Disclaimer: Hyperlinks and mentions of Florida 55+ communities on this publish don’t represent an endorsement. Worth ranges, providers, and facilities can change — please go to a group’s web site for essentially the most up-to-date info. HomeLight all the time recommends doing your personal analysis to find out which group vacation spot is finest to your scenario.
Deciding the place to retire will be some of the vital monetary choices you make. Florida is a pure alternative for a lot of, with affordability, a gentle local weather, and various tradition as prime components working in its favor. As well as, Kiplinger’s Private Finance Journal additionally stories a excessive inhabitants at retirement age and no state earnings tax as interesting life-style concerns for these looking for a snug place to spend their senior years.
Final yr, 329,717 retirees or older People migrated to The Sunshine State. This inflow of mature residents performs a task within the demand for 55+ communities for seniors in search of a life-style that matches their golden-year targets and monetary sources.
Retirees make up 21% of Florida’s complete inhabitants or about 4.5 of the state’s 21.7 million residents.
On this publish, we’ve consulted with top-performing actual property agent Brenda Bianchi, who has in depth expertise — practically 40 years — available in the market, serving to seniors relocate. We’ve additionally researched among the finest 55+ communities by way of life-style, location, affordability, and security.
To compile this checklist, we thought of the next:
- Location and facilities (proximity to seashores, golf programs, airports, and different factors of curiosity)
- Close by entry to high quality healthcare
- Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
- Rankings and critiques (55places.com, Area of interest.com, Yelp, Google)
- Dwelling choices accessible (ground plans, housing varieties, and worth factors)
- Homebuyer curiosity (reputation)
- Safety and surrounding crime charges
What’s a 55+ group?
A 55+ group is an age-restricted group that will not essentially be unique to retirees. These developments require residents to be over the age of 18, they usually usually require full-time residents to be over the age of 55; youthful guests are welcome for sure parts of the yr. 55+ group members usually get pleasure from handy hobbies and facilities, together with entry to outside and health actions, social life infrastructure, and offered transportation to close by locations for procuring, leisure, and healthcare.
These communities are a well-liked alternative for People making a transfer to retire, downsizing as they put together for retirement, or simply simplifying their lives after reaching the age of 55. Housing choices might embrace every thing from single indifferent homes to duplex- or condominium-style items.
What are the preferred retirement cities in Florida?
In response to U.S. Information & World Report, among the hottest or finest cities in Florida for retired or older People embrace:
- Sarasota (inhabitants 803,709)
- Naples (inhabitants 371,453)
- Daytona Seaside (inhabitants: 646,288)
- Melbourne (inhabitants 585,507)
- Tampa (inhabitants 3,097,859)
- Fort Myers (inhabitants 737,468)
- Port St. Lucie (inhabitants 472,012)
- Pensacola (inhabitants 488,246)
- Lakeland (inhabitants: 686,218)
- Ocala (inhabitants: 353,526)
Why do seniors select Florida to retire?
There are various the reason why Florida is an interesting vacation spot for People making a transfer to retire or to downsize in anticipation of retirement. A number of the most notable embrace:
- No state earnings tax (serving to to stretch retirement financial savings earnings)
- Giant variety of adults aged 55+ (life-style geared towards an ageing inhabitants)
- Favorable price of dwelling
- Gentle winters
- Out of doors actions to remain energetic (seashores, parks, golf, pickleball, and so on.)
- Theme parks and family-friendly points of interest
- Availability of high quality healthcare
Our picks for among the finest 55+ communities in Florida
There are tons of of 55+ communities in Florida. Primarily based on the parameters we listed above, we’ll present details about some communities we really feel are price additional consideration. We’ll additionally present a bit on how one can find 55+ communities in your space.
Please word that each one costs on this publish are based mostly on energetic listings on the time of writing, in addition to marketed worth ranges offered by group gross sales workplaces.
