Florida, the hottest state in the country now, renowned for its amazing climate, entertainment, and exceptional real estate, has become a haven for retirees. In addition to that, it boasts some of the best beaches in the world, making it the hotspot for anyone planning the second part of their life. Moreover, Florida still maintains some of the most affordable real estate when compared to prices up north. Because of this, there is no shortage of active adult communities that have been built in the past, with more being created every other month.
There is no doubt that Florida is the place to be for retirees, but finding the perfect 55+ community should not be taken lightly. In this article, we will discuss all the various factors you should be taking into consideration when looking for an ideal community and also list some of the top communities in the state.
What is an Active Adult Community?
Active adult communities, which can also be called 55+ communities, are made available for anyone who is at least 55 years of age. If you have children, they are allowed to live with you if they are over the age of 18. It is also important not to confuse an active adult community with an assisted living facility or retirement home. These communities are just like any other residential community but with a minimum age requirement.
Most of the communities have a ton of amenities and social activities to keep all the residents active and entertained. Typically, there are golf courses, Olympic-style swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, social clubs, so there is always something to do. The idea of these communities is to focus on bringing a particular lifestyle to those in their golden years who want an active and engaging lifestyle.
Why Choose Florida for Your Retirement?
There are several reasons Florida is one of the best choices for retirees in the US. The state offers a warm, sunny climate all year round, which allows you to enjoy summer every day and do all outdoor activities. As mentioned before, Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the world, making it a great place for folks who enjoy water sports or relaxing by the beach. It is one of the few places in the country where every day feels like a vacation. Considering it has a ton of natural beauty and is a tourist attraction, the state has very affordable real estate, specifically for active adult communities. There is also no state income tax, which can be a significant financial benefit for retirees. From feedback we get from our clients, the lack of state income tax and affordability of Florida make it a no-brainer to move down from Northern States.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Active Adult Community
When looking for an active adult community, there are several factors to consider. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Amenities: One of the biggest benefits of living in an active adult community is access to all kinds of amenities. These include such things as golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and social clubs. Some communities also have on-site dining and shopping options available. These amenities not only bring you convenience but opportunities to get together socially, which can greatly enhance your quality of life.
Location: The location itself plays into your lifestyle. Whether it’s shopping centers, healthcare facilities, or recreational activities, ask yourself if the community is nearby. If you travel frequently, then you should take into consideration how far away this active adult community is from major airports. The location embodies many factors that contribute to a higher quality of life: easy access to amenity services and a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Home Styles: Florida 55+ communities feature a variety of home styles, offering single-family homes, condos, townhomes. Think about what kind of home will suit your lifestyle best and match your preferences. Whether you prefer the low maintenance conveniences of condos (think investment properties) or an exclusive family feel with single-family home private residences, you’ll find a huge selection of options in Florida’s 55+ communities.
Rentability: You’ll want to check the rental policies of any community you wish to live in since some communities have restrictions on leasing and require you to be tied into the home for a specified period before renting them out, like country club rentals often do. This may sway your situation pretty significantly, considering you plan to offset some of your costs by renting out your home when you’re not using it.
Cost: Cost is a big deal for most people considering retirement residence choices. Be sure to check up on whatever cost constraints the community has resting upon their homeowners association (HOA). They sometimes enforce things such as maintenance, security, and access control among others. Sometimes the homes listed at attractive prices come with hefty annual membership fees averaging $35k to $75k, depending on the community. It’s important to consider the cost of taxes, membership dues, and mortgage payments if you’re financing the property. You want to be sure you’re okay with your monthly budget so you can enjoy your retirement and not stress about finances.
The Best Active Adult Communities in Florida
Florida is home to many diverse activity-based adult communities, each offering something different. Here are some of the best:
Villages of Citrus Hills, Citrus Hills: This community boasts a wide variety of home styles and neighborhoods from which to choose, along with world-class community country club amenities and abundant social activities. The Villages of Citrus Hills celebrates its wonderful friendly atmosphere and vibrant social scene, making it a great pick for those who like being part of a close neighborhood.
On Top of the World, Ocala: Residents of this community can enjoy a large variety of amenities, including golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and over 175 clubs, leagues, hobbies, and lifelong learning opportunities. On Top of the World’s active lifestyle and wide selection of activities assure that there’s always something fun to do.
Valencia Trails, Naples: This community provides a resort lifestyle with a magnificent 42,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse. The home designs have been made for 55+ living, incorporating style, convenience, and luxury. Valencia Trails is one of the best choices for those wanting to enjoy luxurious living in a beautiful setting.
Valencia Walk at Riverland, Florida: The hottest state in the country now, is renowned for its amazing climate, entertainment, and incredible real estate, becoming a haven for retirees. In addition to that, it boasts some of the world’s best beaches, making it a hot spot for anyone planning the second part of their life. Additionally, Florida still has some of the most affordable real estate compared to prices up north. Because of this, there is no shortage of active adult communities that have been built in the past, with more being created every other month.
Conclusion
Choosing the right active adult community is an important decision, especially because you’ll spend the rest of your life there. With many great options to pick from in the state of Florida, you are definitely going to find a community that is suitable for you and your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for something laid back or an action-packed community with tons of activities, Florida will have one for you. As a premier South Florida agency, we know all the best communities and what makes them special. Plus, we have extensive experience in bringing only the best listings to our clients in the top cities. Here at Chance Realty, we have many realtors who only work with clients who are over 55 years of age and are experts in active adult communities. Call us today to start your house hunting for an active adult residence.
