Our Retirement Communities in Florida
For retirees and people getting close to retirement age along the East Coast, the ultimate dream is to be able to spend your golden years enjoying the warm climate of Florida. From the weather to the endless list of activities for seniors, there are plenty of reasons to search for affordable retirement communities in Florida.
While there are lots of retirement options in the state of Florida, there is particular interest in finding affordable retirement communities in Central Florida. With so many tourist hot spots around, retirees are flocking to the area. What better way to spend a summer than hosting your grandkids as they come down for a trip to Disney World?
If you are in the market for an affordable retirement community in Orlando, Florida, the list below is a great start to help you make an informed decision.
On Top of the World – Ocala, FL
This retirement community located in Ocala has options to fit any need. From maintenance-free homes to owner-maintained living, On Top of the World has 23 unique floorplans and four separate communities available.
The amenities available at On Top of the World are unrivaled. Whether you want to be indoors or outdoors there is something for everyone. Some of the more popular activities include
- Shuffleboard
- Miniature Golf
- Woodworking
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Archery
- Pickleball
- Horseshoes
- Basketball
- Walking and bike trails
- Racquetball
- Dog Parks
- R/C Flying field
- Softball
In addition to these, there are a ton of fun indoor activities as well as numerous restaurants, pubs, and lounges.
There are new construction homes in the community starting in the low $200K’s.
Del Webb Stone Creek – Ocala, FL
Another fantastic option in the Ocala area is Del Webb Stone Creek. This facility is for residents 55 years of age and older with tons of amenities.
Prices start in the upper $200K’s making it more affordable than similar neighborhoods. They offer assistance with closing costs and routinely have discounted rates for their design options.
There are five home collections with unique styles and tastes. Floor plans range from 1,200 square feet up to 2,500 square feet or more.
There is a championship-level golf course on-site as well as several other leisure activities. Some of the more popular activities and amenities include
- Swimming
- Bocce ball
- Pickleball
- Tennis
- Golf
There are also several restaurants and diners located on site. The Reunion Center clubhouse is the perfect venue for hosting parties or special events.
Located in the heart of horse country, Del Webb Stone Creek is a great option for retirees to consider.
Covered Bridge – Lake Placid, FL
One of the benefits of living in affordable retirement communities in Central Florida is the easy access to the many bodies of water nearby. There is no better example of that than the Covered Bridge in Lake Placid, Florida.
With over 100 freshwater lakes nearby, Covered Bridge is perfect for the outdoor-loving retiree. The homes start at $222,900 which is well below the starting price of comparable communities. There is a very reasonable monthly maintenance fee of $93.00 that covers landscaping, cable, RV storage, and access to a large number of amenities on site.
Residents have access to boat ramps to launch their boats if needed. The nearby town of Sebring has several golf courses, restaurants, shopping, and movie theaters.
Some of the more popular amenities at Covered Bridge include
- Swimming
- Billiards
- Library
- Horseshoes
- Shuffleboard
- Pickle Ball
- Gym
- Boat ramp with canal access to Lake June and Lake Carrie
There are planned activities as well including aerobics, card games, quilting, and more. If you’re an outdoor lover, the nature trails available offer some of Florida’s most scenic views.
Lake James – Lakeland, FL
If you’re retiring in Florida that means you enjoy spending time outdoors. With nearly year-round perfect weather, what better place to do just that? One of the best affordable retirement communities in Central Florida and the Orlando area is Lake James in Lakeland, Florida.
This 55+ community is nestled between Orlando and Tampa with scenic views everywhere you turn. There are an eight-acre lake and beautiful walking trails for residents to enjoy.
Some of the most popular amenities available for Lake James residents include
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Nature trails
- Fitness rooms
- Clubhouse
- Nearby golf courses
- Planned activities such as bocce ball tournaments
There are several different floor plans available for any size home you wish. You have two- and three-bedroom houses, with a garage for two or three cars depending on the house you choose. You’ll get two baths, a dining room, and in some cases a utility room or a butler’s pantry.
The architecture is beautiful and has won several “Most Beautiful’ homes and features awards.
Latitude Margaritaville – Daytona Beach, FL
If you are planning on retiring but have no plans on slowing down, Latitude Margaritaville in Daytona Beach, Florida is the place for you. While the age restriction is 55 and over, their motto is “You can grow older without growing up.”
If living the island life sounds like an ideal retirement, check out the multiple available floorplans starting in the low $300K’s.
With the amenities and activities available, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day instead of inside a retirement community. While the community and homes are peaceful and relaxed, there is no shortage of excitement when it comes time for residents to play.
In this affordable retirement community in Florida, there are several dining and live entertainment options daily, and the new Town Center is at the heart of it all. The private beach club overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers breathtaking views.
Ormond Renaissance – Ormond Beach, FL
While the previous entrants in this article have all been single-family homes, perhaps you’re looking for less maintenance and upkeep during your retirement years. If that’s the case, then the luxury condominiums available at Ormond Renaissance in Ormond Beach, FL has what you’re looking for.
Though the condominium living experience is different than a single-family home, the amenities at Ormond Renaissance are on par with any other affordable retirement community in Central Florida.
This 27-acre community is buffered from the outside world while still being close to nearby shopping and beaches. You get the benefits of maintenance-free living, privacy, and entertainment all rolled into one at Ormond Renaissance.
Amenities include swimming, a fitness center, and access to The Clubhouse. This 3,600-square-foot building overlooks the pool and is the perfect spot for parties and events.
Conclusion
The American Dream is something we all aspire to achieve. Get married, raise your children, find a rewarding career, and own a home in a great neighborhood. It’s all part of the package. For most of us, when our children are grown and starting families of their own, the dream changes a little.
You’ve worked hard and deserve to spend your senior years relaxing and enjoying life in a serene environment with excellent weather. If this sounds like you, hopefully, this article has given you an idea of what is available in affordable retirement communities in Central Florida and the Orlando area.
No matter what your priorities are when looking for an affordable retirement community in Florida, there are a lot of options available. All of the communities listed above have full brochures available for download on their websites. If you’ve narrowed your list down to a few options each of them also offers tours of their model homes and facilities as well.
Once you decide your budget and what amenities are important to you, reach out to the respective community and schedule a tour. But most importantly, enjoy your retirement!
This video shows you more affordable places to retire in Florida