Kings Level (Solar Metropolis Heart)
Web site: kingspointsuncitycenter.com
Telephone quantity: (813) 642-8990
Location: Solar Metropolis Heart, Florida
Worth vary: Low $130s to mid $300s
About: Kings Level is a gated group inside the in style retirement city of Solar Metropolis Heart. The encompassing group is comprised of practically 70% retirees, based on the newest census, and presents a life-style targeted on inexpensive, wholesome dwelling. Kings Level, a gated growth inside the metropolis, is filled with facilities and well-reviewed by each new and longtime residents.
Properly-established houses right here started development within the mid-Nineteen Seventies and concluded in 2015. The group has a north and a south aspect, with clubhouses, swimming pools, and safety gates serving every. A packed social calendar connects residents to hobbies, together with every thing from dominoes and quilting to a metaphysical dialogue group.
Rankings and critiques: Reviewers at 55places share the impression that this group is “a dream come true.” Writers at Neighborhoods.com give nods to “immaculate” grounds and ample alternatives to attach with others socially.
Noteworthy close by facilities or points of interest: Solar Metropolis Heart (SCC) is exterior of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The town works exhausting to have interaction senior residents and coordinates actions that embrace journey golf equipment, veterans’ teams, inventive performances, and pet curiosity teams. As well as, the SCC Safety Squad offers residents with free life assist and ambulance providers. Per the town’s web site, this city has the bottom crime charge in Hillsborough County.
On Prime of the World
Web site: ontopoftheworldcommunities.com
Telephone quantity: (352) 414-0447
Location: Ocala, Florida
Worth vary: Higher $100s to mid $600s
About: Lauded for its many facilities, On Prime of the World is a staple model for 55+ communities. Based in 1947, this firm is a confirmed and longtime participant available in the market. On Prime of the World has develop into well-known for its energetic social group, which incorporates tons of of curiosity golf equipment. Whether or not your passion is flying RC planes, taking part in pickleball, mannequin trains, woodworking, or talking Italian, there’s possible a distinct segment group tailor-made to attach you with neighbors who share your passions.
For these trying to personalize their new dwelling, On Prime of the World presents a non-public Design Studio to residents wishing to customise or improve their areas. A novel partnership with Grasp the Prospects persevering with schooling presents residents entry to a lecture corridor and a broad array of programs, enrolling over 25,000 college students yearly.
Rankings and critiques: Google critiques for this group point out ample and various alternatives to get — and keep — concerned. Reviewers additionally word quite a few facilities, together with procuring, eating places, golf equipment, and outside recreation, with out leaving the event. As well as, reviewers on 55places point out that whereas grounds maintenance is usually a stumbling block, the over 200 golf equipment and fixed actions preserve residents extremely engaged with their group.
Noteworthy close by facilities or points of interest: The rapidly-growing metropolis of Ocala is well-known for being pleasant to retirees. Boasting stunning parks, well-maintained historic websites, a youngsters’s museum, and year-round civic recreation actions, Ocala is positioned simply west of the Nationwide Forest sharing its title, and is only a few miles from Silver Springs State Park. As well as, Ocala is called the “Horse Capital of the World” and is dwelling to the Florida Horse Park for equine fans.
Latitude Margaritaville (Daytona Seaside)
Web site: latitudemargaritaville.com
Telephone quantity: (866) 464-7137
Location: Daytona Seaside (this model additionally has communities in Panama Metropolis Seaside, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina)
Worth vary: beginning within the excessive $200s
About: This award-winning group is a three way partnership between Minto Communities and singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Holdings. Its success has resulted in two extra retirement communities modeled after the unique location in Daytona Seaside.
Named a prime group by The place to Retire Journal, residents of this group can get pleasure from a non-public seashore membership overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many options are included as the usual on houses in Latitude Margaritaville — home equipment, warranties, and power effectivity. Neighborhood facilities additionally embrace a pet spa, bandshell, tiki bars, and a resort-style pool.
Rankings and critiques: This group’s quite a few award recognitions and prolonged ready checklist are offset considerably by blended critiques on-line. These on Google converse extremely of the ground plans accessible and the neighborhood’s relaxed environment, however booming demand has made some prospects really feel dismissed by this group’s gross sales staff. Equally-mixed critiques on 55places applaud the personal membership however word that residents should take a shuttle even to achieve the seashore.
