For decades Florida retirement communities have been the place to enjoy retirement and your senior years.
However, Florida, known as a low-cost-of-living state, has changed during the past few years. Housing and rental prices of Florida homes continue to rise beyond what many seniors can afford and it has happened so fast.
One needs to look more closely at what an area or town offers. Note: with prices of homes continuing to increase in Florida, you may wish to consider Florida manufactured homes or Florida mobile homes.
A Florida Lifestyle
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The First Coast (Jacksonville, Wildlight, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, Orange Park) |
The Fun Coast (Daytona, Port Orange, DeLand) |
The Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Stuart, Port Saint Lucie) |
The Space Coast (Palm Bay, Melbourne and Viera)
RESALES on the First Coast
The climate in Northeast Florida differs from southern Florida in several impactful ways: humidity is less, hurricane risk may be less, water temperature is slightly cooler, less rainfall in summer and temperatures cooler in winter. Please verify all this information and just be aware because climate and how it affects you and your chosen senior lifestyle is an important element in choosing a 55+ community.
* Summer Bay at Grand Oaks (St. Augustine) *Reverie at TrailMark (St. Augustine) * Wildlight (Wildlight) *Del Webb at eTown (Jacksonville) * Del Webb at Nocatee (Ponte Vedra) *Stillwater (St. Johns) * Watersong at RiverTown (St. Johns)
Summer Bay at Grand Oaks (St. Augustine, Northeast Florida)
Summer Bay at Grand Oaks is in a charming and historic city known for its unique blend of Spanish and American. Founded in 1565 the city's history is evident in its well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets, and historic sites. It offers picturesque beaches and a waterfront promenade. As a visitor or resident you'll find art galleries, quaint shops, and delicious cuisine (100 restaurants in region); also a more relaxed pace compared to more urban areas of Florida. For those not wanting to reside in Florida, Savannah, Georgia, just North, offers a similar experience.
Start Price: $340's for the Gardens Collection - 3 Collections, 15 floor plans (verify) *Gardens *The Classics. *Estates Series (Limited opportunities remain)
1343 Sq Ft to 3339 SF; Open 9:30AM to 5:30PM except Sunday and Wednesday opens noon.
The variety of floor plans is impressive. I counted 15 on their website. What I noticed was that many of them featured an owner's suite. For those of you who like a private, tucked away master bedroom this is a desirable feature. Also, very in demand now are the large kitchens with large islands which many of their plans have. You will feel very luxurious cooking there.
Also included are amenities like sports courts (very popular now); gated; views; and resort-styled pool. All by Pulte, a prestigious builder. There is also a map of area amenities on their website. They can be reached at 904-604-6880. 41 Hickory Pine Dr., St. Augustine, Fl.
Reverie at TrailMark (St. Augustine, Northeast Fl.
Gated 55+ single ranch homes and active adult lifestyle between St. John's River and Atlantic Ocean. Quick delivery homes available from low $400's. 15 floorplans in 3 collections (verify).
Most homes have front porches said to be a design feature that supports more neighbor socialization. It also has private owner's suites and emphasis is on outdoor living. For those wanting more privacy, it is a gated community in the TrailMark master community. Amenities include 6 pickle ball courts, bocce ball, Bark Park, large clubhouse and pool/spa. It has a Bier Garten with access to trails and canoe launches.
Register on their website and someone will call - Open daily - 50 Rustic Mill Dr., St. Augustine - 386-749-3059 By Dream Finders Homes. Reverie has various floor plans from 2-bedrooms to a large 2-bedroom with a flex 3rd bedroom and a three-car garage.
$$ Wildlight By Del Webb (Wildlight in NE Fl.)
A new town where the theme is "town in nature." Half of Wildlight is trails, parks, and wetlands on acreage. This brings with it responsibility to protect the land and resources. The Wildlight website talks about how they plan to do this. Also, interestingly this development has a partnership with the U of Florida for a healthcare facility for rehab. This new "city" is just in the beginning stages of its development. Del Webb's Wildlight is the 55+ community there.
Wildlight, 22 miles south to Jacksonville. Near Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.
