The Best West Coast Florida Retirement Communities for an Active Lifestyle

There's no doubt about it the pandemic taught us that physical activity is important. These West Coast Florida retirement communities offer plenty of sunshine and opportunities to get out and exercise.

The southwest region of Florida is the most popular area for retirees and seniors find the white sand beaches fascinating.

There are more seniors in this area than the state's average and is not as crowded as some other areas of Florida.

The climate of the West Coast of Florida varies depending on where one is, and may determine where one lives. It varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the Naples area on the West Coast of Florida.

Separate Page: Go to Tampa for the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Pasco.

Newest 55+ communities on this page:

Cresswind Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota)
Latitude at Margaritaville (Panama City)
Valencia Trails (Naples)
Del Webb Oak Creek- (North Ft Myers)
The Shores at Brightwater (Coming soon) by Freedom Homes in North Ft Myers
Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch Freedom
Regency at Babcock Ranch (coming) Charlotte County

S a r a s o t a C o u n t y

Sarasota/Manatee Venice. North Port. Longboat Key. Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch located near the area's top-ranked beaches

Lakewood Ranch is #2 in list of Top 50 master-planned communities by John Burns Real Estate Consultants with 250,000 acres of villages and amenities and has a golf club membership with fee which is optional, polo fields, sport courts, town center, and more. There are currently three gated 55 plus communities:

Cresswind Lakewood Ranch by Kolter Homes

$400's Cresswind Lakewood Ranch

LOCATION: Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota

FEATURE: Within Master Community; large homes; winner of architectural awards; gated

CONTACT: 5063 Simons Court - 941-217-7980 - Open 10-6 Daily; You can schedule a tour

10 designer-decorated models. Cresswind's resort-style living is about fitness, nutrition, and relationships. Single large to very large ranch homes starting in high $400's to $700's features estate-looking architecture.

250 acres of amenities
Dog park divided for large and small dogs
Resident clubhouse with a full-time Lifestyle Director
Fitness center
Event plaza
Large resort-style pool and spa with plenty of seating areas for space and resistance pool
Tennis
Pickle ball courts
And much more.

See their "Dare to Compare Home Shopping Checklist," a handy list to take with you when looking for your communities.

$400's Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch Freedom

LOCATION: Lakewood Ranch

FEATURE: In master community. Freedom by DR Horton Builders. According to agent this Lakewood Ranch community is not 55+ but geared toward. Please inquire.

CONTACT: 16921 Barnwood Place, Lakewood Ranch - Open Daily - 877-872-7772 (Online Consultant)

Medium to spacious single homes with private amenities and Lakewood Ranch amenities. Priced from $400,990's.

Resales in Lakewood Ranch

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch SOLD

LOCATION: Lakewood Ranch

FEATURE: In master community; gated

CONTACT: 6805 Del Webb Blvd.

The location, convenient to Sarasota and in Sarasota and Manatee counties, is ideal. Planned 1300 home sites for single-family homes and possibly some villas. A wide range of floor plans including smaller ones to large. Resort living with amenities galore and on-site Social Director. Small to large homes were from $360's.

Resales in Sarasota

Lakeridge Falls - Sarasota - 4200 Lakeridge Blvd. - Price: $$ - Gated, low maintenance, community built in 2003 characterized by tile roofs. Three communities comprise Lakeridge Falls. Stirling Falls contains 151 spacious individual homes. Victoria Falls is 110 duplex villas. Sandstone Falls is 138 garden villas. All this on 170 acres.
Some amenities include clubhouse, heated pool, spa, card rooms, bocce ball and more. This community is just minutes to downtown Sarasota and 15 minutes to beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys.
4200 Lakeridge Blvd., Sarasota - Contact local Realtors for resales.