Noteworthy close by facilities or points of interest: Positioned inside Daytona Seaside metropolis limits, residents can benefit from the conveniences of being close to a world airport and the well-known Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Whereas houses right here will not be walkable to the Atlantic coast, a non-public shuttle is on the market, and the seashore is a brief drive from the group. Proximity to Daytona correct means easy accessibility to healthcare, procuring, leisure, parks, and a boardwalk.
The Villages
Web site: thevillages.com
Telephone quantity: (352) 753-6655
Location: Central Florida, 45 miles northwest of Orlando and 75 miles northeast of Tampa
Worth vary: Mid $100s (manufactured dwelling choices) to $1M+ (customized designer houses)
About: The Villages, unprecedented in measurement and scope, is an immense Florida 55+ group with life-style choices for nearly any worth level. Comprised of over 70,000 houses, The Villages space covers 82 sq. miles and is the biggest senior dwelling group within the state, with 50 golf programs and 230 pickleball courts on the property. This growth even boasts its personal hospital, operated in partnership with the College of Florida.
With ample retail and eating, residents needn’t depart group gates to entry eating places, small retailers, and nationwide chains like Goal and Publix. As well as, many levels of senior care can be found right here, from unbiased and assisted dwelling to reminiscence care and expert nursing items. For many who need entry to senior dwelling and an amenities-packed life-style with no property to take care of, The Lofts flats are additionally a rentable on-site possibility.
Rankings and critiques: “The Villages is a lifestyle,” remarks one reviewer on Yelp, and this life-style has each its avid followers and pissed off neighbors throughout the online. General, impressions are constructive — and this growth sees continued success and growth attributable to its many enthusiastic residents. Constructed by many various builders unfold throughout county strains, property age and high quality vary throughout the board. Reviewers on 55places converse to unbelievable comfort, whether or not accessing grocery shops or dinners out by golf cart or the numerous websites of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, all three of that are reachable as a day journey by automobile.
Noteworthy close by facilities or points of interest: As famous above, this group is uniquely located an hour from Orlando, 90 minutes from Tampa, and below three hours from Jacksonville. Positioned in Central Florida, each the Gulf and Atlantic coasts are accessible by day journey as effectively. Whereas a lot is located in The Villages group, entry to the remainder of Florida and the area is conveniently positioned.
Solivita
Web site: solivitasales.com
Telephone quantity: (407) 414-8514
Location: Kissimmee, Florida (~22 miles south of Orlando)
Worth vary: Excessive $200s to low $700s resale; new builds starting within the mid-$300s
About: Whereas Solivita has been open for over 20 years, new-build houses are nonetheless accessible for many who need them. This isn’t the case in lots of communities throughout Florida, which have concluded the development of latest houses. Hundreds of properties with many various floorplans can be found, from simply over 1,000 sq. ft to over 3,000 sq. ft.
A baseball discipline is one distinctive amenity on this group. Nevertheless, there are acquainted options to get pleasure from, together with a central downtown village (financial institution, pharmacy, artwork studios, and eating places), the Palms complicated homes swimming pools, tennis courts, and extra. A spa and health middle homes a heated lap pool, indoor observe, and group health courses for residents and visitors.
Rankings and critiques: Solivita is favorably reviewed in 55places the place residents converse extremely of lovely and well-maintained grounds. Greater than 150 Google critiques common a 4.5/5 ranking, with a sprinkling of unfavorable critiques mentioning the gross sales staff particularly. Reviewers on each websites say “reasonable” HOA charges are a very good worth.
Noteworthy close by facilities or points of interest: Surrounded by public parks, Solivita is handy to the numerous outside actions Florida presents year-round. The group can also be lower than an hour from Orlando and even nearer to the Orlando airport, just below half-hour away. This proximity to such conveniences provides it the advantages of a giant metropolis whereas retaining a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere on Solivita grounds. Evaluations on 55places are strongly constructive, citing stunning houses, well-kept grounds, and golf-cart-friendliness.
How can I discover a 55+ group close to me?