From the $300's. Ranch and 2-Story plans in the gated 55 plus community in Wildlight master community. 16 floor plans offer the low country design style of front porches and lanais. Planned residents only clubhouse and amenities. CONTACT: 904-595-8537 - 176 Eureka Ct.
Del Webb eTown (Jacksonville in Northeast Fl)
Jacksonville is a major metropolitan area with a well-developed urban core and surrounding suburban communities and neighborhoods. A local Realtor can give more information based on your needs and preferences. While the central part of Jacksonville can offer a unique urban lifestyle with access to cultural and healthcare amenities, it may not be as tranquil as some of the suburban or beachside communities like Ponte Vedra about 20 miles south.
Classic and Estates Series are available - Medium to large homes from $500's. A "smart" master planned community of eTown In Central Jacksonville, near St. John's Town Center, with a modern vibe. Upscale dining, entertainment and shopping nearby. CONTACT: 11246 Town View Dr., Jacksonville (Open daily) - 904-543-3959 (Limited opportunities to purchase remain)
Del Webb Nocatee (Ponte Vedra, NE Fl, St. Johns County)
Ponte Vedra, Florida, offers several advantages for seniors seeking an appealing retirement destination:
Ponte Vedra's quality of life makes it an attractive destination for retirees looking to enjoy life in an upscale and serene way.
Gated Florida retirement community of villas, singles, estates. Large kitchens with islands. Other collections are higher priced. Resort-styled amenities. Nocatee is inside Ponte Vedra. Starts $400's.
CONTACT: 73 Glenhurst Ave. - Open 9:30-6 daily - 904-543-3927
The city of St. Johns in Florida is a popular destination for seniors and retirees seeking a peaceful and upscale retirement lifestyle. Located in St. Johns County, just south of Jacksonville, this charming area offers a serene and suburban atmosphere with many amenities tailored to the needs and preferences of seniors. With numerous well-maintained 55+ communities, golf courses, and a variety of recreational activities, St. Johns may offer the serenity you're looking for.
Stillwater (St. Johns, Northeast Florida)
Upper $300's. By Lennar in Stillwater master community. Amenities include clubhouse, restaurant and bar, pool, 18-hole golf membership, and more. Villas and single homes. Gated; golf membership
CONTACT: 64 Round Robin Run - Open 9:30-6 daily - 904-758-0477
WaterSong at RiverTown (St. Johns, Northeast Florida)
Start upper $402,990's. Along the St. John's River. Villas and Single-family homes in master community; gated - kayak launch and fishing, event lawn; paw park. By Mattamy Homes. Medium to large villas and single family homes. Resort-like with nature theme, trails, parks, water activities and more. CONTACT: 90 Lanier St. - 904-479-4491; shown by appointment only at this time
Coming Del Webb St. Johns - Not priced yet. Join VIP List now on their website. Greenbriar Rd., St. Johns
Latitude Margaritaville (Daytona Beach, Central East coast Fl.)
Proximity to Orlando: Daytona Beach's location is within a reasonable driving distance of Orlando, offering seniors easy access to the theme parks and attractions in the area.
Daytona Beach's combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, cultural amenities, and a relatively affordable cost of living make it a popular choice for retirees seeking an active and engaging lifestyle in a coastal Florida community.
Now priced from $300's. Jimmy Buffett's Unique Margaritaville brand; large 55+ community; Award-winning
Planned thousands of homes by Minto and partnering with the Margaritaville brand - Also, large retail shopping area.
Restaurants are a big part of the Florida lifestyle. The Town Center has a restaurant and a clamshell for entertainment as well as other restaurants. Recreation includes large pool and pickle ball courts.
Smart marketing with a fun vibe and tiki hut profile, competitive pricing, town center, golf cart community, etc., are just some of the features that make this one of the most popular retirement communities in Florida. Selling fast.
CONTACT: 2400 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach - 888-287-0605 - Open Daily
Oak Leaf Preserve-Freedom (New Smyrna Beach, Central East Coast Florida)
New Smyrna Beach, south of Daytona Beach, boasts a beautiful coastline and a relaxed small town beachy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for seniors who enjoy beach living, swimming, and beachcombing. It is advisable to visit or spend time there to know if this lifestyle is right for you.