Cascades - Price: $$-$$$ - luxury single homes in the guard-gated community featuring tile roofs and large clubhouse; indoor and outdoor pools, large tennis complex, fitness, activities and more.
Address: Lockwood Ridge Rd. just north of Sarasota County

Bent Tree - Price: Varies - This is a mature, gated condominium championship golf community of single homes built around Bent Tree Country Club - Optional golf - Heated pool - social activities - some over 55 neighborhoods in development.

Forest Pines - Grand Blvd. - Price: $ - older single-level condos in a maintenance-free community - amenities include pool, recreation facilities.

Gulf Shore of Longboat Key - Price: $$ - Mature development for 50+ consisting of mobile homes with beach access on the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities include boat slips, dock and pool.
Ph: 941-383-2254 (prop. mgr.) - 3710 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key

Sarasota Harbor - John Ringling Blvd. - Price: $$-$$$ - This is a waterfront community with marina slips, when they are available. It is an older community in a great location because some have Bay views.

Siesta Harbor - Portofino Dr. - This is a boating community, in Siesta Key area, of condos in mid-rise buildings. - Price: $$ - It has beach access, deep water harbor, fishing pier, pool, spa, and other recreational amenities.

Strathmore Riverside - Off Riverbluff Pkwy - Marina community of 70's detached villas. Price: $-$$ - It has a pool and recreational facilities.

Venice

Resales in Venice

Venetian Falls - Price-$, Size-Medium - Garden villas, single-family homes and paired villas by Centex - resort style in Venice. Villas were from upper $100's
Ph: 941-492-6913 (clubhouse) - Center and Jackson Rds., Venice - Resales

independent living in venice

Independent living is a type of community where your health allows you to live independently without supportive services and usually the community will have assisted living and/or memory care options available. May be age-restricted to 62+.

Aston Gardens at Pelican Pointe - You can rent a luxury apartment or purchase a villa. Independent senior living with assisted living available. Well landscaped grounds with walking paths. Minutes from downtown Venice. Ph: 941-257-4484 - 1000 Aston Gardens Dr., Venice

North Port

New and Resale Homes in North Port

$340's Cypress Falls at the Woodlands in North Port by Del Webb. - SOLD OUT

LOCATION: North Port

FEATURE: In master community The Woodlands

CONTACT: 2564 Arugula Dr., North Port - Single homes were from $340's - Size-Medium - gated - Resort amenities - North Port, FL paired villas and single family homes by Del Webb. (An all-age resort community is coming in Fall just down the street. See Arbor Oaks.)

Babcock Ranch

New Regency at Babcock Ranch - By Toll Brothers - single homes and townhomes - Sign VIP List now - Starting price is $404,995 for duets (verify) and single homes start in $400's. 44453 Little Blue Heron Way, Punta Gorda - at Babcock Ranch. 844-551-2787

Resale in Charlotte County

Kings Gate - Port Charlotte - If a person likes large gated communities with golf, this may be the right place. Some of the many amenities include a particularly large swim pool and 18-hole executive golf (open to public) with tropical resort feeling. Also, rentals are available at the real estate office on the site. There is a large selection of differing home sizes. Prices started in mid-$100's. 24297 West Gate Blvd., Port Charlotte

55+ in Lee County

Cape Coral
Fort Myers
North Ft Myers
Estero
Alva
Pine Island
Bonita Springs

Southwest Florida retirement communities are popular for tropical climate and beautiful beaches. It is also less crowded than other areas of Florida, making it attractive for retirees.

Resales in Bonita Springs

Valencia Bonita home at Bonita Springs Fl

Valencia Bonita 55+- Photo by GL Homes

Valencia Bonita - Sold

LOCATION: Bonita Springs

FEATURE: Resort Amenities

CONTACT: 28382 Turin Ct.

Record breaking sales by GL Homes and now sold out. - Alternative: See Valencia Trails in Naples. Now from $700's - Social clubs, luxurious clubhouse, pools, cabanas, spa, fire pits, clay tennis courts; attached and detached home collections. Some luxury interior features are standard.