There are various different 55+ communities in Florida. One technique to see your choices is to look the web with phrases comparable to “55 and older communities near me” or “retirement communities near me.” Test scores, critiques, and feedback posted on the Higher Enterprise Bureau, Google Evaluations, and trade web sites.
One other technique to discover a high quality 55+ or retirement group close to you is to seek the advice of a prime actual property agent in your space. An skilled agent who is aware of your market can present precious insights into group traits, comparable to crime charges, affordability, dwelling development high quality, and the repute of the governing affiliation.
12 inquiries to ask before you purchase a house in a 55+ group
Listed here are 12 important inquiries to ask earlier than you commit to buying a house in a 55+ group.
1. Will I personal the house, or is that this a lease group?
This may increasingly appear apparent, however in terms of 55+ or retirement communities, varied sorts of property will be accessible. You might want to personal your house for monetary causes, or you could want to lease a unit to maximise your flexibility in retirement. Some communities provide each; others might help you personal and lease out your property. You’ll wish to make sure you verify group guidelines (see #3 on this checklist) earlier than renting your property out if that’s a part of your retirement plan (as an illustration, in the event you’re out of state for a part of the yr). Not all communities allow renting residents.
2. What’s included in your month-to-month cost?
Figuring out all the prices of dwelling locally is essential, not simply lease or mortgage funds. You’ll want to think about whether or not varied issues are included along with your month-to-month property bills; a number of to think about are:
- Landscaping and pool upkeep
- HOA charges
- Neighborhood class charges
- Admission to group options like eating places, courses, golf equipment, or spas positioned on the grounds
- Shuttle service to facilities close by
You’ll want to get essentially the most to your greenback, but in addition that you just aren’t paying for facilities that can go unused.
3. What are the group guidelines?
Most energetic grownup communities have a algorithm that residents should observe. These would possibly embrace:
- Customer restrictions (age, quantity, and length of keep for kids, grandchildren)
- Pets (limits on what number of, allowable breeds and sizes)
- Parking (variety of automobiles and the place they are often parked; consideration for RVs, boats)
- Exterior paint colours
- Costume codes in public areas
- Garden/landscaping upkeep enforcement
- Renting (limitations or restrictions)
- Renovation/enchancment restrictions
- Noise (daytime and nighttime decibel allowances)
4. What are your new neighbors like?
Good neighbors play a substantial position in your high quality of life, particularly while you retire. Find out about what life is like within the neighborhood. If attainable, attend some group occasions and get to know among the residents in your potential neighborhood. Many communities provide “discovery” occasions, together with in a single day guided excursions of assorted dwelling choices and neighborhood facilities.
Many 55+ communities provide social occasions like ebook golf equipment, artwork courses, health actions, cookoffs, and extra to attach residents. You might be in search of a group of like-minded folks with shared pursuits or looking for publicity to variety the place you reside. It doesn’t matter what you’re in search of, figuring out what’s in retailer socially will issue into your decision-making course of. For instance, some communities worth quiet and calm, whereas others provide a extra energetic tempo.
5. What plans are there for the adjoining property?
It is a essential query for newly-constructed 55+ communities. Figuring out what you may look forward to finding close by will be more and more essential as your age advances (and probably your mobility declines). Know whether or not properties adjoining to your personal are deliberate for additional residential growth or if there are different issues in retailer. In case you plan to remain at this property indefinitely, you’ll wish to know whether or not that vacant lot close by is fated to develop into an elementary college or a regional airport. Such developments may have a long-term impression in your property’s enchantment and worth.
6. What kind of assessments have been made?
Assessments will be anticipated for any group growth, however for seniors dwelling on a hard and fast earnings, having the ability to predict your property taxes could also be essential to balancing the remainder of your finances every month. Even as soon as your mortgage cost is a factor of the previous, property tax payments will proceed — and also you’ll wish to know what to anticipate. As well as, property taxes fluctuate relying on the place you wish to purchase, so be conscious of the price and whether or not it has a historical past of fluctuating.