$300's. Volusia County - There are 2 builders here. The Freedom Homes Builder has the active adult community. Gated community of single 2- and 3-bedroom homes. Amenities include park, pool. 1839 Red Rock Rd., New Smyrna Beach - 386-888-2124 - Open daily Sunday and Wednesday noon to 6 PM and other days 10 to 6 PM.
Cresswind DeLand (DeLand, the Fun Coast Florida, Volusia County) Homes from $350's by prestigious builder Kolter Homes.
The "Fun Coast" continues to extend through Volusia County from Daytona Beach to DeLand.
With its affordable cost of living, a variety of 55+ communities, and a mild subtropical climate, Port St. Lucie can be ideal for a comfortable senior lifestyle. The city is known for its golf courses, waterways, and access to the St. Lucie River, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Further, there are healthcare facilities, cultural events, and an arts scene. Port St. Lucie is growing in St. Lucie County and presents another Florida laid-back lifestyle.
Valencia Walk at Riverland® (Port St. Lucie in the Central Coast)
Start $400's to $900's. By GL Homes. In 4000-acre master community Riverland. This is the third community for Valencia in Riverland which had record-breaking sales.
Five collections with mostly large floor plans and newer ones. Amenities include Town Center, clubhouse, resort amenities including Sports Club with tennis courts, bocce, pickle ball, gym, 5-acre arts and culture center, and more - lush landscaping throughout. Sixteen models to view from 1300's SF to 3400's SF. Verify all information.
How to See: 10735 SW Matisse Lane - 772-226-9000 - Open Daily 9-5
Valencia Parc at Riverland® (Port St. Lucie in the Central Coast)
The fourth community built by GL Homes at Riverland master community. You have all the features of Riverland and now exclusive amenities at Valencia Parc. Selling now at Valencia Walk. The homes at Valencia Parc in five collections are starting at $400's. Many upgraded standard features included in base price. 772-226-9000 - Open Daily
The Tradition Retirement Community (Port St. Lucie)
Tradition is a master community with the following 55+ opportunities (many are sold out):
Telaro by Mattamy Homes at Tradition (Port St. Lucie)
In master community Tradition; Resort amenities. 400+ villas and singles. Amenities include:
Del Webb at Tradition (Port St. Lucie)
In master community Tradition. Single ranch homes and attached villas. Resort amenities.
CONTACT: 12920 SW Gingerline Dr., Port St. Lucie - 877-215-3143
Esplanade at Tradition (Port St. Lucie)
FEATURES:
By Taylor Morrison in master community of Tradition. Medium to large single homes with resort amenities and Tradition Town Center. 2-5 bedroom single homes.
CONTACT: 877-889-7055 or Sales at 866-495-6006.
Veranda Preserve (Port St. Lucie)
By Lennar. 3-car garage; 3 Collections: The Grand (55+), The Isles and The Woodlands - Large 3-bedroom, 3-bath homes on ground level.
CONTACT: 726 E. Woodbine Rd. - 833-306-0256 - Call for appointment.
PGA Village-Verano (Port St. Lucie)
Three award-winning championship golf courses; recreation; gated
By Kolter Homes. Plenty of recreation and golf on site. Villas and singles. Social activities, clubhouse and pools. Close to beach.
CONTACT: 17127 SW Ambrose Way - 772-345-5041 - Open Daily
Area: Slower-paced and good for seniors who want an active lifestyle. The subtropical climate is average 61 in January and 82 in August. Melbourne is home to Indian River citrus. The Kennedy Space Center is 14 miles to Viera. More pluses for retirement in Melbourne:
Del Webb at Viera (Melbourne, East Coast Fl.)
Starting $379,990. In master community Viera with established town center; 2 miles from I-95 on "The Space Coast"; manned gatehouse. Open and airy Del Webb floor plans in three collections. New phase and new models. 1405 to 3453 SF (verify)
CONTACT: Stadium Parkway, Melbourne - 407-214-3005
Bridge Bay at Bannon Lakes
St. Augustine - World Golf Village area; part of master community of Bannon Lakes; large homes with large garages. 23 Bridge Oak Lane - By Pulte active adult - Pulte smart home - International Golf Parkway - resort amenities, canoe and kayak launch and more. Started mid-$200's. Resale.
