Between the year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches, and lively, active community, it’s no surprise that Florida is one of the best places for retirees.
But for pilots and airline enthusiasts, moving to Florida offers even more benefits – some of the best and most popular fly-in communities in the entire country can be found scattered throughout the Sunshine State.
So what are fly-in communities?
Also known as aviation communities, fly-in communities are designed for private pilots who want the safety, security, and convenience of a hangar located right outside their front door. Fly-in communities incorporate community runways, taxiways, and private hangars instead of traditional roadways, making these private, gated communities a perfect home for aircraft owners and enthusiasts.
While there are fly-in communities around the world, Florida ranks #1 for the number of unique residential airparks, with 52 different options for pilots to choose from. And with how many fly-in communities in Florida offer luxurious residential homes, top-notch runways, and a warm and welcoming environment, it can be a challenge to find the right one for you.
Here is your guide to 10 of the best fly-in communities in Florida to help you find a community that meets all your needs.
Spruce Creek Fly-In
With a strong sense of community, high-end facilities, and a huge range of groups and activities for all interests, Spruce Creek in Port Orange, FL is one of the best fly-in communities in Florida. This gated community offers residents a 4,000 foot paved and well-lit runway, numerous repair stations, two self-serve fueling stations, and even fuel delivery right to your home.
As one of the largest private fly-in communities in the country, Spruce Creek Fly-In has nearly 5,000 residents and countless activities to enjoy. You can join the Spruce Creek Flying Club, attend weekly community social events, as well as fish, swim, canoe, bike, golf, and more. And with a convenient location just a few miles south of Daytona Beach, this fly-in community is ideal for anyone who loves spending time outdoors and relaxing by the water.
While the top-notch aircraft facilities make flying one of the most common pastimes, the Spruce Creek Fly-In community has plenty of options on the ground for every resident and visitor to take part in. You can celebrate the community at the annual Wings and Wheels Day event, relax by the bonfire, or bring the whole family to one of the annual holiday parties and parades. There are also plenty of organizations available to join that suit any interests, including an art group, garden and nature club, skiing club, and so much more.
Aero Club
A private and luxurious airpark community, Aero Club in Wellington, FL is another great option for any pilot looking for a strong sense of community and a huge range of new and modern amenities. Along with the convenience of flying right into your doorstep, you can enjoy a paved and lighted 4,000-foot runway, on-site fueling facilities, and easy access to a variety of runway, taxiway, tie-down, or even private hangar residential homes.
This club makes it simple to socialize with other friendly flying enthusiasts at the community clubhouse, which offers billiards, a game room, and a private gathering room for social events, holiday parties, and more.
While you can enjoy the peace and quiet of Aero Club’s secluded location, you’re also close to a huge range of activities to enjoy. Just a few minutes away from Aero Club you can find miles of white sandy beaches, numerous golf courses, bike trails, shops, and delicious restaurants to enjoy.
Jumbolair
Jumbolair, located in Ocala, FL, is a private aviation and equestrian estate with one of the most esteemed and well-known fly-in communities in the country. With both a 7,550-foot long lighted and paved runway and a secondary 3,600-grass runway, pilots can land almost any kind of plane at this luxurious airport and community.
Through a strong sense of community, continuous updates and expansions for the local aviation community, and a secure and convenient location, Jumbolair provides all pilots and residents with a high-end and upscale experience. And with a large ballroom available for community events, you can easily meet other flying enthusiasts and make this fly-in community truly feel like home.
Leeward Air Ranch
If you’re searching for another fly-in community option in Ocala, Leeward Air Ranch is a great choice. This 500-acre private gated community boasts a 6,000-foot reinforced turf runway, the perfect Central Florida flying climate, and convenient fuel delivery to private community members.
Leeward Air Ranch pilots and residents are extremely involved in numerous local aviation organizations, making it easy to find a smaller community that suits your needs and interests. The ranch also hosts several events and social activities, creating a strong sense of community with your neighbors and other aviation enthusiasts.
For residents with a wide range of other interests, the nearby sports and recreational opportunities are sure to keep you busy and entertained. From your front door, you can enjoy easy access to golf courses, state parks and national forests, water sports, theme parks, and horseback riding. Any pilots who love the outdoors will enjoy all the activities and surrounding nature that this upscale community has to offer.
River Fly-In
Located on 13 picturesque acres next to Merritt Island Airport, this unique fly-in community offers resort-style living with plenty of luxurious amenities and nearby activities guaranteed to keep every resident happy. Pilots can make use of the lighted runway and on-site fuel availability, all while enjoying the stunning riverfront views from the sky. Along with the 3,600-foot runway less than a mile from your doorstep, both beginner and experienced pilots can learn new skills with free flight training and classes.
Whether you love flying, boating, or lounging on the beach, River Fly-In’s location and high-rise condominiums have something for everyone. On-site, you can enjoy a clubhouse with a fitness center, swimming pool, tranquil spa, nature trail, and sports fields. The elevated boardwalk also provides a peaceful stroll where you can watch for tropical birds and wildlife and take in the stunning nature views.