Cordova at Spanish Wells - see local realtors

LOCATION: Bonita Springs

FEATURE: In Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club

CONTACT: 28474 Tasca Dr., Spanish Wells

Luxury homes by Toll Bros. Not over 55 but a private, gated community in great location. Social membership to Spanish Wells Golf and Country Club and Tarpon Cove Yacht and Racquet Club. Amenities include first-floor master suites, tennis, championship golf and 15 minutes to Gulf beaches. Were from $400's. Resales.

Estero

Tidewater SOLD OUT - Estero - 20110 Tavernier Dr., Estero By Del Webb - Where is Estero? Approximately 14-15 miles to either Fort Myers or Cape Coral and 26 miles to Naples. So you have your choice of nearby beaches. Resort amenities include:
Clubhouse, resort pool and spa
Fitness Center and Movement Studio
Outdoor barefoot bar
Lifestyle Director
Firepit and barbeque grill
Social Director for activities - Was from upper $300's

Fort Myers
The Ft. Myers area in Lee County on the west coast of Florida is known for more affordable communities.

Coming The Shores at Brightwater - By Freedom Homes - West side of Pritchett Rd. - Twin Villas and single homes - Start price in $300's (verify) - 239-225-2685. Amenities include:

Gated
Use of Crystal Lagoon located across street in Brightwater
Clubhouse and pool
Park
Walk Trails
Recreation: Fitness Center, bocce, pickle ball, tennis

$350's New Del Webb Oak Creek

LOCATION: North Ft Myers

FEATURE: Homes with personalization; resort amenities

CONTACT: Off Bayshore Rd. 1 mile west of I-75, North Ft. Myers; 239-356-0417

Gated community of single homes with a variety of designs starting at $350's. Resort amenities with Lifestyle Director (verify). Join VIP List on their website today.

$300's Cascades at River Hall - Final Opportunities!

LOCATION: Alva (Fort Myers)

FEATURE: In master community River Hall; waterfront; golf

CONTACT: 239-689-8790 - 2960 Apple Blossom Dr. - Open daily 11-5

By DR Horton - Brand new medium to large homes start from $300's. Within the River Hall master community with many amenities including golf, tennis, and waterfront views. Final homes now.

Resale in Fort Myers

Cinnamon Cove Retirement Community - Ft. Myers - Beaches nearby - More than 700 condominiums, singles and villas in this gated community - Clubhouse, Fitness Center and more. - They note: View this gated community only with a prior appointment with Realtor or resident of the community. 11620 Cinnamon Cove Blvd., Fort Myers - Resales

Cascades at Estero - Estero is south of Ft Myers - Located off Estero Pkwy - Price: $-$$$$ - Elegant entry greets one at this luxury community of large single homes. Amenities include clubhouse, pools, tennis and much more. Many floorplans. 9400 Cascades Isle Blvd., Estero - Property manager: 239-495-7937 - Resales

Heritage Cove in Fort Myers - Price: $-$$ - 169 single family homes and condos - community center, pool, beach, gated, tennis and more. There are many social clubs including a Veterans Club. 239-415-9500 - 14041 Brant Point Circle - Resales

Pelican Point - This is a condominium boating community located in Cape Coral on Viceroy Street. Amenities include pool. Resales

Pelican Preserve - By WCI Communities (Now part of the Lennar family of homes) - Elegant community of single homes, villas, carriage homes with 27-hole golf course, social activities, recreation and much more. 38 acres of preserve (verify). Large started in $200's. Popular community. 10571 Veneto Drive - Fort Myers - Resales

River Towers - Cape Coral - high rise condos with dock space and fishing pier on the river - amenities include pool, shuffleboard and more. 4280 SE 20th Place - On Beach Parkway - Resales

Seven Lakes - South Ft. Myers - golf and tennis gated community of 1000+ medium-rise condos and villas. Play 18-hole golf at no extra cost since included in H/O fee (verify). Other amenities include pool, wood shop and more. Prices started in very low $100's. U.S. 41 North of Daniels Pkwy. Resales

Low-priced condos in Fort Myers/Cape Coral-bargain-priced (prices listed are old prices--check with local realtors for resales.)