Started from low $200's. There are a variety of sizes. Location is between Jacksonville and St Augustine (Northeast Florida.) Developed by Del Webb with a coastal resort feeling at Ponte Vedra Beach. Adjoins Nocatee Preserve. Single-family and multi-family mix of homes. Mediterranean-styled architecture. FEATURES: Gated 55 community with gorgeous clubhouse and pool area - 4 miles to Ocean - Adjacent to Nocatee Preserve for natural surroundings. 124 Del Webb Pkwy, Ponte Vedra
Single Family Homes and Carriage Homes - Resale.
Ponte Vedra (27 miles to St. Augustine) - In Nocatee master community; small 55 community in master community - 33 Ropemaker Court - By Lennar - Started $300's to $1 Millions - 196 gated ranch homes - many back to Preserve or water - private resort amenities including zero entry pool, putting green and pickle ball. Resale.
14 miles to Jacksonville city area - Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Pool - 11683 Surfbird - See local Realtors - Started low $200's - Single-family and carriage homes in a 4-story building. Resales.
St. Augustine, beaches and 20 minutes to Jacksonville - Golf - Single Homes - Price - $$ - from $269's, Size-Large - In St. Augustine. Focus on golf. World Golf Village is a master-planned community. 1605 Sugar Loaf Lane - Sold out.
St. Augustine - Gated with clubhouse, pool, recreation, 10 minute drive to beaches and near shopping, dining and more. 2 and 3-bedroom European-styled homes. Nearby golf courses including World Golf. 206 Seloy Dr. - 904-810-2098 - Started in $330's - Many standard upscale features.
Jacksonville - Single Homes for Rent - By Front Porch - a former Naval base - no expensive amenities means value prices. Month-to-month rental singles at reasonable prices. Gated 55 community close to the city. 6008 Lake Cove Avenue, Jacksonville - Ph: 888-968-0905 -
Port Orange:
Port Orange (near Daytona) - Gated, resort-style
Single homes By Winston James Development. Not age-restricted but has features for active adults and retirement living. Started low $200's for townhomes; single homes $300's. 1304 Coconut Palm Circle, Port Orange. Resales.
DeLand - Location is a little inland and approx. 25 miles to beaches. Single homes in the master planned community of Victoria Park. Close to Daytona and 24.6 miles to the beaches of New Smyrna. It has a community in Florida for over 55 in it called Victoria Gardens. (Shea Homes now has 3 communities in Florida: Victoria Gardens, Trilogy Orlando and Trilogy Ocala in Central Florida.) Pricing started in low $200's. 386-785-2700 (clubhouse). 1001 Garden Club Dr., DeLand. Resales.
DeLand - Close to historic downtown; part of Victoria Park master community; Gated; miles of hiking, biking trails in conservation areas surrounding the retirement community 117 Old Moss Circle - Medium to large luxury single homes by award-winning Kolter Homes. Amenities for your best retirement lifestyle include:Tennis courts and pickleball
14 miles to ocean beaches. Part of the Tradition master community (famed for its small town America design appeal).
2 and 3-bedroom single homes started low $300's. Features clubhouse with lakeside pavilion, outdoor pool, cyber cafe and many social and recreational activities. 10097 Red Oak Ct., Port St. Lucie. Resales.
Port St. Lucie - Club and Rec Center with resort-like amenities. By Minto Communities - luxury 2, 3, and 4-bedroom singles started in the low $200's to $300's. Winner of Treasure Coast Builders Assoc. 11428 SW Lake Park Dr., Port St. Lucie - Resales
Port St. Lucie - The Club at Lake Park, pool with cabanas, dog parks and more. 11428 SW Lake Park Dr. Single family and villa homes started from $200's. Resort-styled by Minto. Resales.
Port St. Lucie - In master community Riverland; 34,000SF clubhouse 10735 SW Matisse Lane - Single homes in five collections were from $300's - one mile to The Landing at Tradition for shopping, dining and more. By GL Homes.
Port St. Lucie - In master Community Riverland. Previewed from the Valencia Cay community in Riverland at 10735 SW Matisse Lane - By GL Homes. Some luxury items included in price of home - started $300's - town center, clubhouse, resort amenities including Sports Club with tennis courts, bocce, pickle ball, gym and more - lush landscaping throughout.
