Retirement Communities in Florida
Communities that are primarily restricted to residents over the age of 55 are found throughout Florida. Are you wondering where the best retirement communities in Florida are? Well, my first question to you is why do you want to limit your search to only 55+ communities? What is it about Florida retirement communities that attracts you? Is it the ability to make friends easily, the low-maintenance lifestyle, a wealth of possible amenities, or are you just hoping for a quiet neighborhood to call home? Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to look specifically for retirement communities in Florida to find what you are looking for; and furthermore, not all Florida retirement communities will have what you are hoping to find. Read more below about some things to consider when searching for the community best suited to your retirement dreams.
Retirees Form the Majority of Many Florida Communities
First of all, consider the fact that Florida is a mecca for retirees both young and old. Florida ranks 2nd (behind Maine) as the state with the most residents over 65. Throughout most of the state you’ll find that the vast majority of the residents in condos near the ocean/gulf are retirees. And in low-maintenance, amenity-rich neighborhoods of single-family-homes and townhouses you’ll find a good percentage of residents are also over 55, regardless of whether or not the association is designated as a 55+ community.
Not All 55 Plus Communities in Florida Offer a Wealth of Amenities
If you’ve been researching 55+ communities in Florida you have probably heard of The Villages, Central Florida’s massive retirement community often referred to as “Disney World for Old Folks”. Well, The Villages is somewhat unique among Florida 55+ communities. It is know for being a party place and appeals to the most social retirees. But Florida 55 plus communities vary greatly in size, cost and amenities, although most do offer at least a swimming pool. Some communities are small, older, two story condo complexes while others are massive communities offering every style of home and condo. If it’s amenities and sense of community that you are looking for, then consider searching instead for master-planned communties or resort-style living.
If You're Looking to Socialize with People of Your Own Age, Consider When the Community was Built
Naturally, 55+ communities in Florida are limited to people over 55 (with some exceptions). So, that includes residents from 55 to around 105. If you’re just now retiring, your idea of socializing in retirement may not include people in the 80+ age range. I’ve found, through my own personal experience, that retirement communities and oceanfront condos that were built between 20 and 30 years ago, are now predominantly owned by people in their 80’s and 90’s. This is because people who are buying into brand new retirement communities tend to be people who are just beginning retirement. Once the community/condo is older than 30 years, a significant amount of turnover begins to happen and the age range of the residents becomes more varied and ultimately younger.
Low-Maintenance Neighborhoods Aren't Limited to Retirement Communities
A low-maintenance lifestyle is popular among many age groups, not just retirees. It seems that millennials are particularly attracted to the more care-free lifestyle of a low-maintenance home. So, if you think it might be fun to share a neighborhood with a mixture of younger and older residences, then consider searching specifically for low maintenance Florida communities that are not designated as 55+.
In case you still want to look specifically for retirement communities in Florida, we are currently working on a list of featured 55+ neighborhoods. Consider signing up to receive an email alert anytime we make updates/additions to our website content. We promise we won’t spam you or sell your contact information!