Avalon Place Condos - 6th Place, Cape Coral - 2-bedroom/2 bath garden condos - canal frontage, nearby fishing areas and boat docks.

Brandywine - South Ft. Myers - gated low-rise condos and attached villas in an area known for golf courses. Amenities include clubhouse, 2 pools, spa, tennis, social activities and more. Gulf access. Resales from low $100's to $200's.

Del Prado Park Townhouses - Cape Coral - 70's condo of 2 BR/2 1/2 Ba in 2-story building - Amenities include clubhouse and pool - no pets (verify) - outdoor parking - priced below $100's.

Forest Creek Villas - Bonita Springs - 23 duplex buildings next to a creek.

Pine Ridge of Fort Myers - On Lakeside Club Blvd. Gated 2 and 3-BR villa condos with pool, tennis, lake, walking path and more. Price: under $100,000. Also rentals listed on the website.

Seminole Garden Apartments in Seminole (Fort Myers) garden style, mid rise co-op - Management office Phone: 727-397-2534 - 8275 113th Street N., Seminole -many social clubs and activities - 53 acres and 2 lakes.

Seven Lakes - Cypress Lake Dr in Fort Myers - 2-bedroom condos with golf - Golf fees are included in condo fee so that residents can use 18-hole golf as often as they want. Price: Under $100,000 and up. Pool, tennis, woodworking shop and more.

Terrace Condo Village at Cross Creek - This is an active adult neighborhood within the gated Cross Creek Country Club development of 905 homes. Popular golf course community recognized for its value and amenities. Good opportunities among higher-priced homes.
Cross Creek Blvd. and Daniels in the southern part of Ft. Myers.

The Anchorage - Cape Coral - 2 bedroom/2 bath low-rise condos from the 70’s. Clubhouse, pool, docking for boats. Water views from balconies and Gulf access. Prices in medium $100’s. 19th Ave. See local Realtors for resales.

Tropic Terrace Gardens - condo villas in North Fort Myers on Pangola Dr. - priced under $100,000.

Windsong Condos - Cape Coral - 2 bedroom/2 bath low-rise on canal with views.Priced in low $100’s. 46th St. and Del Prado on canal. Built 1979 (verify).

Other areas:

Village Green of Bradenton - 2-bedroom villas - Village Green Parkway - 10 minutes to Anna Maria Island beaches. Pool - Low H/O - Built in 70's - hovering around the $100,000 mark and higher. See Realtor for resales.

Collier County

Bench looking out to beach in Naples Florida

Naples
North Naples
East Naples
Golden Gate
Lely
Naples Manor

Naples

$700's Valencia Trails

LOCATION: Naples

FEATURE: Surrounded by nature; gated

CONTACT: 11256 Daphne Ct; 239-262-4000; Open Daily 9-5

By GL Homes - Gorgeous entrance with gatehouse. Some features are: amenity-rich 43000 SF Clubhouse (now open); Whirlpool Spa; Lap pool; recreation; trails; dog park; fitness center; nail salon (verify); outdoor bar; sophisticated home designs and more.

$340's Del Webb Naples

LOCATION: Ave Maria

FEATURE: At Ave Maria master community; 18-hole Golf

CONTACT: 866-451-9322 - 6055 Anthem Pkwy, Naples - Open Daily

Price-$$$, Size-Medium. It is in a master planned community in Collier County of small to medium carriage, villa and single-family homes. 2 and 3-bedroom/2 Baths. Some amenities include outdoor heated pool, restaurant, and 18-holes championship golf Panther Run. Prices start $340's. 36 miles to Naples on the coast.