River Fly-In boasts a friendly and active community environment, with poolside cookouts and social events, a community theater where residents can enjoy movies together, and an environment designed to make you feel right at home. The condos are also close to a huge range of other exciting local activities, including swimming, fishing, shopping, golfing, boating, and more.
Hidden Lake Estates and Airport
For almost 40 years, Hidden Lake Airport has served as a premier private airport community for residents in New Port Richey, FL. This community has 150 large, lavish homes with direct access to the lighted and paved 4,425-foot runway, along with self-service purchase fuel available 24 hours a day, dual-purpose roads and taxiways, and local aviation-based community events.
One of the biggest draws of Hidden Lake Estates is its prime location nearby a huge range of exciting activities. While the property itself offers a quiet and secluded place to live and fly your aircraft, you’re just minutes away from shopping centers, restaurants, and the scenic white sandy coastline. The airpark is also less than 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, so you can enjoy the city’s lively business district before returning to your peaceful home on Hidden Lakes Estates.
Ridge Landing Airpark
For a custom-built airpark home surrounded by natural scenery and plenty of nearby attractions for residents of all ages, be sure to check out Ridge Landing Airpark in Frostproof, FL. At your upscale home in this private, gated community, you can enjoy unlimited access to a 3000-foot paved and lit runway, a large community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and some of the best flying weather in the country.
There’s even more to enjoy off-site of the property, with extensive nearby golf courses, fishing ponds, locally owned farms, and some of the most beautiful lakes and parks in the state.
And if you go just one hour in any direction, there are even more exciting attractions to discover. With an easy drive to Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and more, Ridge Landing Airpark provides all the fun and entertainment you could want in a luxurious and convenient fly-in community.
Love’s Landing
Love’s Landing Aviation Community in Weirsdale, FL is a dream for any dedicated aircraft enthusiast. At this private gated community, aviation is the number one focus, and all homes are close to the lighted 3,600-foot runways and share a lot with hangars to safely and securely store your aircraft.
If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful community where it’s easy to develop friendships and work on plane projects with passionate like-minded pilots, Love’s Landing is a fantastic option. The community has an active EAA chapter that meets right on site for a convenient way to meet other residents.
And when you’re not busy making use of the fast and easy take-off just steps from your doorstep, you can sit on your deck and watch your neighbors and friends soar through the sky. From knowledge on aircrafts to home building to antique restoration, Love’s Landing residents bring an abundance of information, passion, and experience to their projects.
Antiquers Aerodrome
While many of the top fly-in communities in Florida are renowned for their large communities and expansive neighborhoods, Antiquers Aerodrome in Delray Beach, FL offers the convenience and luxuries of a private airpark with a distinct and welcoming small-community feel. With only 35 family homes with generous private hangars and a 5,500-foot well-lit runway, this unique gated community is perfect for any pilot who values peace, quiet, and privacy.
The neighborhood is horse-friendly, making this an ideal environment not just for airplane enthusiasts, but for horse lovers as well. And with eclectic architecture, you can enjoy the luxuries of a private fly-in community while appreciating the intriguing and distinctive designs that make the neighborhood stand out from other similar communities.
No matter what your interests are, this fly-in community has plenty to offer every resident. At Antiquers Aerodrome, you’ll be minutes away from Delray Beach’s lively downtown, including shopping, dining, art galleries, music events, and more. Or, if you love golfing, swimming, or fishing, or relaxing at the beach, there’s plenty of nearby activities for you to take part in just 10 miles away from your home.
Grass Roots Airpark
In the scenic region of Lake County, FL you can find Grass Roots Airpark, a premier Florida airpark with plenty of amenities and on-site activities that any aviation enthusiast will love. The airport has a 3,400-foot long smooth turf runway, private hangars available to rent or buy, and taxiway and runway lots available for members to purchase for additional convenience.
The air-conditioned clubhouse with a large porch provides plenty of space to socialize with your neighbors, watch planes take off from the runway, and attend community events. Lot owners also host a variety of fly-ins throughout the year, which you can enjoy from the clubhouse or the comfort of your private, spacious home.
The vast 176-acre property is horse-friendly and surrounded by lakes and ranches so you can enjoy a tranquil, slowed-down lifestyle in a country environment. Despite the quiet and secluded setting, there’s no shortage of activities within a short drive from the airpark. Orlando is just 35 miles away, so it’s easy to explore Disney World or discover all the cuisine, shops, and art galleries the city has to offer.
Finding the Perfect New Home for You
Whether you’re passionate about flying, restoring aircrafts, or just watching your friends make use of the top-quality airport amenities, fly-in communities truly have something to offer every resident.
No matter what you’re looking for, Florida’s residential airparks provide some of the most unique, upscale, and luxurious living experiences, all with the ease and convenience of being able to fly your plane to and from your neighborhood.
If you’re considering a move to a private fly-in community in one of the best states for aviation, be sure to take a look at any of these incredible Florida neighborhoods to find the best fit for you.
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