7. Is the group financially sound?
You’ll want to know if the developer and affiliation are on stable monetary floor earlier than you commit to buying or leasing a house. These events are sometimes accountable for group upkeep and facilities, so you’ll want to guarantee their solvency as a lot as you wish to guarantee your house is the fitting match. Briefly: do your homework! Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed details about board governance or group financials.
8. Is the group capable of sustain with future progress?
Is there ample infrastructure, sensible planning, and expandable area to develop as wanted? What if the pursuits of the group shift over time? If the group has been established for years, are there long-range plans to restore and change key infrastructural parts like water strains and native streets? These obligations might fall inside the purview of your village or group moderately than within the metropolis the place you reside. Be certain you understand who’s accountable for these choices and their prices.
9. Is there a reserve fund for upkeep?
Additionally generally generally known as a sinking fund, it is a monetary security internet for vital sudden future bills incurred on the group degree (as an illustration, re-roofing the group middle). Know whether or not there’s a reserve fund put aside for big group upkeep initiatives like changing pool furnishings after a storm or facilitating an air-con alternative on the clubhouse. Whereas some communities keep funds for these bills and tackle them as wanted for residents, others might anticipate you to actively elevate funds as an HOA member. Both manner, how massive maintenance bills are dealt with might impression your choice to purchase in a specific growth.
10. What different initiatives belong to this developer?
Analysis the builder of your house and the bigger group, and ask for references. How lengthy has the corporate been in enterprise, and have they efficiently invested in related communities in different cities or states? An organization or funding group with the confirmed means to drive property values upward will possible do the identical to your new neighborhood. However, if the corporate has allowed its earlier investments to say no, you could want additional reassurance that historical past received’t repeat itself — or you could want to search property elsewhere.
11. Is the governing affiliation simple to work with?
You will have a group board with a confirmed observe file of working collectively and discovering options. In case you uncover a dysfunctional board led by power-hungry or inept people, it might trigger nice angst and hurt the unity of your complete group. Ask a number of completely different residents; verify along with your actual property agent. Discover out if the board and its members are competent, efficient, and civil. One free useful resource to analysis your affiliation or HOA is communityassociations.internet.
12. What life are accommodated?
You’ll want to think about whether or not you’d choose an energetic group of youthful senior residents or a group the place you may age into providers like assisted dwelling or reminiscence/hospice care if wanted. Would you like a single-family dwelling, or are you trying to buy a unit inside a bigger constructing? Is handicap accessibility important to you or a member of the family? Do you want a group that’s totally navigable on foot or by golf cart?
Take a look at the group surrounding your neighborhood
Vetting the 55+ group with the 12 questions above will aid you uncover essential insights into what life is perhaps like inside the boundaries of these neighborhoods, however you’ll want to look past the entrance gates.
To actually determine the perfect 55+ group, you also needs to analysis the historical past, repute, tradition, and facilities of the encircling host metropolis or city. Then, discover out what the world presents that may enhance or improve your retirement years.
- How far-off are the closest hospital and different medical services?
- What are the security and crime charges of the encircling metropolis or city?
- How simple is it to entry main highways and commuting routes?
- Is it positioned straight on a busy, noisy freeway or close to different potential noise disturbances like a schoolyard?
- Are there varied conveniences close by, comparable to eating places, banks, or grocery shops?
- For pets, are there parks, groomers, and veterinarians close by?
- Is there a bus route or commuter rail that serves the world?
- Are there close by church buildings or locations of worship that suit your beliefs?
- Are there undesirable companies or manufacturing services close by?
- Is it close to sufficient to an airport for comfort, or too shut with extreme noise?
- Are there connecting bike paths or strolling/mountaineering trails?
Let’s say you progress right into a retirement group as a result of, clearly, you need the actions. However then rapidly your well being begins failing, and you’ll want to transfer again in with household, or you’ll want to transfer into assisted dwelling. Is there first proper of refusal — are you able to lease [the property out]?
