Retirement doesn’t mean “end,” it’s simply moving to a new chapter in life. But you have to be smart with choosing the right community for you to ensure your life goes as smoothly as you dreamed of.
That’s why we are here with the top 5 most sought-after towns for active seniors in Florida. If you are still in search of the perfect post-retirement home, this guide is for you.
Things Active Seniors Look For In A Retirement Community
Active seniors want to be away from crowded metropolitan cities. That’s why most retirement communities are located in suburbs. But the trick is finding a community with amazing views and fun activities.
The community must be large enough with fellow retirees who share similar interests as you. So, you have a partner/partners for gardening, birdwatching, fishing, trekking, or whatever hobby you are into.
Apart from that, the said community must be in proximity to decent healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and recreational spaces, so the drive doesn’t suck your whole day away.
To be honest, public transportation facilities are complementary. The majority of retirees prefer traveling by car rather than by bus or train.
Why Florida Tops The Chart- Active Seniors POV
With over 55+ retirement communities, Florida tops the chart as the best state in the USA for active seniors. Here’s why.
First of all, there’s never a dull day. Florida’s year-round summer, along with access to exotic beaches, makes it one of the best vacation venues in the USA. No doubt, active retirees can get more outdoor activities done in Florida than in any other state, especially those with harsh and long winters.
Florida has the largest number of retirement communities. That allows seniors to be surrounded by like-minded and similar-aged people. There are a lot of opportunities to socially connect with people you share hobbies with.
From musicals to golfing, the entertainment scene is quite diverse in Florida. It’s very easy for new retirees to find a community that facilitates their recreational preferences. No doubt, new retirees look forward to starting the new innings of their lives in Florida.
Top 5 Most Sought-After Retirement Towns for Active Seniors
1. The Villages- The Golf Heaven Of Florida
If there’s one thing “The Villages” is popular for, it would be golf. The entire 36,000 acres is designed around golf courses. From executive courses to championship-style layouts, golf is a way of life here.
If you have ever had a dream of bettering your swing, the Villages should be your next destination after retirement. The entire neighborhood, including cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers, is connected through golf cart paths. So, don’t be surprised if you notice more golf carts than cars on the street.
Not just golf, you can try your hand at pickleball, basketball, tennis lots of other fun sports. At first glance, the town looks like it’s built keeping health and wellness in mind. So, sports, kayaking, aerobics centers, yoga, etc, are embedded in everyday life here. The Villages undoubtedly is for seniors planning to lead an active and full of purpose lifestyle post-retirement.
2. Del Webb Naples- Enjoy Year-Round Sunshine
Built around the Gulf Coast, Naples is synonymous with beaches, including all the fun summer activities you can think of. The main beach is easily accessible from downtown. So, you can enjoy lots of family picnics, volleyball competitions with peers, or just lying back under the warm sun.
The retirement communities in Naples are mostly known for being upscale. Oceanfront condos, maintenance-free apartments, and even concierge-style living in very common here. Most communities offer resort-like services that include pool, spa, yoga, fitness center, fine dining, and so on.
For recreation, there’s golf (90+ courses scattered around the town, including PGA tour hosts), a National park, a swamp sanctuary, etc. You can go fishing, boating, kayaking, or just stroll around the ponds to soak in the sun.
If you are someone who has had to live in a northern state for most of your life and missed out on great summer days, Naples is waiting for you with open arms.
3. Sarasota- Artsy & Vibrant
Active doesn’t have to mean sports and fitness, right? Some people love exploring the arts, museums to nourish their souls. If you can relate to this category, Sarasota is the retirement town for you.
It’s growing in popularity as more and more people search for a purpose to pursue after retirement; something they easily find here. Consider musical nights, themed events, and book clubs a part of life. There are also workshops and lectures you can enroll in, depending on your field of interest. It keeps your mind engaged and entertained in the best possible way.
Almost every amenity you need in a retirement community is available here as well. From 24/7 security to assistance for patients with Alzheimer’s, retirement communities in Sarasota offer everything, including the artsy perks not many communities in the USA can.
4. Ocala- Equestrian Yet Affordable
Ocala is popular among retirees who prefer living close to nature and animals, or show we call farmhouse-style living. Even though the Villages has every amenity you could ask for, communities in this premier neighborhood feel more refined or polished.
Seniors who want to experience a more authentic and simple lifestyle choose Ocala. Quiet Ocala is the largest (600+) thoroughbred horse farm in the USA. The World Equestrian Center is also located here. So, as a retiree living in Ocala, you are exposed to lots of international-level horse shows, horse riding competitions, show jumping, etc.
Many retirees end up opening their own hobby farm here. If you prefer building and working on your own farm in your leisure time to relaxing at a spa, Ocala is more suited to your taste.
5. Wellington, Florida- The Best of Everything
If you are confused regarding what type of community you should be a part of, consider Wellington, Florida. It offers you the best of everything we just described.
Known as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, Wellington tempts you to own and ride horses as a hobby. From jan to April, multiple horse shows are organized, inviting world-class riders and enthusiasts to Wellington.
Apart from the festive season, it’s quiet and low-key. Missing the beaches? Miami is only 90 minutes away. The retirement communities are in close proximity to top-class healthcare facilities. The best part is its diversity. Wellington doesn’t limit retirees when it comes to housing options. There are even luxury neighborhoods with highly sought-after villas and mansions. And, even though the median home price here has an increasing trend, it’s still affordable, unlike coastal states in the USA.
Bottom Line
All the towns mentioned here have top-notch amenity-packed retirement communities. But before you say yes, pay attention to who your neighbors are, what type of circle you will be a part of, and whether there are enough opportunities to pursue your life goals here.