Sold Out in Naples

La Morada - 2183 Antigua Lane, Naples - Gated community with lakefront clubhouse. 2- and 3-bedrooms with flex rooms and first-floor living. Carriage homes designed to live like single family homes. Started from $300's By Lennar.

Regatta Landing in Windstar on Naples Bay - LOCATION: Naples - Small, gated, community with luxury amenities. 1700 Windstar Blvd. Gated community by CalAtlantic (part of Lennar) of 64 2 and 3-bedroom luxury condos in a waterfront area. Many amenities including private beach, pool with cabanas, golf, tennis, convenient to downtown and more. Started from low $600's. Resales

Verona Walk by DiVosta in Naples - Price $$-$$$$ - Development began in 2003 and projected 1984 homes built in phases. Two and three-bedroom single-family homes and townhomes. It is guard-gated and has a resort pool, tennis courts, and much more. Not active adult. 7676 Collier Blvd. Resales only.

independent living and life plan communities in naples

Moorings Park - Continuing care in Naples - Services include Independent living, assisted living if necessary, memory care, and skilled nursing. Amenities, social activities and much more. Entrance fee and monthly fee. Many housing types. 120 Moorings Park Dr., Naples - 239-317-8649 - Call for tour - Office open M-F

Pelican Marsh at Naples - Price-$$ - Size-Large - An Aston Gardens community. These are upscale purchase villas or rental apartments in an independent living community. It has assisted living suites with services. Enjoy a country club lifestyle with golf. Upscale rentals listed on site.
Ph: 239-449-8234 - 4800 Aston Gardens Way, Naples

Older Resale Condos - lower Priced in Naples

See your local Naples Realtors for resale listings. (Prices listed here are old prices.)

Courtwood - Palm River development in North Naples of low-rise condos built in 80's. Amenities include pool and lake. No RV parking.
Executive Club - at the Moorings - boating community of condos in $400's.
Fairways Naples - Start under $100's - pool, golf, medium-rise condos of small square footage - rentals allowed, clubhouse, pool.
Forest Lakes - condos and single family homes - golf, prices start $100's - 6 miles to "Old Naples"
Imperial Club - Co-op condos - low-rise building
Ixora Court - Priced in $300's.
Park Shores - Garden-style condos priced in $200's - pool, carports, neat landscaping - West of Highway 41
Park Place - Seagate neighborhood from $200's to over $1 Mil - single homes.
Valley Stream - Lely area of East Naples - garden style priced in $100's - good location near "Old Naples."
Villa Versailles - condos near "Old Naples." Pool.

panhandle

$300's Latitude at Margaritaville

LOCATION: Watersound (Panama City)

FEATURE: Margaritaville concept

CONTACT: 9201 Highway 79, Panama City Beach; 866-464-4753; Open Daily

By Minto Communities. They have 2 other Latitude communities in Florida. You can sign up for Minto Community updates on their website. Start $300's.

Best 55+ Communities with Golf in Southwest Florida (Resale)

Bent Tree-Sarasota
Pelican Preserve-Ft. Myers; 27-hole golf 
Cascades at River Hall-Alva (Ft. Myers)
Seven Lakes-Ft. Myers; 18-hole
Terrace Condo Village at Cross Creek
Regatta Landing-Naples
Del Webb Naples-Naples; 18-hole (new and resale)
Pelican Marsh-Naples-Independent Living 
Fairways Naples-Naples
Lakewood Ranch-Lakewood Ranch (new and resale)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the best west coast florida retirement communities?

A: Cresswind Lakewood Ranch

Valencia Trails in Naples

2. Where are the most affordable west coast florida retirement communities?

A: Latitude at Margaritaville at Watersound

Del Webb Oak Creek - No. Fort Myers

Look for coming communities with villas

3. Where are the most popular west coast florida retirement communities?

A: Cresswind Lakewood Ranch - Sarasota

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch - Sarasota

Del Webb Naples - Naples

Related pages for Florida

55+ Communities in Tampa

Florida Apartments