Brenda Bianchi Actual Property Agent
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Brenda Bianchi Actual Property Agent at Your Dwelling Offered Assured Realty – Outcomes Group, INC At the moment accepting new purchasers
- Years of Expertise 41
- Transactions 706
- Common Worth Level $221k
- Single Household Properties 426
Briefly, determine the life-style you need from a 55+ group
Take into account the way you want to focus your life-style transferring ahead, advises Bianchi. “The first thing I would find out from you is: what do you like doing?” She says that whereas many communities share frequent facilities, not all are accommodating of one thing — a pet or boat, as an illustration — that could be a key part of your life-style.
“Do you want a single-family home, a townhome, or a condo? If you have pets, be aware that some of these communities don’t allow pets — so that’s big.” If in case you have a pet, Bianchi advises you to verify the dimensions, breed, and variety of pets in opposition to group pointers, which fluctuate. If in case you have a ship or RV, Bianchi recommends trying into the specifics of the place you may park your car — whether or not in your driveway or elsewhere on group grounds. Even parking limitations on common automobiles can restrict your means to host visitors, so know what number of parking areas you’ll need versus what number of are allotted.
Resale restrictions are one thing to be conscious of as effectively, Bianchi warns. “Let’s say you move into a retirement community because, obviously, you want the activities,” she suggests. “But then all of a sudden your health starts failing, and you need to move back in with family, or you need to move into assisted living. Is there first right of refusal — can you rent [the property out]?” Bianchi warns of those questions you’ll wish to ask upfront as a result of coping with property hitches and well being issues can mix into an pointless headache.
Q&A: Extra ideas and insights about 55+ communities in Florida
What’s the largest 55+ group in Florida?
The Villages is Florida’s largest 55+ group, spanning greater than 138,000 residents over 71,000 items throughout 82 sq. miles. This settlement crosses a number of county strains, occupies a number of zip codes, and homes every thing from its personal Okay-12 constitution college system to a hospital on its grounds. As well as, the group has over 200 pickleball courts, its personal public security division, and personal lakes for fishing and watersports.
How a lot does it price to dwell in a 55+ group in Florida?
There are 55+ communities in Florida to swimsuit each worth level, from residents with a restricted money stream to these with a style for top-tier luxurious. From lower-cost cell dwelling parks and manufactured housing communities in age-restricted communities to multi-million greenback developments, there’s something accessible for everybody.
For extremely developed properties like The Villages, houses start as little as the low $200,000s and exceed $1 million, relying on property price, property tax, and facilities.
What’s the 80/20 rule in some 55+ communities?
The U.S. Division of Housing and City Improvement mandates that to adjust to truthful housing legal guidelines, age-restricted communities for residents aged 55 and up should fill no less than 80% of their items with no less than one occupant becoming the age designation. There aren’t any restrictions on the age of the inhabitants within the remaining 20% of residences.
Communities wishing to market themselves as 55+ should be clear about their intent to accommodate older populations and have a way in place for verifying resident age.
When ought to I go to a potential 55+ group?
To get the clearest image, it’s finest to go to at completely different occasions of the yr. You might love an space you visited on trip within the fall, however that doesn’t imply you’ll prefer it within the winter. Bear in mind, you’re making long-term retirement plans, so a number of visits are well worth the time and funding. It’s additionally precious to think about a number of completely different retirement places and evaluate the advantages and downsides.
Are there actual property brokers focusing on serving to seniors?
Sure. Brokers can obtain a specialty certification from The Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors to develop into a Seniors Actual Property Specialist or SRES. An SRES agent can be well-versed within the areas of retirement, downsizing, and extra. See our publish: Ought to You Rent an Agent Who Is a Seniors Actual Property Specialist?
Conclusion: Strive before you purchase
There are such a lot of choices for these kind of communities in Florida. In case you can, take the time to go to a number of of the places which are most attention-grabbing to you. It will aid you to discern one from the following and which 55+ group is perhaps the perfect match for you.
Working with a trusted actual property agent who’s well-versed within the native market will help to match what you’re in search of with the numerous choices accessible. As well as, connecting with an SRES agent or a top-performing agent within the space you’re trying to buy could make the search course of rather more streamlined — and pleasant. To get began, go to our free Agent Match platform to kick off your seek for a fantastic 55+ group in Florida.