Homes and apartments for independent living plus assisted living and memory care if it is needed. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, Wellness Center, activities, dining options, and more. 10685 SW, Stony Creek Way, Port St. Lucie 772-345-2700
Vero Beach - Price was $ to $$, Size-Medium - Gated planned community with Lennar and Centex senior communities - Mediterranean-styled homes. Resort amenities. 7 miles to beaches. Resale.
Stuart - Inexpensive resale condos and Rentals - Large condominium community minutes to the beach - 9-hole golf free to residents on private course (verify). 1991 SW Palm City Rd., Stuart
Manned gated resort-styled community with 9-hole executive golf, tennis, grand clubhouse. If one wants plenty of activity, one can find it here. See local Realtors. 503 NW Serene Meadow Way, Port St. Lucie.
St. Lucie West - Established gated community - Large resort-style - several "isles" within - starts in low price range - many clubs and activities with many for those who love cruises. See local Realtors. 100 NW Kings Isle Blvd. Resales.
Indian River Estates West by ACTS Retirement - At Vero Beach by ACTS Retirement Life. ACTS has a brochure you can ask for called "Consumers Guide to Retirement Living." Priced affordable. 4 Financial Plans: With deposit or without deposit. 100 acre gated campus. 10 miles to beach. Amenities including pool. 2250 Indian Creek Blvd. West, Vero Beach - 772-562-7400
Abingdon - Port Saint Lucie - Independent and assisted living community part of Tradition Florida. Cottages and villas. Care options - Clubhouse, dining, housekeeping. 10685 SW Stony Creek Way - Phone: 772-345-2700
The Palms Retirement Community at Saint Lucie West in Port Saint Lucie - Independent and assisted living by Five Star. The spacious apartments have care options.
501 N.W. Cashmere Blvd., Port St. Lucie - Phone: 772-344-7441
Gated entrance with security tower; single homes in an active adult resort retirement community where new friendships can be made. 2015 Trift Bridge Circle, Melbourne
Resort amenities include large clubhouse, pool with beach entry, tennis, and more - Gated community of more than 800 homes - Large singles of 3-4 bedrooms and single villas. Lakes on site. By WCI Communities (Now part of Lennar family of builders)
By DR Horton - West Melbourne - Ranch homes started from low $200's - Caladium Circle - Resales. See local Realtors
Melbourne - In style of Key West - metal roofs -Modeled after cottage homes in Key West. Gated manned community of cottages and villa styles. Amenities include clubhouse, pool, country front porches, lakes, pool and more. Design concept of homes focuses on a lifestyle of adults over 55. Attractive homes have metal roofs. Started low $200's. LifeStyle Homes. 4290 Alamanda Key Drive - Resales. See local Realtors.
Viera near Melbourne - By Lennar. Cruises leave from Cape Canaveral nearby. Award-winning over-55 master-planned community on hundreds of acres. Gated resort-styled community features clubhouse, fitness, pool, tennis, and trails. Also, nearby is the famed Duran Golf Club. Estates started from upper $200's. 6600 Ingalls St. See local Realtors. Resales.
Melbourne - Gated; Private Lake - Master community of medium to large single homes built after 2000. Prices ranged from upper $100's to $200's. 1509 Waverly Place, Melbourne. Resales.
Master communities have gained in popularity for their active life amenities. Modern features of master communities in Florida:
New and resale master communities on this page with communities for 55+:
1. Parkland Preserve
2. Latitude Margaritaville
3. Bridgewater at Viera
*As determined by most click-throughs in last 3 months.
Popular cities in Florida:
Fort Myers - See more
Naples - See more
Orlando - See more
Sarasota - See more
Tampa - See more
Palm Beach - See more
1. What are the best 55+ retirement communities in Florida?
2. What are the most affordable over 55 retirement communities in Florida?
3. What are the most luxurious retirement communities in Florida?
4. What are the most active retirement communities in Florida?
5. What are the most pet-friendly retirement communities in Florida?
We recommend that for the most accurate and up-to-the-minute pricing you go to the community's website. Prices are approximate and not guaranteed as they can change.
More communities in Florida to view:
Florida 55+ Manufactured Homes
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