestyle thats right for you, call or visit the New Generation In Great Retirement Living the New Arlington Ridge.
Cypress Falls At The Woodlands North Port Fl

214-7413 | Website
Cypress Falls at The Woodlands is a gated community of 710 attached and single-family homes in North Port, Florida, which is about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like a community clubhouse, resort-style pool, and a putting green.
New construction is available here for either attached or single-family homes. The attached homes range in size from 1,362 to 1,651 square feet. Then the single-family options are a little bigger ranging from 1,372 to 1,968 square feet.
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Tips On Planning A Healthy Retirement
- If youre making serious retirement planning decisions, a financial advisor can help. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors in your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If youre looking at retirement communities, you may want to take a look at your 401, individual retirement account or other retirement plan. Make sure its in good health.
Where To Retire In Fort Myers:
Offering easy access to everything Southwest Florida is famous for, GL Homes is proud to introduce Valencia Bonita a new standard of 55 plus living on Floridas beautiful Gulf Coast. With an exciting vacation-inspired lifestyle that rivals the finest resorts, Valencia Bonita features an opulent 45,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and carefully designed single-family and villa home designs that are tailored to those looking for spacious layouts and sophisticated style. Valencia Bonita is located just minutes from pristine beaches, tranquil nature preserves, chic shops and fine dining. Plus, everyday conveniences including banks, grocery stores and top rated medical facilities are also just a short drive away. Homes start in the $600ks.
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Move Or Stay In Place As You Age
But many still ponder whether age-segregated communities are the way to go. Many feel that older people benefit from living in communities where they can interact with people of all ages. Additionally for others, there is the plus of familiarity by staying in a home and a community where one has lived for years.
The question of intergenerational relationships is very hot, Professor Golant said. If you dare say anything that suggests that older people should be interacting with younger people, at this time in history you’re on the right side of the argument.
Both examples of The Villages and Oak Hammock buck these trends because they are age homogenous and age segregated and in some experts minds, they are examples, especially The Villages, of an ageist attitude, he said.
Move? Or stay in place? That is the question that those who are aging contemplate.
For most, the most likely option is to age in place by staying in place. For some low-income people, aging in place can be more akin to being stuck in place, said Professor Steiner. While they have an asset a home they may not have enough income to move from that home to another more appropriate one or they may not be able to maintain their home.
And even those in the aging population who change their place of residence may face limitations.
As people live longer and stay healthier, the decision about where to live becomes more complex despite the desire of many to dig in and stay right where they are.
Esplanade At Highland Ranch Clermont Fl
352-415-4237 | Website
Located on 579 acres of land just west of Orlando, Esplanade at Highland Ranch is a gated community of 475 single-family homes. Amenities here include the standard selling points like a community clubhouse and a resort-style pool, plus there are plenty of courts and walking trails throughout the community.
Homes at Esplanade at Highland Ranch are available in three different collections that range in size from 1,722 square feet up to 2,930 square feet.
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Watersong At Rivertown St Johns Fl
904-337-4856
Located in the amazing master-planned community of RiverTown, Watersong at RiverTown is an active adult community of 800 attached villas and single-family homes. Residents here enjoy access to their own private community clubhouse, resort-style pool, and fishing pier. They can also find plenty to do in the larger RiverTown community.
Watersong at RiverTown offers multiple options for attached villas and single-family homes.
Get Your Florida Retirement Handbook
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Best For Low Cost: Provident Crossings Retirement Community
Provident Crossing Retirement Community
Why We Chose It: We chose Provident Crossing as the best low-cost community because it is located in tax-friendly Texas and offers an affordable, all-inclusive monthly package option.
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Fewer amenities than other communities
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No assisted living
The Provident Crossing Retirement Community is located in Round Rock, Texas, one of the least expensive places to retire in the U.S. as listed by Kiplinger in 2019. The cost of living for retirees is 5.9% lower than the national average and Texas is a tax-friendly state for retirees. This suburb of Austin gives you all the amenities of a large city there are many dining options in town and the local art and culture scene is growing in this suburb of Austin gives you all the amenities of a large city. Provident is an all-inclusive retirement community for individuals age 55 and older that offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include full kitchens in each apartment, a 150-seat theatre, a 24-hour fitness center, social activities, and a wellness program.
Overall, if youâre looking for an inexpensive city to retire in and an all-inclusive living package, Provident Crossing is a great choice.
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Valencia Cay At Riverland In Port St Lucie
Column A | |
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Best for | Adventurous folks |
Located about halfway between Orlando and Miami, Port St. Lucie offers the best of both cities for adventurous types. Exploring the outdoors in Port St. Lucie is a common pastime for residents. Along with the Port St. Lucie River and beaches on the Atlantic coast, people can visit:
- Oxbow Eco-Center
- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
- Savannas Preserve State Park
Sports fans can see the New York Mets play spring training games at Clover Park. Theres always something exciting happening in the metro area, including annual festivals the city hosts:
- The New Years Eve celebration and fireworks show
- The semi-monthly Food Truck Invasion
- The Taste of Little Italy festival
After visiting the city, you may understand why U.S. News & World Report ranked Port St. Lucie the third-best place to retire in 2021.
Valencia Cay at Riverland is an age-restricted and gated planned retirement community. The 4,000-acre pedestrian-friendly neighborhood features houses with five different home floor plans for community members to choose from.
Valencia Cays lifestyle director plans community-wide activities, and its sports director teaches fitness classes. The entire neighborhood can gather at the 34,000-square foot clubhouse or the Grand Social Hall for major events and festivities.
Valencia Cays other on-site features include:
Best for | Age-targeted events |
- A butterfly garden
- The Sarasota Farmers Market
Unparalleled Setting Unparalleled Lifestyle

When you visit Shell Point Retirement Community, it certainly looks like a vacation destination. But take a closer look, and youll see Shell Point is an award-winning lifecare retirement resort located in one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Florida.
Shell Pointâs 700 acres include distinctive neighborhoods, a wide array of home styles, resort amenities, and convenient services all situated in a tropical setting along the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida.
The area around Shell Point is home to tropical wildlife, which makes life exciting for nature lovers. Immediately to the west are the Gulf of Mexico and the famed barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, internationally known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters and the abundance of exotic shells that wash up on their shores.
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