Active Adult Communities Cater to Florida Retirees

There are a lot of compelling reasons for senior citizens to settle down in Florida, which may explain the high percentage of retirees living here.

According to the Pew Research Center, more than 19% of the state's population is in that age bracket. Some areas of Florida have an even higher concentration.

In a few parts of Florida, such as Sumter County, near Orlando, literally one out of every two people is 65 or older. With senior populations of 37.7% and 35.2%, respectively, Charlotte County and Citrus County are also high in that demographic. This trend began back in the 1970s and is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. It's also having a major impact on new home construction and the expansion of "active adult communities."

Forty years ago, Florida real estate developers recognized the emerging need for residential communities that catered exclutively to the lifestyle needs of aging Baby Boomers. As a result, at least 20 such communities have sprung up and are growing throughout the state of Florida.

The most impressive example is The Villages Community. According to the website "55places," The Villages Community is situated on over 20,000 acres of land and is spread out over three counties. Although it started as a small neighborhood in 1978, its population is approaching more than 56,000 households.

Considering its size, it's not surprising that this age-restricted community has become a self-sustaining town with its own retail stores, restaurants, banks, post offices, healthcare centers, and recreational facilities. The Villages' three town squares offer residents everything from musical productions and first-run movies to free nightly entertainment and scenic boat tours of Lake Sumter. Residents have access to fitness facilities, meeting rooms, swimming pools, craft studios, tennis courts, and other amenities.

Two other highly ranked active adult communities are 'On Top of the World' in Ocala, Florida, and Solivita in Kissimmee. On Top of the World is a community consisting of approximately 10,000 homes, three golf courses, fitness centers, and an 830-seat auditorium, where residents can see concerts, theatrical productions, and other events. The planned community also offers residents maintenance-free homes, continuing education classes, club activities, and other programs. With around 5,900 homes, Solivita is smaller in scope than The Villages and On Top of the World, but features similar amenities. In addition to two 18-hole golf courses, it offers residents creative activities, like ceramics, painting, and sculpture.

In its list of best active adult communities in the United States, 55places also ranked dozens of other residential communities catering to the senior population. The ones in Florida include Stone Creek (Ocala), Sun City Center, Kings Point (Sun City Center), Del Webb Ponte Vedra, Del Webb Naples (Ave Maria). Pelican Preserve (Fort Myers), Sweetwater (Jacksonville), The Plantation At Leesburg, Valencia Lakes (Wimauma), Southshore Falls (Apollo Beach), Heritage Isle (Viera), Oak Run (Ocala), Del Webb Orlando (Davenport), Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club (San Antonio), Spruce Creek Country Club (Summerfield), Ocala Palms, and King Isles (Port St. Lucie).

Your real estate agent can provide you with more information on retirement communities in Florida, as well as other homes for sale that meet your budget and your lifestyle requirements.